SanTan Sun News June 19, 2022 by Times Media Group

June 19, 2022 | www.santansun.com

Relentlessly local coverage of Southern Chandler

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

Parents, students plead for help from CUSD BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

A community shocked by three recent suicides of Chandler Unified School District students spoke out June 8 and told the Governing Board to do more to address the mental health of young people. “No parent should ever, ever have to cut their child down,” said Chad Day, whose son Pierson, a Perry High freshman, hung himself on May 24. “You reached out to me and asked me if we need anything,” Day told Superintendent Frank Narducci. “We

don’t need anything financially, but what we do need is you to help us with this community, Mr. Narducci.” Day said some students asked him to address the board and support them in their call for help. “It is a shame that they have to come in here and ask for this,” Day said. “It’s up to you to do something about this. If you don’t, we will find someone who will, I promise.” Members of Arizona Students for Mental Health also called for more action. They asked for the formation of a student action board in all CUSD junior

high and high schools. The students on those boards would meet monthly with school officials to discuss issues they are experiencing. They also want students, teachers and staff at all those schools to get mental health first aid training from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing so that they can recognize the signs of someone who might be in trouble. In 2019, the state Legislature passed Senate Bill 1468, mandating all public school staff be trained in an evidence-based, best practice suicide prevention training at least once every three years.

“I saw firsthand how a lack of mental health resources in school affected my friends and family,” said Maya Lehti, who is 13 and a rising eighth grader at Santan Junior High. “I have found that it is very hard to watch my loved ones struggle … there isn’t much out there to help them.” Jayden Riecken, a 15-year-old rising sophomore at Basha High School, said, “I’ve had my own fair share of struggles with mental health and I feel that a lot of the time there’s no one I can go to for help. See

CUSD on page 22

Wife's illness forces sad end for S. Chandler shop BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

It’s easy to forget that life can change in a moment. One moment is forcing Richard and Connie Finkbeiner to sell their Chandler business of more than 20 years. They plan to close Connie’s Jewelry Gallery and Clock Shop at 1900 W. Germann Road forever around the end of June. Connie had just dropped her grandchild off and was returning home in February of 2017. She stopped at a stop sign. There was a utility box blocking her view. She leaned forward, and turned her neck to try and see around it. It was that moment that her car

South Chandler jewelry store co-owner Richard Finkbeiner. said he has to close his Chandler jewelry store so he can care for his wife Connie, who owned Connie’s Jewelry Gallery and Clock Shop with him for more than 20 years..

was hit from behind by a maintenance truck. Richard says he’s been told the other driver was distracted. “You know, a kid being irresponsible and we think he was on his phone,” Richard said. “I mean, it took everything. It took my wife’s life, she’s in a bed ... and it’s taking my business. I can’t run this business on my own and I can’t find anybody who has, Connie’s been doing it for like 35 years, ...the business worked because Connie developed trustworthy relationships with her clients.” There’s another reason they are closing their business, which has been at the corner of Dobson and Germann since See

(David Minton/Staff Photographer)

JEWLERY on page 3

Taxpayers covering $377.5K in council pet projects BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

Each year Chandler City Council members get a contingency fund to spend money on projects they deem important for the community. This year councilmembers awarded $10,000 to explore blockchain record keeping, $17,000 for two award recognition ceremonies that were started this year – and an additional $10,000 for the Endzone Experience, the city’s non-sanctioned Super Bowl party. The projects in all total $377,500 of the city’s $1.35 billion budget Council approved last week. Council also approved a capital improvement budget of $1.66 billion. Vice Mayor Terry Roe voted against the package of budget amendments. “Historically, we’ve talked about these items individually and that can take a long time,” Roe said. “This year we probably could have done that, forced a vote in a study session, but we didn’t.”

Council changed how it voted on the amendments because of the pandemic. In 2020, there were no amendments. Since then, members have been voting on them as a group instead of individually. Roe said he voted against the amendments because he objected to spending $74,000 – the highest amount among the individual items – for a portable, solar-powered electric vehicle charging station for city-owned vehicles. Here’s a look at some of the items the Council awarded funds to: Endzone Experience: First, don’t call it a Super Bowl party. This is not in any way an official NFL event and the city doesn’t want to fight with copyright attorneys. It just happens that it will be staged about the time the Super Bowl will take place in Glendale on Feb. 12. Kim Moyers, the cultural development director for the city, says the Endzone Experience will be an event for the community. First, it will allow some Chandler youth to showcase their skills

for college recruiters. “It’s basically working with a lot of the high school students on how if they’re interested in playing at the collegiate level, [or] if you’re so fortunate to play at the collegiate level, what it would take to get to the professional level,” she said. “They are going to do some, like some scrimmaging and that type of thing so that people have an opportunity to see some of the amazing athletes that Chandler has.” Council had already approved

$25,000 for that part of the Endzone Experience. Councilmember OD Harris asked for an additional $10,000 from the contingency fund to improve it. Moyers said they plan to stage a number of events on Super Bowl weekend where people in the community can participate. Since that money has just been approved, they have not planned out exactly what those activities will be just yet. Chandler has some of the top high

F E AT U R E D STO R I E S CUSD gives itself high marks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .News . . . . . . . . . . .Page 8 Sellers market beginnign to fade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Real Estate . . . . Page 27 Chandler yo-yo factory America's biggest. . . . . . . .Business. . . . . . . Page 30 Sun Lakes author pens new novel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NEIGHBORS . . . . . Page 40

See

PARTY on page 6

News . . . . . . . . 1-25 Clip-It . . . . . . . . . 26 Real Estate . . 27-29 Business . . . . 30-33 Sports . . . . . . . . . 34 Opinion . . . . 36-38 Neighbors . . 40-42 Faith . . . . . . . . . . 43 GetOut. . . . . 45-46 Directory . . . 49-50

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JEWELRY

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2013. If he tried to run the business even without his wife’s expertise and relationships, someone has to be a caregiver. “Who’s going to take care of my wife?” Richard said. “Whenever she throws up, who’s going to tell her it’s OK and clean it up? When she loses her hair, who’s going tell her ‘I love you anyway?’” The crash left Connie with a broken neck and herniated discs. Those could be, and were, dealt with in surgery. The bigger problem is what it did to her nervous system. She has complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Basically, the pain receptors in her body never turn

off. Connie is in constant pain. That is not all. The nerves in her stomach are unable to tell when there is food present. Normally, once the nerves recognize food is there, they begin to process it. Richard says in Connie’s case, the food just sits inside her stomach and rots. That has led to her losing a lot of weight, now down to 95 pounds. She also developed allodynia, which is a sensitivity to touch, light and sounds. There’s a medical center in Arkansas that specializes in CRPS, basically trying to rebuild the nervous system to lessen the constant pain. They were there for about three months and were starting to see some positive results. But that ended when they diagnosed

Connie with breast cancer. Before she can return to Arkansas, they must first address that. They measure pain on a scale up to 50. Connie’s usually falls between 42 and 45. “So CRPS ... is known as the suicide disease,” Richard said. “People just can’t take it over a period, and the doctors don’t … understand how to go ahead and deal with people’s ... pain like that.” Richard said it’s not been easy for them. How have they gotten through? “It’s just through faith,” he said. “I’m on my knees 10 times a day. The Lord will guide us through this.” So far the medical bills have cost them $500,000. The insurance company for the business that owned the maintenance truck that hit Connie has

admitted to the crash, but not to any injuries sustained. Richard said they are suing them with a court date scheduled for this summer. A GoFundMe page has been set up by Richard’s sister to help them. Search for “Please Help Save Connie” if you would like to contribute. Richard said it was a hard decision to close their business, but he had little choice. “Everything you have and don’t have go into your business,” Richard said. “I mean, this business is my 401k. This business is my IRA. I don’t have anything else. Everything has been put into the business to … make the business go. That’s just the way you have to do it.” Information: 480-883-3320.

Trial likely on $6B in lost Arizona school aid BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Arizona schools are entitled to get their day in court to prove the state has shorted them by billions of dollars. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Daniel Martin last week rejected arguments by attorneys for the state and Republican legislative leaders that he has no right to rule on the legality of the formula they use to finance the funding of new schools and repairs for existing ones. Martin said it clearly is within the purview of the courts to determine if the state is complying with the constitutional requirements to maintain a “general and uniform’’ school system. The judge also sniffed at arguments

that he cannot review the claims that were first filed five years ago because the state has made adjustments to its capital funding system. “Because a case of this complexity always will span multiple years – and multiple legislative sessions – the legislature can always pass some new law that nibbles around the edges of the system, and claim that the case is moot and unripe,’’ he said. “Not surprisingly, Arizona law does not support such a contention.’’ The lawsuit, filed in 2017 by a coalition of public schools and education organizations, contends lawmakers have been shorting schools each year for the capital funds to which state law says they are entitled. Danny Adelman of the Center for Law in the Public In-

terest, one of the attorneys in the case, said Wednesday the cumulative loss to schools from the failure of legislators to obey the funding formula is now close to $6 billion. Its roots date back to 1994. Prior to then, construction of new schools and needed repairs were presumed to be solely the responsibility of local districts. But in a historic ruling that year, the Arizona Supreme Court said that created gross inequities and left some schools without adequate facilities. “Some districts have schoolhouses that are unsafe, unhealthy, and in violation of building, fire and safety codes,’’ the justices said, noting there are schools without libraries, laboratories or gymnasiums. “But in other districts,

there are schools with indoor swimming pools, a domed stadium, science laboratories, television studios, well-stocked libraries, satellite dishes and extensive computer systems.’’ And, that, they said, runs afoul of that constitutional obligation for a general and uniform school system. He said some districts have more property wealth than others. That means adding $1 to the local property tax in a rich district raises far more than the same levy in a property-poor district. Put another way, Bendor said, people in poor districts have to raise their tax rates by three or four times as much as those in rich districts to raise the same amount of money. No date has been set for a trial.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Perry senior wins international robotics award An edition of the East Valley Tribune

BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

Humans have been exploring the topic of machines surpassing us and becoming a threat as far back as 1872, when the novel “Erewhon” worried about them gaining consciousness and being able to self-replicate. Since then it is a popular science fiction topic in everything from books to films to video games. It’s not a topic that scares one rising senior at Perry High School. “I’ve never seen ‘Terminator,’” Joshua Shunk admitted. Last month, Joshua took first place in robotics and intelligent machines at the International Science and Engineering Fair after he designed an algorithm that allows machines to learn with less data. As part of his prize is that he will get to fly to Sweden to watch the Nobel Prize Awards ceremony. The blockbuster “Terminator” films showed machines hunting down the last pockets of humanity. But despite the fears that developing artificial intelligence can generate, Joshua sees the good they can do as well. Take his algorithm as an example. Usually a machine needs a lot of data to get to the point where it is confident in making a decision. Joshua said there are times when you don’t have a lot of data. For example, a doctor could list the a patient’s symptoms and the artificial

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Joshua Shunk received the Dudley R. Herschbach SIYSS Award, which provides the finalists with an all-expense paid trip to the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar, which includes attendance at the Nobel Prize Ceremonies in Stockholm, Sweden. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

intelligence could come up with a list of the most likely cause. But what about very rare diseases, where there is not a lot of data? Joshua’s algorithm helps machines learn without needing millions of packets of data. He decided to make his algorithm open source, allowing others to build on his work. It means he will likely never profit from his algorithm.

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“Being that I’m a high school student conducting this research independently, there are going to be other researchers who want to validate my claims,” he said. “Researchers won’t just take my word for it. “Open sourcing it makes this process a lot easier. The goal of my research was to develop something that would hopefully improve the lives of other and give me some credibility as a researcher. It was never to make money off of.” Perry High School offers select students an Honors Science Research program where they can explore any topic that interests them. They are evaluated based on their research and what they’ve learned. That’s where Joshua did most of his research into this topic. He plans to continue to explore it during his senior year. The International Science and Engineering Fair is the largest of its kind in the world, with more than 1,600 participants from 63 countries. So far, Joshua has been awarded a scholarship to Arizona State University and $6,500 in prize money. During the trip to Stockholm, he will make a presentation on his project to Swedish youth as part of a program to encourage them to explore careers in science. He said he enjoyed the competition, getting a chance to meet people from all over the world and experience different cultures. Joshua said he hopes to travel a lot in the future. In addition to his scientific research, Joshua plays hockey. He said between the research and hockey, he is pretty busy. Which is why he doesn’t have time to play the Mass Effect video games, where machines wipe out all advance civilizations every 50,000 years. Does Joshua ever think about machines taking over? “I think it could happen,” Joshua said. “And it’s up to the responsibility of the researchers with upgrading it. I think there’s definitely safeguards against it.”

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school football teams in the nation and most college recruiters already know about those programs. Moyers said the Endzone Experience would help players other than the top stars get some notice. And, she said they hope to expand it to more than just football. Blockchain record keeping: Councilmember Mark Stewart is a big proponent of blockchain technology. Last year he helped start a pilot program to test blockchain voting in city elections. Last week, he pushed for $10,000 so the City Clerk’s office could study using blockchain technology for record retention and document authentication. Award celebrations: Last year Councilmembers Harris and Christine Ellis both staged special events to honor members of the community and used some of their personal $7,500 expense fund to pay for it. Next year they want to host the events again, and this time have the money come from the contingency fund. Ellis is planning a First Ladies of Chandler event to pay tribute to women leaders in the community. Harris plans to hold another Martin Luther King Jr. event. Both members requested $10,000 and $7,000 respectively for the celebrations. Roe only requested money for one item among the 28 amendments. He joined with the rest of the Council in asking for $1,000 to supplement a

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Christmas holiday party for seniors living in public housing. The Chandler City Council approved spending $377,000 of a maximum $425,000 Rene Lopez from its contingency fund on 28 projects that benefit the community. Each had the next amendment must be backed by at least one Councilmember. In some cases, two or fewest rethree backed an amendment. In one case, all seven backed one. Here's how many quests at five, amendments each Councilmember supported, and their dollar total: followed by Matt Orlando $223,000 11 Stewart at seven. Mayor Kevin Hartke made 15 Christine Ellis $217,000 10 requests, followed by Matt $192,000 10 Kevin Hartke Orlando at 11, Ellis at 15. Harris $121,000 16 OD Harris made the most requests at 16. The Mark Stewart $78,500 7 amounts awarded range $53,000 5 Rene Lopez from $1,000 to $74,000. The $1,000 Terry Roe most common amount was Notes: Roe backed only one amendment. Orlando, Ellis and Hartke all supported $10,000, which one amendment that cost $74,000, and another with a $30,000 price tag. was handed out 10 times. Some of Ken Sain/Times Media Group Source: City of Chandler the projects being funded the area’s veterans and $10,000 for two Some of the 28 amendments spesupport the police and fire departnew programs for Jazz appreciation cifically address diversity in the city, ments. They voted to give the Police month. They also approved $10,000 for including $10,000 for Chandler ContiDepartment $10,000 for human traffick- go, $10,000 for diversity education for two new benches for Downtown and ing equipment and $20,000 for human $15,000 for some signage at the ChanK-12 students, $5,000 for a Juneteenth trafficking training. They gave the Fire celebration and $1,000 for a roundtable dler Museum. Department $30,000 to convert a Council also agreed to spend $28,000 that focuses on businesses owned by vehicle into a mobile incident cooling women, African Americans and Latinos. for a study to determine residents’ interstation. est in remodeling Folley Park. There’s also $10,000 to recognize

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Chandler doesn’t know who pays with crypto BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

The City of Chandler has no way of knowing if someone has paid their utility bills with cryptocurrency. And that is not likely to change. The city announced at the end of March it would accept cryptocurrency payments through a third-party vendor, PayPal. However, PayPal does not break down how much money it collected from Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, and how much came from traditional means, like credit cards. City officials say accepting cryptocurrency payments is not costing them anything. A cryptocurrency expert says it may be a while before a majority of Americans are using blockchain payments instead of credit cards. “It won’t happen in the U.S. first,” said Ryan Taylor, the former CEO of the Dash Core Group. The Valley resident helped develop the cryptocurrency Dash. “We have a well-functioning payment system here.” Cryptocurrencies are mostly seen as an investment in the U.S. The price of Bitcoin at one point soared to nearly $64,000, but has since fallen to below $23,000 last week. Many Americans view it as a payment favored by people on the dark web, where hackers extort victims and drug dealers try to avoid detection by the banking system. Taylor said that’s unfair, as many Americans have already embraced crypto.

