SanTan Sun News September 11, 2022 by Times Media Group

BY KEN SAIN Managing Editor

See DROUGHT on page 10 See CUSD DEBATE on page 16 See DRESSCODE on page 18

The five candidates seeking a seat on the next Chandler Unifi ed School District Governing Board answered five questions during the fi rst forum on Sept.One6. question dealt with one of the hottest topics facing the district today: improving the mental health of students and sta .

. . . . . .

“Given the current pandemic and turbulence of the last few years, our students returned to school with a high priority put on catching up academically. But we have now been witnessing 1:13

BY KEN SAIN Managing Editor

. . . . . . . 44

Sun Lakes author pens sixth novel at age 98 . . . . . Neighbors . . . . Page 37

BY KEN SAIN Managing Editor

The Chandler Education Association, which represents teachers in the District, and Valley Interfaith Project hosted the event, where the candidates were given the questions in advance and did not interact with one another. Kurt Rohrs, said the mental health crisis cannot be solved by the district alone.

CUSD mental health response deraws ﬂak. . . . . . . News . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3

Taqueria Factory expands family's footprint. . . . . . GETOUT Page 44 More Business . 32 Neighbors . 37 Sports. . . . . . . 40 Faith . 43 GetOut. Directory

Santan Junior High student Hannah deGraft-Johnson says the school’s dress code is sexist. “I believe that the dress code includes exclusion and enforces unjust standards and emphasis on a speciﬁ c gender,” said Hannah, a student in the gifted program. “Statistics from many reliable sources show the same average, 83%, of dress code violations are [given to]Hannahgirls.” brought the issue to the Chandler Uniﬁ ed School District Governing Board Aug. 24 and said she has been happy with how o cials have responded.Shemet with Ken James, executive director for junior high schools, and said he told her he would meet with all the junior high principals to discuss the issue.Hannah said her main problem with the dress code, which prohibits tank tops or half shirts that show too much of the mid-section, is the way it is presented. She said they were told that dressing in such a way could provoke sexual“Weharassment.hadadiscipline presentation at my school, where ... a question was asked about the dress code by students,” Hannah said. “The response did not sit right with me. We were told that as middle schoolers, we had uncontrollable hormones. So, the dress code was made to prevent things from happening.”She said the district should instead

. . . .

. . . . . . 45

WHITENING+FREETEETH GrandSpecialsOpening Learn more at AspireDentalChandler.com $1,295 Dental Implant Call today to schedule an 480.896.8684appointment! $ 59 Exam & X-rays C22-120 Chandler Cover Strip ad 4.9 x 2 .indd 1 8/5/22

CUSD board candidates discuss mental health

September 11, 2022 | www.santansun.com Relentlessly local coverage of Southern Chandler An edition of the East Valley Tribune FEATURED STORIES

. .

“I don’t know if we’re being asked to do more than we can really do as a district,” Rohrs said. “Typically these issues have been cared for by the county, which does an awful lot. “We should rely on the city but also the community, particularly the faithbased community, as well. I think we need to utilize those resources instead of trying to reinvent the wheel to these kids.”

Dogtopia marks three years in south Chandler . . . Business. . . . . . . Page 32

Patti Serrano said the district needs to recognize the stress COVID placed on its “Ourstudents.kidsand families are su ering,” she said. “Prioritizing and pushing academics alone is clearly not the answer. One of my main issues as your candidate for CUSD is supporting the implementation of whole child learning, this includes social, emotional, and mental health in addition to academics.

Chandler

Arizona author Edward Abbey wrote “Desert Solitaire” as a tribute to the Colorado River and the excellent canyons it carved in Southern Utah before Glen Canyon was ﬂooded by a new dam near Page in the 1960s, creating Lake Powell.Hisnovel, “Monkey Wrench Gang,” plotted blowing up that dam, freeing the canyons hidden underneath that water.Turns out Abbey only needed to wait a few decades: The drought did what his ﬁ ctional band of eco-terrorists couldThenot.water levels of both Lake Powell and Lake Mead are at record lows since the dams were constructed to supply energy and drinking water for most of theEarlierSouthwest.thismonth Mexico and the seven states that share that water were told by the U.S. government it’s time to get serious about conserving what’s left.“On Aug. 16, the Bureau of Reclamation did release the August 2022-24 study, which is the tool that sets the operating tier for the upcoming year,” said Simone Kjolsrud, Chandler’s water resource advisor. “So for 2023, they declared a Tier 2 shortage on the Colorado River. And that is a 592,000-acre foot reduction to Arizona, all of which falls on the Central Arizona Project because that’s within Arizona — that’s a lower priority compared to other Arizona users.” If that sounds like a lot of water, it is. sees no threat of water supply

Lest we forget

As the nation today marks the 21st anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and on an airliner that crashed in Pennsylvania, a somber memorial on at Tempe Beach Park that draws thousands form Chandler and the Valley is on for its third and ﬁnal day today. For details, see page 6. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

. . . . . . . . .

CUSD student challenges district’s ‘sexist’ dress code

2 THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 Visit us online: afg.us.com 480-786-0777 1980 N. Alma School Road Chandler, AZ 85224 Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. *Restrictions apply. Not applicable on current sale or discounted items. See store for details. 60 Months No Interest (OAC) SE HABLA ESPANOL Some exclusions may apply. See store for details. Must present coupon. Expires 09-15-22 50% OFF All 30%MattressesOFFAllAccessoriesNon-AdvertisedItems10%to60%OFF 5 PIECE BEDROOM SETS $1098 Now $898 SOFAS NOW ONLY $398 NOW $198 CHAISEFOLDABLELOUNGEWAS$298 4PC OUTDOOR SET WAS $1498 NOW $998 VOTED BEST OF CHANDLER for 4 years by consumers! 50%MATTRESSESALLOFF UP TO75%CLEARANCE!OFF FIREPLACE 5PC DINING SET DOORBUSTER $798 $448 Now $348 $598 Now $448 $598 Now $448 $448 Now $348 Specialize in American Made Products Expires 09-30-22

“How will they improve their literacy of mental health if it’s not something they have to study? So I am here begging for patience and for understanding, because this is a matter of lives.”

Another thing that upset the students was a report in this newspaper that quoted Brenda Vargas, CUSD director of coun seling and social services, as saying that putting a spotlight on teen suicides may increase similar thoughts in other students.

A District spokesperson said CUSD did share resources and contacts that its leaders felt best fit the vision of the event coordinators, but no further promises were made. She went on to say when the District has requests for pro posals issued or available, vendors who meet the request criteria may apply.

All teachers and staff get mental health first aid training.

CUSD mental

Three students from the Arizona Stu dents for Mental Health group addressed the board, reminding it that they have been asking for three things since June. Those requests include:

Burt, the licensed psychologist, said she and another psychologist organized an event to address teen mental health last year called “Breakthrough” which was held at Compass Christian Church in February. She said they approached the district seeking support, specifically with getting the information about the event out to as many students as possible.

A CUSD official said they felt that quote was taken out of context and provided a further clarification. “The myth that talking about suicide will cause suicide has been debunked by nearly every leading psychiatric organiza tion, including the National Institute of Mental Health,” said Emma Robertson, an eighth-grader at SanTan Junior High. “How we discuss suicide matters, though.” But district spokeswoman Stephanie Ingersoll said Vargas was not dismissing all conversation about teen suicides. “When it comes to suicide and youth mental health, CUSD follows best practic es outlined in a toolkit by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration through the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services,” Ingersoll said. That guideline does include an essay exploring as a myth the contention that talking about suicide triggers an increase in the number of people who consider it. It also warns educators that talking about suicide methods can create images that are upsetting and it may increase the risk of imitative behavior by vulnerable youth. The guideline also urges care when dealing with memorials to people who have killed “Spontaneousthemselves.memorials (such as collections of objects and notes) should not be encouraged and should be re spectfully removed within a very short time. A memorial can be an upsetting reminder of a suicide and/or romanticize the deceased in a way that increases risk for suicide imitation or contagion.

• A student action board formed at all high schools and middle schools so they can let campus as well as district officials know what challenges students are facing.

The study session Chandler Unified School District conducted Aug. 24 on mental health and the nationwide increase in teen suicides did not lessen the criticism it continues to face. The Governing Board heard criticism at its Aug. 24 meeting during public comments over how district officials are handling mental health.

3NEWSTHE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 Healthy Smiles. Happy Patients. 480.899.6677 www.ChandlerDentalHealth.com Tired of hearing about shippingchainsupplyanddelays? We have everything in stock to restore your ssmile!

One of the things that upset Higgins was that district officials wanted them to immediately follow up on an email they had sent and were unhappy it was taking longer than 24 hours. She said when the group first formed, it took the district more than a week to respond to their emails.

• A student-led town hall before Sept. 15 that the district promotes so students can talk about the issue with their“Wepeers.aregoing through a mental health crisis here,” “Students need these resources to survive, not only to survive, but also to perform well,” Basha High sophomore Sofia Borczon said. “How many more kids have to die before you give us what we need?” health response remains under fire

•

At first, CUSD officials seemed inter ested and said they would be involved. Burt said. In fact, a preview of the event is featured in a district in-house publication. “They said that they would send out emails and encourage teachers and students to attend and even give extra credit for attending,” Burt told the Governing Board. “Then CUSD disappeared,” she continued. “ You don’t want to partner with the community like you say you want to because you were presented with the opportunity. You turned your back and walked away in silence. You did nothing that was promised. You didn’t return phone calls. You didn’t return emails.”

BY KEN SAIN Managing Editor

“I came to the last board meeting where the ideas of implementing some mental health strategies were presented and I was left shaking my head,” said Teresa Burt, a licensed psychologist in Chandler who said she is treating 27 CUSD students. “I found many inconsistencies in that report,” Burt said. “I think you all are trying to reinvent the wheel with people who didn’t sign up to address mental health issues.” Students also criticized the District’s presentation.“Thisawareness about mental health is a facade and we need to do better,” said Kailani Higgins, a sophomore at Arizona College Prep High School. “The teachers who use repetition as a method to help us retain information are not ex pected to use these same tactics when it comes to learning about mental health?

“Large memorial assemblies should not be convened as the emotions generated at such a gathering can be difficult to control.”

Nonprofit gives child cancer victims a place to move

All that is based on his view that there’s a direct link between vaccine acceptance and education and the related issue of income, one he said was borne out by a study the University of Arizona did for the health department a year“Theago.lower income families, when their

Children’s Cancer Network helps supports families who are dealing with childhood cancer. The Fiesta Bowl gave CCN a $50,000 grant to build the Let’s Move“TheCenter.most common cancer [for children is] leukemia,” Patti Luttrell said. “Three years of treatment, it's a long time to be not feeling good, curled up sleeping in bed, playing video games, just really not moving at all. Nothing good comes from that for any of us, let alone if you're battling cancer. So the National Cancer Institute started to say, ‘Look, we got to really focus on physical activity.’” Luttrell rented five large storage containers that were in the parking lot of their building at Chandler Boulevard and Kyrene Road. CCN did a soft launch of the Let’s Move Center in May and have been fine-tuning it ever since. One need the new playroom has helped fill involves patients with immune issues who need some place to have fun. Now they have somewhere they can go. “We had received a call from a mom, who has a 6-year-old and a 12-year-old and it was the 12-year-old’s birthday and he was in cancer treatment. The 6-yearold wanted desperately to take him to play video games together. It just wasn't possible. The mom had tried, she called businesses saying, ‘Can we come in before you open? Or after you close? Or can I come in and hyper clean one lane? And they said no.” Then she asked if they could do something in the Let’s Move Center, just her family. Luttrell said yes. “My kids beg to come,” said Ashley Houlik, mother of 7-year-old cancer patient Kenslye. “I mean, beg to come. They love to play, get their energy out for one, and also to connect with people who have been in similar journeys.”

Steve and Patti Luttrell and their daugh ter Jenny started the Children’s Cancer Network after their son and brother Jeff battled leukemia since he was 5. He con tinued to deal with cancer until he was 25, but is now free from the disease. During his journey Jenny decided to do a fashion show, auction and luncheon for families undergoing bone marrow transplants. As they were preparing for the show, a young girl in the next room to her brother’s died. Her family did not have the gas money to get home.

Humble, who was health director before Ducey took office, said the agency should revisit the plan.

Humble said Herrington’s agency is not entirely powerless even if Arizona keeps it personal exemption. He pointed out the department actually had worked with state Sen. Heather Carter to create a pilot program in 2018 to provide educational materials to parents seeking to opt out of one or more vaccines. The idea was to show the benefits outweigh any risks.

An increasing number of vaccine deniers coupled with one of the easiest opt-out provisions in the nation has left Arizona with close to one out of every 10 kindergartners unprotected against key childhood diseases. That’s causing concerns from the state’s top health official. “The measles MMR vaccine is highly effective,’’ said Don Herrington, interim director of the state Department of Health Services. The same vaccine also protects against mumps and rubella and that a high vaccination rate is the best way to prevent an outbreak among those who can’ be vaccinated due to medical or religious reasons, or simply because they’re too young. Yet during the last school year, the most recent data available, only 90.6% of Arizona kindergartners actually got the MMR vaccine, Herrington said –“well short of the 95% threshold considered necessary to prevent localized outbreaks.’’Theresult are those outbreaks, like three new cases of measles earlier this month in Maricopa County, including an adult and two minors, all unvaccinated. One had to be hospitalized. And Herrington said these are not innocuous“Measles,diseasesinparticular, you can have loss of hearing,’’ he told Capitol Media Services. “It can affect their intellectual development. You can have brain swelling. It’s killed people.’’ But of particular concern are the increasing number of parents who are claiming a “personal exemption’’ from the requirement that children attend ing school be vaccinated against not just measles, mumps and rubella but a host of other diseases. They need not provide any reason at all.

Ashley and her husband, Joe, said one benefit of the Let’s Move Center is how much it has helped their daughter’s five“Kenslyesiblings.has had so much support in her cancer journey,” Ashley said. “I think her siblings are the ones that have struggled the most. And it's amazing that the Cancer Network allows them to have those opportunities to connect with other kids.” But there are benefits for the patient as well.“Being able to move has been the biggest struggle for her,” Ashley said.

Gathered for a break at the Children’s Cancer Network in Chandler, from left: Kenslye Houlik (7), Joe Houlik, Everly Houlik (5), Kambryee Houlik (9), Kelannie Houlik (7), Ashley Houlik, Bentley Houlik (11), Ben Gokee and Brayleigh Houlik (10). (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

See VACCINE on page 10

4 NEWS THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

More kids heading to school without basic shots

The result is that 6.6% of kindergartners in school statewide have a personal exemption for one or more vaccines.

But the effort was scrapped after complaints from some parents who feared they would have to take the course to get the personal exemption, something that was not true.

“It’s insidious,’’ said Will Humble, the executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association of the decline in childhood immunizations in the state, with the rate dropping about a half percent a year for the past decade. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Arizona is one of only 14 states that has a personal exemption. Gov. Doug Ducey, who has seen the personal opt-out rate for kindergarten-required vaccinations rise from 1.4% in 2000 to 6.6% now, showed no interest in asking lawmakers to eliminate that California,privilege.facing a measles outbreak at Disneyland in 2019, eliminated the person al exemption. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed legislation saying parents could not use personal or philosophical exemptions and still send their children to school.

Children who are battling cancer spend a lot of time in bed, probably too much. The National Cancer Institute has started encouraging those young cancer patients to get out of their beds and to Onemove.Chandler nonprofit is ready to help make that happen. The Children’s Cancer Network (CCN) has converted its warehouse into a Let’s Move Center, where kids bat tling the disease can play basketball, air hockey, foosball, or do dance and yoga. And the benefits are obvious. “Getting them to move and so, [helps build] stronger bones, stron ger muscles, better flexibility, better immune system, and they sleep better,” said Patti Luttrell, co-founder and executive director of CCN. Not to mention, they’re having a lot of fun.“That’s the main one,”said CCN program specialist Ben Gokee said. He’s a program specialist with CCN. “We realized that our goal is to improve physical, mental, and social health. It's crazy how you can hit all three. It's something we've learned. We didn't even know we could do that.”

“When she was admitted she was in isolation for, gosh, almost two months. She didn’t move at all. And then she was so sick with cancer that she didn't want to. So it’s been really fun to let her be herself.”

Information: 602-717-9139, Children scancernetwork.org

BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

5NEWSTHE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 95 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler, AZ 85224 info@huffsautomotive.comhuffsautomotive.com480-726-8900 Appointment!ForCallAn We at Huffs Automotive are specialists in: • Mercedes Benz • Land Rover • Jaguar • Audi • BMW • Porsche • Volkswagen Serving the East Valley since 2009! Family Owned and Operated SeEspañolHabla #1 Rated Shop in the East Valley VOTED #1 EAST VALLEY AUTO REPAIR Your Trusted European Car Specialists BESTOF 2021 NOW HIRING AUTO TECHNICIANS & MECHANICS Experienced & Entry-Level Call 480-726-8900 Or Submit Resume huffsautomotive@yahoo.comat BESTOF 2022 Vote for us for Best Auto Repair! Vote for US! VOTE NOW! 2022 Chandler • Gilbert • Mesa

BY JOSH ORTEGA Staff Writer

In 2001, Bastian was living in Mesa and working as a residential Realtor when he woke up to a surreal moment on LikeTV. millions of Americans on that Tuesday morning, Bastian watched United Airlines Flight 175 crash into the South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. Bastian said that moment still lives with him to this day and why he wants to remind people what happened, not just on that day, but in the days following, especially for those not born at the time – like his three teenage sons.

“It really just felt like our country came together as Americans,” Bastian said. “And that’s something that I’ll certainly never forget and I hope other people don’t.”

BY JOSH ORTEGA Staff

While attending a former roommate’s wedding in Washington, D.C., in December 2001, Finlinson said she drove up to New York City and witnessed the destruction at site of the World Trade CenterFinlinsonfirsthand.held back tears as she recalled experiencing such “a sacred place” that held so much death and destruction and said she couldn’t bear herself to even take a photo.

Last week, leaders of the Interfaith 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive tried to unite people again with a blood drive that brought together the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Phoenix, the East Valley Jewish Community Center, and the Chandler West Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Since 2015, the interfaith group has held the drive as a unifying tool for the community despite doctrinal differences.

9/11 united local groups by faith, tears, blood

In years past, the impressive feat began with hundreds of volunteers showing up at 6 a.m. Sept. 9 and within an hour-and-a-half, a sea of green grass becomes a sea of flags. It might look like clockwork repeated year-after-year, but Bastian said the organization puts a lot of work into the massive“Thereundertaking.reallyisalot of moving parts and we put a lot of hours into it,” BastianLocatedsaid. at 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway in Tempe, the Healing Field is open to the public all day. A candlelight vigil will be held at 7 p.m. today and the public is welcome to join in reading the names towards the end of the ceremony.

6 NEWS THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022

“We’re all trying to help humanity in some way,” said Robin Finlinson of the Chandler West Stake. “And saving lives literally by donating blood is a great way to do that.” The drive was among a number of activities organized under the umbrella of two groups, JustService and 9/11 Day, to encourage a day of service during the week leading up to Sept. 11 to honor those who were killed, injured or responded to the 9/11 attacks.

“I just love seeing that act of kindness amplified when people get together, because more people are helped when we do things together,” Finlinson said.

The event officially ends with a “Stand Down the Field” tomorrow, Sept. 12, at 6 a.m., when volunteers are again needed to help in taking down the flags. For more information, call Nick Bastian at 602-803-6425 or visit TempeHealingField.org.

The Tempe Healing Field at Tempe Beach Park is a sobering reminder of the thousands of lives lost in the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

Healing Fields in Tempe honor the 9/11 deaths

See INTERFAITH on page 7

“If you have a loved one that was lost that day, we can actually show you where that person’s flag is,” Bastian said. Past events have shown flags fill the crescent-shaped grass field at the heart of the Tempe Beach Park. That area primarily commemorates the victims inside the Twin Towers. Smaller areas around the large field commemorates victims inside the Pen tagon and inside the airliner that was crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. Bastian has chaired the Healing Fields Committee for the past three years and it’s the largest event the Tempe Exchange Club puts on.

Finlinson, the blood drive coordinator for the Chandler West Stake, said the faith groups have worked together for similar events but this year is one the few times all three of their schedules have “Wheneveraligned.possible, we get all three groups together,” Finlinson said. Along with remembering the attacks of 9/11, Finlinson said this project is

After retiring in 2005, Finlinson said she has dedicated her life to being a mom to her two teenagers, volunteering full-time and some writing and photography on the side.

BlWriteroodshed united the nation as it mourned the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City and Pennsylvania and on the Pentagon.

The service days were “intended to invite people to unify and rekindle the extraordinary spirit of togetherness and compassion that arose in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy,” said Jennifer Wheeler a spokeswoman for the LDS Church.

Organizers of the Interfaith 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive included, from left, Shahzad Amjad, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Phoenix, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chandler West Stake President Dan Shkapich, East Valley JCC CEO Rabbi Michael Beyo and Imam Ahmad Salman of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Phoenix. (David Minton/SanTan Sun Photographer)

one of her favorite traditions because it brings together people of different faiths and helps those in need. It also came at a time when there is a nationwide blood supply shortage.

“I wasn’t offended by those who did, but I felt like I just couldn’t because I knew what happened,” Finlinson said.

For the past 20 years, Bastian said people from all over the world have attended the Healing Fields memorial. The Tempe Exchange Club planted one flag for each person that was killed that day – nearly 3,000, according to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City.

The event costs approximately $30,000 annually to put up and store the 3’x3’ flags, Bastian said.

Finlinson said she knows people of Muslim faith who seek to actively help people and these blood drives help drive their reputation in a positive light.

Finlinson said she was a teacher in Mesa in 2001 and remembers, like many oth ers, waking up that Tuesday morning and watching the events unfold live on TV.

A memorial that captures the horror that America witnessed 21 years ago is in its third and final day today. Sept. 11, at Tempe Beach Park. The 21st annual Tempe Healing Field tribute is what Chairman Nick Bastian called an effort to not only memorialize victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks but also capture the unity that immediately followed. “Some of the emotion that I’ve seen and felt, you really can’t describe it,” Bastian said. “We just want to make sure that people don’t ever forget what happened that day.”

Rabbi Michael Beyo, CEO of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, has lived in Arizona since 2015 and has been a rabbi for nearly 30 years. Beyo said this partnership with the LDS church, as well as other nonprofit and faith-based organizations, has taken place long before he arrived in Arizona and its part of the interfaith work they do Beyoregularly.said he lived in Israel in September 2001 and remembers receiving a call from his father about the initial reports of a small plane crashing into the Twin Eventually,Towers.like many that day, he watched the second plane hit the second tower on TV and it personally shook him to his core, considering he stood inside the towers exactly one week before that day. “If I would have been there just a week later or the terrorist who would have decided to do this a week earlier, I might not be here,” Beyo said. Beyo became a U.S. citizen about four years ago but said back then, it didn’t matter what nationality you identifi ed with, especially considering that people from all walks of life died that day. “I think that everybody felt that this is an attack against democracy, against peace, against peace-loving people,” BeyoBeyosaid.said he has a “strong belief” that most Americans want to keep the unity and hold values that won’t allow extremist of any kind to tear us apart, and events like this remain a positive sign that we can work together despite our“Idifferences.thinkthatthe message is a tool to be able to look past our differences, and to focus on what unites us,” Beyo said.Chandler West Stake President Dan Shkapich has led the stake for nearly three years and said it was a thrill to continue this partnership with the other two faith groups. “It’s a great blessing for us to come together in different faiths to have a combined focus to help one another,” Shkapich said. On Sept. 11, 2001, Shkapich said he remembers exercising in the fitness center of the hotel his family stayed at in Littleton, Colorado, because their home had to go undergo some work. Shkapich said watching the news that morning and recognized the “very somber” time that our worlds had changed. “Since that time, it’s just been heartwarming, inspiring and uplifting to see how, not just America, but how the world responds to terrorists,” Shkapich said.

