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March 6, 2022

Police union rep disputes mayor’s take on Chandler crime BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

he president of a group that represents Chandler’s police officers is taking exception to one line in Mayor Kevin Hartke’s State of the City speech. “Crime rates are the lowest in 35 years thanks to the efforts of our community and police,” Hartke said. “Crime rates this low occurred in the ’80s when Chandler only had 80,000 residents.” “That doesn’t pass the smell test,” said Michael Collins, president of the Chandler Law

Enforcement Association. Collins said there are many reasons the mayor can make that claim. First, the city uses the old FBI standards that allow to count as only one crime in a spree of crimes committed by one felon. Second, the mayor was referring to a period during the COVID-19 pandemic, when, he said, officers did not respond to some calls for service to limit exposure to the coronavirus. And finally, crime has changed from the 1980s: Collins said police respond to more mental health situations now and have more identity thefts and other computer crimes that

Report details spending by districts in north Chandler

were not even tracked 40 years ago. “[It’s] not a complete picture to what’s happening with law enforcement and what’s happening with public safety in our city,” Collins said. And what is happening with law enforcement in Chandler? “Our department hasn’t kept up with the growth of this city,” Collins said. “We’ve been asked to do more with less for almost 13 years now. We’ve kind of reached the breaking point.”

see CRIME page 6

Their time has come

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AND KEN SAINS Arizonan News Staff

wo of the three school districts serving northern Chandler spent a greater percentage of every dollar on instruction than the statewide average last school year, according to a new report by the Arizona Auditor General. The report on the 2020-21 school year – the first full year crippled by the pandemic – shows that Chandler Unified and Kyrene school districts exceeded the statewide instructional spending percentage of 70.2% while Tempe Union spent slightly less. Kyrene spent 74.6 percent of every dollar on instruction – including 61.9% in the classroom, 8.3% on student support such as counselors, nurses, social workers and speech therapists and 4.4% on instructional support such as librarians, teacher and curriculum development and technology. Chandler Unified spent 74.3% of every dollar on instruction,

see SPENDING page 4

It’s Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival time and this one will be oe for the history books. Because the last two years were without Chandler’s longtime celebration of the birds, the Chandler Chamber is making this year’s fest twice as long with twice the fun. And Chandler residents have until tomorrow, March 7, to get two adult and four children’s tickets for free. See details on page 31. (Arizonan ﬁle photo)

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CITY NEWS

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Chandler cops busting catalytic converter thieves BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

handler Police say they’ve made progress in dealing with a spree of catalytic converter thefts in the city, making nine arrests in the past month. Police announced it made three arrests on Monday. The victim interrupted the theft on Feb. 22. The suspects allegedly pointed a gun at the victim before fleeing in a black BMW. Police spotted a black BMW in the area and gave chase when the car did not pull over. The suspects abandoned the car in a parking lot. Police say they found them in a nearby business. Inside the car they found a firearm, 10 catalytic converters, and a battery-powered saw. Police arrested Robert Canez, Jesus Banuelos and Tevon Kroncke, all of Phoenix. Police believe they were responsible for other catalytic converter thefts in Chandler. Many Chandler residents have been victims. Police say about 90 cases have been reported this year so far. There

Chandler Police recovered these stolen catalytic converters while busting three Phoenix men on charges of stealing the devices from people’s parked vehicles. (Chandler Police) were 447 cases reported last year. The thieves strike almost anywhere a car is parked – even behind security fences at auto repair shops. “I am sick to my stomach,” a Chandler resident wrote on social media. “Some-

one came between 8 p.m. last night and 5 p.m. today and cut out our catalytic converter of my Tundra. Toyota said there are so many thefts the last few months that they are on back order, could take a couple weeks, or months.”

A catalytic converter converts emissions so they are less harmful to the environment. They have become a popular target for theft because of the heavy metals used to make them, rhodium, palladium and platinum. While any car could be targeted, thieves tend to go after the Toyota Prius and Toyota trucks because they have higher concentrations of the metals. It can cost several thousand dollars to replace one. Thieves can make thousands of dollars from the precious metals inside the catalytic converter. Using a saw, they can steal one in minutes. The National Insurance Crime Bureau said the number of catalytic converter thefts reported in claims to insurance companies jumped from 3,389 in 2019 to 14,433 in 2020. NICB President David Glawe said there has been a significant increase in thefts since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s an opportunistic crime,” Glawe said in a statement. “As the value of

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CITY NEWS

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The Chandler Arizonan is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Chandler. To find out where you can pick up a free copy of The Chandler Arizonan, please visit www.ChandlerNews.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION Main number 480-898-6500 | Advertising 480-898-5624 Circulation service 480-898-5641 Chandler Arizonan 1990 W. Broadway Road Tempe, AZ 85282

This chart General shows statewide spending averages among Arizona's 205 public school districts in 2020-21. (Arizona Auditor General)

SPENDING from page 1

including 61.7% in the classroom, 7.8% on student support and 4.8% on instruction support. Of the 69.6% of every dollar Tempe Union spent on instruction, 53.4% went to the classroom, 8.6% to student support and 7.6% went to instructional support. Statewide instructional spending of 70.2% of every dollar broke down to 55.3% in the classroom, 9.1% on student support and 5.8% on instructional support. Statewide, the report showed only 87 or Arizona's 205 districts met Gov. Doug Ducey's goal of a 20% increase in average teacher salaries over what they were in 2016-17. A new report by the state Auditor General’s Office found that statewide average salaries are up just 16.5%, representing an average annual salary of $56,349 last school year. In Chandler Unified, the average annual salary for teachers was $62,866 – up from $48, 372 in 2016-17. Kyrene teachers earned an average $58,359 – up from $48,012 five years ago while Tempe Union’s average teacher pay last year of $67,715 was up from $48,372. That 20% pay hike followed weeks of protests and walkout threats by teachers after the governor’s initial budget proposal of just a 1% increase. Auditor General Lindsey Perry said there are various possibilities about why the actual spending fell short. One, she said, is that the funds were distributed to districts based on the number

of students and not how much each district would need to increase its average pay by 20%. So a district where salaries were lower than average got proportionately more cash for each teacher. Perry said the COVID pandemic had some affect as well. She also said some districts continued to transport students, but with much lower ridership. And she said others did not transport any students at all but instead used bus routes to drop off meals and homework packets to students. The report also found that the average class size dropped from 18 to 17 students per teacher, a possible side effect of lower student attendance during the pandemic. Overall, she said, the number of students in public schools dropped by about 50,000, or 6% from the prior year, “which is the largest year-to-year change in students attending since 2011.’’ That decline, Perry said also affected what each school district collected, as state aid is based on attendance. But she said districts benefited from a large influx of COVID-relief dollars. Here’s a closer look at other aspects of the report for northern Chandler’s three districts:

CHANDLER UNIFIED

In total dollars spent per student in 2020-21, Chandler Unified’s per-pupil cost was $12,437 – up from $10,664 in 2019-20 and slightly higher than the state average of $12,331. That included: $5,492 for instruction, $693 for student support and $435 for instructional support. The total instruc-

tional spending in the district last year was 2.3% higher than 2019-20. The statewide average per-pupil cost was $12,331 with $5,521 spent on instruction, $905 on student support and $576 on instructional support. Chandler Unified's total per-pupil cost also includes $2,282 for administration, plant operations, food service and transportation – lower than the $2,974 statewide average – and another $3,535 for nonoperation expenditures for land and buildings, equipment, interest and miscellaneous expenses – higher than the $2,355 statewide average. CUSD spent 8.3% of its budget on administration in 2020-21 – lower than the statewide average of 10.4%. The report says the district kept class sizes the same at an average 18.8 students per teacher in 2020-21, slightly up from 18.7 in 2019-20. Both numbers are down from 19.3 in 2017 and 18.9 in 2019. The statewide average last year was 17 students per teacher, though it is unclear how the 50,000 decline in total student enrollment affected that ratio. The average experience level of Chandler Unified teachers last school year was 12.3 years and teachers with three or fewer years comprised 12% of all teachers. The average years of teaching experience is up to 12.1 from 11.8 in 2019. On the other hand, 17% of all teachers statewide had three or fewer years of experience and the average years of experience for an Arizona teacher statewide was 11.9 years.

see SPENDING page 8

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CITY NEWS

CRIME from page 1

The city is standing behind the mayor’s comment. “The Chandler Police Department has used the Uniform Crime Reporting Program methodology for the past 50plus years,” said Matthew Burdick, the city’s communications director. “The program’s consistent methodology and length of time in use, provides the most accurate summary to compare year-toyear serious crime rates. “Bottom line, the data comparison of crime statistics shows serious crime

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MARCH 6, 2022

rates in 2021 are the lowest they have been since the 1980s.” Collins said another issue is that so many officers have had to go on patrol duty because the department doesn’t have enough people. “Our department at this point is almost totally reactive; we have very few pro-active units left,” Collins said. “We’ve had to take from those units, take from those executive divisions, take from our bike officers, take from our motorcycle officers, and we’ve had to cram them into patrol to try and stem the flow for calls for emergency service,” he said.

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nity in the current environment. “Our officers are showing up for every single shift, they’re taking overtime shifts, they’re breaking their backs to make things work here,” Collins said. “We want a commensurate and equal commitment from the city.” About 80 current officers are eligible This chart shows police staffing levels in seven area cities, acto retire, Collins said. cording to the Chandler Law Enforcement Association. Chandler says it has 345 paid positions and two vacancies. It takes 18 months from when an appli“The best way for us to keep the commucant is hired to get nity safe is to prevent crimes, and we’re him or her through the police academy not in any way doing that.” and fully trained. Chandler has one of the lowest staffing Chandler is offering its officers a $2,000 levels compared to population of any Val- retention bonus. Collins said that’s a start, ley city, Collins said, stating the city has but it is lower than other Valley cities. one officer for every 824 residents. He Last spring, Police Chief Sean Duggan bases this on 335 officers on the street. gave a presentation to Council as part But the city says it has 345 paid posi- of the budget process and called for hirtions with only two vacancies. ing more officers. A couple of members Collins said the stanard is one officer of the Council expressed surprise that for every 500 people. staffing levels have fallen so far. Of seven Valley cities examined, he Vice Mayor Terry Roe, expressed unsaid, Tempe had the best mark with one happiness that he was hearing about it officer for every 528 residents. for the first time in a public setting. Collins said it’s not hard to guess why “They were given a presentation in Glendale is doing better filling their po- 2018 where this very issue was laid out sitions: That city is offering a $10,000 to them, including several of the ones bonus for new recruits and experienced who mentioned they didn’t know about officers who are willing to switch. it, or didn’t want to have a public conChandler offers a $3,500 bonus for new versation,” Collins said. “The fact of the recruits. That ranks the lowest of cities matter is they did know about it, and eithat offer a bonus. Gilbert and Scottsdale ther chose not to deal with it then or just do not offer a bonus at this time. hoped it would go away.” Phoenix offers a $7,500 bonus and Mesa Burdick said the city has stepped up hands out $5,000. Tempe has the same its efforts to improve pay and benefits $3,500 bonus that Chandler does, but its for police officers, citing the city’s memstarting pay is about $5,000 higher annually. orandum of understanding with police. There’s a nationwide shortage of po“The MOU provides police officers lice officers, Collins added and there are with up to a 5% merit increase each of complex reasons why. the next two years, plus a one-time reFor one thing, officers are scrutinized tention bonus of $2,000 to be paid July now more than ever and many times they 2022,” he said. “The agreement also proare criticized for their split-second deci- vides a 5% special assignment pay difsions. In addition, changes made to the ferential for police officers working in state’s pension system mean that instead specialty assignments. of being able to retire in 20 years, new of“Police officers will receive more city ficers in their 20s will have to work near- contributions into their retirement ly 40 years to collect on their pensions. health savings account and higher allowHe said it takes a special kind of person who is willing to serve their commu-

see CRIME page 10

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MARCH 6, 2022

Residents pecking away at city on chicken rules BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

ome Chandler residents are urging the City Council to slow down on any move toward allowing up to five chickens in residential areas. Council appeared to support the move during a Jan. 13 work session, directing staff to move forward with a proposal for final approval by this summer. Les Minkus was one of the organizers of opposition the last time Council considered allowing chickens in residential backyards. He listed the reasons why he still opposes chickens: They’re noisy, their waste can pile up; there are health concerns; they attract predators; coops need to be properly set up and not all are; the birds can fly, so fences may not be able to keep them in the backyard; and they can live for up to 10 years, but lay eggs for only two-to-three years, which can lead to abandonment issues. Minkus lives in a homeowners’ association, most of which do not allow any chickens or barnyard animals. However, he said that may not protect them. “Because of the way the CC&Rs (covenants, conditions and restrictions) are written in the HOAs, a member of an HOA can wind up suing the HOA if the language is not clear enough, and not properly worded,” he said. “And if a judge awards them the right to be able to bring farm animals onto their property, the entire community is exposed to that. And that can happen.” Minkus argues that means this is an issue that the 70% of Chandler residents who live in a HOA community shouldn’t ignore. Linda Sawyer, who lives in a traditional non-HOA neighborhood, said “chickens can be problematic to neighbors.” Similarly, Mary Yannon, who also Sawyer lives in a traditional neighborhood, said, “It just looks like they are continually trying to blight our neighborhood for a reason. What is the reason?” During its discussion of the issue in January, it appeared that six Council members were leaning in favor of approving allowing up to five chickens in