“My wife and I have switched from credit cards,” Taylor said. “We get 12% off for using Dash on CrayPay. We’ve been using that for the past year and have saved a lot of money.” CrayPay is an app that tells its users where they can spend their cryptocurrency. Merchants also offer discounts to attract business, and many times those discounts are more than what credit cards offer on a cash back or mileage credit card. Dash is the cryptocurrency that Taylor helped develop. There are others, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether. A cryptocurrency is digital in nature and secured by blockchain technology, which is a decentralized way of maintaining records. Taylor said that while the U.S. has a well-established system for payment, other countries are lacking. Because of that, cryptocurrency is gaining in popularity. In some countries, you cannot take out more than $100 a day from an ATM and many merchants don’t accept credit cards. He said a person has to get five really good friends, each withdraws $100, and then go to the store to buy a big-ticket item like a refrigerator. Then, over the next five days, you can withdraw $100 daily to pay them back. Being able to pay in a cryptocurrency solves that problem. Taylor pointed to the Philippines, Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil as countries where cryptocurrencies are growing

Clerk’s study of the possibility of using blockchain technology for record retention and document authentication. Stewart said he remains “baby bullish” on crypto. “I think we are about six months to a year before we start seeing valuation go up again,” he said. Taylor said the wild swings in prices may cause some to be leery using cryptocurrencies for everyday purchases. But he said that will eventually work itself out. “What we’ve seen in terms of patterns is that when the price goes up, people tend to use it more.”

rapidly because their payment infrastructure is lacking. As the rest of the world continues to use it, he said it will eventually come to the U.S. But that it will likely be the last nation to embrace it fully. “I think the U.S. is very ingrained in its payment behavior and will change very slowly,” Taylor said. Chandler Councilmember Mark Stewart is a big believer in blockchain technology. He had the city conduct a pilot program last year to explore using it for voting. He also put into a budget amendment, passed recently by Council, to allocate $10,000 for the City

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NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

CUSD ranks its performance with an A mark. The district finished between 88% and 89.9% to finish with a three grade. College readiness: CUSD gets top Chandler Unified School District marks after its students earned more students are not the only ones who get than $145 million in college scholarships. a report card at the end of the school They actually earned a lot more than year. The district grades itself in some that, finishing with $185 million. key metrics as a way to gauge its progIt also got top marks because at least ress in improving the overall experience 68% of students taking Advance Placefor both students and staff. ment tests passed and because it had 40 And it’s giving itself an A by scoring or more students qualify for National 44.13 of a maximum 48 points in the 30 Merit semifinalist or Flinn Scholarships. categories it measures. The district had 41 such students. “We rank No. 1 in math, English and Dropout rate: The district ranked science, and No. 2 in reading,” said Dr. Jensecond in its goal of limiting the numnifer Fletcher, district executive director of ber of dropouts to at least 2.5% of the accountability, assessment and research. state’s mark. It just missed that mark at CUSD uses data to determine ranks. 2.48%, putting it in the third rubric. So, in math a top ranking means 85% or Market share: Most parents continhigher of students are meeting career ue to choose to send their children to and college readiness scores. The disCUSD schools. It got a top mark for trict decided not to count six of its cat- limiting the student charter school egories, because of the pandemic. For mobility rate to under 2.5%. example, they did not look at chronic Employee satisfaction: The district disabsences this year. qualified two of the three categories it uses Here are some of the highlights from to measure if its employees are satisfied the final assessment: with their job. It got top marks in the one Graduation rate: The goal is for CUSD they kept, with at least 90% retention rate. to be at least 14% higher than the state Parent satisfaction: It also got top four-year rate for it to get a top ranking. scores by parents of students, with Fletcher said the state rate was 75% of high more than 90% of them giving their school seniors and CUSD graduated 90%. schools of their youngest child a letter CUSD fell short of its goal of having grade of either A or B. Right click and ninth-grade students who earned at COLOR: CUSD gave itself theswatch, lowest grade least 5.5 credits in their first year of high in only two categories. One was in the school. The goal for a top grade is 92% or equity in student perception, achievemore of students to reach that bench-

BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

This chart illustrates how Chandler Unified School District scored in terms of achieving its goals. (CUSD)

ment and access category. Its rubric score in graduation rates by category fell between 0 and 1.59. It needed a score and of 3.0 replace to get the top mark.correct find with The other lowest grade came in the indicators for career and college readiness category. In the number of

Advance Placement tests taken it had between 6,462 and 6,778. It needed 7,413 or more to get the top grade. CUSD scored a top grade in 20 of the color 48 categories it measured. It got a second rank in seven others, one third rank and the two ranks at the bottom.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Homeowner seeks $131K over police standoff BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

The owner of a home that became the focal point of a standoff between Chandler police and a felony suspect wants the city to pay him $131,180 for damages during that encounter. Raul Martinez owns the home on north Delaware Street when suspect Rigoberto Jimenez allegedly shot two police officers during a standoff that took place April 27, 2020. He also allegedly shot another officer earlier in the day. During that standoff, a fire destroyed the home. Martinez says in his legal claim filed with the city that it started when officers threw a flare inside the building to try and end a barricade situation. The police report says Jimenez set the fire intentionally to create smoke and chaos to cover his attempt to leave the home undetected. The word “flare” does not appear in the 184-page redacted police report of the incident. Martinez’s claim says that police chased the suspect into the home, which the suspect did not live in, and used excessive force in their attempt to make an arrest. His claim asks for the money to cover reconstruction of the house and the loss of rent. Martinez’s son, also named Raul, asked how is this any different than if

police damaged a car while they were chasing a suspect? He said the police should take responsibility and wondered what would have happened if a child had been in the home or if his own parents were there. “We never even got an apology,” Raul Martinez said, adding that he has done most of the leg work on this claim on behalf of his father. He said insurance only covers so much, Moreover, he said, suing the suspect will take a long time and they may never be able to collect from him. According to police reports, here is what happened: On April 24, 2020, Jimenez allegedly pointed a gun and fired a shot at his sister’s boyfriend. As a convicted felon, he is not allowed to possess a firearm. In the early morning hours of April 27, 2020, a police officer witnessed a man later identified as Jimenez flipping the door handles of parked cars, apparently looking for an unlocked one. The officer tried to confront him, but the suspect ran. As he was running down an alley, he allegedly fired a shot that struck the officer in the leg. The officer was treated at the hospital. Police began searching for the suspect and became aware of a suspicious car in front of the home on north Delaware. They knocked on the door of the home owned by Martinez and asked his tenants if someone might have entered

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their home. They said it was possible because they left one door unlocked so a tenant using a space in the backyard had access to the restroom. The residents knew the suspect and he had been in their home before. Police then asked for permission to conduct a search. The people living in the home stepped outside while officers searched. Police say they called out many times to announce they were there and asked everyone to come out. According to the report, Jimenez was hiding in a bathtub. When they reached the bathroom door and opened it, shots were fired. Two Chandler police officers were hit. The most serious shot, to the chest, was stopped by body armor. However, that officer did suffer a wound to his head in a fall and was bleeding.

Officers returned fire, then began to vacate the house, setting up a perimeter. The standoff lasted for several hours. Police say they were in contact with Jimenez and were trying to talk him into surrendering. That’s when police claim Jimenez started a fire inside the home in an attempt to flee, according to the police account. He went out the back and broke into a nearby apartment. Police quickly surrounded that area and a second standoff ensued. Eventually, Jimenez gave up. The fire destroyed most of the home. Jimenez was charged with 23 counts, including attempted murder in the first degree, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and arson. The City of Chandler has a standing policy of not commenting on active legal cases.

City caused ﬂood, $750K in damage, claim says BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

A woman whose house was flooded by a broken water pipe wants the City of Chandler to pay her $750,000 to cover damages. Blanca Reid’s lawyer filed a legal claim for damages with the city last month asking for that amount. They allege that a city worker struck a water pipe around 3 a.m. on Nov. 11 of last year near Reid’s home on Sunset Drive, a few blocks north of Chandler Boulevard. The water from the pipe flooded the property and home, reaching as high as a foot above floor level inside the walls. Attorney Fabian Zuzueta, who is representing Reid, said they believe the incident took place at that time. “It was an ongoing project, but it might be better to say on or before that time,” he said. Zuzueta said that even if the unknown worker did not intend to start a flood, the city is still responsible. “If I have a hammer and I want to strike a nail to make it go into the wood, I intentionally strike it. But if a chip flies into your eye, I may not have intended that but I’m still responsible.” Reid’s claim says the water caused

t? o G ws Ne

extensive damage, including splitting the concrete on the porch, frying the electrical system of their heater, and causing a gas pipeline below the house to burst. They were told the water was considered category 3, which means it was not safe to drink and contained pathogenic agents. The damage to personal property was extensive. They list clothes, shoes, furniture, two computers, the refrigerator, carpet and repairs to the air conditioner and the home’s electrical system. The family had to stay in hotels after their home was flooded. The insurance company only covered the first two nights. The family had to pay or find other arrangements for the children until the house could be lived in again. Reid received an estimate that it would cost nearly $219,000 to make the home livable again. She also says having a home flood on their record will lower the resale value of the house. The claim says the City of Chandler and its Public Works & Utilities Department were negligent and is directly responsible for the damage done to Reid’s home. The City of Chandler has a policy of not commenting on active legal claims.

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

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Some LD13 candidates debate education, guns BY CECILIA CHAN Staff Writer

Editor’s note: This is the first of two parts of a Clean Elections sponsored debate for District 13 candidates Candidates hoping to represent a portion of Gilbert in the state Legislature sparred recently over issues, including education funding, immigration, gun control and the economy during a recent debate. Four of the nine candidates seeking the one Senate and two House seats participated in the virtual event for District 13, which also includes Sun Lakes and southern Chandler. Republican Sen. J.D. Mesnard, who is unopposed in his re-election bid did not participate. But Democrats Cynthia Hans and Michael Morris, who face off in the Aug. 2 primary to challenge Mesnard in the Nov. 8 General Election, did. For the House seats, Democrat Rep. Jennifer Pawlik, who is unopposed in her primary, was a no show. And of the five Republicans running, only Josh Askey and Ron Hardin participated while Don Maes, Liz Harris and Julie Willoughby sat it out. Public education funding The candidates were asked if they believed public education in Arizona was adequately funded and if not, what changes would they make. The Republicans favored school

choice while the Democrats wanted more funding for public education. Askey said nearly half or about $6.7 billion of the governor’s proposed $14.25 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2023 was going toward education. “So, my concern is not how much are we spending,” said Askey, the father of three sons who all attended Basha High School in Chandler. “I would think from a parent and a student’s standpoint, it’s what’s the quality of our education for those funds?” “I would really want to know how is my money spent on my son’s education or my kid’s education,” Askey said. “I think we spend a lot of public money on education and I would want to see better results for it and then we can maybe talk about how much more money do we need in specific programs.” “Throwing more money at education is not going to necessarily give us the results that we want,” Askey said. Hardin, a father, grandfather and small-business owner, said the state should look at the aggregate expenditure limit placed on school districts rather than if state funding was adequate or not. The constitutional spending limit puts a ceiling on how much K-12 schools can spend in a fiscal year regardless of the total money they have to spend and the cap fluctuates annually depending on the previous year student

enrollment. “It’s been 40 years since that number’s been raised. So each time the school districts hit the threshold, you have to go back to the Legislature to get the OK, the authority to spend,” Hardin said. “I think those are some of the things we should probably look at versus saying whether or not the budget is adequate or not.” Hardin added he would want to look at all the inefficiencies in the system before saying if funding should be increased or even decreased. “Today, what I see in public schools is unacceptable. So yes we’ve got to have metrics, we’ve got to have the performance measures, we’ve got to have the accountability that’s there. ” Morris, a veteran and a Realtor, stated that the state came in dead last in the country for funding public education. “No wonder we’re not producing the results we want to see,” Morris said. “That makes no sense to give somebody 10 cents and then say, ‘well, why aren’t you producing anything for me?’ Because I don’t have the tools, I don’t have the resources, I don’t have the funding.” Education Data Initiative in March 2022 reported that Arizona schools spend less on K-12 education than the national average and less on education per capita. The state ranked 47th in total spending and in funding, according

to the research group, which collects data and statistics about the U.S. education system. Hans, a mother, grandmother and retired educator, said public schools need more funding and that she wanted to see more accountability for the money that goes to charter schools. “We don’t have enough money in education already and some of it keeps getting drained away by ESAs,” she said. Both Hans and Morris also supported more funding for trade schools. Hardin said he fully supported public schools but that competition is good. “We have to have alternative choices because everyone’s learning styles are different so you have to allow for that,” Hardin said. “That’s how you get better. Competition drives improvements across the system.” Askey said he supported school choice and “ultimately what I want to see is that the dollars stay with the student and it moves with the student.” “The reality is that my parents, they paid (and) I went to a small private school back in Ohio,” Askey said. “What kind of irritated me the most is that they not only paid for my private education, they also paid for my public education through their taxes. “So, the harsh reality is that my parents double paid for my education and that I see is unfair and that is See

DEBATE on page 13

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

DEBATE

from page 12

definitely inequitable and so when we talk about ESAs, that is kind of the road that I would head down and so it truly becomes more competitive and the parents and the students really can take advantage of the funds, the taxes that they pay into and to make the decisions for their child’s education.” Morris said with the state’s education spending so low, “why would you want to expand the voucher program and give more money to the private schools? That makes no sense. State budget surplus When asked how they would spend the state’s $5.3 billion surplus, some of the candidates tied it back to education spending. “Education, education, education,” Morris said. “I would put it right straight into public education funding. Hans said she’s lived through school budget cuts as a teacher and principal and would save some of that surplus. “If I need savings in my home, Arizona needs savings for its home, also for that rainy day,” Hans said. “So, some of that money needs to be spent,” she added. “I absolutely think a huge majority of it needs to go into schools, it needs to go into school classroom sizes, needs to go into paying teachers, paying all the support staff better, (and) the infrastructure in the schools need to be shored up.” Hardin agreed with Hans that teachers shouldn’t be underpaid. “You’re right, no one should be delivering pizza,” he said. “But when you

Only some of the LD 13 candidates appeared in last month’s Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission debate. (Clean Elections Commission)

go to school as an educator or when you go to school to get an education to become an educator you are not expecting to come out with the same pay as someone who majors in aerospace engineering so there is some accountability there for the choices we make as folks going into that profession.” Hans shot back, “Somebody taught that aerospace engineer some basics before he got to that or she got to that point.” Morris also called Hardin out for his comment. “We are losing teachers left and right to Las Vegas and all these other places where they can make a living wage,” Morris said. “We have to attract and retain quality teachers by paying them a respectable wage.” As for the surplus, Hardin said it should be returned to the taxpayers not as a check but maybe as another temporary reduction in income tax. “I think we should look for those opportunities,” he said. “I’m certain

that everyone would love to have more money in their pocket and that goes back into the Arizona economy. To me it’s just plain and simple, you give back to the folks that put it in the first place.” Askey said he would return 25 to 50% to taxpayers, use some of the money to shore up public safety and the rest would be saved to help weather what he believed was a coming recession. Gun control Hardin said gun-control laws don’t create a safe environment. “If anything, it’s going to probably make things worse because now the criminals know that you don’t have a gun,” Hardin said. “I am comfortable with the guns laws as they are today.” “I think we need to do background checks,” said Hans, who has a concealed weapons carry permit but doesn’t own a gun. “I think we need to require training. “We lead the world in these kinds of shootings (yet) we don’t have any more mental illness than any other country.”

Morris, however, disagreed with his fellow Democrat. “As you all know I have a background in law enforcement,” Morris said. “I have guns of my own. I will never ever, ever take somebody’s gun out of their hand.” “That is our Second Amendment right. We have the right to bear arms. Now having that being said, there are some loopholes that I could see perhaps where we fall short.” He pointed to gun shows where a seller doesn’t have to do a background check on a buyer. Morris sided with Hans in that people should be trained on how to properly use guns. Hans later said she was not opposed to people owning guns and supported the Second Amendment. Askey said he was a big supporter of the Second Amendment and disputed Morris’ assertion that there is a gun show loophole. Federal law requires federally licensed firearms dealers to initiate background checks prior to selling a weapon but private, unlicensed sellers do not. “I take the word ‘should not infringe’ literally,” said Askey, a constitutionalist. “I would not be for too many restrictions on gun ownership especially when you realize the purpose of the right to bear arms is not to have just recreational shooting...the purpose of the Second Amendment is to protect all the other Amendments from a tyrannical government. An unarmed populace is really easy for someone that has lost their power to come and overtake the society.”

