The Chandler Arizonan April 3, 2022 by Times Media Group

CITY GIFTS UOFA $1M

TU LOOKS AT MENTAL HEALTH

PAGE 3

PAGE 16

From Uptown to Downtown, covering Chandler like the sun.

FREE | chandlernews.com

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

INSIDE

This Week

NEWS ............................ 20 Chandler Historical Society fading away.

BUSINESS ..................

Why downtown Chandler is rockin' strong.

SPORTS ....................... 36 Chandler High's S'Niyah Cade ready to take over.

KIDS CAMP ................................... 22 COMMUNITY ............................. 26 BUSINESS ..................................... 30 OPINION ....................................... 35 SPORTS ......................................... 36 CLASSIFIEDS ..................................37

April 3, 2022

Light in Chandler’s police-fire pension tunnel BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

handler Mayor Kevin Hartke was keeping count of every time Councilman Matt Orlando shouted, ‘Hip, hip, hooray,’ during the city’s second budget workshop last month. The final tally was six after more than two hours of staff giving the members of the council mostly good news. Revenues are up and Council members have a lot of extra money they can use to address priorities.

One of those ‘hip, hip, hoorays’ was for Chandler’s obligation for police and pension funds to the Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS). The city has been making huge payments to the fund for years. “As long as investment earnings come in as they should, and everything happens the way the plan is, we would be completely 100% funded by 2027,” said Dawn Lang, the city’s deputy city manager and chief financial officer. She said if they do that – and there are

Legendary Wild Horse raceway will be closing next February

some ifs involved – the city would see an increase in available funds of about $9.2 million a year. That would be the extra money the city has been paying to eliminate its unfunded liability in PSPRS. “Hip, hip, hooray,” Orlando said. “Council, I’m always in favor of turning one-time dollars into ongoing dollars,” Hartke said. The city has the extra cash for a couple of reasons. First, staff anticipated much lower

Little hero

see PENSION page 8

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Arizonan Executive Editor

fter four decades of racing thrills, Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park will be closed forever next year as the Gila River Indian Community’s development arm takes a giant step toward creating a 3,300-acre entertainment-retail-office complex. The Wild Horse Pass Development Authority announced March 25 the former Firebird International Raceway would hold its final National Hot Rod Association race (NHRA) next February at the 440-acre complex that includes a drag strip, road course and 2.4-mile oval motorboat racing lake. “For nearly 40 years, the NHRA, in conjunction with the Wild Horse Pass Development Authority, has wowed Arizona spectators and fans at the fastest quarter-mile in Arizona,” its brief announcement on social media stated. “Wild Horse Pass Devel-

see MOTOR page 10

At age 5, Connor Shaw of Chandler has been ﬁghting acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) since his diagnosis in August 2020. To raise awareness of childhood cancer, Connor will be the honorary starter for this year’s Children’s Cancer Network’s annual Run to Fight Children’s Cancer. See the story on page 6. (David Minton/Arizonan Staff Photographer)

WE SUPPORT HOMETOWN HEROES. ASK ABOUT OUR HOMETOWN HEROES BENEFITS AND SAVINGS. 480-855-6287 • WESTERNBANKS.COM Member FDIC

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

WELLNESS UPDATE:

Untreated hearing loss and dementia are linked. Older adults with hearing loss are more likely to develop problems thinking and remembering.1 Adults with untreated hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia.2

Though all human brains become smaller with age, shrinkage is accelerated in adults with hearing loss.3

Untreated hearing loss may result in serious long-term consequences to healthy brain functioning.4

severe loss moderate loss mild loss

times more likely

Treating hearing loss can help. If you let mild, moderate or severe hearing loss go untreated, research shows you’re more likely to develop dementia. But treating hearing loss with hearing aids has been shown to help.5

For a d limite time only!

Treat hearing loss before it’s too late.

FREE Hearing screening and consultation

Get an annual hearing screening once you reach age 50.

FREE Clean and check of your current hearing aids FREE Preview of the latest technology

APRIL 5TH - 7TH, TUESDAY - THURSDAY | 9am TO 5pm Call (480) 835-7892 today to schedule your FREE hearing evaluation! Come Meet Nationally-Known Hearing Aid Expert and Starkey Trained Specialist Ted Anderson Ted is one of the most successful Hearing Aid Experts in the country. He has conducted educational workshops for hearing instrument specialists all over the United States.

Locally owned and operated for 35 years! 7165 E University Dr., Bldg. 17 Suite 167 • Mesa, AZ 85207

We will be preforming thorough Hearing Consultations at NO CHARGE to ALL callers. If your evaluation shows hearing improvement with the new instruments, you may choose to retain them and receive up to $1500 OFF MSRP SOURCES: 1http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/hearing_loss_accelerates_brain_function_decline_in_older_adults_ | 2http:// www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/hearing_loss_and_dementia_linked_in_study_ | 3http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/ releases/hearing_loss_linked_to_accelerated_brain_tissue_loss_ | 4http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/hearing_loss_accelerates_brain_function_decline_in_older_adults_ | 5Amieva, H., Ouvrard, C., Giulioli, C., Meillon C., Rullier, L., & Dartigues, J. F. (2015). Self-reported hearing loss, hearing aids, and cognitive decline in elderly adults: A 25-year study. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2015 Oct;63 (10):2099-104. doi: 10.1111/jgs.13649. Starkey logo is a registered trademark of Starkey Laboratories, Inc. ©2022 Starkey Laboratories, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2/22 844876222

(480) 835-7892 | www.ABCHearingAids.com Save up to

1,500 OFF

MSRP on Starkey premium level hearing aids Expires 4/07/22

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

Chandler giving $1M to UArizona for better offices BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

he University of Arizona wants to expand its operations in Chandler – and wants taxpayers for $1 million to do so. City Council obliged on March 24, approving the request. UArizona already has been operating several ventures in the city. It recently opened its Global Campus, an online school that is in the process of becoming an official part of the university. Its Eller College of Management is an MBA program that combines both online and in-class learning. It also offers a limited number of inperson classes as part of its Near You program. The in-person classes have been taught at the Chandler Community Center, which the city agreed to lease space to the university in 2012. UArizona says it is ready to expand and wants to move into 10,000 square feet of office space inside the Johnathan Building in downtown.

It asked City Council to approve an intergovernmental agreement with the state Board of Regents to pay up to $1 million for tenant improvement costs, relocation, and reimbursement for rent expenditures for its lease inside the Johnathan. In exchange, Chandler would receive discounted tuition fees for city employees, the university’s participation in the city’s annual Innovation Fair, hosting at least six open houses and/or athletic events at the Chandler location each year to promote programs to local residents. The Johnathan, like its companion Alexander office building, Johnathan is an upscale five-story office building that boasts 107,500 square feet of modern workspace “tailored to the next-gen employee and forward-thinking employer.” It offers a host of physical fitness-related and other amenities, including a dogfriendly patio, library, billiards room, on-

see UARIZONA page 4

University of Arizona President Robert Robbins was in Chandler earlier this year for the opening of the school’s Global Campus. (Arizonan file photo)

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE MILITARY, FIRST RESPONDERS, FRONTLINE WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES QUALIFY.

Call for Details!

Not valid with any other offers or coupons.

PROPRIETARY LINE OF AMERICAN-MADE HVAC EQUIPMENT

PROPRIETARY LINE OF AMERICAN MADE HVAC EQUIPMENT

• 10-Year Parts & Labor Warranty Included on Two-Stage Equipment • 10-Year Parts & Labor Warranty Included on Two-Stage Equipment • Manufactured in Texas

• Manufactured in Texas

Trusted, Expert Service!

1500 OFF

NEW UNITS

Call 24/7 • 602-641-2960 Call 24/7 • 602-641-2960 FRONTLINE WORKERS

Up to

New Systems

as low as

per mo.

29-POINT TUNE-UP

17.75

Includes Full Unit Inspection, Light Coil, Cleaning and a written report of ﬁndings.

$80 Value!

Not valid with any other offers or coupons.

FREE SERVICE CALL

Check us out on

SemperFiHeatingCooling.com

ROC #309388 ROC #320048

SemperFiHeatingCooling.com

ROC#309388 ROC#320048

With Repair. Please call for details. Not valid with any other offers or coupons.

CITY NEWS

UARIZONA from page 3

site concierge and outdoor gaming area. Its health-related amenities include “spa-inspired showers,” on-site yoga, an “outdoor tranquil garden,” a juice-andcoffee room and even a room for mothers to tend to their babies’ needs. Chandler Economic Development Director Micah Miranda said it has been part of the city’s plan for years to bring more post-secondary opportunities to Chandler. He said the city will benefit from the leasing relationship because it would work with the university on which programs are available, giving U of A a chance to educate a workforce to fill many of the tech jobs needed by all the companies expected to move to the city. “We really work with them to increase their service offering within the com-

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

munity, to really focus on tech-oriented training to closely align with our goals as a community and our economic development framework,” Miranda said. Council members expressed some concerns during a March 21 study session, though there were no major objections voiced. “This is an innovative idea,” said Councilman Mark Stewart. “It’s not very often that cities give dollars to help universities which get state funding. It falls under the umbrella of economic development.” Miranda said the university hopes to start classes inside the Johnathan in August. It would be a five-year lease, with an option for another five years. Most of the Council appeared to be supportive. “Let’s continue to move this thing forward,” Councilwoman Christine Ellis

said. “I think I’m hoping to see more of that coming through.” Councilman Matt Orlando said he’s intrigued by the proposal. “The high schools are doing these cyber security, cyber ops,” he said. “Now we have the community college, I just love this linkage to the higher education scenario.” Mayor Kevin Hartke pointed out that Intel is working with local community colleges to do training, not just for high-tech jobs but also for manufacturing positions. Miranda assured him that would also be part of what U of A offers. He told Council that the school currently offers 10 certificates for training in tech fields that Chandler employers are looking to fill. “This is a great opportunity for Chandler residents to get involved,” said Councilman OD Harris.

Chandler to allow video hearings for protection orders BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

handler Municipal Court will now allow victims of domestic violence to file for protection orders by video conference, allowing them to speak to a judge remotely. The announcement drew praise from Alicia Paddock, a program manager with My Sister’s Place, a shelter program run by Catholic Charities for domestic violence victims that operates about 30 beds in the Chandler region. “Navigating the legal system as a victim can be complicated,” Paddock said. “It can be overwhelming. This allows them to not have that traumatic experience of having to see their abuser.” She said it also helps them overcome one of the main barriers her clients face, transportation to and from the court. Court Administrator Ken Kung ran a similar program during his tenure in the same position at Scottsdale Municipal Court and saw a need for it in Chandler, so he began working with My Sister’s Place to make it happen. “We are focused on ensuring the safety of all patrons in domestic violence cases by leveraging technology to extend access to the court,” Kung said. Kung said Chandler and the state Leg-

Alicia Paddock, a program manager for My Sisters Place, said domestic violence victims will be helped by Chandler Municipal Court’s video conferencing for protection from abuse orders. (Ken Sain/Staff Photographer)

islature beefed up their video conferencing capabilities during the pandemic, enabling the switch. “For the victims of domestic violence, we want to make sure they are safe,” Kung said. Chandler Municipal Court handles about 70 protective orders each month. Paddock said domestic violence cases continue at a high rate. She said My Sister’s Place rarely has vacancies in their shelters and when one materializes, the bed is usually filled within 24 hours. About 70 percent of the people needing shelter have children. Paddock said the statistics show that a victim will return to their abuser seven times before leaving them for good. “The No. 1 reason why people don’t want to leave is because of finances, and the No. 1 reason why they want to go back is because of finances. Economic abuse is a big part of domestic violence. A big part of our job is to educate on how to manage your money, how to be in control of what’s yours.” Paddock said My Sisters Place did not see an increase in domestic violence cases during the pandemic, but said she suspects the cases were up. With many parents both working from home, it would make reporting and leaving harder to do, she said.

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 Publisher Steve T. Strickbine Vice President Michael Hiatt

ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising 480-898-6309 Classifieds/Inside Sales Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@chandlernews.com TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@chandlernews.com Advertising Office Manager Lori Dionisio | 480-898-6309 | ldionisio@chandlernews.com Director of National Advertising Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@chandlernews.com

NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor Paul Maryniak | 480-898-5647 | pmaryniak@chandlernews.com Reporter Ken Sain | 480-898-6825 | ksain@timespublications.com Photographer David Minton | dmonton@timespublications.com Design Jay Banbury | jbanbury@chandlernews.com Production Coordinator Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@chandlernews.com Circulation Director Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@chandlernews.com The Chandler Arizonan is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, and for subscription information, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@ azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegatedmedia.com.

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

#1 Rated Shop in the East Valley

Se Habla Español

Your Trusted European Car Specialists We at Huffs Automotive are specialists in:

• Mercedes Benz • Land Rover • BMW • Jaguar • Porsche • Audi • Volkswagen

Serving the East Valley since 2009! Family Owned and Operated

BESTOF

2021

VOTED #1

EAST VALLEY AUTO REPAIR

Call 95 N. Dobson Rd. • Chandler, AZ 85224 480-726-8900 • huffsautomotive.com AppFoor An intment! info@huffsautomotive.com

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

Chandler boy, 5, to lead Run for Cancer BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

indsay Shaw said she and her husband wanted to give their 4-yearold son Connor a big goal to keep him motivated as he was battling cancer. “When he first got diagnosed we asked him, like, ‘This is going to be super hard, but we’ll take you anywhere you want to go when you’re done.’ I’m pretty sure he picked … Barnes & Noble.” The south Chandler mom told him, “Think bigger!” Connor was diagnosed with leukemia in August 2020. He immediately started getting treatment and it has worked; his body no longer is creating leukemia cells. He continues to get chemo treatments to rid his body of any cancerous cells. If everything stays according to plan, Connor will finish with the treatments in November. And then as a reward, he and his family will head to Florida for a trip to Disneyworld. The now 5-year-old does have an im-

Chandler resident Lindsay Shaw watches as her son Connor picks out a super hero mask from Patti Luttrell, executive director and co-founder of the Chandler-based Children’s Cancer Network. (David Minton/Arizonan Staff Photographer) portant job before that trip. He will be the official race starter for the Chandler-

Let’s RALLY FOR RAFFY and get this amazing single father of two beautiful girls a peaceful home to recover in.

JUST SOLD!

16010 S 39th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85042 3 bedroom/2 bath, 2014 sf SOLD FOR $81,000 OVER ASKING!

Raffy’s story is an inspiration for all. In 2005, at 19 years old, his kidneys shut down, he received a kidney from his sister 6 months later. In 2015, his new kidney shut down. Finally, he got his second transplant in 2021. In addition a third corneal transplant was done on March 24th. This has taken a toll on Raffy and his family physically, emotionally, and financially. Your help is greatly appreciated. Sponsors, players and auction items are all greatly appreciated.

11404 E Northridge Street Mesa, AZ 85207 4 bedroom/3 bath, 3295 sf SOLD FOR $1,350,000

COMING SOON

6 ACRES FOR SALE! 000 W Aries Street, #67, Eloy, AZ 85131 $49,000

based Children’s Cancer Network’s annual Run to Fight Children’s Cancer on

8515 S 31st Way, Phoenix, AZ 85042 4 bedroom/2.5 bath 3607 sf, 19,751 SF LOT! Gated community, preserve lot - backs to South Mountain Park $1,025,000

JUST LISTED! 2208 E Jensen Street, Mesa, AZ 85213 4 bedroom/2 bath 2636 sf 14,162 SF LOT! $550,000

Lisa Wunder The Wunder Team

602.538.4308

Direct: Email: lisawunder@gmail.com

Realtor , ®

April 9 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale. He also will wear a super hero cape and mask and participate in the Cancer Survivor’s Walk. “Obviously, in the beginning we were devastated, and just never thought in a million years this would be something we’d be going through,” Lindsay said. “You always think it’s never going to happen to you. ‘That’s really sad for somebody else, but I’m glad that’s not us.’ To be in a position where it is us, has been just such a learning experience for us for like how our family handles stuff, tragedy, hardship.” Lindsay said one thing she learned is how strong her support network is, with family and friends coming to their aid in a matter of hours. She said Connor has earned the super hero cape the Children’s Cancer Network has given him. “He has an incredibly positive attitude,” Lindsay said. “In the beginning there

see CANCER page 16

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022 PAID ADVERTISEMENT

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN WARNING! Our clinic is taking every precaution and we follow strict CDC guidelines to ensure that our patients, clinic and staff are SAFE! Mesa, AZ — The most common method your doctor will recommend to treat your chronic pain and/or neuropathy is with prescription drugs that may temporarily reduce your symptoms. These drugs have names such as Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin, and are primarily antidepressant or anti-seizure drugs. These drugs may cause you to feel uncomfortable and have a variety of harmful side effects. Chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and the most debilitating balance problems. This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet which causes the nerves to begin to degenerate due to lack of nutrient flow.

determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation. As long as you have not sustained at least 95% nerve damage there is hope!

