West Valley View - East Zone - 09.28.2022

Community rallying around ill mother

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI West Valley Executive Editor

TaraCarnes does not let her stage 4 breast cancer define her.

But it’s wearing her down. The Goodyear mother of Canyon View High School freshman Cash Chambers is determined to give her son the childhood he deserves. And the community is rallying behind her.

From 8 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, Canyon View is hosting a benefit pancake breakfast for Carnes in its student union, 6024 N. Perryville Road, Waddell. Tickets can be purchased at cvhsjaguarfootball. com.

Carnes is the October recipient for Helping One Woman, too. The nonprofit will honor her from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, at The Wigwam’s Sachem Ballroom. There is a $10 minimum cash gift for Carnes; an optional dinner is $23.

She will flip the coin before Canyon View’s varsity football game at home against Willow Canyon at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7. The game marks the beginning

Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“They’re going to wear pink jerseys,” she said. “This is difficult for me. I think about others more than I think about myself. I think about my son and what other people are going through.”

Football is big in Carnes’ household. Cash, 15, is a freshman tight end/receiver on Canyon View’s junior varsity football team. Carnes said he breathes fitness and football.

“He loves everything about it,” she said with a weakened voice. “He’s so focused. His grades are great. He’s the kindest soul you’ll ever meet.”

‘There was just pain’

Carnes is an advocate for early breast cancer detection. In 2020, Carnes had pain near her right rib. A lot of pain.

Mother...continued on page 3

Robotic exoskeleton gives new hope

BY KAILA MELLOS West Valley View Staff Writer

Army veteran and Goodyear resident Richie Neian will take home a ReWalk Robotics exoskeleton.

Neider suffered spinal cord injuries in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom in

2005 and lost his ability to walk. Now, after a decade in a wheelchair, Neider can walk again, thanks to this machine.

“After 10 years of not walking, it’s one of the most amazing feelings,” Neider said. “You don’t forget how to walk; your brain

always tells you.”

The battery-powered exoskeleton is giving him the freedom to be self-sufficient again.

“It’s more than freedom. It’s complete

Hope...continued on page 4

Tara Carnes and her son, Cash Chambers, are the beneficiaries of several events around the West Valley. She is su ering from stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. (Tara Carnes/Submitted)

Casita

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

The West Valley View is a controlled-circulation weekly. It is published every Wednesday, and distributed free-of-charge to homes and in high-traffic locations throughout Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Buckeye and Tolleson.

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from page 1

“I went to bed, and I woke up and there was just pain,” she recalled. “That went on for a few months and then I found a lump. I didn’t think it was cancer, so I just waited from November to February to go to the doctor.

“I didn’t know what to do. That’s the big thing about breast cancer. You’re supposed to check when you’re 40, but I was 36 when I was diagnosed on Feb. 10, 2021. It’s been horrific, my situation.

“There are breast cancer awareness efforts. We check and then what do we do? I had no idea what to do. Do I go to my regular doctor? I didn’t know. That’s horrible. When I was diagnosed, they said to me that my cancer had spread throughout my body. My cancer was everywhere.”

She has stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Now 38, Carnes and her quality of life have been profoundly affected.

“I get very tired a lot,” she said. “If I do go out and about with Cash, I have to take naps. I have to go to the car and nap throughout the day. If I don’t do

If You Go...

WHAT: Pancake breakfast

WHEN: 8 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 2

WHERE: Canyon View High School student union, 6024 N. Perryville Road, Waddell

COST: $10

INFO: cvhsjaguarfootball.com

WHAT: Helping One Woman

WHEN: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4

WHERE: The Wigwam’s Sachem Ballroom, 300 E. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfi eld Park

COST: $10 minimum cash gift for Tara Carnes; optional dinner for $23

INFO: https://bit.ly/HOWTaraCarnes or howgoodyearaz@gmail.com

that, I crash for a couple days. I’m so sick. I get so sick and nauseated. I can’t eat. It’s not like I don’t want to eat. I just cannot put something down my throat.

“Cash has had to feed me nutritional shakes, or a few times I’ve had to have friends come help me out of my chair and help me shower. It’s something you don’t think you’ll experience ever — specifi cally in your thirties. That’s been devastating for my family.”