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

A cautionary message as summer begins BY PAUL MARYNIAK AND CECILIA CHAN News Staff

Anyone who shrugs off news about a non-fatal child drowning as a momentary scare might want to talk to Brandi Stoll. As the Ahwatukee woman has often explained on social media, near-drownings can shake parents to the core, often with long-term consequences for a child and their family. A 2-year-old girl drowned this month in a pool at her Chandler home and on May 21, another 2-year-old girl’s lifeless body was pulled from a Gilbert home’s pool. In some ways, Stoll was luckier than some parents of young near-drowning victims when her then-year-old daughter Alizah Rose slid unnoticed beneath the surface of her family’s pool last July 31. In a worst-case scenario, non-fatal drowning victims can be left a spastic quadriplegic in need of care around the clock, their brain damaged from being cut off from oxygen for too long. Fortunately, that didn’t happen to Alizah. Still, a nightmare engulfed Alizah’s parents on what started to be a routine Saturday afternoon during a small gathering. Moments after realizing she and other adults couldn’t find Alizah, Stoll recalled, “I instantly saw my lifeless little baby floating by the pool stairs. “I rushed over and pulled her out by her tiny little swim diaper and instantly

started to give her CPR. I don’t even know what happened in between that time other than screaming to call 911 and continuing chest compressions…. As I looked at my baby’s blue face and not breathing, I was able to remain calm and continue to call out commands.” Stoll said police and firefighters swarmed around her home with more than a dozen patrol cars alone. “They immediately make you feel you are the absolute worse at your absolute worse,” Stoll said, recalling how she sat in the back of a police car as officers asked her what happened and all she wanted to do “was be with my baby.” Once they were all at the hospital, “I heard my baby crying (behind) the closed curtains and the hospital social worker sat me down and just stayed there and rubbed my back.” Stoll switched to a narrative in real time to recall what happened next: “The doctors and nurses are calling out numbers and stats and x-ray. I’m really trying to hear everything. I see these two doctors rush around the corner and go in my baby’s room. Minutes later they come out and ask if the can intubate her because she was 50/50. “As a mother what am I supposed to do? I told them do whatever it takes to save her. They are able to stabilize her but she was still in extremely critical condition. They moved us up to ICU where the nurses immediately start monitoring her. At this point her lungs

LEFT: Brandi Stoll of Ahwatukee posts these photos of her then-year-old daughter Alizah Rose after she was hospitalized following a near-drowning in her family’s pool last July 31. RIGHT: After three grueling days in the hospital intensive care unit, Alizah was out of the woods and came home and her mom posted this photo of Alizah on Aug. 10, five days before Alizah celebrated her 2nd birthday . (Brandi Stoll)

and heart sounded really good. So many beeps, tubes, lights, going on. “Her stats started to drop because the tube was not far enough down so they had to start bagging her and fix it. Poor baby started to have ‘seizures’ so they pumped more meds to prevent

them. Move forward about 30 minutes, she spiked a fever of 103.7 and kept having ‘seizures.’ They put a cooling pad under her, pumped her with more meds and just kept watching her. As I am See

DROWN on page 15

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

DROWN

from page 14

watching my baby get worked on the investigators had to do their job and ask me questions and take pictures but the nurse never left her side or mine.” “I did not sleep that whole night as I kept praying and hoping my baby would be okay,” Stoll continued, recalling how she berated herself and worried Alizah would not see her 2nd birthday. Two days later, doctors wanted to start weaning Alizah off her breathing tube as she slowly showed improvement. And on Aug. 3, Stoll posted news of a miracle: “Today, in her MRI there was absolutely no damage, lungs have been clear, heart is strong, meds are wearing off and she is gaining her strength. I am forever in debt to everyone and grateful for those who don’t even know us shared our baby girl to be in their prayers. We love all of you and our baby is ALIVE and thriving.” She posted, “My baby should not have survived and if she did it was expected she would have neurological is-

also was the year with the highest number – 22– of child drownings in the county. The lowest number of fatalities was in 2019 with six and 2021 ended with 20 drownings involving victims 17 and younger. Arizona Department of Health Services reported that from 2016-20, 1,386 people were hospitalized in Maricopa County for water-related incidents among people of all ages but children 4 and younger comprised 842 of these admissions. While the federal government has no way of providing a comprehensive number of child drownings and near-drownings, drowning is among the top five causes of non-intentional injury death for kids under 5. The Centers for Disease Control estimates there are at least 8,080 non-fatal drownings a year, or 22 a day, and that 40% require hospitalization. Often the non-fatal cases lead to years, if not a lifetime, of pain and suffering for the child and their families as a result of brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation. The annual count report, which looked at fatal and non-fatal drownings, found that among incidents involving young children, swimming pools and

that garnered 10,000 toys for kids in Banner Health’s oncology and pediatric intensive care hospital units. Stoll and Armer Foundation have an ongoing project called The Alizah Project and are collecting continuously toys for such children as well as items for a parents’ “go bag” – a small bag with necessities like soap, toothpaste and other hygiene items parents can grab if their child suddenly must be rushed to the hospital. The project also collects snacks, comfort items like blankets and slippers and gift cards. Details are at armerfoundation.org/ thealizahproject. Items can be shipped to or dropped off at the foundation, STE 128, 9830 S. 51st St., Ahwatukee. And Stoll tirelessly posts the story of Alizah’s brush with death, hoping “it could potentially save a life.”

“My daughter was a non-fatal drowning in Ahwatukee in July last year,” she writes. “ We were right there with her, but she got out of our sight. I know I am opening up to ridicule and judgment and I am okay with that. It was an accident and could have been prevented 100%. Drownings are SILENT!” “You hear it all the time:- watch your kids around water. It’s true. It takes a moment to happen. We have a fence, we have life jackets, we were right there – four adults and it happened. Drowning does not discriminate! I was told multiple times in the hospital this outcome NEVER happens. “My Alizah Rose Aguilar is an absolute miracle and she will know how many people who came forward to help and those who continue to help.”

Kudos for Mesnard

You hear it all the time:- watch your kids around “water. It’s true. It takes a moment to happen. We

have a fence, we have life jackets, we were right there – four adults and it happened. Drowning does not discriminate! I was told multiple times in the hospital this outcome NEVER happens.

”

sues. She is ALIVE AND HAS NO MAJOR ISSUES!!!! She is an absolute miracle. We will continue with therapies and a few medications but only temporarily.” And on Aug. 15, Alizah Rose Stoll celebrated her 2nd birthday. Some parents this year have not been so lucky. Besides the May drowning in Gilbert and this month's in Chandler, five other Valley children have drowned, according to the latest data reported by Valley fire departments on the Children’s Safety Zone website. All the children were under the age of 5. Overall, there have been 28 reported water incidents involving kids 17 and younger so far this year. Children’s Safety Zone first began publicizing the statistics in 2005, which

bathtubs were the water types most commonly identified as culprits. According to the report, in the mid-1980’s the drowning death rate of preschoolers in the state ranked first in the nation. And though Arizona has improved upon that over the past several years, drowning is still the leading cause of death among children 1-4 years of age in Arizona, the report added. While friends started fund drives to help the Stolls pay off the equivalent of two years of medical bills as the result of Alizah’s near-drowning, Brandi turned her attention to helping others with the help of Ahwatukee-based Armer Foundation for Kids, whose board she has since joined. She helped organize with Armer Foundation a toy drive before Christmas

South Chandler state Sen. J.D. Mesnard accepts the Arizona Chamber of Commerce 2022 Senator of the Year Award from Chamber President/CEO Daniel Seiden for his work on behalf of businesses in the state. “ Thanks to his initiative, Arizona is better positioned for equitable, sustainable and pro-growth tax reform,” said Seiden said.

(Special to SanTan Sun News)

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City of Chandler supports Heat Relief Network BY THE CITY OF CHANDLER

In an effort to provide relief from the intense heat, the City of Chandler has partnered with the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Heat Relief Network. The Heat Relief Network includes multiple partners across the Valley — municipal governments, community organizations and nonprofits — all joining forces to open cooling or hydration stations for those in need to get water and heat relief. The Salvation Army-Chandler Corps is a key partner that provides more than just water. “We are here to serve the community and provide a safe place from the heat during the summer months,” said Captain Regeina Williams. “We offer a no judgment zone at the Salvation Army and everyone is welcome.” The Salvation Army-Chandler Corps offers more than just water. The heat relief program first started three years ago by her and her husband Captain Jeff Williams. People stopping by for relief feel safe and can even take a nap in the cooling center (which has dimmed lighting while movies play in the background at a low volume). From 10 a.m. to noon, people can take a shower, or from 1-3:30 p.m., eat a home-cooked meal or use their free laundry service. Snacks, water and coffee also are provided at no cost.

Bilingual staff are available to assist anyone in need. The cooling centers are not just for people experiencing homelessness: it also can be a relief to those with a broken A/C unit, vulnerable seniors, or those who can’t afford to turn down the air conditioning in their homes. For those experiencing homelessness who may require or want additional resources, Salvation Army staff ensures they are connected with the City’s Community Navigators to help them with their specific needs. The Salvation Army-Chandler Corps also operates a mobile outreach program, where staff travels to city parks and bus shelters in both Chandler and Gilbert to make sure people have water. When the 5 p.m. hour hits, staff ensures everyone at the cooling center has enough water and snacks to make it through the night, or they’ll work with I-HELP to assist those who are seeking overnight shelter. In Chandler, there are multiple city facilities participating with cooling centers, including all library branches, Tumbleweed Recreation Center, Chandler Community Center and more. When there is a heat advisory in effect, the cooling center normally closed during the weekend hours will remain open at the Salvation Army (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) According to Captain Williams, there always is a need for volunteers. To learn

The Salvation Army-Chandler Corps, located at 85 E. Sarasota St., serves as a cooling center during the summer months. (City of Chandler)

more about volunteer opportunities at the Salvation Army in Chandler, call 480-963-2041. Donations of water also are accepted at all Chandler cooling center locations with the exception of Tumbleweed Recreation Center and the Chandler Nature Center at Veterans Oasis Park. The Salvation Army also accepts donations of socks, undergarments or gently used clothing. The City of Chandler is grateful for its partners with heat relief efforts. By

continuing to work together, we’ll be able to serve those in need — especially during the intense summer months. For tips and additional resources to avoid heat-related illness, or to view a complete list of cooling centers, hydration stations and donation/collection sites throughout the Valley, visit azmag. gov/Programs/Heat-Relief-Network. For more information on the City’s heat relief efforts, contact Sara Mercado at 480-782-4364 or sara.mercado@chandleraz.gov.

Where people can cool off Here are the cooling centers in Chandler, which are open through Sept. 30. • City of Chandler Neighborhood Resources Department, 235 S. Arizona Ave. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday • Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Drive 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays • Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday • Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Ave. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 1-5 p.m. Saturday • Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Road 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday • Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave. 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday • Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Road 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6:30 Sunday. Holiday hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Chandler Nature Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday • AZCEND, 345 S. California St. 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday-Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday • The Salvation Army – Chandler Corps, 85 E. Saragosa St. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday This list of cooling centers also is available online at chandleraz.gov/ HeatRelief.

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The Arizona Trucking Association isn’t buying the Arizona Department of Transportation’s plan to require big rigs to stay in the right lane on I-10 between Ahwatukee and Casa Grande until the highway is widened to three lanes in each direction in a few years. (file photo)

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I-10 truckers scoff at plan to stay in one lane BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

It’s billed by the Department of Transportation as a way to improve safety. But the head of the Arizona Trucking Association says the move to restrict all trucks to just the right lane of Interstate 10 between Casa Grande and Phoenix is nothing short of stupid. And Anthony Bradley scoffed at the claim by ADOT that it had “coordinated’’ the plan with his organization. The idea, according to ADOT spokesman Garin Groff, stems from accidents along the 20-mile stretch that has yet to be widened to three lanes in each direction. More to the point, the agency says heavy vehicles were involved in about 20% of crashes in that corridor and 15% of rear-end and sideswipe accidents. And when there are accidents, the freeway can end up being closed to everyone. “This is an attempt to try to reduce the number of heavy truck-related incident in the area,’’ Groff said. Bradley, however, said that’s making a presumption that the truckers were at fault. “We let them know that a lot of those accidents were probably the fault of the speeding cars that are traveling recklessly throughout that corridor,’’ he said. “Moving all the trucks to the righthand lane doesn’t solve that problem.’’ And there’s a more practical concern. It means that the slowest vehicle in the right lane sets the pace for everyone behind. So a truck following someone towing a motor home at 45 miles an hour -- where the speed limit is set at 75 -- has no choice but to play follow the leader for the entire 20-mile stretch. And heavy truck traffic of everyone behind is slowed to the same crawl. This isn’t a short-term issue. Signs already are going up informing truckers of the restrictions which, in turn, will empower Department of Public Safety officers to ticket errant drivers under a section of law that makes it illegal to disobey traffic signs. ADOT says the signs will remain up until additional lanes are added in each

direction. And even with lawmakers approving a $400 million infusion this year to speed up the work, the target for completion is sometime in 2026. In a news release, ADOT said it has worked to “coordinate’’ the plan with the Arizona Trucking Association. But Bradley said that’s overstating the input his organization got in the decision. “‘Coordinate’ is probably the wrong term,’’ he said. “They informed us of their decision,’’ he said. “We informed them of, frankly, the stupidity of the decision.’’ Bradley also said that ADOT rejected ideas that would minimize the impact on truck traffic -- and deal with the backups that could result. “We had asked that, if they were going to do it, that they create some space for us to have passing ability,’’ he said, short breaks in that 20-mile stretch where a truck could legally get around a slow-moving vehicle. Bradley said his organization also suggested reducing the trucks-in-right-lane-only stretch to something less than 20 miles. “They listened to us and obviously are doing what they believe they need to do,’’ he said, chiding the agency for its decision. “It’s a typical ‘affect 20% and the other 80% are free to do what they want,’” Bradley said. Beyond that, Bradley said he foresees other complicating factors in the ADOT decision that he believes actually could make the traffic and safety situation even worse. “You’re going to have passenger vehicles in the left-hand lane holding up people,’’ he said, as the trucks occupy the right lane. “People are going to get frustrated,’’ Bradley continued. “They’re going to have no place to go and they’re going to continue to cause accidents.’’ Groff said ADOT “will be monitoring the situation if there are unintended consequences.’’ “And we’ll make adjustments if needed,’’ he said. Gov. Doug Ducey has signed legislation allocating $400 million to widen an approximately 25 mile stretch of Interstate 10 between Queen Creek Road See

TRUCKERS on page 20

NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Legislature eyes massive voucher expansion BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Four years after voters rejected a similar plan, Republican lawmakers are pushing ahead with a plan to let any of the 1.1 million students in public schools get vouchers to attend private and parochial schools. HB 2853, approved last week by the House Ways and Means Committee on a 6-4 party-line vote, would remove all restrictions on who can get what are called Empowerment Scholarship Accounts. Backers say this ensures that parents get to decide what is the best option for their youngsters. That assertion was disputed by Beth Lewis, executive director of Save Our Schools. She said that unlike public schools, private schools can pick and choose who they want to accept. And Lewis said those schools, many of which are for-profit corporations, accept those who will cost them the least, meaning the highest achievers and students who do not have special needs. Republicans said they are not ignoring the needs of public schools, voting to increase state aid to schools by $400 million, above another $250 million additional already planned. But there’s less there than meets the eye. First, only half of that additional cash

is permanent. And it is weighted so the districts with more students in financial need would get more. Beyond that, schools would have to wait until the 2023-2024 school year for the one-time $200 million infusion. And House Majority Leader Ben Toma, R-Peoria, who crafted both measures, included a “poison pill’’ of sorts: It says that if the vouchers do not become law, the public schools don’t get any of that $400 million. That is designed to deter the education community from doing to HB 2853 what they did to a similar voucher expansion measure approved by GOP lawmakers in 2017: They collected sufficient signatures to put the expansion on the 2018 ballot. And voters overruled the legislation by a margin of close to 2 to 1. Toma made no secret of his desire to use the additional funds for K-12 education as leverage for vouchers. “There should be incentive for everyone to be supportive of school choice,’’ he said “It feels like we’re being held hostage to the voucher expansion,’’ responded Rep. Kelli Butler, D-Paradise Valley. And Lewis told Capitol Media Services that supporters of public education won’t be deterred, vowing to go to the ballot once again if the Republican-controlled Legislature approves universal vouchers.