Fig. 2

NOTE: Once you have sustained 95% nerve loss, there is likely nothing that we can do for you. 3) How much treatment will your condition require?

Spring Forward In Style!

Aspen Medical will do a chronic pain and neuropathy severity examination to determine the extent of the nerve damage as a public service to you and/or your family and friends. This neuropathy/ pain severity examination will consist of a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and a detailed analysis of the findings of your neuropathy.

The treatment that is provided at Aspen Medical has three main goals. 1) Increase blood flow

E-Z-GO Liberty

2) Stimulate and increase small fiber nerves 3) Decrease brain-based pain The treatment to increase blood flow, stimulate small nerve fibers and get you back to health is our new $50,000.00 SANEXAS UNIT! As you can see in Figure 2, as the blood vessels that surround the nerves become diseased they shrivel up which causes the nerves to not get the nutrients to continue to survive. When these nerves begin to “die” they cause you to have balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling, burning, and many additional symptoms. The main problem is that your doctor has told you to just live with the problem or try the drugs which you don’t like taking because they make you feel uncomfortable. There is now a facility right here in Mesa that offers you hope without taking those endless drugs with serious side effects. (See the special neuropathy severity examination at the end of this article) In order to effectively treat your neuropathy three factors must be determined. 1) What is the underlying cause? 2) How much nerve damage has been sustained.

OAC

In addition, we use a state-of-the-art diagnostics like the TM Flow diagnostic unit to accurately determine the increase in blood flow and a small skin biopsy to accurately determine the increase in small nerve fibers! The Sanexas electric cell signaling system delivers energy to the affected area of your body at varying wavelengths, including both low-frequency and middle-frequency signals. It also uses amplitude modulated (AM) and frequency modulated (FM) signaling. During a treatment session, the Sanexas system automatically changes to simultaneously deliver AM and FM electric cell signal energy. THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT SANEXAS IS COVERED BY MEDICARE AND MOST INSURANCE! Depending on your coverage, your treatment could be little to no cost to you! The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be

Aspen Medical will be offering this chronic pain and neuropathy severity examination from now until April 30, 2022. Call 480274-3157 to make an appointment to determine if your chronic pain and peripheral neuropathy can be successfully treated.

E-Z-GO RXV

Due to our very busy office schedule, we are limiting this FREE consultation offer to the first 15 callers. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER ANOTHER MINUTE, CALL Call 480-274-3157 … NOW! We are extremely busy and if your call goes to our voicemail, please leave a message and we will get back to you asap.

480-274-3157 4540 E Baseline Rd., Suite 119 Mesa Az 85206

We Service What We Sell • TRADE-IN’S WELCOME • HIGHLY RATED SERVICE DEPARTMENT • VISIT OUR PARTS DEPARTMENT

480.895.2000

25820 S. Arizona Ave. Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

www.A1GolfCarts.com

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

Left: City staff provided Chandler City Council with this update on where it and its neighbors stand with paying down billions in unfunded public safety pension liability. Right: The city’s proposed budget for the 2022-23 ﬁscal year broke down the categories and amounts of one-time expenditures in the proposed spending plan.(City of Chandler)

PENSION from page 1

revenues coming in the past two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, they set their budget accordingly. They were surprised when revenues came in at a much higher rate and that the pandemic did little damage to the local economy. The other reason is the city always

sees an increase in revenues when Intel expands. That company began $20 billion expansion of its manufacturing buildings at its Ocotillo campus in the fall. The city had not planned on Intel expanding this quickly, so that also was not planned for in the budget. Last time Intel expanded, it took them years to actually start work. Not so this year. So the city is anticipating a beginning

Having a best friend in the kitchen. That’s the Power of WE.

Imagine your life having a complete support system. It's like an extended family working together, supporting you, raising your spirits and making life easier. Smiles at every turn, a chef who knows just how you like your favorite meal. A life thriving through connection.

Lunch & Learn | Wed., April 13th • 11:30am

Join us for a presentation on the exceptional services and safeguards offered. Afterwards, take a tour and enjoy lunch. To RSVP, call 480.400.8687.

CARF-ACCREDITED INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

990 West Ocotillo Road • Chandler • 480.400.8687 TheVillageatOcotillo.com

this was go“ingWetoknew be a struggle, and

we had to bide our time, and we had to wait for a lot of this to clear, for us to be able to do more quality of life for our citizens. We had to pay this off, through no fault of our own, we inherited this.

”

– Rene Lopez

general fund balance of $241.3 million for fiscal 2022-’23. For context, it is expecting that balance to be under $114 million in fiscal year 2026-’27. The city set a goal of being fully funded with PSPRS before June 30, 2036. On June 30 last year, the city’s unfunded liability totaled $153.9 million. That amount did not include the $22 million the city paid later in the summer. To get it fully funded by 2027, it will take a $50 million payment this year and a $20 million payment the following years. There are variables that would have to hold up, including investments returning at the rate they are expected. “So, I didn’t give you the really good news, though,” Lang said. By getting fully funded, the city’s rate of contributions will eventually come

down. Right now, the city pays 49.12% for police and 41.67% for fire. She said the future rates would continue to fall. Many Valley cities have unfunded liabilities with PSPRS – an obligation that they are legally required to meet. Many also have accelerated their payments in an effort to catch up and erase what has been a staggering debt in many cases. The largest debt in Arizona has been racked up by Phoenix, which has an unfunded pension liability of $3.5 billion. In its preliminary “trial budget” for the fiscal year beginning July 1, the city manager’s office gave only a one-sentence mention of that debt, stating the bill “will require continued diligence and further resource strategies in the coming years.” Councilman Rene Lopez said Chandler’s potential success in erasing its pension debt more quickly than anticipated is Council’s reward for being frugal with taxpayer dollars and making the commitment to pay off this debt calls for more spending on other issues, including police and parks. Indeed, previous Phoenix budget planners have warned City Council that its failure to pay down the debt may eventually force cuts in basic services. “This is the hard decision that I think councils before have had and that we have had eight years ago,” Lopez said. “We knew this was going to be a struggle, and we had to bide our time, and we had to wait for a lot of this to clear, for us to be able to do more quality of life for our citizens. We had to pay this off, through no fault of our own, we inherited this.”

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

CITY NEWS

MOTOR from page 1

opment Authority is excited to celebrate the final race of this storied racetrack, February 2023.” Authority Interim General Manager Elizabeth Antone added, “Arizona has been an incredible supporter of the NHRA and Wild Horse Pass Motorsport Park for the past four decades and we are very grateful for this tremendous fan support. We know this final race will be a celebration that NHRA fans are famous for.” Neither tribal nor authority officials returned phone calls and emails seeking

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

further comment. Also not commenting was Sunbelt Holdings, a Scottsdale development company that was charged by the GRIC early last year with leading the creation of a mega-complex that would include additional hotels, wellness and event centers, an outdoor amphitheater for concerts, sports facilities, outdoor recreation and parks, restaurants, retail establishments and an office park. When the tribe and Sunbelt announced the development plan in January 2021, Sunbelt President John Graham said, “The stuff we do is long term in nature,”

A TRU BURGER EXPERIENCE! Indulge in Downtown Chandler’s latest burger crave. Premium burgers made with antibiotic- and hormone-free beef, freshly chopped gourmet salads, fresh cut fries and more in a vibrant, buzzing atmosphere.

Limited Time Only!

CLASSIC BURGER & FRIES Served weekdays 11AM-4PM $10.99 Dine-in only

New!

WEEKEND BRUNCH Saturdays and Sundays 9AM-1PM

(480) 597-7806 | 140 N. Arizona Ave #100 Chandler, AZ 85225 | trulandburgers.com

This vision of Wild Horse Pass Development Authority’s proposed 3,300-acre development was released early last year. (File photo) he said. “Our first plan is kind of a 10year plan but I would believe between this land and other tribal land around it that it’s a 30-year build-out.” The Wild Horse Pass Authority has been promoting that development on its website as a federal Opportunity Zone, where companies can secure big tax breaks for developing new properties and upgrading existing ones in areas designated as economically distressed. “Where Interstate 10 Meets Loop 202, Opportunity Meets Its Destination,” the authority states, noting the “3,300-acre master planned commercial development (is) offering sites for: entertainment, retail, office and themed attractions. available sites range in size to accommodate from 1,000 to 1,000,000 square feet with no real-property tax.” Phoenix Rising, the state’s largest professional soccer team, last year opened a new 6,200-seat stadium on the site. The tribe also had made a pitch to host the 2021 Arizona State Fair as the pandemic threatened its usual Phoenix site, but fair officials decided the site lacked sufficient infrastructure to accommodate hundreds of thousands of fair visitors and that time was too short to address major issues there. While the raceway is going away, an adjacent school that teaches racing and other sophisticated driving techniques isn’t moving. “The recent announcement regarding the future of the drag racing track at Wildhorse Pass Motorsports Park will not have an impact on our operations or course offerings,” said Mike Kessler, general manager at Radford Racing School.

“Our legendary 1.6-mile racetrack is the heart and soul of our school, and we’ll continue to be a world-class driver training facility and motorsports destination for performance enthusiasts worldwide,” Kessler added. Radford Racing School takes its name from Radford Motors, a legendary British car manufacturer with brands like Rolls Royce and Bentley. The school’s four owners bought the property after the 50-yearold Bondurant School of High Performance Driving tanked several years ago in a multimillion-dollar bankruptcy case. Following the Wild Horse Pass Development Authority’s announcement, the racing fan website dragzine.com said the Motorsports Park closing was related to a pending overhaul of the Wild Horse Pass Exit on the I-10. “Wild Horse Pass officials shared rather unceremoniously via its social media channels that a new overpass/roadway for the I-10 extension will use the space now occupied by the track, with construction presumably set to begin sometime in 2023,” dragzine said. “Mind you, this highway overpass was not part of the The Wild Horse Pass Development Authority plans shown to the public last January (2021), so this is clearly a recent development, and one that vastly shortened the time that Arizona locals thought they had left to enjoy the facility.” The only problem is that there are no existing plans to overhaul that in-

see MOTOR page 19

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

Tumbleweed ballfield plan not all Council wanted BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

t appears Council will not to get its wish for the new softball fields at Tumbleweed Park to be truly multipurpose. Council was scheduled to vote Thursday on a proposal to hire Gavan & Barker as a consultant in designing four softball fields in the southwest corner of the park. (The vote came after the deadline for this newspaper.) Councilman Mark Stewart said he was hoping the new fields would be able to host both softball and baseball in both youth and adult leagues. “One of the things we talked about in the planning of this and talking about the needs for fields, was ensuring that these are multi-purpose fields, meaning that they had the ability to be used for baseball,” he said. But city staff told Stewart that was unlikely. “There is only so much space within this area,” said John Sefton, the city’s community services director. Sefton said the contract calls for at least 300 feet from the plate to the outfield fence. He said that would accommodate some youth baseball leagues, but would not be enough for older ages. “Depending upon the age group,” Sefton said, “at 300 feet you can use Little League and under play on a field like this with portable mounds and others. As you talk about sports at the higher-age group and to get the 90-foot field, with the 400-foot outfield at center, 350 at the wings, you’d have to sacrifice either the number of fields in order to achieve that space, or it’s a shorter field.” “OK, that’s a concern,” Stewart responded. “We don’t get the opportunity to build fields often, so we want to be able maximize that space.” Sefton said his staff does want the fields to be adaptable and multi-func-

tional. And since the design phase would go on for about a year, they would have opportunities to change them before building begins next year. Councilman Matt Orlando pointed out this proposal has been in the works for years and that it was originally brought forward because of the need for better softball facilities. Meanwhile, Council held its first public hearing to put the Home Rule option on this year’s primary ballot. Every four years the city must ask residents to vote for Home Rule so the city can exceed state spending limits that were voted into the Constitution in 1980. Dawn Lang, the city’s deputy city manager, said if voters do not approve it this year, the city will have to cut about $216 million in spending. Chandler voters have approved Home Rule all 10 times it has been on the ballot. The second public hearing was scheduled for Thursday and Council was expected to vote to put it on the ballot later that night. Council also discussed the need for better pickleball facilities to keep up with the growth of that sport’s popularity. It came up in a discussion over improvements at the Tumbleweed Tennis Center. Council members said they were eager to vote for the proposal to rename the center stage at the Chandler Center for the Arts after Steena Murray, treasurer of the Chandler Culutral Foundation and a longtime supporter of the arts in Chandler. That proposal has already been endorsed by the Chandler Unified School District Governing Board. The District co-owns the center with the city. Final approval was expected Thursday. City officials also said they are planning a party to coincide with next year’s Super Bowl, which will take place in Glendale. They are calling it the 2023 End Zone Experience.

Do you have an interesting story? Contact Paul Maryniak: pmaryniak@timespublications.com

CITY NEWS

What’s The Real Value Of Hearing Aids? • Hearing Aids • Hearing Protection • Hearing Testing

BESTOF

2022

Check out our online hearing screener at FynesAudiology.com

“Did your new hearing aids cost much?” inquired a friend. “Well,” said the new hearing aid user as she drew a deep breath.” my hearing loss cost me three friendships that I know of, a strained relationship with my husband, two grandchildren who think I don’t understand them, boredom at church, and lost interest in attending get-togethers.” After a reflective pause, she added: “Sure I invested some money to get these hearing aids... but it doesn’t compare with what it cost before I got them.”

480-456-0176 www.fynesaudiology.com 2058 S Dobson Rd #9, Mesa, AZ 85202

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

The show goes on for Chandler seniors BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

t didn’t take Trevor Groth long to know his show was going to be a success. “This is the first one, I did do the virtual show last year, but this is the first one I’ve done before an audience,” Groth said of the Spice of Life Senior Variety Show last month at the Chandler Center for the Arts. “I didn’t get the full experience last year, but in the matinee show, after that first act came off stage, the audience was just so responsive. A lot of them were Chandler seniors got a chance to show off their stage talents at the annual Spice of Life Senior Variety Show. They included 1) Jesse Washington, who belted out “Unchained Melody” for the audience; 2) The Trilogy Tappers, all of whom live in the Trilogy at Power Ranch community; 3) Addie Bates, who sang “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers;” and 4) The Dream Steppers, who performed a tap routine to “Chattanooga Choo Choo.”

just excited to be back.” As the city’s recreation coordinator, he was in charge of the first senior talent show the city has done since 2019. The show two years ago was days away from taking place when the pandemic began and public gatherings went away. Last year, they asked a few acts to perform before a camera to do a virtual show. Jesse Washington, who performed ‘Unchained Melody’ and ‘Mr. Bojangles’ at this year’s show, said it was great to be in front of an audience again. “Everybody was really excited to get back together again,” said Mary Anne Asciutto, who performed ‘All That Jazz.’