homeowners’ backyards. Chandler and Glendale are among the few cities that do not allow chickens in residential areas now. Gilbert, Queen Creek, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix and Maricopa County all allow some chickens on singlefamily lots. Glendale only allows them on lots bigger than 10,000 square feet. Chandler is the most restrictive, allowing the the birds only on lots of 33,000 square feet or more. The only council member who expressed reservations was Matt Orlando, who said he was neither for or against a proposed ordinance. However, he wanted to include a mechanism that would require getting support from neighbors before getting chickens. The one change Council directed staff to make from their recommendations,was to not make it a crime so that Chandler Police would not be involved in enforcement. Any issues neighbors might have would have to be dealt with by the city’s code enforcement office. “Code enforcement doesn’t work on the weekend,” Minkus said. “They don’t work after 5 and they don’t work on the weekends,” Sawyer added. “And this is an example of how they do their jobs right now.” She showed photos of three homes that had other code enforcement issues. “If you drive my neighborhood and you see the violations,” she said. The three argued the city’s code enforcers are already overwhelmed and putting a contentious issue like backyard chickens on their plate was asking for problems. Minkus said to do it right, the city would have to hire more enforcers, which would mean spending more tax dollars. To those Chandler residents who want farm fresh eggs and the experience of raising their own chickens, he said there are options available. “There are solutions,” he said. “There are farms in the area, if people want chickens, they can go rent coop space on any farmers’ property. That would give them an alternative to have their chickens, their eggs, any anything they want.”

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CITY NEWS

SPENDING from page 4

The Auditor General’s report was a year behind in graduation rates. It showed that in May 2020, 91% of all Chandler Unified seniors graduated – slightly above the Tempe Union’s 91% graduation rate and far higher than the state average of 78%. Chandler also spent $1,444 per rider on school buses, compared to a state average twice that figure. CUSD had about 45,000 students last school year, which was 10% increase higher over where it was five years before. About 11% of those students were in special education and 8% live in poverty. Nearly a quarter of all students are eligible for free or reduced meals because of their household income. The district received about $7.8 million from the federal government in 2020 in pandemic-relief grants while other districts its size averaged about $5.5 million.

KYRENE SCHOOLS

In total operational and nonoperational expenditures during the 2020-21 school year, Kyrene spent $11,512 per each of its 14,766 students, according to the report. That was less than the $12,331 per-

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MARCH 6, 2022

pupil cost statewide and less than the $12,421 per-pupil cost in districts its size. Its per-pupil instructional spending included $5,696 in the classroom, higher than the state average but lower than the $5,776 spent by districts of comparable size; $763 for student support, compared to the $905 state average and $954 spent by districts its size; and $405 for instructional support, lower than the $576 state average and $676 spent by districts its size. Its total operational spending of $9,203 per pupil was also below both the $10,366 peer average and $9,976 state average. Operational spending includes administration, transportation, food service and plant operations while nonoperational expenditures cover interest, buildings and land, equipment and miscellaneous spending. Kyrene’s administration spending amounted to $839 per pupil – higher than the $766 spent last year but lower than the $1,041 state average and $1,034 peer district average for 2020-21. Kyrene also measured favorably on the number of students per administrator – which should be the reverse of the teacher-student ratio. Kyrene had 95

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students per administrator, compared to a state average of 63 and a peer district average of 73. By contrast, there were 15.9 students per Kyrene teacher in 2020-21 – lower than the 17 students per teacher statewide and lower than its own 16.9 students per teacher in 2019-20, though that could reflect Kyrene’s enrollment decline as a result of the pandemic. Kyrene teachers had an average 12.4 years of experience with only 12% of all teachers having three or fewer years experience.

TEMPE UNION

In dollars spent for all total operational and nonoperational costs last year, Tempe Union spent $11,826 on each of its 12,470 students – lower than the state average of $12,331 and the $11,826 per pupil average spent by districts its size. Its total operational per-pupil spending of $9,369 included $1,073 for administration – slightly higher than the $1,041 state per pupil average and higher than the $949 per pupil cost of districts its size. Overall, its operational spending of $9,369 per pupil was higher than the average of $9,194 spent by comparably sizeddistricts but lower than the state

average of $9.976. Broken down by every dollar spent by Tempe Union, 69.6% was spent on instruction, administration, transportation, land and buildings and food service combined. That was a lower percentage than spent by Kyrene, CUSD and all districts statewide. Among the three categories for instructional spending, the 8.6% spent by Tempe Union was higher than Kyrene’s 8.3% and Chandler Unified’s 7.8% but lower than the statewide average of 9.1%. In nonoperational costs per pupil, Tempe Union spent $2,074 – higher than the $1,253 recorded in 2019-20 but lower than the peer district average of $2,632 and the state average of $2,355. The Auditor General considered the number of Tempe Union administrators per pupil “high” with 57 even though it was lower than the state and peer averages, both of which came to 63. The number of students per teacher at Tempe Union average 20.8 – lower than the 21.8 students per district teacher in 2019-20 but higher than the state average of 17 students per teacher. Tempe Union teachers had 14.2 years’ experience and 10 percent of all teachers had fewer than three years’ experience.

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the precious metals contained within the catalytic converters continues to increase, so do the number of thefts of these devices. There is a clear connection between times of crisis, limited resources, and disruption of the supply chain that drives investors towards these precious metals.” The increase in thefts has prompted states across the country – but not Arizona –to toughen penalties and impose new requirements for scrap metal deal-

CRIME from page 6

ance toward police uniforms and equipment,” Burdick continued. Collins said the city figured out it’s cheaper to pay officers overtime than it is to hire new employees who will get benefits and be eligible for a pension.

ers who buy the converters. There are anti-theft devices for the catalytic converter. Police urge residents to park their car in the garage if they have one. If not, park in a driveway that has motion-sensor lighting. “Happened to us too last month,” another Chandler resident wrote in response to the first. “Brand new Tacoma. We had a cage put around it so they cannot steal it again. Took a month to get our truck back.” Most insurance will cover the theft, though the owner will likely have to pay the deductible. “Eventually you’re going to burn that candle out, and we’ve long been burned out,” Collins said. “We’re having trouble finding people who want to come in and work that anymore. It’s not good for people who are making split-second, critical decisions to work 16-hour shifts three days a week. It’s just not.”

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handler Unified School District is creating a tech center at Perry High School to support its 43 schools from a centralized location. The Governing Board authorized spending up to a little more than $475,000 to bring all of its tech operations into one place. Colleen Flannery, the district’s director of technology services, says they have currently been using extra space at Basha, Hamilton and Perry high schools and the district office. “We want our service desk to work in tandem with our help desk,” she said. “Now there is not centralized place for that to happen. I have them in a room that isn’t conducive to multiple people being in there.” Flannery said the plan is to put most of the district’s information technology staff in the central building at Perry, but maintain hubs at the other five high schools. That way, techs would have the option of going to a place close to whatever school they are working at to deal

with a problem. “This move will improve communications, collaborations and overall teamwork of the technology department,” said Frank Fletcher, the district’s associate superintendent for support services. Flannery said the nature of their work continues to evolve. “A lot of the service that we do isn’t hardware anymore, it’s software,” she said. Still, in a district with about 44,000 students there is a lot of hardware. Flannery said they don’t have a dedicated space right now for computer repairs. They are building one for the new tech center. Concord was chosen as the general contractor to convert the school’s former transportation building into the tech center. The maximum guaranteed price is $475,584. Flannery said she has not been given a date when construction is expected to be completed, because of supply chain issues that have led to construction delays. She said the best-case scenario is it will take about six months to complete so they can move in about the time the new school year begins in the fall.

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MARCH 6, 2022

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CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MARCH 6, 2022

Opportunity Program helps unruly CUSD students BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

ne measure of the success of Chandler Unified School District’s Opportunity Program is how few students are in it. Only 13 are enrolled in the program this year, though that number is higher than prior years, probably because of COVID-related issues. The Opportunity Program is the district’s approach to dealing with unruly students. Students who misbehave and are causing distractions in the classroom that is preventing other students from learning are candidates for the program. So why so few in a district with more than 19,000 elementary school students? “I would tell you it’s a credit to our teachers, to our classrooms, plus to our district behavioral support that goes in,” said Leo Schlueter, the district’s director of elementary education. “We have a really good process in place that provides that foundation at the district level to say, ‘You’re having challenges with a student, before we wait until it gets to the point that it has to go to a referral, let me have a behavioral specialist come in and work with the student, work with you and the classroom.’” Only K-6 students are eligible for the

This chart shows the number of students in Chandler Unified’s Opportunity Program, which school officials point to as a sign of success because the numbers are so low. (Chandler Uniﬁed School District) group and receive positive reinforcement for up to 18 months. Schlueter said teachers are constantly advised not to wait until they reach the point where they have to refer a student. Of those students who are placed inside the program, about a third graduate

One thing that I think that was, maybe, not men“tioned that is very important to the program is the relationship that we build with the kids and families as they transition to a new school.

”

– Dr. Shannon Hannon

program. If a student is referred, they will attend classes at either Fulton (KGrade 2) or Shumway (Grades 3-6) elementary schools. They will be put on a behavior support plan, study in a small

t? o G ws Ne

out of it and are either returned to their original school or can choose to stay at either Fulton or Shumway. Another third can return to their original classrooms, but are given additional behavioral sup-

port. The final third leaves the district altogether by their own choice and for a variety of reasons. “As to be expected, a little bit, as we come out of COVID, we saw the erratic routines, and the schedules, it played a little impact,” Schlueter said. Fulton Elementary Principal Dr. Shannon Hannon said she has six of the 13 students at her school. “One thing that I think that was, maybe, not mentioned that is very important to the program is the relationship that we build with the kids and families as they transition to a new school,” Hannon said. She said she was part of the program about 10 years ago when it changed its name from TLC to Opportunity and said the difference now is night and day. Shumway Principal Dr. Korry Brenner said one factor in the program’s success

is that first meeting. “I want to underscore that relationship building that starts with that first transition meeting, and setting goals with their parents,” Brenner said. She said they make a big deal when one of the students is ready to graduate out of the program. A couple of the students who graduated chose to remain at Shumway. Schleuter said they want to be pro-active at all 31 district elementary schools in identifying behavioral issues so that they can get to the point that the Opportunity Program is not needed. “I do think that speaks volumes to the amount of support and the great things at each one of 31 sites are doing proactively in their K-6 setting to manage behavior, to develop positive peer-topeer relationships, be pro-active in their roles before it gets to an Opportunity assignment.”

Contact Contact Paul Paul Maryniak Maryniak at at 480-898-5647 or or pmaryniak@timespublications.com pmaryniak@timespublications.com

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MARCH 6, 2022

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MARCH 6, 2022

All-city softball tourney involves Chandler BY ZACH ALVIRA Arizonan Sports Editor

he city of Chandler has partnered with the town of Gilbert and city of Scottsdale to put on the firstever All-City Softball Tournament for adults in each community. The tournament, which will feature teams from the various recreational

leagues already in place in each city, will be a single or double-elimination bracket with games played throughout the day on April 2. Jensen Valenzuela, tournament organizer and recreation coordinator for the city of Chandler, said a tournament of this caliber has been in the works for

see SOFTBALL page 17

Chandler is partnering with Gilbert and Scottsdale to kick off the inaugural All-City Softball Tournament, which will feature a single or double-elimination bracket for teams in each city made up of men 18 and older. Games will be played at Snedigar Sportsplex in Chandler, Freestone Park in Gilbert and Vista del Camino Recreation Center in Scottsdale. (File Photo)

