The Chandler Arizonan July 24, 2022 by Times Media Group

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INSIDE

This Week

BY KEN SAIN

Arizonan Managing Editor

NEWS ...............................

Races for seats on three school boards are set.

COMMUNITY..........

July 24, 2022

uth Jones’ bid to upset incumbent Mayor Kevin Hartke in the Aug. 2nd election is a true underdog affair while the race to fill three other seats on City Council pits an incumbent against four challengers. Hartke, after serving two terms on Council and one term as mayor, has name recognition. He also has a huge advantage in campaign finance funds. nd he s the in-

cumbent. Those three advantages usually lead to victories. However, not always. There have been a handful of cases where a scrappy underdog has been able to pull off the upset, said his challenger. “Don’t count me out,” Jones said after second uarter campaign finance reports were filed uly 15. report for uly 1- uly 16 must be filed on uly 25. Hartke raised only 17,226 in the second quarter of this year, but entered that period with nearly $229,000 in the bank, accord-

ing to his most finance statements. He spent 25,072.95 from pril 1 through une 30, giving him more than 223,000 going into the final weeks of the primary campaign. Jones raised the least amount of any of the seven candidates on the ballot who are running for a spot on the Council. She reported raising 8,752.40 and closed une with a balance of 135.80. “It’s not about the money, it’s never been about that,” Jones said. “The reason why I’m

see ELECTIONS page 8

Chandler housing plan Readying for school stirs citizens' opposition

Group supports parents of LGBTQ+ kids.

BY KEN SAIN

Arizonan Managing Editor

GETOUT ..................... 36 Chandler restaurant elevates Indian cuisine. COMMUNITY ............................. BUSINESS ...................................... SPORTS .......................................... GET OUT ....................................... CLASSIFIEDS ................................

30 32 35 36 40

he City of Chandler is looking to increase the amount of public housing units it has available and seeking innovative ways to pay for it. But some residents in the community are worried about the project and have started a petition drive to stop it. he city currently has 303 units available through the federal government’s Housing and Urban Development department for public use. Almost all of the people living in those units have jobs and are paying 30 percent of their monthly income in rent. But that’s not near enough to keep up with demand in a city where the cost of renting an apartment continues to soar, city officials say.

see HOUSING page 15

It was a busy morning July 16 for, from left, Atasha Hill, Beth Price, Ileana Argeros, Kimberley Guevara and Chelsea Grieve as they and other volunteers sorted backpacks for distribution during Chandler’s annual Operation Back to School distribution of school supplies. It didn’t run entirely smoothly, as you’ll read on page 16. (David Minton/Arizonan Staff Photographer)

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

Kyrene details its extensive safety measures BY PAUL MARYNIAK Arizonan Executive Editor

ith the memory of the Texas elementary school massacre still fresh in many parents and teachers’ minds, Kyrene School District administrators last week presented a detailed plan on how they are keeping children safe. That the pre-scheduled presentation at the uly 12 Governing Board occurred after the only two citizens speakers to address the board both implored it to be sure safety is a priority was coincidental. Yet, it underscored the concerns that loom over local schools as a new year is only a few days or weeks away. “I’m thankful that we have police officers at the middle schools but at the elementary schools we do not, so maybe that funding will allow that,” said Lindsay Harris, a mother of two Kyrene students. “But I would really like to hear more about what the plan is to lock down the campus so that we as parents feel comfortable bringing our kids back to school in two weeks. It’s sad that we have to talk about it but it’s a really important situation and we need to know what the game plan is to lock down the campus completely,” Harris said. Jamie Thompson, a former Kyrene teacher, followed by telling the board, “I think it’s really important that we need to have psychologists and counselors in our schools. …These problems start with kids when they’re young. And it travels through with them. And I realized that a lot of them come from bad situations. But we need to have counselors and people that can immediately see your child is having behavioral issues, emotional issues, and not just for their well-being but for everybody else in the classroom.” Kyrene Superintendent Laura Toenjes had been planning this very presentation on safety for several months and told AFN in May that the Texas massacre added urgency to the need to reassure parents that the district has been and is taking stringent safety measures. “It is always nice to do an update for families because the reality is parents are scared right now,” she said in an interview the day after a board meeting.

“You know, school is supposed to be the next safest place to your home. I couldn’t sleep last night because, of course, we had the board meeting and then, you know, with all of that, and I just kept thinking, where’s the balance? “We need our families in our schools, we need the partnership, we need the collaboration, we need to be able to let people in. That was where my heart was last night and kind of grappling with: how do we balance the need to have this partnership and educating our youth and keeping our youth safe?” Toenjes conceded there are concerns about the security of district headquarters, where board meetings are held. Board member Michelle Fahy last Tuesday echoed those concerns and officials said they are studying additional security for the 30-year-old building. n une 12, Damian ichols, Kyrene s executive director of emergency management, detailed the measures the district has taken not only to keep its 25 campuses safe but also protect students from online threats. He said standard measures at all campuses include perimeter fences and 360-degree video surveillance, electronic-controlled locks and badge access, secure front lobbies, and limited points of access to school buildings. And he discussed how the district also is maintaining cyber monitoring to pick up on digital evidence of bullying or threats as well as warning signs of students who may be considering harmful actions toward themselves or others. Retired law enforcement and an all-volunteer Kyrene Support & Response Team conduct security patrols and equipment checks as well as provide support on site for events. And key staffers at every campus also have been trained to respond to active incidents with “Stop the Bleed, CPR and other life-saving skills. “Kyrene School District’s unique footprint, with boundaries covering multiple cities and communities, means the district works with half a dozen law enforcement agencies to develop school security plans and to coordinate response in the event of an emergency,” district spokeswoman Erin Helm said.

Kyrene has an elaborate system for notifying parents and in the event of an emergency officials hope households familiarize themselves with it. (Kyrene School. District)

The Kyrene emergency team convened 94 times throughout the school year but not all these events occurred on campus, emergency management Director Damien Nicholas said. “These were times that not only did somebody call the crisis line, but we actually activated the team.” (Kyrene School. District) Board President Kevin Walsh also said that while last week’s presentation focused on physical safety measures, the district would in the future be presenting additional information on its efforts to monitor and address kids’ social and emotional wellness. Nichols stressed that parents can see for themselves what safety measures are in place and what new ones are being implemented at Kyrene.org/safe. He noted that the district has been addressing safety on a continuing basis since 2005, when voters approved a bond issue specifically designed to fund those measures. ne of the first measures the district took was to remove portable classrooms,

making sure campuses were enclosed, eliminating outside locks except on the main doors to each building, and making lobbies secure. But the district’s patrols provide an additional layer of security related to the doors, he said. In a school district of 25 schools, where we have almost 1000 doors, something gets left unlocked almost every day, even though it’s unintentional,” Nichols said to explaining how patrols respond to notices of unlocked or open doors around the clock. On a daily basis, he added, “We didn’t want people to be able to walk into

see SAFETY page 3

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

SAFETY from page 2

the buildings. We wanted to slow them down…and if there was some disturbance, have enough time for either Kyrene staff or first responders to respond. The virtual safety nets around campuses also have been key to keeping students and staff safe he said. “We have cameras that face parking lots, fields, mountains, storage areas, – anything on the external part of the building,” Nichols explained. “This comes in very handy there. We have solved so many issues by being able to look at that data after the fact. But it’s literally a virtual fence around the campuses. And we continue to upgrade that…Those things get upgraded as technology gets better and has more artificial intelligence and things that can help us spot things.” Nichols also detailed how electronic locks – which have cost upwards of 3,000 for each school – further control access, although he said they all have a host of overrides and failsafe capabilities that can be employed in the event of emergencies. The district also equipped a vacant building to be an emergency operations center to which various law enforcement agencies

have access. Filled with monitors linking to cameras at schools, police can not only see what’s going on inside a school but also in each campus’ immediate neighborhood. Nichols also said the district last year started a three-year “massive upgrade to a lot of our safety and security.” Nichols also explained the difference be-

lots of tools in place that can monitor the technology that we have in Kyrene. e have artificial intelligence and intelligence running in the background, but we also have live human review by some of our providers. What that means is things like Google, your students learn online through Google and they collabo-

We need our families in our schools, we need the “partnership, we need the collaboration, we need to be able to let people in. That was where my heart was last night and kind of grappling with: how do we balance the need to have this partnership and educating our youth and keeping our youth safe?

”

tween the emergency response team and the safety and security team, noting the latter perform a wide variety of daily tasks. “They may help at lunch just directing kids to the right place. We might be having issues at bus stops. The list goes on and on. Again, if you can dream it up, we probably responded to it.” Nichols also explained how “we have

rate and they talk to each other, not just in chat rooms, but sometimes they use Google Docs to do that. And they’ll talk to each other in a Word doc or in a spreadsheet. “We have software that monitors what they’re doing. You can pick up bullying. We can pick up somebody’s cry for help with their threatening suicide. We can pick up threats towards the school.”

When such evidence is picked up, site administrators are notified and the district command team then evaluates “whether or not to activate something if we have an actual threat. “More often than not, these are bullying, students asking for help,” Nichols added, saying that in such cases, “the school administration works with our psychologist and we start that process.” By the end of a presentation that consumed more than an hour, Fahy acknowledged that there is not just an elevated concern about safety on campuses. I have to say that I find myself when I go to the grocery store, when I go to the shopping mall, when I go to a movie theater, when I go to, you know, a sporting event, I approach that situation now in a very different way,” she said. “I’m looking around for exits I’m looking for which way is the best way out? Where would I hide? What would I do with my kid? All of those things never occurred to me years ago. And it’s alarming. I mean, it makes you maybe not want to go to some of those things. And I think that the places that I just mentioned are not nearly as safe as Kyrene schools.”

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CITY NEWS

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

CONTACT INFORMATION Charlotte Golla

Marilou Estes

Lara Bruner

Kurt Rohrs

Patti Serrano

5 seeking 2 seats on CUSD board BY KEN SAIN

Arizonan Managing Editor

ive candidates have filed for the Nov. 8 ballot for the two available seats on the Chandler nified School District Governing Board. Candidates had until uly 11 to file their nominating petitions with at least 400 valid signatures of registered vot-

ers to qualify. Incumbent Lara Bruner, and challengers Marilou Estes, Charlotte Golla, Kurt Rohrs and Patti Serrano all turned in more than enough signatures to qualify. However, there is a 10-day challenge period before any candidate is officially on the ballot. Current board member Lindsay Love is not seeking reelection. our candidates filed statements of interest but did not submit petitions. They

are Nicole Eidson, Michael Flores, Crystal Markowsky and Matt Young. Eidson, Flores and Markowsky all said they did not file because they did not want to split the vote with like-minded candidates, clearing a path for those with opposing views from getting elected. Young said he had to deal with some issues that pre-

see CUSD ELECTIONS page 5

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Kristi Ohman

Kyrene, Tempe Union board races appear set BY PAUL MARYNIAK Arizonan Executive Editor

he governing boards of both school districts serving Ahwatukee will each have at least one new member after the ov. 8 General Election, according to the ballot petitions that made the uly 11 deadline. That’s because Tempe Union board resident Brian Garcia has decided not to seek a second term and Kyrene board member Margaret Pratt has set her sights on a Tempe Union seat. 10-day period for filing challenges to candidates’ petitions in all three races

expires after uly 25 and the candidates are campaigning for November votes since there is no primary for school board seats. Two seats are up for election in both five-member boards and compared to some neighboring districts. While some Valley districts have as many as eight or nine candidates vying for two seats on their boards, only three candidates are in the hunt in Kyrene and four in Tempe Union. Garcia told the hwatukee oothills News his decision not to seek another term was partly affected by the death of his father from pancreatic cancer re-

cently, which prompted him to want to spend more time with his family. he Governing Board and the District are in a good place to continue the ongoing work of our students, staff, families, and community, Garcia said. fter serving in leadership for all four years of my term, I have dedicated the majority of my time to school board service. “We have accomplished a critical and substantial amount for our students, staff, families, and community, Garcia added. I initially filed a Statement of Interest to allow myself time to consider

see BOARD ELECTIONS page 5

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CITY NEWS

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CUSD ELECTIONS from page 4

vented him from campaigning in earnest this year, but he intends to run again later. Here s an early look at the five candidates running for the two seats:

Lara Bruner: She has served on the governing board for four years. Bruner was the only member of the board to vote against approving Frank Narducci as the new superintendent, saying she voted against because she did not like the process the district followed in hiring him. She said it should have been more open and involved the community more.

BOARD ELECTIONS from page 4

whether to run again. While I am not running again, I am repurposing my energy to support a candidate to succeed me.” He also said he intends to “be available as a resource to support current members as they navigate through the inevitable nuanced challenges that come with the job.”

She said she is concerned about providing students with all types of opportunities, including academic, artistic, athletic and social and emotion growth of the whole child. She said that’s how schools can provide well-rounded adults in the future.

Marilou Estes: The retired Chandler teacher spent 21 years in the District, working at Galveston, Bologna and Basha elementary schools. Her stepchildren attended CUSD schools. Estes said she remains informed on the top issues of the day and does not like the polarized environment. She said she can offer a much-needed professional educator’s perspective to the board if she is elected.

Here’s a look at who is running in both districts. All the candidates were asked last week to explain why they are running but some did not reply.