“We were all so happy to see everyone come back.” Groth said many of the performers are veterans who have been part of this show for a number of years. He said one of the biggest challenges they had to overcome was figuring out how to make everyone feel comfortable coming back with the pandemic still underway. “We’re still kind of dealing with everybody’s emotions, their feelings about if they wanted to come out or not,” he said. “Luckily, we’ve had quite a few people who have been a regular part of the show who came back.” Two of those people were Director Ar-

(David Minton/Arizonan Staff Photographer)

lene Strandberg and Emcee Rosemary Morton. Groth said it was their 20th show together. In the days before the show took place, a couple of performers in the second act became ill. The show must go on, so they shuffled together a new lineup for the second act. “Arlene and Rosemary, with those two professionals in the field, they were able to pull it together,” Groth said. There were three auditions in January to earn a spot in the show, Groth said. “It’s fun to see the talent of the seniors here,” Asciutto said. “There’s a true love of singing, of performing.”

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

Best

t h g i l t o p S BESTOF

2021

BESTOF

2021

Kelly Jorn Cook, D.D.S.

Kelly Jorn Cook’s dentistry has 3 decades of service ARIZONAN NEWS STAFF

Kelly Jorn Cook, D.D.S., offers a wide range of dentistry services to suit almost any dental need. Located at 3800 W. Ray Road, Chandler, his practice includes the most recent dental technologies to make a patient’s visit safe, convenient, painless and positive. “We offer full-service dentistry, including dental implants, Invisalign, and cosmetic restorations,” Cook said. “The entire team strives to provide the highest quality personalized dental care for patients of all ages in a stress-free, fun environment. My unique approach to dentistry is in the ofﬁce atmosphere.” While providing “the highest quality of dentistry,” he said he creates an environment of more fun and less fear. Cook balances “being the doc that rocks and with

keeping it simple” and is continually upgrading his ability and knowledge through continuing dental education and encourages and supports his staff to do the same. “What you see is what you get: great dentistry and a really good time,” he said. When not practicing dentistry, he is golfing with his wife or hanging out with their 12 dogs. “The health and well-being of our patients and team members continues to be our top priority,” Cook added. “We practice all COVID-19 safety protocols and are seeing patients by appointment only. Many of these safeguards have always been a part of our practice, but we have taken additional precautions to ensure your protection for your appointment.” Information: kellyjorncook.com

tune up your smile with the doc that rocks! VOTED BEST DENTIST IN Chandler AND BEST OF THE BEST! BESTOF

BESTOF

2021

2020

Chan

dler

• Gilb e

rt • M esa

DENTIST Kelly Jorn Cook, D.D.S. 3800 W. Ray Road 480-899-4477 kellyjorncook.com

Known as the “doc that rocks,” Dr. Kelly Cook continually upgrades his dental knowledge, techniques and in-office technology to provide the highest-quality dentistry to all of his patients. Cook’s clients can expect to be put at ease with his sense of humor, approachability and honesty while he helps them get their best smile.

READER RECOMMENDED Carlos Lopez, D.M.D. Dr. Robert Savage, D.D.S. Riggs Family Dental Savage Smiles 3960 E. Riggs Road 480-566-8349 riggsfamilydental.com

1960 W. Germann Road 480-334-5402 savage-smiles.com

, great DENTISTry. that s how we roll. 480.899.4477 chandler, az

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

Prize-winning robotics team aims high BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

ure, the Chandler-based Degrees of Freedom robotics team is inspiring others around the world, but it’s the impact they are having in their own homes that can put a smile on their face. “Seeing people like us is definitely an encouragement,” said Natalie Rodriguez, captain of the 17-person team sponsored by the Si Se Puede Foundation. “Personally, my little sister was never involved with STEM, but she came to one of our outreach events, and she had the ability to touch the robot for the first time, and after that she wants to join the team,” added Natalie, a Chandler High student. What makes Degrees of Freedom stand out is the majority of team members are girls and racial minorities. Only seven of 17 members are boys. That makes them a rare sight when they compete against other teams at robotics competitions.

Top: From left, Natali Rodriguez, Mason Lebsack, Elizabeth Seatin and Quincy Dozier of the Si Se Puede Foundation STEM Center show off their robot. (David Minton/Arizonan Staff Photographer) Right: Prithika Chauhan monitors the robot as it shoots balls into the goal. (David Minton/Arizonan Staff Photographer)

“Typically, it has been more male dominated, than female,” Natalie said. “Or if I ask, it has been like we have two girls

total, out of like the 30 dudes.” “And on top of that, all of the girls that we’ve seen, or all of the girls that we’ve

interacted with on other teams, are not

ties as well,” said Maria. Shortly after the lesson, Maria gave a 10-minute speech highlighting the importance of her Gold Award project, introducing all the skating coaches that volunteered and shared her experiences as a competitive figure skater. The event finished with a bang, as ten of the volunteers put on an exhibition for attendees, skating their competitive programs and introducing new styles of skating to the crowd like free style, ice dance, synchronized skating and more. “Overall, this event was a big success,” said Maria. “I have received messages from parents telling me about how impactful my event was and have heard from instructors that some of the public skaters who attended the event have signed up for the program and began taking lessons.” Another element of Maria’s project was her blog, skateforfitness.net, a site dedicated to answering unique skating questions and addressing the health benefits the sport of figure skating has to offer. “Because my project was all about

education, it was important to me that I created a place where people could visit and learn something they didn’t know before, whether it was about buying your first pair of skates or the benefits the sport has on our health,” said Maria. Maria’s efforts earned her a Gold Award, an honor given to a Girl Scout who displays leadership and creates sustainable solutions to challenges in their community. “Through my efforts, I was able to learn a lot about myself and my perseverance, especially when it comes to something I am so passionate about,” said Maria. “Even though I experienced some challenges along the way, I was still able to achieve my goal of putting on a fun and educational event for the youth in my community.” Maria, who has been a part of Girl Scouts for nine years, was also able to apply her important skills she has learned over the years through her other community projects. “I have learned how to use my lead-

see ROBOTICS page 17

Chandler Girl Scout helps youths discover skating

BY JUSTIN LIGGIN Guest Writer

hen 15-year-old Chandler resident Maria Gonzalez isn’t on the ice practicing for her next figure skating competition, she is out in the community making a difference. By combining her passion for helping others with her love for figure skating, this Girl Scout has become a changemaker, inspiring youth to find their footing on the ice and to pursue new physical activities through her project that earned her the highest honor in Girl Scouting, a Gold Award. “Being a competitive figure skater for 10 years, I felt compelled to take action and address the issue of physical inactivity of the youth in my community,” said Maria. The first part of Maria’s efforts to address this issue were through her Skate for Fitness instructional event at Ice Den Chandler, a place she frequents regularly for practice. The event started with a free 20-minute lesson where almost 70 children were able to learn the basics of

Maria Gonzalez figure skating like how to start and stop on skates. “I wanted to create an environment where kids could ask questions and receive direct instruction from the coaches that have helped me improve my abili-

see SCOUT page 21

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST EAST VALLEY PLUMBER 2 YEARS IN A ROW!

FREE 25 $

SERVICE CALL

OFF REPAIR

EXPERT, FAST & AFFORDABLE • Sewer & Drain Cleaning • Water Heater Repair & Replace • Home Water Filtration Systems • Kitchen & Bath Installations • Slab Leak Detection & Repair • Reroutes & Whole House Repiping

BESTOF

2021

Over 1,000 Five-Star Reviews

BESTOF

2022

480-405-7099

ROC #223709 ROC #289252 | ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

TU presentation focuses on students’ mental health BY PAUL MARYNIAK Arizonan Executive Editor

he video that flashed onto different Tempe Union students said it all. Some students said variations of “the last couple years have been hard, really, really hard.” And others in different tones of voice reassured their classmates, “You’re not alone.” The video underscored the complex challenge of addressing students’ socialemotional well-being that was the subject of a two-hour presentation by administrators and counselors at last week’s Tempe Union Governing Board meeting. Prior to 2020, teens’ mental health already had been gaining more attention in the wake of pressures brought on by factors ranging from the drive to succeed academically to social-media-driven stress to substance abuse. But then came COVID-19 with its massive disruptions in the normal school year and increased isolation for many students. A variety of district personnel discussed how Tempe Union is trying to get its arms around the multi-faceted problem with an equally multi-faceted effort. That problem and its complexity have been highlighted by two students’ deaths by suicide this school year – one at Desert Vista and the other at McClintock High – and what Governing Board member Armando Montero called a puzzling disconnect among many students. “I’ve taken the time to try and figure out what the sentiment is around with our students and staff and what that feeling is and there’s a lot of feelings of a discon-

CANCER from page 6

was medication. Any parent knows giving a 4-year-old medication two times a day when they don’t want to take medication is like hell. We fought with him for like 45 minutes in the morning and 45 minutes in the evening to try and get him to take medication. “After two or three weeks, he was like, ‘OK, I’ll do it.’” She said Connor tries to make the nurses and doctors laugh when he goes for a doctor’s visit.

nect,” he said. “I don’t know where that disconnect comes from…I think when we talk about especially supporting those students they aren’t going to have red flags and aren’t showing those signs. He noted that even with the systems the district has in place to address students who show signs of significant stress, there is a need to “figure out ways that we can support those students where those signs aren’t going to show up.” “I think that comes with the culture that we have on campus,” Montero continued. “There’s that fear of talking about suicide and death and it’s a very touchy subject.” The effort to address students’ wellbeing includes “lots of different trainings,” said Robin Afinowich, a Tempe Care 7 trauma and resiliency trainer. That training includes “information on understanding adverse childhood experiences, particularly during the wake of COVID and how that affects our youth or families in our community” and understanding “the struggle that we’re having with mental health in the community.” Ron Denne, Jr., district coordinator of social emotional wellness, explained, “We’ve really worked collaboratively to try to get our school teams to meet regularly to start talking about kids and just getting around the table and having those conversations.” Stacy White, director of instructional services, explained how another aspect of the district’s approach involves the development of “systems to be able to track our students’ needs and their progress and systems to be able to analyze our data.” “That has really assisted us in targeting the specific prevention or the remediation of interventions for these students, academically and socially, emotionally,” she

“He either doesn’t complain, or if he does complain, it’s very short lived.” That’s not something most chemo patients can say. “It’s really set a tone for us as parents,” Lindsay said. “If he can do it, we can do it. He’s doing OK, and we’ll be OK, too.” “I think that’s why he’s so inspirational to a lot of us,” said Patti Luttrell, the Children Cancer Network’s executive director. “He just wants to be a kid, first and foremost. I’ve spent some time with him at the playground, and I’m like, ‘Whoa, watch him go.’”

said. Another aspect involves crisis teams and threat assessments that help identify students who may be at a particularly critical point in their life where they may constitute a threat to themselves or others. Speakers explained how in hiring behavior interventionists, the district has made sure that they have academic backgrounds in mental health and mental health training. The effort also involves adapting more “restorative justice” approaches to student discipline issues. For example, a student caught with drugs on campus faces a 45-day suspension might be offered only a 10-day suspension if they agree to go through counseling. Some schools, including Mountain Pointe, have specific days set aside for special mentoring. Mountain Pointe Principal Tomika Banks discussed her school’s 17th annual Women’s Mentor Day held March 2 where as many as 200 female students met with women from the community representing different walks of life. “This year, we had entrepreneurs,” Banks said. “It’s great to be able to work with these young ladies and really show them where we’ve all come from so that they can see a little piece of us and they don’t just see that, ‘hey, she’s the principal’ but they get to see ‘oh, she walked this walk too…how can I emulate that or become that?’” “It’s wonderful to watch them really grow and flourish in this and bond with one another,” Banks said, adding the girls also created vision boards that outlined a potential path for their future development. Tempe Union counselor Dawn Milovich

Luttrell started the nonprofit after one of her children battled cancer. The Chandler-based group acts as a support system for families dealing with childhood cancer. Next week’s race is one of a few events they do each year to raise funds. In addition to the survivor’s walk around the bases, there will be a 10K and 5K. Lindsay said there have been set backs during treatment, including an infection in a port that required a trip back to the hospital and a second port placement. “Even in that, his positive attitude out-

praised teachers for their efforts to be more attuned to students who may need some special intervention. “It’s really understood across the campuses that this is everybody’s business,” Milovich said. Denne said that mental health is being addressed on a large scale on campuses with assemblies but also in smaller groups, partly with the help of different student clubs. Some students themselves are enthusiastically embracing the effort to help their classmates. Mountain Pointe senior Sadie Goldman is the president of the Bring Change2Mind Club and told the board through a prepared statement how her group has been doing different things to ease students’ stress such as vision boards, stress balls and painting. “In February, we successfully conducted Bring Change2Mind Week, which highlighted collaborative power,” she said. “Throughout the week, students participated in de-stigmatizing mental illness by signing the Bring Change2Mind Pledge, sharing solutions for improving our school climate.” Panelists also discussed the “warm hand-off” of pairing students with adults who have had similar experiences. Board President Brian Garcia said he was especially concerned about the efforts being made to address the socialemotional health of non-English speakers and LGBTQ students. Assistant Superintendent Sean McDonald said, "We need to continue to work on that. But again, as we continue to build a safe environment for all I think we'll be able to match those students up with our staff better.

shines all of the negative.”

If you go

What: Run to Fight Children’s Cancer 2022 When: April 9, 7 a.m. 10K start, 7:45 a.m. 5K start, 9 a.m. Survivor Walk. Where: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. Register: runtofightcancer.com Info: childrenscancernetwork.org

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

Massive industrial project finished on GRIC land ARIZONAN NEWS STAFF

onstruction has been completed on a massive covered industrial park called Akimel Gateway on Gila River Indian Community land along the southeast corner of 40th Street in Ahwatukee and the South Mountain Freeway. Wespac Construction Inc., announced last week that the 835,00-square-foot development by Trammell Crow Company, offers custom-built Class A industrial space in five buildings on 59 acres and is the first major dvelopment on the reeservation since the freeway’s open in December 2019. The Via Queeva Casino Resort opened before the freeway opened. The largest of the five buildings is the new headquarters and distribution center for Spencer’s TV & Appliance. Construction of the campus included over a mile of offsite wet utility work and a new

traffic signal. The buildings feature a combination of ramp-up and dock-high loading with clear heights ranging from 24 to 36 feet. “The open lines of honest and direct communication from all parties including Trammell Crow, GRIC, Butler Design Group, and Spencer’s are ultimately what made this project a success,” said Matt McPherron, Westpac project manager. “The collaborative, team-based environment never faltered; even during the challenging events happening while this project was under construction. It was an honor to work with this team!” “Akimel Gateway is conveniently positioned along the new South Mountain Loop 202 Freeway, which has become a hub for logistics users,” a spokeswoman said. It joins Wild Horse Pass, Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, Whirlwind Golf Club, Rawhide Western Town & Event Center, Phoenix Premium Outlets, and

the future Phoenix Rising Stadium in a growing complex of commercial and office development. Over the next decade, the tribe hopes to build a 3,300-acre sports and entertainment complex. The project lead, Sunbelt Holdings of Scottsdale, and the tribe’s development arm, Wild Horse Pass Development Authority, envision additional hotels, wellness and event centers, an outdoor amphitheater for concerts, sports facilities, outdoor recreation and parks, restaurants, retail establishments and an office park. Sunbelt Holdings President John Graham said that the development will fill a “missing corner” of the East Valley. “It’s an additional piece of economic development potential for the whole area,” said Graham. And he said the completion of the South Mountain Freeway, along with the Arizona Department of Transportation’s

plans to add a third lane in each direction of I-10 between Ahwatukee and Casa Grande further enhance the site’s attractiveness – and likely spur more development on the sprawling 372,000acre reservation. “We’ll have multiple interchanges on it,” Graham said. “We’ll have direct access into Ahwatukee on 40th Street and 48th Street” as well as Chandler…It’s a phenomenal piece of property.” Akimel Gateway is the latest in a slew of industrial warehouse-type structures being built across the Valley. Mesa last week gave the green light to two industrial projects along the Pecos Road corridor near Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport totaling just over 3 million square feet. Unbound Gateway, the larger of the two projects approved, will be a juggernaut at 2.2 million square feet of “industrial, manufacturing and employment space” on 155 acres.