“It doesn’t matter what faith group or if they are people of faith if they’re willing to give up their blood to help save that person in a time of need,” Finlinson said. Imam Ahmad Salman, who recently moved here from Puerto Rico, said the drive gave the organizers a chance “to raise awareness, and at the same time save lives, regardless of color and creed.”Salman was born in Pakistan but attended high school in Canada and said he remembers watching the terror attacks unfold on TV. After 9/11, Salman said the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was the fi rst Muslim community ever to launch a Muslims For Life campaign. In working with American Red Cross, the community has helped donate about 120,000 pints of blood across the country.

Looking for an inexpensive meal?

Salman said although there’s sign of hope all these years later, we still see “impatience and violence” that we must eradicate, and events such as this blood drive promulgate his community’s motto “love for all, hatred for none.”

“We have to come together to be able to heal, and to persevere and ultimately to get stronger going forward,” Shkapich said. “So in an interesting way, these kinds of events really make us stronger, and unite us more than ever before.”Shkapich said he enjoys coming together with other faiths to continue this“Whentradition.we have a common goal of loving one another, serving one another, helping one another. It unites us even though we may have different beliefs in religion,” Shkapich said.

The local owners of Majestic Neighborhood Cinema Grill know what locals of all ages want: Great entertainment at an even better price. And Majestic continues its trend of offering fantastic film and food deals to the young and the young at heart.Take our newest value program - Majestic Senior Saver. Now through October 31, all guests age 55 and over can enjoy 20% off their entire food and drink bill, available weekdays until 5 pm (alcohol not included). Simply show us your ID and we’ll slice 20% off your tab.

And since we’re right in your neighborhood, pop over on Wednesday for our $3 Wednesday specials. All ticketed guests can choose from an entree-size cheese pizza, domestic draft beer, bottomless popcorn, unlimited soda, Icee, a box of candy and a couple limited-time rotating menu items for just $3 each. Where else can you get pizza and a beer for only $6?

Sponsored Content showtimes, deals

Visit MajesticPHX.com for

Through the years, America has changed but Shkapich said when we endure challenges in our personal lives, and the country as a whole, hard times and diffi cult moments unite us.

INTERFAITH from page 6 GetConnected facebook.com/getoutaz Connected

ISMAJESTICbreaks?FORYOU.

On a tight budget but love going to the movies?

7NEWSTHE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022

Don’t forget about Fall Break, which will be here in a flash. In the first two weeks of October, all Majestic locations will feature weekday morning and afternoon $3 School’s Out Cinema screenings. The morning features are designed for all ages, and teens will appreciate the selection of afternoon showings. Also, $5 Ticket Tuesdays

continues through October 18 at Majestic, where all showtimes for new releases are just $5 a seat all day Tuesday. Are you 55 and better?

Salman said that although the events of 9/11 were committed in the name of Islam, the true teachings of the religion and the Quran emphasize that if someone kills a person to cause disorder in the land, it’s as if he’s killed all of humanity.

The same passage, he said, also states that if someone saves a life, it’s as if he’s saved all of humanity.

and more

“We need to have these events to cultivate the understanding that, although we may seem divided, we have a lot more in common,” Salman said.

Need easy options for family fun during school

“Her daughter just graduated from a medical school,” Sanchez said. “And she’s doing her residency here in Phoenix. So they just have such a great story.” The Leaders program is just one of the new events being added to Chandler Contigo this year, which is held to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month.

So how do you improve on the event in your second year?

“I think our goal is not only to celebrate the Latino community, but also the diversity within the Latino community,” Tapia said. “Because, yes, we’re very close to Mexico and have a large Mexican population here. But there’s also different countries, there’s Puerto Ricans, there’s Cubans, there’s Colombians. So, it’s celebrating all Latinos.” This year Chandler libraries are hosting 50 events alone. Each of the four branches will have at least one signature event, and then a number of smaller

Expanded Chandler Contigo to begin this week

8 NEWS THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022

The number of events has more than doubled for a month-long celebration that kicks off Sept. 15. One of the new events is Latino Leaders Week, which will take place at Willis Junior High School starting Sept. 19.

One of the speakers scheduled is Karla Bracamonte, who was born in Mexico. She and her boyfriend moved to Arizona when she was in college. She was pregnant, and couldn’t speak English. She got a work permit and worked at Arizona State University as a custodian. Two years later, she was attending engineering classes while raising her family. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and has been working for Intel for 16 years.

Willis has one of the highest Latino populations within the Chandler Unifi ed School District.

Latin business executives and other professionals will visit with a select group of Willis students to try and inspire them to pursue careers in their field.

BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

The National League of Cities gave the city’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) office one of four Cultural Diversity Awards last spring for its first Chandler Contigo [Translation: Chandler with You] event held at Galveston Elementary School. More than 1,200 people attended and witnessed representatives from 18 different Latin American cultures. Chandler was selected best of the cities with a population between 200,000 and a half million.

Chandler’s inaugural Contigo celebration earned a national recognition last year. Now, the city has to try and top that.

Children can enjoy inﬂatables at various events that are part of Chandler Contigo. (City of Chandler)

“Love the award winning, because this year Council doubled our budget for Contigo, and that’s why things like this Willis program are able to happen,” said Niki Tapia, the program manager for the city’s DEI offi ce.

“Intel has our 2030 Goals,” said Jennifer Sanchez, a community affairs manager for the tech giant. “Part of those are inclusive: Doubling the number of women in tech roles by 40%; employees who self identify with a disability up 5%; … increasing peo-

ple of color in leadership roles.”

See CONTIGO on page 9

Sanchez said for a young girl or person of color to be part of the pipeline that can eventually lead to them being a leader at Intel, they need to be involved in STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts, Math) education by the fourth grade.

During the course of a week about 50 students will hear leaders from Intel, health care, the Phoenix Suns front office, the trades, military and public safety.

The Semiconductor Technician Quick Start program can be completed at no cost to Arizona residents. Those meeting the eligibility will receive a $270 tuition stipend, fully covering Maricopa County resident tuition and partially covering non-resident tuition. According to CGCC, this stipend is awarded upon successfully completing the class and passing the NIMS Technician Certifi cation test. Students who do not pass the certifi cation test will be responsible for paying the $270 tuition.

How do you try and improve on a national award-winning event? Chandler is going bigger this year. “The event was so fun, and with that we didn’t skimp on entertainment,” Tapia said. “Everybody cannot wait to be involved this year, and we’re gonna try and make it better than ever.”

The training supports the renewed effort to grow the workforce needed to support the production of semiconductors and related technologies, preventing a large-scale shortage that could span Outlinedworldwide.intheCHIPS and Science Act signed by President Joe Biden in August directly impacts Intel, currently expanding its chip manufacturing plant in Chandler and adding 3,000 new jobs. And for those looking for a steady career, the job outlook is a good one. Arizona already leads the nation in pay for semiconductor processing technicians, with an average salary of nearly $30 per hour according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. There has been an immediate rush locally to sign up for the Semiconductor Technician Quick Start program, with a waitlist of over 300 at CGCC alone.“Fortunately, with the three MCCCD colleges offering multiple courses monthly at each location, the educational demand will continue to fit the need,” the spokeswoman said. As Arizona more fully develops into this new silicon desert, CGCC and its affi liates will make sure the community is ready for the technology career boom—with a monsoon of trained employees. offers program

chip

CONTIGO from page 8

If you go What: Chandler Contigo When: Sept. 15-Oct. 15 Where: Various locations Complete list of events at chandleraz.gov ones, such as book readings. Chandler Contigo will officially kick off at 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Chandler Community Center with live performances, food trucks, face paintings and more. The celebration at Galveston, which is the event that won the national award last year, is scheduled for 5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 30. There will be music, food, piñatas and Luchadores wrestling events throughout the month. There are also a few movies celebrating Latino culture, including “Coco” and “Encanto.”

SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF In an effort to provide the talent needed to keep production of semiconductor chips going, Chandler-Gilbert Community College is one of three colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District to offer a Semiconductor Technician Quick Start program. The in-person 10-day certifi cation course gives participants a chance to learn the skills needed to join the fast-growing industry in less than two weeks. Estrella Mountain Community College and Mesa Community College are offering the program as well, developed in partnership with major area employers, including Intel Corp. According to the Arizona Commerce Authority, “Arizona is the best state in the nation for entrepreneurship, innovation and emerging technology.”

Chandler-Gilbert Community College

9NEWSTHE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 ProudlyoverChandlerservingfor13years Dr. Sam Dominick Dental Care for the Entire Family State-of-the-Art Dental Office Digital X-rays HD DirecTV in Every Treatment Room Friendly Caring Staff V.A.M.C. Residency Trained 27 Years EmergenciesExperienceWelcome 290 W. Chandler Heights Rd., Suite #3 Chandler, AZ 85248 (Conveniently located across from the Post Office)mosaicdentistryaz.comPleasecallto schedule your 480-883-0222appointment The premier Gainswave provider in the Southeast Valley for Male Enhancement ED vote now Best Men’s Wellness Best Medical Practice Best Customer Service Best Plastic Surgeon-Body Improvement Dr. Dan Larke & Staff thank you for your votes and support www.THRIVEMED.com480-257-5022 1835 W. Chandler Blvd. Suite 202 • Chandler, AZ 85224 Vote for US! VOTE NOW! 2022 Chandler • Gilbert • Mesa

Gov. Doug Ducey capitalized on that sentiment with a five-day trip last month to the Republic of Korea and Taiwan for relationship building within the international technology industry. Last year, trade between Arizona and Taiwan equaled $1.92 billion and is only growing. “To say that this is important is an understatement,” a college spokeswoman said. “Semiconductors make the use of almost every piece of technology possible. Without continued production, there would be no smartphones, radios, TVs, computers, video games, or advanced medical diagnostic equipment, emphasizes the Semiconductor Industry Association. It’s exciting to think that Arizona is such a major part of that.”

DROUGHT

on conservation and be very mindful about water use, we always want to focus on outdoor water use. “Every drop that goes down a shower or toilet or a sink or a laundry, all of that water goes to our water. We recycle all of that water and we reuse all of Theit.”water is treated at one of three reclamation facilities the city operates. Some of that water is then used by commercial customers and not intend ed to drink. The rest goes into recharge stations to keep the city’s aquifer high. Any water that is pumped from wells is treated before it is distributed to residents.Kjolsrud said one of the best programs the city runs to conserve the precious resource is Water Wise, where city officials will come to your home, inspect it, and look for ways to save water.She said the conservation staff visits about 1,000 homes a year. Many times, Kjolsrud said, it could be a simple thing that saves a lot of water. For example, teaching a resident how to schedule their lawn sprinklers to go off in the middle of the night, instead of mid-afternoon when it’s hottest. She said those conservation efforts have paid off, with the city having conserved about 20% of its per capita water use. And she said that’s all residents, not just savings from switching from a primarily agricultural community to a residential one. “It’s something that we all need to be aware of and pay attention to and do everything we can to use water as efficiently as possible,” she said. “But we don’t need to lose sleep that there might not be water coming out of the tap.”

It converts to about 193 billion gallons. That’s how much Arizona is supposed to cut in the coming year, but it won’t impact Chandler too much, Kjolsrud said.“For Chandler, it represents a 3% reduction in our Colorado River supplies, which is less than a 1% reduction in our total supplies for the year. So it’s a small reduction for us in 2023,” he explained. Chandler is doing so well in managing its water resources, the city intends to submit its 100-year plan for water use a yearCitiesearly.that wish to continue new developments have to show they have secured enough water rights for the next 100 years to serve both the existing population and whatever new development they hope to pursue. They usually have to update this plan every 10 to 15 years. The authorization for the city’s current 100-year plan does not expire until Dec. 31, 2023, but they’re ready to submit their new plan now.“Yes, there’s a lot happening on the Colorado River,” Kjolsrud said. “And there’s a lot in the media and some of those headlines can be a little bit scary. “The thing to remember is that just because there is shortage on the Colorado River doesn’t mean there is a shortage at the tap. This is not a surprise. People who work in the field of water management have been expecting this for years, we’ve been preparing for it for decades.” There are a number of reasons why Chandler’s water supply is in good shape, she said.

10 NEWS THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022

SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

The latest evidence of continuing squabbling by the Colorado River basin states came last week when U.S. Rep Greg Stanton accused California of taking far more than its share of the river’s water. In a letter to California Gov. Gavin Newsome, the congressman, whose district includes Chandler, accused the state of “failing to do its part” to prevent the Colorado River system from reaching “dead pool” status – a level that leaves it useless for both usable water and power generation. Noting that the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner warned basin states they must conserve an additional 2 million-to-4-million-acre feet of water annually to protect Lakes Mead and Powell, Stanton told Newsome his state has failed on several fronts. He said that only California has “ignored this urgent call and failed to offer any significant contributions to protect the system to date,” but that it also “is doing the exact opposite of what is required by all of us.” Although California receives the largest allocation of Colorado River water, its “hydrologic region water use hasn’t gone down-but actually increased near ly 41 percent in April 2022 compared to April 2020,” Stanton wrote. “It is doing the exact opposite of what is required of all of us during the climate crisis-and its actions endanger the river and the 40 million people whose lives and livelihood depend on it,” Stanton said. He added that “California is also poised to not only use its entire water allocation in 2022 but withdraw additional water from Lake Mead above its allocation. In a time of historic drought, this is reckless and unacceptable.”

Stanton said saving the river system “requires such significant water reduc tions that the cuts necessary cannot possibly be borne by one or two states alone” and “will take shared sacrifice among us all.” There was no immediate response from Newsome’s office.

Stanton slams California’s river water greed

VACCINE from

from page 1

Simone Kjolsrud, Chandler’s water resource advisor, said the city is in good shape as far as its water supply is concerned and despite new cuts in Arizona’s share of Colorado River water. (David Minton/Arizonan Staff Photographer)

“People read that COVID vaccines might prevent half of cases,’’ Herrington said. “Flu might prevent 60%.’’ “But that measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, if you get both doses in the right sequence, timing I mean, it’s 97% effective,’’ he said. “And I think that’s going to have to be a lot of our messaging is that don’t associate all vaccines with that of the flu vaccine or with the COVID vaccine.’’ page 4

First, more than half the city gets its water from the Salt River Project, which relies on water from the Salt and Verde rivers. Those are in much better shape than the Colorado River. When asked why, Kjolsrud said she’s no hydrologist, but is told climate change is not impacting the central part of Arizona as severely as it is the Colorado River region. SRP serves most of the northern half of the city. Nearly a century ago, Chandler farmers agreed to use the mortgage on their homes to secure the loans needed to build the dams on the Salt and Verde rivers, Kjolsrud said. That act means they will always have rights to the water, even after those farms are long gone and housing developments have taken their place. However, it’s the reason many users in southern Chandler do not have access to SRP water and must rely the Colorado River. The farmers on their land, if there were any back then, did not agree to put their farms up as collateral so they have no rights to any of the SRP supply. Still, Chandler has secured enough water rights and filled up its own aquifer so it can pump water to overcome any shortages coming from the Colorado River, Kjolsrud said. “Chandler reuses 100% of every single drop of water that goes down the drain,” Kjolsrud said. “So that is one of the reasons why we really want, when we’re asking our community to focus

pediatrician says something, they believe it. It’s ‘the doctor recommended this, so this is what I’m going to do,’ ‘’ Humble said. And those with higher income and more“Youeducation?getpeople who think they know more than the doctor knows,’’ he said. “So I guess it’s hubris when you think you’re smarter than you really are about things and question the physician’s recommendations and therefore decide on your own not to vaccinate, either based on what your friends are saying in the friend group or what you’re reading on Facebook or whatever those sources of bad information are.’’ Herrington said he’s not prepared to have that fight again. “I think it really was like a line in the sand for some people,’’ he said of the reaction to the 2018 pilot program. “We meant it to be very informative ... so that we could inform people of the drastic consequences of not being vaccinated.’’Buthesaid that’s not the way it came across. “I think some folks felt that we were trying to scare people, which, of course, we weren’t,’’ Herrington said. So rather than push ahead, he said, “we just rethought it and discontinued it.’’ What’s left in his toolbox, he said, are press releases, blog posts and media interviews, all with the goal of explaining to people about the benefits of the MMR vaccine and why it’s not like others that some see no reason to take.

11THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 $25OFFREPAIRFREESERVICECALL ROC #223709 ROC #289252 | ItsJustPlumbSmart.com 480-405-7099Over 1,000 Five-Star Reviews PLUMBING & HVAC SERVICES • $99 Sewer Camera Inspection • $49 Seasonal A/C Tune-up! • 10% OFF Tankless Water Heaters • 3 Ton Trane A/C Unit only $5,995 • FREE Slab Leak Detection w/Repair • $500 OFF any Whole House Repipe Best PlumberAir Conditioning&Repair Home Services VOTE PLUMBSMART BEST OF THE BEST!

The $1.2 trillion bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, approved last fall, includes $50.9 million for leadpipe replacement in Arizona, as well as $13.6 million to address PFAS contamination in the state and $32.3 million for other projects. That’s on top of a $12 million base grant to the state from the Environmental Protection Agency. State offi cials welcomed the money, which they said is badly needed: They point to the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) of Arizona, which has received 34 applications from local governments around the state requesting more than $1.4 billion in water projects in the current fi scal year. Those projects represent “an order of magnitude higher than the currently available IIJA funding … and the needs are growing,” Caroline Oppleman, an Arizona Department of Environmental Quality spokesperson, said in an email.

Arizona getting a fraction of $1.4 billion in water infrastructure aid

But that’s just the fi rst year. Lindsey Jones, senior program administrator at WIFA, said in an email that the agency expects to use the entire $50.9 million in federal funding for lead-pipe projects as more communities submit proposals for the remainder of this fi scalArizonayear. has an estimated 12,000 lead pipes currently in service. But critics of This chart shows how states differ in terms of the estimated cost improvements to water service infrastructure but those estimates are likely far below the actual cost because they are made in 2015 dollars. (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

The remaining seven requests include three proposals to clean up perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance contamination – PFAS, so-called “forever chemicals” that the EPA last month proposed designating as hazardous substances. The chemical has been detected in wells around Luke and Davis-Monthan Air Force bases. The bulk of the state’s money is targeted to the remaining four projects, to inventory lead service lines in drinking water systems for possible replacement later in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson and Payson. Those will cost an estimated $31.9 million total, far less than the $50.9 million the state is set to receive.

Of the 34 projects requested, 27 are for general water infrastructure projects, such as building new water pump stations in Prescott, new wells in Bullhead City, connecting water systems in Twin Peaks and more. The estimated cost of the 27 proposals is $1.3 billion – for which the state expects to receive $44.9 million under the infrastructure bill.

12 NEWS THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 Keto Kitchen Confections is a sugar-free bakery located in Chandler, AZ. Order online at www.ketokitchenconfections.com Visit our store and snag some treats! 961 W. Ray Road Ste 4, Chandler, AZ 85225Have aHave 480-370-9531Textquestion?ausat ALL ITEMS ARE KETO, LOW CARB AND DIABETIC FRIENDLY. Family managed since 1981 NOT ALL POTTERY IS CREATED EQUAL 480-802-1309 SouthernChandler Mon.-Sat.9a.m.-5p.m.,Sun.11a.m.-5p.m.1/4MileS.ofChandlerHeightsRd.23843S.CooperRd. Delivery Available Hours: Open Daily 9:00 am - 5:00 pm CLOSED TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS LOWER PRICES, LARGEST SELECTION! OVERSIZEDSELECTIONHUGEOFPOTTERY!PETFRIENDLY! •MuchMore!•Indoor/Outdoor•MetalWallDecor•OversizedPottery•WroughtIron•Stoneware•Ceramics•BirdBaths•Benches•FountainsDecor

“We want them to move as quickly as possible because we don’t want to have any chance that they might miss the deadline for getting the formula right for the next allocation,” Roper said. That next round of funding would be for fi scal 2024, starting next July. The EPA did not respond to requests for comment on the NRDC report on the funding Opplemanformula.saidADEQ agrees that using the EPA survey to “distribute funds to the states in the defi ned categories misses the mark.” She suggested that funding be made more flexible for states to use as they need rather than directly linking it to specifi c projects, like lead-pipe replacement. She highlighted the fact that the $13.6 million designated for PFAS cleanup projects is nowhere near the $80.5 million requested. Oppleman said PFAS is “a far larger-scale concern in terms of a resource need for Arizona.”

CronkiteArizonaNewswill get $109.5 million from the federal infrastructure bill this year to improve water systems in the state –a fraction of the $1.4 billion list of needs state offi cials say they have. But even at that level some critics say Arizona is getting more than its fair share of its portion of the funds for lead-pipe replacement over other states with thousands more pipes to replace.

the EPA funding formula note that Arizona’s need is low when compared to states like Illinois, which has an estimated 679,292 lead service lines, and Ohio, which has about 650,000. Arizona is 10th-lowest among states for the number of pipes, according to a report by the Natural Resources Defense Council. But the NRDC notes that Illinois is scheduled to get $106.6 million for lead service line projects, a little more twice the allotment to Arizona, despite having 50 times as many problem pipes. NRDC senior policy advocate Cyndi Roper blamed the disparity on the use of a 2015 survey by the EPA that determined what each state needed to improve its water infrastructure. The survey is supposed to be updated every four years, but that update was delayed in 2019 and again in 2020 by the pandemic. Roper said the next round of distribution could be made more equitable if the EPA were to update the survey to better reflect the needs of each state.