She pointed out that voters in 2020 approved Proposition 208 to infuse another nearly $1 billion into public education. That was sidelined after the Arizona Supreme Court ruled the tax could not be levied because it bumped up against a constitutional limit on education spending. Lewis, the education community and their Democratic allies are not alone in saying schools need more than HB 2854 is offering. Sen. Paul Boyer, R-Glendale, said he is holding out for an amount close to that $1 billion figure. And with only 16 Republicans in the 30-member Senate, the plan cannot get final approval without his vote. The voucher legislation is the culmination of what started out as a small program in 2011 to help parents of children with disabilities. Arizona courts upheld the legality of the program, saying the fact that the parents decided where to spend the dollars means it does not violate constitutional provisions against state aid to private or parochial schools. It provides the equivalent of 90% of what the state would pay to send the same child to a public school, though HB 2853 contains provisions that actually would boost that beyond public school aid. Since that time, it has been expanded so it now covers foster children,

reservation residents and students attending schools rated D or F. All those conditions would disappear under HB 2853. How many would move from public schools is unclear. The latest figures show 11,775 students getting these vouchers, with an average award of $15,225. That figure, however, includes students with special needs who get more money, with the bulk of the vouchers between $6,000 and $7,000 a year. Proponents say legislative budget staffers estimate that only between 25,000 and 30,000 more students will move to private or parochial schools. Foes say some of them charge far more in tuition than the size of the voucher, meaning only parents who can afford the difference can take advantage of the state funds. Jill Humphreys who serves on the board of the Gilbert Unified School District, said one problem with vouchers is lack of accountability. Toma did agree to put provisions in the bill to require students in private or parochial schools with more than 50 students to take some sort of standardized test to measure academic progress. But unlike tests administered to students in public schools, those See

VOUCHER on page 21

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Beloved Xavier tennis coach dies after fall BY ZACH ALVIRA Sports Editor

Laurie Coach Martin was a tennis icon in Arizona. For 17 years, she led the Xavier College Preparatory girls’ tennis team, winning five state titles and received numerous accolades for her devotion to the sport and school near downtown Phoenix. She was beloved by everyone in the community, which made news of her sudden passing difficult to process. Coach Martin died June 6 from injuries sustained in a fall at her family’s cabin in Show Low, according to Xavier Athletic Director Sister Lynn Winsor. She suffered a traumatic brain injury and was transported via helicopter to the Chandler Regional Medical Center, where she succumbed. She was 58. “Any coach that has been at Xavier as long as Laurie has, you don’t just meet the tennis team, you meet the school,” Winsor said. “Not too long ago when she was named Coach of the Year – she’s won many of them – we always introduced her at the pep rallies, and it wasn’t too long ago she was introduced in front of the entire school and received a plaque. The kids know her. They know who she is.” Coach Martin became a staple in the tennis community during her tenure at Xavier. Along with coaching the Gators, she also served as United States Tennis Association National High School Committee Chair, Arizona Tennis Coaches Association president, USTA Strategic Plan Task Force Member and served on the Arizona Interscholastic Association Tennis Advisory Committee. Last year, Coach Martin was named the Pro of the Year by the United States Professional Tennis Association’s Southwest division. In 2015, she was named the Tennis Industry Magazine National High School Coach of the Year and National High School Coaches Association Girl’s Coach of the Year. Along with the five state titles, she compiled a record of 271-16 during her time at Xavier and was state runner-up six times. She also led the Gators to 13 section and region titles. In 2009, she established Xavier’s tennis program as

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on the edge of Chandler to State Route 287 outside of Casa Grande to three lanes in each direction. That matches what already exists on either side of the segment. ADOT is now seeking a $300 million federal grant for the project. ADOT spokesman Doug Nick said the $400 million won’t complete the job. But he said that commitment will qualify Arizona to apply for a share of the $ 5 billion Infrastructure Invest-

Laurie Coach Martin a no-cut sport, which gave opportunities to the 70-90 student-athletes that came out to play each year as freshmen. “Her goal was socialization with the girls,” Winsor said. “Have them make friends with each other, get to know each other, and teach them tennis. The tennis was the instrument to get them all together. But what she did, she made them become friends. “Tennis is a lifetime sport and she really pushed that. She had 90 kids out there and it was the most organized, wonderful program. The kids were so happy to be a part of it.” Winsor sent an announcement about Coach Martin’s passing to the entire Xavier community – alumni included. A page was set up on the online platform Kudos and messages from alumni from around the country were posted honoring Coach Martin. Coach Martin is survived by her husband, Stan; daughters Amanda, Courtney and Natalie’ and son Tanner. All her children graduated from Xavier and Brophy. Winsor said funeral arrangements are still pending. “This is a huge loss not only for Xavier, not only for the tennis community but for everyone,” Winsor said. “People are hurting because they know what a wonderful person she was. This is a hard day.”

ment and Jobs Act that is set aside for highway improvement projects, which would provide the $300 million. Nick said the agency already has $260 million set aside to get the work started, bringing the entire project cost to about $1 billion. That start, which could begin as early as 2023, will be on the pair of quarter-mile two-lane bridges over the Gila River. From there, he said, construction will start in 2024 to the north and south until the entire stretch is upgraded to three lanes. Anticipated completion is set for 2026.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Chamber lauds 3 Chandler-Gilbert students, others SANTAN SUN NEWS

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 35th anniversary of the Chandler Chamber Community Awards, and three Chandler-Gilbert Community College students were feted in the process. The awards honor local businesses, educators and community members for their outstanding contributions to Chandler. In addition to these accolades, the Chandler Chamber Community Foundation awards scholarships to Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) students. The foundation works to enhance the business community and develop future business and community leaders through the development of quality educational events, engaging programs and scholarships. The Foundation awarded three students this $2,500 scholarship: Trisha Begody, Sommer Meadows, and Abraham Richardson. Trisha is a member of the Navajo Tribe and a resident of Chandler. She is an entrepreneur and owner of Sadie Mae Co., designing and selling traditional modern fashion for Indigenous people. Trisha is going to CGCC and majoring in organizational management to help grow her fashion business. Sommer is a spring CGCC graduate who transferred to ASU. An honors student and Collegiate DECA member, Sommer is going on to complete her business management degree. Her future plans are to work in the aviation industry with a position in finance or management.

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from page 19

results will be made available only to each child’s parent. Rep. Mitzi Epstein, D-Tempe, said there needs to be more transparency to determine if the public funds are being properly spent. Rep. Shawnna Bolick, R-Phoenix, said public knowledge of how voucher-funded students are performing is

• J on Lyons, The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes, won the Community Cup, given to an organization, or individuals for outstanding volunteerism and/or other commitments to the community. •T he Chandler/Gilbert Family YMCA Intel won the Chamber Cup, given a member to show appreciation for outstanding effort and support on behalf of the organization. •T he Chandler Cup went to Intel, based on the merit of support and partnership with the City of Chandler. •T he James R. Snedigar Public Service Award went to Chandler Police Chamber Foundation members flank the three Chandler-Gilbert Community College scholarship win- Lt. Jesus Deanda for “and ners, from left, Sommer Meadows, Abraham Richardson and Trisha Begody. (CGCC) making significant differences in the quality of life for an individual or group such remarkable people and organiAbraham is a Chandler native who in Chandler.” zations here in Chandler and it is our is pursuing a business administration • B usiness Diversity Award: Northrop pleasure to honor these exceptional associates degree at CGCC. He is an Grumman businesses, organizations, educators extremely positive and passionate in mbassador of the Year: Renee Richand volunteers. They each make unique • A dividual who wants to “leave his mark” eson, Signarama Chandler and valuable contributions to our comon today’s business world. Abraham • C USD Educator of the Year: Dr. Mimunity and Chamber.” not only wants to find his own success chael McKelvy, Basha High School The following is a list of the 2022 — he is dedicated to giving back and • C USD Administrator of the Year: Dr. Award Winners: helping others. Korry Brenner, Shumway Leadership • Large Business of the Year: Offerpad “These students will be diligently Academy • Medium Business of the Year: Air working to become assets to Chandler C USD Support Staff of the Year: Cheri • Products and the surrounding communities,” a Smith, Arizona College Prep Middle • Small Business of the Year: State Forty college spokeswoman said. School Eight As for the rest of the winners, R • ed Apple Award – Educator of the Chandler Chamber President/CEO Terri • Micro Business of the Year: Mingle + Year: Dr. Chris Fryar, Valley Christian Graze Kimble said, “It is wonderful to have Schools

irrelevant. “You mention accountability,’’ she said. “But parents are, at the end of the day, they’re holding schools accountable by either keeping their kids somewhere or removing them.’’ The voucher expansion plan drew support from Jeff Blake, superintendent of Phoenix Christian Preparatory School. He said vouchers are not simply being used by the rich, telling lawmak-

ers that about 55% of the students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches under federal programs. Epstein, however, said that still leaves the question of why state taxpayers should finance the religious education that is part of the curriculum there and at other parochial schools. Blake said he sees no problem with that. Drew Anderson, senior pastor of Legacy Christian Center, a supporter of

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vouchers, said it doesn’t really matter what voters said in 2018. “That was eons ago,’’ he said, saying a lot can change in four years. The measure now goes to the full House where there may need to be further changes to pick up the support of all 31 Republicans. And if it gets approved there, it faces an uncertain future in the Senate, especially with the concerns expressed by Boyer.

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“Personally, I believe that there is a negative stigma that is formed around mental health. And then many people think that the side effects of it are not fixable. In reality, they very much are,” Jayden continued, adding: “The outdated style of the current mental health system in CUSD is void of any actual potency in relation to issues surrounding mental health. It’s up to me and my fellow students to help change that.” Jayden said a student action board “would allow for students to feel more connected in the schooling environment, helping to further academic goals. In turn, this would not just encourage students to attend school more but encourage them to go excitedly in it.” Board President Barb Mozdzen started the meeting by addressing the recent suicides and the mass shooting at a Texas elementary school. “Our Chandler community is not immune to the increase in student suicides that are rocking our nation,” she said. “We grieve the loss of these young lives and the lifelong impact their deaths have on their families, friends, teachers and the rest of the community. “We are committing to more than $5 million of expenditures through our schools this year, as we continue our commitment to addressing mental health and our mental health issues in our schools,” Mozdzen said. “This also includes ongoing training of staff to identify indicators that a child might be having some troubles together with the community so we will do what we can to keep our families.” Even though district officials are forbidden by law to respond to citizen comments on matters not on the agenda, Narducci explained what CUSD has planned. He said they have been working on improving their mental health resources for six months. “So it takes some time to do that,”

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

he said. He added that the district has many resources already available, that many students may not know about. He said they need to do a better job making sure the students know about those resources. Narducci added that the district is working with the City of Chandler and is planning a number of forums this fall to address teen suicides. He said they will bring in national experts to speak at those forums. “There’s a ton of things that we’re already doing that we’ve communicated out to all parents in the summer and gave them resources,” Narducci said. He said the suggestion for student action boards came up for the first time at last week’s meeting, so there are no plans for that as of now. But he said district administrators are working on a plan going forward and that an action board would be something they can look at. “This is not going to be one shot and done,” Narducci said. “This is going to be sustainable, so that we can get evidence-based research practices that help us move forward.” The Arizona Peer and Family Coalition also wrote a letter to district officials urging them to hold a meeting with stakeholders to discuss the increase in suicides. Board member Lindsay Love said the District is not doing enough on mental health issues. “I get a little weepy when we talk about suicide,” Love said. “Last year, we ended … the year with a suicide and this year, we’ve ended with three. I had spoken about never wanting to be in this position again, and we’re in a worse position than we were.” Chandler educator and mental health advocate Katey McPherson praised the students who spoke. I was so proud to watch these students advocate for additional mental health and suicide prevention resources,” she said. “They came from all over the District and have organized themselves formally.”

Top: Chad Day, whose son Pierson Chad Day took his own life on May 24, joined other parents and students at the Chandler Unified Governing Board meeting June 8 to plead for more mental health assistance for students. Above Left: Jayden Riecken proposed the formation of a student action board that would incorporate junior high and high school students together to help make decisions about what the community needs. Above Right: Elle Mramor was among the students who told the Chandler Unified board that the district must do more to address kids’ mental health. Right: Maya Lehti, a 13-year-old junior high student, told the board, “I saw firsthand how a lack of mental health resources in school affected my friends and family.” (David Minton/Arizonan Staff Photographer)

2 CUSD board members argue over SROs SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

A long-simmering dispute between two Chandler Unified School District Governing Board members reached the boiling point at the June 8 meeting with the two trying to shout each other down and making unflattering statements about each other. It came at the end of an emotional meeting where a number of students and the father of a recent suicide victim urged the board to do more to address mental health. The dispute became open after Lindsay Love, who is Black, said she is not comfortable seeing school resource officers on campus. That prompted Joel Wirth, who is an older white man, to say he did not understand that, especially following the elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. “Yes, I’m very uncomfortable with your statement about not wanting police officers on the campus,” Wirth said. “Considering all that is going on in the world, that seems like the worst decision we can make. Love began speaking as Wirth kept pleading, “Let me finish.” Love said that while he may be comfortable, there are likely parents and students in the audience who are not. Board President Barb Mozdzen tried to regain control, asking Love to allow Wirth to finish his remarks. “I will not be silenced about this,”

Love said. Love made extended remarks saying that the District is not doing enough on equity or on mental health and needs to do better. “I just think that it is interesting that there is more done, you know, to silence me,” Love said. “But that same energy was not given when you have people who came in and made homophobic and transphobic comments, when we had people who made racist comments, some of them sitting on this dais.” Wirth responded: “I guess I don’t mind the comments, I don’t appreciate the bullying that seems to come from your mouth all the time,” he said. “And that’s a perfect example right there,” Love said. “Yeah, just a bully,” Wirth said. It is not the first time the two board members have had a heated exchange. Earlier this year Wirth said he did not understand why race had to play a role in who sits on the board of the Arizona School Boards Association. Love, who sits on that board to represent African Americans, took exception. The proposal they were discussing was to give Native Americans and Latinos a permanent seat on the board. They had shared a seat, alternating each year. Wirth later dropped his opposition to that proposal after saying he learned more about the issue.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Youth mental health ‘complicated,’ Chandler Unified official says BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

The woman leading the effort to address mental health concerns at Chandler Unified Schools says there are many factors impacting youth today. “It’s a very complicated issue; there’s not just one problem,” said Brenda Vargas, CUSD’s director of counseling and social services. She’s currently putting together a plan to help improve the mental health of the District’s students. “We have a lot of money, a lot of resources,” Vargas said. “We’ve had conversations all spring, before the loss of the three students.” The sudden deaths by suicide of three students, and possibly a fourth who died from a drug overdose, prompted a number of students and

“

We want there to be a caring, consistent adult that is both available and qualified to help at every school.

”

– Brenda Vargas

parents to speak out at the June 8 meeting of the Governing Board, calling for more action to address mental health issues. Vargas said the pandemic definitely had an impact on children and teens. However, the current teen suicide epidemic has been underway since 2017, long before the pandemic began. So it is not the only factor, Vargas said. She says mobile devices are another problem. “In my experience, from what we’re seeing and hearing, it can be addictive,” Vargas said. “They get stuck, that’s a great way to put it. “Adults can too, but they have the maturity to know it’s time to sleep and they can put the device down. Students don’t always do that. “It reduces their ability to rest, and they get a lack of sleep. With sleep deprivation, there is an increase in anxiety and stress.” Vargas said CUSD will use evidence-based training to make both teachers and students better aware of the signs that someone might be struggling. She said all schools in the district have at least one counselor, and that every CUSD school has both a counselor and a social worker. “We want there to be a caring, consistent adult that is both available and qualified to help at every school,” Vargas said. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for American teens. About 20% have admitted to having serious thoughts of killing themselves and 9% have tried to do it. Unintentional injuries, usually due to car crashes, is the leading cause. More than 20 American teens kill

themselves every day. Vargas said they are looking at all options for addressing this issue. The District has earmarked $5.5 million to address the problem. “We’re looking at a model that will hopefully address the full gamut,” she said. “We’re considering third parties to hiring additional staff.” Vargas said the district has partnered with Southwest Behavioral Health since 2008. She said they are considering expanding that to wider options. There is one message that they want every student to hear. “Help is available,” she said. One way of doing that is an app that students can download. The district promotes “A Friend Asks” app that was developed by the Jason Foundation. It provides information and resources to anyone who is either considering suicide or knows someone who may be thinking about it. “It’s been around for a while,” Vargas said. “The best thing about it, is it’s free. It’s geared for anyone to use, and gives them quick information and can save a life. It lets friends know what warning signs to look for, then directs them to the resources they need.”

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Around Chandler City asks for donations for back-to-school event

Another tech company coming to Chandler

Gila River Indian Community offering grants

Chandler officials are asking residents to donate back-to-school supplies for the largest East Valley drive for Chandler students in need for the upcoming school year. The city partners with the nonprofit For Our City-Chandler to help students in need. In addition to donating goods, they also except monetary donations. Items can be dropped off on June 22-23. For details on what goods are needed, or to donate money, or to learn where to drop supplies off at, visit forourcitychandler.org.

Yield Engineering Systems (YES) has announced it has leased a 123,000 square foot building on 3200 W. Germann Road and will set up shop to help support the city’s semiconductor industry. YES plans to hire 100 employees, most of them in technology and engineering. The company makes equipment used in semiconductor, life sciences and display manufacturing.

Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass, Lone Butte and Vee Quiva – are accepting applications from nonprofits for its self-excluded jackpot fund. The deadline to apply is June 30 at 5 p.m. All Arizona nonprofits recognized by the IRS and focus on education and children’s welfare are eligible for consideration to receive self-excluded jackpot funds. The nonprofits can apply online through June 30. The selected applicants will be notified in September and honored during a special Gila River Cares event in October. “We are privileged to further support Gila River Cares mission of giving back through the self-excluded jackpots,” said Kenneth Manuel CEO of Gila River Resorts & Casinos. “The funds help smaller yet influential organizations thrive and we look forward to discovering and supporting new nonprofits each year.” Last year, more than $84,000 was distributed across three nonprofits benefiting Arizonans including one•n•ten, ICAN: Positive Programs for Youth and The Tommy Two Shoes Literacy Project for Children. Self-excluded jackpot funds are accumulated when a gaming winner is

Group to remember victims of pandemic The Tanner Community Development Corporation plans to honor the victims who died during the Covid-19 pandemic at a July 9 dinner in Chandler. It’s scheduled for 4 to 9 p.m. at the Marriott Phoenix Chandler hotel. There is no cost. Visit blacktherapistsinaz.org to register. Some of the guest speakers scheduled to appear include Michael Spinks, Ray Mercer, Elaina “Baby Doll” Reid; Temeka Johnson, Jeff Malone, and Corey Gaines.

City asks for storm water management feedback The City of Chandler is asking residents to participate in a survey to help it manage storm water runoff better. The survey is open through Sept. 30. The city and the Flood Control District of Maricopa County entered into a partnership last year to evaluate and identify problem areas where flooding takes place in the city. The master plan they are working on is updated often and they want residents to help them know about areas where water pools after a storm. You can fill out the survey at the city’s website, www.chandleraz.gov.

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ineligible to receive their winnings on table games, slot machines or bingo. This money is distributed to help further support Gila River Cares mission of giving back to locals in need. To apply and view eligibility qualifications visit playatgila.com/gila-river-cares.