Maricopa County fastest growing in nation BY ALEXIA STANBRIDGE Cronkite News

ASHINGTON – Maricopa County added more new residents than any county in the nation last year, continuing a trend that local officials call a credit to the region’s opportunities and affordability. The Census Bureau said last week that the county added 58,246 people from July 2020 to July 2021, topping Texas’ Collin County and boosting Maricopa County’s estimated county population to just under 4.5 million. The Phoenix region as a whole saw the

ROBOTICS from page 14

given the same chances as the males on their team, they’re more put on like a back-burner position,” said Tanisha Baliga, the team’s outreach coordinator and a Hamilton High School student. Degrees of Freedom placed seventh at the Arizona Valley Regional in March.

second-biggest population increase for the year, with Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler trailing only Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, the bureau said. “Arizona and Maricopa County have shown high growth over a sustained period of time, it hasn’t been just a quarter here or there,” said Garrick Taylor, a spokesperson for the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “Census data indicates that the state and Maricopa County region are especially attractive to transplants.” Most of the population gains last year came from people moving to Arizona: Of the 98,330 new residents in the state, just

832 were attributable to “natural change,” or the difference between births and deaths, according to the Census. The rest were the result of migration, mostly from other states. Many of the newcomers are crossing the border from California, experts said. “This place is basically becoming San Francisco – I mean, there’s so many people from California coming here. It’s just, it’s unbelievable,” said Andrew Holm, program manager for Hague Partners-72SOLD. Sindy Ready, state treasurer for the Arizona Association of Realtors, said she is not surprised by the population increase, given the “beautiful weather” and climate

great for people who like the outdoors. Taylor pointed to the state’s economy, which he said is “not only strong, but has proven to be especially resilient,” recovering jobs “almost faster than any other part of the country” after the pandemic. He also noted plans for high-tech and automotive manufacturing plants that have been unveiled for the Valley. Another plus for the state are housing costs that Holm said are significantly cheaper than in other major cities. But that comes with a downside – demand

That earned them a trip to the world championships at the end of this month in Houston. Each team had to design a robot that could do a number of different tasks. First, it had to differentiate colors and pick up basketball balls inside the playing area. They were either red or blue,

and they had to pick up their assigned color. Then, they had to shoot the ball at a target. If they went for the top target at about 10 feet tall, that was two points. If they went for the much easier lower target around 4 feet tall, that was only a point. Six robots were competing at the

same time, and they could play defense as well as offense. After that, as a bonus challenge, their robot had to climb up three monkey bars. Degrees of Freedom did not go for that during regionals, but has since add-

see CENSUS page 20

see ROBOTICS page 18

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

Left: Resident near the alley between Arizona Avenue and Oregon Street in Chandler enjoyed its conversion into a more pedestrian-friendly walkway. Right: Judging by the messages left on a chalkboard near Wall Street, people liked the idea of the alley becoming more pedestrian-friendly. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

City’s alley experiment wins neighbors’ approval BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

the conversion permanent next year. “The city has always viewed alleys as an opportunity,” Owens said. Deborah Salon, an associate professor at ASU, said the main issue they kept hearing about was parking. Cars that pulled into some lots were having a difficult time turning around without access to the alley. “Some of the things we’re interested in feedback about, is to what extent does the closure to cars mess with local business, parking, and otherwise uses of the alley,” Salon said. “We definitely discovered people are uncomfortable in this parking lot.” She was speaking of The Shops at Wall Street parking lot, which is directly across from City Hall. Owens said some of the other alleys being considered for possible transformation in the future are near California Street near San Marcos Place and Washington Street south of Frye. Kenneth Steel, the healthy communities project manager for Pinnacle Prevention, has been running focus groups with residents to get their feedback on the Wall Street transformation. He said removing cars from the area is a good

idea because it’s not safe. “Our business used to be right here on this corner, you would see people flying around the side without pausing to be able see if anyone’s walking,” Steel said. “When you’re walking here, usually you have to look over your shoulder. Usually you have to stay to one side. And where there are blind spots, you have to be cautious.” In addition to getting feedback about the Wall Street transformation, Steel also asked his focus groups about other areas of the city where alleys might be transformed. The city put the Wall Street transformation into its capital plan for next year. That is currently the only alley targeted for transformation into a pedestrian space. It won’t be cheap. “The full project is undergrounding all the utilities, which costs a lot of money, repaving everything, doing full landscaping, so it’s a little daunting how much money you got to put in,” Salon said. Steel said the feedback changed. At first, people didn’t understand what was happening and were mostly upset at the potential loss of parking. However, opin-

ions began to change as the transformation took place. “Where initially we were getting people kind of frustrated, now we’re seeing people walking with their families and they don’t have to hold their child’s hand anymore,” he said. “They can roam freely and check out what’s going on and enjoy it.” Steel said parking is the biggest issue. “We’ve heard loud and clear from some of the businesses – most of the businesses are totally fine, they get it, they understand more foot traffic means more patrons at their businesses, but of course the initial concern right now and into the future is how to make sure people can still park here, and get in and out safely. That’s something that we’re feeling some tension on right now.” He said they will take that information and let the city know what did work, and what didn’t as they move forward with their plans to transform Wall Street into a pedestrian walkway. “When we go to design it, this will help,” the city’s Owens said. “We don’t often get a chance to try projects before we design them.”

ROBOTICS from page 17

community. Being a team of mostly girls and racial minorities was cited in how it is impacting the community. The team builds the robot from scratch, using 3D printers. Members do all the computer coding themselves.

They have some mentor volunteers, students from Arizona State University or mentors provided by some of the top tech companies in the region, who also provide equipment and financial support. That will help when they get to Hous-

ton, where about 400 teams are expected to compete, some of them that have been sponsored by NASA. “In Houston we’re competing only with the best of the best, so we’re definitely really excited to go there,” Natalie said.

ome Chandler residents got a taste of what life might be like if the city made alleys more pedestrian friendly. And the city figured out what the biggest issue will be going forward: Parking. Thanks to a $50,000 grant from Healthy Urban Environments, the city temporarily converted Wall Street between Frye Road and Chicago Street into a pedestrian walkway for a week. The alley runs between Arizona Avenue and Oregon Street that also the entrance to The Perch restaurant. The grant was split among Arizona State University’s School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, Pinnacle Prevention and the city. The city plans to convert the Wall Street alley into a pedestrian-only space in fiscal year 2023-24 and John Owens, the city’s downtown redevelopment specialist, said the grant gave planners a chance to do a trial run before they make

ed that capability to its robot, Red Bull. They plan on doing that challenge at nationals. The team was awarded the Chairman’s Award at regionals for its impact on the

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

Chandler to be part of major arts impact study BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

handler plans on finding out just how important arts and culture are to driving economic activity in the city. The city will be part of an Americans for the Arts project that does a deep dive into how much the arts contribute to a region’s economic growth. The nationwide survey will begin in May and results are expected in the fall 2023. Michelle Mac Lennan, general manager of the Chandler Center for the Arts, said the Chandler Cultural Foundation is paying about $4,350 to make sure the city is part of Arts & Economic Prosperity 6. It is the sixth national survey and will break down results by county, though Richard Cohen, the president of research and policy for Americans for the Arts, said cities will be able to look at their data separately. Both Phoenix and the West Valley were part of the fifth survey, which was done in 2017 before the pandemic disrupted the arts. It found, for example, that the arts generated more than 750 jobs and $2.6 million in government revenue in the West Valley alone. “People love the arts because they inspire us,” Cohen said. “They engage us. And they create these communities that we want to live in, and work in. But the fact is, they are also an industry.” Cohen said the fifth AEP survey found 90 percent of Americans say arts institutions are important to the quality of life, and 86 percent agree they are important to local businesses and the economy.

MOTOR from page 10

terchange in the near future, according to the Maricopa Association of Governments, a leading agency for transportation development in the county. That reconstruction at this point has yet to make the drawing board, according to John Bullen, MAG transportation economic and finance program manager. “It’s still in the planning stage, if you will,” Bullen said. “We’ve been working with Gila River Indian Community a lot over the last several years, quite honestly. And, there’s been some discussion – I

AEP5 also found the nonprofit arts industry generated $166.3 billion in economic activity and supported 4.6 million jobs. That survey concluded that $5 billion n direct arts funding by local, state and federal governments returned $27.5 billion in government revenue in the participating communities they examined. “Small investments, big returns – that’s the arts,” Cohen said. Cohen said the arts also are a civil rights issue. He pointed to a UCLA study that looked at the impact of arts education in schools. “The arts-involved students, better grades, better standardized test scores, lower dropout rates, better attitudes about community service,” Cohen said. He added they were not all students from richer districts. So the author of the study went back and ran the numbers for the students from the poorest districts. “Not only did the numbers hold, but there was even a greater disparity between the arts involved, and the nonarts involved kids,” Cohen said. He added that the Department of Education does a survey of arts education every decade, and they found there has been a huge decline in the number of arts programs at districts with high minority populations. “By keeping these young students from arts education, you’re limiting their ability and their opportunity to benefit from school.” Cohen said the UCLA study followed 25,000 students into their 20s and found those who were most involved in the arts all did better than those who

would say, there’s been interest for a new (interchange) sort of in that vicinity.” Bullen said MAG also has been discussing improvements to State Route 347 along the southeastern edge of the proposed mega-development site. “Right now, we’re sort of waiting for information from them: what their concept is, what those plans are, what that development is,” he said. "There’s this acknowledgment, and commitment. that, ‘hey, we’re going to improve access to the Wild Horse Pass area, but we don’t know what that looks like.”

were not as involved. Starting in May, local arts organizations will begin asking people who attend their events to fill out the survey. That will go on for about a year. Starting in January, Americans for the Arts will begin surveying the nation’s nonprofit organizations on their spending. Mitch Menchaca, the executive director of the Office of Arts + Culture for

Phoenix, said the survey will give everyone ammunition when someone suggests cutting the arts budget. “Because I had this data, I could say, ‘whoa, whoa, whoa, we are needed in this community. … Look at where we were before the pandemic.’ And because of that, I was able to make the case for [federal stimulus funds to keep the arts going through the pandemic].”

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

Chandler Historical Society is fading into history BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

he Chandler Historical Society is very close to becoming history itself. After 53 years of chronicling the growth of Arizona’s fourth-largest city from farming community to major metropolitan community, the Chandler Historical Society will come to an end probably this summer. “It was time,” said Michel Larson, the Society’s current secretary and a past president. “The membership was waning and it was hard to attract new members. Even people who were born, and raised, and educated in Chandler, weren’t all that into it. The membership was declining, the support was declining, it was time. It served a good purpose.” A lot of what the Chandler Historical Society has done since it began in 1969 will be done by the Chandler Museum Foundation in the future. It’s a bittersweet moment for those who

volunteered for years. While they are sad to see the end come, the main goal they strove for became reality at the end of 2018 when the Chandler Museum finally opened. “The real thing that motivated it was when the city, a few years, we kept trying over the years to get the city more involved, and finally they decided they would be more involved, but they wanted their own situation,” said Jim Patterson, a past Historical Society president and mayor. His mother was one of the Historical Society’s founding members. Both sides agreed it made no sense to have two different nonprofits competing against each other for funds to do basically the same job. So, the board of the Historical Society began taking steps toward its end. “There just wasn’t a place for us anymore,” Larson said, “and we decided the better thing to do than to keep beating our head against that wall was just to wrap it up, close the door and donate the money we have to additional” nonprofits.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT • In-Office Position • Full-Time • Health, Dental, Vision, Paid Vacations, Holidays, 401K and more Times Media Group is a digital and print media company operating in the Phoenix, Tucson, and Los Angeles markets. We have experienced significant growth in recent years due to our commitment to excellence when it comes to providing news to the communities we serve.

Why Work Here? Times Media Group offers a positive work environment, employee training, a talented team, and lots of professional growth opportunities. Times Media Group is a digital and print media company operating in the Phoenix, Tucson, and Los Angeles markets. We have experienced significant growth in recent years due to our commitment to excellence when it comes to providing news to the communities we serve.

Job Description We are seeking a highly organized, friendly, and outgoing individual who excels at making customers happy and keeping the office environment functioning. A good candidate will have strong computer and communication skills and an ability to build rapport and communicate with customers, usually by phone.

A Good Candidate Possesses • An energetic and upbeat attitude • A minimum of two years of office experience • The ability to work well on a team • An ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment • Exceptional organizational skills • A desire for hands-on professional growth experience If you are a hardworking and resourceful individual, please respond with your resume and a cover letter outlining why you believe your skill set and experience make you a good fit for this position. We are currently scheduling interviews for an immediate opening. EOE

Apply today, upload your resume: TimesLocalMedia.com

Jody Crago, the city’s museum administrator, gave credit to the Historical Society for helping get the museum built. “The Chandler Historical Society was instrumental helping to pass the two bond elections in 2004 and 2007 that provided the funds to build the new Chandler Museum,” Crago wrote in a prepared response to the SanTan Sun News. “Once the Museum Foundation was established, it allowed the Chandler Historical Society Board to contemplate retirement. The City of Chandler applauds the 50-plus year effort of the Chandler Historical Society to preserve the history of Chandler for future generations. Their work should be lauded and celebrated.” Four members of the Chandler Historical Society’s board are serving on the 11-member board for the Chandler Museum Foundation. Martin Sepulveda, the current Historical Society’s board president and a former city councilman said the city and his group have not always worked hand-inhand – which might explain why it took

CENSUS from page 17

for housing is driving prices up. “It’s positive and negative,” Holm said. “It just depends on where you look at and how you look at it and who’s being affected.” Ready said that while population growth is a good thing in her business, newcomers are finding there are not enough available houses or rental properties for the number of people moving in. “Just the battle of being able to get into a property right now, because there’s so many people wanting to be here,” Ready said. That may be one reason that neighboring Pinal and Yavapai counties both saw surging growth rates in 2021, the experts said. While they did not add nearly the number of people that Maricopa County did, their rates of growth were considerably higher, according to the Census Bureau. Pinal County’s population jumped 4.6% and Yavapai County’s grew by 2.2% in 2021, compared to Maricopa County’s 1.3% for the year. “These people are willing to go to these locations because they can get a new house on the outskirts for significantly cheaper,” Holm

so long to get the museum built. “The magic in these organizations is when you have a city and the leadership, the elected and professional leadership, that are really in sync, pushing these public-cultural programs,” Sepulveda said. “We have not always had that – I’ll just cut to the chase.” The Historical Society recently presented a $50,000 check to the Chandler Education Foundation to provide scholarships to worthy students. The Society plans to give away the rest of the money they have raised over the years to other worthy causes. They expect to finish giving the money away and closing their books for good this summer. “You have to have a purpose, you know, for your members, … and that purpose kind of went away with the city’s involvement and the city going out in their own direction to build a museum,” Patterson said. “A lot of purpose for a long time was to build a museum, brick and mortar, and here it is,” Sepulveda said. said. “The problem is that the builders simply cannot keep up with the demand.” Taylor said advanced manufacturing is “hot” right now and that Pinal county, which has a “proud legacy of being a heavy agricultural area of the state” is now drawing major firms like Nikola Motor Co. and Kohler. All but four counties – Apache, Coconino, Greenlee and La Paz – saw population increases last year, according to the Census. Driven largely by the gains in Maricopa, the state population overall grew by 98,330 people last year, to just under 7.28 million on July 1. The Census Bureau in December ranked Arizona as the third-fastest growing state last year, behind Texas and Florida. The increases can strain everything from the state’s water resources and infrastructure to, as Holm notes, the ability to get a reservation at a good restaurant without weeks of waiting. But all the experts agreed that too much business is a good problem to have. “It’s rare for people to pull up stakes and uproot their lives, to move somewhere with little opportunity. Instead, they seek out job opportunities and other economic benefits,” Taylor said. “And Arizona can offer that in spades.” ■

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

Left: Tyrone Baptist oversees Feed the Children’s new warehouse and distribution facility in south Chandler. Right: Margie Armendariz, librarian at Shumway Leadership Academy, packs a box with books and other school supplies in the Teacher Store area of the Feed the Children warehouse and distribution facility in south Chandler. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