BY RYAN KNAPPENBERGER

13THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 Or Go OnlineOr Go Online www.healthyhomeflooring.cowww.healthyhomeflooring.co * Must present coupon or ad at the time of initial appointment. Offers are first appointment incentives only and only good if both decision-makers are present. Cannot combine offers. Dustless tile removal does not actually mean no dust, rather a lot less dust and still a construction site and will need professional cleaning. $9 a day based on 36-month financing including basic installation and product with 1000sf or less, and room size 12x15. Rooms greater in size or using upgraded flooring will add additional monthly costs. Does not include stairs or rip up. Financing is based on approved credit. $5,500 min purchase for free air duct cleaning. Free home disinfectant service makes no claims to kill COVID-19 or prevent it. FREE Air Duct Cleaning* Shop At Home Next Day Installation Lifetime Labor Warranty Exclusive installationcustomertracking portal Dustless Tile Removal* Free Home Disinfectant* PetFlooringProofExpiresOctober1st,2022 $750 OFF$750COUPON**OFF Flooring BundleDiscountSavings When you purchase both carpet& any hard surface together Expires October 1st, 2022 $1,500$1,500COUPONOFFOFF** $3for Onlyfor Only a Day!a Day! Get WHOLE HOME of flooring Get WHOLE HOME of flooringVinyl LaminatePlank Wood CarpetTile TileLaminate Call 623-244-8260623-244-8260NOW!CallNOW! 2 weeks only or until supplies last. % ALL NEW FLOORING*OFF 78 Up to 12 YEARSUp to 12 YEARS low monthly payments*low monthly payments* FREE Air Duct Cleaning* Shop At Home Next Day Installation Lifetime Labor Warranty Exclusive installationcustomertracking portal Dustless Tile Removal* Free Home Disinfectant* Reviews ROC328401

Sun Lakes

BY DR. HONORA NORTON Guest Writer

Val and Bill Crump recently gave an overview of the Club’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library Project. (Dr. Honora Norton) Sun Lakes Rotarians seek help on book project Contact Paul Maryniak atCP lM ik ontactPaulMaryniaktPaulMaryniak y 480480-898-56478985647 or ororpmaryniak@timespublicationspmaryniak@timespublications.comik@ibliicompmaryniak@timespublications.compypNeNews?GGoGotGottot?s?ws?ewsNewsNewNeNGotGtoGotws? Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@TimesLocalMedia.com

14 NEWS THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 The All New 2023 Line up! www.A1GolfCarts.com Liberty Express S2 Express S4Valor RXV ELiTEOAC SALES • PARTS • SERVICE WE SERVICE WHAT WE SELL Ask About The Industries Leading Lithium Battery Packby Samsung. YearStandardStandardSamsung.88Warranty! WELCOME!!Trade-In’s

RCSL will be happy with any donation, but just think, for only $150 you would be sponsoring a child to receive a book a month from birth to five years old. For more information, call 480-593-5377. For more information about the RCSL projects, programs, and membership - see sunlakesrotary.com. The late Don Prestin was named Rotary Club of Sun Lakes September Rotarian of the month. Don, who passed away in August, joined RCSL in November 2007 and served as treasurer for eight years. He also served on club’s golf committee, Polio Plus Board, Sun Lakes Easter Parade Committee, and was the 2015-16 RCSL Rotarian of the Year Award. A RI Paul Harris Fellow and major donor with special support directed towards Rotary International’s PolioPlus, Don was a United Airline pilot for 37 years. He is survived by his wife Jan and his daughters Karina and Kimberly. Rotarians

At a recent meeting Sun Lakes residents and Rotarians Val and Bill Crump provided an update on the club’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library Project. Currently 603 children participate in the book-gifting program. The club pays about $2.50 per book for the costs involved for gifting eligible children an age-appropriate book a month sent directly to the child from the Dollywood Foundation.Thebenefits to this early-childhood educational opportunity to children is immeasurable. As a requirement to become an affi liate of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Sun Lakes Rotary was required to identify the specifi c area and only enroll children between the ages of 0 to 5. The club’s Imagination Library Committee, decided on the Town of Guadalupe, based on its size and obviousTheneed.RCSL Imagination Library Committee is looking to expand to other communities and looking for partners. RCSL is asking for your help if you believe in and have a passion for early childhood development. You can do something positive while knowing your donation will be vetted and used properly while also having a tax deduction. Your donation will be used almost exclusively for books and postage to deliver the books to the children’s homes.

is a

Aspen Medical will be offering this free chronic pain and neuropathy severity evaluation will be available until October 31st, 2022. Call (480) 274-3157 to make an Dueappointment.toourvery busy office schedule, we are limiting this offer to the first 10 callers. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER ANOTHER MINUTE, CALL (480) 274-3157… WeNOW!!are extremely busy, so we are unavailable, please leave a voice message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Theeffects.only way to effectively treat chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is by targeting the source, which is the result of nerve damage owing to inadequate blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. This often causes weakness, numbness,balance problems. A lack of nutrients causes the nerves degenerate – an insidious As displayed in figure 1 above, the nerves are surrounded by diseased, withered blood vessels. A lack of sufficient nutrients means the nerves slowly die. This leads to those painful and frustrating consequences we were talking about earlier, like weakness, numbness, tingling, balance issues, and perhaps even a burning sensation. The drugs your doctor might prescribe will temporarily conceal the problems, putting a “Band-Aid” over a situation that will only continue to deteriorate without further Thankfully,action.

THIS TREATMENT IS COVERED BY MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND INSURANCES!!MOST Depending

Mesa is the birthplace of a brandfacility that sheds new problemlight of neuropathy and pain. The company trailblazing the medical industry by replacing symptomaticoutdated reprieves with an advanced that targets the root of problem at hand.

Effective neuropathy treatment relies on the following three 1. Finding the underlying cause 2. Determining the extent of the nerve damage (above 95% nerve loss is rarely treatable) 3. The amount of treatment required for the patient’s unique condition Aspen Medical in Mesa AZ uses a state-of-the-art electric cell signaling systems worth $100,000.00. Th is ground-breaking treatment is engineered to achieve the following, accompanied by advanced diagnostics and a basic skin biopsy to accurately analyze results: 1. Increases blood flow Stimulates and strengthens small fiber nerves 3. Improves brain-based pain works by energy to the at varying wavelengths, from low- to middle-frequency signals, while also using Amplitude Modulated (AM) and Frequency Modulated (FM) signaling It’s completely painless!

Thankfully, Mesa is the birthplace of a brand-new facility that sheds new light on this pressing problem of peripheral neuropathy and chronic pain. The company is trailblazing the medical industry by replacing outdated drugs and symptomatic reprieves with an advanced machine that targets the root of the problem at Effectivehand. neuropathy treatment relies on the following 1. Finding the underlying tent ofthe nerve damage trequired for the patient’s Aspen Medical in Mesa, AZ uses a state-of-the-art electric cell signaling systems worth $100,000.00. This ground-breaking treatment is engineered to achieve the following, accompanied by advanced diagnostics and a basic skin biopsy to accurately analyze results: 1. Increases blood flow 2. Stimulates and strengthenssmall fiber nerves 3. Improves brain-based painThe treatment works by delivering energy to the affected area(s) at varying wavelengths, from low- to middle-frequency signals, while also using Amplitude Modulated (AM) and Frequency Modulated (FM) signaling. It’s completely painless!

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN TREATMENTS NOT WORKING!!

Effective neuropathy treatment relies on the following three factors:

*this paid Mesa, AZ – When it comes to chronic pain and/or neuropathy, the most common situationputtingrarilymightThesation.perhapstingling,er,wefrustratingleadsandthesufficienteredroundedabove,AsandtonutrientsancebloodagetargetingperipheraltreatTheeffects.andsometimesofdrugstheandaspurelylikeorlemandbapentin,treatmentdoctor-prescribedisdrugslikeGa-Lyrica,Cymbalta,Neurontin.Theprob-withanti-depressantsanti-seizuremedicationstheseisthattheyoffersymptomaticrelief,opposedtotargetingtreatingtherootofproblem.Worse,theseoftentriggeranonsetuncomfortable,painful,harmfulsideonlywaytoeffectivelychronicpainand/orneuropathyisbythesource,whichowingtoinadequateflowtothenervesinproblems.Alackofcausesthenervesdegenerate–aninsidiousoftenpainfulprocess.displayedinfigure1thenervesaresur-bydiseased,with-bloodvessels.Alackofnutrientsmeansnervescannotsurvive,thus,slowlydie.Thistothosepainfulandconsequencesweretalkingaboutearli-likeweakness,numbness,balanceissues,andevenaburningsen-drugsyourdoctorprescribewilltempo-concealtheproblems,a“Band-Aid”overathatwillonlycontinue to deteriorate without further action.

3. The amount of treatment required for the patient’s unique condition Aspen Medical in Mesa, AZ uses a state-of-the-art electric cell signaling systems worth $100,000.00. Th is ground-breaking treatment is engineered to achieve the following, accompanied by advanced diagnostics and a basic skin biopsy to accurately analyze results: 1. Increases blood flow 2. Stimulates and strengthens small fiber nerves 3. Improves brain-based pain

comes to chronic pain and/ or neuropathy, the most common doctor-prescribed treatment is drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin. The problem with antidepressants or anti-seizure medications like these is that they offer purely symptomatic relief, as opposed to targeting and treating the root of the problem. Worse, these drugs often trigger an onset of uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes harmful side

required varies from patient to patient, and can only be determined following an in-depth neurological and vascular examination. As long as you have less than 95% nerve damage, there is hope! Aspen Medical begins by analyzing the extent of the nerve damage –a complimentary service for your friends and family. Each exam comprises a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive vascular comprehensivetesting,analysis of findings.

The problem with antidepressants or anti-seizure medications like these is that they offer purely symptomatic relief, as opposed to targeting and treating the root of the problem. Worse, these drugs often trigger an onset of uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes harmful side Theeffects.only way to effectively chronic pain and/or neuropathy is by source, which of nerve damage owing to inadequate blood flow to nerves in the hands and feet. This often causes weakness, numbness,balance problems. A lack of nutrients causes the nerves degenerate – an insidious As displayed in figure 1 above, the nerves are surrounded by diseased, withered blood vessels. A lack of sufficient nutrients means the nerves cannot survive, and thus, slowly die. This leads to those painful and frustrating consequences we were talking about earlier, like weakness, numbness, tingling, balance issues, and perhaps even a burning sensation.

Aspen 4540E.MedicalBaseline Rd.,Suite 119 Mesa, AZ, 85206 *(480) 274-3157*

Depending on your coverage, your peripheral neuropathy treatment could cost almost nothing – or be absolutely free. The number of treatments required varies from patient to patient, and can only be determined following an in-depth neurological and vascular examination. As long as you have less than 95% nerve damage, there is hope!

Aspen Medical the extent a complimentary service for your friends and family. Each comprises a detailed evaluation, extensive vascular comprehensivetesting,analysis of findings. Aspen Medical free 202availableseveritychronicuntil 2 make an Due to our very busy office schedule, to the first 10c allers HAVE TO SUFFER MINUTE, CALL WNOW!!eare extremely busy, so we messageunavailable, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Aspen 4540E.MedicalBaseline Rd.,Suite 119 Mesa, AZ, 85206 *(480) 274-3157*

Aspen Medical free 202availableseveritychronicuntil 2 make an appointment Due to our very busy office schedule, to the first 10c allers HAVE TO SUFFER MINUTE, CALL WNOW!!eare extremely busy, so we messageunavailable, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Aspen 4540E.MedicalBaseline Rd.,Suite 119 Mesa, AZ, 85206 *(480) 274-3157* • Minimal Recovery Time Performed By A Physician • Call today: www.OptimaVeinCare.com480-496-2696| WWW.REACTEVATE.COM Non-Surgical Treatment of Varicose & Spider Veins OVER 25,000 PATIENTS TREATED SINCE 2005 Love Your Legs... Again! Covered by Most Insurance and Medicare/AHCCCS Se habla Español Now Offering Hormone Replacement Therapy for MENOPAUSE & ANDROPAUSE Paul Sos, MD, RVT •American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine Robert Stoffey, DO, RVT, RPHS, RVS •American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine •American Board of Radiology Dr. Frank Bonavita, MD • American Board of Internal Medicine •Fellow of the American College of Cardiology Chandler Medical Office Building 485 South Dobson Rd. Suite103, Chandler, AZ 480-899-893085224 EstrellaPlazaMedicalI 9305 W. Thomas Rd. Suite 490, Phoenix, AZ 480-496-265385037 Center 8575 E. Princess Dr. Suite 117, Scottsdale, AZ 480-496-269685255 Stunning Results! • In Office Procedures • Minimal Recovery Time • Performed By A Physician • Free Screenings Available Call today: 480-496-2696 Non-Surgical Treatment of Varicose & Spider Veins OVER 25,000 PATIENTS TREATED SINCE 2005 Love Your Legs... Again! Covered by Most Insurance and Medicare/AHCCCS Se habla Español Now Offering Hormone Replacement Therapy for MENOPAUSE & ANDROPAUSE Paul Sos, MD, RVT •American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine Robert Stoffey, DO, RVT, RPHS, RVS •American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine •American Board of Radiology Dr. Frank Bonavita, MD • American Board of Internal Medicine •Fellow of the American College of Cardiology Chandler Medical Office Building 485 South Dobson Rd. Suite103, Chandler, AZ 480-899-893085224 EstrellaPlazaMedicalI 9305 W. Thomas Rd. Suite 490, Phoenix, AZ 480-496-265385037 PrincessCenterMedical 8575 E. Princess Dr. Suite 117, Scottsdale, AZ 480-496-269685255 Have You Met Your Deductible? Call us Today!

Effective neuropathy treatment relies on the following three factors:

Depending on your coverage, your peripheral neuropathy treatment could cost almost nothing – or be absolutely free.

The treatment works by delivering energy to the affected area(s) at varying wavelengths, from low- to middle-frequency signals, while also using Amplitude Modulated (AM) and Frequency Modulated (FM) signaling It’s completely painless!

Mesa, AZ – When it comes to chronic pain and/ or neuropathy, the most common doctor-prescribed treatment is drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin.

THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT THIS TREATMENT IS COVERED BY MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND INSURANCES!!MOST

The drugs your doctor might prescribe will temporarily conceal the problems, putting a “Band-Aid” over a situation that will only continue to deteriorate without further Thankfully,action.

THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT THIS TREATMENT IS COVERED BY MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND INSURANCES!!MOST

PERIPHERALWARNING!NEUROPATHY AND

THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT on your peripheral neuropathy treatment could cost almost nothing – or be absolutely free.

CHRONIC PAIN TREATMENTS NOT WORKING!!

Aspen Medical 4540 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 119 Mesa, AZ, 85206 *(480) 274-3157* 480-274-3157 4540 E Baseline Rd., Suite 119 Mesa Az 85206

The number of treatments required varies from patient to patient, and can only be determined following an in-depth neurological and vascular examination. As long as you have less than 95% nerve damage, there is Aspenhope! Medical begins by analyzing the extent of the nerve damage – a complimentary service for your friends and family. Each exam comprises a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and comprehensive analysis of neuropathy findings.

Mesa is the birthplace of a brandnew facility that sheds new light on this pressing problem of peripheral neuropathy and chronic pain. The company is trailblazing the medical industry by replacing outdated drugs and symptomatic reprieves with an advanced machine that targets the root of the problem at hand.

Mesa, AZ – When it comes to chronic pain and/ or neuropathy, the most common doctor-prescribed treatment is drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin. The problem with antidepressants or anti-seizure medications like these is that they offer purely symptomatic relief, as opposed to targeting and treating the root of the problem. Worse, these drugs often trigger an onset of uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes harmful side Theeffects.only way to effectively targetingperipheraltreat the is the result damage owing to inadequate blood flow to weakness,feet.the numbness, tingling, pain, and problems. A lack of nutrients causes the nerves to degenerate – an insidious and often painful process. As displayed in figure 1 above, the nerves are surrounded by diseased, withered blood vessels. A lack of sufficient nutrients means the nerves cannot survive, and thus, slowly die. This leads to those painful and frustrating consequences we were talking about earlier, like weakness, numbness, tingling, balance issues, and perhaps even a burning sensation.

advertisement*

The drugs your doctor might prescribe will temporarily conceal the problems, putting a “Band-Aid” over a situation that will only continue to deteriorate without further Thankfully,action.

Aspen Medical will be offering this free chronic pain and neuropathy severity evaluation will be available until October31st 2022. Call (480) 274 3157 to make an appointment Due to our very busy office schedule, we are limiting this offer to the first 10c allers. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER ANOTHER MINUTE, CALL (480) 274 3157 WNOW!!eare extremely busy, so we are unavailable, please leave avoice message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT THIS TREATMENT IS COVERED BY MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND INSURANCES!!MOST Depending on your coverage, your peripheral neuropathy treatment could cost almost nothing – or be absolutely free.

1. Finding the underlying cause 2. Determining the extent of the nerve damage (above 95% nerve loss is rarely treatable) 3. The amount of treatment required for the patient’s unique condition Aspen Medical in Mesa, AZ uses a state-of-the-art electric cell signaling systems worth $100,000.00. Th is ground-breaking treatment is engineered to achieve the following, accompanied by advanced diagnostics and a basic skin biopsy to accurately analyze results: 1. Increases blood flow 2. Stimulates and strengthens small fiber nerves 3. Improves brain-based pain The treatment works by delivering energy to the affected area(s) at varying wavelengths, from low- to middle-frequency signals, while also using Amplitude Modulated (AM) and Frequency Modulated (FM) signaling. It’s completely painless!

your coverage,

The number of treatments required varies from patient to patient, and can only be determined following an in-depth neurological and vascular examination. As long you have less than 95% nerve damage, there is hope!

2. Determining the extent of the nerve damage (above 95% nerve loss is rarely treatable)

15THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022

Aspen Medical begins by analyzing the extent of the nerve damage –a complimentary service for your friends and family. Each exam comprises a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and comprehensive analysis of neuropathy findings.

“I’ve been trying to push for the district to have an evidence-based, community-based program that’s com prehensive that includes community supports and ties to nonprofits and to our faith-based organizations that also have counseling supports,” she said.

The success of the program is tied to the ability of teachers to form trusting relationships with students, leading to an environment of “highly engaged learning,” Williams said. “Our staff provides oppor tunities for students to learn and demon strate their leadership skills. Earning this certification is the ultimate reward.”

There is a leadership model which recognized schools where the staff engages in ongoing development of leaders, and leadership principles are effectively taught to ALL students.

CUSD school in QC recognized for leadership Do you have an interesting story? Contact Paul Maryniak: pmaryniak@TimesLocalMedia.com Vote for us for Best Non-Profit In this year’sBest of the Best! Vote for US! VOTE NOW! 2022 Chandler • Gilbert Mesa Children’s Cancer Network is a Qualified Charitable Organization for the Arizona Tax Credit. childrenscancernetwork.org 150 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite 1 • Chandler, AZ 85226 Phone: 480-398-1564 • Email: childrenscancernetwork.orginfo@childrenscancernetwork.org BESTOF 2021

CUSD DEBATE from page 1

16 NEWS THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 the failure of recognizing the need our students have had in catching up emotionally.”Charlotte Golla said the district needs to expand what it’s already doing to include more parts of the city, such as its school-based family resource CARE“WeCenter.havea lot of current programs that are fantastic and working,” Golla said. “So especially those in partnership with the CARE Center, I would want to look to create more regional programming for the southern part of our district as well. So ideally, we could look to work with other nonprofit agencies, like ICANN community bridges, Not My Kid or Teen Lifeline to partner and offer a satellite center similar to the CARE Center.”Marilou Estes says she’s seen progress in what the district has done to tackle the crisis. “I believe CUSD is on a path to im prove support for mental health for the many needs of CUSD students, but it is a long and winding road and CUSD has yet to complete the journey,” Estes said. “Over the past five years CUSD has committed to improving mental health support to train professionals, as evidenced by the commitment of $5 million set aside for student health services. These funds employ 92 coun selors and 21 social workers.” Lara Bruner, who is seeking her second term on the governing board, called the topic important to her.

Charlotte GollaMarilou EstesKurt RohrsLara Bruner

The award certificate indicates that Auxier has “produced outstanding results in school and student outcomes, by implementing the process with fidelity and excellence.”

WhereWriterare the leaders of tomorrow beingThedeveloped?naturalplace to look would be the elementary school, yet so many schools are devoted to improving academic achievement and there are few true lead ership programs at the elementary level.

A school that meets these criteria is designated a Lighthouse School, the highest level of recognition for a school leadership program. Only eight schools across Arizona have received the Lighthouse School certificate, and only one is in the Chandler Unified School District: Auxier Elementary in Queen Creek.

A foundation of the Lighthouse School Designation is school staff and parents partner to learn about the “7 Habits” (see franklincovey.com).

Students participate in leadership roles within their classrooms, and there are student action teams where they practice public speaking, fulfill roles as school tour leaders, are greeters of guests and lead school assemblies. Students develop responsibility for their own learning, assessing needs, setting goals, and executing action plans to meet those needs. They track growth toward stated goals in a leadership notebook, and share the notebooks with adults in conferences which are led by students.

BY MURRAY SIEGEL Guest

The success of the school’s leadership program is led by the Lighthouse Com mittee which consists of Principal. Jamie Williams, and teacher leads Stephanie Moore and Hannah Housmyer. School staff meetings are used to motivate all staff to “engage in ongoing learning and develop as leaders, while championing leadership for the school.”

“We need to expand our student clubs. They just started in the last couple of years and we need to make sure junior high kids have opportunities with that as well.” The first question of the night was what to do about the teacher and staff shortage.Gollasuggested changing the pay structure to recognize that teachers are often doing more than they were in previous years while Estes says CUSD needs to find out why teachers and staff are leaving and then address those issues.Bruner said the district has to look at compensation first, but added teachers need the proper level of support in the classroom to do their jobs. Serrano said they must have an open dialogue with current teachers to ensure there is a strong work environment and all employees feel valued and respected.Rohrssaid he wants to understand why employees are leaving the district so he would know how to solve the problem. He said he doesn’t think it’s always about money, but it may have something to do with conditions in the classroom.Fourofthe five candidates said they would advocate for an end to the aggregate expenditure limit that would put a severe cap on spending by the state’s school districts unless the Legis lature overrides it. But Rohrs said says it was a taxpayer protection initiative and he would handle it differently. Instead of pushing for a repeal, he would push to change the funding formulas, which he called very complicated.Allfivecandidates admitted the high cost of housing in Chandler was contributing to the difficulty in recruiting teachers and staff. And they all promised that if they are elected, they would commit to meeting within a month of election day with CEA leadership to discuss the issues in the district.

Patti Serrano

17THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 PARKWAY BANK What A Community Bank Should Be. • Cave Creek: 6300 E. Cave Creek Rd. • Phoenix: 4731 E. Union Hills Dr. • Chandler: 920 E. Riggs Rd. • Peoria: 7581 W. Thunderbird Rd. • Gilbert: 1417 W. Elliot Rd. • Scottsdale: 9336 E. Raintree Dr. • Paradise Vly/Phoenix: 11011 N. Tatum Blvd. • Surprise: 15413 W. Bell Rd. *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 08/15/22 and may be cancelled at any time without notice. Minimum investment to open the account and obtain the stated APY is $1,000. A penalty applies for early withdrawal. Interest is compounded daily and paid annually. If the CD is not redeemed at maturity it will automatically roll into a 12-month CD at the then current rate. IRAs and commercial accounts are not eligible. Please see a Personal Banker for details. Member FDIC · Tax Advisor/Financial Educator/Author ·40+ Years Experience DR. HAROLD WONG WHEN/WHERE Saturday, September 24, 2022 10am - 12pm Seminar / 12:15pm - 1:30 FREE Lunch Hyatt Place Chandler 3535 W Chandler Blvd / Chandler 85226 RISING INFLATION IS THE “TOP PROBLEM” FACING AMERICANS TODAY. Increasing food costs, pain at the gas pump and poor investment returns are causing panic and depression for many. Stop feeling helpless to do anything about it. This seminar will deliver important and effective options for reducing your taxes and fighting back against the rising costs draining your budget. Learn about: • Why Inflation is American's #1 concern • How continued high inflation can kill your retirement • Ways to Double your Social Security and retirement income • Tax saving strategies that can help you retire 5-15+ years earlier • Which solar business leasing program returns 10-14% income for 10 years • Why solar powered reefers are today’s most powerful tax-savings strategy • How the solar reefer leasing program is safer than stocks or real estate BEATFREESEMINARINFLATIONBYSAVINGTAXES&INCREASINGINCOMEDrHaroldWong.com|480.706.0177|harold_wong@hotmail.comRESERVEYOURSEATTODAY! ONLINE AT: DRHAROLDWONG.COM/EVENTS

DRESSCODE from page 1 I believe that the dress code includes exclusion and andunjustenforcesstandardsemphasisonaspeciﬁcgender. – Hannah deGraft Johnson

”

for how they dress.

Stephanie Ingersoll, district executive director for marketing and communications, said Santan is following policy. “All CUSD schools follow a governing board-approved dress code policy, which applies to all students,” she said. Hannah, 13, said the big issue for her is not necessarily the dress code, but a culture that blames girls for sexual harassment.