KYRENE

Kevin Walsh Kevin Walsh, a Tempe father of two who is a partner in the law firm of uarles & Brady LLP, is in his second consecutive one-year term as president of the

Charlotte Golla: The mother of four CUSD students says expanding Problem Based Learning will be the major issue of her campaign. “I will work tirelessly to ensure all students are provided an education that teaches them to think, teaches healthy habits of mind, and prepares them to enter the world,” she wrote in an email. She worked as a regional sales manager for Benefits Concept until 2014. She left after the birth of her third child.

regular speaker at the board’s meetings. He wrote in his email that his top issue will be making academic fundamentals the primary focus of the District’s curriculum. He said reading and math achievement must improve for all students.

board. He is a volunteer in a number of organizations, including a member of the Phoenix One Foundation Board, a legal mentor for the small business organization Gangplank and an ambassador for the Greater hoenix Economic Council. He is a member of the Volunteer Lawyers Program, the Clemency Project 2014, alley Interfaith roject and chair of obs or ri ona s Graduates logo.

“I’m running because it’s so important to keep strong public schools in our Kyrene community, and I believe that my experience and proven leadership make me uni uely ualified to ensure that our Kyrene students are given the best opportunities to learn, develop and thrive,” he told AFN. “Kyrene is at the heart of our fam-

Kurt Rohrs: he financial advisor has been active in Chandler schools, serving on the District’s budget committee and working as a substitute teacher. He is a

Patti Serrano: A Hamilton High graduate, has worked in education research after earning a bachelor of science degree from Arizona State University. She worked at ASU on education and child health. Serrano says that she will listen to the key stakeholders, starting with students, to develop well-rounded graduates. She said she wants to work on addressing all their needs, from academics and social to mental health.

see BOARD ELECTIONS page 6

CITY NEWS

BOARD ELECTIONS from page 5

ily. My children are second-generation Kyrene kids. They come from a family of educators, and their grandma is entering her 24th year teaching in Kyrene. I ve served with the PTO as a board trustee for many years, and I’m a regular volunteer in the classroom.” He said he believes he has gained “invaluable experience” on the board “that sets me apart from others” and regularly visits each of the district s 26 schools. “As a parent of young children, I saw first-hand how C ID impacted many students, and I’m grateful that we succeeded in keeping schools open for inperson learning all of last year. If I am re-elected, I will remain committed to ensuring that our students have the resources they need to succeed. I will continue advocating for our teachers and support staff to be valued and treated as professionals. There is a lot to celebrate in Kyrene, and there is always more that we can do. “I am balanced and pragmatic, with a proven track record of achieving results. I’m proud of the great work accomplished during my term on the Kyrene

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

Governing Board, including increasing teacher staff pay by 10.5 Million last school year, while still decreasing spending. My experience as a business professional enables me to provide strong financial oversight, and the riona uditor General has continually shown that Kyrene is among the best at keeping dollars in the classroom.” Triné Nelson Ahwatukee resident Triné Nelson has been in education for 18 years and is currently the curriculum design director for Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business. She told AFN, “As a mom with children in the Kyrene district for the past nine years, I have spent extensive time volunteering in classrooms, serving on PTO boards, the Superintendent Community Council, and most recently as the co-chair for Keep Kyrene Strong, whose work is integral to the success of the 2021 M override continuance election. “I am deeply committed to the continued success of the Kyrene School District, not just as a parent, but as a community member. I have spent over

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20 years working in and around education and have seen first-hand the link between educational success and community involvement. The Kyrene community is engaged and focused on creating a positive environment and for our students and staff. “I am running for a seat on the governing board to foster continuous improvement in a variety of areas like student achievement, educator support, and sound administrative practices. As a governing board member, I will serve the community by collaborating with parents, educators, administration, and other community members to find solutions that best meet the needs of our children. I will work with other board members to build on the success Kyrene has experienced and make sure that we share progress and achievements with the community. “ Kristi Ohman Kristi Ohman, also an Ahwatukee resident and a mother of two, has been a teacher for both charter and public schools, including Kyrene. “I am running for Kyrene School Board

because I want to be an honest voice for Kyrene kids and truly listen to all parents, teachers, and community members,” she said. “I am proud to bring a current teacher and parent’s perspective to the Kyrene Board. I want Kyrene to be every parent s first choice for their child. Kyrene is an amazing district and can reach its highest potential by focusing on education fundamentals, transparency, and accountability for all. The pandemic has left us in a severe academic slump and regression of social skills, work ethic, and behavior. We need to prioritize our Kyrene students and classrooms. The strength of our community relies on our public schools.”

TEMPE UNION

Andres Barraza Andres Barraza of Tempe is seeking a second term. The owner of a coffee and team import company bearing his name, he is a former senior firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service who often has talked about how he rose from an early life as a

see BOARD ELECTIONS page 10

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CITY NEWS

Darla Gonzalez

ELECTIONS from page 1

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

Matt Orlando

going to win is I’ve gone out and talked to the people who live here. I’ve listened, and because I’ve done that, they know I care.” In the other council races, incumbent Matt Orlando is seeking a second term while members Rene Lopez and Terry Roe are termed out. Lopez is one of six Republicans seeking the nomination in Congressional District 4 to run against incumbent Greg Stanton. oe is one of the two Republican candidates for the state House in D12, which covers northern Chandler, all of Ahwatukee, and parts of Tempe and Mesa..

Kevin Hartke

Ruth Jones

The other candidates on the ballot for Chandler City Council are Angel Encinas, Darla Gon ale , ane oston and arhana Shifa. The write-in candidate is Cody Hannah. For a look at the backgrounds of the candidates on the ballot and their views on critical local issues, go to chandlernews.com and hit the “Election 2022” tab to view their questionnaire responses and opinion columns. Hannah says he is running to represent a younger, more diverse and more progressive Chandler. Orlando has raised the most of the Council candidates, bringing in more

Jane Poston

than 60,000. Second is Shifa, with around 35,000. Close behind is Encinas at more than 34,000. Gon ale is just under 25,000 and oston raised more than 20,000. Hannah has not filed a campaign finance report. The Chandler Chamber of Commerce, Chandler Police and Fire all endorsed Encinas, Orlando and Poston. A lot of Poston’s campaign contributions come from firefighter groups around the alley. yoming woman donated 1,000 to Gon ale s campaign. call to Gon ale asking why a Wyoming woman is interested in the Chandler city election was not returned. She also received a 3,500

Angel Encinas

Farhana Shifa

donation from former developer Ron Pratte. Shifa and Orlando also received large donations from ratte, 3,000 each. The Chandler Chamber endorsed Hartke. However, he did not earn the endorsement of police or fire groups. mong large contributors, ueen Creek’s Pat Strattmen, owner of the Puro Cigar Bar, donated 5,000 to Hartke s campaign. The Mayor also received a 6,500 donation from Cheryl ollack, the CEO of Palm Paradise Corporation. Those were all the donations over 3,000 to any of the candidates in the

see ELECTIONS page 10

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ELECTIONS from page 8

second quarter. In addition to voting on the candidates, Chandler voters are being asked if they will support Home Rule for another four years. roposition 470 determines the city’s budget. If voters do not approve it, then there will be dramatic cuts – more than 100 million – to the budget to fit a formula that was imposed in the early 1980s. If they vote to approve it, then the City

BOARD ELECTIONS from page 6

drug dealer to earn a bachelor of science degree in economics from ASU. He has been active in the school community as a volunteer and advocate for students and staff. He does not appear to have a website for his campaign as yet. Stephan Kinglsey Stephan Anthony Kingsley is an Ahwatukee resident who has been in education for over 15 years, and is listed

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

Council will continue to determine the budget free of any restrictions. Chandler voters have never rejected home rule. For northern Chandler residents in D12, both epublican and Democrats have contests. Two Ahwatukee residents, Realtor Suzanne Sharer and businessman David Richardson, are vying for the state Senate Republican race and a chance to run against state Rep. Mitzi Epstein, who is running to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Sean Bowie.

While Roe and Chandler CPA Jim Chaston are the only Republicans up for the two state House nominations, five Democrats are duking it out. They include three Ahwatukee residents – lawyer aul eich, retired City of Phoenix Human Services programs director Patty Contreras and scientist Stacey ravers – and two Chandler residents – Ajlan (AJ) Kurdoglu and Sam Huang. Huang left Chandler City Council before his first term ended for an unsuccessful run in the Republican primary for Congress in 2020 while Kurdoglu ran

against incumbent Chandler Republican Sen. J.D. Mesnard in what became one of the most expensive legislative races in 2020.

as an English teacher at Corona del Sol High School. He is now a doctoral candidate in industrial and organizational psychology at Grand Canyon niversity. Stephan consults and collaborates on diversity and inclusion initiatives with business, education, and community leaders as well as researchers at the national and international level, according to the GB ictory Institute website. “He is committed to ongoing personal growth, learning new things, and advo-

cating for the inclusion of all perspectives,” the website states. He has not set up his own campaign website.

Kyrene School District Board. I would love to take that experience and with your support, serve on the empe nion Governing Board,” she posted on Facebook. She has been an active parent volunteer in Kyrene schools and is a small business owner who holds a bachelor’s degree inn communicative disorders.

What can you learn about senior living at our next event? A whole bunch.

Margaret Pratt An Ahwatukee mother of four who is winding up her first term on the Kyrene board, Margaret Pratt told the Arizonan that with three of her four daughters entering the district's schools over the next few years, she wants to get more involved in Tempe Union. “I have learned so much serving on the

Chandler Election You can drop ballots off at Chandler City Hall. o find your closest polling station, visit elections.maricopa.gov/voting. The last day to request an early ballot has passed and the last day to vote early in person is 5 p.m. uly 29. Ballots should be put in the mail no later than uly 27.

Amanda Steele Chandler resident Amanda Steele is

see BOARD ELECTIONS page 11

BE BALLOT READY

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

BOARD ELECTIONS from page 10

a community activist and parental advocate for public schools and students with disabilities, She is a speech therapist and President and co-founder of EPIC Disability Advocacy . “I am running for the students, for the teachers, and for the community,” she said. Eight years ago, I was a mom on a mission to support my son. I built collaborative relationships and initiated conversations which led me to participate on committees at the school and district level. “I saw the needle moving in the right direction, but realized there was much more work to do, so here I am. As a society, collectively we are in need of picking up the pieces caused by a

global pandemic which impacted all students’ educational experience. Students across the district and state were facing disproportionate achievement scores when assessing at a national level, prior to the pandemic. “Today more students are showing delays and/or falling further behind in their academics, social emotional wellbeing and overall development. Teachers are struggling mentally and emotionally from the trauma consumed over the last several years.” Steele said Tempe Union “would benefit from the accessibility lens I bring as a mother to an autistic adult with an intellectual disability, a neurodiverse woman myself, and an advocate wanting to listen to your voice. I’m a passionate community leader..”

Write-in council candidate: defund Chandler Police BY KEN SAIN

Arizonan Managing Editor

f you attended any of the candidate forums for Chandler City Council this year you probably came away with the idea that they all support the police department. In fact, all seven of the candidates on the ballot are not shy in mentioning it. Three of them have been endorsed by the police. It was a little too much for Chandler resident Cody Hannah. “Have they not seen the horrible brutality that has become more and more visible?” Hannah asked. That is one of the reasons he said he decided to become an official write-in candidate for Council. “When I was looking at the candidates that did announce, I noticed they weren’t talking about the issues I care about: Climate change, defund the police.” Hannah, who is 24 and says he works in retail, filed the paperwork to be an official write-in candidate in late une. He s not going to be on the ballot and he is getting a late start. “Frankly, I’m under no illusion about that fact,” he said. “It was always going

to be a long shot.” City Council races are supposed to be non-partisan. That is being tested this year as local political parties are working to elect members of their party. But for the most part, candidates are not out announcing to a broad audience their party affiliation. Not so with Hannah. He’s a co-chair for the ri ona Green arty and said his candidacy is one of a handful his party is pursuing this year. On the big issues in this race, Hannah is not afraid to take a stand. He’s in favor of a non-discrimination ordinance ( D to protect the city s GB citizens, he has no problem with a limited number of chicken hens in residential backyards as long as all regulations are followed, and he is in full support of increasing public housing options. “The NDO is something that we’ve been pushing for a while now, but it seems the mayor and council just want to kick the can down the road.” Hannah said he moved to West Chandler in 2018 after graduating from high school in Tempe. He said he lives with his mother because – like many other young people in Chandler – he cannot afford to find his own place.