Nonprofit’s Chandler warehouse fills big need BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

istribution Center Manager Tyrone Baptist says there seems to be a lot of interest in what’s going on inside the Feed the Children warehouse on McQueen Road in Chandler. “I legitimately have several people a day that literally stop by and ring the bell and go, ‘Hey, I saw when they were putting this building up, I’ve been kind of seeing it for a while from the street and I’m just curious what this is.’” Feed the Children is one of the largest nonprofits in the world dedicated to feeding hungry people. Founded in 1979 and based in Oklahoma, it has five distribution centers around the country. It moved a center in Ontario, California, to Chandler last summer. Perhaps the best way to understand what Feed the Children does is consider the group a middle man of sorts. Major companies that want to donate large quantities of food and goods to people in need send the products to Feed the Children, which also purchases food from contributions it receives. “It’s coming from Frito Lay, it’s coming from Dole, it’s coming from Starbucks –

SCOUT from page 14

ership skills of collaboration, decision making, and communication by selling Girl Scout Cookies to make my commu-

these are the top of the food chain that everybody knows,” Baptist said, “We get stuff from Walmart from time to time.” So how did they settle on Chandler when moving their western distribution center out of California? “We were looking at ways to expand our impact, and we were looking at Phoenix as an option,” Baptist explained. “Chandler was just one of those fastgrowing, really major cities that was coming up and we thought it would be a great opportunity to have reach throughout the East Valley, but also proximity to Phoenix. It just seemed like a great place to be.” The other distribution centers are located in Oklahoma, Indiana Tennessee and Pennsylvania. Feed the Children partners with many of the local nonprofits that have experience distributing those goods to people in need. In fiscal year 2021, Feed the Children distributed about 98.9 million pounds of food and essential goods to more than 10 million people around the world. Eight million of those people are in the U.S., and they received goods worth about $445.7 million. That is not all they do.

nity an overall better place,” said Maria. In addition to learning important qualities about herself, the Hamilton High School student was also able to learn about the field of public health, which

Feed the Children also partners with local school districts to help teachers from Title I schools. Those are schools recognized by the federal government with having a large percentage of students from low-income families. Feed the Children has a selection of school supplies at its Chandler warehouse, and occasionally sets up days for teachers from Chandler, Gilbert and Mesa to visit to get what they need at no cost. “It’s our first year, Ww’re just dealing with these three cities for right now,” Baptist said. “The plan is to include as many cities as possible from here to Tucson.” Teachers can take home a bag’s worth of small supplies, a small box worth of bigger supplies and a large item, such as a chair or file cabinet. Baptist said many of the goods were donated by Avery, Staples and Office Depot. The Chandler warehouse only has five employees (a sixth one is scheduled to be hired soon) in the 104,000 square foot building. Only about 1,000 square feet are for office space. Feed the Children relies heavily on volunteers to keep food boxes flowing to their partners for distribution.

she plans to major in at college. As for other Girl Scouts who are looking to take on their Gold Award project, Maria suggests sticking with what you love. “I would advise Girl Scouts to pick a topic

The volunteers help fill up three types of boxes on an assembly line. The first is food. They also hand out hygiene products as well as cosmetics. Baptist said cosmetics can be important for a needy person to get and keep a job. “When folks are disenfranchised, they’re down on their luck, maybe that’s the difference between them being able to decide if they have the cosmetics they need to present themselves properly to go out and interview for a job,” he said. Baptist said some goods do go to adults, even though their mission is to feed the children. “Somebody needs to take care of the children,” he said. “So, if we’re able to take care of mom and dad, they can in turn take care of the children.” Baptist said it’s not just large companies that contribute to their supply. He said they often get private donations, which they are happy to take. He said the best way for local residents to get involved is to volunteer. “A lot of times to put on these major events, they help of the community is greatly needed,” Baptist said. “We have volunteer opportunities set up weekly.” they are truly passionate about! That way even if they encounter roadblocks, they will be able to push through and continue on with a project they care about that will also make a difference.”

KIDS CAMP

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

Summer Kids Camp Preview

Arizona summer tradition lives on in Prescott BY LILA BALTMAN Arizonan Contributor

very May an Arizona tradition continues. Children roll sleeping bags, pack duffel bags and make their way to Friendly Pines Camp in Prescott. Located in the cool pine forest of the Bradshaw Mountains, Friendly Pines Camp fills the summer with activities. Founded in 1941 by Bud and Isabelle Brown and accredited through the American Camp Association, Friendly Pines Camp is the longest-running, family-owned summer camp in Arizona. Designed for ages 6 to 14, this coed sleepaway camp offers more than 30 traditional camp activities, including horseback riding, swimming, ball sports, rock climbing, performing arts, fine arts, pet care, fencing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, dancing and sewing. The camp offers one-, two-, four- and

six-week sessions. “We’re now seeing a fourth generation of campers,” said Megan May, the camp’s director, who is the great-granddaughter of the camp’s founders.

over a campfire, and offering many of the same outdoor sports, activities, and camp traditions that they remember doing.” Friendly Pines Camp is also a place where boys and girls are required to

There is so much thought and energy put into every “single detail, from registration, to pre-camp checklists, activities, food, safety, communications, the entire experience…as soon as camp is done for the summer, our daughter is already planning for next year.

”

“Many of our former campers, who are now the parents and grandparents of current campers, tell us that they love the fact that we’re still teaching the same, classic camp songs and square dances, still cooking Dutch oven biscuits

make their own beds every morning and are assigned individual chores to help keep their cabins clean. Children quickly learn how to share a small, cozy cabin with one bathroom and shower with new kids from around

the world. Parents should know that while many of the camp’s activities and traditions have remained the same over 81 years, all the main buildings and cabins have been remodeled and upgraded. Plus, while many of the same classic camp foods continue to be served, the kitchen staff accommodates children who are vegan, gluten-free and lactose-intolerant. “Our daughter has been going to Friendly Pines for four years now and we have also attended family camp,” said Allison Frumker of Chandler. “There is so much thought and energy put into every single detail, from registration, to pre-camp checklists, activities, food, safety, communications, the entire experience…as soon as camp is done for the summer, our daughter is already planning for next year.”

see PINE page 24

Desert Hills High offers summer school, camp ARIZONAN NEWS STAFF

ummer school and summer camp opportunities will be available this summer at Desert Hills High School in Gilbert. Desert Hills High School will host a wide range of free summer school classes beginning June 6, and running through July 19. Students from across the community will be able to take classes for credit recovery or to advance in coursework to move towards an early graduation. Fully accredited in-person and remote courses will be offered. The school also will provide free transportation and lunch for summer school students. Desert Hills’ summer art camp will be available to all students in grades 3-12. It will run 9 a.m. to noon weekdays at the Desert Hills campus on Val Vista Drive July 5-22. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of exciting and creative activities, including drawing, painting, musical performance, drama and the production of digital media. Students also will be able to visit the cam-

Desert Hills High School Art Instructor Carrie Filimaua will conduct Art Camp.

(Special to the Arizonan)

pus’ Desert Hills Farm. Lunch will be provided to all participants. Desert Hills High School, part of The Leona Group, is located at 1515 S. Val Vista Drive in Gilbert and is a Cognia-ac-

credited public charter school. The school’s curriculum is aligned with Arizona state academic standards in a safe and student-centered, small-school environment.

Desert Hills offers advanced study and honors courses, credit recovery courses, after school clubs and activities, community service and volunteer programs and clubs such as National Honor Society, The Leona Group comprises professionals working to raise the bar in public education. It was formed in 1996 in Michigan by Dr. William Coats, a nationally-recognized leader in education reform. The Leona Group currently manages over 50 school sites in Arizona, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio and is one of the largest education service providers in the United States. Each school program is tailored to the specific needs of its community and demonstrates continual improvement, as measured by increasing student academic achievement in concert with social, behavioral and emotional development. It takes its name from a woman who grew up in a small, rural Ohio town during the early part of the 20th century. She was an outstanding student who valued school and loved to learn, but because of

see DESERT page 24

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

KIDS CAMP

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

ADVENTURE AWAITS this

SUMMER & FALL REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

PINE �� page 22

Save the dates

DESERT �� page 22

As an organization with a mission to “Empower all students to own their futures by creating schools that redefine what is possible,” the Leona Group says its namesake “symbolizes our company’s commitment to creating educational opportunities and changing life chances for all young people.” For more information, on Desert Hills High School’s summer programs, call 480813-1151.

Friendly Pines Camp is also looking for counselors and it has the highest staff salary of any Arizona summer camp. Their camp counselor pay breaks down to $17 per hour, $697 per week, and $6,274 for nine weeks of employment. That includes room and board plus three meals a day. “Not only will a job at camp keep you gainfully employed, but it will also enrich your life in a variety of ways,” May adds. “Camp counselors have the opportunity to be a positive influence and role model in the lives of children and they get to experience a great deal of adventure, exercise, and nonstop fun in the great outdoors.”

societal expectations at the time, her formal education was limited to just seven years. Leona’s experience was not unusual for women in her time or for countless other minorities. Even today, access to educational opportunities is not equal for all genders, races, and socio-economic groups in America.

• 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, March 28: Friendly Pines will host a YouTube Live information night. • 7 p.m. Monday, April 25: In-person roundup at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale. Families can learn about the camp program. The first half of the presentation is specifically directed toward new families. • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 21: Families are invited to visit Friendly Pines Camp in person for camp tours, wagon rides, toasting marshmallows, zipline rides, and drawings for prizes. A complimentary lunch will be served. Advanced registration is required. For more information, call 928-445-2128 or visit friendlypines.com

Be on the Lookout. Summer Academy is Back! Kyrene offers a variety of summer programs to meet your family’s needs and interests. Kids Club, After Hours, Preschool, Sports Camp, Adventure Tours, and Summer Academy enrichment classes. Register by the week. Field trips included for select programs.

COMMUNITY

EDUCATION

Would you like your child to get a few helpful and fun-filled lessons in manners and proper etiquette this summer? Certified etiquette instructor, SueAnn Brown, owner of It’s All About Etiquette, will offer four-day summer etiquette camps for three different age groups. There will be a camp for ages 6 to 8, ages 9 to 12 and teens 13-18. The children meet for four days, two hours a day, from 10 a.m. to noon and the teen workshop will meet two days, for three hours each day, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Students will learn proper dining skills, how to set a table, proper introductions, how to write thank-you notes, proper eye contact, shaking hands, digital etiquette, and many more valuable life lessons. Your child will be amazed at how much FUN learning about manners and proper etiquette can be!

ENGAGE. EMPOWER. INSPIRE.

The classes are held at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 8202 E Cactus Rd. Scottsdale. Advanced registration is required. Space is limited. For more information or to register your call (480) 510-6346 or visit www.itsallaboutetiquette.com

www.kyrene.org/CommunityEd 480-541-1500

www.itsallaboutetiquette.com • 480-510-6346

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

HIGLEY VIRTUAL ACADEMY CREDIT ACCELERATION SUMMER COURSES Course Offerings American/AZ History American Government Biology* Earth Science* Economics World History

enroll now

COURSE SESSIONS

Session 1 May 31st - June 1st in person finals June 21 & 22 Session 2 June 24th - July 19th in person finals July 18 & 19

*Denotes Honors Availability www.husd.org/ENROLL 480.279.9713

SUMMER IS A Time To

Dance!

Check out our summer schedule here!

We are a family-first studio with a focus on keeping kids happy, healthy, & safe in dance! Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Tumbling & More!

3-Day Camps 6-Week Classes Ages 12 mos. - 17 yrs Come experience the CID Difference! 480.839.4159 ~ ClassicImageDance.com

Enroll before May 1st to receive early bird pricing

COMMUNITY

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

Chandler woman joins music nonprofit as fundraiser BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

handler resident Darcy Hill learned how to raise money out of necessity. “I was actually in the performing arts, as a director, behind the scenes,” Hill said. “I went to school in Chicago, Columbia College Chicago and after that they don’t really give you a business plan. They tell you all about the art, they tell you all about how to deal with actors, but they didn’t tell you how to deal with producers, managers, executives. They didn’t tell you how to get yourself paid a living wage.” So, if she wanted to put on her own shows, she had to secure the financial backing first. That led her on a path that became her career. “I can pay my rent with this. This is a day job I can do,” she realized. Now she raises money for Rosie’s House, a Phoenix-based nonprofit that

Chandler resident Darcy Hill has joined Rosie’s House, a non-profit in downtown Phoenix that provides music education to low-income students. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

provides free music lessons to youth. It takes a lot of money for a worthwhile cause to do good in the community. It’s Hill’s job to make sure Rosie’s House has the funds. Rosie Schurz saw a need in her community in 1996. “Lots of kids with nothing to do after school, lots of crime,” Hill said. “She had left Germany after the war, and had to leave her instrument behind. She really felt like that was a missed opportunity in her life. So, she wanted to make sure that was available to the kids in her neighborhood.” Schurz was 7 when her family left Germany after the war and she had just started taking violin lessons at the time. She and her husband bought a house in Central Phoenix and renovated it. Then she started giving saxophone lessons out of a bedroom in that home. They quickly outgrew that space and soon started renting a room at a local church. Rosie’s House moved into their new

facility about a year ago on 9th Street and Jefferson in Downtown Phoenix. Hill said they raised about $5.5 million of a $6.5 million goal to move into that building. Most of the renovations to their new space are complete. The rest of the money that is raised will go to furniture and signage. “This is our first permanent facility,” Hill said. The facility includes a digital music lab and a recording studio. She said her main goal now is to get some sustainable funds so Rosie’s House can expand for the long term. There are currently a little more than 500 students taking classes at Rosie’s House and could only accommodate about 350 students before moving into the new space. That meant turning down half the students who applied, Hill said. Now, she said, the new space should be able to house about 1,000 students once they finish the fundraising.

ership building to local audiences and volunteering with local organizations through his employer Holian will be discussing his role as an international director in an upcoming Radio X - Phoenix Business Radio interview at 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, with Karen Nowicki, and will appear at the District 3 Toastmasters Arizona Conference on May 20-21 at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort in Maricopa. He will present a keynote on May 20 and moderate a panel of leaders on May 21. As with most Toastmasters, Holian’s relationship with the nonprofit began at the club level as a member and eventually he took on club officer leadership roles. “Practicing and developing strong communication and leadership skills brought him to the highest level within the District 3 organization when he was

elected District Director 2018-2019,” Duckdett said, calling him a “standout” in the way he “he supports fellow Toastmasters, volunteering to lead clubs as an area and division director, helping to support district activities such as speech contests while sharing his insights on leadership.” Holian said he has benefitted in many ways from his membership. “My Toastmasters experience has also expanded my understanding of other people and cultures, providing opportunities for friendships and increasing my understanding of diverse experiences and perspectives,” he said. As an international director, Holidan will work to develop and support the policies and procedures that guide

see ROSIES page 28

Chandler man elected to Toastmasters International board ARIZONAN NEWS STAFF

Chandler man has been elected to the Toastmasters International Board of Directors. Michael J. Holian will be a “working ambassador” for Toastmasters International, a 98-year-old nonprofit that aims to “empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, it boasts a membership of more than 300,000 in over 15,800 clubs in 149 countries. “Mr. Holian’s journey through levels of Toastmasters leadership and his career advancement are a testament to the benefits of the personal and professional growth Toastmasters experience,” said Nancy Duckett, District 3 Toastmasters spokeswoman, saying he “generously gives back, speaking on the topic of lead-

Michael J. Holian

see TOAST page 28

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

Kathleen A. Nielsen ATTORNEY AT LAW

♦Trusts ♦ Wills ♦ Probate ♦ Family Law ♦ Divorce

BESTOF

2020

BESTOF

2021

Southwest Business Center 4500 S. Lakeshore Dr. Ste 300 Tempe, AZ 85282 (SE Rural & Lakeshore)

480.730.6469

kathleen@kathleennielsenlaw.com Serving Ahwatukee for 35 Years!