Carnes has tumors on her skull, spine, pelvic bone, hip bones and femur. They aren’t growing, but it’s just a matter of time before the treatment will stop working. Then, she’ll go on to another form. Her next set of scans is Oct. 5. She’ll hear the results on Oct. 7.

“My doctor said I’ll try this treatment until it stops working eventually,” she said. “My cancer will start growing larger and then we’ll try another treatment. That’ll stop working. That will just keep happening until we decide to go off treatment.”

Her friends have been there for her by providing moral support and taking

Cash to school.

“The worst thing about this is you can’t make yourself feel better,” she said. “People get sick. You feel better. That’s not that way with this. You go on maternity leave, you have a baby and go back to work. You have leave because you have surgery. I went on a leave and I’m not getting better. I haven’t been stable through this whole thing.”

She doesn’t have the BRACA gene, and it does not run in her family. Carnes started a GoFundMe page to raise $35,000. So far, it collected $17,585 at https://bit.ly/TaraCarnesCancer.

“I am just that 1 in 8 who gets it for no reason,” she wrote on her GoFundMe page.

Doctors have given the 2002 Millennium High School graduate two to four years from her diagnosis to live.

“I know I was meant to be a part of this world for a greater purpose,” she said. “It’s so, so hard, but I know cancer does not define me. I’m praying for a miracle and hoping, at the very least, to see my son graduate high school.”

Florian T. Walter, D.O. Raj S. Rathee, M.D. Jordan Oland, M.D. B.J. Ho, D.O. Sarah Colwell, D.O.

Akanksha Murray, MD. Ingrid Gold, CNM

Britt Michie, RNC, MSN, WHNP, CNM

Jennifer Woodruff, RNC, MSN, WHNP

Anna Gomez, CNM Yisel Carter, PA-C

Jessica Olano, CNM

Karline Snyder, CNM

Kristen Watras, WHNP

Margaret Over, PA-C

Brittani Gonzalez, WHNP, Madison Ginnis, PA-C, Jasmin Vasquez, PA-C,

The West Valley

The

To

https://timespublications.com/phoenix/ or

WHAT: Canyon View vs. Willow Canyon

WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7

WHERE: Canyon View High School COST: Charge at gate

INFO: cvjags.com

623-846-7558

9930 W. Indian School Road Phoenix, AZ 85037

35 N. Estrella Parkway Goodyear, AZ 85338

www.womenshealthaz.com

GRAND OPENING

Join us for this free public event as we celebrate the opening of this brand-new park in our community.

Activities include:

� fitness fun

� sport demos

� food trucks

� self-guided home tour

� crafts and more!

Hope...continued from page 1

independence. Being able to be on my feet, be eye to eye with everybody.”

ReWalk’s exoskeleton was approved by the FDA in 2014 as a take-home system. The machine starts at the hips with motors at the hip and knee joints. It is controlled with a watch, so the user can control the ability to go from sitting to standing and vice versa.

“ReWalk is for someone with a spinal cord injury or leg paralysis,” said Dan Bonarati, Touchstone Rehabilitation physical therapist and owner.

“The robot actually works with the person to help them advance each leg during walking. Each time they shift side to side, the exoskeleton knows to advance the other limb. So, they’re shifting, stepping, shifting, stepping. It turns into a very natural walk. The people we’ve trained with the exoskeletons can walk for an hour or more at a time.”

Bonarati, Neider and a small team of others have been working together to obtain the exoskeleton for Neider through a VA program.

“We give them some sessions to train with it, make sure they can use it, make sure their body tolerates it, make sure it’s what they think it is and that it’s going to be life-changing for them,” Bonarati said. “They have to prove that they will use it, and then the VA will consider purchasing it. Richie has been a great ambassador to open that avenue up for other vets.”

Neider is paving the way for more disabled veterans to have the exoskeleton.

“He’s been the first to do this in Phoenix through the VA, which is exciting,” Bonarati said.

“He is breaking new ground for a program that ReWalk has established across the country. But Phoenix is a leader in making ReWalk accessible to veterans by allowing them to try it and see if it’s good for them.”

In the United States, there are seven other veterans training to take these devices home every day. Neider’s

training took just about two and a half months — 28 sessions — to build his strength with the machine and learn how to use it.

He is beyond grateful to the VA and his team for giving him the opportunity to take this home. Without insurance or fundraising, the device is upward of $75,000.