“

I feel like I want more awareness about sexual assault, and rape, because I think that is

Here are main dress code violations listed on the Santan Junior HighClothingwebsite:or hairstyles that are detrimental to one’s health and safety or the health and safety of others are not permitted. Clothing shall be modest, clean and appropriate for school wear. Students shall not wear: tank tops, halter tops, garments with spaghetti straps, strapless garments. Garments that are seethrough, cut low, or expose one’s midriff are not acceptable. No sleeveless garments which expose undergarments. Clothing must cover the entire buttocks and extend to a reasonable length to ensure modesty. No hats, visors, bandanas, hairnets, and other hair coverings on campus.Sunglasses and earpods must be removed before coming into the classroom and buildings. For student safety, no house slippers should be worn to school. Chains, hanging belts, and spiked bracelets/necklaces/earrings are not allowed on campus.

on sexual

“Now

awareness

instead of blaming

provide training harassment girls

18 NEWS THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 tune up your smile with the doc that rocks! Vote us BEST DENTIST great DENTISTry. that ,s how we 480.899.4477roll.chandler,az BESTOF 2021 Vote for US! VOTE NOW! 2022 Chandler Gilbert • Mesa BESTOF 2022 Launch Successful Startups 321TRACK Validate Your Idea Have an innovative idea for a product or service? Let’s make it happen. Have an innovative idea for a product or service? Let’s make it happen. Apply Now: InnovationsIncubator.com Grow Your Business Build and LaunchTRACKTRACK HOW WE HELP...

not talked about enough and that people go through stuff, but they’re either too scared to speak out, or they don’t really know what’s going on,” Hannah said. This activism is not a surprise to Hannah’s father. “She’s a little bit of a different kid,” Joseph deGraft-Johnson said. “She’s very strong willed. And so when she has her mind made up, she goes for it.” Hannah said she decided to bring this issue up when talking to some friends who planned to speak about mental health.

dressStudentcode

Santan Junior High student Hannah deGraft-Johnson has taken on her school dress code, calling it sexist. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

“The whole tank tops thing, because it’s Arizona, and it’s hot,” Hannah said. “So I always thought that was not a good thing to put on the dress code. But then when … my vice principal said during the meeting that the dress code is because we’re teenagers, and we have increased hormones... So he said that it is just to protect us. And I was like, that’s really the wrong and like, weird thing to say.” She’s not confi dent her speaking up will change anything, even after a positive meeting with Ken James. “I heard a lot of times that they don’t like talking about it,” Hannah said. “So, I think that because they don’t like talking about it and they’re uncomfortable about it, they don’t want to change it. Because that creates talk.”

19THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 Because we're nota bank. BANKS OWN YOU. YOU OWN US.® Not a bank credit card. Being a Member-Owner has its rewards. Get up to 5% cash back1 with the Connect Rewards Visa Signature. Card type and APR is based on creditworthiness. 1Capped at $1,500 spent in qualifying purchases quarterly in the category of your choice. 3% back on gasoline, 2% back on groceries, 1% on all other purchases. Cash Back rewards are tracked as points and each $1 in Cash Back rewards earned is equal to 100 points. Points can be redeemed for cash back, merchandise, gift cards, travel, and charitable donations. See Vantage West Rewards terms and conditions for details and restrictions of the program. Subject to approval. Certain restrictions may apply. Subject to change without notice.

See MAUSOLEUM

He created that long dream of cemetery, San Tan Memorial Gardens at Schnepf Farms, on 7 acres of land at the southeast corner of the 5,000-acre farm. “We have just under 1,500 burials already within the cemetery,” said Memorial Gardens director Dillon Benavides. “We’ve been doing burials since 2013. And room for many more. There are broad swaths of well-manicured, bright green grass, bookended with park benches, all under a canopy of mature trees. With that phase of the cemetery complete, and a shifting trend away from in-ground burial, Schnepf has created a partnership with private individuals as well as Gateway Bank. They have donated $2 million to break ground on phase two of the cemetery, the Mausoleum at San Tan Memorial Gardens at Schnepf Farms, billed as the fi rst free-standing structure of its kind built in the Southeast Valley.“Some families may be uncomfortable with in-ground burials. Other families just like the aesthetics,” Benevides said. “Or, especially with cremation on the

QC agritainment center building mausoleum on page 23

BY MARK MORAN StaffSchnepfWriter Farms, a Queen Creek venue known for farm-themes weddings, pumpkin festivals, giant hay mazes, fresh peaches and other family-friendly events might seem like an unusual place to think about actually burying your loved“Weones.are not known for the cemetery necessarily; we are known for our agritainment,” said owner Mark Schnepf. “Some people thought ‘gosh why are you building a cemetery?’” “This has been in the works for many years,” Schnepf said, explaining that his father envisioned a cemetery for Queen Creek as far back as the 1970s but “never got it done.” And as land became more and more valuable in Queen Creek, the younger Schnepf and his wife Carrie realized that no one would ever build a cemetery when land could be sold, subdivided and sold off to the highest bidder, usually home builders. Being among the largest landowners in the state, Schnepf had the luxury of doing something for the community and his descendants – and not for the quick“Thebuck.thing is that every community needs a really good, beautiful place to place their loved ones that have passed,” Schnepf said. “A place that’s close. A place that’s affordable. A place that is beautiful, and peaceful and safe. “So, that’s what Carrie and I have created here at this corner of Schnepf Farms.”Schnepf’s story is personal. Because his father wasn’t able to see his vision come to fruition and get a cemetery constructed in Queen Creek, his parents are buried in Mesa. As a result, Schnepf doesn’t visit their grave sites as often as he would like. So in 2013, Schnepf fi nally acted on what he thought was a glaring need for the people of Queen Creek.

Schnepf Farms owner Mark Schnepf last week presided over the groundbreaking for San Tan Memorial Gardens at Schnepf Farms, on 7 acres of land at the southeast corner of the 5,000-acre farm. The farm already has a cemetery with more than 1,500 interments. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

20 NEWS THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 2058 S Dobson Rd. Ste 9, Mesa, Az 85202 480.456.0176 • fynesaudiology.com AUDIOLOGIST!BEST VOTE FOR US FOR BEST AUDIOLOGY IN THIS YEAR’S BEST OF THE BEST! Vote for US! VOTE NOW! 2022 Chandler Gilbert Mesa BESTOF 2022 BESTOF 2022 The Maricopa County Elections Department is working together with your community to ensure secure, transparent and accurate elections. We all play a role— you Ballot Ready? BE BALLOT READY FOR THE NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION are Learn more at: BROUGHT TO YOU BY: FOR VOICE INFO, CALL 602-506-1511 Gain Hands-on Experience by Working Elections Register to Vote by Oct. 11 Check your voter information Text “JOIN” to 628-683 for ballot updates MCRO-00095 - Creative - November General Election - July 2022 - 4.9x6.indd 5 9/6/22 9:34 AM

The conference rooms are separated from the rest of the space by partially frosted glass, giving them a bright, airy, cheerful look.

21NEWSTHE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 Expires 09/30/22

Behavioral health center opens in Chandler

“Our new space was intentionally designed to be a purposeful celebration of our culture and values,” said Alex Stavros, Embark CEO. “The feel is a cheerful one representing the hope our programs provide struggling families, and the joy and healing we ultimately look to Brightcreate.”popsof color in the paint, wall signage showcasing the company’s culture, and furniture pieces were integrated into the office design to help resemble Embark’s growing mental health care programs. Bright yellow, orange, blue, and green colors line the walls, with large screens playing client testimonials, high lights of Embark’s therapy programs, and inspiring messages congratulating employees on milestones and welcoming new Multiplehires.lounge areas, complete with couches and ottomans, offer seating spaces and the open floor plan also in cludes a full-service kitchen with a coffee bar, a snack bar, and a variety of beverag es for Embark employees and visitors.

SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF Embark Behavioral Health, a network of mental health treatment programs for youths and their families, recently moved its support office to a 24,000-square-foot office space in Chandler.Thecompany hired interior architecture firm PHX Design One “to implement the vision it had for the office: a colorful space that mimics the warm welcome that Embark’s dozens of treatment programs provide families across the country,” according to an announcement.Locatedinside the 250,000-squarefoot Chandler Viridian building, the new office houses departments that sup port and serve Embark’s mental health treatment programs across the country.

“Embark’s office design was very much driven by the company’s core purpose, which is to create joy and heal generations,” said Avalyn Zizzo, senior designer at PHX Design One. “Embark wanted potential visitors and teammates to feel an immediate sense of belonging once they entered the space.

Debuting two monthly podcasts that provide expert interviews, advice, and tips on how to navigate mental health issues facing teens and young adults.

“Roadmap to Joy” and “Embark Sessions” are available on the Embark website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Information: embarkbh.com.

“The color palette used throughout, including in the vibrant accents, matches Embark’s company logo, and the oak wood tones add warmth to the space. This project is a shining example of expressing a company’s brand, culture, and vision in its space.”

The new office space has 43 private offices as well as six conference rooms.

The company recently launched the Embark Behavioral Health Foundation with a mission to raise awareness of the youth mental health crisis, end the stigma around mental illness, and drive more access to high-quality services.

Embark Behavorial Health’s new support building in the Veridian complex in Chandler sports bright yellow, orange, blue, and green colors, large screens playing client testimonials, highlights of Embark’s therapy programs, and inspiring messages congratulating employees on milestones and welcoming new hires. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

The foundation will also provide a scholarship fund to help adolescents, young adults, and their families participating in mental health services pay for private pay programs, insurance copays, premiums, and general fees.

Sonoran Sunset Series brings music to Veterans Oasis Park Live music will fi ll the Veterans Oasis Park’s amphitheater for the annual Sonoran Sunset Series on the third Thursday of the month beginning Oct. 20 and running through March.

“We are pleased that NASA selected Microchip as its partner to develop the next-generation space-qualifi ed compute processor platform,” said Babak Samimi, corporate vice president for Microchip’s Communications business unit. “We are making a joint investment with NASA on a new trusted and transformative computer platform. It will deliver comprehensive Ethernet networking, advanced artifi cial intelligence/machine learning processing and connectivity support while offering unprecedented performance gain, fault-tolerance, and security architecture at low power consumption.”

Jennifer Pawlik for Arizona State House | District 13

& putting people over politics.

Information: 480-782-2890.

Paid for by Opportunity Arizona. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

Working for our public schools, protecting women’s rights

Jennifer PawlikJennifer for Arizona State House | District 13

The Downtown Chandler Farmers Market will start its weekly Saturday presence Oct. 1 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West, 3 S. Arizona Ave. More than 40 vendors will be selling fresh produce, gourmet foods and unique artisan creations. Some of the returning favorites include Amadio Farms, Bad Dog Salsa, Black Orchard Farm, Copper Crescent Botanicals, Doctor Hummus, Little Mallow Farm, Original Elderberry, Red Dirt Flowers, Noble Bread and Ava’s Kettle Corn.

Additionally, Yoga at the Market is at 10 a.m. with a 45-minute, donation-based class by Yoga’s Arc for beginners and experienced people alike. Participants must bring their own mat. Kids Day at the Market begins Oçt. 1 and runs the fi rst Saturday of every month at 9 a.m. with story time followed by fun activities.

“Dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies flutter over the wetland habitats at Veterans Oasis Park during the late summer,” explains Recreation Coordinator Cadia Hernandez. “As a steward of native and riparian plants, the park actively promotes the appreciation, understanding and conservation of these habitats to promote the return of these magnifi cent insects each year.” This free festival invites children and adults to explore the various species at all life stages and go on nature walks hosted by Arizona State University ecologists.Alsofeatured are hands-on activities, crafts and giveaways, special guest demonstrations from the University of Arizona’s Insect Discovery and Butterfly Wonderland. Participants can also enter to win passes for a future trip to the one-of-a-kind Butterfly Wonderland experience.Veterans Oasis Park and the Chandler Nature Center are located at 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road. The Center will remain open during normal business hours during the event so the community can check out the latest exhibits in the lobby. Guests also can shop at the Owl’s Nest Nature Store, featuring eco-friendly products and nature-inspired books and toys.

NASA said in a news release it needs the higher performance for its future missions, from the moon to Mars. Microchip will design, build and deliver the HPSC processor over three years so it can be used in future lunar and planetary exploration missions. It has to be more efficient by enabling computing power to be scalable, based on mission needs. It also must be more reliable and have a higher fault tolerance.

Chandler Farmers Market to begin in a few weeks

22 NEWS THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022

Around Chandler See AROUND on page 23

putting people over politics.

The Veterans Oasis Park and the Chandler Nature Center will host a fun-fi lled morning of discovery for kids about dragonflies and butterflies. The annual Dragonfly & Butterfly Bash 9 a.m.-noon Sept. 17 offers kids a unique opportunity.

Performances include: Oct. 20, Hooked on a Feeling; Nov. 17, Rose and the Thorns; Dec. 15, Curt n Rod; Jan. 19, Outside the Line; Feb. 16, Star Alliance; and March 16, Traveler.

Paid for by Opportunity Arizona. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

Talented musicians and entertainers will perform an array of acts at the free open-air concerts. Jazz, country, feel-good rock, and even the sounds of multiple eras take to the park’s main stage 6-7:30 p.m. “Fall in Chandler has always been a time to get outside and socialize, something that’s easy to do thanks to Sonoran Sunset Series’ bountiful outdoor concert lineup,” said Theo Anglin, recreation coordinator and event organizer.“Residents can make a night of it by walking around the lake or visiting one of the many park trails and then enjoying music under the stars in this beautifulParkgoersneighborhood.”areencouraged to bring blankets and chairs. Seating is available on a fi rst come, fi rst-serve basis and it is not necessary to register for this event. Food and small coolers are also welcome; alcohol is not permitted.

Dragonﬂy & Butterﬂy Bash soars into Veterans Oasis Park

The Downtown Chandler Farmers Market is sponsored by First Credit Union.

Working for our public schools, protecting women’s rights

NASA awards major contract to Chandler company NASA is awarding $50 million contract to Chandler-based Microchip Technology, Inc. to develop a high-performance spaceflight computing (HPSC) processor that will provide at least 100 times the computational capacity of current spaceflight computers.

Next Golden Neighbors event scheduled for Sept. 20

MAUSOLEUM

The Mausoleum at San Tan Memorial Gardens is at 22425 E. Cloud Road, Queen Creek. Information: 480-987-2488 from page 20

• Yuliya

Rosemary Geary, MD Julie Silver, PA-C

The mausoleum has room for at least 80 crypts for caskets, 1,200 columbarium niches for the placement of cremated remains, family-size urn niches to accommodate up to eight urns in once niche, heated and air-conditioned funeral gathering place and tight security. Crypts within the mausoleum start at $9,325 and niches begin at $2,360. But this cemetery and mausoleum are not about the money for Schnepf, at least not up front. It could take at least a generation, Schnepf said, to repay the investors who made both phases of the cemetery possible to begin with. But this isn’t about the fi nances for Mark Schnepf. This goes back to his father’s dream to have a place for people from here … to stay here, even after“Beingdeath.able to stay here instead of having to go to Mesa is great,” said Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce President Chris Clark. “Back in the day when you lost a loved one, you’d have to go to Mesa and have the visitation there, the ceremony up there, it’s just so wonderful to be able to stay here in the community.” Because of the way that Schnepf structured the partnership, this has the added advantage of keeping the land in the family, and out of the hands of developers. “$2-million is what it’s going to cost to build that building,” Schnepf said. “And then we will sell the niches and plots over 10 years, 15 years, however long it takes to fill it up and over that period of time we’ll get our loan paid off at the bank and there will be a profit at the end of the 10 or 15 years. We don’t know.”

Michelle

Mayor to host HOA discussion at Tumbleweed Rec Center Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke plans to host an HOA roundtable at 5 p.m. Sept. 13 at Tumbleweed Recreation Center. The discussion will focus on the challenges HOA residents face in their community. You can register online to attend.

AROUND from page 22 rise, a lot of families prefer instead of burying the urn in a burial vault, they prefer to place it in a mausoleum.”

•

• Wendy

23NEWSTHE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 got skin? Of Course! We all do. 480.821.8888 | evderm.com480.214.0388 | vscsaz.com Katherine Lim Quan, MDJill McKenzie, MD VALLEY SKIN CANCER SURGERY 1100 South Dobson Road, #223 • Chandler, AZ 85286 (The PRESIDIO, North Building, 2nd Floor) Medical SurgicalCosmeticDermatologyDermatologySkinCareTreatment

The mausoleum is scheduled to be complete in about seven months. “You want to have a sacred place and hallowed fi nal resting place for your family members in their time of need so it’s imperative that we provide a space,” said Dr. Vernet Joseph, pastor at Mountain View Church, who has performed several funerals here. “You don’t want to keep people going 50 miles out of the town or the community on order to have a place to rest.”

Two local breweries are partnering to bring Oktoberfest to A.J. Chandler Park. It’s scheduled for 3-11 p.m. on Oct. 1. Pedal Haus Brewery and SanTan Brewing Company will feature German beer and food. There will also be live music from Hit Rewind and The Dirt. Early bird tickets are available now for $15. Tickets at the door will be $20. Visit either breweries’ website to purchase tickets: pedalhausbrewery.com or santanbrewing.com.

Tamara Casillas, FNP-C Cassandra Shore, PA-C

Register for Thanksgiving and toy distribution help The Chandler CARE Center is registering families now who could use a little help around Thanksgiving or the December holidays. Register in person 8 a.m.-3 p.m. before Sept. 30 at one of the CARE Centers. You must be either a resident of Chandler or have students attending a Chandler Unified School District school. Bring a photo ID, proof of address, proof of school enrollment, and a birth certifi cate for all children not in school. Thanksgiving meals will be distributed on Nov. 19, and toys distributed on Dec. 17.

The City’s next Golden Neighbors event is scheduled for 9 to 11 a.m., Sept. 20 at the Chandler Downtown Library. RSVP by calling 480-782-4363. Golden Neighbors is intended to help struggling seniors get basic hygiene supplies for no cost. City asks for public's storm water management feedback Chandler is asking residents to participate in a survey to help it manage storm water runoff better. The survey is open through Sept. 30. The city and the Flood Control District of Maricopa County entered into a partnership last year to evaluate and identify problem areas where flooding takes place in the city. The master plan they are working on is updated often and they want residents to help them know about areas where water pools after a storm. You can fi ll out the survey at the city’s website, chandleraz.gov. Local breweries partnering to bring Oktoberfest to Chandler

•

Ruth Irealnd, FNP-C Ridenour, PA-C

Thrift Style exhibit opens at Chandler Museum During the Great Depression people had to get creative to survive. The new exhibit at the Chandler Museum pays tribute to that ingenuity.

“Thrift Style” is scheduled to run through Nov. 27 at 300 S. Chandler VillagePeopleDrive.reused feed sacks to make clothes because other fabrics were not available.Manufacturers helped this effort by giving away patterns for garments. The exhibit is meant to teach sustainability lessons, and how current generations can reuse resources today.

•

Ryan Falsey, MD, PhD Schoenling, PA-C Jeffries, DO Sara Pickett, PA-C

Arizona’s drop was fi fth-highest in the nation, according to the report, trailing only New York, the District, Louisiana and New Jersey. Even though it fell below the national average in 2020, Arizona’s life expectancy was still good enough to rank 32nd among states, tied with Wyoming and Nevada.

Chandler 4959 W Ray Road, Suite 37 Chandler, AZ 85226 Call for

24 NEWS THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 WHITENING+FREETEETH $ 59 Exam & X-rays $1,295 Dental Implant Dr. Narla’s caring and educational approach to treating his patients is his way of helping them feel comfortable and confident in the treatment choices they make. Grand Opening Special Meet Your Dentist PAVAN NARLA, DMD General dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, clear aligners, dentures, dental implants, crowns and more Most insurance accepted and financing options Convenientavailablehours and location

dentistry in your neighborhood. $59

your appointment.

Overall, the U.S. decrease of 1.8 years was the “biggest drop in life expectancy since World War II,” said Bob Anderson, chief of mortality statistics at the CDC. Anderson stressed that while COVID-19 played a large role, it was not the sole cause of the drop. But he also said that COVID-19 may have prevented many Americans from getting treatment for illnesses like cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and opioid overdoses, among others. In Arizona, COVID-19 has been one of the leading causes of death, along with heart disease and cancer, according to CDC data. The Arizona Public Health Association said coronavirus was the leading cause of death in the state between March 2020 and March 2022.While he recognized the gravity in the numbers, Humble said he was not surprised by the CDC’s fi ndings. He said that while other factors like opioid overdoses, diabetes and traffi c deaths were all up in 2020, they were not the driving force for the decline in life expectancy. “That is not the reason for this,” Humble said. “It’s flat out COVID-19.”Dr.JoeK. Gerald, an associate professor of public health at the University of Arizona, blamed the steep drop on two things: What he called the state’s lax COVID-19 rules combined with health disparities in the state. “I think it’s the combination of our poor policy response and some unique vulnerabilities that exist in Arizona,” Gerald said. “So poverty, inequality, high proportions of disadvantaged groups.” Gerald pointed specifi cally to Native American and Latino populations, two groups that he said have been heavily This chart shows the average life expectancy at birth based on 2020 data, the latest available. (CDC)

All 50 states and the District of Columbia saw some decrease in life expectancy in 2020, ranging from New York’s drop of 3 years to Hawaii, which saw a decrease of 0.2 years.

BY RYAN KNAPPENBERGER CronkiteWASHINGTONNews – Arizona life expectancy fell by 2.5 years in 2020, posting one of the steepest drops in a nation that saw the sharpest declines in lifespans since World War II, according to a newThereport.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report said life expectancy in Arizona fell from 78.8 years in 2019 to 76.3 in 2020. U.S. life expectancy in the same period fell by 1.8 years, from 78.8 years to 77, putting Arizona lifespans below the national average for the fi rst time since 2006. “It just is extraordinary to see that kind of drop in life expectancy,” said Will Humble, executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association. A CDC offi cial said COVID-19 played a large role in the national drop of 1.8 years, but that heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and overdoses also played a part.

AspireDentalChandler.comappointmentantoday!480.896.8684

Arizona life expectancy fell in 2020, CDC reports See LIFE on page 25

C22-120 Chandler .5 Page NP Ad.indd 1 8/4/22 9:28 AM

Modern, full-service Exam retail price $105 (ADA Code D0150). Digital X-rays retail price $160 (ADA Code D0210). New cash patients only. There may be future costs based on diagnosis. Not all patients are candidates for whitening. One free professional whitening treatment retail price $33. $1,295 Dental Implant regular price $2,760 (ADA Code 6010). Does not include crown, abutment, or bone graft. Only valid at this location. Bring this card with you to Valid when using cash, but may be coordinated with insurance when applicable. See office for complete pricing information. All offers are subject to change and cannot be combined. Treatment for all offers must be rendered by 12/31/22. Services, hours, and insurance plans vary by location. Valid government issued photo ID and checking account required to get financing on approved credit. Models are not patients.

NOWOPEN

Gutier agrees that speeding, reckless driving and impaired driving are among the factors that have driven up deaths in Arizona.“Whenyou combine all of these factors, it’s a deadly combination,” he said. But he thinks the return to normal traffic flows might be the reason Arizona numbers have decreased so far: With more people on the road commuting to work and school, he said, drivers may be taking fewer chances.

– While the rest of the nation was posting a record increase in traffic fatalities in the first quarter of 2022, highway deaths in Arizona were falling by nearly a third, according to a recent report. The report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said 190 people died on Arizona roads in the first quarter of this year, a 31.4% drop from the 277 who were killed in the first three months of 2021. That was the fourth-steepest percentage drop in the nation, trailing only the much-smaller states of Rhode Island, North Dakota and Montana. Nationwide, highway fatalities rose by 7% over the first quarter of 2021, from 8,935 to an estimated 9,560, as 29 states saw gains in the number of deaths. The decrease in Arizona followed several years of a steadily climbing highway death toll. “I welcome any good news regarding our traffic numbers,” said Alberto Gutier, executive director of the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “I’m very surprised, but very happily surprised.”Experts said the increase in deaths nationally could be the result of having more people on the roads post-pandemic, combined with higher speeds and more distracted and reckless drivers.“The trend overall in the country is very concerning, and has been going on for awhile,” said Russ Rader, senior vice president of communications at the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. “State by state numbers may jump around, but nationally the trend is unfortunately an increase and a rather sharp increase,” Rader said.