Premier Tile Roofer! aFamily Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers! aWe have a “Spencer” on every job

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING

ROC#244850 Insured | Bonded

Valley Wide Service FREE Estimates 480-446-7663 Credit Cards

spencer4hireroofing.com

COMMUNITY

Obituaries 480-898-6465 • obits@timespublications.com Deadline: Wednesday by 5pm for Sunday

In Loving Memory of

Gwen Elaine Giebelhaus Jones

February 23, 1931 – January 6, 2022 Born in Vegreville, Alberta, Canada, to Conrad and Margaretta Giebelhaus, Gwen, one of five children, grew up on the farm, where her love of horses began early. She headed to Tucson, AZ with her parents and daughter, Valerie (1954), for the winter of 1955 and never left. There she met and married Orville Briel and they had two children, Daryl Robert "Bob" (1956) and Melanie (1958). In 1973, Orville and Gwen divorced. She married Vern Jones in 1975 and moved to Cochise, AZ in 1977. She worked at the Arizona Electric Power Coop Plant for 17 years and continued to help out when needed for many years after retiring. Gwen was a woman ahead of her time, independent, persistent, maybe just a little stubborn. She got her pilot's license when she was 55 and even owned her own plane! She fearlessly embraced the Tech-Age and emailed often. On January 6, 2022, Gwen passed away, eager to meet her Lord, just weeks before her 91st birthday. She is survived by her three children, Valerie, Bob, and Melanie; her two stepchildren, Royce and Rhyna; her grandchildren, Christina, Desiree and Jared, Leah and Dallas; step-grandchildren Jayce, and Robyn, Jet, and Skylar; 7 great-grandchildren and 3 step-greatgrandchildren. Gwen will be remembered for her love of horses, her sweet tooth and apricot jam, her determination and faith. She leaves a legacy of persistence and love for God.

LEGAL NOTICES

Deadline for Sunday’s Edition is the Wednesday prior at 5pm. Please call Elaine at 480-898-7926 to inquire or email your notice to: legals@evtrib.com and request a quote.

Franklin John Sundstrom

Frank Sundstrom born 4/17/1958 died 3/28/2022. He was very loved by his wife Dawn Sundstrom for more than 38 years and their daughter, Autumn Cassens and his mother, Jacquelyn McVay. And he loved his family and extended family the best he knew how. Frank loved to ride his Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic. Now he's free to ride whatever God has for him. He loved the Lord and tried to live as God wanted him. Now he's safe in the arms of Jesus where he can be with family who has gone on before. He will be very missed.

H E A D STO N E S

EVERLASTING MONUMENT Co.

“Memories cut in Stone” • MONUMENTS • GRANITE & BRONZE • CEMETERY LETTERING • CUSTOM DESIGNS

480-969-0788 75 W. Baseline Rd. Ste. A-8 Gilbert, AZ 85233

www.everlastingmonumentco.com

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

ROSIES from page 26

Hill said the students come from all over Maricopa County, but a majority of them are in South Phoenix. She said some students come from the East Valley, although parents usually have to drive them back and forth. Only children in families considered low income by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development are accepted. One of the reasons there is a waiting list to get into Rosie’s House is because it has been successful helping the students it works with to graduate from high school. “We have a college pathway program,” Hill said. “So, we not only are giving kids a high-quality music education, but 97% of our students graduate from high school and go on to college. The rate of their peers is like 55%. We’re really

TOAST from page 26

Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission, Holian has been a member since 1992 and has received the designation of Distinguished Toastmaster, the highest level of educational achievement in the organization. He is a member of Leader’s Plus Toastmasters in Mesa and AZ Motormouths Toastmasters, a club at his workplace. Holian is an information technology specialist for CSAA Insurance Group for the past eight years. He is the product owner and administrator for a suite of software collaboration and developmental tools. He is the chair of the governance board, responsible for identifying best practices, reviewing proposed changes, and communicating the product

roadmap. He earned a certification in computer programming from Chubb Institute of Computer Technology. He also is a community impact champion for his employer and coordinates volunteer activities for fellow employees and volunteers for the Special Olympics, a local foodbank, and other organizations through his employer. In Chandler, there are approximately 13 clubs. Nine are community clubs and open for anyone to join, such as East Valley Echoes, Ocotillo Breakfast Club, Valued Voices, and TALKotillo. These clubs different times, from early morning to the noon hour and evenings, offering members club meetings that fit their needs and busy schedules. Information: aztoastmasters.org or toastmasters.org.

BE DEBT FREE IN 24–48 MONTHS!

info@everlastingmonument.phxcoxmail.com

Make your choice Everlasting

If you owe more than $10,000 in credit card or other debt, see how we can help.

Deadline for obituaries is Wednesday at 5pm for Sunday. All obituaries will be approved by our staff prior to being activated. Be aware there may be early deadlines around holidays. Call 480-898-6465 Mon-Fri 8:30-5 if you have questions. Visit: obituaries.EastValleyTribune.com

proud of that.” Students also need to commit to practicing and attending lessons. One of their parents also needs to commit to work a few hours. There is also an audition process during the application process. Rosie’s House will begin producing shows at its new location in April. It normally puts on about four to five shows a year. Another thing Rosie’s House does is provide meals to the students through a partnership with St. Mary’s Food Bank. “I think that’s an important part of education, is making sure they’re fed,” Hill said. “They don’t necessarily know where their next meal is coming from, but they know they can get it at Rosie’s House.” Rosie’s House will hold a big fundraising gala May 7. Information on tickets and other ways to help is at rosieshouse. org.

ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®

Call today: 1-866-696-2697

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

Best Dentist at Affordable Prices! FREE Exam & X-Rays Missing Teeth? Embarrassed to Smile? Tooth Pain? Loose Dentures? We Can Help, Call Us NOW!

SUPREME DENTURES starting at

EXPIRES 4-30-2022

999

PORCELAIN CROWNS $

699

IMPLANTS from

799

each EXPIRES 4-30-2022

SNAP ON LOWER DENTURE

Before

With Two Implants

3,999 ALL ON 4 / ALL ON 6

from

After

EXPIRES 4-30-2022

Starting at only (Permament Teeth You Don’t Remove)

$14,995

*All offers for New patients without insurance only.

We Accept Most Major Insurances • Interest FREE Financing with Low Monthly Payments Emergencies Welcome & Same Day Appointments Available

1722 E University, Mesa

(W of Gilbert on N side of University)

480.833.9942

APRIL 7-10 DBACKS.COM

www.TRUVALUEDENTAL.com

Napoli Island Range Hood

MENDOZA Cleaning & Sanitization General Cleaning, Laundry & More 1 time • weekly bi-weekly • monthly Ask about Windows & Sanitization Services

FREE ESTIMATES Call Mireya Mendoza Now!

480-259-0935

BRING YOUR VISION TO US

YOUR LOCAL SHOWROOM:

Any project, any style, any dream—bring your inspiration to Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. Visit build.com/ferguson to schedule your personalized showroom experience today.

EAST VALLEY

SCOTTSDALE

BUSINESS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

Book calls Chandler businesswoman ‘intriguing’ BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

ris Mill says people come up to her all the time surprised and happy to see her and her food truck at events around the Valley. “When we’re at events, I get a lot of feedback from customers, like, ‘Thank goodness you’re here, because we’re tired of the greasy food,’” Mill said. “People are trying to eat healthier. There are more people now who are vegetarians and vegans than when I … started this about six years ago.” Mill serves vegetarian and vegan food from her truck, Wok This Way. She is co-owner with a young man she calls her nephew, Jake Lipovitch. They aren’t actually related: he’s the first-born son of her best friend from sixth grade. Still, they might as well be related with how

Kris Mill operates a food truck called Wok This Way, which serves healthy options. (David

Minton/Staff Photograpehr)

close they’ve become. Mill said they both share a passion for cooking. Jake, who will soon be 16, has Down syndrome and that has motivated Mill to help. She said teaching people with Down syndrome how to cook healthy meals and providing them those meals is one thing she can do, because people with that condition often tend to be overweight. “He loves to cook with auntie,” Mill said. “He’s one of the many reasons, he’s the largest reason, why I have this food truck.” Another thing she can do is give them jobs. She said they make excellent workers and half of her staff have Down syndrome. “It’s a way for them to feel empowered,” she said. Mill says she is working to make her food truck business fully sustainable, including zero waste. She hopes to get a

see 48WOMEN page 32

Downtown Chandler is alive with the sound of music BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

f you’re looking for live entertainment in the Valley, then downtown Chandler is the place to go. So says Mary Murphy-Bessler, the executive director of Downtown Chandler Community Partnership. She has held similar positions in both Tempe and Scottsdale and says they can’t compare with Chandler. In the past year, five new businesses have started, or announced they will, showcasing live music downtown. They are The Stillery, Recreo, La Rista, Peddle Haus and The Uncommon. That brings the total number of venues offering live entertainment downtown to 14. “We’ve seen that live music has become an integral part of what’s happening in Downtown Chandler,” said John Owens, the city’s downtown redevelopment specialist. “It’s become a hub for

Daniel Tolliver and the Travelers performed recently at Bourbon Jacks – one of many downtown Chandler venues for live music. (David Minton/Staff Photographer) the Southeast Valley.” And nearly every type of music is available most weekends, from folk to jazz. Looking for some country music, then Bourbon Jacks has someone on stage nearly every night. If rock is more your taste, you can usually find a band playing at Murphy’s Law Irish Pub.

If you prefer a comedy show, then head over to ImprovMANIA. If you want to see a drag show, get tickets early at Black Sheep because they go fast. “They post it, and it’s sold out in 10 minutes,” Murphy-Bessler said. “Who knew?” West Alley BBQ and The Stillery have

earned reputations for bringing in performers with national followings. “The Stillery it’s so packed on a Friday, Saturday night, [the owner] said that the overflow goes on the grass over here, and people just dance on the grass,” Murphy-Bessler said. There’s Latin music at La Ristra, and blues and R&B at West Alley. All those options have have helped Chandler claim to be the place to go for live music, even more so than a college town like Tempe. “Mill (Avenue in Tempe) used to be known for the music, it transitioned over here,” Murphy-Bessler said. “I think Mill ... transitioned to the deejay thing, which is more the student kind of vibe.” Another trend she said she has noticed is that Chandler’s downtown bars and restaurants are following the lead of one of the nation’s hotbeds for live music. “A lot of them have kind of created

see DOWNTOWN page 32

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

since

great design excellent quality exceptional value

come experience the

essentials collection

A must have if you’re looking for a smaller leather sectional, the Tyler offers great quality, superb comfort and luxurious leather, perched on an elegant black wood frame. Dark brown as shown or light taupe. Pillows sold separately. $3148 $

The Essentials Collection by Copenhagen, a dynamic compilation of ever changing merchandise, as we work with both current and new manufacturers from around the world. The concept is based on quality products of good design and exceptionally strong value that will be offered every single day. No waiting for any special promotions! In fact, Essentials will be so aggressively priced that these items will be excluded from any other Copenhagen or manufacturer sponsored promotions. These specially priced items are only available in select finishes and quantities may be limited, so hurry in for best selection. Essentials... great design, excellent quality and exceptional value.

2495

Our new Hudson TV bench features a sleek mid-century modern look and includes plenty of storage. Available in walnut as shown and soon available in black oak finish. 79” x16” x 22.5”h. $999 $

775

The Contigo series of occasional tables is available as shown with matte black steel frame supporting a reversible top with walnut finish on one side and a marble look on the other. Coffee table $967 $ Zane chair shown in dark grey fabric. $815 $

625

769

End table $639 $

499

Also available in polished steel frame

Our Zane sofa features clean, crisp design while maintaining nice comfort. Excellent quality and available from stock in light grey as shown, or dark grey. $1365 $ Loveseat also available.

1049

contemporary furniture & accessories

PHOENIX 1701 E. Camelback 602-266-8060 SCOTTSDALE 15804 N. Scottsdale Rd. (South of Bell) 480-367-6401 GILBERT 2000 S. Santan Village Parkway (west of Mall) 480-838-3080

www.copenhagenliving.com

Please note: As is commonly known, continued high consumer demand coupled with supply chain and logistical issues has put a strain on inventories around the world effecting nearly all industries. Products advertised are either in-stock or available from confirmed incoming shipments. All items subject to prior sale and inventories may be limited. Items may not be displayed at all locations. Higher prices shown are for comparison purposes only and based upon what our market experience suggests an item should sell for. No sale may have occurred at these prices.

BUSINESS

48WOMEN �� page 30

second food truck in the coming years, one dedicated to vegetarian burgers. And then possibly a third truck after that, which she hopes will be electric. Her efforts to provide healthy food choices, employ people with Down syndrome and work toward sustainability have been noticed. The Arizona Historical Society and 48 Women chose the Chandler resident as one of the 48 most intriguing women in Arizona this year. The book, titled ““48 Women: Arizona’s Most Intriguing Women,” is being published next month and can be ordered at48women.org/the-book. She is the only Chandler resident on

DOWNTOWN �� page 30

this sort of Nashville style, where their putting the stages up in front, so when you’re walking the sidewalks if you’re coming up, you can literally see the band, hear the band and decide which venue you want to go in.” The Uncommon, which hasn’t opened yet, is currently building its stage on the

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

the list. “It surrounds my passion for what I do for the community,” Mill said. “I’m very involved in sustainability, zero waste, hiring special needs, especially Down syndrome, for employment.” She is also working with others to create a nonprofit to get people with special needs involved in the culinary arts. Mill said she believes her truck is the first in Arizona that specializes in vegetarian and vegan dishes. She said it’s also the first in the state to become zero waste. “When the truck was built, from the start, it was built to be a green food truck,” Mill said. “All of the appliances that are on the truck, including the lighting (were built that way). We do compost.”

sidewalk outside the building. All that music brings out the crowds on weekend nights. “Packed,” said Samantha Jackson, the DCCP’s events and operations strategist. “I wouldn’t even say like Friday night, Friday afternoon you start to see people who just left work, or you have people who are doing like a long weekend, and staying at either the Hilton or San Mar-

She said she is working with Arizona State University on a project to use her greywater for agriculture. Mill said she started with the dream of opening her own restaurant, one that was healthy that she would want to eat at. After trying some pop-up restaurants, she and Jake decided on a food truck. She said all of the meals they offer are 550 calories or less and all of the food is fresh. She said there’s nothing frozen on the truck. In keeping with the wok theme, the dishes are Asian influenced. The pandemic has been just as tough on the food truck industry as it was for restaurants. Supply lines continue to be a problem, Mill says. And on top of that now, there

cos and they’re just making a weekend out of it.” Another draw is that people can come as they are. “I love that everybody is comfortable too,” Jackson said. “You don’t have to necessarily get dressed up to go somewhere.” Murphy-Bessler said Chandler’s music scene recovered quicker than most other cities from the pandemic. One of the

are concerns over gas prices that restaurants don’t need to worry as much about. “The last two years were devastating to us,” Mill said. “Absolutely devastating. The industry is still getting hit. I’m trying to get people to work on the truck, people don’t want to work. They don’t even show up for interviews. I have a lot more success with my Down syndrome workers.” Mill said there are signs that the pandemic is winding down. “In the past six weeks, we have had multiple events,” Mill said. “And we’ve had people calling us to show up for events. It has totally changed.” And Mill said she hopes other food trucks will follow her model and start offering more healthy options.

keys is there are several outdoor venues, so once the summer of 2020 ended and temperatures came down, they were able to put on shows again. “I think we were the first city to really get the street patios out there, so we allowed all the restaurants to be able to build street patios, to kind of expand and spread people out. I would say we were definitely in the sooner crowd.”

BUSINESS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

Why people erroneously avoid Roth IRAs BY HAROLD WONG Arizonan Guest Writer

ince 2008, I typically give 40-80 talks each year and hundreds visit my Tempe office for their free strategy session. Only 2% have $30,000 or more in a Roth IRA. A Roth IRA allows two tremendous benefits: tax-free income for life for you and your spouse and for the first 10 years the kids inherit the Roth IRA; and no required minimum distributions. Here are the reasons why so few have substantial amounts in Roth IRAs. The tax preparer is afraid he will lose you as his long-term client. Even if he thoroughly explains the benefits and costs of a Roth IRA Conversion, when his client does a $300,000 Roth IRA Conversion and owes $90,000-$100,000 more tax when the tax return is due, he blames the tax preparer and switches to a different tax preparer next year.