Since he was 7, Neider has been passionate about building and riding motorcycles. Before he got this exoskeleton, he thought it would never ride again.

“Every year, we go to Sturgis,” Neider said about the annual motorcycle rally. “I did about 3,400 miles with our group, and we rode this month with all the combat veterans we met up with. I have a 2017 Indian Chief that’s procharged, and it’s got a sidecar. It’s definitely a different type of bike, but I’m out in the wind enjoying life. Next year, I’ll take the exoskeleton with me so I’ll have legs and be able to walk with everybody instead of rolling with everybody.”

Without the help of his team at Touchstone Rehabilitation and his wife, Kerry, he wouldn’t be where he is today.

“I’m showing other people that they can do the same thing,” Neider said. “It’s just a matter of are you willing to. That one of the benefits of getting to this point, is you can show people that are still struggling there’s a way around this.”

Goodyear resident Richie Neider with physical therapists Jackie Garcia and Dan Bonarati, the latter of whom owns Touchstone Rehabilitation. (Kerry Neider/Submitted)

AGUA FRIA HSD REVEALS FIRST HALL OF FAME CLASS

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, West Valley View Executive Editor

Helping One Woman

Led by Nicole Daghe Fischer, Sheetal Patel, Tracy Hernandez and Barb Spitzock, Helping One Woman Goodyear hosts monthly dinners during which they honor women who have experienced an irreplaceable loss within the past 12 months.

The loss could be a terminal illness, an immediate family member’s death or another nonmaterial loss or tragedy.

“The dinner is a time to show support and encouragement to her,” Hernandez said.“One way we do this is presenting her with a monetary gift, which is a collection of the money the attendees have given through their $10 minimum gift and raffle prize money. All of the money goes directly to the recipient at the dinner. The money itself is not intended to be the main gift; it is just a tangible sign of the love and support behind it. At the dinner, the recipient randomly selects next month’s recipient from the nomination forms collected that night.” Part of a national organization, the Goodyear chapter was established in 2019 and has gifted more than $84,000 to 25 West Valley women.

Hernandez said she’s “beyond super happy” that Helping One Woman is being recognized for its work. “It’s so flattering to have someone who noticed us after all the hard work we’ve done,” she said. “We do it just because there’s a need out there. The community support is huge. It is huge that other people have the opportunity to see more of what we can do.”

Selected by Agua Fria High School District

Memo Espinoza

Avondale Police Chief

Avondale Police Chief Memo Espinoza grew up in the city and attended Agua Fria High School.

A former U.S. Marine, Espinoza has been with the APD since July 1997. During his police officer career, he has worked as a detective, corporal, sergeant and lieutenant with experience in criminal investigations, hiring, recruitment and training and SRD sergeant.

He also served six years as a member of the tactical operations unit as an operator and is trained as a negotiator for the team. He was the Avondale Police Department’s public information officer and was assigned as the lieutenant for the criminal investigations bureau.

“I was very honored when I heard about it,” he said about the Hall of Fame. “I still have very strong ties to the Agua Fria High School and the district. I have two boys and one of them is a freshman at Millennium. I stop by Agua Fria High School all the time and reminisce. When I opened the invitation for the induction ceremony and I saw the other people, I was honored to be on that same list.”

Being police chief in his hometown, he said, is a “dream come true.”

“The community has been awesome to me,” Espinoza added. “I love the relationship that we have with our community. We’re big on community-based policing. That’s what we’re all about. That’s the reason for our existence.”

Selected by City of Avondale

David Ellison

Buckeye Police Officer

Verrado High School SRO

Officer David Ellison has been with the Buckeye Police Department for 12 years and has served a majority of those years alongside the teachers, staff and students at Verrado High School as the school resource officer.

Ellison is also a BPD SWAT negotiator and volunteers at special events benefiting community members in need.

“I’ve worked with many SROs,” said Verrado High School Principal Nate Showman. “Dave knows how to work with students, and he knows how to work with adults in a manner that deescalates intense situations.”

The two have worked together for eight years, Showman said, and he called Ellison approachable, trustworthy and skilled.

All of that makes Ellison the perfect Hall of Famer, Showman said.

During unfortunate incidents involving students and weapons on campus, Ellison offered critical guidance to school officials to help resolve these issues effectively and safely.

When areas around campus were under construction, Ellison helped alleviate parking and traffic issues.