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Teacher’s remarks bring the culture war to Kyrene BY PAUL MARYNIAK Arizonan Executive Editor

he culture wars hit Kyrene School District two weeks ago after an audio clip of a portion of an Altadeña Middle School sixth-grade teacher’s classroom discussion about gender – specifically about boys and femininity – went viral. While Kyrene spokeswoman Erin Helm said the district is investigating the discussion that teacher Sara Adams had with a class, parents and grandparents took to social media and Altadeña’s phone lines as some protested the audio clip while others questioned its posting and whether it fairly represented her discussion. “Kyrene School District is aware of the audio clip being shared out of context on social media,” Helm said. “Kyrene takes any student or parent concern seriously and will always investigate those concerns. This matter will be addressed directly with the teacher and the impacted

students and families.” One of the angry adults is former state Rep. Jill Norgaard of Ahwatukee, a grandmother whose three children all graduated from Altadeña. She wrote Altadeña Principal Erica Modzelewski last Wednesday to say she was “disheartened” by the clip. “Is this in the Kyrene English curriculum or is this her personal agenda?” Norgaard wrote. “Do you condone this type of material in an English, or any, class? What is your time table for action? When should I expect that you will have dealt with this matter and put in place a measure from this ever happening again. … This is a disgrace.” Norgaard told the Ahwatukee Foothills News the only response she received was from Superintendent Laura Toenjes, whose answer appeared similar to the district’s official response. “The superintendent said they are going to look into the issue and it was a social media post taken out of context," Norgaard said. "The only context is the

fact they got caught.” “I gave her some specific questions,” Norgaard said. “I asked her what is the curriculum she’s supposed to be following? And how is it that she’s allowed to go off script and teach these radical indoctrinations of students with no guidelines whatsoever…We’re missing the boat on teaching the basics to these children.” Some parents had a different take. Monica Strom Gellman, an administrator of a Facebook page for Kyrene and Tempe Union parents who said she knows Adams, questioned how it was that a student apparently recorded a portion of Adams’ discussion even though Altadeña forbids students from having their cell phones on during the school day. Strom Gellman noted that the clip was posted on a website administered by Purple for Parents, a conservative Arizona organization with affiliates in many states that says it “was created to give a voice to parents, fellow educators, kids and taxpayers that support our teachers

but not the #RedForEd walkout.” Questioning the quality of the audio clip and whether it had been edited, Strom Gellman also said it was her understanding that the discussion evolved from a magazine article the class had read, though she didn’t know what the article was about. “She is an excellent teacher,” Strom Gellman said. “And I think it’s a shame that a parent – instead of approaching a teacher when they have a question about their student’s education or going to the principal or going to the district – instead chose to put it on the internet and on sites that are known for being pretty nasty and pretty anti-education.” She also said she was concerned about the violation of some classmates’ privacy rights, since some students’ names are mentioned in the course of the discussion on a clip “that’s all over the internet and has been shared thousands of times” and tagged with even national conserva-

see KYRENE page 16

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KYRENE from page 15

tive commentators like Tucker Carlson. Only about two minutes of the classroom discussion were posted and some of it is impossible to decipher. It begins with a student’s unintelligible statement and Adams then asking, “What other things does society say boys are supposed to be like – or not do?” Sarcastically reacting to one student’s inaudible reply, Adams says, “No, don’t you dare play with a doll. That’s a girl thing to do.” Adams then persists in eliciting more responses, asking again about what else boys are not supposed to do. Seconds later, she says, “It might be that you heard this from family members.” In reply to another student, she then says, “You don’t get to wear makeup, do your hair, wear nails” – to which one student asks, “Why would you?” “Because some people like that,” Adams responds. “It’s who they are…But boys aren’t supposed to do that.” After another student’s brief comment, she says, “Yeah, you should be playing sports, nothing else. What else?...Boys, are you supposed to cry?”

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MARCH 6, 2022

Several students seem to reply simultaneously, making it impossible to hear what they said. Adams says, “Society says no. Are you supposed to show your emotions?” A boy quickly responds, “No” and Adams responds, “No. Rub some dirt on it. You’re fine.” “Don’t show your feelings,” the teacher then says sarcastically. “That’s a girl thing. Awww, you little sissy.” “Isn’t that all you’ve heard before as boys?” she then asks. “Don’t cry. There’s no crying. You’re a boy.” After a few seconds of kids seemingly talking to each other, Adams then tells the class, “So, now keep in mind that our society has changed somewhat in ways for the better. OK? No longer for most people is that line a hard line. OK? That line gets blurred. There are still people in our society, the older generations, who, that’s the hard line. That’s how they grew up. “That’s their mentality. You don’t cross that line. You are a boy. You are a girl. Those are your roles. You know what you’re supposed to do. But as your generation coming around and the generations that are gonna come after you, we

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are hoping that that line completely disappears and there is no line and you are free to be whoever it is that you want to be and you dress and act and do whatever it is that you want to do because that is who you are.” Noting that in society “there’s still a line,” Adams then says: “Sometimes it’s a hard line for some. Sometimes it’s a faint line. Sometimes you can see the line’s been blurred and then someone comes and redraws it…But the fact that that hard line is no longer permanent, that’s a good thing. “So we just hope that the generations that keep coming up, eventually that line just goes away and it’s not there anymore because that older generation who puts that hard line…” A student interrupts and says, “They’re dead.” Adams replies, “Yep. They’re gonna be gone.” The clip ends there. Adams could not be reached for comment. In separate interviews, reaction by Norgaard and Strom Gellman typified the divide among people who took to social media to comment on the clip. While some parents felt Adams was

telling boys ”it’s OK to wear dresses and makeup” and asked “How is that part of education?” others took a more cautious approach. One commenter said, “I agree that wasn’t her place but for me, it depends on what the assignment was about. What were the kids supposed to write about? That part wasn’t clear from the video.” Another parent said, “It didn’t sound like she was telling boys they should wear makeup and/or put on dresses. She called out one stereotype that boys shouldn’t cry and is hoping that changes.” While another commenter said “at best she was incredibly biased against older generations,” another wrote, “So it’s not a far leap for them to cross all or any line… say like the lines law enforcement lay down? Or the lines your parents draw? Or the lines young women draw?” Norgaard said Adams’ conversation is an example of why public schools are losing enrollment and charter, private and other alternative forms of education are seeing enrollment increases. “I want Kyrene to be an excellent school district. My kids went to school there,”

see KYRENE page 17

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CITY NEWS

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KYRENE from page 16

pressing particular concern over the taping in the first place. “If those kids know that one of their peers could be recording them and blasting it all over the internet, I feel like one of two things is going to happen,” Strom Gellman said. “Either they’re not going to ask questions because they’re afraid of being made fun of or that it’s going to go viral or they’re going to extra clown around in the hopes that they’re getting viral hits… Either way that is not conducive to learning.” She said teachers also could easily be intimidated by the prospect of being recorded in class and that it may become yet another reason why teachers will

leave the profession – along with issues like pay and the pandemic-driven pressures that have materialized over the last few years. As it is, she said, phoned-in complaints to the school already put more pressure on an already harried school staff. “I don’t know how the school comes from behind it,” Strom Gellman said when asked how she thinks Kyrene should handle the issue, although she has called on the district administration to enunciate – and adopt if it doesn’t have one– a clear policy on surreptitious recordings in class. “I’m afraid that’s going to embolden people and they are not going to go away

because they were successful on their first shot,” Strom Gellman said. “They’re not going to stop and I think they’re going to continue to do that. That’s why I’m trying to come at the angle of ‘let’s nip this in the bud – these kids just recording things and blasting it. Let’s find some sort of policy.’” “I think that as a teacher, if you get to the point where you are afraid to say the wrong thing at all, that you have to tippytoe or have to rely on completely scripted curricula because you’re worried about that – I would quit because I would think you can’t properly educate kids that way. You just can’t. You may as well stick them in front of a computer.” ■

SOFTBALL from page 14

lenzuela said teams will take a break for lunch and to prepare to travel from field to field for the elimination bracket. Games will be played at Snedigar Sportsplex in Chandler, Freestone Park in Gilbert and Vista del Camino Recreation Center in Scottsdale. The top teams from each city will advance to the citywide tournament where a champion will be crowned at Snedigar. Teams are guaranteed at least three games, regardless of whether they advance to the city-wide tournament. “I’m excited for it,” Valenzuela said. “I know some of the teams in our league are pretty good. So I’m hoping they can win it for Chandler to give us some bragging rights.” While the players have a chance to compete for bragging rights on the field, off of it spectators can expect a host of food trucks, giveaways and music – creating a family-friendly and enjoyable atmosphere for all involved.

Valenzuela believes this will be a unique way to bring some of the cities’ recreation sports teams together and open the door for more tournaments in the future. He also hopes other cities across the Valley will become involved, which will allow the tournament to blossom into something even bigger in the near future. “There are some things that we need to get ironed out, which is something we

will do when if we run into bumps with this first season,” Velenzuela said. “We’re hoping we can expand it to oth er cities. Mesa was part of the initial discussions and Tempe said they are interested in getting involved next season as well.”

Norgaard said. Stating she supports school choice, Norgaard said, “There’s a great place for the public schools, but you know what this is doing? People are going to leave our public schools…They are literally making the case for school choice with this kind of stuff.” Asked what she would do if her kids had been in the class, Norgaard replied, “I’d have pulled them out in a second… My husband and I would have to do whatever it takes to make sure they get a good education.” Strom Gellman had a different take, ex-

a few years between communities, but the timing never worked for other cities and their respective leagues and other events happening at parks. Now, however, they are proceeding with their plans. “It’s something cool we’ve been kind of brainstorming for a few years, and we are finally putting it in action to do,” Valenzuela said. “I’ve built relationships with coordinators with those respective cities. It will be a cool tournament to give all the recreation departments a little bragging rights.” The tournament is open to men 18 years and older with a maximum of 15 players per roster. Registration for each team is currently $300 until Feb. 28. After that, the price will increase to $350 per team. The tournament will feature an opening day ceremony beginning at 9 a.m. April 2. Pool play will then begin and run until about noon. At that time, Va-

For more information about the All-City Softball Tournament and to register, visit chandleraz.gov/allcitysoftball.

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Neighbors protest Chandler car repair project BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

espite opposition by more than 100 residents, the Chandler Planning and Zoning Commission last week recommended that Council approve a car-repair business at Riggs and Pecos roads. Some of the more than 100 people who signed a petition showed up at last week’s commission meeting to speak against Kerry’s Car Care, telling the panel they are concerned about noise levels, increased traffic in the area, and lower home values because a car repair business would be so close to their homes. “My experience in this case has been that the neighborhood’s input has actually made the case better, which is not unusual,” said Jason Morris, a lawyer from Withey Morris who represented the applicant. “I don’t know that we’re of a like mind on this case with the neighborhood, but we certainly have benefited from some of their comments.” The business would have room for eight vehicles to be worked on at a time.

Morris said, and like other Kerry’s locations around the Valley, it is designed to be a small neighborhood shop. He said his clients have been eager to address the neighborhood’s concerns because they want to maintain a good relationship, realizing that many of people nearby could be potential clients in the future. “This has never been done before,” said Joseph Russo, who leads a group of neighbors who oppose the business. “An automotive service garage is out of character with anything that I have been able to locate in Chandler and the surrounding areas.” Russo claimed that no other car repair business in Chandler is located inside such a dense residential neighborhood, with more than 500 homes surrounding it. The business would be built just south of the Circle K gas station at Pecos and Cooper. City staff and the applicant argued that this was not a zoning issue, because the land was rezoned in 2016 for retail use. They pointed out that a number of different types of businesses could have claimed that space, including restau-

rants, bars, fitness centers and others that can be loud and open more hours than a car repair business would be. That argument mirrors many of the comments made by commissioners when they unanimously voted to recommend approval to City Council. “This is not a rezoning case,” said Rick Heumann, chairman of the city’s planning and zoning commission. “When I look at this project, and I remember when it came through, actually I was on Council when it came through at the time, this I think is actually a lot better project. It’s further away from homes.” He said the applicant has done a lot to address noise levels, including the addition of a buffer of trees between the business and homes and agreeing to do all car repairs inside the building with the garage door closed except for when cars are entering or exiting. They also conducted a sound survey, where levels were taken on two different days. It determined that the decibel level would be in the 50s, which is about the same as normal conversation. “I do think they’ve gone above and be-

yond,” Heumann said. Some of the neighbors said they like to spend time in their backyards and they worry having a car repair business so close would ruin that experience. Russo said after the meeting opponents intend to urge the City Council to reject the project when it comes before them later this month. “I think if this were a zoning case, much of what we’re talking about would be incredibly appropriate in terms of uses and the proximity of uses,” Morris said. He said the building they are proposing is smaller than what was previously approved, and would likely have fewer customers than if the original plan was followed. Morris also gave the commission letters from neighbors of other car repair businesses that said they have had few troubles living so close to one. “We recognize the neighborhood’s concerns,” Morris said. “I think many of those concerns date back to 2016. And many of the concerns they raised made this a better plan because of what we were able to commit to as a user.”