Your financial advisor will never recommend a Roth IRA conversion: About 40 years ago, Wall Street stock brokers shifted to being paid high commissions to a percentage fee on the total Assets Under Management (AUM). Total fees are typically 3%, including the hidden fees in mutual funds, and the individual broker receives 1%. Suppose a client has $4 million of AUM with an individual broker and wants to convert all of it to a Roth IRA and the client is in a high-tax state such as California. With $4 million of extra taxable income in one year, and a total tax rate of 50%, the client would pay $2 million in tax and the broker would be left with $2 million AUM. The broker just lost half of his income from this client or $20,000 per year. Most confuse the annual contributions to an IRA or 401k, which require earned income with a Roth IRA conversion: In order to make the annual contribution to a traditional or Roth IRA or 401k, one

must have earned income at least equal to that year’s contribution. If your income is too high, you are not allowed to contribute to a Roth IRA. However, the big move is the Roth IRA Conversion of the large amount in traditional IRA or 401k accounts that took you decades to save. One can convert 100% of these traditional accounts to a Roth IRA even if you are retired and have no earned income. Most think that if they are age 60 or older, it’s too late to benefit from a Roth IRA: This is because they are not thinking of their kids and do not understand economic benefit/cost analysis. Here’s a real life client case study. The couple has $3 million total financial assets, of which $1 million is in a traditional IRA. The client can earn 10% on his IRA funds; is in a 40% tax bracket; and both spouses are 65 and come from long life. They have two kids. If they converted the $1 million to a Roth IRA, they would save $40,000/ year of taxes.

40 Years

Using a financial calculator: PMT = $40,000; I = 10%; N = 35 years (25 years for parents + 10 years tax-free growth for the kids); FV = Future Value = $11,925,072 more net wealth for the family. If they only converted $300,000 to a Roth IRA, this still adds $3,577,521 more net wealth. Note: If there was a way to eliminate the tax on a Roth IRA Conversion, is there any reason to not want a big increase to your family’s net wealth? Free live seminar and lunch: 10 a.m. May 7 at Hyatt Place, 3535 W. Chandler Blvd. Chandler. Free catered lunch at 12:15 p.m. Topic is “Roth IRA Conversions: Tax-Free at Any Age!” To RSVP for the seminar or schedule a free consultation, please contact Dr. Harold Wong at 480-706-0177 or harold_ wong@hotmail.com. His website is drharoldwong.com. Dr. Wong earned his Ph.D. in economics at University of California/ Berkeley and has appeared on over 400 TV/radio programs.

BESTOF

2021

Serving the Central Valley

We offer Big Savings and Great Financing!

Celebrating 40 Years FREE INDOOR REME HALO® IN-DUCT AIR PURIFIER* • Reduces common allergens from pollen, mold dander Serving The Valley! & dust

SPRING SAVINGS

500

Instant Credit Towards A New Unit Mention this ad

FREE

40% OFF 16-pt. tune up plus outdoor coil cleaning Reg. $109

• Eliminates pet, cooking and musty odors • Reduces airborne and surface bacteria & viruses, such as MRSA, e-coli, and Norwalk 99+%,

Your Hometown Air Conditioning Specialist

*With a qualified ac system purchase SINCE 1982 ROC #C39-312643

Service Call (with repair) Second Opinion Some restrictions apply. See website for additional information. Special rebates and financing offers are valid on qualifying equipment and pre-approved credit. Offers expire 12/31/2022.

480-725-7303 www.BrewersAC.com

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

WE SUPPORT HOMETOWN HEROES. If you work (or worked) in education, fire, law enforcement, medical, or military, you qualify for excellent benefits and savings from Western State Bank VISIT US TO LEARN MORE!

976 W Chandler Blvd • Chandler 480-855-6287 • WESTERNBANKS.COM Member FDIC

BEFORE

AFTER

Is Your Pool In Need of a Makeover? We’re the Pool Resurfacing Experts!

Let us help you create the pool of your drea ms!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

% OFF

Tile Cleaning Expires April 30, 2022

BRING IN A WATER SAMPLE FOR A FREE ANALYSIS

SEE STORE FOR DETAILS

Pool Resurfacing Experts Specializing in POOL SERVICE, MAINTENANCE & REPAIR

602-546-POOL (7665)

www.barefootpoolman.com Ahwatukee!

Ahwatukee!

BESTOF

2019

Thank you for voting us an Ahwatukee’s “Best Of” Pool Service Company 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021!

Ahwatukee Owned & Operated Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

OPINION

Opinion

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

Don’t make tax season harder for Arizona small businesses BY TERRI KIMBLE Arizonan Guest Writer

ax season can be a challenging time for Arizona small business owners who help power our local economies. After all, dealing with the IRS can be frustrating even under the best of circumstances. But this tax season is expected to be even more dif�icult than usual due to a massive backlog of over 24 million returns that the IRS has yet to process from last year. Given the challenges that Arizona small businesses have faced over the last several years, we should be �inding ways to make it easier – not harder – for them to get through the upcoming tax season. Unfortunately, some lawmakers in Washington are considering a proposal that would substantially expand the

Vote for legislators who care about public schools

In multiple surveys, well over 70% of Arizonans agree we need a robust K-12 education system for all students. But what have legislators like our State Senator JD Mesnard of Chandler chosen to do? Repeatedly work to move our public taxpayer dollars to unaccountable private schools and also to cut taxes, both of which reduce the funds available for fully funding our public schools. Then, underperforming schools are criticized for less than stellar test scores. (Private schools’ performance? Who knows?) There’s also a claim that they have put a lot of money into school fund-

t? o G ws Ne

reach of the IRS, limit taxpayers’ control over their own �ilings and make tax season even more frustrating for businesses and individuals alike. If passed, this proposal would give the IRS unprecedented new responsibilities and create a government-run tax �iling system. This would mean that the IRS wouldn’t just determine how much you owe in taxes, the government would also be �iling your return for you. This raises several important issues. First, the IRS shouldn’t be the collector of your taxes and your accountant, that’s a clear con�lict of interest. There’s a good reason that so many in our community turn to trained and trusted tax professionals every year – because they �ight to make sure Arizonans get every cent they are owed. They also get personalized service from accountants that they have come to know and trust with their family’s hard-

earned money. If supporters have their way, taxpayers would have to trust that a bureaucrat in Washington would do the same due diligence for them – along with millions of other Americans – when they are already stretched to the limits before this tax season even starts? That scheme is a recipe for disaster. Business owners know that it’s critical to excel at your core services before trying to expand those services. Currently, the IRS is far from exceling. If you call the IRS, there’s only a 1 in 50 chance that you will actually get through to a representative. What’s more, even the agency’s own internal watchdog said in January that the IRS is currently ‘in crisis.’ Now is hardly the time to be adding a massive new service that could further delay Arizonans’ refunds. Lastly, a new study shows that the resources needed to develop, test, update,

and protect such a system at the IRS would cost as much – if not more – than it did to establish the healthcare.gov website. To date, that government-run site has cost taxpayers over $21 billion and been plagued with consistent technical dif�iculties and privacy concerns. At the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, we believe in helping to create a nurturing environment for the economic engines of our community. That means making sure policies in Washington don’t create additional and unnecessary challenges for Arizona taxpayers especially when they will impact the livelihood and �inancial circumstances of millions of Arizonians. On behalf of the hardworking business owners in Chandler and their customers, I hope that Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly will stop this misguided proposal before it’s too late. Terri Kimble is the president and CEO of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce.

ing, and anyway, “You can’t just keep throwing money at the problem.” While it’s true that money won’t resolve all the challenges facing our schools, there are problems – like woefully underpaid teachers, crumbling buildings, out of date technology, and many others – that ONLY money can remedy. But that’s not focused on. One wonders if they actually want the next generation of Arizonans to be less educated than their parents. That is harmful for Arizona and plainly unacceptable to most of us. Election season is coming. Remember Mr. Mesnard and other candidates who say they value education yet support more vouchers for private schools and cuts to public education …

and vote instead for someone who supports public schools. - Judith Simons

their app stores and make it hard to get an app into the store, and even harder to turn a pro�it once they are available there. Currently, Apple and Google require the app developers use their payment system for in app purchases, and then charge them 30% to do so. When Apple and Google have a similar app, this makes it practically impossible for the small app developer to compete in the market. Apple and Google also promote their apps over those of independent developers. This bill needs to be passed to create a level playing �ield, foster innovation, and protect us, the consumers, from price gouging. -James A. Smith

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Congress must make apps market fairer to public

Hopefully we will �inally see Congress take action to make the app markets that we all use fairer and more affordable. I remember reading about the Open App Markets Act in an Op/Ed back in the fall (I think it was by Rep. Jeff Weninger). I am happy to see it moving forward, as the Senate Judiciary passed the bill out of committee with a super majority. This legislation, that would rein in the tech giants who have been using draconian and monopolistic methods to control

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

Sports 36

SPORTS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

Chandler freshman ready to dominate track BY ZACH ALVIRA Arizonan Sports Editor

’Niyah Cade looked over to her mother, Keri Suell, to see her reaction when she finished the race. Cade, a freshman at Chandler High School who is still a bit shy and reserved at times, wasn’t sure how to react after running the 100 and 200-meter dash events at the Nike Chandler Rotary. Suell had a smile on her face and tears in her eyes when Cade’s time came across the screen. That’s when Cade began to celebrate, too. “I was hoping I broke 12 seconds because I was right at 12.10 or something,” Cade said. “So, I was just getting mentally prepared for that. I was excited I broke that.” Cade capped off a strong showing at the Brophy AMDG by running an 11.97 in the 100. A week later at the Chandler Rotary, she won the 100 and 200 with times of 11.98 and 24.29 seconds, respectively. She beat out the likes of Highland sprinter Lainey Jones and Mountain Pointe’s Trinity Henderson, who raced in her first meet after transferring from Chandler this season. Henderson, widely looked at as the best sprinter in the state with numerous state titles under her belt at this point in her high school career, is someone Cade has always looked up to. But she’s also been intimidated at times by her and Jones’ presence due to their speed and skill on the track. But racing against them at the Rotary she remained calm. And that ultimately allowed her to stamp her name into the conversation for a state title in both events come May. “I was only really nervous about my block start,” Cade said. “I was just ready to get the race over with.” Cade’s journey to Chandler was one that was, for the most part, set in stone. Suell ran under current Chandler track

Left: Chandler freshman S’Niyah Cade is slowly learning just how good she is and will be on the track over the course of her high school career. She recently ran an 11.97 at a Brophy meet and followed it with an 11.98 in the 100 at the Nike Chandler Rotary, where she beat top sprinters in Mountain Pointe’s Trinity Henderson and Highland’s Lainey Jones. Right: Chandler head track coach Eric Richardson said he has high expectations for S’Niyah Cade. He believes she can become one of the most dominant sprinters of all time in the state and come somewhere close to an 11.4 or 5 in the 100-meter dash. (Dave Minton/AZR Staff) coach Eric Richardson on the Arizona Cheetahs, a longstanding track and field youth club team. She began to make a name for herself in that setting and carried it over to the track at Chandler, where Richardson became head coach after leading the Boys Ranch to two state titles in the late 1990s. The two families became close. Richardson is Suell’s godfather. Suell’s development as an elite sprinter continued under Richardson. In 2002, she ran a blazing 11.69 in the 100 with a fractured tibia. She and Cade often discuss what it will take for her daughter to beat her time on the track. Often, it comes with jokes about that never happening. But in reality, Suell knows it’s only a matter of time. “Her progression has blown me away,” Suell said. “She doesn’t even realize how fast she has run. It honestly blows my mind. I can’t wait to see what she does at state. Hopefully, by next year, she will be running 11.6.” A self-proclaimed sneaker head and foodie, Cade often bargains with Suell

for rewards after events. But only if she hits certain marks. She most recently received a new pair of Nike Dunks and Air Jordans from her mom. She also requested a crab leg dinner. But Suell has yet to give in that much. The rewards make for a fun bonus to the hard work Cade already puts in on a daily basis. She wants to break her mom’s record. She wants to be the best on the track. And whether or not she knows it, she is well on her way to doing just that. “She should do well in the state meet if we can keep her going in the same direction,” Richardson said. “She’s responded to the weight room a lot better than we expected. She’s got a chance to do something special.” Chandler’s girls’ team has won 14 state championships dating back to 2006. In 2015, Mountain Pointe upset the Wolves. In 2020, a state championship wasn’t held due to the pandemic. This season, the Chandler girls seem poised to yet again win a title. Elite

sprinter Jocelyn Johnson, who routinely competed right alongside Henderson when the two were both at Chandler, will once again be one of the top athletes in the state. The girls’ relay team had strong showings both at Brophy and the Chandler Rotary, where some of the top competition from the state and the southwest competed. Then there’s Cade, a 14-year-old that was widely unknown until her blazing runs at two of the biggest meets outside of the state championship. She knows the type of expectations that come with running for Chandler. That’s something she has learned to embrace from her mother, Richardson and her teammates. She also knows the likelihood that she faces off against Henderson and Jones again with a gold medal up for grabs. She’s learning to embrace that challenge on practice at a time. “She’s always competed with some of the best,” Suell said. “Her being able to compete at that level, she was very intimidated coming into high school. But we let her know there’s nothing to be afraid of. “Me being a freshman when I won my first championships in the (100 and 200), if she follows in my footsteps will be more than exciting,” Suell said. “If she does that, I’ll probably be dancing in the middle of the field and do a backflip.” Richardson’s projection for Cade mirrors what Suell believes her daughter can accomplish in high school. They both agreed she can work her way to somewhere in the 11.4 or 5 range in the 100. It’ll take hard work, but that’s something she is already used to. Overall, Cade could very well become the next dominant sprinter in the state over the course of the next four years. “You have to have some luck, especially with injuries and stuff,” Richardson said. “If we can keep her focused in, I think she has a chance to be among the elite in Arizona history.”

MetroPhoenix

JOBS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

To Advertise Call:

480 898 6465

GET THE JOB

CLASSIFIEDS

Overcoming Anxiety

Looking for a job can be one of life’s more stressful experiences. Perhaps you tend to worry over how you stack up against other candidates, or can’t stand the endless waits for a call back. Maybe a period of unemployment means that money is especially tight. Depending on how soon you begin stressing out, negativity could impact how you present in the critical interview process that will decide who gets hired or passed over. Here are a few tips on overcoming anxiety in your job search: AVOID OVER-ANALYZING In the absence of concrete information, everyone tends to begin thinking a little too much. You spend a lot of time and effort with the hope of landing a new job, from crafting a resume to preparing to meet a potential new employer, and then the waiting game begins. Perhaps your prospective employer has a long list of fellow candidates, or outside forces like a market downturn or internal

revealed the need for more project experience or special training, focus on identifying those opportunities and get them scheduled.

reorganization slows things down. But even a few days can feel excruciating, depending on how excited you are about the opportunity. Take a deep breath and relax. These things always take time. Stay focused on the main objective: presenting as an upbeat, can-do candidate in a new work environment. MAKE IT A LEARNING EXPERIENCE If you’re further along in the evaluation process with a new company, these worries can become an important tool for improvement. Do you feel like you could have done a better job with the interview, or tweaked your résumé to more closely fit their objectives? Make constructive changes to your approach now, even while your intended boss is

still deciding, and you’ll be a stronger candidate next time. If discussions

KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN Sometimes, we feel overwhelmed because we get stuck in a rut. If you’ve been on an interview merry-goround, consider applying for related but different jobs. A retail customerservice rep, for instance, can leverage the same skill set in other industries. Begin crafting a second resume that indicates an openness to work outside of your current job sector. The key to a more positive attitude about your job search may just come down to flexibility.

CENTURION HEALTH IS PROUD TO BE THE PROVIDER OF HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS.