Ellison is also a guest speaker in the government classes, providing educational case law and answering student questions about the law enforcement profession.

“He has consistently been an outstanding resource for us and the community,” he said.

Ellison was unavailable for comment.

Selected by City of Buckeye

Megan Chavez Special Education Instructional Coach Litchfield Elementary School District

Megan Chavez began working as a one-on-one instructional assistant in a specialized program at Dreaming Summit Elementary School in 2005.

She taught specialized programs for students with social emotional needs at Dreaming Summit and Verrado Elementary schools, and White Tanks Learning Center. She remained in the classroom from 2006-2014, focusing on academic instruction as well as emotional regulation strategies and skills.

After moving into general education behavior coaching role in 2014, she couldn’t stay away from her love of special education. Two years later, she returned to the special education department as a special education instructional coach to continue working in what she loved to do.

“It’s very honoring and humbling,” she said. “I was very honored that someone would want to nominate me. I really love making a difference.

“I work with a population of students who need some extra support about how to regulate their emotions and deal with big things that come their way. I love seeing them make that progress and utilize those skills. When they make those connections and you see it click, like, ‘Oh my gosh, I got it,’ it’s rewarding.”

Selected by City of Goodyear

Sonny Culbreth

City of Litchfield Park Community Liaison

As a swim coach at Agua Fria and serving in Litchfield Park for the 40 years, Sonny Culbreth has watched the city — and its young residents — grow and mature.

His city of Litchfield Park job responsibilities have required him to wear many hats. In 30 years, he has worked as community and recreation services director; special events coordinator; assistant city manager; interim city manager and now community liaison.

“All of these areas of responsibility allowed me to play a major role in the operations and development of the city,” he said.

“I have a passion and love for the community that goes beyond fulfilling my job responsibilities,” he said.

“Having raised my family here for over 40 years, I have had the opportunity to get to know and engage our citizens on a social and professional level, always trying to show professionalism and giving each person the respect he or she deserves. Because we were a new city with a new city government, I was given the freedom to develop programs that would enhance the quality of life for our citizens.”

Culbreth said he was “extremely surprised” at his nomination.

“I did not see it coming,” he said.

“I was flattered. I think there are a number of people who could probably have received this. I’m really honored that they reached out to me.”

Selected by City of Litchfield Park

Agua Fria High School District is inducting its first group of community members and stakeholders into its Hall of Fame.

Sponsored by the Friends of Agua Fria Foundation, CHASSE Building Team and ADM Group, the semi-formal luncheon is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, at The Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park. By invitation only.

Those being honored have made a positive impact in the Southwest Valley and in education. They are Megan Chavez, Sonny Culbreth, O cer David Ellison, Avondale Police Chief Memo Espinoza and Helping One Woman.

Goodyear OKs short-term rental ordinance

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

TheGoodyear City Council approved new regulations in anticipation of state law SB 1168 going into effect on Sept. 24.

The state law allows cities and towns to develop their own short-term rental permit or license regulations.

The city of Goodyear is one of the first cities in Arizona to pass a new short-term rental ordinance when it met on Sept. 12.

Goodyear’s new ordinance requires the following from short-term rental owners:

• Short-term rental license.

• Emergency and complaint contact(s) must respond within certain amount of time.

• Notification to neighbors.

• Sex offender background check.

“When the Legislature preempted local control over short-term rentals in 2016, we saw a landslide of unintend-

ed consequences created by this industry’s incredible popularity and investment potential across the state,” Mayor Joe Pizzillo said.

“The Legislature’s most recent bill allows cities to more evenly balance the regulatory scale to balance the property rights of short-term rental owners with the quality of life of their neighbors. This ordinance is a step in the right direction, and I’m proud of our city’s leadership on this issue.”

Short-term rental owners who don’t follow the regulations could face civil or criminal penalties and suspension of their city of Goodyear short-term rental license.

The city will begin the notifi cation and education process in November with the online registration for a license beginning in December. The city’s ordinance will then go into effect Jan. 1.

Campos to

Fria football game

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI West Valley View Executive Editor

Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Campos will flip the coin before West Point Avondale at Agua Fria High School football game at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30.

A lifelong sports fan, Campos said he was excited when he was asked.

“In the past, I’ve done the coin toss, drop the puck and first pitch for Major League teams,” said Campos, the former executive director for Global Chamber Denver and Chicago.