Southeast Valley Hadassah chapter invites members Devorah Hadassah, the Southeast Valley chapter of the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, is a volunteer organization that inspires a passion for and commitment to the land, the people, and the future of Israel. It welcomes new members any time. For more information on attending events, contact: Eliana Bar-Shalom phone #860-377-7126 or email at ebarshalom.eb@gmail.com The first Monday of each month is Out to Lunch, a meeting at a different restaurant each month for good food and conversations. The second Wednesday of each month is or book group called Literary Ladies, on Zoom at 1:30 p. The third Wednesday members collect non-perishable food for Jewish Family & Children’s Services in various communities in the East Valley between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Buyers get no relief from tumbling sellers’ position BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor

Valley homeowners who are hoping to sell their house appear to be heading for rocky water, according to several reports last week. The Cromford Report, a leading analyst of housing market trends in the Maricopa and Pinal counties, said one of the biggest factors threatening to dethrone sellers from the catbird seat they‘ve enjoyed in negotiations for several years is a mix of rising supply and falling demand. “Demand continues to fall in most areas but the dominant effect is now the rise in supply, with new listings arriving at a pace that is well above average,” it said, predicting that Buckeye, Queen Creek and Maricopa already are close to a balanced market, where bidding wars have evaporated and sellers no longer can call all the shots. Nevertheless, the news also doesn’t offer much hope for buyers looking for “moderate” prices. Indeed, the meaning of “moderate” may not be at a new normal in the Valley and elsewhere in the country. “The upper end of the market is See

MARKET on page 28

This 1,900-square-foot, two-story townhouse on W. Market Place in Sun Lakes recently sold for $572,00, below its $615,000 listing price. The four-bedroom, three-bath house, built in 2017, boasted richly appointed finishes with lots of natural light. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

Rental scene may be changing – for now BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor

The rental market both locally and nationally is cooling a bit – but analysts said two weeks ago there might not be much reason to celebrate on either front. Apartmentlist.com, a nationwide rental listing firm, said trends in apartment vacancies and rent indicate that more empty apartments are entering the market and rent increases are slowing, but that likely won’t remain the case long-term. And looking at the Phoenix Metro area, the Cromford Report said that even the limited rental data available on the Arizona Regional Multi Listing Service shows that “though the median lease price has increased over the 12 months, far more listings are leasing below the asking price and far more listings are appearing on the ARMLS database. “Landlords do not bother to list their properties on the MLS if they expect them to lease up very quickly and easily,” the Cromford Report said. “So the fact that we are seeing a 40% increase in new rental listings compared with 2021 shows us that landlords are less confident than they were a year ago.” Nevertheless, sales of apartment complexes are continuing at a major

pace – often at prices that are more than double what they sold for only a few years ago. The Cromford Report said that in the Valley, nearly three-quarters of the 1,473 leases that closed in May 2021 came in at the asking rental price while 18.3% were below. By contrast, last month saw just over half of the 1,954 closed leases settle at the asking price and 41.6% fall below it. Still, the median closed lease price last month was $2,200 – higher than the $1,900 median a year ago. “The rental listings on ARMLS are not a balanced cross-section of the rental market,” the Cromford Report ApartmentList.com showed this nationwide trajectory in apartment vacancies and rent increases, but said cautioned. “They tend these favorable trends may be adversely affected by cooling home sales. (apartmentlist.com) to be skewed towards higher-end properties increased by just 2 percent over the patch around $2,200,” it said, adding and single-family homes past six months, during which time the that the 2,385 vacancies reported on rather than relatively affordable apartcity’s vacancy index has gradually eased June 5 was up 26% from Jan. 1 and 79% ments.” back to 5 percent, close to where it form Sept. 1. “Rental prices have not changed a lot was before the onset of the pandemic,” Those trends are similar to what in the last five months and the median apartmentlist.com reported. lease price seems to have hit a stable “In Phoenix, for example, rents have See on page 28

RENT

REAL ESTATE

MARKET

from page 27

slowing, but to a lesser degree than the mid-range between $400,000 and $1 million,” the Cromford Report said. “Supply below $400,000 remains very low and that segment of the market remains strong. Cromford said that data from May sales drawn from County recorder records show closed sales dropped 11% from where they were in May 2021 regardless of whether the deals involved new or used houses. Even so, the overall median sales price in the Phoenix Metro area last month was $490,000 – up 24.8% from May 2021 with the new home median at $500,490 (up 27.8% over May 2021) and the median for resales at $486,000 (up 23.7% from May 2021), The Cromford Report said. Those Valley price figures far exceed the national median sales price of $428,700 in the first quarter of 2022, although that nationwide number is up 30% from $329,000 in the first quarter of 2020. Mortgage rates jumped from 2.75% in the fall for a 30-year fixed to over 5.25%. An even more staggering blow to those in search of affordable homes, according to the real estate brokerage Redfin is that 8.2% of homes – about six

RENT

from page 27

Apartmentlist.com said last week. “After experiencing significant disruption over the past two years, the rental market has begun to gradually stabilize,” it continued. “The markets that saw large spikes in vacancies in the early pandemic have since seen renters return. Meanwhile, demand has started to level off in the nation’s hottest markets. That said, the availability of vacant units nationally remains notably constrained compared to the pre-pandemic norm. “Even if our national vacancy index continues its gradual easing, it won’t surpass 6 percent until well into next year on its current trajectory.” Apartment list also said that the rapid cooling of the housing market may have an adverse impact on rental units’ supply and, consequently, rates. “There are factors at play which

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

million houses – are valued at $1 million or higher – double what those figures were two years ago. Realtor.com said “Pandemic-era prices, as they currently stand, may be here to stay. “It is entirely possible that prices level out and just don’t change very much for the next few years,” Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at personal-finance site Bankrate.com, told Realtor.com.

is still much higher than the $600,000 it would’ve sold for one year ago.” Meanwhile, both the Cromford Report and MarketWatch.com kept a wary eye on the overall economy and how that might impact the housing market. MarketWatch said the U.S. housing sector might be heading for the biggest slowdown in a decade, citing Len Kiefer, deputy chief economist for Freddie Mac. “The U.S. housing market is at the begin-

It is entirely possible that prices level out and just “don’t change very much for the next few years. ”

– Greg McBride

“This would benefit first-time buyers by allowing their incomes to ‘catch-up’ to the cost of homeownership somewhat, but this would unfold over a two- to four-year period, not the next two to four months.” McBride cautioned would-be buyers who hope for a significant price correction: “Sellers have been putting homes on the market and asking for moonshot prices. In a neighborhood where homes were selling for $600,000 one year ago, a seller may now be asking $800,000. Sure, they may need to cut the price a bit and eventually sell for say, $725,000, but that

could present headwinds to that easing,” it said. “Although we’re now at the start of the busy season for the rental market, when the bulk of moving activity normally takes place, rapidly rising rents may incentivize many renters to stay put and renew existing leases rather than looking for new ones. “At the same time, the recent spike in mortgage rates has created yet another barrier to a historically difficult for-sale market, potentially sidelining would-be homebuyers and keeping them in the rental market. Given these factors, it’s possible that the easing of our vacancy index could level off in the coming months.” In Mesa, six complexes and one condo community changed hands in the last four weeks in deals totaling $459 million. The biggest deal involved the $142-million sale of the 460-unit Indian Springs Apartments on South Stewart,

ning stages of the most significant contraction in activity since 2006,” he said, adding: “I don’t think that home sales are going to grind to a complete halt. They’ll just slow. People will still be able to sell homes, but it may take you just a little bit longer than what it’s been.” He also was quoted as saying, “It hasn’t shown up in many data series yet, but mortgage applications are pointing to a large decline over summer,” and that mortgage applications already have tumbled 40% from their most recent peak in 2021. Purchases and refinance applications are in fact down to the lowest level in 22

near Southern Avenue and Alma School Road, by California-based Open Path Investments to Rise48 Equity of Phoenix, according to Valley real estate tracker vizzda.com. Built in 1985, the complex consists of 25 buildings, three pools and basketball/tennis court, three laundromats and a club house on just under 10 acres. The sale equaled a per-square-foot price of $723 and a per-unit price of $308,685, vizzda said. Last week, California-based TIC Group shelled out $125 million for the Talise Apartments, a 388-unit complex, built in 1984, on Gilbert Road and University Drive. Another big transaction also saw Rise48 Equity buying the 288-unit The Nolan on W. Broadway Road for $92 million. Northmarq Phoenix said its investment sales team ’s investment sales and debt and equity teams represented

ANIL SINGH (NEIL), REALTOR HOMESMART MY PRIORITIES AS A REALTOR:

years, Realtor.com said. Mortgage applications as a data point “gives you a sense of where the market might be headed,” Kiefer told MarketWatch, “because that’s the early stages of when people are looking to buy a home. And if the volume of applications falls, that tends to indicate that in a month, month and a half, mortgage originations of home closings will also decline.” Kiefer expects home sales to henceforth “slow quite a bit over the summer.” Meanwhile, the Cromford Report called May sales data “worrisome” because of a 16% year-over-year decline in home sales in the Phoenix Metro market. “This leads me to conclude that the market is serious about this change of direction and the new trend is likely to continue for some considerable time,” it said. “There are two things that concern me about the sales decline in 2022,” it continued: “It is taking place in May, which in a healthy market should be one of the busiest months for closing “We are seeing a very steep drop in a short period. In this environment, selling a home is no longer like falling off a log. Showings will be fewer in number and offers far less easy to get than they were in March. Once buyers realize what is going one, expect them to start flexing their negotiating muscles. They might even ask for the seller to pay for a home warranty (shocking, I know).”

the buyer. The sale price was more than three times greater than the $30 million that seller Benedict Canyon Equities paid for the 36-year-old complex in 2018, The gated complex comprises 18 two-story residential buildings, three pools and a clubhouse on 12.3 acres. Vizzda said the sale broke down to a per-unit cost of #319,444. Rise48 Equity plans to renovate the interiors of all the units at The Nolan, Northmarq said in a release. “Rise48 has purchased over 1,000 multifamily units in Arizona since the start of 2022, and over $1 billion in transactions since 2019,” said Brandon Harrington, a member of Northmarq’s debt and equity team. “They continue to seek out well-positioned communities with value-add opportunities through improvements to the individual units and the complex amenities.”

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Chandler yo-yo maker is the nation’s biggest BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

Ask the owner of the nation’s largest yo-yo factory how’s business and he’ll likely give you a pun. “You know, it’s a business that has its ups and downs,” Hans Van Dan Elzen said. He owns the Chandler-based YoYo Factory, at 155 E. Chilton Drive, Suite 101 in Chandler, which sells the most yo-yos in the U.S. While the pun may induce groans, it’s accurate. Van Dan Elzen said his business tends to go in cycles where it becomes really popular, but then people set them aside for something else for a few years. Right now, yo-yos are thriving. The National Yo-Yo Championships are returning for the first time since 2019 next month and will be held in Mesa. There was no championship event in 2020 or 2021 because of the pandemic. Arizona was the scheduled stop in 2020 before the event was canceled. One of the reasons this area was chosen is because of the YoYo Factory and its success. Van Dan Elzen says he has visitors stop by his factory all the time, and

Hans Van Dan Elzen isn’t just a master yo-yo player. He also owns the YoYoFactory in Chandler – the nation’s largest seller of a toy invented in the mid-19th century. (Ken Sain/Staff)

in fact had to add a little retail area so they could buy some products. He welcomes the visitors, and he or one of his demonstrators will happily teach anyone some tricks if they have a little time.

“If you do come for a visit plan to spend like a half hour and learn some tricks,” he said. “If you bring 30 people, we can’t handle it, but if you bring five, yeah, definitely.” Van Dan Elzen says his yo-yos

cost between $5 and $450. He said he refused to sell any for less than $5 because the quality would be so poor it would be unlikely that a person would enjoy using it. The $450 yo-yo is made of titanium and will spark when you do the “walk the dog” trip. Visitors in May, if they come at the right time, might even get to see a demonstration from the current world champion, Gentry Stein of Germany. He’s been hanging out at the YoYo Factory. Van Dan Elzen said he got into yo-yos when he was 15 when he was living in Detroit. He liked the toy, but it fell apart pretty quickly. That led him to pursue better made yo-yos. He found a company in Tucson that made high-quality yo-yos. He kept buying them, and then reselling them to his friends. Soon, he was being called into the office at his school. “I created a craze,” Van Dan Elzen said. “My vice principal said he wasn’t upset with me, but he said Hans, look, you got to stop what you’re doing because this is causing a major disruption. See

YOYO on page 32

Historic EV restaurant moves to Chandler BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

It’s not often a 55-year-old restaurant gets to celebrate a grand opening, but that’s what La Fonda Mexican Restaurant did recently. The popular family-owned eatery decided to move to Chandler after decades of operating in Tempe. “My sister and I we found this location,” said Angela Cota, who co-owns the restaurant with her sister. “We wanted to go back to the original … small, cozy. That big restaurant that we had was just a nightmare.” Angela’s grandmother opened the original La Fonda in 1967 at the corner of Scottsdale Road and Curry in Tempe. Even with the stiff competition that is Mexican food in the Valley, they built a reputation for fresh chips and salsa and great service. That helped them survive 55 years, even during downturns in the economy. “Our chips and salsa, that’s probably what people compliment us most about,” Angela said. “When you walk in our door, that’s when we make them, so like they are hot.” In 2004 Angela and her husband opened a second La Fonda location, this one in south Chandler at Alma School and Queen Creek roads. Howev-

Left: La Fonda Mexican Restaurant co-owner Angela Cota recently relocated the 55-year-old eatery from Tempe to Chandler. Above: The combo of chile relleno, one taco with rice and beans is a poular item on the menu of at La Fonda Mexican Restaurant. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

er, she had to close it a few years later because of the economic downturn caused by the banking crisis in 2008. She returned to help her family at the original location. “A few months after that, we found out that our landlord was going to sell the property at Scottsdale and Curry to build some big fancy apartments on it. So then we had to move.” She said they decided to go big, so they moved into a 6,000-square foot place that included a bar at McClintock Drive and Baseline Roads in Tempe

in 2012. It never really succeeded at that scale, but they stayed there for a decade. However, the owner sold the property and once again La Fonda had to move. The owners closed their doors in November and reopened in Chandler in March. “When we opened, people were like, ‘Oh, you’re back,’” Angela said. “And, you know, they said they didn’t go [to Tempe] because it was just a little too far. They said, but this is close enough. So I’m seeing those customers now.”

The Chandler location has allowed them to get back to the same type of restaurant Angela’s grandmother started 55 years ago. It’s small, and it’s definitely a family affair. Even though Angela’s parents have retired, they are often there to help out. In addition to her sister, her brother also chips in. She said they were able to hire a full staff because most of their employees enjoyed working for them and waited for the new location to open up. That’s See

LA FONDA on page 32

BUSINESS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Chandler woman takes helm of healthcare ﬁrm BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

Mental health is one of the top issues facing the country right now. It comes up in mass shootings, teen suicides and in the rising number of unsheltered people. One Chandler resident is able to find some good in all that bad news. “The only silver lining, actually I see in the last year, is that some of the stigma around getting help has diminished,” said Dr. Karen Tepper from their Mesa office. “And I think that helps all of us, right?” Tepper was named the CEO of Terros Health last month and had been the healthcare company’s chief operating officer before that. She said sport celebrities and the news media have helped get people talking about mental health and are motivating more young people to reach out for help. “I think we’re as a nation, or as a world, we’ve all been through trauma over the last couple of years,” Tepper said. “And so we’re seeing more and more people coming through our doors, who are needing trauma therapy.” Terros Health began primarily focusing on mental and behavioral health care and has since expanded to become more well-rounded. “We talked about, sort of, integrat-

in public health. She earned her Ph.D. at the University of Arizona in human development. She spent 10 years there focusing on behaviors, especially in children and young people. She became CEO at Acumen Fiscal Agent. She ended up leaving when that company was acquired by another company. Tepper said the experience of becoming CEO for Terros was much different than the first time. “The last go around was a bit more spur Chandler resident Dr. Karen Tepper is the new CEO of Terros of the moment, quite Health and sees more people are in need of some kind of mental frankly,” she said. “It was a privately held health help. (David Minton /Arizonan Staff Photographer) company, so it’s a family board. And ed care, which for us has meant the they were able to make decisions very, integration of behavioral health and very rapidly.” primary care services,” Tepper said. This time, Terros Health’s board “And moving forward, we’re really going knew the previous CEO, Peggy Chase, to be talking about how do we deepen intended to retire years ago. Tepper that? So how do we include things like said it was important for her that the prevention, which as I said, is sort of my board take plenty of time to vet her background and where I came from.” and make sure they thought she was Tepper never set out for a career best for the job. So she went through a

number of interviews and personality tests. As COO, she was instrumental in landing some major grants. One funds a program with the county that puts a minute clinic inside the Black Canyon probation office. It helps bring health care to people who are on probation. She said in some cases many of their clients haven’t seen a doctor since they were children. The other program is the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, which works primarily with children, veterans and other special populations. But Terros Health never strays too far from its roots. Tepper said they do mental health screenings with all of their traditional health programs. She said they also are trying to help more with children. “We are in 53 schools right now,” Tepper said. “We have more schools that want to bring telehealth in. For us, it’s really about how do we bring on enough staff and get them trained and ready to go to help the people that are in need? “There needs to be more money, obviously, that goes toward addressing these issues. But people are talking about it, which means the stigma is going to continue to go down. I hope, I truly, truly hope, that the people that really need help are going to be willing to come and ask for it.”