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

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Chandler nified als sees big budget increase BY KEN SAIN

Arizonan Managing Editor

he Chandler nified Governing Board got its first look at the real budget numbers for the 2022-23 school year last week and saw a lot more money and a falling tax rate. However, because of rising home values, homeowners may actually see their tax bills go up. ana Berry, the district s chief financial officer noted, here was a huge surplus in the state funds and there was a lot of negotiation based on a

State legislators agreed to add an additional 526 million in base funding, Berry said. She added that this is ongoing, and not a one-time event. It’s not certain if property owners will see a tax increase or decrease this year. Most of the school board’s portion of the property tax rate is beyond its control. he state sets the ualifying ax Rate and voters decide if they will fund bonds and the override increase. The only portion of the tax the Governing Board controls is the adjacent ways tax. That funds improvements on property

Revised 22 vs Adopted Budget FY 23

A huge boost in state education funding by the Legislature had a dramatic impact on Chandler Unified’s spending plan for the new fiscal year. (CUSD) number of needs across our state, with K-12 being one of those. The CUSD Board approved a budget of just under 470 million, a 19.6 million increase over the placeholder budget it approved in June. Most of the increase is in the maintenance and operations portion of the budget, which jumped by about 17.2 million to 365.8 million. he capital improvement fund increased just under 2.5 million to 43.3 million. he 60.9 the district gets from the federal government did not change. The increase is even greater when compared to last year’s budget. That came about because the state had a huge surplus of cash because of increasing tax revenues. The bipartisan budget deal decided to give substantially more to education.

near district land. For example, changing a roadway next to a school to improve traffic flow for parents dropping off, or picking up their kids. The school board’s portion of the property tax was 6.08 for every 100,000 of assessed value. his year s proposed tax is 5.97, a drop of 15 cents. Most Valley homes have increased significantly in value, jumping 30 or more percent. However, the state limits the increase that property owners can pay in a year to 5 percent. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted to cut their tax rate by the largest margin in decades. CUSD has the second lowest property tax rate of East Valley school districts, only trailing Gilbert ublic Schools,

see CUSD BUDGET page 14

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

Kyrene, TU get millions more in state funds BY PAUL MARYNIAK Arizonan Executive Editor

empe Union and Kyrene school districts are starting the new fiscal year with millions of dollars more than they originally anticipated, thanks to the bipartisan spending bill the Legislature adopted last month. Both governing boards last week in separate meetings approved 2022-23 budgets that increase available funds for classroom instruction – including special education – as well as other day-to-day operations, include additional dollars for capital spending on a wide variety of infrastructure improvements and provide more money for books, software and other educational materials. For Kyrene, the additional funding totals more than 9.2 million – an increase of 8.2% over the district’s initial projection. hat includes an extra 8.51 million for its Maintenance & Operations budget, which funds most salaries and day-to-day operations, and 732,604 in District d-

ditional Assistance, which is used to buy library books, textbooks, athletic and fine arts equipment, software and hardware, furniture and fixtures. Tempe Union will realize an additional 4.87 million for M spending and another 893,000 in District dditional ssistance. Kyrene board member Michelle Fahy’s reaction reflected the jubilation that not only felt by her colleagues and the Tempe Union board, but also their counterparts throughout the Valley because all districts are receiving more money that is not just a one-time appropriation. “It is a pleasure to have an unusual situation and be presented with a change in a budget at this time and that it’s actually more money,” Fahy said. “I just want to extend a tremendous thank you to our local state legislators, who I know have been working tirelessly to try to get additional funding for K-12 education and also higher education as well.” But a cloud looms on the horizon of those increases: The Legislature failed

to adopt a permanent solution to the Aggregate Spending Limit, a provision in the Arizona Constitution approved decades ago by voters that caps annual districts’ spending based on a formula of fluctuating inflation and enrollment data. The Legislature in April lifted that cap for the 2021-22 school year, relieving districts that had been sweating out the possibility of mass layoffs and other budget cuts because the spending limit would have barred them from using money that they already had. Public education advocates have called for an end to the Aggregate Spending Limit, noting it does not apply to charter schools. The Legislature’s failure to permanently resolve the issue means districts could find themselves in the same predicament next spring unless it takes up the matter early in the 2023 session. Tempe Union board Vice President Armando Montero called attention during the uly 13 meeting to the unresolved issue and asked district Finance Director Roland Carranza what was being done.

But Carranza could offer no concrete evidence for much hope at this point, stating “I know there are plans for different groups to have dialogue and discussion on that and hopefully they’ll have it sooner rather than later like they did last (fiscal year. So it will be wait-and-see but there are plans to have dialogue around that earlier.” Here is a closer look at both districts’ spending plans.

Kyrene

The district’s maintenance and operations budget totals 127.51 million this year and its capital budget totals 26.27 million. Kyrene Chief inancial fficer Chris Herrmann called the additional 51.57 per-student capital funding “a very positive thing for schools because it s the first time that allotment has been increased by the state. In actual dollars, though, most homeowners likely will find their tax bills high-

see KYRENE BUDGET page 14

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CITY NEWS

KYRENE BUDGET from page 13

er because of the dramatic increase in home values. he district also is getting an extra 1.25 million for students requiring more specialized educational support because of various disabilities. The district budget shows special education funding provides a teacherpupil ratio of 1:22 and a staff ratio of 1:10. As with most districts, Kyrene also is getting an additional 295,000 of funding for free and reduced-price lunches, which Herrmann said likely impacts about a quarter of all Kyrene students. Teacher salaries generally are going up by 3 – from an average annual salary of

CUSD BUDGET from page 12

5.9695 and 5.7815, respectively. Most of the increases were approved at previous budget meetings. The board approved a number of new projects costing 5,000 or more. It agreed to give teachers a raise of 2 to 4 , which amounts to a 5.2 million increase. It also agreed to hand out a num-

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

Tempe Union’s increase in state funding is tempered by a continuing decline in enrollment since districts’ lion share of that funding is based on a per-pupil formula. Carranza said the district currently has 436 fewer students now than it did a year ago. Every student means a lot, especially with the additional state funding. The original per-student estimate for M & O funding was 4,534 and now it s 4,775. The change in DAA capital funding mean per-student allocations went from 562 to 626.

But Carranza said he based the district’s anticipated per-pupil state funding on a projection that Tempe Union will see that drop cut in half in the first few months of the fall semester. So the district is projecting that an enrollment decline of 218 students will cost it another 1.4 million in additional funding. “We don’t know where all that’s going to shake out but we will have a better feel for that around the 40th day of the school year,” Carranza told the board. “So if my estimate of a 218 drop is too low, we will work …to lower what we come back to you with. If my estimate was too high, we will actually have more budget capacity so that we will have a better (enrollment) number

to come back with recommendations to you by the October board meeting.” Both the primary and secondary tax rates slightly decline in the new fiscal year. The district’s Maintenance & Operations spending totals 128.5 million and its capital budget totals 35.3 million. eachers are getting a 3 pay increase that brings their average annual salary up from 69,084 to 71,294. Funding for special education is going up from 14.5 million to 20.6 million while funding for gifted education is being reduced from 8.6 million to 6.6 million. The teacher-pupil and staff-pupil ratios for special education are 1:14 and 1:8, respectively.

ber of one-time retention bonus checks, which totaled nearly 5.9 million. The average teacher salary in CUSD is 63,447. ast year that number was 62,637. Then there were a number of new programs that needed funding. The board approved about 7.5 million for those, and close to 2.5 million for capital needs (computers, furniture, etc.). The district is feeling the large in-

crease in fuel prices just like most families. The state did not increase its transportation funding for districts, so most of that increase will have to be paid for out of the maintenance and operations funds, Berry said. And Berry said the district has a healthy reserve of more than 100 million in case of a recession or dramatic cut in funding. Berry said they have not received the

final numbers on how much C SD will get in results-based funding. That’s the amount districts are awarded for student achievements. C SD usually ranks first in the state in that category and is anticipating at least 3.2 million. he district could also get around 1.3 million for the College Credit by Examination Incentive Program. hose final numbers are expected soon.

53,458 to 55,062.

Tempe Union

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CITY NEWS

Neighborhood Resources Director Leah Powell showed how Avondale converted an older public housing site into a new, more modern looking multifamily facility and said Chandler could use that as a model for updating its public housing. (City of Chandler)

HOUSING from page 1

The last time the city opened up its wait list for public housing nearly a year ago, it received 2,000 applications before closing the list again. he city is taking the first step toward building a new 157-unit facility at rails End through a public-private partnership. City officials say they need to partner with private groups because it is the only way to maintain their current units. That has alarmed some residents. “We think that it’s admirable the city is interested in helping the homeless people, especially veterans and seniors,” said Les Mincus, who lives in South Chandler. “We’re not willing to accept an agreement with HUD or any other federal departments, because the feds will likely allow illegal aliens, foreign or domestic terrorists, or convicted felons to live there.” Mincus has started a petition drive to urge city officials to refuse to get involved with the federal government. The city is turning in an application to HUD to be part of its Rental Assistance Demonstration program. Congress approved that program in 2012 to preserve and improve the nation’s public housing facilities. “The age of these properties and the amount of federal funding that is available are not sustainable in the long term,” said Amy Jacobson, the city’s housing and redevelopment manager. “The public housing multi-family units in Chandler are facing an estimated $22 million in needed capital investment and repairs over the next 20 years at a time when there is a 7.5 million deficit in federal funding to maintain those

units.” At this point, Chandler does not have all the money it needs to implement all the infrastructure upMost of the city’s public grades it envisions for its public housing complexes. (City of Chandler) housing units were built in 1972 and have significant plumbing and electrical issues that need to be addressed. City officials said they have more than 7 million of short-term needs that have to be addressed. The city’s plan to improve public housing begins with the application. It then hopes to reach a development agreement with a private company to build Trails End. Once that is built, it would then move people living in current public housing that needs repair into the new facility. The new facility would look similar to a modern multi- This chart illustrates the shrinking availability of affordable housing in Chandler. (City of Chandler) housing apartment building. platform,” Jacobson said. “We have three seniors right now that Then, they would hope to de“They’ve had experience, they’ve done are going to be displaced by the end of molish those buildings and build a new this type of projects, they’ve worked August. Every one of those seniors has complex that could host more families. But that is far in the future and details on this type of financing, they ve gone a Section 8 voucher, but they can t find have not been worked out. he first step, through the HUD approval process, places to live that they can afford.” Mincus said he supports trying to help approving the application to HUD, was through the RAD program, that’s the taken on uly 14th when the City Council reason why we are wanting a develop- the people who need it, but doesn’t like ment partner, to go through that process the idea of becoming tied to the federal approved it. government. “We are working with a developer at with us in a public place.” Leah Powell, the city’s neighborhood He said he and his supporters already this time in negotiations,” Jacobson said. She said this is not necessarily your resources director, said the need is have filled several pages of his petition traditional home builder, noting build- growing with rents increasing so much and he hopes to get thousands more signatures. He said the petitions will be ers could make far more renting units to in Chandler. “We have a growing population of se- submitted to city leaders right before the public. “It’s in their mission to do this type niors who are about to be displaced, or the election. “They are busing illegal aliens up from of transaction with housing authorities have become displaced,” Powell said. “I that are transitioning out of public hous- got a briefing from staff before I came the border,” Mincus said. “The citizens of Chandler do not want this.” ing into the Section 8, project-based this evening.

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

Long lines greet back-to-school giveaway BY KEN SAIN

Arizonan Managing Editor

handler’s Operation Back to School backpack giveaway is the largest in East Valley. It also remains a work in progress. For Our City Chandler hosts the annual event the weekend before classes begin and residents lined up in a long queue on uly 16 at Chandler High School. It was such a long line stretching onto Arizona Avenue that organizers started handing out backpacks 45 minutes early, Councilwoman Christine Ellis said. half hour after the event s official start time of 8 a.m., traffic was still backed up more than a half-mile on Ariona venue past Galveston. This year’s event was held at a single location, unlike recent years. It is part of an evolution of the 9-year-old giveaway. In the early years, people would park their cars and get other services to help them get ready for school. Chandler nified School District returned to classrooms on July 20th. “Years ago, when we did this, we actually had people parking here, and then waiting in line because we were also offering haircuts and school uniforms and shoes,” said Mayor Kevin Hartke, who helped start this event. The mayor, who is still pastor at Trinity Christian Fellowship Church, said he saw a need for an organization to help the faith-based community get involved to make a difference in the city. That’s when he help found For Our City Chandler.

his was the first year the event had a titled sponsor, Edwards Vacuum. There were also others in the business community who contributed. Most of the cost for the free backpacks and school supplies came from that segment of the community. I would say about 75 to 80% is our sponsors, and the rest are individuals or small businesses that do school supply donations,” said Jose Fernandez, a member of For Our City Chandler’s board. “We had about four main sponsors that brought in most of the funds. What we do is we use that to buy supplies wholesale, stretching as far as we Chelsea Grieve distributed backpacks to parents and guardians who waited in a long line during the Opera- can.” tion Back to School event July 16. (David Minton/Staff Photographer) Fernandez said they try to take the lessons But then the COVID pandemic began, handed out to people in line. Taco Bell learned from each event and social distancing became a priority. donated 1,500 breakfast burritos and and apply them the next year. That’s when they decided to set up in others donated water. The line moved “Every year we test different things four different locations. quickly. In the end, they handed out be- out, he said. So yeah, this is the first This year they hoped a single location tween 2,600 and 2,700 backpacks. he time where we just did that one locawith a large parking lot for cars to snake few hundred that were left over will go tion. One of the differences we made is back-and-forth in an amusement park to Title I schools this week to be given to we have more traffic in the parking lot. type queue line would be enough. Most any students who did not get one. So snaking through, but we still have traffolks didn’t seem to mind the wait. “It’s part of our community solution to fic out to Chandler Boulevard. So future In addition to the backpacks filled with make sure that as many kids as possible years, we’re going to try to address that school supplies appropriate for their are ready to thrive when they go back to to whether that means multiple sites.” grade, there were also goodies being school,” Hartke said.