“This is more exciting for me. This one is more unique for me. I feel closer to the whole thing. I’m able to be part of what I view is the cities.”

Campos is an athlete himself, having

played hockey at Loyola University Chicago.

“Sister Jean used to come to our games and say a prayer,” he said about the Loyola chaplain and super fan. “She’s still going strong.”

Relocating here from Denver, Campos said the job appealed to him because the opportunity and the growth in the West Valley.

“It’s just growing tremendously,” he said. “I look at it as an opportunity to come in and build the chamber around the growth of the area. The chamber has taken off in the past year, since I’ve been here.

“Our growth is in the four cities — Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park and Tolleson. We’re growing in Phoenix, Buckeye and even north. We’re excited about where we’re positioned in the region.”

Je Campos played hockey at Loyola University Chicago. (Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce/Submitted)

Highland Prep West celebrates grand opening

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

Highland Prep West kicked off its first school year with a rib bon-cutting ceremony along side future STEM innovators and leaders.

The 42,285-square-foot facility is located on nearly 10 acres at 12235 W. Van Buren Street in Avondale. With an emphasis on delivering high-qual ity STEM academics, the college pre paratory high school opened its class room building to 188 freshmen on Aug. 1.

Aside from pre-advanced placement and college-level engineering courses, allowing students to earn college cred it as freshmen, Highland Prep West’s campus also offers a full-sized gymna sium; a football/soccer field; and out door basketball, pickleball and tennis courts.

The indoor learning spaces also offer opportunities for collaboration, includ ing the interior communication stairs, as well as classrooms that feature 85inch smart televisions.

Speaking at the ribbon cutting were Executive Director Kerry Clark, Prin cipal Jessica Alessio, and several stu

dents from the inaugural class who em ceed the ceremony.

“What I like about the school is our curriculum. I also really like the colors and the design,” stated Elizabeth Neva rez, freshman at the school.

Fellow freshman Jensen Mallinger added, “I really enjoy my schedule and my teachers are really supportive. They have helped us a lot as we build the skills we need to be successful.”

Additional speakers included Mark Davenport, lead architect with SPS+ Architects, and David Blickenderfer, operations manager with Willmeng Construction.

Highland Prep West is the third Highland Prep school in the Valley. Highland Prep in Surprise is at 15600 W. Hearn Road, and Madison Highland Prep is in Phoenix at 1431 E. Camp bell Avenue. This campus will contin ue to carry on the tradition of its sister schools, boasting 100% four-year col lege and university acceptance and one of the most rigorous high school diplo mas in the state.

The school will add one class each year until it reaches approximately 600 students by year four.

Attending the Highland Prep ribbon-cutting ceremony are, from left, Mark Davenport, lead architect with SPS+ Architects; Allison Vogt, student; David Blickenderfer, operations manager with Willmeng Construction; Dr. Kerry Clark, executive director, Highland Prep Academies; Jessica Alessio, principal, Highland Prep West; and student Anaelle Nkeze. (Highland Prep/Submitted)

New library may be opening near Tolleson

BY MADELINE NGUYEN West Valley View Contributing Writer

Residents of Tolleson and Phoenix’s Estrella Village neighborhood may receive their first Phoe nix Public Library location if a new branch is approved by voters next year. The library ranked as the top project rec ommended for funding by a Phoenix subcommittee at a Sept. 16 meeting.

The $8.5 million branch proposed by the Neighbor hoods and City Services Sub committee will be in Phoe nix’s Estrella Village, but all Maricopa County residents are eligible for a free library card. The potential site is situated at 99th Ave nue and Lower Buckeye Road, about 1 mile south of the Tolleson border.

Tolleson and Estrella Village are poised to benefit from the educational programs, career guidance, commu nity events and technological resources offered by a new library. (Stock image)

your neighborhood,” subcommittee member Jennifer Rouse said. “And they don’t have that right now.”

The subcommittee is one of the citi zen bodies that have been tasked with recommending how the $500 million worth of bonds proposed in Phoenix this summer should be spent.

The bonds will be put on the ballot in November 2023, when voters will decide whether to approve the funds and the projects recommended by the citizen bodies. This will mark the first time in over 15 years that the city has held such an election.