Violent crime increase higher in Arizona than nation BY EMILY SACIA Cronkite News

ASHINGTON – Violent crime rates in Arizona rose faster and remained higher than the national rate in recent years, according to the latest data from the FBI. Violent crime – which includes murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault – rose 4.6% in the U.S. between 2019 and 2020, to a rate of 398.5 crimes per 100,000 people in 2020. The rate in Arizona climbed 8.6% to 484.8 per 100,000 in the same period, according to data from the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer. To address that surge, lawmakers on Wednesday called for action on a bipartisan bill that would allocate $100 million a year for the next decade to support police agencies and increase assistance to victims and their families, which Rep. Tom O’Halleran, D-Sedona, called a “step

This chart shows the stark difference between the increase in violent crime in Arizona versus the nation at large. (FBI) in the right direction.” “We cannot afford to disinvest, we have to continue to invest in our officers in our society,” said O’Halleran, a former Chicago police officer. “Because when we invest in training, and support of our

officers, we invest in the community and the safety of those within our community.” O’Halleran joined other House members and representatives of police organizations on Capitol Hill to push for the

Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods ACT, which aims to improve clearance rates for homicides and other shootings. The VICTIM Act would require the Justice Department to administer a grant program for local police agencies that would allow departments to hire and retain police officers – particularly homicide detectives – provide training and equipment. It calls for officers to be trained to address the needs of victims and their families, and it requires sufficient funding and staffing for victim services, including relocation, counseling, funeral expenses, lost wages and more. Andy Edmiston, director of government affairs for the National Association of Police Organizations, said the funding is needed to help underfunded departments battle the surge in violent crime.

see VIOLENT page 19

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MARCH 6, 2022

Basha High senior gives scholarships to teachers BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

Basha High School senior says her biggest worry when she decided to give scholarships to teachers was not trying to raise the money, but wondering if anyone would apply. “For me, the more intimidating thing was, ‘I don’t know if anyone’s going to apply.' I was praying just like one person, please apply so I can actually do the project.” There was no reason for Jadyn Ocampo to fret. She left the application window open for two weeks and 34 Chandler Unified School District teachers applied for the Al and Laurie Ocampo Scholarship. The Gilbert resident said she wanted to raise money for teachers for her senior project because she has seen how the student loans teachers take out to get their degrees can take decades to pay off. Both her parents are teachers. “My mom faces student debt. I lived with her in Flagstaff when she was in grad school at NAU, and I see her 10 years later like still paying for that degree. I was like, ‘I know that affects a lot of educators.” Jadyn was hoping to raise $1,000 to give to one teacher when she first started the project. She ended up raising more than $4,000 on a GoFundMe page. She decided to award three $1,000 scholarships and four $300 scholarships. “I was moved by all the stories,” Jadyn said. “There are three stories that really stood out to me.”

VIOLENT from page 18

“Homicide rates has jumped nearly 40%,” Edmiston said. “Police departments across the country are fighting to contain this increase in violent crime but they are understaffed, under-resourced and struggling to hire and retain good, qualified officers.” Sgt. Hector Encinas, spokesperson for the Tempe Police Department, said he is not familiar with specifics of the bill, but that “any type of support, financially or otherwise is good, it helps us do our job.” “What’s today’s issues may not be next year’s issues, but if there’s money and training available … we can respond much more effectively,” Encinas said. The FBI data has drawbacks: Not ev-

Basha High senior Jadyn Ocampo said her parents are both teachers and both have college debt, so she started a scholarship fund for Chandler Unified School District to help them out. (David Minton/Staff Photographer) Jadyn said she knows that with the money she awards, the teachers won’t pay off their student loans, but she hopes it will help them make at least one payment. Those three teachers were Yolanda Jones of Navarette Elementary, Hunter Wilkes of CTA Independence and Eric Bealer at Hamilton High School. Jadyn said Jones’ story touched her because she’s a full-time teacher who heads home each day before she goes to her second job at Chick-fil-A. On top of that, she’s a graduate student who hopes one

ery police department in the country – or the state – provides information to the voluntary Uniform Crime Reporting system, and the FBI attempts to fill in blanks for those which do not. But the report has the advantage of building on decades of data from across the country. According to the FBI, the national rate of 398.5 violent crimes for every 100,000 Americans in 2020 was the most since 2010, when the rate stood at 404.5. Arizona’s 2020 rate of 484.8 violent crimes per 100,000 was the second-highest for the state in that decade, exceeded only by 2017’s rate of 505.7 crimes. 2020 was the last full year for which data are available from the FBI. The bipartisan bill has 30 co-sponsors, including O’Halleran and Rep. Greg

day to be a principal at a Navajo school. She said she identified with Wilkes because they are both athletes. Jadyn plays tennis and Wilkes came within an inch of qualifying for the Olympics in the pole vault. To train for a shot at the Olympics, she spent an extra year at her university, which just added to the debt she had already amassed. Bealer has six children – the same number as Jadyn’s grandparents, after whom she named her scholarship fund. Two of Bealer’s children have medical needs.

Stanton, D-Phoenix. Its backers bristled when asked whether the bill clashes with the belief by some that Democrats are more interested in defunding the police than directing funds their way. “When we talk to communities, particularly those in some of the most highcrime areas, they will say, ‘No, we don’t want to defund the police, we want to fund the police,’” said Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., and lead sponsor of the bill. “We don’t want to see less police, we want to see more police.” That was echoed by Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Ill., who said that if “you take a survey among the Democratic Congress members, most people are not saying defund the police.” The bill has not moved since being in-

“I guess the key thing with all those teachers, is like, despite their hard things, they’re still so excited to go to work,” Jadyn said. Getting the $300 scholarships were Anna Zepada of San Marcos, Vanessa Randall of Hamilton, Amber Lugo of Conley and Andrew Pezzuto of Santan. After more donations came in on Ocampo’s GoFundMe page. She now has enough to hand out about six more $300 scholarships. She said she may have to wait until March to do that, because she’s already missed too much school on this project. Jadyn said when she first started trying to decide which teachers to award the scholarships to, she made an initial cut to 15. From there, she picked the seven that ultimately got money. Jadyn said she will look at the eight she didn’t choose from that initial cut to find the next six. And she hopes to keep this going. “I really feel like I can go somewhere with this,” Jadyn said. “I would love to start a foundation. I mean, I’m 17 and I have to worry about paying for college right now. But I would love to do this again next year.”

To help To donate to the Al and Laurie Ocampo Scholarship, search GoFundMe.com by “Ocampo Scholarship.” troduced in October and assigned to the Judiciary Committee. But Demings said she is confident, as the bill’s sponsors are “laser-focused” on getting it passed. “This bill has bipartisan support and you better believe we’re going to work with leadership and everybody that we can to get this bill … signed into law,” she said. O’Halleran said he is optimistic, even though the bill is not an “end-fix” to Arizona’s increasing violent crime rate. “Our citizens need to be protected. Our officers need to be protected,” he said. “That goes with training, picking out the right officers, making sure we have follow-through and the investment in our society that this Congress should be doing.”

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MARCH 6, 2022

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

AZ residents scramble to get last Walking Liberty Rolls ARIZONA - Once Arizona residents got wind that Arizona State Restricted Bank Rolls filled with Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s were being handed over, there was a mad dash to get them. That’s because some of these U.S. Gov’t issued silver coins are already worth hundreds in collector value. “It’s like a run on the banks. The phones are ringing off the hook. That’s because everyone is trying to get them before they’re all gone,” according to officials at the National Mint and Treasury who say they can barely keep up with all the orders. In fact, they had to impose a strict limit of 4 Arizona State Restricted Bank Rolls. So, if you get the chance to get your hands on these State Restricted Bank Rolls you better hurry because hundreds of Arizona residents already have and you don’t want

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■ GOT ‘EM: Residents all across Arizona who get their hands on these State Restricted Silver Walking Liberty Bank Rolls are definitely showing them off. That’s because they are the only ones known to exist. And here’s the best part, these Bank Rolls are loaded with U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberty coins some dating back to the early 1900’s and worth up to 100 times their face value so everyone wants them.

Last State Restricted Silver Walking Liberty Bank Rolls go to Arizona residents

Arizona residents get first dibs on last remaining Bank Rolls loaded with U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value for the next 2 days STATE DISTRIBUTION: A strict limit of 4 State Restricted Bank Rolls per AZ resident has been imposed

ARIZONA - “It’s a miracle these State Restricted Bank Rolls even exist. That’s why Hotline Operators are bracing for the flood of calls,” said Laura Lynne, U.S. Coin and Currency Director for the National Mint and Treasury. For the next 2 days the last remaining State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls loaded with rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties are actually being handed over to Arizona residents who call the State Toll-Free Hotlines listed in today’s newspaper publication. “National Mint and Treasury recently spoke with its Chief Professional Numismatist who said ‘Very few people have ever actually saw one of these rarely seen Silver Walking Liberties issued by the U.S. Gov’t back in the early 1900’s. But to actually find them sealed away in State Restricted Bank Rolls is like finding buried treasure. So anyone lucky enough to get their hands on these Bank Rolls had better hold on to them,’” Lynne said. “Now that the State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls are being offered up we

(Continued on next page)

SILVER: one of the last silver coins minted for circulation

ENLARGED TO SHOW DETAIL: year varies 1916-1947

LAST REMAINING: minted in philadelphia, denver & san francisco

RARELY SEEN: minted by the u.s. mint in the early 1900’s R1043R-5

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MARCH 6, 2022

21 SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

(Continued from previous page)

won’t be surprised if thousands of Arizona residents claim the maximum limit allowed of 4 Bank Rolls per resident before they’re all gone,” said Lynne. “That’s because after the Bank Rolls were loaded with 15 rarely seen Silver Walking Liberties, each verified to meet a minimum collector grade of very good or above, the dates and mint marks of the U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars sealed away inside the State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls have never been searched. But, we do know that some of these coins date clear back to the early 1900’s and are worth up to 100 times their face value, so there is no telling what Arizona residents will find until they sort through all the coins,” Lynne went on to say. And here’s the best part. If you are a resident of the state of Arizona you cover only the $39 per coin state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury, that’s fifteen rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties worth up to 100 times their face value for just $585 which is a real steal because non state residents must pay $118 per coin which totals $1,770 if any coins remain after the 2-day deadline. The only thing Arizona residents need to do is call the State Toll-Free Hotlines printed in today’s newspaper publication before the 2-day order deadline ends. “Rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued silver coins like these are highly sought after, but we’ve never seen anything like this before. According to The Official Red Book, a Guide Book of United States Coins many Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars are now worth $40 - $825 each in collector value,” Lynne said. “We’re guessing thousands of Arizona residents will be taking the maximum limit of 4 Bank Rolls because they make such amazing gifts for any occasion for children, parents, grandparents, friends and loved ones,” Lynne continued. “We know the phones will be ringing off the hook. That’s why hundreds of Hotline Operators are standing by to answer the phones beginning at 8:30 am this morning. We’re going to do our best, but with just 2 days to answer all the calls it won’t be easy. So make sure to tell everyone to keep calling if all lines are busy. We’ll do our best to answer them all.” Lynne said. The only thing readers of today’s newspaper publication need to do is make sure they are a resident of the state of Arizona and call the National Toll-Free Hotlines before the 2-day deadline ends midnight tomorrow. ■

HOW TO CLAIM THE LAST STATE RESTRICTED BANK ROLLS FACTS:

If you are a Arizona State Resident read the important information below about claiming the State Silver Bank Rolls, then call the State Toll-Free Hotline at 8:30 am: 1-800-979-3771 EXT: RWB4312

Are these Silver Walking Liberties worth more than other half dollars:

Yes. These U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties were minted in the early 1900’s and will never be minted again. That makes them extremely collectible. The vast majority of half dollars minted after 1970 have no silver content at all and these Walking Liberties were one of the last silver coins minted for circulation. That’s why many of them now command hundreds in collector value so there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value someday.

How much are State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls worth:

It’s impossible to say, but some of these U.S Gov’t issued Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s are worth up to 100 times the face value and there are 15 in each Bank Roll so you better hurry if you want to get your hands on them. Collector values always fluctuate and there are never any guarantees. But we do know they are the only Arizona State Silver Bank Rolls known to exist and Walking Liberties are highly collectible so anyone lucky enough to get their hands on these Silver Bank Rolls should hold onto them because there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value someday.

Why are so many Arizona residents claiming them:

Because they are the only State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls known to exist and everyone wants their share. Each Bank Roll contains a whopping 15 Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value. Best of all Arizona residents are guaranteed to get them for the state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury of just $39 per Silver Walking Liberty for the next two days.

How do I get the State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls:

Arizona residents are authorized to claim up to the limit of 4 State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls by calling the State Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-979-3771 Ext. RWB4312 starting at precisely 8:30 am this morning. Everyone who does is getting the only State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls known to exist. That’s a full Bank Roll containing 15 Silver Walking Liberties from the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value for just the state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury of just $39 per Silver Walking Liberty, which is just $585 for the full Bank Rolls and that’s a real steal because non state residents are not permitted to call before 5 pm tomorrow and must pay $1,770 for each Arizona State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Roll if any remain. R1043R-5

NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY, LLC IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. MINT, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, A BANK OR ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY. IF FOR ANY REASON WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM SHIPMENT YOU ARE DISSATISFIED, RETURN THE PRODUCT FOR A REFUND LESS SHIPPING AND RETURN POSTAGE. THIS SAME OFFER MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE AT A LATER DATE OR IN A DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. OH RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% SALES TAX. NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY, PO BOX 35609, CANTON, OH 44735 ©2021 NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY.