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YOYO

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

from page 30

The janitor is not sweeping the ﬂoors. The gym teacher is not teaching gym. He’s just playing with yo-yos. It’s got to stop.” The vice-principal did arrange for a demonstrator to help Hans learn how to teach others, something he’s been doing ever since. He moved to Arizona and attended Arizona State University, and would teach others how to yo-yo on the weekends. “They paid me in string,” he said. “That didn’t put gas in the car, but, you know.” He was working with the Tucson company and it sold 18 million yo-yos from 1996 through 2001. That had the company second in the U.S. But, the ups and downs of the yo-yo business hit after 2001 with a severe downturn. The Tucson business closed. Van Dan Elzen invented a new yo-yo in 2003, the Fast 201. He teamed up with Hasbro and sold millions. That’s when he

LAFONDA

from page 30

despite a worker shortage that has many businesses desperate to hire new employees.

t? o G ws Ne

started his own business. His company has been at its current location since 2012. Van Dan Elzen said the precision required for modern yo-yos is extreme. “Twelve-year-olds are very demanding in the precision when they spent $100,” Van Dan Elzen said. He sought out engineers in top tech companies trying to solve the problem, which would allow someone to spin a yo-yo on their skin without vibrating. “I had to interact with the aerospace industry. Finally, one shop in Tucson, they took on the challenge. At first, they said it can’t be done. I said, ‘What do you mean, it can’t be done?’ They said it’s too expensive. And I said, what’s expensive? What if I just said I’ll pay it, you know. And so we had a big breakthrough, just by demanding precision. And now we set the standard. Yo-yos are precise now.” The National Yo-Yo Championships is expected to draw between 100 and 200 competitors. They are all top-level players and will compete in five categories.

Hans Van Dan Elzen shows off a trick at his Chandler-based YoYo Factory. The national championships for yo-yos is coming to Mesa in June. (Ken Sain/Staff )

Angela said they only needed to fill one position. But the decision to reopen in Chandler and keep the 55-year-old tradition going wasn’t easy. Angela said and her

sister had to think about it. “Then my cook, who is my kitchen manager now and has been with me for over 20 years, he helped me run my place in South Chandler, he said, ‘You

know, what will you do? And you’re crazy. It’s 55 years, you can’t throw that all away.’ So he kind of pushed me, and convinced me. ‘Let’s keep it going.’” Information: lafondatempe.com

Contact Paul C Contact Paul P l Maryniak Maryniak M y i k at at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@timespublications.com p pmaryniak@timespublications.com pmaryniak@timespublications y i k@ i p bli i com 480 898 5647 or

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Bug & Weed Mart thrives with family BY ALEX GALLAGHER Staff Writer

Like most things, it started with a need, Owner Jim LaBrie likes to tell people about how he founded Bug & Weed Mart over 40 years ago. LaBrie had been teaching at Alhambra High School and felt bugged by critters that snuck into his home. However, since he was on a teacher’s salary, he couldn’t afford an exterminator. So he decided to do the best he could by going to hardware stores and purchasing the best bug juice he could find. Unfortunately, the sprays didn’t do the trick. So, he kept searching until he stumbled into a small shop in Mesa that had what he needed. LaBrie was able to purchase the same chemicals used by professional exterminators and his creepy-crawly visitors took a hike. He became so impressed by the concept that he kept a close eye on it and eventually purchased the business he once patronized, giving birth to Bug & Weed Mart. Before Jim knew it, the business began to swarm its way from its humble beginnings in Mesa to four more locations in the valley: Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe and Phoenix. “We started as one store in Mesa and our customers who drove from other areas told my dad ‘hey, we’d love to be able to come to see you’ or ‘is there a chance you could open (another) store’ and the business finally justified enough growth,” said Jim’s son

Bug & Weed Mart owner Jim LaBrie stands next to his son Joe. Their business has been around for over 40 years. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

Joe, who joined the business in 2010 and currently operates the Scottsdale location in addition to acting as the companies director of operations. One by one, the stores kept opening and the timing became perfect for Jim to turn the business over to his daughter Cara and son Joe. Although he admits he did put his kids through the wringer in the years leading up to their transition.

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“Terrible, I had to fire them four times,” Jim said with a laugh after being asked what it was like to work with his children. “But it worked out pretty well because it is a business relationship and they’ve learned enough over the years about how to do things and they’re quite mature.” However, Joe and Cara have proven their worth by managing their way through shortages of certain products

and dealing with rising costs. “There were some spikes that were crazy recently. And that was followed by the unavailability,” Joe said. “I’m very proud to say we’ve worked diligently to maintain stock on all of our items even though it’s been a little bit of a hop, skip and a jump to where I will have to stuff products in my trunk and lug them from one store to another some days.” Joe believes that the tide is beginning to settle in terms of having items on backorder. “It looks like things are finally starting to mellow a bit and I’m very happy to say we have not been out of stock for anything our customers have needed,” Joe said. This has come at the most opportune time -- Joe has just begun stacking his shelves in preparation of the re-emergence of scorpions and mosquito season. “Scorpions have kind of been the long-standing given here,” Joe said. “However, in the last couple of years, we’ve seen a lot more mosquito activity and the West Nile virus is here which is a pretty real issue.” Those are not the only critters that Joe has seen jump into the fold in recent years either. “We’ve also seen a roof rat infestation that used to be focused on just a couple of neighborhoods, and many more places now than it used to be,” he said. However, Joe feels confident in his products and authentic approach to customer service but in terms of the future expansion of the business, he plans to continue to do whatever his dad wants. Info: bugweedmart.com

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Tommy Prassas a hidden gem on Basha’s star-studded defense BY ZACH ALVIRA Sports Editor

Tommy Prassas doesn’t receive the same attention as some of his teammates on Basha’s defense. Boise State commit Wyatt Milkovich has become a star for the Bears at linebacker along with junior Jack Bleier and senior Jackson Browning. Senior Cole Martin, an Oregon commit, is the star of the secondary. On the opposite side is Miles Lockhart, a junior that has started to gain traction among major Power Five programs to continue his career at the next level. Senior Deshaun Buchanan, who also plays running back, is one of the most dynamic athletes in the state and can play anywhere on defense. Then there’s Prassas, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound safety that holds a single offer from New Mexico State and has no stars next to his name from national recruiting databases. But he never let that bother him, and he’s proven his ability to be a dynamic playmaker for Basha’s defense. Even if most don’t know it yet, his teammates are aware of what he is capable of. “Tommy is literally the quarterback of our defense,” Lockhart said. “Without him, the defense wouldn’t know what we are supposed to be doing. Tommy is going to blow up. He’s got everything a college wants.” Prassas led the Bears and the region last year in interceptions with four as a sophomore. He also racked up 27 tackles and helped lead the way for Basha’s 10-0 record in the regular season. When he enrolled at Basha, he never imagined he would play as big of a role as he does at the varsity level. In fact, he hasn’t even been playing safety and football very long. He started tackle football in junior high. He always had a love for the game at the flag level but finally made the transition to full pads in eighth grade. He was immediately enamored with the thought of being able to roam the field and go for game-changing interceptions or bone-shattering hits on opposing receivers. “Playing safety allows me to roam around and be a ball hawk,” Prassas said. “I feel like nobody really expected me to make this big of a jump from my first varsity season. I just gained confidence. “I had to earn my spot. I had to earn that respect. I think I did that.” He spent his freshman season playing on Basha’s lower-level programs. Varsity head coach Chris McDonald wanted him to learn from seniors in front of him so he could become accustomed to the speed of the game at the varsity level. It was during that time he also started making progress in the weight room. Prassas grew physically and his overall game improved. McDonald trusted him. The rest of the coaches, too. They put faith in a sophomore to man the defensive sec-

Above: The Basha coaching staff and his team entrusted Prassas with the starting safety spot as a sophomore. That showed him immediately that they all trusted him. Now, they all have the same goal in mind for the upcoming season: win a championship. Right: Basha safety Tommy Prassas admits he likes being the one who is often overlooked on the Bears’ defense. He takes it as a challenge and feels he has earned the respect from his teammates as a top playmaker heading into his junior year. (Dave Minton/Staff)

ondary with help around him. And he didn’t prove them wrong. “He’s going to be, in my opinion, the gem of that 2024 class,” McDonald said. “He gets overshadowed by some of those other guys but I think it’s really going to heat up for him this next year. He’s extremely smart and has a good football IQ. He’s a special kid. “He’s really good now but I think he is going to be even better.” Prassas admits he didn’t do much talking last season. He was widely the quiet one of the group. Last year, he felt he had to earn his stripes with the talent that was placed around him. Even if he didn’t know it at the time, his teammates recognized his ability right away. Now, with a full season under his belt, comes confidence. He wants to radiate that to his opponents. He wants to let them know he isn’t one to challenge with a deep pass or route concept over the middle. He wants to prove he can be a major college football prospect, much like his teammates. Prassas took a step toward doing that recently at a camp at BYU. He was named the camp MVP for defensive

backs, a title he took with honor. “I just went out there to hopefully open the eyes of the coaches there,” Prassas said. “I feel like I’m the hidden gem people don’t know about yet. I’m the underdog. I like it.” With a new season comes a new region for Basha. The Bears will now face Chandler on ESPN in October, Hamilton, Perry and Casteel. They will also have tough non-region matchups against Salpointe Catholic, a powerhouse from Tucson, and Liberty, the team that knocked them out in the Open Division quarterfinals last season. That loss, while painful, was an eye-opening experience for Basha and

its players. They took the off-season seriously to hopefully avoid the same outcome. They’ve also grown closer as a team and have learned to trust one another even more than they did last season. For Prassas specifically, that means everything to him. He knows his teammates have his back. Now, all he has to do is make it count. “It shows me that I have support and confidence from my teammates to go out and ball out,” Prassas said. “These guys inspire me. They showed me how to be in the weight room and on the field. “We all want more this season. We want the championship.”

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To our readers:

The Arizonan has given candidates for Chandler Mayor and City Council the opportunity to write two 500-word opinion pieces explaining their views on any issue of their choice. This is the first round of those columns, which also are at chandlernews.com with the candidates’ questionnaires.

Hartke: I know the city and Jones: Chandler needs a how to get things done non-discrimination law

BY MAYOR KEVIN HARTKE Guest Writer

Our city is prospering. Our taxes and utilities rates are the lowest in the Valley. We are fiscally balanced. Businesses are moving to Chandler, creating more jobs. We are one of the top cities in the nation in regard to prosperity, safety, desirability, education and transparency. Chandler continues to be the recipient of awesome news: the Intel expansion, small businesses flocking to our city, revitalization of the downtown and the relocation of more corporate headquarters. I believe that local politics matter. I am committed to serving you as Chandler’s mayor to make sure that Chandler continues to be a city where all can prosper, live, work, create and recreate safely! As your mayor, I have championed and supported our Chamber of Commerce, businesses, schools, parks, neighborhoods, community programs and residents. After nine years of service on the Chandler City Council, (twice being appointed vice mayor), and on my fourth year as your mayor, I understand our community and how to get things done. I currently serve on the Maricopa Association of Governments (Transportation Policy Committee, Regional Board and Executive Committee), the Regional Public Transportation Author-

ity, Arizona League of Towns and Cities and locally on the Chandler Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors and For Our City – Chandler (a non-profit I started 13 years ago). I partnered with state and federal officials to keep Chandler thriving through Covid. My collaboration also appropriated monies for a future I-10 expansion from Chandler to Casa Grande, for water conservation initiatives and for the county’s regional transportation plan. I will continue to work locally, regionally, statewide and federally to serve you. My commitment as Chandler’s mayor is to create and ensure Chandler’s future and legacy as a world class community where all can thrive and prosper. My priorities are the following: Make sure that our police and fire departments have the manpower and resources necessary to keep our community safe. Ensure great customer service and transparency to our residents. Continue to attract great companies and great jobs. Collaborate with our schools to maximize amenities like pools, libraries and public spaces. Collaborate with our neighboring communities to serve our region. Continue to approach build-out wisely. Promote new and appropriate technology to serve our residents and business community. I am blessed with a family that supports each other. Lynne and I share 40 years of marriage and have four adult children (all graduated from Chandler public schools) and four grandchildren. We also have a rescue dog named Mollie. I have been leading and serving our community for 37 years. Experience matters. I continue to serve as a pastor at Trinity Christian Fellowship in Chandler and volunteer extensively in our community. I have a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from University of Missouri, Columbia; and a master’s degree in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Thank you for taking the time to read this article. You can learn more about me and my campaign at kevinhartke.com.

BY RUTH JONES Guest Writer

The state of Arizona just passed a bill that will protect dogs from discrimination. That may be a small thing for most people, but it is huge when you juxtapose it against the City of Chandler. Our mayor refuses to consider an ordinance to protect our own citizens. Our LGBTQ community continues to be marginalized and forgotten. “My advocacy is far better than an NDO” was the feeling of the mayor at a recent election debate. This sentiment has left these members of our community worried and disillusioned. To understand this issue, you need to know the history of the ordinance and its impact on our city. The non-discrimination ordinance was first introduced in Arizona 20 years ago. It has been passed in 11 cities and more are working towards that goal. Chandler is the last of the five largest cities in the state to have refused to act. This ordinance only affects what happens in the public sphere, not in homes or places of worship. It is heavily supported by the Chamber of Commerce, large and small businesses alike, and many faith denominations. It has been shown in cities that have it to increase business retention and expansion. In the 20 years it has existed

in Arizona there has only been one case which was resolved through mediation at no cost or penalty to the business. When we as a city write the ordinance, we have the power to tailor it to the unique needs and wants of our constituency. We must also understand the impact of not having one in Chandler. The greater Phoenix economic council whom our city pays for economic development consulting has recommended the city pass an NDO. These NDOs are critical for attracting large employers and events from across the country. Over the years we have all seen large sporting events and employers refuse to invest in communities that are not protective of their own citizens. Our mayor and several council members have said there is no discrimination in Chandler. Just because one has never felt discrimination does not mean it doesn’t exist for those who have felt it. Local government is our first line of defense, and it is incumbent on our mayor and council to protect all citizens equally under the law. When our federal and state governments refuse to act, local leadership is ever more important. While I appreciate our city working to provide more culturally diverse events which bring awareness of this issue and communities, they fall short of actually protecting them. As your mayor I will ensure all of our citizens are protected equally. While I appreciate the current mayor’s “advocacy,” advocacy does not protect people from discrimination, laws do. We need to take the future of our city and the protection of our citizens seriously and govern for everyone. A nondiscrimination ordinance that protects our LGBTQ community, increases business prospects and protects our residents, will show that Chandler is truly the inclusive community it claims to be.