The first-quarter improvements have continued through 2022, according to the most recent numbers from Gutier’s office. It reported 398 traffic fatalities – including car, pedestrian and bike deaths – through July, compared to 700 through the same period in 2021. But with Labor Day travel approaching, AAA expects more people on the road – and more challenges for drivers. “Be prepared,” said John Treanor, the AAA spokesperson for Western states. “You may not have dealt with high-traffic situations. Your car may not have been on long road trips. Have a plan.” Highway deaths nationally in the first quarter were the highest since 2002, according to the report. NHTSA Administrator Steven Cliff said that while those numbers are “moving in the wrong direction,” the recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law should help change the direction. The U.S. Department of Transportation said Arizona can expect to get approximately $5.3 billion over five years in federal highway formula funding for highways and bridges under that bill. Gutier hopes traffic fatalities continue to trend downward for the rest of the“We’reyear. great. We’re a really great state,” he said. “Arizona is doing the best they can in traffic enforcement.”

Traffic fatalities falling in Arizona – report affected by the pandemic, in Arizona and across the country. “They were heavily exposed because they were often frontline workers and so they bore the brunt of the infections and oftentimes lacked access to medical care,” Gerald said. According to the CDC, three states along the U.S.-Mexico border – Arizona, New Mexico and Texas – had the largest decrease in life expectancy by region. New Mexico had the seventh-highest and Texas the ninth-highest drops amongAndersonstates.said it was unclear what exactly was behind the regional trend and suggested that it would require further study specifically into the conditions in those states to find a clear answer.National life expectancy estimates from 2021 are not expected to be released until early next year, but Anderson warned that there will likely be another large decrease, although it may not be as big as the 2019-2020 drop. Humble said he also expects 2021 numbers to be grim for Arizona. The state experienced multiple waves of COVID-19 caused by the delta and omicron variants in 2021 and saw some of the highest case counts and death rates in theEvencountry.though the 2021 drop could be smaller, Anderson said it should not be taken lightly. “It won’t be trivial,” he said. LIFE from page 24

25NEWSTHE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 MORE THAN A FABRIC STORE! CALL NOW FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY IN-HOME 480-831-1800CONSULTATION. Designing residential home interiors in the greater metro Phoenix area for over 20 years. By The Yard is open seven days a week with home decorating fabrics in stock and a large library of Fabric and Trims. Our experienced designers custom create your window treatments, upholstery, or bedding through our in-house workroom. By The Yard provides quality craftsmanship and product innovation. Your interiors can be custom! 1761 E. Warner Rd., Ste. A-10, Tempe • www.bytheyard.comAZLegacyFuneralHome.com Call today to make an What480-207-2286appointment.MattersMost?Giveyourfamilypeaceofmindwithpreplannedburial,cremation,orfuneralar-rangements.NooneservesMesaandChandlerwithmorecompassion,experience,andvaluethanLegacy.Callorvisitusonlinetoday.

BY JOHN BROWN CronkiteWASHINGTONNews

The new grant will place 33 VISTA members across the state for the next threeVISTAyears.workers serve to alleviate poverty in conjunction with local organizations in the areas they serve, and they receive a stipend.

“There’s an incredible need that we have across the state to serve 1 in 9 individuals struggling with food insecurity,” said Angie Rodgers, Arizona Food Bank Network president and CEO. “It’s a tremendous need for both adults as well as children and seniors,” she said. “We really need the support The United Food Bank in Mesa is one of the food banks that will soon receive two new VISTA members to help with food insecurity. Garcia/Cronkite

VISTA workers participating in the new initiative will dedicate a year to help communities through food distribution or by participating in training programs to assist food banks with budgeting tips and other volunteer resources.Theseinclude helping to organize volunteers, packing meal kits and delivering meals to the community.“Thesemembers will strengthen sustainable local food systems, improve the organizational capacity of food pantries and expand engagement, all of which will increase the ability for partners across the state to meet increased demand for nutritious food,” said Jill Sears, AmeriCorps mountain regional administrator.

26 NEWS THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 Southwest Business Center 4500 S. Lakeshore Dr. Ste 300 Tempe, AZ 85282 (SE Rural & Lakeshore) Kathleen A. Nielsen 480.730.6469 kathleen@kathleennielsenlaw.com Serving Ahwatukee for 35 Years! AttorneyAt L Aw BESTOF 2020 w BESTOF 2021 ♦Trusts ♦ Wills ♦ Probate ♦ Family Law ♦ Divorce

of those volunteers who want to give back to their communities from across the state, such as rural communities, here in urban Phoenix and tribes that reside in the Grand Canyon as well. “This is kind of a crushing need; we’re seeing more people at food banks that we really need to be able to support. Because of COVID, we haven’t had (food bank) employees return back like we had hoped.

Valley food banks getting some additional help

isn’t the only food issue facing Arizonans: More than half are expected to face a diet-related illness by 2030, such as heart disease or diabetes, according to state offi cials. AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, has granted the Arizona Food Bank Network $180,000 to support 33 on-theground volunteers who will serve at food banks across Arizona in hopes of reducing food insecurity.

“I really think this will be a helpful kickstart to the economy, so individuals come back to food banking and to organizations that are working to fight hunger,” Rodgers added. Food insecurity is prevalent in Arizona because of a number of factors, such as limited time to cook, living far away from grocers or lack of fi nancial resources to eat well. Only 17% of city residents claim to eat five or more servings of fruit and vegetables per day, and that percentage is decreasing, according to the Phoenix Food Action Plan.

The VISTA workers will serve 18 sites, including near the Grand Canyon and south and west Phoenix, which are the largest food deserts in metro Phoenix. The south Phoenix VISTA member also will assist local growers in their farming and business practices.

VISTA workers are in all age groups, but a majority are postgraduate students. Christopher Bodnar, who participated in VISTA in 2020 after graduating from Arizona State University, now works for United Food Bank, which is one of the 18 Arizona sites.

“Being born and raised here in Arizona, I thought AmeriCorps was defi nitely the route for me because I wanted to help the problems that are happening in my backyard,” Bodnar said. “In Arizona, you can see people looking for food … so really trying to bring the dignity back into it is one of the goals that we try to have with our agencies.” In addition to funding, the initiative creates a learning community with case studies for each project to inform plans for expanding the program. Organizations from across the country can collaborate to share best practices, discuss trends and learn and grow from one another’s work. Alma Rd, Chandler, AZ 85224

2390 N

School

www.vonhansonsmeats.net480-917-2525BESTOF 2022 Vote For Us Best Meat Shop 2022 Vote for US! VOTE NOW! 2022 Chandler • Gilbert • Mesa

News)

BY SCIANNA GARCIA CronkiteWithNewsone in nine Arizonans lacking reliable access to a source of nutritious, affordable food, food insecurity continues to grow along with the cost of living in theAndValley.access

The grant – funded by the American Rescue Plan and created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 – is part of the AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program. A pilot program distributed four awards totaling $2 million to hire 100 volunteers in New Hampshire, Maine, Ohio and Texas. With more than 55 food deserts in Maricopa County alone, and not enough volunteers serving at local food banks and homeless shelters, AmeriCorps expanded the initiative to Arizona, Alabama, Arkansas and Puerto Rico.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines a food desert as an area with low access to affordable and nutritious food.

( Scianna

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

27NEWSTHE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 Now in our 38th year! ARIZONA’S LONGEST-RUNNING EXPO IS HERE! Healthcare | Retirement Living | Financial Leisure | Home Repair | Education Casinos | Tour & Travel and More... (480) 898-6500 • (480) www.seniorexpos.com959-1566(480)959-1566 Lots of PrizesandEveryINCLUDINGGiveawaysa$100CASHDRAWINGHour! Entertainment by MS. SENIOR ARIZONA FREE PARKING! FREE ENTRY! Wednesday, November 2nd 8am - 12pm Mesa Convention Center 201 N. Center Street, Mesa, AZ 85201 Bag Sponsor Entertainment Sponsor

“My view is competition always makes everybody better,’’ he said. “That’s why the United States is prosperous and the Soviet Union was not.” Horne said he saw the same thing during his 24 years on the Paradise Valley Unifi ed School District Governing Board, saying the advent and expansion of charter schools “made us better.’’ Opponents said such comparisons with private schools are not valid because they can accept only the students they want. There’s also the question of accountability.Anearly version of the legislation would have required that students in private and parochial schools using these vouchers of state funds to take some standardized tests, similar to those already administered in public schools.Theresults, as in the case of public schools, would have been reported on an aggregate basis. That requirement was removed from the fi nal version by Rep. Jake Hoffman, R-Queen Creek, who said what’s happening at private schools is none of the government’s business. But voucher foes like Rep. Kelli Butler, D-Paradise Valley, said the fact that tax dollars will be flowing to those schools is precisely what gives the state an “Weinterest.will not know if students are using our tax dollars – $7,000 is the typical award – if they’re using that money to learn anything,’’ she said. Horne said he is not concerned about the fact that so many of the requests for vouchers are coming from families whose kids already are in private and parochial schools. “All of these people already pay taxes,’’ he said. Anyway, Horne said, the alternative could be some of these children moving to public schools which get more per-student state aid than the typical voucher, meaning a higher cost to taxpayers.

Few parents so far applying for private school vouchers See VOUCHERS on page 28

Nearly 6,500 Arizona children have applied for the new universal vouchers to attend private and parochial schools at taxpayer expense. And it appears the vast majority are youngsters whose parents already are paying for them to go there. The legislation approved earlier this year was billed by supporters as providing more choices to students stuck in neighborhood public schools. But the state Department of Education says 75% of those applications are from children not in public schools. That is drawing concern from the state superintendent of public instruction.“The ESA program was intended to provide more options for children with special needs or unique circumstances, like military families,’’ said Kathy Hoffman.“Withthe current status of applicants, it is not achieving those goals,’’ she continued. “Instead, it is just a taxpayer funded coupon for the wealthy.’’ C.J. Karamargin, press aide to Gov. Doug Ducey, who signed the massive expansion of the program into law, would not answer questions about whether his boss is disturbed by the fact that the vouchers are being sought by children already attending these schools, presumably using available familyInstead,resources.hesaid too much should not be read into the report. “This is really early in this process,’’ Karamargin said. “These numbers are an early indication of the popularity of this program,’’ he said. “It is just getting started.’’ But what it already does show is more than $34 million of public funds would replace those private dollars, assuming an average voucher of $7,000. Those numbers should come as no surprise.Evenbefore HB 2853 became law, legislative budget analysts estimated the fi rst-year cost of providing vouchers to those already in private schools or those being homeschooled would approach $30 million. That doesn’t count another $2.2 million in new administrativeAndcosts.by the third year, the report said, the price tag for paying for kids picking up vouchers versus paying their own way will approach $120 million. That is above and beyond the $176 million the state is now paying for vouchers for students who have been eligible under prior standards. Arizona lawmakers approved the fi rst vouchers in 2011. State and federal courts ruled that providing money as vouchers for the parents to use does not violate state constitutional provisions forbidding the state from giving money to private and parochial schools. Since that time, there has been an incremental expansion of eligibility to the point where vouchers are now available to foster children, children of military families, reservation residents and students in schools rated D or F. The new law scraps all preconditions, potentially allowing vouchers to go to all 1.1 million youngsters now in public schools.Proponents have defended the change as providing more options for parents beyond neighborhood schools. That includes former state schools chief Tom Horne, a Republican running against Hoffman to get his old job back.

Area DAR chapter installs officers, plans programs

The record suggests antipathy toward more Lawmakersvouchers.approved a vast expansion of the program in 2017, only to have the measure referred to the 2018 ballot where it was rejected by a margin of close to 2 to 1. Beth Lewis, the group’s executive director, said she is “optimistic’’ there will be enough signatures collected to survive any challenge. from page 27

SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

The Cactus Wren National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter has installed new offi cers for 2022-2024.Theyare Regent Kristin Sowers, Vice Regent Joanne Tuccillo, Chaplain Jane Albin, Recording Secretary Carolyn Austill, Corresponding Secretary Yvonne Membrila, Treasurer Mia Soosai and Registrar Suzie Medley. The new offi cers spent the summer planning the upcoming year and reviewing each month’s meeting schedule. They also will be attending Arizona State Society’s annual fall workshop in Tucson.Cactus Wren meets once a month from September through May in downtown Chandler. Women 18 and older who can prove direct lineal descent from a Revolutionary War Patriot is eligible to join DAR. The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is a women’s service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War.It was founded in 1890 “to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence.”“Formore than 130 years, the DAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifi ces and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America’s freedom,” a spokeswoman said. Through the DAR Genealogical Research System (dar.org/GRS), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these patriots.Thenonprofit, nonpolitical women’s service organization has more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide. Members annually provide millions of hours of volunteer service to their local communities across the country and world. DAR members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR: dar.org. To learn about the Cactus Wren Chapter: cactuswren.arizonadar.org or email registrar@cwasdar.org.

All this presumes the new law will take effect as scheduled on Sept. 24. Foes of expansion, led by Save Our Schools Arizona, are circulating petitions to delay implementation until voters get the last word. If they get 118,823 valid signatures by Sept. 23 the law could not take effect until after the 2024 election.

New officers of the Cactus Wren Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution include, from Regent Kristin Sowers, Vice Regent Joanne Tuccillo, Chaplain Jane Albin, Recording Secretary Carolyn Austill, Corresponding Secretary Yvonne Membrila, Treasurer Mia Soosai and Registrar Suzie Medley. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

28 NEWS THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022

VOUCHERS

PRESENTED BY SPONSORS

In a federal court in Virginia, 14 letters portray David Alcorn as a loving husband and father, a generous neighbor and friend and a forthright and honest“Youbusinessman.mightsay‘AFellow

See CONMAN on page 30

Kent Maerki, 78, formerly of Scottsdale, is serving 16 years behind bars for his role in two investor swindles, one of which also involved David Alcorn. (YouTube)

Alcorn did not care about any of these things because he was getting rich, and he did not want the money to stop rolling in. Alcorn’s conduct was selfi sh, callous, and cruel.” The judge on Aug. 30 sentenced Alcorn to 15 years and five months in prison.

SUPPORTING

Scottsdale real estate investment broker David Alcorn, 78, on Aug. 30 was ordered to spend more than 15 years behind for his jury conviction in a staggering scheme that bilked millions from investors. (LinkedIn)

Alcorn’s scheme and another also put another 78-year-old Scottsdale con named Kent Maerki away for 16 years in 2021.Together, they and nine other defendants also must pay more than $20.4 million in restitution to hundreds of victims across the country but mainly in the Southwest who invested individual sums ranging from $1,000 to over $4.9 million.Neither Aber nor federal probation offi cers nor the judge paid much attention to the letter writers’ pleas and protestations.“Alcornhas never – not one single time – expressed one shred of remorse for the conduct that he engaged in, nor has he shown any ounce of concern or empathy for his victims and the fi nancial havoc he has caused,” Aber wrote in a pre-sentence memo. Devastating testimony from sharpeyed and relentless sleuths in the Internal Revenue Service, FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service and heartbreaking letters from small investors belied Alcorn supporters' description with a portrait of brazen and staggering deceit.Ajury in February found him guilty of 12 counts of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, wire fraud and unlawful monetary transactions after a

Alcorn did not care that he was lying to investors … or that they were trusting hard-earned retirement funds to him based on those lies. “Alcorn did not care that the SEC was investigating him and his company for fraud and violations of securities laws.

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor

29NEWSTHE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 480.830.3444 libertyartsacademy.com Brady Wald Principal brady.wald@leonagroup.com Vote For Us For Best BestBestCharterPreschool,SchoolandPlacetoWorkInThisYear’sOfTheBest2022! BESTOF 2022 HISPANIC WEEKENDHERITAGE SEPTEMBER 16-18

Local conman, 78, begins 15-year prison term

Well Met,’” wrote a Scottsdale Realtor who was among the family members, business associates and even former Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson writing to Judge Raymond Jackson this summer about the legally blind, 78-year-old Scottsdale commercial real estate investment broker.Those letters stand in sharp contrast to what U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber told Jackson, portraying Alcorn as a serial swindler who conned elderly people and savvy investment fi rms alike out of tens of millions of dollars with the help of 11 co-conspirators in two complex nationwide schemes. But the letters – full of disbelief that Alcorn would ever hurt people to make millions of dollars – have one thing in common: Alcorn himself. Court papers show he didn’t think he was doing anything wrong either – even though many people warned him for years during a scheme to sell worthless broadband spectrum investments roughly between 2012-2015. “Simply put, Alcorn is a criminal defendant who allowed his greed and love of money and luxurious things to corrupt his decisions and his life,” Aber wrote,“Alcornadding:did not care about the legitimate concerns that his attorneys were raising. Alcorn did not care that he was raising money with someone who was banned from the securities industry.

DBACKS.COM/HHW

30 NEWS THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 590 North Alma School Road • Located in the Granada Plaza480-812-8433 www.Floridinos.net Sun-Thurs 11am-8pm • Fri & Sat 11am-9pm “Home of the Pizza SPECIALSWEEKLYMuffin”PIZZA$22 TWO’S DAY Large 2-topping pizza, bread sticks with cheese & a large tossed salad

See CONMAN on page 31

Dine-In Curbside

three-week trial. In June, the judge declared Alcorn alone pocketed $3.96 million and then approved the confi scation of the $1.43 million he and his wife would have made on the sale of their 5,841-squarefoot home on North 133rd Way in Scottsdale.TheAlcorns never saw a dime from the sale: Valued at more than $2.5 million, the mansion was seized by the IRS in 2019 and sold at auction. The judge also approved the IRS’ seizure of an $88,000 Land Rover that Alcorn had bought for his wife from his ill-gotten gains in 2014. The judge also directed federal agents to use “depositions, interrogatories, requests for production of documents and the issuance of subpoenas to identify, locate or dispose of forfeitable property.” Complex schemes and canny cons As he was led in cuffs to prison last week, Alcorn joined Maerki behind bars for what their lawyers called essentially lifeMaerkisentences.pleaded guilty to fraud-related charges related to the activities of two companies he had founded –Dental Support Plus Franchise and Janus Spectrum LLC. In a 2012 promotional video on behalf of a nationally renowned marketing expert, Maerki bragged about his own business acumen. “We do it differently,” he said, by selling “dental franchises” that referred patients to dentists, who in turn would pay investors 16.5% of the patients’ fees. Not only did Maerki and his band of unlicensed security salespeople “do it differently.” They did it criminally as well.Barred since 1988 for selling phony Federal Communications Commission broadband spectrum licenses, Maerki lured unwitting investors by boasting that Dental Support Plus Franchise had a five-year track record of producing annual profits of up to 40% of the initial investment.Ofcourse, a federal grand jury found that Maerki’s company had no such record and simply “pitched DSPF to investors across the country using advertisements that were materially false andAmongmisleading.”those advertisements were videos, one of which was titled “Money From Thin Air.” Maerki and some of the same co-conspirators were also part of another complex scheme in which Alcorn played the pivotal role, court records show.As president of the David Alcorn Professional Corporation, he became sole owner in January 2014 of Janus Spectrum, in which he already had a 55%Alcorn,interest.Maerki and the others “sold fraudulent spectrum investments to investors and then continued to lull investors regarding the purported value of such investments,” the grand jury said.The conspirators had boasted the spectrum investments carried “very low risk, hardly any,” and that “it’s work-free, there is just nothing to do,” according to wiretap transcripts. “Alcorn fraudulently estimated annual returns ranging up to 3,373%, depending on the economic area, and an average annual return from all 25 areas of 298%,” the indictment said. And, like the dental franchise scheme, Alcorn and the others pocketed the millions that rolled in. The co-conspirators included a lawyer, Maerki’s wife, and a Virginia conman named Daryl Bank. Bank posed as a fi nancial advisor on his own radio show that touted the dental and spectrum businesses as good investment opportunities. Loving man, deceitful businessman U.S. Attorney Aber’s description of Alcorn’s role contrasted sharply to the letters begging for leniency. Those letters called him “a reliable and credible liaison between buyers and sellers,” “honest and up front with everyone he has ever done business with,” and “a genuinely humble and sincere man, who desired to know God, be led by him, and trust his plan for his life.”“In the time I have known Dave, he has always been a caring father and grandfather, actively involved in community issues and always willing to help other people and charitable causes,” JohnsonOthers,wrote.likeAlcorn's wife of more than 50 years, said he had turned down a plea bargain carrying a 3-5-year prison term “because he believed he had done no Awrong.”Tumwater, Washington, businessman wrote the judge that Alcorn is “a fi ne man, caring, honorable and in these last few years increasingly humble.” A Tempe lawyer who said he represented Alcorn and his company for eight years considered him “someone who I could trust with telling me the truth and who seemed concerned for caring for the people he was working for or Callingwith.”Alcorn “someone who truly cares about his family and they about him,” one woman told the judge that he “has never been someone who oversold or tried to lure people into something.”Yet, an Arizona federal judge in 2019 already had declared in a different proceeding that both Alcorn and Maerki had been repeatedly warned by federal offi cials and their own lawyers that they were selling worthless broadband spectrumAberinvestments.likenedAlcorn to co-conspirator Bank, 51, whose 35-year prison sentence was the stiffest doled out in the“Alcorncase. received a similar level of fraudulent proceeds in this scheme as Bank did – millions of dollars,” she wrote.“They were both leaders and organizers of their respective crimes, encouraging others to engage in illegal conduct to benefit themselves,” she continued.

CONMAN from page 29

8pm (including tax) FunDaySunday Traditional large 1 topping pizza $10 Every Sunday

Every Tuesday from 4pm - from 11am - 8pm

Pick-Up Services Available

Conman David Alcorn’s lavish mansion on N. 133rd Way, valued at $2.5 million, was seized by the IRS in 2019 and sold for $1.9 million. (Special to STSN)

Alcorn’s lawyer argued that the government had distorted his client’s role in the spectrum scheme and stressed his client’s age. While there was little reference to Alcorn’s lifestyle, Aber said he deserved a long sentence, noting that sentencing guidelines were harsh for criminals who caused more than $9.5 million in losses from more than 25 victims.

Daryl Bank, second from left on this book that is no longer sold, is serving 35 years for his role in the spectrum racket that landed former Scottsdale residents David Alcorn and Kent Maerki behind bars for more than a decade and a half. The oth ers pictured in this book jacket were not part of the scheme. (Special to STSN)

CONMAN

31NEWSTHE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022

“Both men orchestrated their own schemes, sent others to pitch clients on their fraudulent investments, and reaped the financial rewards of their frauds.”Aber said Alcorn “created a business with $55 and sustained that business by lying to investors so that he could continue his fraud and get rich quick. The only people who actually pulled money from thin air were the conspirators in this case, and Alcorn knew full well it was a scam.” At the time of Maerki’s sentencing, 81 victims filed statements with the court, detailing the financial hardship they incurred as a result of the schemes. Some were elderly victims who lost their life savings, others driven intoThosenear-poverty.letterswere noted in the prosecution’s sentencing memo in Alcorn’s case. “The victims’ eloquent letters have detailed the pain, frus tration, and financial devastation that his actions have inflicted upon them,” prosecutors said. “They used investor funds – hardearned retirement funds – to travel, to pay their family members and other employees, and to purchase an astonishing amount of luxury items,” they wrote.“And then, when the bottom fell out, Maerki filed for bankruptcy and claimed to have nothing left… The complicated and sophisticated nature of these schemes and the duration of these crimes demonstrate that Maerki’s actions were not an aberration for him – they were a way of life.”Referring to both Maerki and his wife, prosecutors noted, “The American Express bills reflect precisely what they spent these funds on: plastic surgery, luxury items such as expensive watch es, purses, said.counts,”self-directed'unregulated'inclaimedotherBank,crime,ingarecrimes.”engagingtosaidhimactionshistoryMaerkifrivoloustravel,extravagantclothing,dinners,andmanyotheritems.”Marriedsixtimes,hadalongofregulatorytakenagainstandprosecutorsthat“didnothingdeterhimfrominthese“Thesecuritieslawsaimedatprevent-thisexacttypeofandyet,Maerki,AlcornandtheconspiratorstooperatethepurportedlyareaofIRAacprosecutors“Thiswassimplynot

“The evidence presented at trial demonstrated that Alcorn was the leader and a primary organizer of this vast conspiracy that included a multitude of conspirators – far more than five –and victimized investors from the West Coast to the East Coast,” she wrote.