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

Chandler Council debates Juneteenth holiday cost BY KEN SAIN

Arizonan Managing Editor

here is consensus on the Chandler City Council that it recognize the Juneteenth holiday in some fashion, but what form that will take remains up for debate. Council met for a work session July 11 to consider making uneteenth a city holiday. Doing so would give city workers une 19 (or a day close to it if it falls on a weekend) off each year. Juneteenth commemorates the anniversary of the day the final slaves in the nited States were officially told they were free. It happened in Galveston, exas on une 19, 1865. hat was twoand-a-half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. The City Council was presented three possible options: First, make no change, which would mean employees would not get a Juneteenth holiday off. The second was to make uneteenth an official city holiday starting next June. And the third was to add another personal day

so that city workers could take time off for Juneteenth if they wanted. Based on the discussion, it appears council members favor the third choice, though there was no definitive direction given. They asked City Manager Joshua Wright to do more research. “If we are talking about adding a holiday, then for me, having a holiday where individuals can choose, whether that’s the Chinese New Year or Cinco de Mayo or something that is meaningful to them, I think is the best way we could handle it,” said Vice Mayor Terry Roe. “It would cost less and that way we would still have recognition.” Dawn Lang, city deputy city manager and chief financial officer, said it would cost less to add what is essentially a second personal holiday because not all workers would be off at the same time. The city also would not need to pay as much in overtime, he said. It’s unclear if Council wants to add a second personal day or will tie that day to unrecognized holidays that celebrate heritage. Some of those would be Columbus Day, Cinco de Mayo, St. Patrick’s

Day, Chinese New Year, Juneteenth, and possibly others. At one point, Mayor Kevin Hartke suggested that they name the holiday after Juneteenth, but allow workers to decide when they want to take it. No matter how they handle the holiday, council members said it was important to recognize Juneteenth. This year Hartke issued a proclamation recognizing the holiday and the city held numerous events for the holiday. A lot of the discussion over making Juneteenth a holiday centered on what city services would be closed. There was an agreement pools should remain open. “Don’t shut down the pools,” Councilman Matt Orlando said, adding it’s one of two things the Council should not mess with –– the other being alleys. President Biden made Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021. he city currently gives its employees 11 holidays a year. dding a 12th for uneteenth would cost the city about $222,000. Lang said that cost estimate is based on what President’s Day costs the city.

Councilman OD Harris, who asked for the work session, was surprised by the cost. He asked the city manager to see if there was a way to get that down. Currently, eight Valley cities recognize Juneteenth as a holiday for their workers. hey are vondale, Buckeye, Glendale, Goodyear, hoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise and Tempe. “What does diversity mean, when it comes to creating a new holiday?” Roe asked. “Does it just mean Juneteenth? Or does it mean it’s an opportunity for other people to celebrate what’s important to them? That’s my question.” CITY HOLIDAYS Here are the holidays that the City of Chandler currently recognizes for its employees: New Year’s Day Martin Luther King Jr. Day President’s Day Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day

Veteran’s Day Thanksgiving Day Day after Thanksgiving Christmas Day Personal holiday

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

Tempe Union Superintendent addresses families BY DR. KEVIN MENDIVIL ri onan Guest riter

ear TUHSD Families, I hope that you have all had the chance to rest and relax over the past few months. We are looking forward to welcoming students back to our schools on hursday, ug. 4 – just a few short weeks away. Much of the work your school and district administrators have undertaken this summer is tightly focused on the idea of a reset. School improvement is a never-ending journey and we know how important it is to both evaluate the past school year and plan accordingly for the future. We also know that our families and students have experienced a wide variety of stress and disruption since March 2020. Certainly, many of us are ready for a reset of our own, in all different areas of life. A few key themes that our school ad-

ministrators have identified as priorities for the 22 23 school year are establishing positive relationships between the school and home; creating a safe and orderly learning environment; and returning to what we do well - providing a high quality education with positive learning outcomes for all students. Now more than ever, we need our students to be just that - students. We want them to have the experiences that are so key to high school and to the human experience - whether it’s competing in a band championship or attending the varsity football game or acing a science exam. Public education plays a vital role in our communities and neighborhoods and we are proud to be a family of schools that offers excellent opportunities for young people. We pride ourselves on quality programs, caring administrators and teachers, and a high level of excellence in academics, athletics and activities. With the involvement of our families,

our community, and our business and faith-based organizations, we can all forge a new chapter as we look towards a successful future. How can you be involved? Continue to be engaged with your home campus. Reach out and connect with your student’s teachers. Attend an athletic event or extracurricular activity so you can see the spirit and culture of our schools for yourself. Follow your school on social media and keep an eye out for your principal’s newsletters. Our ultimate goal is that families are involved with their neighborhood schools and support their child(ren) and their community. When families and neighborhoods flourish, strong connections are forged, and there are positive outcomes for all involved. One of the ways that we believe we can support our families is to provide consistent experiences between TUHSD and our ri-District partners – empe Elementary and Kyrene school districts.

For the past year, we have been working in a collaborative manner to develop a common calendar that would begin with the 2023 2024 school year. he goal was to work on relevant options that would meet the needs of families, students, and staff at all three districts. After carefully considering input from a wide variety of stakeholders, our respective Governing Boards approved the new calendars. We hope that this will be a step in the right direction for our families who have students in multiple districts. ou can find the calendar on our website by clicking on “Calendars and Schedules”. Please remember that this does not affect the upcoming school year but will take effect in ugust 2023. e share this information with you well in advance so that you may plan accordingly. Thank you for your time, your positivity, and your involvement. We look forward to welcoming your student(s) back to school on ug. 4.

Portrait of a Kyrene Kid drives school district BY ERIN HELM ri onan Guest riter

yrene School District, over the summer, launched a vision for its students that will be a touchstone for future decision making and the foundation upon which the District’s next strategic plan is built. The Portrait of a Kyrene Kid is a model of the competencies each student should possess by the time they finish 8th grade in Kyrene. The District expects students who complete their Kyrene education to be: • Adaptable Learners; • Collaborators;

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• Communicators; • Community Contributors; • Critical Thinkers; • Problem Solvers; • and Self-Advocates. The Portrait is the culmination of a yearlong effort to engage hundreds of stakeholders, including current and former students, staff, District leaders, the Kyrene Governing Board, local business representatives and other community partners. Each group participated in activities to identify what skills and attributes students will need in order to be successful in the future.

The groups imagined not only what students will need to succeed in high school, but also in college, the next generation workplace, and future communities. “I am grateful to our Kyrene community for the time, effort, introspection, and imagination that went into the development of this portrait,” said Superintendent Laura Toenjes. “It is of the utmost importance that we prepare our students for the classrooms and careers of tomorrow. The pace of change in our world is only increasing, and it is incumbent upon us to equip students with the skills necessary not only

to keep up with rapid change but to stay ahead of it.” All Kyrene families and staff were also asked to participate in a visioning survey last February. The results of that survey helped shape the Portrait and will also be used as a reference when mapping out the District’s next five years. Kyrene’s Strategic Plan 2022 is coming to an end, and the Governing Board will launch a new strategic plan in January 2023. he ortrait of a Kyrene Kid is the first step in planning, as it will be a cornerstone of the new plan.

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

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

City renewing ride-sharing program for residents BY KEN SAIN

Arizonan Managing Editor

he City of Chandler is renewing its First Mile/Last Mile program to address the transportation needs of South Chandler residents. City Council was expected to approve a contract for up to 50,000 with ride-sharing company yft at its uly 14 meeting. hat vote came after the deadline for this edition. Lyft has been picking up South Chandler residents and taking them to bus stations for more than a year. One end of the Lyft ride must be within a quarter-mile of a bus station to qualify. “I think it’s worked well for its intended purpose,” said Jason Crampton, the city’s transportation planning manager. “It was never intended to carry thousands of people every day. If we had that type of demand for transit down in that part of the city, we would need full bus service down there. So that was never its intent.” Crampton said the number of people using Lyft to get to and from transit centers

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Here are the service areas for the First Mile/Last Mile program. (City of Chandler) has steadily grown, from a couple of hundred people a month when it first started in uly of 2021 to about 500 a month now. Residents who use the service pay half the usual Lyft fare and the city pays the

other half. The average fare paid by the city is 5.66. hrough May, the program had cost the City 28,461 of the 50,000 set aside to pay for it. Crampton said the Last Mile program

does not compete with the new service the city just started, Chandler Flex. That program also serves primarily South Chandler residents and will help them get to a mass transit station for travel outside the city. He said the Last Mile program gives users more convenience, but at a higher price. They can be picked up at their home and won’t have to share their ride with anyone. The Chandler Flex program that started uly 12 may re uire riders to walk a tenth of a mile to a pickup location. They also might have to share their ride with others. For now, as the city introduces the service, Chandler Flex is free. If demand becomes too much and starts to impact the quality of service, they plan to charge nominal fees. “It’s a little different style,” Crampton said. “We will certainly monitor usage within the Chandler Flex service area and see how that changes. Maybe Chandler Flex will replace all that ridership in that area. Or maybe it’ll be two different populations that

see LYFT page 28

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CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

Chandler to study Hunt Highway safety concerns as casino nears BY KEN SAIN

Arizonan Managing Editor

unt Highway is an inviting target for anyone looking to drive fast. There are few impediments with only one stop sign between Cooper Road and Val Vista Drive for the highway, which marks the city’s southern border and lots of undeveloped land to the south. However, the Chandler half is very developed with lots of homes and people who like to go for walks and ride their bikes. Jason Crampton, city transportation planning manager, said those two things are in conflict and he wants to find out just how big a problem it might be. City Council was expected to approve spending 70,000 for a study to figure that out at its uly 14 meeting. hat vote came after the deadline for this edition. Complicating the study is that everything on Hunt Highway is likely to change once the Gila iver Casino Santan Mountain opens. raffic speeds are very high and result in some safety issues,” Crampton said.

“So yeah, this project is independent of the casino. But now that the casino is coming it does change the project a little bit.” Crampton said the city planned to take a look at pedestrian and bicyclist safety concerns along the Hunt Highway between Cooper and Val Vista in 2020, before it was announced the Gila iver Indian Community intended to build a

he City anticipates some additional traffic “ volume on Gilbert oad, indsay oad, and Hunt Highway. ”

– Dana Alvidrez

casino at Gilbert and Hunt Highway at the end of that year. “Our vehicle speeds on the highway prevent the average person from using the corridor,” said Ryan Peters, the city’s strategic initiatives director. “Additionally, a Gila iver Indian Community casino is currently under construction with the potential for future development expan-

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sion needs creating changes in traffic patterns that will need to be analyzed when considering bicycle pedestrian improvements, traffic calming and any other potential roadway changes. “This project will analyze several alternatives to that public outreach and recommend preferred design alternatives that could provide residents with a valuable

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and safe route in this underserved area.” Crampton said the city has no data on how many accidents or car-bike collisions have taken place on that stretch of Hunt Highway and that that is among the questions he hopes the study will answer. He said they have some options as far as traffic-calming measures. Dedicated bike lanes usually slows cars down. They could also narrow the roads further by putting a barrier of some sort between the car and bike lanes. So far, Gila iver tribal officials are not involved in the study. Crampton said he intends to reach out to them to find out how much, if at all, they want to be involved. Crampton said it will take six-to-nine months to complete the study. The Santan Mountain Casino is expected to open at the end of this year or in early 2023. If it does open then, it would come during the research phase of the study and they will be able to incorporate data into the study showing how much the casino

opening changed patterns for pedestrians and cyclists. For now, the City is not planning on making a lot of changes in advance of the casino’s opening. “The City anticipates some additional traffic volume on Gilbert oad, indsay Road, and Hunt Highway,” said Dana Alvidre , the city s traffic engineer. ll three roadways currently operate below capacity, and as such have the ability to handle the expected traffic generated by the casino. She said the one change that is coming will be a traffic light replacing the stop sign at Hunt Highway and Gilbert oad. lvidre said traffic patterns in South Chandler are expected to change when the Loop 202 and Lindsay Road interchange opens up. he opening of the indsay oad traffic interchange with the Loop 202 is expected to significantly change travel patterns in this area south of Loop 202,” she said. “The City is aware of this and will be evaluating these changes and recommending improvements as necessary. In the meantime, the City has had a Lindsay Road widening project planned for years, and is currently in the design stage of this project.” Most of the 70,000 Hunt Highway study is being paid for with federal funds (Congestion Mitigation and ir uality). The city had to pay a small portion, which came to just under 4,000. Crampton admits there are some unknowns because of the casino. Still, he said it’s important to move forward. hat certainly will influence the findings of the study,” Crampton said. “But yeah, with or without the casino, I think we were still looking at these bike enhancements and potential traffic calming enhancements.

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

Man dies after confrontation with Chandler Police

Chandler olice said officers shot and killed a 44-year-old man on uly 17. Sgt. Jason McClimans said Tyson W. Cobb had been sought in connection with a home invasion sexual assault and was armed with a knife. The incident took place at the apartment complex near Dobson and Frye where the suspect lived. Police said he did not know the victim. An investigation is underway and police plan to release more information later.

Trampoline park to open Chandler location next year

Sky Zone, the nation’s oldest indoor trampoline company, has announced it plans to open a Chandler location in the first uarter of 2023 at 1095 S. ri ona Avenue at Pecos Road. The company already has four other Arizona locations in Scottsdale, Laveen,

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North Phoenix and Central Phoenix. Sky Zone started the indoor trampoline industry in the U.S. more than a decade ago. Each of its locations boast more than 60 attractions. hey have something for ages toddler to senior.