Tolleson and Estrella Village are home to over 100,000 residents, but they’re served by only one public li brary: the Tolleson Public Library. That facility is thousands of square feet smaller than any branch in the Phoenix system.

More than 30% of Estrella Village and Tolleson’s residents are young children ages 14 and younger.

According to a report by the Ur ban Libraries Council, libraries are a core part of childhood education. Research shows that the literacy pro grams offered by libraries correspond to higher test scores and improved school readiness.

“Libraries are like the epicenter of

As areas that are generally more low income than the rest of the coun ty, Tolleson and Estrella Village are poised to benefit from the educational programs, career guidance, community events and technological resources of fered by a new library.

Growing up the daughter of strug gling immigrant parents, attorney Deb bie Jang said at the meeting that librar ies serve as “the wealthiest resource” for low-income families. She credits her success as a lawyer to the “love of learning” that libraries instilled in her as a child.

“At this point, it might be one of the only places that doesn’t require some one to pay to exist,” she said.

Even though Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, the library system hasn’t kept stride with the population boom.

Philadelphia has nearly 50,000 fewer people but over three times as many li braries when compared with Phoenix’s 17 locations.

The city plans to pay the bonds back using property taxes. Phoenix officials have calculated that the city can take on the proposed $500 mil lion bonds without having to raise property tax rates.

Presented by

Health care safety net threatened by insurance company

BY DR. SUSHANT P. KALE West Valley View Contributing Writer

Keeping low-income families healthy is challenging enough without Medicaid-managed care corporations like Centene, parent of Arizona Complete Health and Car e1st Health Plan Arizona, reducing ac cess to care.

Centene recently terminated its con tract with Tenet Healthcare, which operates Abrazo Health, because our hospitals were unwilling to accept enor mous rate cuts. The termination threat ens our health care safety net as well as the health of low- and fixed-income patients in the greater Phoenix area.

Patients with health insurance from Ar izona Complete Health, Care1st Health

Plan, Wellcare and Ambetter will no longer have in-network access to doc tors at Abrazo starting Jan. 1.

Across the country, economic pres sures during the pandemic have increased Medicaid enrollment. The majority of Medicaid recipients are in Medic aid-managed care plans like Centene’s Arizona Complete Health and Care1st Health Plan. According to KFF, Medic aid covers 1 in 5 adults, 3 in 5 nursing home residents, and 1 in 3 individuals with disabilities in Arizona. But that cov erage is only helpful if it increases access to care and makes those patients less likely to postpone care due to cost.

Families from across southwest Ari zona receive access to critical care ser vices at Abrazo West Campus, a full-ser

OUR READERS’ VIEWPOINTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

This would never be condoned

Editor:

Regarding J.D. Hayworth’s latest column, titled “America should be a republic but Biden won’t keep it.”

Mr. Hayworth’s main gripe seems to be that Biden has included all MAGA Republicans in his definition of semi-fascists. In doing this, he also attempts to state that Biden’s comment would be semi-acceptable if he didn’t include trump’s followers (note I will never capitalize the name “trump”).

He attempts to paint them as misled angelic rubes who shouldn’t be called out for what they really are. I under stand this because Republicans are desperate to continue to normalize this behavior or at the very least attempt to equate the Democrats to being just as bad. It’s a nice fantasy, but make no mistake, the GOP has devolved into the

trump party of fascists.

To call them anything less in the name of some type of polite attempt to appease them is foolish. We know what happens when you appease fascists. In this case, Biden was generous going halfway with the truth.

Even then, according to the latest Reuters poll, 58% of Americans now agree with Biden’s description of MAGA Republicans. Also, Mr. Hay worth seems to have convenient amne sia regarding the right’s perversion of our political process. If he needs a re minder, he can simply google the vid eos of trump and his followers calling Democrats a variety of names, includ ing the word “fascists.” Calling Biden a purveyor of political pornography is a laughable attempt at deflection from his party’s own bad behavior that’s gone on for years. I love the way the right whines the moment a Democrat makes a half-handed effort at defend ing themselves.

vice hospital that includes a Primary Plus Stroke Center and Level I Trauma Center. By cutting Abrazo Health out of its network, Centene is getting in the way of patients accessing the care they need from a trusted provider that also includes our sister Abrazo hospitals in Glendale, Scottsdale and Phoenix.