“Alcorn received a larger share of the proceeds – over $4,000,000 – for the leadership role that he played in this scheme,” she said. “This is an astonishing amount of money, particularly considering that Alcorn’s involvement in this criminal conduct was largely limited to the junk spectrum investments and he was not involved in Dental Support Plus or any of Daryl Bank’s other fraudulent investments.”Stating “Alcorn and Maerki built a criminal enterprise by lying to investors,” Aber wrote, “The nature of these schemes was not only extremely sophisticated, but also lasted for almost seven years and continued despite repeated regulatory warnings.”

“His conduct in this case demonstrates who he truly is at his core.” from page 30

Visit villageclubs.com or Scan QR Code for 7-day VIP Membership DC RANCH VILLAGE Scottsdale, AZ 480.502.884485255 GAINEY VILLAGE Scottsdale, AZ 480.609.697985258 OCOTILLO VILLAGE Chandler, AZ 480.656.004585248 CAMELBACK VILLAGE Phoenix, AZ 602.840.641285018 ESCAPE THE HEAT AND PLAY INSIDE THE PREMIER HEALTH CLUB

true, and it caused a massive amount of financial harm to hundreds of innocent victims across the country.”

BY KEN SAIN Managing Editor

One other change was to streamline the spa experience, offering it only on Mondays and Thursdays. An additional employee is brought in on those days to handle the workload.

Dogtopia of South Chandler marks 3rd birthday

Michael and Susan Perlman recently opened Dogtopia of South Chandler. (David Minton/ Staff Photographer)

They added a drive line, where cus tomers drop off their dogs right in front of the store and an employee walks them inside. They also do more cleaning.

Now, they said they are preparing to open a second location in Northwest Gilbert next year.

“Dogs need, crave and have to have socialization, they need that exercise, and they need the consistency,” Mi chael said. “So it is all about the dogs to us and the dog experience, which ultiSee INSIGHT on 34

“We are on a journey to become a leading solutions integrator, not systems integrator, but solutions integra tor,” Bryan said. “When we talk about being a leading solutions integrator that is marrying the product base, that we have hardware and software products, across the spectrum of all hardware and all software, with services that we wrap around to actually create solutions for our clients.”

Susan said every dog receives a health check before they can enter one of three play areas. An employee checks the ears, the gums and the body looking for any problems.

The cost of day care ranges from $48 for a single day pass to $140 for unlimited play during the week. There are also discounted rates for two- and threeplay sessions a week. The Perlmans had others jobs, but de cided they wanted to work together and were looking for a franchise opportunity.

Then, just after they were sure their employee did not have COVID, they had to shut down for a second time by order of Gov. Doug Ducey. They reopened a few months later, but shut down for a third time after a new wave of COVID infections spread around the country that summer.

“And I told my teammates that this manager chooses to have you in the officeAndpre-pandemic.”thenthepandemic happened in 2020 and changed everything, including the plans for Insight’s new world headquarters off Gilbert Road, between Germann and Queen Creek in Chandler. The company completed its move from Tempe this summer. “We bought the building in 2019, we struck a deal to sell our existing buildings in Tempe and live there for a year, but before we were going to move COVID intervened and kind of threw everything into the air,” Bryan said. “We were going to have very dense office cubes. However, we made a decision that we’re going to go back and we’re going to actually do six feet of separation because you never know when another pandemic will hit.” Bryan said company officials wanted to move out of two buildings they were using for their corporate headquarters in Tempe into one building. They chose Chandler for a variety reasons, including ease for their workers to get here and because many of the tech companies they work with have offices in Chandler. She also said Chandler has the educated workforce her company needs to fill its Thejobs.building the company moved into was originally designed to be three stories.Insight changed that, making it a two-story building because it wanted to bring as many people together as it could instead of keeping them apart.

The main lobby atrium of Insight’s new headquarters in Chandler offers visitors a sparkling introduction to the company. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

The tail on each dog that walked into Dogtopia of South Chandler was wag ging. Owners Michael and Susan Perlman greeted each animal by name – which can’t be easy since they care for about 100 different dogs in a given week. “We really do want to be an extension of the family,” Susan said. The Perlmans plan to celebrate their third anniversary since opening their business at the corner of Arizona Avenue and Chandler Heights on Sept. 17. They will be giving tours and giving away movie tickets and other prizes. Because of limited space, guests are asked to RSVP by calling the day care at 4901 S. Arizona Ave. at 480-447-0655.

Tech giant Insight settling into new Chandler digs

BY KEN SAIN Managing Editor

Dogtopia also offers boarding and a spa, though Michael said they are first and foremost a day care business, which takes up about 80% of their time. The business is thriving now, but did not start out that way. The Perlmans opened just before Labor Day 2019. “We were not quite catching a head of steam in February,” Susan said. And then March 2020 arrived and the world changed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com 32 THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022

Some of the changes the Perlmans made because of the pandemic have stuck.

Brothers Eric and Tim Crown started Insight in their Tempe garage in 1988. Eric had written a business plan for an assignment at Arizona State University’s business school. He received a C-. Not deterred, he decided to go ahead with that business and in the first eight years he earned $1 billion. Insight has changed its business model a few times from those early days.

“We’ve noticed things on dogs the owners didn’t realize were there,” Susan said. “One little poodle that comes to play, she had something in between her toes. Mom took her [to a vet] and it was a malig nant cyst. She was fine, it was caught early.”

page

The Perlmans had to shut down for 10 days in early March because one of their employees may have been exposed to the coronavirus. There was little test ing being done at the time and little infor mation on how to contain the spread.

See DOGTOPIA on page 34

Dogtopia was the first they looked at, but they continued looking. Finally, they decided they liked the support Dogtopia gives to its franchise owners and decided to make the switch.

Glynis Bryan, the chief financial officer for tech giant Insight, was not a fan of working from home before the pandemic.“I’mgoing to tell you another secret,” Bryan said. “I wanted all my teammates in the office before the pan demic hit. Insight had a flexible work policy that says whatever your managers determine is what you can exercise in terms of flexibility in working in the office or working remotely.

See HOT DOGS on page 34

(Courtesy of Joe’s Farm Grill)

Hot Dog Days return to Joe’s Farm Grill

Now an annual tradition, the Hot Dog Days of Summer have returned through the end of September at Joe’s Farm Grill in Gilbert, featuring nine wiener-based gourmet sandwiches showcasing flavors inspired from around the globe, from Hawaii to Vietnam and Mexico to Michigan.

Joe Johnston, co-owner of Joe’s Farm Grill, shows off the Carolina Blue Dog and Sonoran Dog, two of the Hot Dog Days of Summer specials that are on the regular menu as well.

BUSINESS 33THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 • Vehicle Registration • Title Transfer / Bond Title • Duplicate registration / iitle • Replacement Plate Or TAB • Permit 3, 30, 90 day • Level One AbandonedInspection:titleinspection • Mobile home • Handicap placard / plate • MVR / Driver license record • Fleet registration 1900 W. Germann Rd. # 9 CHANDLER (near Oregano’s Pizza) N.E. corner of Germann & Dobson Rd. 480-855-1638 Fax: 480-855-1639 FULL SERVICE DRIVERS LICENSES • Written Test• Road Test (by appointment) • Permits • Duplicate• Updated • State ID • Renewals • Reinstatements We Offer Federal Travel Identifications TSI Title & Registration Authorized Third Party Provider for Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (ADOT/MVD) tsititleaz.com SaturdayMonday-HOURS:Friday Title Registration&8:30am-6:00pm9:00am4:00pm LicenseDriver9:00am4:30pm9:30am3:30pm Road3:00pm4:00pm9:00amSkillTest9:00am Closed Sundays � SHADE SCREENS / ROLLSHADES / RAIN GUTTERS ARMADILLO LLC � •CUSTOM SCREENS •SCREEN DOORS Phifer •ROLL DOWN SHADES •REPAIRS/RESCREENS SmTeR •SunSetter8 AWNINGS •VANISHING SCREENS HEAVY-DIITYSHADINGFABRIC •SCREEN ROOMS •TITAN• SECURITY DOOR Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 195034, 322703 480-883-9255 www.sunscreens-armadillo.com esT.1998 •

BY GERI KOEPPEL

Contributor

Tim Peelen, co-owner of Joe’s Farm Grill, came up with the idea based on his upbringing in the Midwest. There, the “dog days of summer” generally end on Labor Day, “but not in Gilbert, Arizona,” he said. Here, the dog days of summer and warm weather continue and “hot dogs are warm-weather fare,” he noted.

Other specials include: The BBQ Bacon Blue O-Ring Dog, a bacon-wrapped hot dog dipped in barbecue sauce and threaded through three onions rings nestled on blue cheese.TheBig Fat Greek Dog, a smoked Greek-seasoned pork sausage topped with tzatziki sauce and Greek fries piled

The specials, made with local Schreiner’s sausages and all-beef dogs, have run almost every September for roughly a decade, Peelen said. This year’s menu includes seven dogs not on the regular menu, including three all-new creations: the Banh Mi Dog, Loco Moco Dog and Reuben Dog. All dogs are $13 or $19 for two, which includes a side, and you can mix and match.“This is what I do: I dream about food,” Peelen said. “And I dream about comfort food. And I am always trying different combinations and iterations.” The Banh Mi Dog was inspired by Peelen’s love of street food. It’s made with sliced Schreiner’s Bockwurst medallions (mild veal-pork sausage), fresh house-pickled carrot, daikon, cucumber, serrano pepper and cilantro layered on a toasted French roll with mayo and herb liver paté spread. “That’s the one I’m really, really curious about this year to see how people receive that,” Peelen said. “It’s a lot of fun; it’s delicious; it’s a little lighter than theItothers.”usesachicken liver paté recipe from a restaurant where he worked in college.Peelen said he devised the Loco Moco Dog after two trips to Hawaii in the past year. It riffs on the classic Hawaiian comfort food using an open-face buttered grilled bun, sticky rice, burger patty, split grilled hot dog and homemade brown gravy, topped with a fried sunny-side up egg. “We make a scratch brown gravy with beef bones and marrow and make our own stock,” Peelen explained. “We go all out to make it authentic and make it really delicious. No corners cut on Theingredients.”ReubenDog has hand-sliced corned beef brisket, melted Swiss and fresh sauerkraut piled on a grilled split hot dog with house-made Russian dressing on a caraway-seed bun. “You can’t really tell where the hot dog stops and the corned beef starts,” Peelen stated. “It all works together quiteThenicely.”DogDays of Summer always features a spicy dog, and this year it’s the Dynamite Dog, with Schreiner’s spicy pork hot link, scorpion pepper and habanero cream cheese topped with hand-breaded fried chilito peppers and sweet-hot pepper jelly.

ContraPest, a new fertility control technology for managing animal pest populations, ﬁts into a box with a hole for the critters to get into. (Courtesy of SenesTech) invents birth control for roof rats

Susan said a recent study found dogs in day care averaged about 30,000 steps a day. Dogs that stay home alone get around“We’ve4,000.got dogs that have been with us for all three years, and we are so deeply grateful,” Susan said. “So we’re doing raffle prizes all week. So were just trying to do stuff to say thank you to the customers that we do have.”

HOTDOGS from page 33

The Chandler offi ce is home base for 1,100 of those employees.

Peelen has done exhaustive research to honor the food traditions that inspired the dogs. For the Cheddar Coney Dog, for example, he went to several Detroit coney dog restaurants to sample the goods and develop his own chili.

She had seen a notice posted by Liberty Wildlife, of Phoenix, about how rodenticide poisoning not only kills rats, but also the eagles, hawks, owls, livestock and other wildlife or pets that eat them. She was thrilled to have found a solution that doesn’t harm any animals and actually works. “You can poison or kill as many as you want all day long, but they’re still going to have babies,” Meagher said. “You’re not going to get them all. They’re going to reproduce faster than you can exterminate all of them.” Conventional methods of reducing rat populations simply can’t overcome their rate of reproduction. If left unchecked, rodents will do what they do best – reproduce rapidly.

“Elevate is a unique way to deal with a problem that no one has been able to tackle before,” Siegel said. “It enables for the fi rst-time pest control to be easily deployed above ground. Up until this point, there was really no way to deploy poison or ContraPest above ground. “So now there’s this groundbreaking dispensing system that you can put where the roof rats are most likely to be.” Roof rats spend about 90% of their life four feet or more off the ground, according to Maricopa County Vector Control. They can be found on power lines, fences, attics, garages, patios and more. So, SenesTech wanted to develop a better way to deploy ContraPest for roofTherats.Elevate Bait System uses the same

Valley ﬁrm

See RATS on page 35

The Sonoran Dog, a jalapeño-stuffed bacon-wrapped fried hot dog with homemade pinto beans, cotija cheese and pico de gallo topped with a yellow mustard and sour cream-mayo drizzle.

All the special dogs are piled so high that they’re meant to be eaten with a knife and fork, Peelen noted – “although it’s fun to see guys pick them up and try to eat them with their hands,” he added.

People look forward to the Hot Dog Days of Summer every year, Peelen said. “It’s a diffi cult thing to put together operationally to do all of these at the same time,” Peelen explained. “And just doing them for a month, there’s so many new ingredients; things we normally don’t have in house: making the gravy and pickling all the vegetables and bringing in the corned beef to slice.” However, the staff enjoys the challenge. “They know it’s great fun for customers,” Peelen said, adding, “It’s really the only time we pull out all the stops and really go for it. It’s a lot of fun for everyone.”

“The [recipe] I settled on, I love it,” Peelen said. “There’s no beans or anything in it. A few secret ingredients.”

“One side of the equation is the birth rate, but the other is the death rate,” Siegel said. “Rats become mature in a very short period of time and then they can have a litter of pups basically every six weeks. “The pups become mature and they have pups. You see a geometric explosion in the population. If you’re simply relying on death, you can’t kill them fast enough or sustainably enough to offset how fast they reproduce. That’s why birth control is so important.”

IF YOU GO: What: Hot Dog Days at Joe’s Farm Grill Where: 3000 E. Ray Road, Gilbert When: 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m. through Sept. 30 Contact: joesfarmgrill.com

With ContraPest not posing a danger to other animals or people, it’s no wonder why it is being used by many zoos, animal sanctuaries, farms, businesses and homes around the country.

SenesTech was founded in 2004 to serve women’s health. It wasn’t until researchers developed a model for inducing menopause in mice, which later became known as “mouseopause,” that they began looking at birth control technology. Development of ContraPest took several years, but in 2016 SenesTech fi nally won approval from the EPA to market ContraPest for use against rats. Now, the company has gone a step further to eliminate roof rats in elevated spaces by designing the Elevate Bait System with ContraPest, which was approved by the EPA in March.

BUSINESS34 THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022

from page 32

The new Chandler headquarters has most of the features that tech employees have come to expect, including its own cafeteria, coffee bar, fitness center, private rooms for new moms to breast feed their children and a health clinic. Each work area has a common space where workers can collaborate with one another. Bryan said Insight has earned a reputation for being a great company to work for. “One of the things that we’re really proud of is the fact that at Insight, we have won a series of awards for the culture that we have here,” Bryan said. “We’re best places to work in almost every country in which we exist. It’s really a tribute to the culture that we’ve created here at Insight, through the values that we have, our purpose statement and the fact that we live those values every day.”

Bryan said the company wants to become part of Chandler. Offi cials plan on hosting community events, suggesting the Chamber of Commerce might be interested in hosting something in its 300-seat Crown Room. But that will have to wait until they fi nish upgrading the building. “We’re going to maybe open up the facility to some Chandler-type functions,” Bryan said. “We just want to everything’s not quite perfect yet.”

mately impacts mom, dad, because the dogs gain more confi dence, they can go to the vet much easier. I’m blown away every day what we hear from our pet parents about how their dogs are easier to train after coming here.”

Two dogs also on the regular menu are: The Caroline Blue Dog, a grilled dog topped with Joe’s famous barbecued pulled pork, tangy crumbled blue cheese and hand-cut sweet coleslaw and drizzled with Joe’s Real BBQ sauce and homemade ranch dressing.

The latest tool to solve your rat problem has arrived, but it’s not what youInsteadexpect.of eliminating rodents using poison or traps, a Phoenix company has developed a more humane method: “Rat birth SenesTech,control.”Inc.produces ContraPest, a new fertility control technology for managing animal pest populations, primarily Norway and roof rats. It’s a non-toxic, non-lethal liquid dispensed inside tamper-resistant bait stations that causes infertility when ingested. And it is the only Environmental Protection Agency -registered contraceptive for both male and female rats. “It’s so good for the environment and just being a kind human,” said Kim Meagher, the founder of Wildhorse Ranch Rescue in Gilbert and an early customer of ContraPest. “There are a lot of us who don’t want to harm critters, so it’s a really nice way to take care of your rodent population,” she said. Animal lovers, like Meagher, aren’t interested in killing any. So, when Meagher’s rescue of 27 years developed a roof rat issue, she searched for non-lethal ways to eradicate the infestation. That’s when she found ContraPest. “It took care of our population in a very humane way very quickly,” she said. Rats weren’t the only animals Meagher was concerned about.

BY ASHLYN ROBINETTE Contributor

Information: insight.com

“It’s really a big thank you that we’ve had the most loyal, phenomenal customers,” Michael said. “And we want to thank them and recognize this achievement.”

ContraPest works because of its two active ingredients. The fi rst ingredient reduces the number of eggs female rats produce, while the second impairs sperm development in male rats. Although ContraPest targets the reproductive capabilities of rats, it is not a sterilant. For the product to be effective, rats must regularly consume it.

Though Siegel hasn’t seen an effect in other animals, he knows that if a non-targeted animal were to consume ContraPest then its effects would be temporary.

Most of Insight’s customers are Fortune 500 companies. The company operates in 20 countries around the world and employs about 12,000 people globally. In Arizona, they employ 1,600.

with garlic sauce, feta, tomatoes, kalamata olives and fresh herbs.

The Cheddar Coney Dog, a grilled hot dog smothered with homemade Michigan Coney chili sauce, diced white onions and yellow mustard and piled with a mound of fine-shredded Tillamook cheddar.

INSIGHT from page 32 DOGTOPIA

Two sexually active rats can be responsible for the birth of up to 15,000 descendants in just one year, according to SenesTech CEO Ken Siegel. If the breeding isn’t stopped, then you can’t get a handle on the population.

It is more than 90% effective in eliminating rat populations, according to SenesTech. This is especially important for Arizonans considering that Phoenix is ranked as one of the worst areas in the U.S. for roof rats. It’s not just consumers who are pleased with ContraPest, the rats love it too. “They fight over it,” said Meagher, who set up a rat camera to make sure that the rats were actually drinking ContraPest, and sure enough, they were. “ If it runs out before I fill it up, they’ll chew the container like, ‘Where is it?’ If one is drinking and taking too long, another one will bump him out of the way like, ‘Hey, it’s my turn.’ They absolutely love it.” Rats drink about 10% of their body weight in water every day, according to SenesTech. So, ContraPest was formulated to satisfy their thirst. The sweet, fatty liquid formula has proven successful in reducing rat populations, in turn preventing the serious property damage, dangerous food contamination and disease spread caused by rodents. To learn more or to order ContraPest or the Elevate Bait System with ContraPest, call 1-866-886-RATS or visit contrapeststore.com.

The eligibility depends on: whether the solar project pays “prevailing wages”; whether there is a certain minimum amount of domestically produced iron and steel; whether the project is located in a Native American land; whether the project was built on a site that was formerly a closed coal plant; whether the project is in an “economically disadvantaged” area.

The IRS will need six-12 months to spell out the rules for these “adders” and undoubtedly there will be many test court However,cases.one can clearly count on the 30% solar tax credit for residential and business solar projects.

BUSINESS 35THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 contraceptive but with a different dispensing system that’s specifically designed for roof rats in elevated indoor spaces. The suspended bait station is easily accessible by roof rats, but out of the way of people, pets, livestock and food storage areas.

What the Inﬂation Reduction Act means for you

Free seminar and lunch: 10 a.m. Sept. 24 at Hyatt Place, 3535 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, with lunch at 12:15 p.m. Topic is “Beat Inflation by Saving Lots of Tax and Increasing Cash Flow!”

Example: A Mesa company produces solar-powered refrigeration units (known as reefers) that replace the diesel-powered reefers that attach to refrigerated food trailers. These units cost $70,000 and are leased for 10 years to large grocery chains and food distribution companies at a 7% annual return. The investor who buys one gets a 30% solar tax credit of $21,000 and has a depreciable basis of $59,500.

Investor Example: An individual buys seven solar reefers and eliminates all the federal tax on $280,000 of 2022 taxable income and recovers most of the $250,000 tax owed on $850,000 of 2021 taxable income.

Note that the Energy Policy Act of 2005 allows one to take excess solar tax benefits generated in 2022 back one year and forward 20 years. The IRA seems to increase the carryback to 3 years and the carryforward to 22 years. The investor will receive a 7% annual return of $34,300 from large food companies for 10 years and will sell the equipment for $490,000 (to recoup the original purchase price) at the end of the 10-year lease. The typical client who buys a $70,000 solar reefer saves $35,000 in total federal and state income tax.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 introduced the 30% solar tax credit for residential or business solar installations. In 2020, 2021, and 2022, this dropped to a 26% solar tax credit. With the recently passed IRA, the tax credit goes back to 30% from 2022 through 2032, before dropping to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034. The credit will expire after 2034. For any solar projects done in 2022, even if started before the IRA was signed into law on Aug. 16, the solar tax credit is 30%. This solar tax credit can have 10% “adders” that can bring the total solar tax credit to at least 50%.

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was recently passed and signed by President Joe Biden and according to Wikipedia, these are the main parts.

The second is a 15% corporate minimum tax on companies with at least $1 billion or more in annual profits. The third is the hiring of up to 87,000 new IRS employees at a cost of $80 billion.

BY HAROLD WONG Guest Writer

The fi rst is allowing Medicare to negotiate prices with drugmakers and limit out-of-pocket expenses to seniors on Medicare to $2,000 per year.

Dr. Harold Wong earned his Ph.D. in economics at University of California/ Berkeley and has appeared on over 400 TV/radio programs. page 34

To RSVP or schedule a free consultation, contact Dr. Harold Wong at 480-706-0177 or harold_wong@hotmail. com. His website is drharoldwong.com.

RATS from

The fourth part is providing $369 billion to fund energy and climate projects with the goal of reducing carbon emissions by 40% by 2030. This article will focus on the fourth part.

Depending on whether one is a “passive” or “material participation” investor, one can deduct the $59,500 immediately in the year of purchase or take accelerated depreciation over 5 years. The tax benefits are huge and the most powerful way of reducing federal income tax in today’s tax code.

36 THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 PROMO CODE: VALLEY BET $5 GET $200 IN FREE INSTANTLY.BETSNEWCUSTOMERS Gambling problem? Call 1-800-NEXT STEP. 21+. Physically present in AZ. Eligibility restrictions apply. Valid 1 oﬀer per player. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 wager. $200 in free bets issued as eight (8) $25 free bets. Free Bets are non-cashable and can not be withdrawn. Free Bets must be wagered 1x and stake is not included in any returns or winnings. Free Bets expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. Promotional oﬀer period ends 9/19/22 at 11:59PM ET. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/footballterms.

BY JUSTIN LIGGIN Contributor

Sun Lakes author, 98, shows no sign of slowing down

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com 37THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022

Upon creating Cubs’ Den and briefing students on the purpose of the room and expectations for them to follow, Falak noticed the immense impact the space had for students on campus.

Right: Chandler Girl Scout Falak Asif earned a Gold Award, Girl Scouts’ highest honor, for creating a mindfulness room called the Cubs’ Den to help students deal with anxiety at Arizona Cultural Academy & College Prep. (Justin Liggin/Contributor)

See SCOUT on page 39

Above: The Cubs’ Den is a fully supervised space on the Arizona Cultural Academy & Col lege Prep campus helps students to engage in healthy activities when feeling stressed, sad or anxious.