Insight opens its Chandler headquarters near Airport

Global tech company Insight now calls Chandler home. The company that started as a hard drive maker in Tempe in 1988 opened its global corporate headuarters uly 15 at 2701 E. Insight ay, just east of Chandler Municipal Airport. he company employs 1,400 people in Arizona and now does a wide range of tech-related products. hey are a 9.4 billion business that employs 12,000 people across 19 countries.

Chandler Municipal Court starts online chat feature

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new service that allows litigants to chat online with a court clerk. It is available during normal court hours. After hours, a frequently asked questions page will be available. he Court gets about 3,400 phone calls and 4,000 visitors each month. he online chat feature is a new way it is trying to connect with residents.

TruWest donates supplies to area school children

ru est Credit nion is donating 96 backpacks filled with school supplies to Galveston Elementary School. he company’s employees donated the goods as part of an annual drive. hey also donated 30 laptops to the school for students to use. The drive started in late May and ended in mid-June.

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through Aug. 9 as city workers repair the turf. Residents are being encouraged to visit the Nozomi Dog Park (250 S. Kyrene Road); Snedigar Dog Park (Alma School just south of Ocotillo) or Paseo Vista Dog Park (3850 S. McQueen Road) in the interim.

City asks for stormwater management feedback

Chandler is asking residents to participate in a survey to help it manage stormwater 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 �ill out the survey at the city’s website, chandleraz.gov.

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CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

House panel on teen mental health maps work BY PAUL MARYNIAK Arizonan Executive Editor

special state House committee on teen mental health in Arizona held its first meeting uly 12 with one of the panel’s two co-chairs warning people not to expect any overnight fix. nd with that warning by Gilbert state ep. ravis Grantham, panel co-chair and Goodyear ep. oanne sborne asked the participants to form three or four working groups and come back with specific proposals by September that can be studied and debated through the fall and presented to House Speaker Rusty Bowers before the end of the year. Reacting to a spate of suicides that claimed the lives of at least eight Valley teens between mid-March and mid-May, Bowers, R-Mesa, created the panel of mental health experts to prepare potential solutions and recommendations to public and private agencies that address teen mental health issues and improving access to mental health care. arious expects on uly 12 pointed out a variety of data illustrating that more teens – as well as adults – are struggling with anxiety and other mental and emotional issues that only intensified and engulfed more kids during the pandemic. Some experts also noted that access to care is difficult, often because of cost. Despite the steady increase in drug overdose deaths among ri ona kids 17 and under, there were some encouraging signs in 2020, said Sheila Sjolander, assistant director of public health services for the state Department of Health Services. lthough data for 2021 won t be available until November, she said deaths and nonfatal overdoses in that age group declined slightly in 2020, giving what Sjolander called “a glimmer of hope.” Grantham warned the panel and people in the audience against unrealistic hopes for the committee’s work. “There was an understanding that while mental health can be addressed and can be changed and for the better,” he said, “it’s like steering a ship: you turn the wheel and over time, the ship slowly starts to move, hopefully, in the right di-

Suicide rates among female adolescents in Arizona have been trending upward while those among boys has been heading down, according to the latest available state data, which does not cover 2021. (State Health Services Department)

Left: Rep. Travis Grantham, R-Gilbert, warned committee members and others at a hearing last week to not expect much from the panel’s work. Right: Rep. Joanne Osborne, R-Goodyear, said she wants the House Committee on Teen Mental Health to come up with actionable recommendations by December. (Arizona Legislature video) rection. It s not an overnight fix. He said that in relation to teen mental health, the egislature first wanted to address funding for school resource officers because if somebody at school is going to have something in their backpacks or do something bad because they’re suicidal or because they have a mental health issue, we at least want every single request for an SRO at a school to be filled before addressing the next step, which was additional counselors and all those mental health programs and things that are important. “But we’ve gotten to a point where

even if we threw 10 million at counselors, it wouldn’t change these problems, Grantham continued, noting that increased funding for SROs was prioritized “to try to at least stop one of these issues from occurring in the first place and then address the mental health as well. “ n a more general note, Grantham said that after six years in the Legislature, he’s learned that government moves much slower than the private business sector. “We all come down here as legislators thinking we can like just enact or do

something and change the trajectory of whatever the issue is,” he said. “It could be taxes. It could be mental health. I’m a business guy too. And government, unfortunately a lot of times, doesn’t work like business.” He told the group that it may want to consider what it actually can do, admitting “this will be a frustrating exercise.” “And that’s hard,” he said. “That’s a really hard thing to come up with. Everybody who’s in these working groups … needs to really focus in on what can government actually do to fix this problem Can I do anything? Where can we focus our energy that way because the battle next year if we address this will be to get here in anuary and get at least 31 people in this room, in this chamber to agree to whatever is being proposed. And then 16 across the way and then a governor to sign it into law.” He noted that many agencies “will say ‘we can do that, just give us more money.’ Well the problem is there’s not enough money for us to give to answer all those questions every year because every agency and every level of government – their asks never go down. He added, I wish there was more God in our schools and our families and our federal moral structure in our country. A lot of these problems would be solved. We have a decay occurring that you can’t fix here. But what you can do is at least try to empower the families give them more of their own resources back to address this internally and encourage them to do it in education. Government can’t legislate morality. We can’t make home life good for this body. All we can do is help create an environment that allows families to have a better home life.” Osborne, who is running in the Aug. 2 Primary Election, expressed a determination to have the committee produce concrete results that the can be addressed in the next Legislative session as well as by the new state administration next year. Stressing that “legislation is only a piece of what we’re doing,” Osborne said the panel also can address some of the gaps that experts and advocates noted

see MENTAL HEALTH page 25

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

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CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

School, owners deny fault in student’s sexual abuse BY PAUL MARYNIAK Arizonan Executive Editor

private Ahwatukee school and its owners have denied they or the school share any blame for the 19-month sexual relationship their son had with an underage student while he taught there. Responding to a lawsuit brought by the now 18-year-old victim, attorneys for James and Shetal Walters, owners of Desert Garden Montessori School, and lawyers for the school said neither the couple nor the school bear any responsibility for the actions of their son, Justin Walters. The Walters’ attorneys in the case, Elizabeth Fitch and Craig McCarthy, said that while the girl must prove any damage she suffered resulted from their actions, “any and all damages suffered by the plaintiff were the result of intervening/superseding causes through the negligence and/ or conduct of some other person, party or third party, which bars recovery against” them.

The denials by Fitch and McCarthy and school attorneys Sean Healy and Gina Battos ek were filed une 30 with Superior Court Judge Peter Thompson in response to a lawsuit filed by Chase asmussen of asmussen Injury aw on May 27 – the same day Justin Walters, 29, of Tempe, was sentenced to four years in prison and lifetime probation for his guilty plea to three felonies. He also is named in the lawsuit but has not filed a response. Those felony counts, along with seven others dismissed as a result of his guilty plea, alleged that Justin Walters started grooming the victim in March 2019, seduced her une 1, 2019, and continued to sexually abuse her until Dec. 23, 2020 – nine days before he fled to urkey after learning she had told her parents and Phoenix Police. He returned to the .S. in May 2021 and was arrested. The school’s denials cover a range of assertions Rasmussen makes in the lawsuit. Rasmussen has charged that Justin, who

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was hired as a teacher in 2017, does not hold any education degrees or teaching certifications from the state. Stating Justin “held a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution prior to his hire,” the school “denies he was required to possess a degree in education prior to his hire.” It also said he “subsequently obtained his International Baccalaureate certificate. The Walters and the school also say they lack knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations” that Rasmussen’s suit details. Those allegations are based on police records and the girl’s testimony about a sexual relationship that began after Justin Walters spent several months grooming the girl during school-sponsored field trips to Disneyworld and uerto Rico as well as through texts and other social media platforms. Rasmussen alleges that Justin Walters “serially sexually abused, exploited and assaulted” the girl that began when he drove out to the desert in his pickup truck

with her after buying a mattress and bottle of vodka at Walmart, according to police records. The encounters continued on a regular basis – even in ustin s parents home – until late December 2020. According to the lawsuit, Walters was visited by hoenix olice on Dec. 30, 2020 – seven days after they learned of the long-running sexual abuse. Two days later, ustin fled to urkey and remained on the lam until May 2021, when he was arrested after returning to Chicago. Prosecutors stated last fall in court documents that while he was abroad, he and his victim communicated. “The victim disclosed that he said he was in Ukraine and then Montenegro and that he was trying to find a way to get citizenship,” prosecutors said. “He said getting citizenship was hard but he could do it if his family made an investment to the country of 250,000. he victim also disclosed that he talked to

see GARDEN page 25

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

GARDEN from page 24

her about not wanting to go to prison and mentioned that he had a plan, which the victim interpreted as a plan to get a fake identity.” Rasmussen accuses the Walters of helping their son flee the country, but the school and the couple deny the allegation, stating they had reported the relationship to police on Dec. 23, 2020 – the same day Justin quit his job with the school. The school said it “denies it was aware of Justin Walters’ underlying conduct – which gave rise to him being criminal charged – until Dec. 23, 2020 when Desert Garden was made aware of the conduct and promptly reported it to law enforcement.” And it states the school “was unable to discipline him” because he quit the same day the owners learned of the relationship. ustin has not filed his own response to the lawsuit, which accuses him of “intentional infliction of emotional distress on his victim. But his parents and the school deny Rasmussen’s allegation that they failed to train school staff on how to spot red flags of inappropriate conduct by staffers with students “or implement safeguards to protect (the victim and other Desert Garden students from the risk of sexual grooming, abuse, exploitation and assault.” In denying those allegations, Desert Garden and its owners also address asmussen’s assertion that they “have a duty to use reasonable care to protect students from unreasonable risk of harm or from known or foreseeable danger.” They replied those assertions “are not factual in nature and, instead, amount to a legal conclusion for which Desert Garden is not required to respond.” Desert Garden and the alters also are

MENTAL HEALTH from page 22

– including access to mental health care and treatment. She suggested that some data being generated by agencies that reflect the state of teen mental health could be shared with school districts, churches and nonprofits. “We also have only a short window of

demanding a jury trial in the case and are asserting that any damages that might be considered against them on the victim’s behalf should be reduced by the amount of damages that could have been avoided had the girl, her parents or guardians “acted to mitigate her damages.” They also say that punitive damages should not be filed against them on constitutional grounds that prohibit excessive fines or unusual punishment. During Walters’ sentencing hearing, different staffers presented oral or written testimony both for and against Justin Walters. Desert Garden social worker wrote that Walters “is someone whose presence brings joy to others and a longtime Desert Garden teacher called him an asset to our community.” But a teacher who also is the victim’s aunt told the court that students reacted to Justin Walters “as if he were the Pied Piper” and “looked up to him as a mentor and admired him and wanted to be who he was.” “Others might share that Justin has found his way back to God, that he is serving his community, that he is remorseful for what he has done,” she said. “But his charming and charismatic personality are now …what actually make him a dangerous person in our society.” “He kept a secret sexual relationship with a child that grew up in our community, not only under his parents’ roof but under our school’s roof.” “He has negatively impacted countless families with his action,” she continued. “Some amazing dedicated teachers resigned because they were worried that his actions reflected upon them. Students and families unenrolled, leaving their community and their support system behind. Students to this day still cry on campus at the mere mention of Justin’s name. … Students feel betrayed by him.”

time,” Osborne said. “This isn’t something we want to see (drag) in the next year, planning to death and having just a binder at the end of the day. We want to have something that’s pertinent now – within the next six months. What those working groups come up with won’t be clear until the committee meets in full sometime in September.