OPINION

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Encinas: I promise greater community engagement

Gonzalez: I will bring value to the community

Orlando: Keep a trusted leader who serves you

Poston: Committed to transparency, communication

Shifa: I will back public safety needs in Chandler

BY ANGEL ENCINAS Guest Writer

BY DARLA GONZALEZ Guest Writer

BY MATT ORLANDO Guest Writer

BY JANE POSTON Guest Writer

BY FARHANA SHIFA Guest Speaker

As the only candidate who has grown up and spent his entire life in Chandler, I truly feel I have a unique bond to our community. I have watched our city evolve from an agricultural suburb to a tech hub with a thriving business community. This growth and maturation, however, comes with its own set of challenges. As your council member, one of my main areas of focus will be community engagement. We need representation that is more in tune and responsive to the needs of our communities- involving citizens in the decision-making process, utilizing our boards and commissions as resources, and not “rubber stamping,” unilateral decisions by the city is something we need more of. Our city must do more to inform and educate our citizens of development projects which increase density, public safety concerns, neighborhood, and HOA issues and what is going on in our schools. Growing up in the early 2000’s, I witnessed crime activity at its heights in my neighborhoods. I watched firsthand the commitment and engagement by the Chandler Police Department to slowly but surely clean up these neighborhoods, making them safer and cleaner. However, with a complacent view towards public safety, I have seen troubling signs of lost ground on that progress due to a lack of investment in our police department, officers and resources. Relations between our officers and our community are also at an alltime low. This is where I know I can be a conduit for positive change! Working together with our community to find common

Chandler is a city I was told 18 years ago would be a great place to raise my family. The person who told me that was 100% correct even though they lived in Scottsdale. When my family and I moved here in 2004, I was 7 months pregnant. We drove into our new neighborhood sight unseen from Oregon after a long 17-hour drive with a U-Haul, trailer and truck trailing behind. We arrived at 10 p.m. on May 1. and were greeted by all the neighbors in the neighborhood with blankets, pillows, towels and everything we needed for the night. I was very impressed, and we became very close with those neighbors. We still live in the same house. We became rooted, our kids became rooted, and we learned to love the downtown area, the parks, the swimming pools and all the things offered by the City of Chandler. We had many opportunities to move, but always chose to stay. We looked at other areas in Maricopa County, but the crime rates were too high, or the schools were poorly rated, or the taxes were too high. Chandler offers lower taxes, good schools, nice parks, low water rates and we have always felt safe. According to the FBI crime stats, Chandler is one of the safest cities in the nation. I love that our city council is aggressively recruiting new police officers to replace retirees and adding new divisions such as a mental health unit. If crime is low, people will move here. If schools are performing, people will move here. If we have a lively downtown area and places to shop locally, people will move here. We have so many great opportunities for work in Chandler, both big and small

Patricia, my wife, and I started our family in Chandler after I left the Air Force. We have lived in Chandler for 38 years. My three children were raised in Chandler, attended Chandler Public Schools, and are graduates of Arizona’s public universities. Now my grandkids are being raised in Chandler. After active duty, I served in the Arizona Air National Guard and retired as a Colonel after proudly serving our nation and state for 30 years. Concurrently, I contributed to our national security by working in the aerospace and defense industry at several high tech companies in the valley. Finally, I have the honor of serving 20 years as your city councilmember. Over the years, four tenets have guided me as I made decisions for our community: work to build a better quality of life for all; be a strong advocate for safe and clean neighborhoods; foster smart growth policies; and provide open and transparent communication that you have come to expect and is critical for maintaining trust in local government. I want to utilize my experience, leadership, and knowledge to ensure Chandler remains a world-class community. We do this by ensuring we have top-notch public safety personnel, an educated workforce, lots of green spaces and cultural attractions, vibrant and sustainable downtown/entertainment districts, and a high-capacity transportation system that connects employees and customers to business nodes. My continued priorities are: Public safety & schools: I made public safety a top priority, again. Last year, I led the effort to hire 25 additional

As a professional communicator, I understand the power of the tools we use to inform and educate the public. And how they can be implemented in a way that discourages public input. For example, holding meetings on important issues at inconvenient locations or at a time of day when most residents are at work. Or failing to use the tools easily available, like streaming video, or proactively communicating through social media. Chandler historically has been a leader in garnering public input, for instance taking budget issues out to the community rather than requiring residents to come to us. When Council is making some of its most important decisions around the annual budget, at the very least, those hearings should be streamed online. City staff and facilities are already in place to make that happen. There’s no reason that we aren’t making that information easily available to the public online. None of this is nefarious. It’s just disappointing. Especially as someone who thinks residents’ opinions are the most important ones. As a former city employee, it was my job to ensure that our residents received honest, open and truthful communications in a timely manner. Throughout my tenure with the city, I was an advocate for government transparency and communication. I also understood the importance and witnessed the value of twoway communication. I truly believe that an informed citizenry is a major benefit for our community. It encourages and promotes resident involvement on important issues. The city can

Chandler citizens often share with me the importance of public and school safety. And many residents are attracted to our city because it is among the safest cities in the country (by wallethub. com). Unfortunately; some neighborhoods are experiencing an increase in property crimes; e.g., catalytic converter theft. This, combined with Chandler’s population growth, means the city must hire additional police officers and retain current officers on the force. The Chandler City Council recently adopted a tentative budget which includes $90 million for the Chandler Police Department, an increase of $3.5 million over our current budget. In addition, Chandler has increased the hiring incentives paid to law enforcement applicants to keep Chandler competitive with other valley cities. These are steps in the right direction. Our Chandler police officers deserve our appreciation and I have been gratified to learn from on-duty officers that our community is generally grateful and supportive. Let’s build on this by offering rewards to officers and their families. For example, through a private-public partnership, we can establish a program to award officers with vacation packages - at almost no cost to the city. Additionally, we must also do everything in our power to keep our children and our schools safe. Retaining and increasing the number of School Resource Officers (SROs) in Chandler’s schools is important to any school safety plan. Our City Council can help accomplish this by working with local school boards and administrators.

See

ENCINAS on page 38

See

GONZALEZ on page 38

See

ORLANDO on page 38

See

POSTON on page 38

See

SHIFA on page 38

OPINION

ENCINAS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

from page 37

ground with our law enforcement to ensure both communities are represented and heard, is a top priority. I am from these traditional neighborhoods,

GONZALEZ

from page 37

companies. People thrive in Chandler. As I talked to thousands of residents while gathering my 1,700+ signatures to qualify for the ballot, I learned something important about Chandler residents. Like me, they love the city. They want “more of the same.” Like me, they love the parks; they

ORLANDO

from page 37

police officers. This year we will hire additional eight police personnel, five of which will be assigned full time to a behavior heath unit to better integrate into the community and help those in need and prevent crime before it happens. I will continue to work with our schools to expand programs and to hire additional public safety resources.

POSTON

from page 37

tap the expertise and knowledge of our residents and invite those who have the

and I am confident I can create a bridge of opportunity and understanding for all. Chandler has come far, but as a candidate it’s important that our council asserts a pro-active, rather than re-active, mentality to stay at the forefront of the challenges that come with the rapid growth

and build out that Chandler is experiencing. Engaging our community when exploring answers to difficult questions fosters trust and transparency in government. By working together, we are stronger and capable of making better decisions which keep all our residents

safe, happy, and healthy. Enhancing and ensuring greater community engagement in the decision-making process is central to my campaign and it establishes trust and transparency in our local government. That is what I will bring to you as your council member.

want to enjoy their lives with their families and create long lasting memories. Like my family, they want to feel safe. They want to connect with their neighbors. Chandler residents are very diverse coming from all parts of the world. I love the diversity and the fact that people are friendly towards one another and work together to make Chandler the great city it is. My “agenda” when on Chandler City

Council, is to listen to the Chandler residents. I will support our police and staff in all the ways necessary so they can fulfill their role in keeping us safe. I will SERVE the residents. I will support local businesses and want to keep as much tax money in our pockets as possible. Chandler has been good to my family, and I want to pay it forward. My experience in leadership and government along with my experience as a small

business owner in Chandler, gives me the common sense to put people over politics, make good decisions which impact Chandler residents. My priority is to bring value to the city contributing to a high quality of life for all Chandler residents, while promoting businesses and making sure Chandler stays one of the safest cities in the country. See darlaforchandler.com.

Neighborhoods & quality of life: Recently we completed a strategy to encourage more affordable/work force housing and I look forward to implementing our plan. We worked with the business community to redevelop several failed/vacant retail corners for more housing and other uses. We’ve expanded our outreach to preserve and revitalize existing neighborhoods and I will continue to work with residents

to solve issues that affect them. We put additional resources to expand our parks and recreational programs. Economic development: I will continue to diversify Chandler’s economic base while supporting existing local businesses in their expansion efforts. In the past 3 years, our economic policies created over 11,000 office and industrial jobs. I will continue to refine the sound economic policies

that I helped implement years ago. We’ve accomplished a lot during my first term, but we still have a lot more to do and I am just getting started. Over the years I have relentlessly sought to earn your trust. Please vote to return me to the council so I can continue working for you and make Chandler an even better place to live. For more information: MattOrlando.com.

time and desire to serve their community by volunteering for the many citizen boards and commissions that provide feedback to the elected officials. In addition, I believe sincerely in

the importance of local government. I think it’s the form of government with the greatest impact on the daily lives of Chandler residents. When City government is working well, it is seamless; the water flows from your sink, trash is picked up on time, and the streets are well maintained. And on the occasion when it’s not working so well, you can call or send an email, and a real person – often one of your own neighbors – is there to help you. You can even voice your opinions in person to your elected officials during City Council meetings. More importantly, city government should listen to what you have to say.

In fact, a quick glance at a City organizational chart is a good reminder of who is in charge – that’s you, the residents of Chandler. I›m committed to ensuring that residents are heard through open and transparent communication, and a process that meets the needs of the residents, not just what is convenient for elected officials. If I am fortunate to serve you on the Chandler City Council, I will work with my colleagues to not only continue to open up the lines of communication but to make our good city better. Meanwhile, please feel free to contact me anytime at www.janeposton.com.

A TABLE FOR TWO? Phind it

POSTON

from page 37

As I travel around Chandler, I enjoy meeting our police officers, learning about their profession, and listening

to their concerns. I am committed to addressing their needs when I am elected to the city council and I will work diligently to implement the plans I’ve outlined here. Thank you for your support of our Chandler Police Department.

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Sun Lakes author pens Parisian romance novel SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Sun Lakes author Sandra Givens has once again proven herself as one of the East Valley’s more prolific authors. The California native has just published her sixth novel, “Night Flight to Paris,” which focuses on a single woman who finds love and adventure during a solo trip to the City of Light. Her protagonist, Sophie Jones, is literally ready to board a plane to Paris when the girlfriend who was supposed to join her calls and cancels out. She had never traveled alone before but quells her initial panic by remembering her affirmations: “You can do this. You are brave. Take control of your life. Get on the plane!” Shortly before takeoff, a handsome stranger takes the seat next to her and what happens after that is something you’ll have to read the book to find out. Lakes author Sandra Givens has just published her sixth romance novel. (Special to Though Givens was not at all happy Sun SanTan Sun News) with the restrictions that the pandemic imposed on her for nearly two years, time, given that COVID-19 and its reOf course, I write love stories, so the her muse helped her get through the strictions hampered her travel. love interest is a handsome and somerugged parts. Last year, she published “Travel for me is still slow – mostly what mysterious Frenchman named “Love at the Ranch” and revised her first novback and forth to California to see fam- Rafael DuBois, AKA Rafa.” el, “Running Horse Ranch,”which had earned ily and friends,” she said. Givens said she it’s been a while a following from romance fiction fans. To an extent, Givens’ latest novel since she’s been to Paris, though she The new book “took a bit longer bedrew partly on the travel adventures yearns for a return trip to Africa. cause there was more research involved and she has shared with a friend named “When I was getting ready to go I didn’t pressure myself,” she said, explaining: Ellen – after whom Sophie’s missing to college, I wanted my parents to “Some of my stories have come companion, Ellie, is named. send me to France to the University of together quickly, others not so much. “She and I have had some wonderful Grenoble,” she recalled. “That didn’t The writing is fun and usually gives me adventures,” Givens said. “I love Paris happen. I blame my travel bug and the desire pleasure, but the formatting and other but she does not, so I got to thinking to speak French on my Uncle Max. He was a technical stuff I see as a necessary evil.” ‘could I? would I travel alone?’ That may ‘jet jockey’ for the Navy, as he called himself. Though her latest novel took her have been the inspiration for the book. He had great stories and also told me that longer than normal, Givens had the

French was the language of diplomacy. I studied it but am by no means fluent.” Givens, who earned her B.A. in English from California State University at Sacramento, is is a recipient of the International Association of Business Communicators Award of Excellence. She also is member of the Romance Writers of America. She also is an author who never stops keeping her eyes and ears open for a potential storyline from her real-life activities. “When my PC was in the shop for a few days, I started with a new idea, handwriting notes in one of those black-andwhite notebooks we all had in school,” she recalled. “I can’t let an idea disappear just because my PC isn’t available.” That means she’s already hard at work on her next novel, tentatively titled “Danger in the Desert.” The next one has a working title of Danger in the Desert. Givens said that sometimes people who recognized her name from one of her books ask her where she gets her ideas. “I don’t want to seem crazy, but truly, the story ideas just come in my head,” she laughed. As for writing, she told the SanTan Sun News in an earlier interview, “I find that it’s a good way for me to escape the ugliness of what has happened in this country. I can put the news aside and go off in a fantasy land.” As for her tendency toward romance fiction with a dash of myserty, she explained, “I guess I’m a hopeful romantic – always wanting a happy ending. Who doesn’t love being in love? And being loved.” All her novels are available on amazon.com.

Arizona College Prep teacher earns national kudos BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

Arizona College Prep science teacher Rachna Nath’s students are looking for a way to stand apart on their college applications. Nearly all of them have top grades, play a musical instrument and are involved in numerous after-school activities. The same for their competition. What gives Nath’s students an edge is their teacher. Nath was named one of TIME Magazine’s Innovative Teachers of the Year in 2022, earning earned the national award for helping her students literally change the world for the better. In 2018, Nath was scrolling through the emails in her spam folder and came across one that offered a $10,000 grant for students working on a great idea. She started with only three students that first year. Their idea was how to extend Wi-Fi signals. It was accepted by Massachusetts Institute of Technology officials as part of their Lemelson Program. Nath flew

Arizona College Prep science teacher Rachna Nath’s work with students won her a special recognition by TIME magazine. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

to the Boston area and attended a program learning how to take an idea and turn it into reality. “When you go to a school, the students should be interested in more

than getting an A and being involved in sports,” Nath said. “Now they’re out there establishing their own companies.” Her students did not win the $10,000 grant that year. But they have earned more than $200,000 in grant funding since then. And when they fill out their college applications, they can include applying for grants, winning grants, patent research, applying and getting a patent, and starting work on their product in an innovation incubator. All of that looks great on a college application and helps her students stand out. The trio of students working on their own time in 2018 became a class of 30 this year at Arizona College Prep. “If you provide food for thought to these young, creative minds, they are really, really critical thinkers,” Nath said. One idea her students had was for heat sensors on a hat to warn the wearer when they may be close to fainting. That idea earned them a $50,000 grant from Arizona State University’s Healthy Urban Environments Initiative. “We realized that this was a problem

that we should solve,” says Sohani Sandhu, 18, another student who worked on the hat. “And it was something that a lot of people hadn’t really worked on solving either.” ASU even set up a program at its Innovation Center in Chandler to help the students get started. “They were forced to create a junior track for all these high school students,” Nath said. Nath has also helped win grants for $1.2 million from the Department of Defense and $800,000 from the National Science Foundation to help middle school students start learning about bioscience and physics, respectively. She said her main motivation is to teach her students to be critical thinkers and give them problem solving skills. She does not profit from any of their work. And, it is their work. They are the ones writing the grants, doing the patent research, applying for patents and forming their own companies. “It’s something unique to help them separate themselves when applying to colleges,” Nath said.

NEIGHBORS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Church making Sun Lakes dementia-friendly SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Sun Lakes United Methodist Church says it is committed to serving the community and wants to make it dementia-friendly. So, the church, 9248 E Riggs Road, is hosting an hour-long information session on that topic at 1 p.m. June 30 in Room 1. The program will look at what

dementia is, what it is like to live with the disease, the most common types of dementia and tips for communicating with people who have dementia. Everyone who attends will be asked to turn their understanding of dementia into action - either big or small - to help fellow community members living with dementia. Dementia Friends is a global movement developed in the United Kingdom

and is now underway in the United States, changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. The goal is to help members in a community understand the five key messages about dementia, how it affects people, and how we each can make a difference in the lives of people living with the disease. “Sun Lakes United Methodist staff will have the opportunity to become ‘dementia friends’ so we can help to

foster awareness and understanding about this disease, as well as provide resources and support to all in our community,” a church spokeswoman said. “Whether you are a part of our congregation, a Sun Lakes visitor, or a neighborhood resident, we invite you to join us to learn more about this important mission.” RSVPs are required: 480-895-8766 or email polly@sunlakesumc.org.

EV artist at Chandler ‘author crawl’ at mall Tocina, which is a play on the Spanish word “ for bacon, changed our archaic beliefs that pigs

SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Artist Bonnie Lou Coleman, formerly of Chandler and now in Mesa, will sign “No More Pigs in the House,” a children’s book she illustrated with her brother, who wrote the true story. She will be part of the Local Author Crawl at the Chandler Fashion Center’s Barnes & Noble bookstore noon-2 p.m. next Saturday, June 25. The story is based on Kenneth Coleman’s beloved pet pig, Princess Tocina, who was raised in his North Central Texas home. Coleman, who serves as a decorated private second class in the Texas State Guard, penned the story about his solution to his wife’s declaration that their pet was no longer allowed in the house. “Tocina, which is a play on the Span-

are filthy, lazy and even unintelligent farm animals, Tocina is a fun, smart and treasured member of this family and will enjoy a long happy life.