In addition, she collaborated with a local Walmart to bring her vision of

Above: Sun Lakes author Mel Weiser, pictured with his wife, Joni Brown-Walders, has just published his sixth novel. Right: Sun Lakes author Mel Weiser has just added another novel to his literary legacy. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

Despite this, she came up with solutions and lead her team to success.

As a Girl Scout and aspiring psy chologist, Falak Asif set off to make a difference in her community by raising awareness of mental health and ended up also gaining a head start on her future career and the highest honor in the Girl Scouts organization, a Gold Award. When searching for ideas for her Gold Award project, Falak, while a student of Arizona Cultural Academy & College Prep, wanted to make a direct impact in the lives of her classmates and personal friends by taking on a top ic that often goes unaddressed.

BY KEN SAIN Managing Editor Mel Weiser was miserable, roaming the deck of his aircraft carrier with dried vomit on the corners of his mouth, hoping to find one spot where the ocean didn’t roll as much.

The 17-year-old was beginning to think he might have made a mistake begging his father to let him join the Navy and fight in World War II. “I couldn’t find a place for myself,” Weiser said. “One of my friends said to me, ‘Get up in your bunk. I’ll get you a book from the ship library, and maybe that’ll take your mind off this.’ “So he got me a book and it was about the conquest of Mexico, it was called ‘Don Pedro.’ And it just captured me. I put it down on my chest, and I remember I said, ‘If I could ever write like this, I would have a happy life.’” That moment gave Weiser the answer for what he wanted to do with his life. And he’s still doing it, even as a 98-year-old author living in Sun Lakes. He just published his sixth book, “The Crown of Sammuramat.” It’s an adventure novel that seems like it would make a good action film. The good and bad guys believe the crown has special powers and they are all trying to get it before the others. After conquering seasickness and leaving the Navy, Weiser returned to New York and pursued becoming a teacher. He spent most of his life teaching, and working in theater. He headed his own theater company and even directed a production on Broadway. Eventually, he got tired of snow and moved to Arizona. He kept working his way up the teaching ranks until he retired as a professor at Glendale Community College, where he spent 17 years.“TheCrown of mat”Sammuramaybe his latest published novel, but it’s not a new story. It was sitting on Weiser’s shelves collecting dust for years. “After I finished it, I put it away and that was the end of it,” Weiser said. Years later he came across it and said he took a second look. “‘What is that thing all about? What was it? I forget my own book. Let me look at it.’ So I looked at it, and I said, ‘it has potential, but it’s much too long.’ I wound up chopping out between 10 and 15,000 words. “I just kept chopping and chopping, and got it tighter and tighter and tighter. And I kept working on it and I said to myself, ‘this is a special one. I’ve got it.’” One of Weiser’s other books is a biography of actor Nick Nolte, called “Caught in the Act.” Nolte was a member of Weiser’s theater company before he became famous in the TV miniseries, “Rich Man, Poor Man,” and a host of box office hits such as “Prince of Tides” and “TheTheaterHulk.” companies have played an import ant role in Weiser’s life, including in helping him meet his second wife. Joni BrownWalders. She had her own theater company and they kept running into each other at productions.“Eventually, we took the hint,” Weiser said.The two worked together on a play,

“My project topic is important to me as it relates to what I have seen a close friend experience first-hand. Mental health is not addressed as much as it should be and making mental health the base of my project enabled me to really understand, learn and teach healthy ways to cope,” she explained.

With this in mind, Falak created Cubs’ Den, a fully supervised space on the school’s campus designated for students to engage in healthy activities when feeling stressed, sad or anxious. Offering de-stress toys, calming puzzles, books and a punching bag to release emotions, the Cubs’ Den is decorated with calming wall art and comfortable seating for up to five students at a time.

Chandler Girl Scout honored for mental health project

Receiving funding from the Muslim Outreach Volunteer Enterprise, Falak furnished the Cubs’ Den and provided the proper tools to relieve students.

“Once I showed students the best way to utilize the room and surveyed them after my presentation, I overheard and witnessed students using the room exactly as I envisioned,” she said. “I was able to impact more than 100 students in grades 8 through 12.” Originally given a smaller room on campus for Cubs’ Den, a sudden location change to a larger classroom required Falak to pivot and reevaluate her project.

See AUTHOR on page 39

Galveston residents and church vol unteers have also put in over 400 hours of physical labor towards the renova tions, which has reduced overhead costs.

The room will also be rentable for community events, parties, conferences and programs that need an affordable meeting space. The remodel of the sanctuary is now underway with a target completion date of Sept. 25. Browne said that because of the limited labor force, sometimes it feels more like “we are hoping for a Christ mas miracle.”

Paul Neerings of Gilbert’s Victory Elec tric offered discounted labor and oversight. Browne said the companies that have been so generous “see the bigger picture.”

A restroom upgrade comprises the third phase and will accommodate the needs of a growing church community and those of groups that rent the multipurpose room for special events and the crowds those events bring.

The first phase involves an upgrade of the multi-purpose room and was completed earlier this summer.

BY JANELLE MOLONY Contributor

The remodeled 1,800-square-foot space allowed for the immediate occupation of the Bricks4Kidz elementary STEM summer program.

Though the official groundbreaking began in March, the campus remodel has been divided into three phases, which are anticipated to be completed before 2023.

Now called Bethel SonRise to reflect a partnership with Bethel Chandler Church in southern Chandler, the 30-year-old church. Residents in the area can now look forward to a re-opening of a 30-year neigh borhood staple by the end of the year.

SonRise Faith’s leadership formed the partnership with Bethel Chandler last year to support the retirement of their pastoral staff and to fulfill an urgent need for building repairs and upgrades.Dueto the pandemic, SonRise’s campus remained virtually unoccupied for two “Thereyears.was a lot of work that needed to be done from a maintenance standpoint,” said Jenny Browne, project manager.SteveBrowning, an assistant associate pastor of SonRise Faith, is looking forward to seeing a long-awaited vision for the people and property realized through the renovation project. He said the project is an opportunity “to maximize the impact on the community” and that “the renovation, to me, is more of a revival – one that’s been brewing all along.” With the merger, the congregation is now led by the new building owners and executive pastors, Mike and Julie Gowans of Bethel Chandler. The Gowans delegated the responsibility of project oversight to former IT professional and Ahwatukee resident Jenny“ThisBrowne.project has been a huge undertaking,” Browne said. When the church campus reopens, it will offer weekend and mid-week services and specialized small group gatherings. The ministry staff plans to offer regular after-school events geared towards teens, onsite career planning services, and re-opening of the food pantry for those in need. Browning said there will eventually be enough programming available to meet the needs of the whole-person. He said that besides meeting the prac tical needs of the community, they plan to host general counseling services and trauma-informed “soul care” programs to address mental and emotional health issues. More programs are slated for the future, but “we plan to start small and grow through further outreach,” said Denise Flores, executive assistant for Bethel Church. In the short time the remodel has been underway, “we’ve had many miracles,” Browne said, adding that the first was the overwhelming support of the unified“Withcongregation.twochurches merging, we’re celebrating the combination of ethni cally and generationally diverse groups.” Since last November, combined church members raised over $250,000 towards the campaign for the renovation.

38 NEIGHBORS THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022

The sanctuary remodel will feature a technology upgrade that includes a sound and lighting system to make services (both live and online) more attractive to the modern audience.

This work is expected to be completed Brownemid-November.stillhopes to form new relationships with more general contrac tors and subcontractors to assist with project completion. “We are still looking for donors and volunteers,” she said, hoping to invite more to help with this legacy project.

And congregants hope for a surge of new interest and excitement for the re-opening by inviting local families to the forthcoming kid-friendly Harvest Fest on Oct. 29.

To date, Associated Architects in Mesa donated $22,000 towards the project, and their architects and engineers committed 185 pro-bono hours to design and draft the master plan and restroomPhoenix’sremodel.Interior Concepts Inc. do nated $40,000 worth of flooring products and offered free installation. Sincerus Technology provided thousands of dollars’ worth of labor and sold project materials to Bethel “at cost.”

Chandler churches’ merger includes campus re-do

In addition to the church-specific uses, Bethel SonRise’s tenant, Head Start Preschool, will tackle a portion of the upgrades to the classrooms and children’s restrooms it uses during the week with the help of a recent grant.

SonRise Faith Community at Galveston and Jay streets is now called Bethel SonRise after the two Chandler congregations merged. The Galveston campus is now being renovated. The top photo shows what it looked like before the renovation project began and the bottom shows how it looks like now. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

SonRise Faith Community, a well-established church in Chandler’s Galveston neighborhood, has adopted a new name as it undergoes a major overhaul.

Browne said that volunteers’ contributions of time and energy comes with the expected limitations of qualified skills and general availability. Beyond the volunteer workforce, she said recent contributions from corpora tions have surprised the organization.

Mickey Ohland

Regarded as the most prestigious award for Girl Scouts, Falak proved herself as a changemaker and innovator to earn the Gold Award. By tackling an important issue in her community and creating long-lasting change, she also earned the opportunity to receive distinguished scholarships at the local and national level and stand out during the college admissions process. Now graduated from high school, she looks forward to a future as a psychologist as she attends Arizona State University to pursue a degree in the field.

Contact Paul Maryniak atCP lM ik ontactPaulMaryniaktPaulMaryniak y 480480-898-56478985647 or ororpmaryniak@timespublicationspmaryniak@timespublications.comik@ibliicompmaryniak@timespublications.compyp

“Through Girl Scouts I was able to gain a broader perspective and learn many life skills that I may have not learned otherwise. Girl Scouts taught me the skills I need to properly lead and ex ecute projects, like Cubs’ Den,” she said.

The Chandler Elks Riders, formed in 2014, promote the spirit of Elks lodges everywhere and demonstrate the Elks’ principles of charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity. Their main goal is to raise money to support their local lodge and state Elks charities. Members of the group, part of Chandler Elks Lodge #2429, have a soft spot for anyone in need, including children, veterans and others who could use a boost financially or emotionally. Chandler Elks #2429 is a private club. Membership has two requirements: You must be an American Citizen that believes in God. For more information contact: Terry Mickelson at 602-448-1027 or elkriders@chandlerelks.com. Information: chandlerelks.com.

AUTHOR from page 37

NeNews?GGoGotGottot?s?ws?ewsNewsNewNeNGotGtoGotws?

The development of Veterans Oasis Park Field of Honor from conception to reality will be the topic for the Sept. 18 meeting of the Jewish War Veterans Copper State Post 619. Mickey Ohland, community services planning manager for the City of Chan dler, will address the group in the pool side building of Oakwood Country Club, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd. in Sun Lakes. Complimentary bagels, lox, and coffee start at 9:30 a.m., followed by the speaker at 10 a.m. Everyone is invited and there is no charge, but to partake in the food, a reservation is required by 5 p.m. Sept. 16 by contacting Joyce Spar tonos at Ohlandjoytoyspartonos@aol.com.joinedthecitystaffin1995 as the landscape coordinator for the Community Services Department and then became park planning superintendent and park development and operations manager. In 2017, he took on the role of community services planning manager. In this position, he oversees park acquisition, park development and other department wide projects. O hland has been involved with the Chandler Veteran’s Memorial Project since its inception in 2008. La st year, a ribbon-cutting ceremony showcased the City of Chandler’s latest tribute to veterans: the Field of Honor at Veterans Oasis Park. Located on the southwest corner of Veterans Oasis Park, the F ield of Honor at 4050 E Chandler Heights Road pays tribute to the Southeast Valley’s past, present and future veterans. The Field of Honor is the first veterans’ memorial of its size and scope in the Southeast Valley. It honors all veterans from all branches of the U.S. military. The memorial, made up of stone columns, is designed after the American Flag and is especially beautiful when lit up at Thenight.natural, recessed setting within Veterans Oasis Park offers a peaceful space for reflection and a place where individuals, families and groups can express their love and appreciation for ourVeteransveterans.Oasis Park is open to the public 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily. Comprising 113 acres, it includes a playground, water oasis for fishing, walking paths, horse trails and a pavilion which can be rented.JWV Post 619, which meets the third Sunday of the month from Septem ber-June, includes members who rep resent a wide range of religious affiliations and participates in philanthropic activities to help Jewish and non-Jewish veterans.Money raised from its poppy drives and fundraising activities enable the Post to fund their mission of supporting hospitalized, at-risk and veterans experiencing homelessness.

SCOUT from page 37

Local Jewish War Veterans post slates special speaker

Chandler Elks Riders donate supplies to 3 schools

Information: Elliott Reiss at 480802-3281 or ElliottBarb@q.com.

Chandler Elks Riders, from left, ER Taleen Carpenter, club President Terry Mickelson and Vice President “Mags” Bohner prepare to distribute school supplies the group collected. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

Cubs’ Den to life, reaching out to a local Walmart manager to request paint donations. This paid off as the store supplied four gallons of paint to complete the space. “I learned that I am good at decision-making, problem-solving and lead ership. I was able to solve any problem I came across while delegating tasks and leading my team in creating this wonderful project,” Falak said.

39NEIGHBORSTHE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022

A Girl Scout of over 10 years, Falak credits the organization for making an impact on her life and teaching her vital skills for her life experiences ahead.

The Chandler Elks Riders raised money over the summer to bring about $3,000 worth of classroom supplies to three Chandler Unified Title 1 schools where children from low-income households comprise a significant per centage of enrollment. With the help of a 50/50 raffle, the motorcycle club also raised money by adding a collection box in the lobby of the Chandler Elks Lodge and also received a $300 donation from another motorcycle club. The donated money was used to purchase crayons, pencils, notebooks, writing paper, backpacks glue sticks and other supplies.

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

Over the years, her excitement for the organization has remained just the same as it was when she was a little girl. “Girl Scouts has always meant a lot to me,” she said. “The weekend events always gave me something to look forward to and I was excited to participate in something other than the usual everyday routine of school and studying.”

However, the producer died before it opened. And Weiser and Browne-Walder were unable to raise the funds needed themselves for the show to go on. “It was absolutely heartbreaking,” Browne-Walder said. “I felt like ..., it was like a Turnsdeath.”outthe rolling seas of his youth helped Weiser find the direction he want ed to take his life. And even at 98, he’s not slowing down: He’s currently working on his next novel, ‘The Great Man.’

Mel Weiser books: The Trespasser; Within the Web; Nick Nolte: Caught in the Act; On 174th Street: The World of Willie Mittleman; Viva Pucini!; and The Crown of Sammuramat are available on Amazon. ‘

On Aug. 19, Chandler Elks Lodge #2429 Exalted Ruler Taleen Carpenter, Elks Riders President Terry Mickelson and Vice President “Mags” Bohner deliv ered the supplies to Hartford, Galveston and San Marcos elementary schools. Additionally, each enrolled third grader was given their own English-to-Spanish dictionary courtesy of the Elks Lodge’s Americanism program.

SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

‘A Tiny Piece of Land.’ After staging the play in Oregon, Los Angeles and Toronto, it was scheduled to open Off-Broadway.

BY ZACH ALVIRA Sports Editor

The Arizona Cardinals donated $10,000 to the Chandler Unified School District as a way to support the six girls’ flag football teams with new equipment and to further grow participation numbers in a sport that is rapidly becoming popular in the East Valley and across the country. (Corey Cross/Contributor)

See FLAG on page 41 See CHANDLER on page 41

The growth of the sport has caught the attention of other districts and the Arizona Cardinals, who donated $10,000 to the district Thursday, Sept. 1 for new equipment and to further promote the sport for even more growth.

“I think this is a way to really promote the sport outside of Chandler,”

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com 40 THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022

Chandler makes a statement in San Diego

Cardinals donate $10K to CUSD for girls flag football

Hamilton coach Matt Stone said. “After opening up an opportunity for the rest of the state to jump on board last year, I think this year we expect at least five or six more districts to play in the spring with us. “The Cardinals, last year, wanted to be a part of this and we need the support.”Thecheck presentation, which took place inside the weight room at Hamilton, was part of the Nike Kickoff Classic, an All-Star game for players from all six high schools. With help from the National Football League, the Nike Kickoff Classic serves as the kickoff to the high school football season, which began Sept. 2

Raiola went 15-of-18 for 253 yards and three touchdowns against one of southern California’s best teams. He also rushed for a touchdown in the first quarter.AnOhio State commit, Raiola entered the season as the consensus top prospect in the nation for the 2024

BY ZACH ALVIRA Sports Editor Girls flag football in Arizona and the East Valley has grown exponentially in the last two years. At the forefront of the growth has been the Chandler Unified School District, which established inter-district play for the six high schools and held its first-ever district championship game –which was won by Hamilton last spring.

Chandler High’s football team made a statement in San Diego to open the season in the Honor Bowl. Head coach Rick Garretson, who played at San Diego State, said it was a good homecoming win during an event that honors military veterans and those who were lost fighting for the country. (Josh DaFoe/Contributor)

Chandler’s football team heard the outside noise all off-season after their loss to Saguaro in last year’s Open Division State Championship. They were told they would never be the same. They were told they lost too much talent. They were told they were no longer top dog in the state, let alone the Chandler district. So, the Wolves responded with a 63-7 trouncing over Cathedral Catholic, one of southern California’s top high school football programs, in the Honor Bowl to open the season. “This was a business trip for us,” Chandler coach Rick Garretson said. “We were coming with a specific goal.” That goal: To prove they’re still the same Chandler. Though this version may be Thebetter.Wolves scored on all but two of their offensive drives. The first drive of the game ended in a punt. Toward the middle of the first half, junior quarterback Dylan Raiola was intercepted. It was one of three total passes he didn’t complete on the night in a dominant outing for the five-star transfer from Texas.Putting on the Chandler uniform was something he had been looking forward to since January. He has quickly become a leader and has started to gel with his wideouts, most of which are juniors.

Basha, another CUSD team, capped off an impressive weekend with a win over Los Alamitos Saturday night in Los An geles. The Bears shut down five-star USC commit Malachi Nelson in the second half, holding the Griffins to just one score. It was a good showing for Arizona, and Chandler’s win came during a topnotch event honoring veterans. “We were honored to be in the Honor Bowl,” Garretson said. “It’s everything we thought it would be and we are glad things worked out the way they did for us.” for all CUSD schools. Cardinals’ mascot Big Red, cheerleaders and other mem bers of the team’s community relations team were present for the All-Star game. Markus Golden, linebacker for the Cardi nals, was an honorary coach and roamed the sidelines during the game. Nicole Bidwill, the daughter of late Cardinals’ owner Bill Bidwill and the sister of current team owner Michael Bidwill, presented the check to the athletes and posed for photos ahead of the game. She also praised the athletes and coaches for their action in growing the“It’ssport.amazing.

FLAG from page

It is just so exciting that ladies flag football is going to become a fully sanctioned high school sport,” Bidwill said. “It’s so exciting for our team and we are happy to be here to support it and raise awareness and raise the creditability for it. These ladies are phenomenal athletes playing the sport they love. “I was the only daughter raised around the football team so to see all these ladies out here playing this sport, it means a lot to me, too, personally.” Chandler schools set the stage for what is has now been identified as an emerging sport by the Arizona Interscholastic Association. With the iden tification, girls flag football could be an official sanctioned sport by next year.

In August, the AIA said the growth of girls’ flag football has been intriguing. If it becomes an official sport, much like what the AIA did with girls volleyball years ago, it will likely run in conjunction with tackle football in the fall. While details are minimal, AIA Executive Director said the girls’ championship may take place the same week as the boys’ games. The venue of those games remains unknown. But it’s still an exciting time for players in “It’llCUSD.begreat,” Hamilton junior Cata rina ‘CC’ Maccagnano said. “It’s sad that it is barely happening now, it should’ve happened sooner. But we still get the opportunities, and this will go even farther. I’m really glad the new girls, the freshmen, will have more opportunities.” Maccagnano led the Huskies to the championship last season. She was also one of two quarterbacks in the district to participate in the first ever Elite 11 competition for girls’ flag football quarterbacks.Shetraveled to Las Vegas last May to compete in the Nike-sponsored competition. It was another sign about how much the sport has grown across the country.

“This is special to me as I was once like them, and now I get to coach them and see them play at this higher level,” said Casteel assistant coach Rae Black, who played girls’ flag football in college where it was an intramural sport. “I appreciate the Cardinals jumping in. Last year, it was the coaches that had to do everything.“It’snice to have some help as it is on its way to becoming an AIA sport and I appreciate people noticing the girls.”Along with Chandler last year, some schools were able to establish teams. Mountain Pointe led the charge in the Tempe Union district, which will now have more teams at its schools. Gilbert schools have jumped on board as well as Mesa. Scottsdale schools have also started forming teams, as well as Xavier Prep in Phoenix, which has well over 100 players for a tryout held early in the new school year.

Garretson’s son, Darrell, is an assistant coach for the Wildcats. He was able to share his team’s win with his family Friday before watching Darrell help coach Arizona to a win over his college“Thatteam.wasa big deal for a bunch of my friends and old teammates. They were here tonight,” Garretson said. “Not too bad. Show off my kids in front of my Chandler’sfolks.” win in San Diego, along with Red Mountain earlier in the day, was the type of showing Arizona needed on a national level.

Chandler running back Ca’lil Valentine had a field day in the game against Cathedral Catholic. He rushed for over 100 yards and added another element to a high-powered Chandler offense. (Josh DaFoe/Contributor) 40 40

“It’s sad, people come out and fight for our country and that’s the sacrifice they make,” Washington said of the building of the battlefield cross. “I

Chandler and Red Mountain’s wins were among the biggest for East Valley teams along with Queen Creek over San Joaquin Memorial, Campo Verde over Chavez and Williams Field over El Cajon, which all took place in Moorpark, Calif.

CHANDLER from page

“It has been so cool to see a sport I never thought I would ever play going into my freshman year and now I’m graduating this year and playing in an All-Star game,” Anderson said. “There’s so much potential with this sport. I think it’s so cool the Cardinals have decided to come and support us and donate to all the potential in the future.”

41THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 class. And he proved it Friday night to the tune of an “overrated” chant from the Cathedral Catholic student section. His night ended after three quarters, when Chandler’s lead was 49-7 and he had connected with junior tight end Kaden Anderson twice and junior running back Destin Johnson on a 78-yard pass he made look effortless while on the run. “I just try to train at such a high level that when I come out here, I try to make it look easy,” Raiola said. “It’s really just my guys getting open, getting off routes, getting off guys. I’m just super proud of them and what they did.” Chandler’s defense was just as dominant, holding Cathedral Catholic to just seven points. Those came after multiple penalties on the Wolves on one of the Dons’Beforedrives.the game, Chandler stood silent on the sideline as the Honor Bowl hosts walked the crowd through a ceremony that built a battlefield cross. The cross, which consists of an assault rifle, military helmet, combat boots and dog tags assembled in a specific way, honors soldiers lost in battle. The Honor Group, which puts on the Honor Bowl, raises awareness for the needs of military veterans and their families. In year’s past, service dogs were gifted to veterans at the game. They did the same this year and donated proceeds from merchandise sales to veterans and their families. Chandler defensive tackle A’Mauri Washington, who announced his com mitment to Oregon shortly after his team’s win, said it was an honor to be a part of a showcase that honors soldiers.

always show love to them. They make that sacrifice for us.” The game in San Diego was also a homecoming for Garretson, who played for San Diego State from 1974-78. He attended the Aztecs’ game on Saturday at their new stadium, Snapdragon Stadium, where they opened the season against the University of Arizona.

Some states have already adopted it as an official high school sport with state championships held everyArizonayear. is now moving in that direction, especially with other districts jumping on board.

It set the stage for other games that followed against out-of-state opponents. Overall, the state went 9-4 against teams not from Arizona.