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CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

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Snakebites can be a lifedeath matter for dogs BY MARK MORAN AFN Staff Writer

isinformation alert: The hottest summer months are not the most dangerous time of year for you or your pet to encounter a rattlesnake. Snakes don’t come out to “sun themselves” on the rocks, “emerge from hibernation,” or prey on you or your pet. hen it gets to be a 100 degrees, they shift to night time,” said Cale Morris, venom manager at the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary in northern Scottsdale. “The heat burns them just like it burns you,” Morris said. When it’s like 82-degrees at midnight, they are moving, but they’re moving to find a place to get out of the coming sun.” The truth is that the most likely times for a rattlesnake encounter are at night during the hottest Cale Morris, venom manager at the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary, holds up one of the many summer months and during April varieties of slithering creatures that are housed at and August, he added. the Scottsdale facility. (Courtesy of Cale Morris) here are 13 species of rattlesnake in Arizona, the largest varifor them to breathe, they definitely need ety of rattlers in the United States. While a bite is painful and dangerous, anti-venom. They can die from it.” Veterinarian Dr. David Haworth that the good news is that medical treatwhile “humans are more often bitten on ment is available and its administration their hands, arms and ankles,” the locastraightforward. tion of the dog’s snakebite makes it so “People will try to capture them or much more dangerous. kill them and it delays medical atten“Due to the extraordinary swelling astion,” Morris said. “You get bit. You go to sociated with snake venoms, the closer to the emergency room. All the emergency things like airways and GI tracts, the more rooms have anti-venom and they have urgent the need for intervention,” he said. plenty of it.” For some reason, cats are not nearly as There is only one anti-venom that is susceptible to snakebites. First, Haworth an antidote for every venomous snake in says, because they are much less likely America, a relatively new phenomenon. to be bitten due to their size and quick “The beauty of that,” said Morris, “is reflexes. nd for whatever evolutionary that you don’t have to know what you reason, cats are better able to weather a have been bitten by.” snakebite. But the same can’t be said for dogs. “The impact of the venom on them “It’s a life and death situation for dogs,” seems to be less than for dogs,” Haworth said Morris. “If a dog gets bitten by a ratsaid. “Same thing for horses and even tlesnake … when they run right up to it and bark and get bit in the nose, in the muzzle, it swells up and makes it hard

see SNAKES page 27

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

ally grow up, we grow out,” he said. “That’s putting residents closer to the boundary of where the natural habitats of snakes are. So, intuitively you would expect more bites.” So why hasn’t the number of reported snakebites increased? The Herpetological Sanctuary’s Cale Morris credits a focused and extended informational campaign. “We have been doing education outreach programs for the past 21 years here in the valley,” he said. “We taught a total of 250,000 people last year through tours and outreach programs. This year will be even more.” He also credits an increase in social media activity and Other reptiles also find a home at the Phoenix Herpeto- the Sanctuary’s one million logical Sanctuary.(Courtesy of Cale Morris) ik ok followers. It definitely is making a difference,” Morris said. SNAKES from page 26 Dan and Debbie Marchand started the sanctuary in 2003 when someone illegalmore so for cattle.” “There are also approaches to demo- ly had two American alligators in their tivate dogs who are really into snakes,” Phoenix swimming pool, which were Haworth says. “Usually it involves get- rescued by wildlife officials. With nowhere to take them, the wildting the dog to run away when they hear life officials called Dan Marchand, a a rattle or see something that looks like known wildlife enthusiast. a snake.” he alligators – named Charlie and The population of Arizona has grown “Lucy” after the Peanuts comic strip dramatically over the past two decades, characters – were rehomed in a shallow but somehow, the number of reported wading pool on Marchands’ land, two snakebites has not increased along with it. and half acres of wild Sonoran Desert “Our averages really haven’t changed,” at North Scottsdale and Dynamite roads said Dr. Bryan Kuhn, a pharmacist and and the sanctuary was born. clinical toxicologist with the Banner PoiThe most improbable of Sanctuary son Control Center. “ residents was the result of a prank one “If you think of where people move, friend played on another. Maricopa County has been expanding Chuck Simmon was a homesteader in outwards for quite a while. We don’t re-

northern Arizona, near a place called Pakoon Springs. A friend somewhere across the country thought it would be funny to mail Simmons a baby alligator, which he kept and fed on his land until 2017. Having disappeared from view for a while, Simmons left the alligator for dead when he vacated his place, now part of the Parashant National Monument in the Grand Canyon. When the Bureau of Land Management went in to clear the overgrown reeds, they discovered Clem, severely malnourished,

underweight, and in need of a home. The BLM called Marchand, and the sanctuary bolstered its reputation as the go-to place for rescued reptiles of all sorts. It’s currently home to more than 200 venomous snakes, bearded dragons, crocodiles, gila monsters, tortoises and a host of other creatures over its 2.5 acres. “It’s like a no-kill animal shelter,” Morris said. We don’t euthanize the stuff,” Morris said. “We educate people.” Information: phoenixherp.com

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

Developer pays $6.1M for downtown Chandler site ARIZONAN NEWS STAFF

wo downtown Chandler buildings that sold for 6.1 million earlier this month will be giving away to a mini-mall. Beeline Shops LLC, a subsidiary of Scottsdale-based Southwest Retail, bought the buildings at 315 and 325 S. Arizona Ave. at Frye Road, according to Valley real estate tracker vizzda.com. One of the buildings already has been razed and the other is gutted. Once construction is completed, a building totaling 6,400 s uare feet on less than an acre of land will have room for two more retail establishments in

LYFT from page 19

are being served and it won’t replace it.” The Last Mile Lyft ride can cost about 6. he ast Mile program also serves all of South Chandler, from Pecos Road to the city’s southern border. The Chandler Flex program is based pri-

addition to two prospective tenants the owners already have secured. Black Rock Coffee Bar and El Taco Santo already will be located in the new structure, according to vizzda and marketing materials it included in its report. he sale broke down to 953 per square foot, vizzda reported. Vizzda reported that Southwest Retail Group obtained a 2.9 million mortgage as part of the overall deal. Prime Commercial Advisors’ marketing brochure is touting the property’s location to Chandler City Hall and 15,000 daytime workers with jobs within a mile of the site. Southwest ealty Group is a real es-

marily in the Price Road Employment Corridor, although it does go a little further north of Pecos to cover Downtown and the Chandler High School area. Crampton said the programs allow the city to save a lot of money by not running bus service in South Chandler. He estimated it would cost between 3 to 6

The buyer of two old buildings at Arizona Avenue and Frye Road has razed one and gutted the other as it develops a single structure that already has two tenants with room for two more. (Prime Commercial Advisors)

tate brokerage that provides a variety of services, including development. According to its website, it has developed

million annually to start up bus service in that part of town. He said the Chandler Flex service is starting just when they hoped to get it running. Chandler nified School District students are returning to classrooms on July 20. He said it was always the goal to get the service started before that date. Stu-

over six million s uare feet of office and commercial space in seven states since its formation in 1987.

dents can use Chandler Flex for free even if they do eventually start charging others a nominal fee. “You know, it was almost a minor miracle that we were able to get this up and running as quickly as we did,” Crampton said, pointing to the supply chain issues that have been a problem nationally.

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

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COMMUNITY

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

Chandler Pride marks a year of helping parents BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

very month Chandler Pride hosts a meeting where parents who are dealing with their child coming out as LGBTQ+ can get support. “I show up,” said Schroder, who is president of Chandler Pride. “I have been there in the past alone waiting for someone to come join me and sometimes they don’t come.” Chandler ride is celebrating its first anniversary as an advocacy organization this month. Schroder, and the group’s secretary, Jennifer Morrison, know what it’s like to go through that coming out process as a parent. Schroder is the mother of a transgender child, and Morrison the mother of a gay child. “We’re fortunate enough to have, I think, maneuvered through the coming

Eduarda Schroder and Jennifer Morrison lead Chandler Pride, which helps parents of LGBTQ+ children. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

out process with our children,” Morrison said. “Not that it isn’t challenging, and shocking, and sometimes difficult. But we managed to come through that in a very positive way.” he group, which officially became a nonprofit in uly 2021, has staged a Pride event, put together a candidate forum, and hosts the monthly Parents & Ally support group. But some of the most important work they do, Schroder said, is to connect people. For example, a group of student activists wanted to protest the city’s refusal to adopt a non-discrimination ordinance (NDO) to protect its LGBTQ+ residents. She helped student leaders from different campuses connect so they could work on it together.

see PRIDE page 31

EV Dream Center helps people in need in many ways

BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

ovani Cedeno didn’t have to look far to find the inspiration for the nonprofit that he and his half-brother, Dan Gonzalez, started in Chandler. It was their mother. “I took my mom out once when we went door knocking, and she got teary because I was giving them the spiel of what we’re doing here,” Cedeno said. “And she says, ‘Man, if someone came to my door, and told me, they’re going to pick you up from school, they’re going to feed you. You’re getting in sports, you’re doing counseling, and they’re dropping you off. I would have signed all five of you up really quick.” Cedeno and Gonzalez started the East Valley Dream Center just before the pandemic began. Their goal was to help people get off of government assistance and to be-

The East Valley Dream Center offers an app where residents can request a delivery of food, household essentials and cleaning supplies. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

come thriving members of the community. “So my brother and I, we grew up with inner city, Chicago, single mom and all that and welfare, public aid, Section 8, and very poor and just kind of grew up in inner city noticing how she struggled. We chose not to [get involved with] the gangs, the drugs and we wanted to grow up and do something in the community.” Gonzalez moved to Chandler and Cedeno soon followed. They wanted to do something to help those in the community, but figured how much help was really needed in the Chandler-Gilbert area. “But then we found [problems in] the downtown Chandler area,” Cedeno said. “And so we had to do something. So three years ago, it was him, myself and a friend, we got together in my living room and say, let s just start a nonprofit up. They went to Costco and bought some food and then went to a park to hand it

see DREAMpage 31

COMMUNITY

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

PRIDE from page 30

Same with students concerned about mental health. Since LGBTQ students are more likely to die by suicide, they decided to get involved in that issue as well. “There are other organizations in the community that we are pulling in to our events,” Schroder said. “And then from here on, one of the focuses would be to continue to have conversations around youth mental health, youth homelessness specifically. “Then look around and see what potential partners we can develop, who might be interested in, in contributing to alleviating, if not solving, the problems.” Schroder said one moment where she

DREAM from page 30

out to folks in need. “It kind of grew from there,” Cedeno said. They were soon hosting block parties in parks and attendance was growing. But then the pandemic struck and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said block parties were no longer a good idea. “But we didn’t want to stop,” Cedeno said. “So, we kind of went back to the drawing board.”

felt like Chandler Pride was making a difference came during its candidate forum. Council candidate Farhana Shifa gave the group credit for helping her think differently about the NDO issue. Chandler is the largest city in Arizona without a NDO to protect its LGBTQ residents. While she did not commit to voting in favor of one, Shifa said that if shown enough evidence that one was needed, then perhaps she would be willing to consider it. That was a bit of an evolution from her answer at the Chamber of Commerce forum, where she said she would vote against one if given the chance. Three Council candidates favor a NDO: Angel

They decided to knock on doors, mostly in public housing complexes. “It was incredible,” he said. “We got to know these families.” ll of this was before they ualified for any grants, so they were managing on about 1,000 a month in donations. The door knocking became so successful, they now are getting grants and are much more sophisticated in what they offer. First, they have their own app. It allows the people they help to let them

Encinas, Matt Orlando and Jane Poston. So does mayoral candidate Ruth Jones. Mayor Kevin Hartke and Shifa are against it. Council candidate Darla Gonzalez has not taken a position. Shifa credited Schroder with helping to educate her on the issue. So did Shifa change her answer because she was at a Chandler Pride forum, or was it a true change of heart? “I think the most important thing out of that is holding a forum that holds them accountable,” Morrison said. “Having them have to answer the question. This topic for some people is very uncomfortable. And they answer with the equivalent of, you know, hope and

know what household goods they need and which they don’t. They also have a center on Pecos Road where they hold financial literacy courses, teaching people how to manage their money. They pay people who attend the four courses to encourage them to stick with it. The East Valley Dream Center also gets to know the children, and develops programs for them. There are classes during the week, and then group outings, including going to see a movie.

40 Years

prayers. But they don’t answer the hard question of what will you do?” There is no PFLAG (Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays) chapter in Chandler, Schroder said. So, Chandler Pride is the only group as of now to help anyone who is struggling with the coming out process. So every first uesday of the month, Schroder or another member of Chandler Pride’s leadership, heads to Holy rinity utheran Church between 6:30 and 8 p.m., just in case someone needs to chat. “We’re there, and we are going to continue to show up,” Schroder said. Information: chandlerpride.com The City of Chandler recently awarded a block grant of 10,000 to the East alley Dream Center. They have become such an important part of the community, Cedeno says the schools will often call them when there is a problem with one of the students in their program. “When the school has a hard time, they contact us saying, ‘Can you really go knock on the door, because they don’t trust the individual on our end.’ And so that’s a service we’re taking pride in.”

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BUSINESS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

Granddad’s avocado legacy inspires restaurant BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Managing Editor

new Chandler restaurant is taking advantage of some family history and America’s love affair with a certain fruit. Patent 139 Brewing Company opened earlier this year and has adopted an avocado theme. Tim Hass, great grandson of the man who was awarded Fruit Patent 139 for the Hass Avocado, opened the brew pub at ay and Dobson roads. ou will find avocado-inspired dishes on the menu. nd next month, you ll find an avocadoinspired beer at the bar. Just don’t ask for any guacamole: they don’t make it. “It was my great grandfather, Rudolph Hass, who patented the first black-

skinned avocado,” Haas explained. “It turned out it was actually an accident. He bought some farmland in La Habra Heights, was growing Fuerte avocados but they weren’t really growing very well.” Those, like most avocados in the 1920s, were green. And, like most avocados, they were difficult to grow. He purchased some seeds Tim Hass and chef Jared Martinez of Patent 139 Brewing are turn- that he was told came from Central or ing their love for avocado into tasty dishes – and even beer. South America. (David Minton/Arizonan Staff Photographer)

One of them became a tree that produced a black-skin avocado. Back in the 1920s, that was rare and the reason why he sought a patent. Now, most of the fruits sold, about 90%, are Hass Avocados. “People loved it because of the fatty creaminess versus Fuertes (the traditional green avocados),” said Tim, who had opened up a few restaurants for others in California before deciding to open the Chandler eatery in January. “So he went on and saw it was a big success and submitted the patent back in 1935. “The green ones are very large, almost look like a small mango. The whole fat content with the black skin is what really makes it the difference. It’s buttery, creamy where the others are a little bit

see AVOCADO page 33

Wild Horse Pass is upping its appeal to locals BY GERI KOEPPEL Contributor

f you haven’t been to Gila River Resorts & Casinos Wild Horse Pass just south of Ahwatukee Foothills lately, you might not know what the ubiquitous TV ads that promise a glitzy Las Vegas-style experience are referring to. And in fact, it boasts a range of new offerings designed to appeal to locals as well as visitors. In addition to a rebranding from Gila River Hotel & Casinos, the $180 million expansion includes an 11-story hotel tower, a sports book, Topgolf Swing Suite, a new rooftop steakhouse and patio bar, coffee and pastry shop, pool renovations and additions, gaming tables on the casino floor and more conference and convention space. To be clear, the Gila River Resorts & Casinos Wild Horse Pass only refers to the casino and attached resort run by the Gila River Gaming Enterprise. Other businesses on its land, including the Sheraton Grand at Wild