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Chandler man debuts his first mystery thriller BY SRIANTHI PERERA Arizonan Contributor

handler resident Steven Patterson’s debut novel is set mostly in Gilbert, where a serial killer is running amok. The scene is not typical of the town. In fact, it’s macabre and disturbingly similar to another scene law enforcement encountered there a few months ago. Patterson’s suspense thriller novel, “Not Normal,” also incorporates Mesa, Tempe and Chandler. “I always thought of Gilbert as a quiet suburb and wondered, what if it was terrorized by a serial killer? In my mind Gilbert, seems so friendly and safe, I wanted to exploit that,” he said. “It also has a ‘farm community’ feel to it, and that is where our antagonist is most comfortable.” Patterson has lived in Arizona since 1982, hence landmarks such as the Hayden Flour Mill in Tempe appear in the book. His father worked as a flour miller there in the 1980s. The setting also incorporates parts of the Midwest, where Patterson spent his early years: Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. “Not Normal,” the first in the Normal Series, features teenager Anthony Jacobson, who worked hard to hone a pleasing personality. In the author’s words: “This was no easy task considering his sordid family background and the gossip mill of his native Nebraskan town. His theater was mostly a success. Teachers bragged about his character, his younger brother idolized him, and classmates wanted to be him. However, some saw through his mask, including his mother. They knew Anthony Jacobson was Not Normal. “Years later, Patricia Hopkins peered from the safety of her home as two detectives stepped across yellow police tape and into the adjacent Gilbert, Arizona suburban bungalow. What greeted them was macabre and disturbing.” Detectives hunt for the killer and explore the mindset of a psychopath. Pat-

Chandler resident Steven Patterson’s debut novel is set in much of the East Valley. (Special to the Arizonan)

terson uses the genre’s tools of horror, mystery and suspense to fashion his story. It seems the author began honing his horror skills rather young. “I am a movie buff in general; however, I have always loved horror,” he said. John Carpenter’s “The Thing” and slasher films are among his favorites. “As a kid, I wanted to see every horror movie that came out; but was too young to do so,” Patterson recalled. “My mother took me to them, even though she hated the genre.” He read suspense novelists such as Stephen King, Dean Koontz and Robert McCammon. King’s “The Stand” is his alltime favorite, while Koontz’s “Whispers” and McCammon’s “Swan Song” follow closely behind. To write his own novel, Patterson had a general outline in his head before starting. “I like stories that jump around in time,” he said, citing Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” as an inspiration. “As a result, I knew chunks of the antagonist’s life. I would think of each as an independent story; as a result, I could place them randomly throughout the

novel. By the end, I wanted it all to come full circle and intertwine,” he said. Asked for the best part of his story, Patterson said: “It does have a fun reveal I cannot discuss too much. Based on my reviews, readers seem to enjoy the detail I use in each scene. They also enjoy the time jumps and how it eventually is one story. There are many Easter Eggs in it for fans of the genre; finding those are always fun.” Patterson took a long time to complete his novel. He began writing it in 1997, but stopped after a couple of chapters. Life kept him busy. During his younger days, he lived in Ahwatukee and attended Corona del Sol High School, where he met his future wife, Christi. He studied electrical engineering at Arizona State University, but graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics. He has worked in help desk management throughout his working life. The couple, who have lived in Chandler since 1999, raised two sons, Joshua and Nathan, who are both in college. When the sons were younger, sports, particularly baseball, took over the family’s life. “I was a very active father. I coached my

kids in football and baseball. Once they became serious about baseball, I helped coach their club teams,” Patterson said. “My wife Christi was the team mom and extremely active with them, too.” Every weekend was spent at tournaments, he said. “Our team, “The East Valley Devils” were a very tight group. Our vacations were spent together, often surrounding tournaments in such places as Temecula, Vegas and San Diego. The first person who asked me to sign their copy of Not Normal was Mike Fritz, who runs the East Valley Baseball league in Chandler.” After the sons received baseball scholarships and left home, home life became quiet. “A big part of my life was over,” he felt. In 2019, his mother passed unexpectedly. “She was an amazing woman and the glue that held our family together. As an example of the type of woman she was, on her 80th birthday she went skydiving,” he said. “As a kid, I loved horror movies and novels. She hated them. However, since I was too young to attend or buy them myself, she took me to the movies and purchased the novels.” He dedicated her first novel to her. It only seemed natural, he said. Two months after her death, Patterson was laid off two days after he had marked his 20th anniversary in his job. “My 20-year celebration was the Friday before, complete with cake, cards and a plaque,” he said. Depressed, Patterson began delivering food to make ends meet. “In addition, I picked up my two chapters from 1997 and a year later self-published my first novel on Amazon,” he said. The author partly credits the pandemic for enabling him to write and complete the story. Writing helped him cope with his depression. “I was jobless and in a pandemic; consequently, it was my release,” he said. “Only two chapters were completed before the Coronavirus. I also had to

see AUTHOR page 24

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MARCH 6, 2022

Chandler alum basks in Super Bowl glory BY ZACH ALVIRA Arizonan Sports Editor

t took nearly an hour for Los Angeles Rams players to get into the locker room after Super Bowl LVI. Many players stayed on the field to celebrate with family. Once they did get in the locker room, more celebrating took place as the Vince Lombardi Trophy was passed around. When it got to Rams third-string quarterback Bryce Perkins, all he could do was stare and take it all in. Getting a chance to hold that trophy had been a dream of his for as long as he can remember. Now, the Chandler High alum, who accomplished many feats while playing for the Wolves, can call himself a Super Bowl champion. “It was such an amazing experience,” Perkins said. “Everyone was dancing around and celebrating. When I first grabbed (the trophy), I just thought about how hard people work for this moment. There’s a lot of individual awards we play for but when you start a season you sit down and assess how close you are to winning a Super Bowl. “And for us to do it and when you grab the trophy you realize that you accomplished something a lot of people didn’t in their lifetime. It’s surreal.” Perkins’ journey to becoming a Super Bowl champion is one that was met head on by bouts with adversity. It started when he first stepped foot at Chandler as a freshman. His older brother, Paul, played running back for the Wolves. He eventually went on to UCLA and played in the NFL. With Paul there ahead of him, Perkins knew there was one ultimate goal every year for the Chandler football program: beat Hamilton. Chandler lost 17 straight games to the Huskies. But when Perkins was handed the reigns, things changed. Alongside the likes of former Chandler, Arizona State and current New England Patriot wideout N’Keal Harry and future NFL defensive back Chase Lucas, Perkins led the Wolves to a breakthrough victory over Hamilton in 2013. They went on to face the

AUTHOR from page 23

change dates to pre-Corona, to make the story realistic. It does end with a refer-

Huskies in the postseason and lost. a chance to play football again. But after But the next year after beating Hamil- being asked to change positions, he took ton again in the regular season, Perkins a chance on himself and enrolled at Ariled Chandler to its first title since 1949. zona Western College in Yuma. That was the start of the dynasty and “You truly get to know more about yourself run of state titles that just recently came when adversity hits you,” Perkins said. “Evto end this past season. Garretson to erything I’ve done in my life was on purpose this day still credits Perkins for helping and was a big factor into who I am today. All of change the culture of the program and those experiences, everything I went through, build it into the powerhouse it is now. was necessary for me to become the player “He was the one who led the way,” Garret- people see today. I’m grateful for all of it.” son said. “Teams had Perkins led the no answer for him, Matadors to the juand he made things nior college national look easy. He made championship game things look effortwhere they fell short less. All of the great to East Mississippi. NFL players, when He caught the eye you go back and look of many Division at what they did in I coaches. But one high school, that’s stood out to him: exactly what they the University of Virdo. Bryce took the ginia. lead and led us over He went on to a hump we couldn’t break school reget over.” cords for the CavaPerkins earned a liers, passing for scholarship offer to 3,603 yards and Arizona State after 34 touchdowns in Los Angeles Rams third-string quarterpassing for 5,332 back Bryce Perkins celebrate alongside his first season. yards, rushing for teammates after their Super Bowl victory He followed it up 1,609 and scoring over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, with 3,540 passing 97 total touchdowns Feb. 13. The Chandler High alum, who suf- yards, 769 rushing in his high school ca- fered bouts with adversity throughout his and had 33 total reer. He redshirted football career, turned his dream into a touchdowns. He his freshman year for reality becoming a Super Bowl champion. led the Cavaliers to (Courtesy Bryce Perkins Instagram) the Sun Devils. the ACC title game While figuring to along the way, furbe in a three-way battle for the starting ther proving doubters wrong. quarterback position the next season, “When people outside of our family tragedy struck. Perkins collided with didn’t have faith in his ability, he had faith then-Sun Devil safety Deion Guinard. in himself,” Perkins’ father Bruce, who He immediately felt pain in his neck and played in the NFL, said. “We knew what scans revealed he fractured the C4 and type of player, what type of quarterback C5 vertebrae. he is. He’s got the Super Bowl ring now. Surgery to fix the injury would have al“It’s really cool to see him considering most certainly ended his career. He chose the path and journey he’s been on.” to get a second opinion and let the injury Perkins declared for the NFL Draft heal. For months he was unable to lift his after his second season at Virginia. He hands above his head, and he had to wear went undrafted but was signed by the a neck brace that limited his mobility al- Rams as free agent shortly after. All he together. But it healed, and he was given needed was a chance, and he got it.

ence to the pandemic.” Patterson is writing a sequel, set in the paranormal, titled “Para-Normal.” Many smaller characters return for larger

parts here. “I loved those characters so much, even though they didn’t occupy a lot of time in the novel,” he said. “I’m bringing

He opened the eyes of the coaching staff during preseason games and made the Rams’ official roster. He learned from the quarterbacks in front of him, including Matthew Stafford, who he said gave him a wealth of knowledge and how to further understand the game. All of that led to the moment on the night of Feb. 13 in the Rams locker room at SoFi Stadium, where he had the Vince Lombardi trophy in his hands as he posed for pictures. It was something he had dreamed about and despite the adversity that stood in his way, he made it a reality. “I’ve always believed that if your faith and what you believe in is stronger than the doubt, there’s nothing you can’t do,” Perkins said. “I think the only time people’s words and opinions effect you and the outcome of your dream and what you want to do is when you hold any truth to what they’re saying. But if you keep a mindset to what you want and hold that close to your heart, it doesn’t matter what anybody else says.” Perkins credited his current and former coaches, as well as his family, for what he was able to accomplish. They are a close-knit bunch that always put the goals they wanted to accomplish in front of them. For Perkins, that was to win a national championship in youth football, a state title in high school and even more in college and the NFL. He accomplished nearly all those goals, even when told by outsiders he couldn’t. He and his Rams teammates were sized for their championship rings the day after their win over the Bengals. When he gets it, he won’t look at it as his personal accomplishment. It will be for everyone who helped him get to that point and supported him, including his parents and older brother. “This is all of us. There’s no me without them,” Perkins said. “They’re happy for me and I’m glad they were there to be a part of it. My father and brother came down to the field after the game. It was amazing to have those guys there. They have been with me through everything.”

them back to enjoy more terror.” Steven Patterson’s “Not Normal” is available through amazon.com and is priced at $15.

BUSINESS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MARCH 6, 2022

1st of 3 eateries opens in downtown Chandler BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

hris Field says he has a hard time saying no. That might explain why he’s on the verge of opening up three different restaurants in Downtown Chandler. The first, Recreo, just opened at 28. S. San Marcos Square. They hope to get the other two, The Uncommon and the Tipsy Egg, open within a month or so. Each has a different concept, one the owner says brings something new to the Downtown area. “I was down here in 2007-2009, … and really fell in love,” Field said or his previous job managing Murphy’s Law. “When we think about Arizona, and we think heritage, like when I bought a new house, I wanted an old house. I wanted something that had history, that you could touch, … you could ask questions and stories. “Finding truly unique things that have historical character, there’s only a handful of places in the state where you can do that,” Field said. “And Downtown Chandler is authentically, exactly that.” Recreo is a restaurant first with a rec-

Chris Field and PJ Baron of Recreo have opened Recreo, a new restaurant in downtown Chandler. (David Minton/Staff Photographer) reation theme, but it does include a bar. You can play ping pong, cornhole or even with a giant Connect Four game on the patio. The outside bar has swings patrons can sit on while sipping their drink. Rec-

Swings serve as seating for the outdoor bar on the back patio at Recreo. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

reo also offers live entertainment. The Tipsy Egg is a brunch place for people who want to brunch on a day other than Saturday. And The Uncommon is a bar first that will also offer live entertainment as well as serve food. Recreo is on the west side of the square. The Uncommon and Tipsy Egg are next to each other on the southeast corner of Boston and Arizona Avenue. The ownership group also owns another wellknown Arizona restaurant, Tortilla Flats. PJ Baron, the bar director, said they came up with the theme for Recreo based off the menu by chef Jason Bray. He wanted to incorporate fresh herbs and fruits and vegetables, so the garden patio became a key element of the restaurant. They grow thyme and rosemary, as well as blood red oranges on the patio. “The bartenders every day come out and cut their own herbs, and they look forward to that,” Baron said. “It’s not a chore, it’s like there little Zen moment.” All four of their restaurants will be in buildings that are more than 100 years old.