Patients on limited and low incomes will now have to travel farther for care or will be forced to pay out of pocket, put ting additional financial strain on these households. Centene is forcing thousands of Arizona families to make impossible decisions about their health care.

Centene’s actions unduly affect a population that often experiences a higher prevalence of acute care. These patients often delay care until their

conditions worsen and they require more serious attention. Losing in-net work access to Abrazo Health hospi tals would exacerbate this problem and contribute to poorer health outcomes. For many Valley families, eliminating Abrazo doctors from their network may leave them without one.

Centene is making it harder, not eas ier, for patients to get care. Centene — reach a deal that prevents disruption and protects access to Abrazo Health hospitals for our community.

Dr. Sushant P. Kale, MPH, FAHA, is an inter ventional neurologist at Abrazo West Campus in Goodyear. He is board certified in neurolo gy, vascular neurology and neurocritical care, with more than 15 years of clinical and aca demic experience.

KIRK’S OPINION — King Features

The second part of this opinion piece appears to be the worn-out statement Republicans love to make that we are not a democracy but a Republic. This is another vain attempt to normalize the GOP’s antidemocratic behavior. If

you can’t win democratically, then just try to make the case that we aren’t a democracy. That’s their attitude. Mr. Hayworth is just one of many right-

incidents illustrate anti-cop bias

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ West Valley View Columnist

Two recent news stories illustrate how wretched it is to serve as a police officer in the 21st century, a time of rampant negativity, social media virality and naked hostility toward law enforcement.

Both stories occurred in Tempe, along Town Lake. Both involve men who entered that lake of their own accord.

One story ended in tragedy. The other ended in a save. You can guess which one you likely never heard about.

First, a disclaimer. By day, I am a public relations consultant. Among my clients: the Tempe Officers Association. I represent a number of other public safety organizations, so I am absolutely biased in favor of the cops.

With that said, my clients have not paid me to write this. I’m doing so because I believe it needs to be said.

The tragedy centers on Sean Bickings, 34, a longtime presence in Tempe nicknamed “Madrox.” Bickings by all accounts was a “big teddy bear,” joking, friendly, even as he and his wife struggled to find shelter on a consistent basis.

On May 28, Tempe police received a 911 call reporting a disturbance between the couple. Body camera footage shows a long conversation between Bickings, his wife and the officers. Then Bickings decides to climb over a 4-foot fence and enter Town Lake.

One of the officers tells Bickings, “OK, I’m not jumping in after you.” Bickings is encouraged to swim to safety, but he can’t. He disappears beneath the water, gone.

What I know in my heart is that no person on earth wanted this story so awfully, including the officers on scene.

I also know that the cops followed their training, which did not include water rescue, and city policy, which was not to enter the lake, but instead to get the Tempe police boat (check) and summon

Tempe Fire (check).

Even so, the story became a national sensation, covered by the networks and splashed across social media, with many commenters noting that Bickings was Black and accusing the cops of racism.

I’m a realist, a guy who has spent 30 years covering news professionally. I understand why this story got the coverage and commentary it did.

Still, I wish the hubbub had also included some vital context — about police policy, training, and the fact that the officers had not been provided with equipment to save potential drowning victims.

The city has changed all of that in the past few weeks, providing training and throw bags to officers. That’s a good thing, as the events of Sept. 20 prove.

This story didn’t go national, nor did it make a ripple on Twitter or TikTok.

It began as an indecent exposure call. Police arrived and found a naked man in the lake. Officers threw him a water rescue device multiple times, but he refused to grab it.

“He was pulled into the police boat without incident and turned over to (Tempe Fire),” KTAR radio reported. “He was transported to a hospital for evaluation.”

All told, three news outlets covered this story, a few hundred words total.

Again, I’m a realist. News involves conflict, mayhem and gotcha moments. Happy endings aren’t the stuff of headlines and clicks.

But I wonder how the rest of us would feel working in a job where to do good is to be invisible while to make a mistake is to be damned? A job where you’re expected to risk your life for people who despise you, and where you’d best be perfect, because keyboard warriors are lying in wait to pass judgment.

That’s policing in 2022. I mourn that fact just as I feel for the loved ones of Sean Bickings. Everyone loses in stories like this.

David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com

BY J.D. HAYWORTH West Valley View Columnist

Few corporate lo gos have proven as iconic or en during as the CBS eye, which will turn 71 this October.