Gila River Resorts & Casinos Wild Horse Pass has spent $180 million on a massive expansion and upgrade as it woos locals to its many amenities. (Courtesy Gila River Resorts & Casinos Wild Horse Pass) Horse Pass, the Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass, and others are separate entities. The project, which broke ground in 2020, mostly was completed in January with the exception of the Topgolf Swing Suite, which opened in May. “It’s only been open a few weeks, but

we’ve been pretty busy,” said Daniela Vizcarra, public relations manager for Gila River Resorts & Casinos. This is the only Topgolf Swing Suite in the state, Vizcarra noted, and includes two bays for up to eight people playing virtual sports against a screen, including golf,

hockey, football, soccer and baseball. It also features a full bar, table games, three betting kiosks, a broadcast/DJ booth and more than 20 TV screens. It accepts walk-ins, and reservations are accepted on OpenTable. Topgolf is open Thursday through Sunday and can be booked for private events Monday through Wednesday, with catering and blackjack available. During regular hours, “You do not have to play Topgolf,” Vizcarra mentioned. “It’s an open bar—you can just hang out.” It s housed on the second floor, where the old Shula’s Steak House was located, with a birds-eye view of the gaming floor below. Opposite Topgolf, also overlooking the gaming floor, is the sports book, which i carra said was “packed” during March Madness. It was their first time taking bets for it since the 2021 Arizona Gaming Compact was signed. With a capacity of 246, Wild Horse Pass is the biggest of Gila River’s three sports books, which also opened at Vee Quiva

see WILD HORSE page 33

BUSINESS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

AVOCADO �� 32

more hard, and not much �lavor into it. The Hass avocados, those are the ones that you get a lot of that �lavor element.” Avocados show up in different ways on the menu. “Buffalo sauce (on wings) is usually your red-hot sauce, butter element,” said Jared Martinez, the restaurant’s chef. “We took avocados and replaced the butter on it. It actually created a vegan sauce. So we’re trying to utilize avocados in different ways.”

WILD HORSE �� 32

and Lone Butte. It has a full bar and food service as well as rows and rows of big screens and 10 betting kiosks (there are two more near the River Bar). Although all bets are placed online, Vizcarra noted an employee is always on hand to help. “A lot of people have never done this before, so it can be a little intimidating,” she said, adding, “Because we are on the reservation, you can only bet here in person” and not on an app on your phone. The nonsmoking casino �loor also got a refresh with new colors, carpeting and lighting as well as a giant LED screen. Af-

One of those ways is avocado honey. How did they pull that off? “It’s bees that have only been allowed to pollinate with avocado �lowers,” Martinez said. “I’m not trying to be the guy who just throws avocado on everything and says, you know, it’s versatile,” Martinez said. “It is very versatile in the sense that it’s a source of fat that can actually be used in placement of egg, as well ... we can grill it.” One of their popular deserts is Avocado Crème Brûlée. Instead of using butter,

ter the gaming laws changed, the casino also added a total of 51 table games like blackjack, craps, roulette and baccarat. “We are really catering to the Asian community” with baccarat, Vizcarra said, offering perks and incentives. The gaming �loor still includes 1,100 slot machines and a food court, and just outside is the entrance to the 1,400-seat Showroom theater that hosts music, comedy and more. Also upstairs next to the sports book is a gift shop and a new café called Aroma Coffee & Pasticceria, selling Starbucks drinks as well as desserts and gelato. Just past that is the new, brighter, mod-

Prop 470

YES OR NO

they use avocados. The anniversary of Rudolph Hass getting Patent 139 approved is coming up, Aug. 27. To celebrate, Tim Hass plans to debut an avocado-inspired beer. “It’s only been done, that I know of, one other time,” Tim said. “It was at Angel City Brewery out of Los Angeles; they did an Avocado Ale on there. So this will be a little bit different. But yeah, we’re going to work with some of the local homebrew guys out here to kind of make this a new, special thing, celebrate the weekend.

ern 11-story Sunrise hotel tower with 205 guest rooms and suites. It connects to the original Sunset Tower, which has 242 rooms and was renovated in 2019. On the roof of the Sunrise Tower is Prime, A Shula’s Steak House, which has been a big draw for locals. It boasts expansive views, a visible kitchen, semi-private dining room and glass elevator. It’s been “booked for weeks” and reservations are a must, Vizcarra said. Prime also has outdoor seating for dining, and from 10–11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, the patio becomes 11VEN, a chic cocktail lounge with deejay.

And, of course, it’ll be going right into Labor Day after that. So very excited to give something different here.” What will an avocado beer taste like? He said it won’t be green. “It’s actually going to add more of a creamy texture to the beer instead of, you know, some of the IPAs that are out there that are really heavy and hops and bitterness,” he said. “This will add more of a creamy texture with the malt, the German malt. You’ll get a little bit of the �lavor, but not much.” “The views out here when the sun is setting is absolutely gorgeous,” Vizcarra stated. Also, the pool area was completely recon�igured and a “Serenity Pool” for age 21 and up was added. The main Oasis Pool is all ages and open to guests only. “Unlike other resorts, we do not do day passes,” Vizcarra said. They also never charge a resort fee, she added. The only exception is from 2–6 p.m. the last Saturday of each month through September, when the public can attend a Vegas-style “Summer Oasis Pool Party” for age 21 and up. The ticket price is $40; hotel guests get two free passes. 

There’s an election on Tuesday, Aug. 2, and Chandler voters will cast a ballot for Prop 470, asking voters to continue the Local Alternative Expenditure Limitation, also known as Home Rule. The Home Rule Option allows a city to make its own decisions about how to spend its tax revenues. If it doesn’t pass, the City would have to cut more than $216 million from its budget impacting public safety, street maintenance, recreation programs and planned capital improvement projects. Remember, Prop 470 is NOT a tax increase. El martes 2 de agosto se llevará a cabo una elección, y los electores de Chandler emitirán su voto con respecto a la Proposición 470, la cual les pide a los electores que continúe la Alternativa Local al Límite de Gastos, también conocida como la Opción de la Regla de Autogobierno. La Opción de la Regla de Autogobierno permite a una ciudad tomar sus propias decisiones con respecto a cómo gasta sus ingresos fiscales. Si no es aprobada, la Ciudad tendría que recortar más de $216 millones de dólares de su presupuesto, impactando a la seguridad pública, el mantenimiento de calles, programas de recreación y proyectos planificados de mejoramiento capital. Recuerde que la Proposición 470 NO es un aumento a los impuestos.

chandleraz.gov/elections

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

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Sports

SPORTS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

Biruk Stephens making his mark for ACP football BY ZACH ALVIRA Arizonan Sports Editor

iruk Stephens was just 5 years old when he was uprooted from Ethiopia, his home country. Wanting a better life than what she could provide, his birth mother made the decision to give him up for adoption. That’s when John and Jeanette Stephens stepped in and brought him to Arizona. The Arizona College Prep senior didn’t understand any English for about the first year he was in the nited States. He was quiet, reserved and confused when he initially was adopted by the Stephens family. But it soon felt like home, and he’s thrived ever since. It was kind of hard at first because I was settled in Ethiopia. I kind of understood what was going on,” Biruk said. “Getting uprooted and moved to America was difficult. or the first year it was hard to communicate with everybody. But once I got the hang of it, I was able to learn and being homeschooled helped introduce me to everything.” Biruk was homeschooled the first few years he was in the nited States. He began to show his intelligence level early on and it carried over when he enrolled in public school. He also began to thrive in sports. He gravitated toward football, which was common in the family. John played football and Jeanette’s family was always involved with the game and other sports. Biruk s older brother, ndrew, just finished his high school career at Arizona College Prep and committed to Bethel niversity. He will join their cousin, ordan Dia , who was the first player from ACP to move on to the next level. Now a senior, Biruk is ready to for a breakout season. Head coach Myron Blueford said he was expecting it to come last year before he was sidelined with nagging injuries. But Biruk’s progression in the weight room and on the field has Blueford and the rest of the coaching

Left: Arizona College Prep senior Biruk Stephens was adopted at 5 years old from Ethiopia. With the help of Jeanette and John Stephens, he’s been able to grow into a standout football player for the Knights and a high-academic student overall. Right: Arizona College Prep coach Myron Blueford is expecting a breakout year for Biruk this year. He’s seen his dedication to getting bigger in the weight room and faster on the field. He also knows his drive to be great will power him to a breakout season. (Dave Minton/Staff) staff excited for his senior campaign. He s done everything this off-season to give us the confidence that he is going to have that breakout year I thought I would see, Blueford said. He s right back on path with that and we are really excited for him. Biruk’s goals for himself extend wellbeyond the football field. hile he weighs the opportunities he currently has to play at the next level, he has already come up with another plan if football isn’t part of his future. He has become interested in attending a university that offers a criminology program that is designed for those interested in becoming an agent for the BI. He became enamored with the thought of being an BI agent a few years ago when he toured the headquarters in Washington D.C. Biruk had already been considering a career working for the government, military or in some law enforcement role. He took an aptitude test that said he would be a good fit as a special agent. His parents agreed. “Biruk has always had this sense of justice, he’s always had this sense of right

and wrong,” said John, who also adopted their youngest daughter from China with Jeanette before Biruk. “I’ve always felt he would be well-suited for some kind of career in law enforcement, something along those lines. Now, he may get into college and decide this isn’t for him and that’s okay. It’s really a matter of what he thinks will be the best for him long term.” Biruk’s passion to be a good person is arguably one of his most impressive traits. Jeanette said she and John never had to push him to accomplish his goals. He set them himself and has ever since sought after the best route to accomplish them. His drive to take advantage of the opportunities given to him since his adoption is mesmerizing to the family. “We knew his whole birth family had really wanted him to have opportunities that weren’t available to him over there,” Jeanette said. “I think it’s just in his nature to be driven. I am more proud of the man he is becoming. It’s super special he has accomplished exactly what his birth family had hoped for.” Biruk remains thankful for Jeanette,

ohn and his three siblings. He is thankful for the opportunities they have given him and for making him feel at home right away. He s thankful to Blueford and ACP for challenging him in his honors classes and on the field to make him a better student-athlete. Most importantly, he is thankful for his birth mother making a selfless decision that she knew would ultimately benefit him. He still has some communication with her and has a desire to build a relationship with her after he is finished with high school. But in the meantime, he wants to make her and everyone else proud. And he will do what it takes to make that happen. “When I look back into it, Ethiopia is still a third-world country without many opportunities so I don’t know where I would be, Biruk said. It was frustrating at first because I wanted to be with my mom, but I also had to understand what she was going for. I think the best way to remember her is to live up to what she wanted me to do and what she wanted me to pursue. “Being blessed with all of these opportunities, it just makes me happy.”

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New Chandler restaurant enhances Indian cuisine BY SRIANTHI PERERA GetOut Contributor

eringhee Modern Indian Cuisine has just opened its doors to reveal rich aromas, flavors and tastes near the Chandler Fashion Center. Consider an average dinner: The Dum Jackfruit Biryani comes in a pot sealed with a crust of dough, which is cut by the server to release a tantalizing whiff of spicy yellow basmati rice nestling underneath. The cover prevents the air from leaking, retains moisture and helps the rice to absorb the flavors of jackfruit and spices while steaming. The basmati and the jackfruit are layered and slow-cooked to perfection. The dish pairs deliciously with Old Delhi Butter Chicken and a raita – or yogurt – mixed with dabs of avocado and sprinkles of boondi (balled chickpea flour sweetened and fried). Feringhee (translates to “foreigner”) is the brainchild of Madhavi Reddy, who has created an elegant restaurant to showcase food from the diverse regions of India. The dishes are traditional but served with contemporary flair to elevate it from mere street food or offerings from sidewalk cafes. “In the US there’s not much appreciation for Indian cuisine – there are fine dining in other cuisines, but not Indian cuisine,” she said. “I went a little above and beyond.” Initial research in the Valley indicated a paucity of such establishments. “We thought we have to bring Phoenix up to that level. That was the interest for me to create one,” she said. “It wasn’t an easy journey for me; it was hard.” The pandemic took its toll on planning and executing her intricately developed business; the restaurant took more than three years to come to fruition. Reddy teamed with Sujan Sarkar, a creator of two modern Indian restaurant