The restaurants have been three years in the making. The sign for Tipsy Egg says it was estabilished in 2019, which it was even though it has yet to open. The first issue the owners faced was the loss of one of their financial backers. When they finally got new backing, it was March 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic was shutting down the world. So, once again they lost investors. “Two days before [Gov. Doug] Ducey shut the state down, we had literally said, ‘Sign here, wire there,’” Field said. “We were like, ‘yeah, we did it!’ And then Ducey shuts the state down, and we call our business partners, and they were like, ‘No.’ Reasonable, very, very reasonable.” So they operation was put on hold again. Three weeks after Field and his wife took ownership of Tortilla Flats, it was damaged in a 100-year-flood event. That led to a major remodel of the restaurant that first opened as a stagecoach stop in 1904. “The place is falling apart, we had to do it,” Field said. “So I’m running four construction sites, and I’m a restaurant operator, … I pour beer for a living, these are very soft hands,” he said. That’s about $4 million in investments from his ownership group. One thing Field says he likes about running a restaurant and entertainment business in Downtown Chandler is that all of the businesses around the square are independent, and not part of some national chain. He said the owners meet and they genuinely work together so that all of them thrive, saying their businesses are different enough that they really aren’t in competition with one another. “The last 10 years of my operating history, this has been a hole,” Field said. “I miss it.” Information: recreoaz.com.

OPINION

Opinion

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MARCH 6, 2022

Maricopa County’s networking attracting talent BY JACK SELLERS Arizonan Guest Writer

’m a big believer in the power of connections. Connecting with your family and your community helps maintain social and mental health. Connecting is also crucial to building a healthy, robust workforce in a global economy. The networking and partnerships we have built in Maricopa County are why we have earned the top spot in the country for talent attraction for the second year in a row. One effective method of connecting we use in District 1 is through our partnerships at Sister Cities International. The worldwide organization was established after World War II to rebuild diplomatic relationships through cultural and educational exchanges. It has evolved into a great tool for collaboration and economic development. As Vice-President of Arizona Sister Cities,

and President of the Chandler Sister Cities, I’ve been actively involved with the organization for many years and firmly believe in the importance of these relationships. Our Sister City relationship with Tullamore, Ireland provided many local contacts for employees from Intel’s Ireland facility who trained in Chandler. The connection with our other Sister City, Tainan, Taiwan started as a cultural exchange through Little League baseball and has evolved into much more. It’s a continuation of a productive friendship with Dr. William Lai, the current Vice President of Taiwan. When Dr. Lai was mayor of Tainan and I was a member of the State Transportation Board, I played a significant role in getting a reciprocal driver’s license agreement established between Arizona and Taiwan. It’s also a continuation of a vibrant working relationship between Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, and the city of Taipei. The results of the Arizona/Taiwan connection have resulted in a significant economic impact to

our region. One of the biggest economic wins was from the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. TSMC purchased more than 1,129 acres of undeveloped land in north Phoenix to build its multibillion-dollar semiconductor factory. Construction on the first phase is expected to be completed by 2024. It is the company’s first U.S. factory in two decades and will be one of just a handful of production sites outside of Taiwan. It will also generate 1,600 more jobs in Maricopa County. TSMC’s development helps establish this region as a leader in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor industries. It also secures American jobs for work that is increasingly going overseas. This is the second major recent win for Arizona in this field. The first was Intel’s multibillion-dollar expansion in Chandler. Sunlit Chemical also broke ground on a north Phoenix factory, the first U.S. manufacturing facility to supply the Valley’s growing chipmaking industry, including TSMC. It will

commit $100 million in two phases to develop the 900,000-square-foot facility on 17 acres at Seventh Avenue and Alameda Road. As a member of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council’s International Leadership Council, I’m pleased these relationships resulted in a signed agreement between GPEC and the Taiwan-USA Industrial Cooperation Promotion Office. This agreement will help attract and grow businesses in Maricopa County. Leaders of the Arizona Commerce Authority and the Bureau of Foreign Trade and Ministry of Economic Affairs in Taiwan also formalized a partnership to promote economic growth between Arizona and Taiwan. Opportunities offered by these types of foreign investments should give us confidence about our ability to compete and thrive in a global economy. They should also reinforce the importance of staying connected. Jack Sellers is a member of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors whose district includes Chandler and parts of Ahwatukee and Gilbert.

munity was able to organize and connect, especially during a time when we all felt so distant. Our goal is to create a welcoming, inclusive, supportive and shareable platform for the Black community and other members to connect, collaborate and ultimately prosper together here in Arizona. At first, we launched BASE Arizona to create a way for Black-owned restaurants to connect and collaborate since they were the first businesses forced to close their doors early in the pandemic. What started with just four Black-owned restaurants/food trucks and a social media presence of about 300 followers has now grown to more than 40 Black-owned businesses, including food service as well as retail businesses, in just 18 months. And we now have more than 4,800 combined followers on our social media pages. By focusing on digital marketing, our monthly outdoor Food Truck Fridays, held the last Friday of every month at Founding Fathers Kitchen in Chandler, have continued

to grow. With an ad spend of only $30 on Instagram, we’re able to reach approximately 3,600 local community members and share info on our events. The pandemic exposed just how many Black-owned businesses rely on in-person interactions when many of them were forced to close. Black businesses experienced the most acute decline of active business owners, with a 41% drop. And to worsen matters, the government aid program meant to keep small businesses afloat — the Paycheck Protection Program — only reached 29% of Black-owned business applicants, compared with 60% of white ones. Although these numbers are stark, with the community’s support and investment in Black-owned businesses, we believe the alliance we created is helping East Valley-based, Black-owned businesses recover and keep their doors open. And in addition to that critical goal, we’re also promoting inclusivity and empowerment, all while raising awareness about Black issues.

This past summer, we saw our community rally in support of the first-ever Juneteenth celebration in Chandler. Earlier this month we were honored to present a Black History Month series of events to celebrate the contributions and history of the Black community along with our partners the City of Chandler, Chandler4Change, Chandler Men of Action and South Chandler Self-Help. When Black-owned businesses succeed, our community as a whole succeeds. We strongly urge East Valley residents to shop or utilize services provided by our local Blackowned businesses or share their favorite Black-owned business with us on social media @BASEArizona. By uniting together we can ensure that our Black-owned businesses are able to survive and keep their doors open long past this pandemic. Keasha Beach is an East Valley-based small business owner and founder of BASE Arizona (Black Alliance and Social Empowerment), a nonprofit dedicated to promoting Blackowned businesses and voices.

Black-owned businesses need your support BY KEASHA BEACH Arizonan Guest Writer

lack History Month gives Arizonans an avenue to celebrate and pay tribute to Black culture while simultaneously supporting the Black community. Historically, our community has been disproportionately impacted economically and socially. Although we continue to face challenges, we are resilient and support one another. Following the start of the pandemic and the social justice movement that arose after the murder of George Floyd in the summer of 2020, I founded BASE Arizona to urge the community at-large to support our local Black-owned businesses that were facing unprecedented financial challenges. The idea was born out of my participation in several online Facebook groups, including Buy Black Arizona and Black Moms of Arizona. Through social media, the black com-

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MARCH 6, 2022

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Sports 28

SPORTS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MARCH 6, 2022

Chandler Sports Hall of Fame celebrates latest induction class BY ZACH ALVIRA Arizonan Sports Editor

’Keal Harry’s favorite memory from his time at Chandler High School came in the 2014 state championship game at State Farm Stadium. Knowing the Wolves had the game secured, he stood on his team’s bench with quarterback Bryce Perkins and athlete Chase Lucas. The trio faced the crowd in their Nos. 1, 2 and 3 jerseys and raised their hands in the air. The crowd erupted in the stands. Chandler’s players erupted on the field moments later when the championship was officially theirs. Moments like that made Harry an icon in Chandler and the state. What he went on to do after that cemented his legacy as one of the state’s greats, despite his young age. Another chapter in his legacy was

From top left: N’Keal Harry, Mark Tucker, Phil Gonzales, Greg Haagsma, Camille Casteel and Sierra Rodriguez were all part of the 17th induction class or special recognition to the Chandler Sports Hall of Fame Saturday, Feb. 19 at Hamilton High School. Cole Luke and Markus Howard were also inducted. (Dave Minton/Staff) written on Saturday, Feb. 19 at Hamilton

High School as the 24-year-old joined

six others — Dr. Camille Casteel, Valley Christian’s Greg Haagsma, Hamilton tennis coach Phil Gonzales, Hamilton alum Cole Luke, Perry and Findlay Prep basketball standout Markus Howard and Basha softball great Sierra Rodriguez as the 17th class to be inducted into the Chandler Sports Hall of Fame. “Just all the hard work I’ve put in throughout the years – all the blood, sweat and tears – to see it all come to fruition, it’s a blessing,” Harry said. “It’s an indescribable feeling.” Harry’s legacy began at Chandler as a junior, where he caught 30 passes for 657 yards and 13 touchdowns. As a senior he was ranked as the top wideout in the country and enrolled at Arizona State. He is currently in the top four all-time for receptions, yards and touchdowns

see HALL OF FAME page 29

Chandler Raiders win second consecutive flag national title BY DREW SCHOTT Arizonan Staff Writer

hen the Chandler Raiders arrived in Las Vegas, Caleb Ely and Trey Knox felt like they and their teammates would be lifting a trophy after the NFL Flag National Championships. Since Dec. 2016, the Raiders — led by head coach Harley Ely and assistant coach Percy Knox, the fathers of Caleb and Trey — had numerous reasons to back up the prediction. They have succeeded on multiple levels of flag football by building a team of players similar in age across multiple seasons. They have the pedigree of winning big games, earning a title at the 12-and-under level in the 2020 NFL Flag National Championship game. “I just felt that we had a connection

From left: Percy Knox, Carter Ochoa, Caleb Ely, Ryder Rapp, Gage Baker, Jayden Giacinto, Dylan Quick, Dash Blake, Trey Knox, Alphonso Gloria, Jack Lewis and coach Harley Ely are all part of the Raiders football program that claimed the 14U national championship this season. (Photo courtesy Harley Ely)

and some of the other teams didn’t,” Trey Knox said. “I just felt like we had this in the bag.” But there was a more nostalgic reason, as well. Harley Ely said the tournament was “probably the end of our flag football run” due to players moving on to high school and aging out. So the Raiders made sure to make a lasting memory in what was likely their final game together, winning the 2022 14-and-under NFL Flag National Championship 13-12 over the Apex Predators at Allegiant Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders. “It was just a great way to go out and reward these boys for all the hard work and preparation they put in,” Harley Ely said. “It’s just great to go out on top.” According to Percy Knox’s calculations, the Raiders — who won back-to-

see RAIDERS page 29

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MARCH 6, 2022

HALL OF FAME from page 28 at ASU. He was named a freshman AllAmerican and a three-time All-Pac12 performer. Harry declared for the NFL Draft after his junior year at ASU and was selected in the first round in 2019 by the New England Patriots. The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder had always dreamed of not only representing his family, but Chandler and Arizona State. He’s done that well and added another chapter to his legacy by being inducted into the Chandler Sports Hall of Fame. “Being in a setting like this, I’m getting inducted with some of the guys I grew up with,” Harry said. “It takes you back and it really lets you remember what it took to get to this point.” Harry and Luke were the two football players inducted into the Hall of Fame this class. Luke, who was a standout cornerback at Hamilton, helped lead the Huskies to the 2012 state title. He received several high caliber offers from programs and decided on the University of Notre Dame. In his career for the Irish, Luke became top three all-time in single season passes broken up with 11. He also ranks in the top 10 for most career pass break ups. Drafted in 2017, he signed as a free agent with the Carolina Panthers and made his NFL debut two years later. He also spent time with the Washington Football Team in his career. Luke and Howard were the two not able to be in attendance for the Hall of

RAIDERS from page 28 back national championships — have been one of the country’s most dominant teams in flag football. Across the last 10 national tournaments, the Raiders have either won the event or lost to its champion, giving the squad a 95 percent rate of making it to the tournament semifinals or farther. This success can be linked to how the Raiders developed their players. For example, when the program was at 12-andunder status, Harley Ely and Percy Knox led numerous 11-and-12-year-olds so the program would have the veteran experience necessary for a championship chase when the 2019 regionals rolled around. It paid off in 2020 when the Raiders became the first flag football team from

Fame induction ceremony. Howard attended Perry before transferring to Findlay Prep in Las Vegas, where he became a top recruit in basketball. He went on to star at Marquette and was a two-time All-American, set the school’s all-time career scoring record with 2,761 points and averaged a staggering 27.8 points per game as a senior. Howard went undrafted in 2020 but signed with the Denver Nuggets, where he has played for two seasons. Just like his older brother Jordan in 2019, he’s now part of the Chandler Sports Hall of Fame. “When I’m watching basketball, softball or football and they said things like, ‘N’Keal Harry, Chandler, Ariz.,’ it’s just tremendous,” Casteel said. “I’m so glad they are successful and I enjoy every minute of it.” Casteel admitted she was in shock when she was told she would be part of this year’s induction class. She was never an athlete and preferred watching and supporting them rather than joining them in play. But she was and still is an icon in Chandler. And under her direction, schools in the district won 94 state championships. She officially retired as superintendent in 2020 following a 25-year stint in the position and 59 overall in the district, where she began as a teacher. Yet she can still be found on a sideline for several district sporting events. “All of those young students and athletes, what they have accomplished is remarkable,” Casteel said. “It was such a wonderful run and I still enjoy attending

the games.” Casteel said she remembers vividly the accomplishments of Gonzales, who was inducted alongside her last week. He got his start in the district a decade after Casteel, when he was hired to lead the Chandler tennis program in the 1980s. When Hamilton opened in 1998, he moved down Arizona Avenue to build that program from the ground up. He did it with success. Under his direction, Hamilton has competed for two state championships and has been in the semifinals five times. He also coached back-to-back doubles champions. Gonzales announced this year would be his last as a coach. Just like Gonzales, Haagsma has also built an impressive resume as a coach at Valley Christian. He began his work at the school coaching girls basketball and baseball. He transitioned to boys basketball and has since become one of the winningest coaches in the state with more than 650 wins under his belt. He’s led the Trojans to six state titles and two runner-up finishes. He also serves as the school’s athletic director and in 2021 was named the 3A Athletic Director of the Year. Valley Christian is currently the top seed in the 3A playoffs and the favorite to win it all, which would give Haagsma his seventh title as coach. Winning a state title is special for any coach or athlete. For Rodriguez, it is still her favorite from her time at Basha.