”

–Bonnie Lou Coleman

Bonnie Lou Coleman ish word for bacon, changed our archaic beliefs that pigs are filthy, lazy and even unintelligent farm animals,” Coleman said. “Tocina is a fun, smart and trea-

sured member of this family and will enjoy a long happy life.” Bonnie Lou Coleman, an artist and art instructor, filled the book with colorful and fun illustrations that represent the animal characters and their personalities. “It’s so funny,” she said. “It expresses my brother’s personality and his love for animals. For him to adopt and raise a

pig, build her a house with a fenced play area, shows what kind of heart he has.” “No More Pigs in the House” is also available at.barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com. For more information, contact Bonnie Lou Coleman through her Facebook page at facebook.com/ bonnielouart or by email brown55.bc@ gmail.com.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Gilbert’s yoga goats get big national TV spotlight BY SAMANTHA MORRIS GetOut Staff Writer

Goat Yoga has taken the world by storm and last week its Gilbert pioneers brought their animals to the stage of the NBC TV show “America’s Got Talent.” Going into the competition, Arizona Goat Yoga co-founder April Gould had no set expectations – given that all animals can be very unpredictable. “We have the most amazingly talented goats in the entire world, but they still are farm animals,” chuckled Gould. “So we weren’t quite sure exactly what they were going to do. I spent months and months training them, but with the lights and the audience, it was still a gamble.” Their first live TV appearance aired May 31 and while Gould said they had a successful showing, their performance was edited into the program’s “flops” portion. Despite that, Gould and the goats have been cleared for the show’s second round. “We did an obstacle course and they didn’t show any of that,” said Gould. Right before the show, all the judges went to meet the goats. And when judge Sofia Vergara picked up Gould’s star goat, Minnie, it fell asleep in her arms. “I was getting a little bit nervous,” said Gould. “The goat was asleep and it was the only one that does every trick.” Two minutes before the show, Gould managed to awaken Minnie. Gould’s goats and alpacas participated in the obstacle course. Gould said the network showed a funny impromptu performance with the goats after they had already finished their routine. “They did a really good job, I mean we made it through to the next round.” Gould still loves “America’s Got Talent” and appreciates the opportunity to move on to the next round, whenev-

Williams are no strangers to TV. They have appeared on many television shows over the years, often giving their goats a spotlight. Gould and Williams have both competed together on shows like “The Amazing Race,” sporting their goat yoga shirts. And when Gould trained for American Ninja Warrior, her goats assisted, doing push-ups or squats with their balance to the test as well. But it was Arizona Goat Yoga April Gould, left, and Sarah Williams owners get their animals ready for an appearance on “Amerwinning with ica’s Got Talent.” (Courtesy of Arizona Goat Yoga) their goats on the Nickelodeon animal realized one show, “Unleashed,” that inspired the day that they two women’s confidence and motivacould combine their two tion to seek recognition on one of the biggest talent shows in the world. passions into “We were like ‘Hey, we won that a business. show Gould so what’s the biggest talent show in fashions the world?’ America’s Got Talent,” said herself as Gould. the “Goat If you want to meet Arizona’s own Whisperer” AGT goats in person, go online to and Williams schedule a goat yoga class at goatyoga. teaches com. paddleboard yoga. When Williams Amewrica’s Got Talent judges “met” Arizona Goat Yoga’s animals before experienced a slowdown their performance. (Courtesy of Arizona Goat Yoga) in business during winer that is scheduled to take place next. ter, she and Gould came together to It’s been seven years since goat yoga find a new spin on the workout. first came to Arizona. Gould, along with Even though it’s their first time on her longtime friend Sarah Williams, “America’s Got Talent,” Gould and

Chandler church aims to inspire women BY JANELLE MOLONY Contributor

While many local moms are rushing to plug their children into fun events for this summer, a Chandler church is setting aside an evening just for women. Bethel Chandler, 1325 S. Arizona Ave., is inviting females 13 and up to a vision-board-creating event on June 24 called “Chica Vision Night.” Women’s Pastor May Dobbins is excited for the potential to reignite lost hopes and dreams at this June kick-off for the 2022 season of events that cater to local women. “What are those things you have believed for before, but stopped?” she said. “Right now, does it feel like your dream hasn’t happened, you’ve lost hope, or it seems too far-fetched?” Dobbins, who is a corporate diversity inclusion director and co-host of the

Unbreakable Woman Podcast, says this event is the perfect place to set those dreams and plans into motion again. Participants who come will craft vision boards using art supplies and guided prompts from motivating presenters. The event organizers have been collecting magazines and other crafting materials for several weeks in preparation. The event starts at 7 p.m. but doors will open at 6 p.m. for socializing and refreshments. A $5 pre-registration fee is required because of material costs and can be completed online at tinyurl. com/chicavision. “We’ll have everything you need to help you put what is on your heart – those things you feel you are called to do – down on paper,” Dobbins said. One goal for creating these visual crafts, she explained, is to ensure a participant’s hopes and dreams don’t end

up on the back burner. “I had a vision board for many years and would often pray about those items, make plans for and take steps towards those things,” she said. Gilbert resident Kelli Sample has attended several of the Chandler church’s women’s events and is looking forward to this year’s activities. When asked why she thought creating a vision board was important, she echoed, “Having a clear vision gives us a direct path for what we need to do to carry it out.” And, having those goals where one can see them daily, she thinks, “helps us to make the best decisions along the way.” Dobbins has acknowledged that some women might feel hesitant to come out and say these types of events are, “not for me.” To this, she wishes to emphasize that this is an opportunity for all women, from all walks of life.

Beyond church members, women’s groups from nearby local congregations are expected to join in, as well as non-affiliated social groups and moms groups in the area. “Everyone has purpose,” Dobbins believes. And, as women believe for and earnestly seek after their goals, “we’ll start to see them being realized.” After the June event, the Chandler church is hosting two more community-wide events for women. One is a two-day conference slated for mid-September. “I hope to announce a big-name speaker, soon,” said Dobbins. This will be the church’s tenth conference since opening in 2007. Another event, “Chica Christmas,” is a lively, dress-up evening with a special presentation catering to a woman’s heart. More information will be announced later through their Instagram @bethelchicas.

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Disasters notwithstanding, prayer is faith’s essence RABBI IRWIN WIENER Columnist

There have been many natural disasters in the world. In our lifetime we have witnessed earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, fires – on and on the list is endless. And we have heard some spiritual leaders of all persuasions explain these catastrophes as some punishment from God for all the evil that has occurred. Human beings are compelled to make sense of the universe. We look for patterns, we search for reasons. We find it difficult to understand how a God who created the universe with such a grand design, a Supreme Being who cares about each one of us, would also create such havoc and destruction. We question the very idea of religious faith. Voltaire, laughed at the idea that we live in the best of all possible worlds, in which everything that happens reflects God’s beneficent will. Others ridiculed the idea that natural disasters were divine retributions; instead, these enlightened people suggested that we investigate the natural causes of these occurrences and then take steps

to counter them through inventions and creativity. I am saddened by the loss of faith and, with it, all sense of hope for the future. And here in the throes of the 22nd century, recent writings pronounce that they consider science’s so-called victory over religion as a cause for celebration. We have heard them all: Religion preaches lies, religion is stupid and stands in the way of human progress. And while all of us are fascinated by science, we also have a deep sense of religious identity. We all have a great feeling of respect for intellect. And we need to know what to honestly believe. This is the ultimate question. And is followed by the question of why we pray. This question of prayer boggles the mind. What exactly are we doing here and why are we doing it – pray that is? Is it no more than an ancient ritual, or as Freud would tell us, a collective exercise in fantasy, an expression of our longing for a perfect father? We read prayers but do we really understand what they say? Can we truly believe in the religious values expressed? Or do we chalk it up to some humanistic experience, a chance

to sit quietly and think about whatever we like, a chance to get together with friends and enjoy beautiful music – possibly an interesting sermon and have a sense of community?” So much can be said that makes religion appear to be irrelevant. Wars have been fought because of religion. People have been persecuted because of religion. We have humanity that is, in the name of religion displayed bigotry and exclusiveness. Does religion do more harm than good? Well, truth be told. I see no evidence that religion is the cause of all evil in the world. We have seen evil through the eyes and actions of so-called humanistic societies such as Nazism, Fascism, totalitarian regimes such as Russia, China and North Korea. So, I would venture a thought that if no religion existed people would find ways to hurt and maim and kill, regardless, as they have done since time immemorial. Prayers are designed to help us live the experience of life with all its struggles and joys, and they affirm the sanctity of life, teaching that preserving and protecting life is our sacred obligation. For example: Our forbearers found

the universe amazing, wondrous, stunning, and elegant in its order. There is the natural rhythm of time and the seasons, the orbit of heavenly bodies in their orbits. So, what they attempted to do by introducing prayer was to try to bring that orderliness and comforting rhythm into their own lives and into ours through the marvel of prayer, together with the customs and celebrations that mark the passage of life. Our ancestors responded to this call with gratitude, and they were fully aware of the price they paid every day for continuing to believe. They regarded with love their Scriptures, their teachings, and gratitude for its guidance and wisdom, inspired by its continual challenge to be more and better and higher with the passing of time. We know that religion does not give us absolute certainty, and it does not always give us peace. It gives, more than anything else a sense of challenge and hope in what people can do, guided, and instructed by the highest truths we know. Try it, prayer that is. Perhaps you will find that you will like it because of the comfort it brings. This is the essence of faith.

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

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Chandler children’s theater is growing BY JANELLE MOLONY Contributor

Increasing demands for classes have prompted the relatively new children’s theater in Chandler to take on a new address to accommodate students. The owner and show director, Tiffany Selene Sivak, moved into the current studio location at Ray and Alma School in May 2021, but the space is already at its max capacity. So, Sivak leased the corner lot (formerly Say It In Signs) to build a fully functional performing arts theatre, complete with a sound studio, backstage wings, dressing rooms and room for 140 audience members. This is twice the capacity of the studio space, with more business-appropriate features. Sivak expects the new space to be open for use in August. Once the theatre construction is complete, the older studio will be designated for rehearsals and classes while the main stage rolls

Children’s Theatre Director Tiffany Selene Sivak peeks in on the construction for the new performance space at 1100 N. Alma School. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

out show after show. Starting in July, Stage Door performers will prepare for an outstanding 33 performances of “Disney Jr’s The Lion King Experience.” This is a modified production class offered by Disney, that is a “rigorous and immersive curriculum” which satisfies state and national academic standards such as Common Core ELA, Arts, and Music Education, according to LionKingExperience.com. The Lion King programs are not “just” plays, Sivak said, because students “are learning how to put on a show, but not just the content in the script itself. They are learning how to memorize important information, how to become a

character, staging skills… everything!” She also mentioned the well-known boost in self-confidence, the direct correlation to improved reading skills, and social skills akin to being on a sports team. The curriculum and scripts are modified to each grade level to accommodate developing reading levels and vocal ranges, she added. For those interested in technical design, the studio will bring back its Stagecraft 101 class and asks that families stay tuned on through the company’s newsletter and social media for that announcement. There are multiple once-per-week scheduling options for student levels to suit the needs of busy families, including classes on Saturdays. East Valley home-schooled children can look forward to twice as many daytime opportunities on either Wednesdays or Thursdays. The 15-to-18-week See

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Chandler pub serves up authentic Irish fare and were living in major cities amongst some of the poorest populations. The brisket was a meat that was popular with those communities because it was inexpensive but not necessarily easy to cook.” Brennan added there’s not a lot of beef consumption in Ireland with most of the bovine population being dairy-centric. He said, “They don’t commit a lot of resources to grow cattle for beef – much more with lamb, pork and even chicken than beef. “To that end, we have our shepherd’s pie which is very traditional to the Irish, a stew made of lamb we get imported traditionally from Australia, which has some of the highest quality of lamb in the world. Then it’s cooked into a savory stew with carrots, leeks, and peas and put into a shallow dish covered with mashed potatoes and baked. “That’s very traditionally Irish. We also have fish and chips which is traditional late-night drinking food all over Ireland and the UK, in general. No good night doesn’t end with a trip to the chipper as they call it.” The most authentic item, Brennan said, on the menu is the Irish breakfast or as they call it, Irish fry up. It’s usually enjoyed on a weekend or special occasion and consists of a plate of eggs cooked to order, Batchelor’s brand of Irish baked beans and rashers which is Ireland’s version of bacon (pork loin as opposed to pork belly, cured but not smoked, and more similar to Canadian bacon).

BY MELODY BIRKETT GetOut Contributor

Since opening in March 2003, Fibber Magees in Chandler has been the East Valley’s destination place for anyone in search of an authentic Irish pub and fare. “One of the reasons we feel we can claim to be authentic is we got some Irish ownership,” bragged owner and General Manager Matt Brennan, one of four managing partners. “Two of the original founding partners were born and raised in Ireland and one of those is still the remaining partner of the four of us,” he added. “One of our partners is an Irish-born citizen and carries an Irish passport. It lends us a certain amount of authenticity.” “When making decisions about how the pub operates and the kind of offerings we have, what we’re trying to accomplish with the business, we’re doing it with the idea of would this be authentic to a pub in Ireland,” explained Brennan. “If we’re going to make a decision to show sports, is this something you could see in an Irish pub in the countryside for all of Ireland? We think those kinds of things lend to the authenticity.” The food certainly adds to the authenticity. “Corned beef and cabbage have become synonymous with Irish so it’s not something eaten in Ireland or wasn’t historically,” said Brennan. “It was something the Irish immigrants started cooking when they first settled in America

Fibber Magees owner/General Manager Matt Brennan has built an authentic Irish menu and atmosphere at his Chandler restaurant. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

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THEATER

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

from page 45

theatre classes will cost from $360-450 with payment plans and sibling discounts available. Besides the popular stage shows, Stage Door Studio also is starting a new series of choir and dance classes to

FIBBER

support young artists becoming “triple threats,” as it is called in the industry. Four different choirs, including one for adults, will be directed by Sarah Burke, who will also provide private lessons onsite. Jazz, tap, lyrical, and ballet dance classes will be taught by Scottsdale choreographer and certified dance

instructor Dani Ervin. Ervin has said she is “overwhelmed with excitement and ready for a great season!” Ervin is the studio’s second full-time hire after Burke. “With an exploding schedule, it’s been awesome to build a team of teachers who have the same passions

that I do,” Sivak said, adding her studio’s singers and dancers will perform concerts and recitals throughout the year. Enrollment for fall programs is open now and Sivak advises an ASAP registration for the classes starting in July so that interested families don’t miss out. Information:StageDoorStudioAZ.com.

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Also included is black and white pudding which is a mixture of meat, spices and grains, like a sausage. And bangers or house-baked Irish brown bread is served, too, as part of the breakfast along with grilled tomatoes and sautéed mushrooms. “Everything is imported,” said Brennan. “We bring in the real ingredients from Ireland to make sure we’re offering the most authentic plate of food we can.” While burgers aren’t considered authentic Irish food, the Rasher Burger is a popular item and comes with Irish bacon as opposed to American bacon for a little twist. “The Belfast Burger is one of our signature burgers with sautéed onions and mushrooms, garlic aioli, onion ring, choice of cheese on a brioche bun,” said Brennan. “Nothing particularly Irish about it other than its name but it’s one of our most popular burgers. “We’re an Irish pub but we’re still in Chandler and we have to give the customers what they want. People who go out to a pub are still expecting pub fare and burgers certainly fall under that.” When it comes to popular Irish beers, Guinness is usually what comes to mind. “It’s not to say there aren’t other brewers in Ireland but Guinness is going to be represented by about 80-percent of all Irish beer sales or more,” Brennan said. “Currently, we have a Guinness draft stout available here at the pub. We are actually the reigning Perfect Pint Champion for 2022. Every year, Guinness brewery collects the bartenders from the top Guinness accounts throughout Arizona, and gets them all together to compete in a round-robin tournament,” he continued. “Whoever is the last person standing gets crowned Perfect Pint Champion. That was our bar manager Mike Fisch. This is the third time we’ve been the

Fish and chips is one of the specialties at Fibber Magees. (Courtesy of Matt Brennan}

champion. We’re the only pub in Arizona that has won three times. So, we take the Guinness pouring very seriously.” The pub also offers four Irish beers on draft - an Irish red ale called Smithwick’s, Harp, Irish logger, and Irish cream ale Kilkenny. An Irish cider is served, too, which Brennan said is also popular. “The Irish nationals that come to the restaurant drink the cider almost exclusively.” The restaurant also owns its own brand, called Boyle’s Beer Company. It’s made under contract by a local craft brewer and represents a marriage between old-world-style Irish beers and American craft beers. What differentiates Irish beer from other beers is water, according to Brennan. “Water in Dublin is quite hard and mineral-rich and when you use that kind of water to make beer, it leaves a very distinctive flavor to the final product that people have come to love over the years. It’s one of the reasons Guinness tastes the way it does. “Brewers in America, where we have a different water source, try to treat the water by adding minerals and salt back into it to replicate that Dublin-style water.”

Brennan is originally from Chicago and worked in the beer business for over 20 years, including owning a Chicago pub and neighborhood bar and grill in Chicago. As a professional brewer, he has sold beer wholesale, marketed beer and worked for distributors. “I was not part of the original ownership group at Fibber Magees,” said Brennan. “I was hired in 2013 to be the general manager and within 1 1/2 years’ time I worked out an equity deal with the partners where I would become a partner …and I’m now the majority shareholder of the company.” “I always wanted to turn my interests and my passions into careers if I could,” explained Brennan. “If you enjoy what you do, you never work a day in your life as the saying goes. So, I was passionate about craft beer and the hospitality industry. You need to have some infinity for it because you won’t last long if you don’t. “It’s a tough business – never more so than these days. If you don’t enjoy doing it, it doesn’t lend itself to being successful. You need to be hospitable. If you’re not in a good mood it’s impossible to be hospitable.”

Survival during the shutdown was the result of being an established member of the community. “We were well supported,” Brennan explained. “Carryout helped us retain key kitchen staff we didn’t want to lose. But we were able to move a lot of liquor inventory both in selling full bottles and custom-made cocktails to go. The type of liquor license we hold allows us to do it. “The timing of the shutdown was four days after St. Patrick’s Day so for us, it was a crushing blow,” he added. “We didn’t know until the last minute that we weren’t going to be able to hold our traditional St. Patrick’s Day, which is a large outdoor event where we block off the parking lot and extend our premises so we can have a capacity of over 1,200 guests. But we thought we would so we bought $10,000 worth of food and liquor in preparation for the event which never happened.” In addition to serving food and beer, the pub offers live music, bar trivia and bar games and hosts a craft beer festival each July. Information: fibbermageespub.com, 480-722-9434.

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