Top: Rich aromas and tasty dishes await visitors to Feringhee Modern Indian Cuisine in Chandler. (Jill McNamara Photography) Bottom: Madhavi Reddy owns Feringhee Modern Indian Cuisine near Chandler Fashion Center. (David Minton/GetOut Staff Photographer) brands, and Karan Mittal, a young chef hailing from Delhi and with international experience and culinary honors. Feringhee’s menu features sharing

plates, such (fava bean small plates with Bengal

as Masala Ricotta Kulcha and gooseberry pickle); such as Tandoori Shrimp kasundi (a dipping sauce

with mustard seeds and dried mango), lime caviar and mint chutney; and large plates such as Goan Swordfish and Kashmiri Lamb Shank. The well-stocked bar includes dozens of spirits, 65 types of wine and 20 varieties of beer, some of which are brewed locally and others as far away as India or Belgium. The cocktails are handcrafted using regional ingredients of India. Patrons are encouraged to savor, sip and linger. “We start from sharing plates and enjoying the atmosphere. It’s not just ‘eat your dinner and go,’” Reddy said. With a lot of specialized ingredients that are locally sourced, Feringhee prefers its diners to make advanced reservations. Currently, it is only open for dinner, from Tuesdays to Sundays, and weekends have been busy. Reservations will help to avoid turning away walk-in customers, with the extra time useful to plan resources, and the overall experience would be better for guests, Reddy said. “We want people to have a journey of whatever the cuisine we have, that’s the goal,” she said. “It needs some experience, that means it needs planning.” Because of the restaurant’s desirable location near the Price Corridor and its many corporate offices, lunch may be introduced at a later date. There is also a plan to hold musical evenings. Reddy, a Chandler resident, has been in the United States for more than 20 years. Her first foray into the restaurant industry was with Pastries n Chaat, an Indian bakery and restaurant serving casual fare, once a chain concept with six outlets across the Valley, and now operating only in Tempe. Feringhee’s location was one of the Pastries n Chaat outlets. In 2020, Reddy also established a grocery store, Saffron, with branches in Scottsdale and Phoenix and Peoria to come.

see INDIAN page 37

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INDIAN from page 36

Married to a physician, Reddy has a “day job” as a business analyst in a prominent bank. She’s also raising two teenage daughters who are nearing college age. Where did she draw the inspiration to launch into the restaurant industry? “I grew up in a farming community, and my father was a landlord,” she said. This was in Telangana, located in the south-central stretch of India, in a city called Karimnagar. Bountiful harvests of produce, lavish servings of food, gatherings and festivals were the mainstays of her life, growing up. The family farm grew rice, corn and peanuts and nurtured fruit orchards. “It was all about food in our house:

She chose to paint the walls in sky blue and a shade of soft mustard in the color of unpolished rice. An enormous mural of a bedecked face of an Indian woman holds a prominent spot in the décor. Chandeliers, glass mirrors and the attending Oriental opulence beckon. “As soon as they walk in, I want them to feel Indian,” she said, of her diners. The proof of the pudding is in the eating of it. What’s for dessert? Chandler is far from the coast, but there’s no harm in indulging in a fantasy with eyes closed. The dessert was inspired by far away Chennai, which is a south Indian coastal city famous for its swaying coconut palms. It is called Tender Coconut Panna

Cotta; elaneer (tender coconut cream), berries, toasted flakes of almond and coconut and passion fruit sorbet. The melt-in-the-mouth concoction is served inside a polished coconut shell sitting on a rope of coconut fiber. “It’s based on a personal memory when I was in Chennai,” Mittal said. “Elaneer payasam is the soft malai (cream) of the tender coconut. They used to make a payasam with freshly pressed coconut milk with some condensed milk and with malai on top. That was super delicious. “We created that memory.”

U.S. history. Between 1942 and 1964, millions of Mexican men came to the U.S. on short-term labor contracts. Six bilingual posters not only tell a story of exploitation but also one of opportunity. They offer historical context, ask big questions, challenge perceptions, tell powerful stories, and provide a platform that encourages dialogue Play Day at the Chandler Museum Aug. 27 is theme “Retro 80s,” and civic engagement. and looks at the toys of that decade. (Chandler Museum)

cial, political, and environmental factors that influence how we create our own sense of place,” the museum said in a release.

produce, food, welcoming people, it’s like a festival every time, people came over,” she recalled. Naturally, her passion was to study agriculture, so she obtained a bachelor of science in agriculture and a degree in business administration. Then, life happened, and she moved to Arizona in 2001 and married soon after. Her liking for produce lingered. “I always had the passion of bringing something to the Valley, doing something to the community,” she said. “I host social events at home, it was always there in me, to bring stuff to the community. What I miss back home, I want to bring to the community.” Creating Feringhee is perhaps the next best thing to returning to her roots.

Feringhee Modern Indian Cuisine is at 3491 W. Frye Road, Chandler. Details: feringhee.com

Big Chandler Museum exhibits in final weeks SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

handler Museum, 300 S. Chandler Village Drive, Chandler is offering a variety of free programs next month as well as a new exhibit. The museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. It is closed Mondays. Information: 480-7822717 or chandlermuseum.org.Exhibits. Most of the programming events offer a chance to reserve a seat. Go to eventbrite. com/d/az and search by “Chandler Museum.”

EXHIBITS

Dust Bowl Migrants in Chandler (Through Aug. 13) In the late 1930s Chandler had an influx of Dust Bowl migrants who fled their homes in search of a better life. Government photographers Dorothea Lange and Russell Lee documented unique stories showing these migrants and their dwellings, which were often temporary. This exhibition is a history of Dust Bowl Chandler through unique black and white photographs. It examines what home looked like and makes connections between 1930s Chandler and Chandler today. It includes themes of housing, migration, agriculture, technology, self-sufficiency, and empathy. In the Fields of the North/En los campos del norte (Through Aug. 28)

PROGRAMS

The exhibition features over 50 contemporary photographs chronicling the lives of contemporary migrant farm workers. Photojournalist David Bacon’s evocative, powerful photographs alongside moving oral narratives from migrant farm workers gives viewers a reality check on the food they eat and the lives of the people who harvest it. The exhibition is fully translated into both English and Spanish. Bittersweet Harvest: The Bracero Program, 1942-1964 (through Aug. 28) This poster exhibition explores the little-known story of the Bracero Program, the largest guest worker program in

History Bites, noon-12:30 p.m. Aug. 2 Explore querencia, a love of or attachment to place, and learn how Latinx migrants develop this bond by cultivating networks that contribute to the city’s socioeconomic, political, and cultural fabric. Dr. Rafael Martínez, ASU faculty member and community historian, will reveal how this concept guides humanities research right here in Arizona by identifying Latinx barrios in the East Valley operating as querencias at the fringes. “Then we will challenge ourselves to move beyond nostalgia and memory to think and write more critically about querencia, considering the different so-

Play Day, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 27 1980s Retro. The Museum reawakens the toys that defined the decade of big hair, bold style, and bright colors.

C-Town Suitcase Club, 10:30-11:15 a.m. From the humble bicycle to the large farm equipment and everything in between. Steer your way to fun with wheeled vehicles. These 45-minute programs are led by friendly educators who compare everyday items, then and now. With new themes each month, program participants will begin together with a central topic and then break off into family groups to engage in several activity stations. Geared toward ages 3-5. Museum Helpers, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Aug. 31 Become a museum helper, learn what people at the museum do to take care of artifacts, and create your own exhibit idea. Art Tots. 10:340-11 a.m. Aug. 10 and Aug. 24 This event has participants exploring art through the five senses of sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch. Geared toward ages 3-5.

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Learn Chandler History The Chandler Museum is a cultural destination unlike any other with engaging, community-focused programs and forums, as well as world-class traveling exhibits.

Visit the Chandler Museum located at 300 S. Chandler Village Drive, Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 - 5 p.m. Admission is free. ChandlerMuseum.org

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Pool Service / Repair

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

Roofing

Juan Hernandez

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

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

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

623-873-1626 Free Estimates Monday through Saturday

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

Quality Pool Service, That is Priceless! Weekly WeeklyServices Services

Netting • Brushing • Emptying Baskets Netting ● Brushing ● Emptying Baskets Equipment Check • Water Testing Equipment Check ● Water Testing

Other Services

Other Services Pump/Motor Repair & Replacement Pump/Motor Repair & Replacement Sand/Water Change • Repairs • Acid Wash Sand/Water Repairs ●&Acid Wash HandrailsChange • Filter ●Cleaning Repair ● Filter Cleaning & Repair PoolHandrails Tile Cleaning • Green Pool Clean Up PoolAngela Tile Cleaning ● GreenClark, Pool Clean UpClark Owners: Clark, Chelsea & Homer

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

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

480-489-0713 • lizardpools.com Owners: Angela Clark, Chelsea Clark, & Homer Clark

ROC

602-363-2655 | fredydelacruzluis@icloud.com

• Installation • Repair • Re-Roofing

sunlandroofingllc@gmail.com

602-471-2346 Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of Initiation of the Section 106 Process-Public Participation in accordance with the FCC’s Nationwide Programmatic Agreement. Dish Network intends to add (2) sector antennas on a rooftop at 225 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, Maricopa County, AZ 85281 (33.414226, 111.936176). The antennas are to be installed behind the parapet wall at 70 ft of the building which has an overall height of 69 ft. Dish Network is publishing this notice in accordance with Federal Communications Commission regulations (47 CFR § 1.1307) for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). We respectfully request that parties interested in commenting on this Federal undertaking relative to potential effects on cultural or historic properties or with questions on the proposed facility should contact GSS, Inc., 1054 Texan Trail, Suite 300, Grapevine, TX 76051; Ph. (682) 6510034 within 30 days of the posting of this notice. (GSS #D22216-AZ). Published: East Valley Tribune, July 24, 2022 / 48056

aFamily Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers! Your leaks stop here!

FREE ESTIMATES • COMPETITIVE RATES

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

Serving All Types Clean, Prompt, Friendly and Professional Service of Roofing: FREE ESTIMATES • Tiles & Shingles

aOver 30 Years of Experience

lizardpools.com Remodeling

10 YEARS EXPERIENCE | RESPONSIBLE | QUICK RESPONSE

Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

Roofing

ROC 303766 303766 ● 480-489-0713

Your best choice for shower walls & floor installation with all kind of materials like wood, laminate & more.

Not a licensed contractor

ROOFING LLC

showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

Call Juan at

Roofing

PHILLIPS

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

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

Roofing

New Roofs, Repairs, Coatings, Flat Roof, Hot Mopping & Patching & Total Rubber Roof Systems

FREE ESTIMATES & MONSOON SPECIALS

*NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

https://www.rrdelacruzshowerandmore.com/

SAME DAY SERVICE 30 Years Experience References Available

Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 286561

Senior & Military Discounts

623-522-9322

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

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

Get up to 240 in bill credits when you switch to AT&T $

Must purchase a new smartphone and port in a new line of elig. postpaid wireless svc (min. $50/mo. after discounts start w/in 2 bills) on a qualifying AT&T Installment plan. Req’s 0% APR 36-mo. installment agreement. Up to $240 off after credits over 24 months. Credits start w/in 3 bills. If svc cancelled, credits stop & device balance due. If svc. on other lines cancelled w/in 90 days, credits stop. $30 Activation, add’l fees, taxes & other charges, & restr’s apply. See below for details.

Contact your local DIRECTV dealer

IVS Support Holdings

855-401-1184

*$240 BILL CREDIT OFFER: Smartphone: Buy any new smartphone on qualifying 36-month 0% APR installment plan. Other installment options may be available. $0 down for well-qualified credit or down payment may be req’d. Retail price is divided into monthly installments. Tax on full retail price due at sale. Refurbished devices excluded. Required Wireless: Port in new line w/ postpaid wireless voice & data service (min. $50/mo. for new svc with autopay and paperless bill discounts. Pay $60/mo. until discounts starts w/in 2 bills. Other qual. plans available.). Excludes upgrades and AT&T ports. If you cancel wireless svc, will owe device balance. Activation Fee: $30. Return: Return w/in 14 days (w/in 30 days for business customers). Restocking fee up to $55 may apply. Bill Credits: Credits start w/in 3 bills. Will receive catch-up credits once credits start. For eligible port-in of new line, up to $240 in credits applied over 24-month period. Wireless line must be on an installment agreement, active & in good standing for 30 days to qualify. Installment agmt starts when device is shipped. To get all credits, device must remain on agmt and eligible service maintained for entire credit-application term. If you upgrade or pay up/off agmt on discounted device early your credits may cease. Limits: May not be combinable w/other offers, discounts or credits. Purchase, financing & other limits & restr’s apply. Participation in these offers may make your wireless account ineligible for select other offers (including select bill credit offers) for a 12-month period. GEN. WIRELESS SVC: Subj. to Consumer Service Agreement(att.com/consumerserviceagreement). Credit approval req’d. Deposit: Service deposit may apply. Limits: Purchase & line limits apply. Credit approval, activation (up to $45/line) and other fees, advanced payments and other charges apply. Additional monthly fees & taxes: Apply per line and include Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee (up to $1.50), Administrative Fee ($1.99) & other fees which are not government-required surcharges as well as taxes. Additional one-time Fees may apply. See www.att.com/mobilityfees for more details. Coverage & svc not avail. everywhere. You get an off-net (roaming) usage allowance for each svc. If you exceed the allowance, your svc(s) may be restricted or terminated. International and domestic off-net data may be at 2G speeds. Other restr’s apply & may result in svc termination. Pricing, promotions, programming, terms & restr’s subject to change & may be modified or terminated at any time without notice. AT&T svc is subject to AT&T network management policies, see att.com/broadbandinfo for details. Pricing, promotions, programming, terms & restr’s subject to change & may be modified or terminated at any time without notice. ©2021 DIRECTV. DIRECTV and all other DIRECTV marks are trademarks of DIRECTV, LLC. AT&T and Globe logo are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property.

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 24, 2022

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

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

56TH ST.

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

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

E H G

C GERMANN

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

The Chandler Arizonan July 24, 2022

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