The standout softball player led the Bears to back-to-back titles in 2008-09 before leading Yavapai and Phoenix College to junior college national championships in back-to-back years. While at PC, she batted .535, which is still top five all-time in program history. Rodriguez went on to star at Arizona State before joining the Mexican National Team and led them to their first Olympic appearance in 2021. She’s accomplished many feats but still vividly remembers the two state titles and representing her hometown on softball’s biggest stage. “It’s amazing to see your name not only in the spotlight but to say, ‘I’m from Chandler, Ariz.,’” Rodriguez said. “I enjoy representing the city and everyone that comes from it.” The ceremony also honored all six of Valley Christian’s championship basketball teams and Kerry Croswhite, the beloved Chandler swim coach who passed away in 2020 due to complications with COVID-19. Mark Tucker, a former All-American at USC who played in the NFL and has been a longtime assistant coach at Hamilton and Phoenix firefighter, was also honored. Yet again the event put all the talent Chandler has in its past on display, with many more to come. “It’s an honor to look back at everything I have accomplished and what all of us have,” Rodriguez said. “And there’s no better place to be honored like this than in Chandler.”

the East Valley since 2013 to win the NFL Flag National Championship. “Looking back, it’s amazing what we’ve done,” Percy Knox said. Ahead of the Pro Bowl, the Raiders played in three tournaments. They won the first, a local event called the Hard Count Turkey Bowl, before finishing as runner-ups in the Southwest Showdown a week later to Elite 25. However, the loss didn’t deter the Raiders, who beat Elite 25 in the regional tournament before winning the regional championship to book a trip to Las Vegas. In Nevada, the team would have an advantage they hadn’t had since the start of the campaign: a full roster playing together. “We had two kids that couldn’t play with us at the regional,” Percy Knox said.

“So we went into it with eight (players) and won with eight, and then those two, once they were done with what they were doing, they were able to then come in and practice with us. Literally, our first time together was on (Feb. 4) in the pool play.” The 10 players would lead the Raiders to a 2-1 record in pool play, enough for a berth in the 12-team single-elimination championship tournament. Knocking off New England Flag Football 26-12 and Metro Select — a team the Raiders played last season — 6-0 earned a championship clash with Apex Predators, based out of the Las Vegas Valley. It also gave the Raiders a significant upgrade in their playing environment, from fields at Heritage Park to Allegiant Stadium, one of the NFL’s newest stadiums with a price tag of $1.9 billion and a

seating capacity of 65,000 people. “It’s not every day that you get to go to the Pro Bowl and play in Allegiant Stadium,” Caleb Ely said. But Feb. 6 was one of those days. And it ended in triumph for the Raiders, whose celebratory activities included taking a picture with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. The players also walked through the AFC and NFC’s locker rooms and saw numerous players warming up for the Pro Bowl. Next season will likely be the Raiders’ first operating as a seven-on-seven club organization. Yet no one plans on forgetting the team’s storied run as a flag football squad anytime soon. “We were very successful,” Trey Knox said. “It was great to be able to go through all this and win as much as we did.”

SPORTS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MARCH 6, 2022

Valley Christian wins 3A state basketball title BY ZACH ALVIRA Arizonan Sports Editor

alley Christian was in unfamiliar territory early in the 3A boys basketball state championship game Saturday, Feb. 26 at Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum. The Trojans found themselves facing a double-digit deficit against Coolidge at the half. They were being out-rebounded, out-shot and overall, out-played in the first two quarters of the biggest game of the season. Head coach Greg Haagsma used the long intermission to calm his team down and help them refocus on the fundamentals. It worked. Valley Christian looked like a completely different team led by senior Caleb Shaw as it went on to outscore Coolidge 34-15 in the second half and defeat the Bears 61-56 to capture the 3A title. “We needed a long halftime to regroup and how to rebound better,” Haagsma said. “They were missing shots in the first half, too. They were just rebounding better. We stepped up the pressure a little bit certainly. “They were able to go cold and we were able to play an offense where we got some backdoor cuts, be patient and really attack the glass. Which I think really helped us a lot.” Coolidge jumped all over the Trojans in the first two quarters of play. The duo of Brayden Gant and Belclem Namegabe caused headaches everywhere on the floor and on the glass. Gant finished with a team-high 18 points and 12 rebounds. Namegabe added 16 points and 10 boards of his own. Coolidge’s ability to not only cash in from beyond the arc but get secondchance opportunities on the offensive end helped it quickly build a double-digit lead. Valley Christian, aside from the heroics from Caleb and his 19 first-half points, appeared to be worn down by Coolidge’s explosive burst of energy early on. But once settled down, the Trojans took over. “We just needed to have more intensity,” Caleb said. “Have more intensity and get after it on defense and rebounding.”

Valley Christian went on a 21-6 run in the third quarter, highlighted by its smothering defense, Caleb’s scoring and contributions from 6-foot-3 freshman wing Kyle Grier and Caleb’s younger brother, 6-foot-1 sophomore guard Luke. Grier, one of three freshmen for the Trojans this season, finished with 12 points and 7 rebounds. It was a quieter night for Luke, who averages more than 10 points a game. He capped off the season with a 7-point, 4-rebound performance. Even as Valley Christian appeared to have flipped a switch and out-matched Coolidge, the Bears hung around. At one point in the fourth quarter, the Trojan lead was cut to just two points. Valley Christian had a chance to extend its lead several times from the free throw line. But during a 3-minute stretch in the fourth quarter, the Trojans missed 8-of-9 free throws. Caleb had seven of those. “He’s got to get better at those, huh?” Haagsma said. “He put us on his back and carried us. He really did. That’s just the player he is.” Coolidge’s last opportunity to cut the lead was quickly taken away by Caleb, however, when he finally connected on a pair from the line. Luke added two of his own to ice the game. Caleb hugged Luke after the team had received the trophy and cut down a piece of the net. A senior, it was his way of passing the torch for the Valley Christian program after capping off his high school career with a 31-point, 10-rebound performance. He had similar success with his older brother Isaiah, who is now a freshman at Grand Canyon, where his father is an assistant coach and his uncle the head coach. Now, he and Luke have a title together. Valley Christian had been working toward winning the state championship since the summer when it took part in Section 7, a massive basketball showcase featuring some of the top teams in the country. It was at that moment Haagsma knew his team was special. And even in their few losses – one of which to Centennial, which is playing for the 5A championship – he felt it would benefit his team and prepare them for a grueling championship run.

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Ostrich Fest brings family fun, Grammy winners BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Staff Writer

he Four Tops’ Duke Fakir is up for any musical adventure and, this March, that includes the Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival. “We usually play Phoenix, but anywhere else in Arizona is a good, new adventure,” Fakir said with a laugh. “We should enjoy the festival. Anything that’s different than the normal scenery or even makes it a little more exciting for us.” The Four Tops are among the musical acts at this year’s Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival, which features national and regional musicians, attractions, more than 50 carnival rides, food vendors. Ostriches will roam freely in a des-

The Chandler Ostrich Festival returns after a two-year pandemic hiatus and it’s so much bigger that it will be held on two weekends. Chandler residents can attend on March 17 for free. (Chandler Chamber)

ignated area at the festival. For the first time in 32 years, the festival will take place on two weekends: Friday, March 11, to Sunday, March 13, and Friday, March 17, to Sunday, March 20. “We are thrilled to bring two weekends of Ostrich Festival family fun to our community so guests will have the opportunity for double the fun,” said Terri Kimble, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive officer and president. “We have been working diligently with the city of Chandler and SLE to plan the safest event possible for what is expected to be the best Ostrich Festival ever with our most diverse musical talent lineup to date.”

see OSTRICH page 32

Puppets put a new spin on TV show ‘Golden Girls’ BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Staff Writer

etty White was beloved by many, but Samantha Lee Mason gets to share that adoration nightly. She plays White’s character, Rose, in “That Golden Girls Show!” a new “theater experience” that parodies classic “Golden Girls” moments – with puppets. Mason lists the reasons to see the show: cheesecake, laughter, Jazzercise, shoulder pads, sex and schemes. “It’s super fun,” Mason said. “The character of Rose is known for being very sweet and, playfully, somewhat dim. She’s very earnest and naïve. “I love getting to bring her to life every day on the stage. Playing Betty White’s character – especially since her death – does bring a lot of weight to the world. It wasn’t there to begin with since I started. I now have the great pleasure to carry on

Samantha Lee Mason gives a hilarious yet reverent spin to the one-time hit TV show "Golden Girls" with her puppet extravaganza coming to Chandler Center for the Arts. (Special to GetOut)

Betty’s legacy the best way I can.” The 75-minute “That Golden Girls Show!” hits the Chandler Center for the Arts stage on Thursday, March 17, to Sunday, March 20. “Our story is told through three episodes of the ‘Golden Girls,’” she said. “They’re not episodes that were directly pulled from the actual show. It’s an amalgamation of different lines in the series with a new storyline within the world of the show. It’s very short, very sweet and you’ll laugh the whole time.” She confesses that even she has a hard time keeping cool during the performance. “I tend to be pretty good in terms of staying with it in the show,” she said. “But there have been a few moments when something crazy happens and you have to really focus. That’s the beauty of

see GOLDEN page 33

GET OUT

OSTRICH from page 31

Chandler residents will have a chance to attend the Ostrich Festival for free on St. Patrick’s Day, courtesy of the Chamber. To claim two adult and up to four children’s tickets good only for March 17 – dubbed Chandler Community Day at the Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festval – residents must act by March 7. Simply go to March 17 on the “buy tickets” page at ostrichfestival.com, then once you get to the checkout page enter your address and ZIP code. “For the first time we are offering all our Chandler residents a chance to come see this great family friendly festival for free,” Kimble said. “If you live in Chandler and haven’t had a chance to experience the Ostrich Festival, this is your chance.” The Four Tops are co-headlining with fellow Motown legends The Temptations on March 20. Additional headliners include Grammy award-winning The Band Perry coheadlining with pop star Uncle Kracker (March 11), Grammy-nominated country act Walker Hayes (March 12), rapper Flo Rida (March 13), the ’80s cover band Spazmatics (March 17), the legendary The Beach Boys (March 18) and Gram-

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MARCH 6, 2022

my winning R&B star Nelly (March 19). The 86-year-old Fakir – the lone surviving original Four Tops singer – said he’s slowing down from touring, but he is leaving a legacy with songs like “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There.” “I’m at an age where I’m not going to perform for too much longer,” he said. “I’m way up there and, at my age, very few people are performing. It’s time for me to ease out of the business and ease out with the wonderful story for The Four Tops. “Hopefully the younger Tops will keep this going.” To keep The Four Tops alive, Fakir is working on a memoir for London’s Omnibus Press as well as a Broadway musical, both of which are called “I’ll Be There.” “There’s a story about the Tops and a lot of people don’t know the true story,” he said. “It’s very interesting and it will be in the book that’s coming out in May, too. “I want them to know how and why we stayed together all these years; how it was and what it took for us to do that. The life we lived early in our career was very different and very exciting. When we were young, we all said a book was something we would do together. Un-

fortunately, we never did that. I have the honor of telling the story.” Fakir anticipates the book and the musical will be hits. “I’ll Be There,” the musical, will be ready by the end of the year, although it has not been cast yet. “I can’t wait for people to read, hear and go through the life of The Four Tops,” he said. “The wonderful part is my career is still going. It’s amazing to me. We have so much fun on stage. The audience makes it fun, too – especially nowadays because they’ve been pent up for so long.” Country rocker Uncle Kracker – known to his family as Matthew Shafer – wishes he could be in town for Motown night, as he’s from suburban Detroit. The former Kid Rock DJ anticipated his set will be primarily hits like “Follow Me,” “In a Little While” and Smile” and his cover of “Drift Away.” “When I do these things, I try not to get all new stuff on everybody,” he said with a laugh. “I want to show up and have fun. I want to please them with stuff they’ve heard. “I want the crowd to participate. After all, everybody needs to help out. If we’re going to be there, we all have to do some lifting.” Later this year, Shafer will start releasing music again, tunes he recorded dur-

ing the pandemic-induced break from touring. “I go crazy if I’m not in the studio,” said Shafer, who has kids ranging in age from 1 “and some change” to 22. “I get the itch if I’ve been out of it too long. I’ll probably do a tour around an actual album release, instead of one-off dates like this. I just can’t wait for this festival. It will be great to play for families again.”