As Special as it has been for coaches and administrators, it’s been special for players like Casteel quarterback Cameron Anderson. She was the other CUSD quarterback invited to the Elite 11 competition. Though, because she is a club soccer player, she was unable to attend.Butshe’s been one of the pioneers for the sport alongside her teammates. And now to have the Cardinals in their corner has made her upcoming senior season even more special.

“We don’t want to have a whole bunch of baseball players or a whole bunch of softball players also play lacrosse. That’s going to cut into their time in the Accordingspring.”toMaxpreps, 24 Arizona schools have girls lacrosse teams and 55 have boys Becauseteams.theseteams are clubs, anyone can join – even if they don’t go to that school. However, if lacrosse becomes an AIA-sanctioned sport, players would have to attend the school to play on its team. Student athletes at schools that don’t offer lacrosse won’t have the option to play it for another school.

Lacrosse still awaits high school sanction

VanThof, left, is well aware last year’s ASU roster had no players from Arizona, and that only one player has represented the state in the program’s first five years. (University of Florida Athletics)

The AIA currently sponsors 14 sports in the fall, winter and spring seasons. Across the country, lacrosse generally is played in spring. The AIA has seven sports in the spring and just three in the winter.

“We can’t foresee it at this point whether it will or won’t become an AIA sport,” Polansky said. “We’re always for increasing opportunities for student athletes. If lacrosse ends up being one of them, then we’re going to embrace it.”

When Taryn VanThof was introduced as the new lacrosse coach at Arizona State on July 6, she pledged to build the sport – which traditionally is played on the East Coast – and the Sun Devils’ brand throughout the state, region and country. The native of upstate New York was a standout midfielder at Loyola University in Maryland. Both states are hotbeds for lacrosse, and VanThof aims to push ASU to reach the same level of prominence.

The AIA requires numerous steps for a sport to become sanctioned, Polansky said. First, a group must present a proposal to the AIA executive board expressing interest in adding it. The executive board will then watch a season to see how the sport operates and meet with the proposers about logistics. The AIA then polls superintendents and athletic directors across the state to gauge interest. Should the sport receive enough interest from these parties, the AIA will review another season to get a better idea of how the sport would run under the direction of the AIA.

it’s a club sport being played and that it doesn’t have any affiliation with the AIA,” said Seth Polansky, the association’s director of sports information.

The schools then would need to get lacrosse approved in their budgets, and the AIA would need to determine during which season it would be played.

42 SPORTS & RECREATION THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022

BY IAN SACKS Cronkite News

“We’re going to expand,” she said. “We’re going to expand the community. I think that’s the biggest thing as we look at ASU and ASU lacrosse and Sun Devils lacrosse. “We want it to be not just here on the West Coast. It’s going to be a national brand extending over andThethroughout.”SunDevils are coming off their best season in the program’s five-year history. They posted an 11-8 overall record and 7-3 mark in conference play, and reached the Pac-12 championship game for the first time. ASU is the only one of the four Division I colleges in the state that has a lacrosse program. Last year’s roster did not feature a single player from Arizona, and only one player has represented the state in the program’s first five years. In addition to her coaching responsibil ities, VanThof also aims to expand youth lacrosse in the Grand Canyon State. “It’s going to start on campus for us with camps and clinics and being able to show our face to promote us but (also) to bring people to us,” VanThof said. “It’s going to create a community. It’s going to build an empire, and I think it’s exciting.” Meanwhile, at the high school level, lacrosse is not a sport that’s sanctioned by the Arizona Interscholastic Association, which oversees high school sports in theThestate.AIAcategorizes lacrosse as a club sport, and therefore doesn’t sponsor a state championship in the sport. A few years ago, the AIA began the pro cess of adding lacrosse as an official high school sport, but the momentum stalled. “Right now, we just have to continue as is, and that is we recognize that

“It will come down to not just availability of when it can be played,” Polansky said, “but also who are the athletes? Who are the lacrosse players? What other sports are they also playing?

Now, more than ever we must return to the place where we found peace. It is also important for us to encourage others to remember that even though we may not feel an immediate need, there will come a time when this place will be center stage in our lives. We must remember that support may seem heavy, but there are those who rely on us for their existence to ﬂourish. It is not enough to say that we do not need to participate now because there will come a time when it will be essential. We lose loved ones, we go through illness, we ﬁnd ourselves isolated from family and friends, and we despair in the grip of loneliness. Have we not experienced this at this moment in time? We must remember the happy moments that we once shared with others. All these adventures in our journey require a place for us to come together and understand that only together can we truly appreciate the value and purpose of our presence.

Today, more than ever, we find ourselves in the forefront of striving for human decency. Somehow, however, we omit the one ingredient that can and should solidify confidence in ourselves – faith – and this faith in the One who gave us the ability to be who we are can sustain us in times of need. Where do we turn? The simple truth is that we need each other, we need purpose in our lives, and we need to understand that each of us has value. Most of all we must remember that a life without faith will certainly leave us no place to Therefore,turn.aswe enter the next phase in our journey on the path to health and safety, we need to remember that when one of us is lost, we are all lost. When our society becomes ill, we all su er. But when we are happy it becomes a joy for all of us. We should look forward to greeting everyone as the doors open, our hearts again filled with song, and our feelings of connection once more fulfilled. Perhaps then we will not wonder where to turn.Weare home!

A life without faith leaves no place to turn Services offered • Beyond Primary Care • Same Day Visits • Seamless integrated services • Maternal Care • OB/GYN • Onsite Lab & ultrasound 480-307-3477 655 S. Dobson Road, Suite 201, Chandler, AZ sunlifehealth.org

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com 43THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 GOT NEWS? Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@TimesLocalMedia.com

All of us live in a world that rotates so fast that sometimes we wonder what would happen if it should stop. Would we just fall o ? Those who have experienced this feeling can understand the madness that is associated with such trauma. We need to be resilient and steadfast in our determination to survive and make sense of our lives. Our world, as we know it, is supposed to o er us the ability to experience the unthinkable and share the unimaginable.Yet,whenwe read about some revelation and another invention and a concept of machines replacing humans, we begin to wonder whether we are in control of our destiny or even relevant. The simple things seemed to have disappeared. The feeling of connection lost in the shu e of speed. The reliance on faith to guide us in paths determined to enhance our lives is now passé. God surely has died! The aged attempt to feel needed and the young feel as though they are indestructible. The pews are empty, the buildings are feeling lonely; the spirit is gone from the faces that once looked in amazement at ritual and splendor that reminded us of the grandeur of God. What we seemed to have forgotten is the thankfulness of breath, the wonder of birth, the amazement at witnessing the trees bloom and the aroma of the ﬂowers that bring ﬂavor to our lives. We have become so insensitive to touching or feeling that we cannot even remember the thrill of family gatherings. Our houses of worship were established to remind us of history, and tradition and faith. We began our spiritual journey entering the doors of these noble institutions and, much to our amazement we felt an unexplainable chill run through our veins. We knew that the generations that preceded us felt the very same way, but are not so sure that the next will also have this euphoric encounter.

BY RABBI IRWIN WIENER Columnist

“You got these cheesy quesadilla which you stuff with some marinated shredded beef and dip it in its own broth,” said Gabriel, the chef. “That’s just the moneymaker right now.”

“I don’t want to be the one that comes in and closes other restaurants. That’s not my intent. I would love to be the one that comes in and other restaurants in the area maybe use a little bit of what we’ve done here, which we believe it’s very special.”

“It’s not fresh,” he said. “And one of our goals was to satisfy the masses, right. But for us, it was very important for the Hispanic market to be the ones that we would target. “First and foremost, because for us, if we could satisfy the Hispanic market, which is really the most difficult one to satisfy, then we knew that everybody else would more likely enjoy what we offer.”

Garfio, who owns eight Fruitlandia stores in the Valley, is branching out and starting a new taco restaurant, Taqueria Factory, at the corner of Arizona Avenue and Ray Road. Despite the temptation, he turned down the purveyors.

BY KEN SAIN Managing Editor

More than two months in and Garfio said his new venture appears to be a success, with a number of repeat customers in the Hispanic community. The restaurants are very much a fam ily affair.Gabe co-owns both Fruitlandia and Taqueria Factory with his wife, Maria. His son Gabriel is the chef and his other son Fernando is the operations manager. Their daughter, Briana, is in charge of marketing and social media. They decided to open Taqueria Factory because customers to Fruitlandia, which is a Mexican dessert shop, kept asking for Mexican food. They saw an opportunity. The Chandler location for both restaurants are right next to each other, so customers could order lunch at Taqueria Factory and then pick up dessert at Fruitlandia.

The tag line for Taqueira Factory is Tacos and Miches. That would be micheladas, which is an alcoholic drink made with beer, lime, juice and assorted sauces and spices. Gabe said the family’s Fruitlandia business is doing well after opening in 2006. In addition to the eight current locations, there are two more scheduled to open soon. And they are talking to people interested in purchasing a fran chise both in and outside of Arizona.

Gamaliel (Gabe) Garfio said that when opening a new restaurant, owners must make some big decisions that will decide what kind of business they want to be. Some of them are tempting. “When you open up a restaurant, you have choices, of how you’re going to go to market,” he said. “And believe me when I tell you, it’s very tempting when the pur veyors … show you these buckets of salsa, and there’s buckets of avocado, and here’s meats that have already been seasoned and all you have to do just throw them on the grill, right? I’m not going to lie to you, it’s very tempting, because it saves you a lot of money and labor.” With a quarter century of experience in the restaurant industry, Garfio decided he wanted his new venture to make its food from scratch.

Accompanying drinks include fresh fruit fresca, cerveza, handcrafted margaritas andProvidingmicheladas.the soundtrack are Ozomatli and Everclear, with other featured entertainment to include luche libre wrestling, hot chili pepper and taco-eating competitions, mariachi, a mechanical taco ride, margarita and michelada master tent and little amigos play“Wearea.always work on different things to expand the events,” O’Donnell says. “We wanted to keep some of the staples like lucha libre wrestling. The wrestling is always a hit with families. We listened to our fans, and they wanted more shade. It’s still an end-of-summer-before-fall event. We have massive shade structures being built in front of the stage and all the way back just to make sure everybody is comfortable andThecool.”margarita and michelada seminar tent will keep guests cool as well. There, celebrity bartenders will share the secrets behind their success. “They’ll show the different variations of making your own micheladas and the many ways of making regular margaritas to Cadillac margaritas and everything in between. They’ll learn how to take those recipes and enjoy it by the pool listening to Everclear and Ozomatli afterward.”

Rockin’ Taco Street Fest When: Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 Where: Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler Cost: Event admission is $25 plus fees; does not include food and drink Info: forty8live.com/rockintacoaz

Chicken sizzles on the grill as Quesabirrias get prepared on the flattop at Taqueria Factory (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

Chandler’s Taqueria Factory focuses on tacos

44 For more community news visit SanTanSun.com THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022

The Taqueria Factory in Chandler is owned and operated by the Garfio Family, including, from left, - Fernando, Gabriel, Maria and Gamaliel “Gabe” Garfio. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

“People would ask, do you guys sell tacos, burritos and different Mexican food options? And obviously, we don’t. And we decided, now that we acquired this building, and we had the space, we had been thinking about coming up with a concept that would take care of those requests.”

Tacos, wrestling and music return to Chandler park

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor

If you go Taqueria Factory 55 E. Ray Road | taqueriafactory.com480-672-5000

“I think that competition makes businesses better,” Gabe said. “In my opinion, I would like to be, hopefully, some sort of motivation for other restaurants to maybe step up their game, if they’re not there already.

Rockin’ Taco Street Fest’s organizers are pumped about the Downtown Chan dler event’s 11th iteration on Sept. 24. “We’re fired up,” says Mike O’Donnell, director of partnerships for Forty8 Live!, the event’s producer. A food, music and cultural celebration, Rockin’ Taco Street Fest will feature creative tacos from more than 20 local restaurants and food trucks.

He said if the Taqueria Factory model is a success, they might open more locations in the future. It’s not an easy accomplishment in a major city where there’s a Mexican food restaurant on nearly every corner.

The concept is basically to become the In-n-Out Burger of tacos. “They only sell one thing, right?” Gabe said. So they keep the menu simple. There are only four choices of meat for tacos: Al pastor (pork); carne asada (beef); birria (beef) and pollo (chicken). Fernando, the operations manager, said the top seller on the menu is the quesabirrias.

45CLASSIFIEDSTHE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 To Advertise Call: 480-898-6465 or email Class@TimesLocalMedia.com CLASSIFIEDS.PHOENIX.ORG Air Conditioning/Heating Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship New 3-Ton 14 SEER AC Systems Only $5,995 INSTALLED! New Trane Air Conditioners NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 MONTHS! QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE! Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252 480-405-7588 Over 1,000 Five-Star Google Reviews ★★★★★ Plumbing Heating & Air umbSmart Air Duct Cleaning Air Duct Cleaning & Dryer Vents BY JOHN (480) 912-0881 – Licensed & Insured ★ 30+ Years ExperienceHVAC ★ Disinfected & Sanitized With Every Job Business/ProfessionalServices BUSINESS SERVICES A group of local business representatives and owners committed to development of local businesses in the Greater Chandler Area. Providing a forum for local businesses to promote themselves. We also work with and promote several non-profit organizations. Each member is required to assist or fund a non-profit organization as a show of support to our community. chandleralliance@gmail.com Business/ProfessionalServices BUSINESS businesswww.chandlerchamber.comPlanninganewinChandler? Check in with the Chandler Chamber of Commerce for help. Carpet Cleaning DAVE’S PERFECT TOUCH CARPET/GROUT & TILE CLEANING 3 Areas for $99 up to 150 sq. ft. per area (includes high traffice pre-treatment) CALL FOR APPOINTMENT 7 Areas for $199 up to 150 sq. ft. per area (includes high traffice pre-treatment) Reg. Value $175 - CALL FOR APPOINTMENT OTHER SERVICES INCLUDE: ★ Tile & Grout Cleaning ★ Upholster y Cleaning ★ Trusted Chandler Resident David Cole • 480-215-4757 Commercial & Residential • Licensed & Insured • Owner Operator — SPECIALS — Concrete & Masonry WorkConcrete • Patios • Sidewalks • Driveways • 30 years experience • Free Estimates 480-516-8920 not a licensed contractor Call Dan Handyman HANDYMAN 480-519-7400PatrickLicensed&Bonded • Light Carpentry • Plumbing • Electrical • Drywall Repairs • Painting • Other small jobs Hauling DANIEL’SJUNKREMOVAL Have a small load? A huge load? We have options for eveyone. No matter what or how much you’re moving. www.danieljunkremoval.com480.221.9035 Hauling • Furniture • Appliances • Mattresses • Televisions • Garage Clean-Out • Construction Debris • Old Paint & Chems. • Yard Waste • Concrete Slab • Remodeling Debris • Old Tires Home Improvement General Contracting, Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC118198 One Call, We Do It All! 602-339-4766 Free Estimates with Pride & Prompt Service! Owner Does All Work, All Honey-Do Lists All Remodeling, Additions, Kitchen, Bath, Patio Covers, Garage, Sheds, Windows, Doors, Drywall & Roofing Repairs, Painting, All Plumbing, Electrical, Concrete, Block, Stucco, Stack Stone, All Flooring, Wood, Tile, Carpet, Welding, Gates, Fences, All Repairs. Irrigation • RepairsSprinkler/Drip • NewPoly/PVCInstalls • Same Day Service 5 -YEAR PART WARRANTY 480.654.5600 azirrigation.com Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671 Landscape/Maintenance High Quality Results TRIM TREES ALL TYPES GRAVEL - PAVERS SPRINKLER SYSTEMS Complete Clean Ups Not a licensed contractor. 602.515.2767JoseMartinez Landscape/Maintenance LANDSCAPING www.miguelslandscapinginc.comPAVERS,WATERFEATURES,FLAGSTONE,FIREPLACE,SOD,BBQ, SYNTHETIC GRASS, ROCK AND IRRIGATION Remodeling License ROC #183369 • Bonded, Insured mi.landscapinginc@hotmail.com PAVERS, WATER FEATURES, TRAVERTINE, FIREPLACE, SOD, BBQ, SYNTHETIC GRASS, ROCK AND IRRIGATION www.miguelslandscapinginc.pro Landscape/Maintenance VALENCIA’S TOTAL YARD RESTORATION ➨ Planting & Removal of Trees ➨ Complete Maintenance ➨ Tree Trimming & Hauling ➨ Free Estimates enrique 480 495-5828 * Not a licensed contractor LandscapeInstallationDesign/ CACTUSARIZONASALES Since 1968 Five Acres of Plants (480) 963-1061 1619 S. ARIZONA AVE. arizonacactussales.comCHANDLER Painting Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs We Are State Licensed and Reliable! Free480-338-4011Estimates•SeniorDiscounts ROC#309706 HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING Painting 602.625.0599 Family Owned Suntechpaintingaz.com • High Quality Materials & Workmanship • Customer Satisfaction • Countless References • Free Estimates ROC #155380 ServingSinceAhwatukee1987 In Best of Ahwatukee Year After Year Painting CONKLIN PAINTING Free Estimate & Color Consultation Interior Painting ● Pressure Washing Exterior Painting ● Drywall/Stucco Repair Complete Prep Work ● Wallpaper Removal 480-888-5895 ConklinPainting.comLic/Bond/InsROC#270450 Painting Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Cabinet Painting • Light Carpentry Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Color Consulting Pool Deck Coatings • Garage Floor Coatings 10% OFF Free Estimates • Home of the 10 Year Warranty! www.eastvalleypainters.com480-688-4770 Family Owned & Operated Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131 Now Accepting all major credit cards We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality East Valley PAINTERS Voted #1 Plumbing PLUMBING 24-HOURSinceSERVICE1968 ROC#153202/213288A+ 480-892-5000 SAN TAN PLUMBING & DRAIN CLEANING 480-726-1600 ABC Plumbing & Rooter 24 HOUR 480-726-1600SERVICEABCPLUMBING&ROOTER24/7 Best Senior Discount 20% OFF

46 CLASSIFIEDS THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 To Advertise Call: 480-898-6465 or email Class@TimesLocalMedia.com CLASSIFIEDS.PHOENIX.ORG CALLCLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 We'llGetYourPhonetoRing! WeAccept: CLASSIFIEDS.PHOENIX.ORG HIRE A PRO To Advertise Call: 480-898-6465 or email Class@TimesLocalMedia.com MetroPhoenixServices com Ahwatukee Chandler Gilbert Glendale Mesa North Valley Ocotillo Peoria Phoenix Scottsdale Tempe West Valley HIRE A PRO To Advertise Call: 480-898-6465 or email Class@TimesLocalMedia.com MetroPhoenixServices com Ahwatukee Chandler Gilbert Glendale Mesa North Valley Ocotillo Peoria Phoenix Scottsdale Tempe West Valley SanTanSun.com Oooh, MORE ads online! Check ClassifiedsOnlineOurToo! Plumbing PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH! FREE Service Calls + FREE Estimates Water Heaters Installed - $999 Unclog Drains - $49 10% OFF All Water Puri cation Systems Voted #1 Plumber 3 Years In A Row OVER 1,000 5-STAR REVIEWS Bonded/InsuredROC#223709 480-405-7099 Plumbing $5000 OFF Work Completed! SINCE 1968 1 HOUR ABCEMERGENCY480-726-1600RESPONSESERVICEPLUMBING&ROOTER Lic. ROC153202/213278, Bonded & Insured *CALL OFFICE FOR DETAILS www.abcplumbingandrooter.com Plumbing CURE ALL PLUMBING FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED Full Service 480-895-9838Plumbing ✔ Free Estimates ✔ Senior Discounts! RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL H Drain & Sewer Cleaning H Water Heaters H Faucets H Fixtures H Electronic Leak Locating H Slab Leaks H Repiping H Sewer Video & Locating H Backflow Testing & Repair H Sprinkler Systems & Repairs H Water Treatment Sales & Service ROC #204797 No Job Too Small! Plumbing PLUMBING 480-704-5422 REPAIR or INSTALL Water Heaters • Faucets • Sinks Toilets • Disposals • Rooter Services ROC #272721 $35 Off ServiceCall Licensed • InsuredBonded Roofing MonsoonRoofingInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561 10% Discount for Ahwatukee Residents 100% NO Leak Guarantee Re-Roof & Roofing Repairs Tile, Shingles & Flat Roof 480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com Roofing Over 30 Years of Experience Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers! Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer! 480-446-7663 Spencer4HIREROOFING Valley Wide Service FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hireroofing.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded Sewer/Drain/Septic SEWER AND DRAIN 0% Financing Fast*Discount!Senior20% *Call for details. ABC Plumbing & Rooter 480-726-1600 HotwaterFREEHeater Flush Licensed/Bonded/Insured 48 YEARS In Business Since 1968 ROC#153202/213278 0% Financing Fast* *Call for details.Discount!Senior20% Glass/Mirror GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS Family Owned with 50 years' EXPERIENCE. Shower and tub enclosures, Framed, Frameless or Custom Doors, We also install insulated glass, mirrored closet doors, window glass, mirrors, patio doors, glass table protectors. If it’s glass, we can help you. QUALITY SERVICE at Competitive Prices. FREE Estimates WESLEY'S GLASS & MIRROR Call 480-306-5113 wesleysglass.com SERVICING THE ENTIRE VALLEY Handyman A FRIEND IN HANDYMANME Honey-Do List Electrical, Plumbing, Drywall, Painting & Home Renovations. Not a licensed contractor. Call Greg AFriendInMeHandyman@gmail.com480-510-2664 Plumbing abcplumbingandrooter.comROC153202 Where Integrity Isn’t Watered Down. Since 1968 - 480-726-1600 1 hour response Emergency Response 24/7 A rated BBB *Free flush of water heater *Best senior discount: 20% off labor *$50.00 off with work done mention this ad Flood restoration, Water heaters, drain clogs, faucets, toilets, slab leaks, leak locating, & water main. Roofing Serving All Types of Roofing: • Tiles & Shingles • Installation • Repair • Re-Roofing FREE ESTIMATES sunlandroofingllc@gmail.com 602-471-2346 Clean, Prompt, Friendly and Professional Service Not a contractorlicensed Wanted to Buy WANT PURCHASETO Minerals and other oil & gas interests Send Details to: PO Box 13557 Denver, CO 80201 Moving IN OR OUT MOVERS Professional, hardworking, excellent service. No hidden fees. Whether you are moving in or moving out LEAVE THE LIFTING TO US! Serving the East www.inoroutmoversValley.phoenixmetro.comCallTerryat602-653-5367 HEAT CAN KILL. Bring your pets indoors during summer heat. Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online! Classifieds 480-898-6465 CLASSIFIEDSWORK480-898-6465

47THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 PHX EAST VALLEY PARTNERSHIP APS STATESPERSONS’ LUNCHEON Keynote Speaker Ron Brownstein: All About the Midterms: A Look at Arizona’s Political Landscape 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14 Doubletree by Hilton Phoenix-Mesa PRESENTED BY: The Midterms are approaching and Arizona is a state to watch. At this event, you’ll get unfiltered and nonpartisan insights on the state of politics in Arizona from Ron Brownstein, senior editor of The Atlantic, contributing editor for National Journal and a senior political analyst for CNN. Part jour nalist, part historian, and all shrewd political observer, Brownstein will de liver sharp analysis on politics, policy, the electorate, media and the range of issues informed by his strong sense of American political and national history. Following the keynote address, you’ll hear from candidates in key races share their plans for building on Arizona’s economic momentum while addressing our communities’ most pressing issues. Tables of 8: $1,000/Individual Tickets: $125 480.532.0641 or jhubbard@phxeastvalley.com A Zoom option may be available.

48 THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 JDM esnarD . coM L earnMoreat 3 Authored the largest income and property tax cuts in state history, reducing taxes for all Arizonans and helping to create jobs 3 Authored the bill giving teachers a 20% pay raise and increasing classroom resources for kids 3 Supported budget funding for stronger border security 3 Authored Arizona’s “Back the Blue” initiative to support our police