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR THE FOLLOWING ROLES: REGISTERED NURSES LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES Ei MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

BONUSES AVAIU�BllEI

EXPLORE A CAREER IN CORRECTIONAL HEALTHCARE WITH CENTURION, AND JOIN OUR TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS DEDICATED TO TRANSFORMING THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE, ONE PERSON AT A TIME. Cor.itact Laur.ie Kocli: lkoclTI@teaITTilcer.itu r.ior.i .co1ru1 520.3]f7.3]5� www.Cer.it� riionJoos.com

CLASSIFIEDS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

We are hiring immediately for all skilled operator positions to be part of building our new, state of

JOIN OUR TEAM:

the art micro mill from the ground up.

• Forklift Operator

Ready for a challenge? We also have current

• Mechanic and Electrician

openings for our Modern Steelmaker Program,

• Production Operator • Technical Training Program

a 12-month rotational technical training program that teaches you everything you need to know about sustainable steelmaking. If you’re ready to grow in your career, you’re ready to join CMC. Visit us online to apply today!

JOBS

• Entry Level Positions

MetroPhoenix

Now Hiring in Mesa!

To Advertise Call:

Scan to see all job openings!

480 898 6465

CLASSIFIEDS

MetroPhoenix

JOBS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

To Advertise Call:

480 898 6465

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT • In-Office Position • Health, Dental, Vision, Paid Vacations, Holidays, 401K and more • Full-Time Times Media Group is a digital and print media company operating in the Phoenix, Tucson, and Los Angeles markets. We have experienced significant growth in recent years due to our commitment to excellence when it comes to providing news to the communities we serve.

Apply today, upload your resume: TimesLocalMedia.com

CLASSIFIEDS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

HIRING TEAM JOIN OUR

PART-TIME FOR UP TO 30 HOURS STARTING AT $20/HR FLEXIBLE HOURS

Ahwatukee Chandler Gilbert Glendale Mesa North Valley Ocotillo Peoria Phoenix Scottsdale Tempe West Valley

POSITIONS AVAILABLE: COUNTER SALES GENERAL LABOR

MetroPhoenix

JOBS

APPLY WITHIN OR DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION AT VERNLEWIS.COM

OR CONTACT OUR MANAGER AT SHAYES@VERNLEWIS.COM | 602-633-7481

Team Member Full and Part Time

Peter Piper Pizza’s commitment to outstanding service starts with our employees. • Competitive benefits and rewards • Day, Evenings, Night positions • Flexible Management hours - go to school and work full-time • Opportunities for growth - we promote from within • Early paycheck access

McDowell and Miller Road • (480) 947-9901 Apply at: 7607 E. McDowell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

Located between Hayden Road and Scottsdale Road on the southwest corner of Miller Road.

HIRING INSIDE SALES TEAM PLAYER IN TEMPE Times Media Group began in 1997 when founder Steve Strickbine left his job as a practicing CPA to pursue his dream of becoming a publishing entrepreneur. His ﬁ rst venture was Valley Times, an 8-page publication with a circulation of 5,000 that served the North Scottsdale community. Two decades later, Times Media Group publishes a growing collection of more than 30 titles, from hyper-local and state-wide magazines to awardwinning newspapers and hightrafﬁc websites. . It also owns and operates AZ Integrated Media, a distribution and custom publishing company.

Salary + Commission, Beneﬁts, Vacation and Sick Time Times Media Group is the largest publisher of community news in Arizona. With a complete digital advertising suite and over 300,000 copies a week – our reach is a must-have for local businesses, and we offer advertising solutions to fit any business in any community! We are hiring inside advertising sales representatives to help with inbound and outbound sales. TMG has grown 500% in the past six years, and we expect this growth trajectory to continue. Come join us! Do you get excited when you sell? We get it - it’s exciting to sell! Do you have an interest in selling solutions and not just ads? If you are a fast learner, tech savvy and familiar with Google and other digital advertising solutions, you should contact us. If you want to learn how, we have you covered too! Will train. This is a full time job with the hours of 8:30-5pm Mon-Fri. in Tempe near the Broadway Curve. Need we say more? Contact us TODAY!

Please send your resume and cover letter to:

EOE

Elaine Cota, ecota@timespublications.com

JOBS

EVERYBODY GRAB A FUTURE

To Advertise Call: 480-898-6465 or email Class@TimesPublications.com

MetroPhoenix

FIND YOUR PASSION

WE ARE

To Advertise Call:

480 898 6465

CLASSIFIEDS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

Employment General "Marketing Specialist. Duties: collect, analyze customer demographics; prep. campaigns for digital, print; analyze brand image, sales, web metrics. Reqs: HS, 1 yr exp. Salary: $35k annual. Mail resume to: MVB Title and Registration, 1300 S Watson Rd, A-107, Buckeye, AZ 85326

East University Church of God is currently looking to hire a part-time worship director For more information, please contact Pastor Larry Young at (480) 985-3148

Ahwatukee Chandler Gilbert Glendale Mesa North Valley Ocotillo Peoria Phoenix Scottsdale Tempe West Valley

MetroPhoenixClassifieds com To Advertise Call: 480-898-6465 or email Class@TimesPublications.com

Classifieds 480-898-6465

Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Consulting, Senior Solution Specialist in Gilbert, AZ & various unanticipated Deloitte office locations & client sites nationally to drive the development of Cloud-based technologies, including data cleansing and conversions, interface design/development, and systems development life cycle. 15% travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL22FC0322GIL2240 in “Search jobs” field. EOE, including disability/veterans. Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Consulting, Solution Specialist in Gilbert, Arizona & various unanticipated Deloitte office locations & client sites nationally to Provide software testing and implementation services to help companies unlock the value of technology investments, ranging from requirements to architecture, testing to deployment, and beyond as discrete services or comprehensive solutions in the insurance, financial services, healthcare, State and Local government, telecom, and retail industries. 15% travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL22FC0322GIL5398 in “Search jobs” field. EOE, including disability/veterans.

VIRTUAL ASSISTANT NEEDED FOR A WORK FROM HOME POSITION, 3-5HRS DAILY, AT $20/HR OR $500 WEEKLY. DUTIES: [MANAGING SCHEDULES AND APPOINTMENTS, HANDLING MAILS AND CORRESPONDENCE, EFFECTING BILLS, TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS, DATA ENTRY AND RECORD KEEPING]. CONTACT: RBETTS554@GMAIL.COM OR (347) 815-6875 (TEXT ONLY).

Wanted to Buy Diabetic Test Strips by the box, unused. Any type or brand. Will pay top dollar. Call Pat 480-323-8846

DO YOU OFFER Lessons & Tutoring? Children need your help! Place your ad today Contact us: class@times publications.com or Call 480-898-6465

CHECK US OUT

MetroPhoenix

JOBS

Real Estate for Sale

Appliance Repairs

Appliance Repair Now

If It’s Broken, We Can Fix It!

Air Conditioning/Heating

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

Over 1,000 Five-Star Google Reviews ★★★★★

THE LINKS ESTATES Why Rent The Lot When YOU CAN OWN THE LAND And Own Your New Home

• Same Day Service • On-Site Repairs • Servicing All Major Brands • Quality Guaranteed

We Also Buy, Sell & Trade Used Appliances Working or Not

480-659-1400 Licensed & Insured

Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship New 3-Ton 14 SEER AC Systems Only $5,995 INSTALLED! New Trane Air Conditioners NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 MONTHS!

Manufactured Homes

Cleaning Services

10 OFF

Your First Recurring Cleaning Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly recurring options available. First time customers only. One time use. Mention this ad for the offer. Offer expires 5/31/2022.

Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252

480-405-7588

License #000825-2018

480-550-8282

Monday-Friday 8am-5pm • Closed Weekends

www.twomaidsgilbert.com

Air Duct Cleaning FROM THE UPPER 200’s

ASK US HOW YOUR $150k-180k CASH INVESTMENT AND OUR SENIOR LOAN PROGRAM ENABLES QUALIFIED 62+ SENIORS MAKING THE LINKS THEIR PRIMARY RESIDENCE HAVE NO MORTGAGE PAYMENT & NO LOT RENT AS LONG AS YOU LIVE IN HOME.

Gawthorp & Associates

4046 N Green St. • San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Consulting, Senior Solution Specialist in Gilbert, AZ and various unanticipated Deloitte office locations and client sites nationally, to drive software testing and implementation services to help companies unlock the value of big technology investments, ranging from requirements to architecture, design to development, testing to deployment, and beyond as discrete services or comprehensive solutions in the insurance, financial services, healthcare, state and local government, telecom, and retail industries. 15% Travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL22FC0322GIL8291 in “Search jobs” field. EOE, including disability/veterans.

602-402-2213

www.linksestates.net

Obituaries

Obituaries have moved to the Community section of the paper!

Air Duct Cleaning & Dryer Vents BY JOHN

★ 30+ Years HVAC Experience ★ Disinfected & Sanitized With Every Job

Concrete & Masonry

Block Fence * Gates

602-789-6929 Roc #057163 Lowest Prices * 30 Yrs Exp Serving Entire Valley

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

(480) 912-0881 – Licensed & Insured

Meetings/Events? Get Free notices in the Classifieds! Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

CLASSIFIEDS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

Place YOUR Business HERE!

Garage/Doors GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

Call for our 3 Month Trial Special!

East Valley/ Ahwatukee

Broken Springs Replaced Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610

Classifieds: 480-898-6465

Not a licensed contractor

Electrical Services HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •

• Panel Changes and Repairs • Installation of Ceiling Fans • Switches/Outlets • Home Remodel

ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932 Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured

Glass/Mirror

GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS

SALE!

Home Improvement HOME REMODELING REPAIRS & CUSTOM INTERIOR PAINTING Move a wall; turn a door into a window. From small jobs and repairs to room additions, I do it all. Precision interior painting, carpentry, drywall, tile, windows, doors, skylights, electrical, fans, plumbing and more. All trades done by hands-on General Contractor. Friendly, artistic, intelligent, honest and affordable. 40 years' experience. Call Ron Wolfgang Pleas text or leave message Cell 602-628-9653 Wolfgang Construction Inc. Licensed & Bonded ROC 124934

Watch for Garage Sales in Classifieds! You will find them easily with their yellow background. Garage Sale Fri & Sat 7a-11am Household, clothes, kitchen items, furniture, electronics, mason jars, kid items, DVDs, MORE 555 W. Lane Dr Mesa

Only $27.50 includes up to 1 week online To place an ad please call: 480-898-6465 class@times publications.com

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Painting • Flooring • Electrical Handyman Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Decks • Tile • More!

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! ks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical “No Job Too ✔Small Flooring Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Man!” umbing • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Electrical Decks • Tile • More! Quality Work Since 1999 Decks •Affo Tile • More! rdable, ✔ Plumbing 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 ✔ Drywall Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor “No Job ✔ Carpentry Too Small Marks the Spot for“No Job Too ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small Man!” “No Job Too Man!” ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry

Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More! ✔ Kitchens 9 199 ce Sin rk Wo dable, Quality ✔ Bathrooms BSMALLMAN@Q.COM 2010, 2011 9 199 ce Sin Quality Work 2012, “No 2013, Job Too And More! 2010, 2011 Small Man!” 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 2012, 2013, 2014 ent/ References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor 1999 Since Ahwatukee / References Affordable, Quality Work 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, ences/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor 2014 Bruce at 602.670.7038

uce at 602.670.7038 t 602.670.7038

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet. Please recycle me.

Painting

PAINTING

HOME SERVICES “For all your Home Exterior Needs”

Roger Kretz 480.233.0336

rogerkretz@yahoo.com 25+ Years of Customer Services

• Leaky Roof Repairs • Tile Repairs • Painting • Flat Roof Coating • Wood Repair • Doors & Windows

Landscape/Maintenance

Irrigation Repair Services Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Specializing in Controllers, Valves, Sprinklers, Landscape Lighting, P.V.C. & Poly Drip Systems

ADOPT

DON'T SHOP

CALL US TODAY!

480.721.4146

Hauling

www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752 Insured/Bonded Free Estimates

• Furniture • Appliances • Mattresses • Televisions • Garage Clean-Out • Construction Debris

Interior & Exterior Residential/Commercial Free Estimates Drywall Repairs Senior Discounts References Available

— Call Jason —

(602) 502-1655

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Family Owned with 50 years' EXPERIENCE. Shower and tub enclosures, Framed, Frameless or Custom Doors, We also install insulated glass, mirrored closet doors, window glass, mirrors, patio doors, glass table protectors. If it’s glass, we can help you. QUALITY SERVICE at Competitive Prices. FREE Estimates

WESLEY'S GLASS & MIRROR Call 480-306-5113 wesleysglass.com SERVICING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

Home Improvement

• Old Paint & Chems. • Yard Waste • Concrete Slab • Remodeling Debris • Old Tires

ALL Pro

T R E E

S E R V I C E

L L C

Prepare for Spring Season! LANDSCAPING, TREES & MAINTENANCE

Home Improvement

General Contracting, Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC118198

One Call, We Do It All! 602-339-4766 Owner Does All Work, All Honey-Do Lists All Remodeling, Additions, Kitchen, Bath, Patio Covers, Garage, Sheds, Windows, Doors, Drywall & Roofing Repairs, Painting, All Plumbing, Electrical, Concrete, Block, Stucco, Stack Stone, All Flooring, Wood, Tile, Carpet, Welding, Gates, Fences, All Repairs.

Free Estimates with Pride & Prompt Service!

Tree Trimming • Tree Removal Stump Grinding Storm Damage • Bushes/Shrubs Yard Clean-up Commercial and Residential PMB 435 • 2733 N. Power Rd. • Suite 102 • Mesa dennis@allprotrees.com

480-354-5802

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

ROC#309706

East Valley PAINTERS Voted #1 Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting

10% OFF

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality Free Estimates! Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com Family Owned & Operated Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

Now Accepting all major credit cards

SHARE WITH THE WORLD! Place a Birth, Anniversary, Wedding Announcement, In Memoriam, Obituary or any life event in this paper today! Call us for details. class@timespublications.com or call 480-898-6465

CLASSIFIEDS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 2022

Plumbing

Roofing

Drain Cleaning Experts, water heaters, disposals, water & sewer lines repaired/replaced & remodels. Rapid Response. If water runs through it we do it! 602-663-8432

Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet. Please recycle me.

Plumbing

Roofing

Window Cleaning

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

10% Discount for Ahwatukee Residents 100% NO Leak Guarantee Re-Roof & Roofing Repairs Tile, Shingles & Flat Roof

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

Professional service since 1995

130 - One Story 170 - Two Story

Serving All Types Clean, Prompt, Friendly and Professional Service of Roofing: • • • •

Bonded & Insured

FREE ESTIMATES

Tiles & Shingles sunlandroofingllc@gmail.com Installation Repair Re-Roofing

602-471-2346

Includes in & out up to 30 Panes

SUN SCREENS CLEANED $3 EACH

480-584-1643

Attention to detail and tidy in your home.

HYDROJETTING

Roofing

480-477-8842

SEWER CABLE COMPREHENSIVE, FULL-SERVICE PLUMBING COMPANY

BOOK ONLINE! STATE48DRAINS.COM 20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED ROC 3297740

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH! FREE Service Calls + FREE Estimates Water Heaters Installed - $999 Unclog Drains - $49

10% OFF

Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-706-1453

Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online!! Classifieds 480-898-6465

PHILLIPS

ROOFING LLC

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Pool Service / Repair

623-873-1626

Juan Hernandez

Free Estimates Monday through Saturday

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

SPECIAL! $500 OFF COMPLETE REMODEL! 25 Years Experience • Dependable & Reliable

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

aFamily Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers! Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

All Water Purification Systems Voted #1 Plumber 3 Years In A Row OVER 1,000 5-STAR REVIEWS

480-405-7099

aOver 30 Years of Experience

Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

480-446-7663 FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hireroofing.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

Place Your Advertisement Here. Call 480-898-6465 to advertise in MetroPhoenixJobs

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | APRIL 3, 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 mid $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 low $700’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 Arizonan April 3, 2022

Articles inside

OPINION

COMMUNITY

SPORTS