Chandler today. It includes themes of housing, migration, agriculture, technology, self-sufficiency, and empathy. People are welcomed to stop by March 12 and March 13 for hands-on activities inspired by this exhibition. Explore cameras, create a story using photographs, and make your own milk bottle label. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 12, the musical duo Side by Side will perform. Public Objects: Artwork from the City’s Government photographers shot photos of Dust Bowl Permanent Collection migrants in Chandler in the 1930s and their work is on through March 27. display at Chandler Museum. (Courtesy of Chandler Museum) Since the public art ordiand white photographs. It examines nance was established in 1983, what home looked like and makes con- the City of Chandler has steadily collectnections between 1930s Chandler and ed or commissioned artwork from local,

regional, and national artists. While many people have seen the monuments, murals, and sculptures on public view throughout Chandler, this exhibition aims to highlight the gallery pieces the city has acquired through the years. From paintings and photography to ceramics and quilts, the City’s collection is as diverse as its population.

If you go

WHEN: Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival WHEN: 2 p.m. to midnight Friday, March 11; 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday, March 12; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, March 13; 4 to 11 p.m. Thursday, March 17; 2 p.m. to midnight Friday, March 18; 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday, March 19; and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, March 20 WHERE: Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Road, Chandler COST: Tickets start at $20 for ages 13 and older; start at $15 for children 4 to 12; free for children younger than 4. Chandler residents qualify for free tickets on March 17. See the website for more information. INFO: ostrichfestival.com

Dust Bowl exhibition to open at Chandler Museum ARIZONAN NEWS STAFF

handler Museum, 300 S. Chandler Village Drive, Chandler is offering a variety of free programs next month as well as a new exhibit. The museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. It is closed Mondays. Information: 480-782-2717 or chandlermuseum.org.Exhibits “Picturing Home: Dust Bowl Migrants in Chandler” is the new exhibit, running March 8- August 13, portrays the influx of Dust Bowl migrants into Chandler in the late 1930s. Government photographers Dorothea Lange and Russell Lee documented unique stories showing these migrants and their dwellings, which were often temporary. This exhibition is a history of Dust Bowl Chandler through unique black

Programs

Noon-12:30 March 1: A History of Public Art in Chandler When you’re out and about in Chandler you might spy a utility box adorned with cactus wrens and quail, walk through an archway of giant metal flowers, or snap a selfie next to a mural that radiates color. What do these diverse creations have in common? Since 1983, Chandler has devel-

see MUSEUM page 33

GET OUT

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MARCH 6, 2022

MUSEUM from page 32

oped innovative, sustainable ways to fund and acquire artworks that are relevant to neighborhoods and accessible to everyone. Peter Bugg, city visual arts coordinator, will discuss the city’s program. Guarantee a seat at: eventbrite.com/e/ history-bites-community-and-creativitya-history-of-public-art-in-chandler-tickets-239492236727 11 a.m.-2 p.m. March 19: Games of the Dust Bowl Era What did kids play with during the dust bowl era? Purchased or homemade, this selection will highlight the history of the 1930s.

GOLDEN from page 31

live theater.” A Chicago native, Mason is a trained musical theater performer who attended Indiana University. Now residing in New York City, she had puppeting experience, thanks to a run with “Reusable the Musical,” written and directed by John Tartaglia.

Bring your family and toy with classic games and toys. Brush up on the classics or explore something new! Each month features a different set of games and toys. Outdoor games and activities will be available in the courtyard weather permitting.

tral topic and then break off into family groups to engage in several activity stations. Geared toward ages 3-5.

“Most of my other performances are in musical theater,” she said. “I lived in Japan and worked for Tokyo Disney Resort for a year and a half. I wanted to travel the world, and that was the best way to do it.” Mason admits she wasn’t an “avid watcher” prior to her auditions for “That Golden Girls Show!” She saw it on Hulu, fell in love with it and binged the entire series. Now, she gets it.

“That Golden Girls Show!” kicked off its jaunt in 2016 and was forced to close down – just like the rest of the world – due to the pandemic. “The audience response has just been amazing, too,” she adds. “We look out in the audience and they’re wearing ‘Golden Girls’ face masks. It’s just overwhelming. “This is the farewell tour now. Fans should see it before it’s gone.”

10:30-11:15 a.m. March 2 and 16: Cotton From sprout to boll, spring in as we uncover what has been taking root in Chandler. Flourish with cotton farming themed sensory bins and crafts. These 45-minute programs are led by our friendly educators who compare everyday items, then and now. With new themes each month, program participants will begin together with a cen-

10:30-11:15 a.m. March 30: Museum Helpers Become a museum helper, learn what people at the museum do, and create your own exhibit idea. These 45-minute programs are led by our friendly educators who compare everyday items, then and now. With new themes each month, program participants will begin together with a central topic and then break off into family groups to engage in several activity stations. Geared toward ages 3-5.

10:30-11:15 a.m. March 9 and 13: Art Tots Pitch in to create a community-based work of art at the museum and take a small painting with you to share with your neighborhood. Want to make art with your little one but don’t want to clean the mess? Come for a 45-minute program led by our friendly educators that is an age-appropriate introduction to different art styles and concepts. With new themes each month, program participants will begin together with a central topic and then break off into family groups to engage in several art-centered activity stations. Geared toward ages 3-5.

If you go

WHAT: “That Golden Girls Show!” WHEN: Various times Thursday, March 17, to Sunday, March 20 WHERE: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler COST: Tickets start at $36 INFO: 480.782.2680, chandlercenter.org

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MARCH 6, 2022

Painting

Plumbing

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MARCH 6, 2022

Public Notices

INVITATION FOR PROPOSALS FOR DESIGN BUILD SERVICES: West Valley Housing Support Center, 12785 W. GRAND AVENUE, Surprise, ARIZONA 85374. A New Leaf, Inc. will receive proposals for the design build renovation of a 5,640 square foot apartment building. This project is federally funded through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds through the State of Arizona Department of Housing and the City of Surprise. Federal labor standards, Davis-Bacon prevailing wages, and Equal Employment Opportunity regulations of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 for Employment and Contracting Opportunities will apply to the project. Small, minority and/ or women owned businesses are encouraged to submit proposals. Sealed Proposals will be received until 1:00PM Arizona Time, on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at A New Leaf, 868 E University Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85203. Proposal documents, including previous building plans for the proposed work and the Request for Proposals may be obtained electronically. Contact Keon Montgomery, Director of Real Estate at: kmontgomery@turnanewleaf.org, Tel 480733- 3063, ext. 4311. All proposals must be a fixed firm price. A New Leaf, Inc., reserves the right to reject any and all proposals. An optional Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at the project site, 12785 W. GRAND AVENUE, Surprise, ARIZONA 85374, at which time the Client will be available to answer questions. Unless provided in writing, verbal authorizations or acknowledgments by anyone present will not be binding. Published in : The East Valley Tribume, March 6, 13, 2022/ 45080

OUT WITH THE OLD, CHIP RETURN

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WORD CROSS And now, a few words from the red fox...

RETURN YOUR TABLE GAMES CASINO CHIPS AT HARRAH’S AK-CHIN BEFORE THEY EXPIRE!

Bonus: You may have one of these in your house, but mine is underground _ _ _

If you have Table Games Casino chips received before July 7, 2021, please redeem them at the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino cashier cage no later than March 31, 2022 for a full refund. Disclaimer: Any discontinued Table Games chips not returned by March 31, 2022 will be void and hold no cash value. Redemption must take place at the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino cashier cage in person. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is not responsible for any unreturned Table Games chips. INVITATION TO BID: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley is seeking general contract services for its Phase I A Safe Roof and Phase II Improving Safety & Air Quality at its Mesa Grant Woods Branch located at 221 W. 6th Ave, Mesa AZ 85210. The owner will receive Bids for Boys & Girls Clubs Phase I A Safe Roof and Phase II Improving Safety & Air Quality at Mesa Grant Woods. This project is federally funded through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Federal labor standards, Davis-Bacon prevailing wages, and Equal Employment Opportunity regulations apply of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 for Employment and Contracting Opportunities. Small, minority and/ or women owned businesses are encouraged to submit bids. A Pre-Bid Conference (highly encouraged) will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at the project site: Boys & Girls Clubs Mesa Grant Woods Branch 221 W. 6th Ave, Mesa AZ 85210, at which time the Owner will be available to answer questions. Bidders are encouraged to attend. Unless provided in writing, verbal authorizations or acknowledgments by anyone present will not be binding. Sealed Bids will be received until 12:00 PM Arizona Time, on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, 4309 East Belleview St., Bldg. 14, Phoenix, Arizona 85008. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 12:30 PM Arizona Time, on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley (RESERVED CONFERENCE ROOM), 4309 East Belleview St., Bldg. 14, Phoenix, Arizona 85008. Bidding documents, including specifications to the proposed work and instructions to Bidders may be obtained (via email). Contact Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, Chilo Figueroa, Director of Facilities & Safety at: chilo.figueroa@bgcaz.org, Tel 602- 343-1256. All bids must be on a lump-sum basis. A schedule of values will be provided by the Contractor at the time of contract. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Across: 2. My girlfriend, and any female fox 3. I’m related to dogs, but since the iris of my eye is vertical, I have excellent hearing, I climb trees and I have retractable claws, I am also a bit like a _____. 4. Although my tail is called this, you can’t use it on your hair. Down: 1. I eat meat but also eat some plants. 3. My babies, bear babies and Chicago baseball players are called these.

Fox pun: I wonder what pheasant tastes like? I hope it isn’t grouse.

ANSWERS - Across: 2. Vixen, 3. Cat, 4.Brush Down: 1. Omnivore, 3. Cubs BONUS: Den

Life Events

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MARCH 6, 2022

Arizona’s Resort-Style Home Builder MASTER PLANNED CELEBRATED COMMUNITIES BY BLANDFORD HOMES

Award-winning Arizona builder for over 40 years. F BELL RD.

56TH ST.

Blandford Homes specializes in building master planned environments with a variety of amenities, parks, and charm. You’ll find the perfect community to fit your lifestyle. A STRATFORD NOW SELLING B C D E F G H

A Dramatic New Gated Community in Gilbert Vintage Collection • From the low $600’s • 480-895-2800 Craftsman Collection • From the low $700’s • 480-988-2400 PALMA BRISA – In Ahwatukee Foothills NOW SELLING A Dramatic New Gated Community Vintage Collection • From the high $600’s • 480-641-1800 Craftsman Collection • From the low $800’s • 480-641-1800 BELMONT AT SOMERSET – Prime Gilbert Location CLOSEOUT Luxury estate homes and timeless architecture • From the low $1,000,000’s • 480-895-6300 MONTELUNA – Brand New Gated Community in the Foothills of Northeast Mesa NOW SELLING B McKellips Rd just east of the Red Mountain 202 Fwy • From the high $600’s RESERVE AT RED ROCK – New Upscale Resort Community in the Foothills of Northeast Mesa COMING IN 2022 Stunning views of Red Mountain • From the $600’s TALINN AT DESERT RIDGE – SALES BEGIN EARLY IN 2022 Spectacular location at Desert Ridge ESTATES AT MANDARIN GROVE – In the Citrus Groves of NE Mesa CLOSEOUT 11 luxury single-level estate homes with 3- to 6-car garages plus optional RV garages and carriage houses • From the mid $1,000,000’s • 480-750-3000 ESTATES AT HERMOSA RANCH – In the Citrus Groves of NE Mesa CLOSEOUT 12 single-level homes on extra large homesites with 5- to 6-car garages plus optional RV garages and carriage houses • From the mid $1,000,000’s • 480-750-3000

E H G

C GERMANN

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

The Chandler Arizonian - 3.6.2022

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