From its genesis in TV’s monochromatic age, the eye has re mained. It was colorized, as was most of TV by the mid- to late-1960s, and even tually universalized — adopted by all the divisions of CBS, though well-modulated grumbling was heard from CBS Radio. But the real static came as CBS contin ued to grow in the 1970s, commensurate with the growth of television’s influence.

Author Robert Metz wrote “CBS: Reflections in a Bloodshot Eye,” a noholds-barred “unofficial” history, in 1975, describing “a restless 24-hour-aday mover and shaker of the national consciousness, irritating and pleasing, enlightening and vulgarizing by turns.”

While most Americans feel at home with computer and TV screens in residence, es

ubiquitous eye with Biden interview

timates this year put the number of “televi sion households” in excess of 122 million. That adds up to a lot of eyes still gazing at the familiar “one-eyed monster.”

But as channels have expanded, rat ings have contracted for those “legacy telecasters.”

Gone are the astronomical numbers and high regard Cronkite enjoyed during his nearly two decades as anchor of the “CBS Evening News.” Like Johnny Carson, his counterpart in another type of TV on an other network, “Uncle Walter’s” instincts to foster a perception of fairness were comparable to the “King of Late Night’s” efforts to ensure he was an “equal op portunity comic,” targeting politicians of both parties with his topical humor

Both leaned left politically, but only after leaving their positions did they champion political causes and advocate for their favorite candidates.

Four decades have passed since Cronkite said “that’s the way it is” for the last time, and six men and three women have ascended to the role of anchor (or co-anchor) of the “CBS Evening News.”

While the job is still considered one of the most prestigious in TV news, Scott Pelley, who manned the anchor desk for six years, returned full time to his role as a reporter on “60 Minutes,” and he embod ies the new trend of so-called “advocacy journalism.”

Perhaps that’s why Pelley was picked to interview Joe Biden — appearing on “60 Minutes” for the first time since he moved into the White House — as the broadcast began its 55th season.

Pelley said the interview would “ignite a few controversies,” and that’s true — but not the portions Scott intended. Certainly, Pelley asked about important subjects — inflation, Ukraine, China and COVID-19 among them — with a “gentle touch.” His follow-ups were perfunctory; no real challenge was offered to any of Joe’s more “factually challenged” utterances.

Remarkably, but not unexpectedly, Pel ley proffered a defense and endorsement of Biden, described as a theory: “Joe Biden is among the longest-serving politicians in Washington. If there is less bounce in the step than there once was, if the words

don’t flow like they used to, maybe there’s something to be said for knowhow — five decades on the Hill and in the Oval.”

Oh. So being a senile Washington “lif er” is an asset for leadership?

His voice quivered with emotion and affection as he said, “You were elected to the Senate in 1972. You were 29 years old. And in those days, it seemed the par ties worked together to move the country forward. And I think many Americans feel that that no longer happens, and in fact, may be impossible now.”

Apparently, it was impossible to in clude discussion of Joe’s Philly speech, where he attacked “Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans” as “threats to our Republic.” Viewers had to seek that out online at “60 Minutes Overtime.”

Those calling the shots at the CBS eye wanted fewer eyes to see that.

Just one question: Why?

J.D. Hayworth represented Arizona in the U.S. House from 1995-2007. He authored and spon sored the Enforcement First Act, legislation that would have mandated enforcement of Federal Immigration Law in the 109th Congress.

wing voices to state this position.

Mr. Hayworth is partially correct. The United States is not a pure democracy. When they were hashing out the Constitution in Philadelphia, the central argument in play was how much democracy should we permit when selecting our representatives.

James Madison felt that if we designed a pure democracy, the rich would be at the mercy of the poor. The poor would vote to take everything

from the rich. Madison wrote we must protect the opulent from the masses. In order to do this, he helped create the Senate’s powers to effectively protect the interests of the rich. This is why traditionally the House has been known as the voice of the common people and the Senate the branch of the elite.

In the beginning, its senators were not elected by the people but by the pseudo-aristoi as Jefferson called them. It wasn’t until later we let the people decide democratically who their senators would be. The Senate was created

to limit democracy. Jefferson despised it and its occupants, calling it a cabal.

Jefferson felt that the people should decide who represents them. He held the belief that a well-educated and prosperous electorate of citizens was the solution to the concern that democracy would be a threat to the rich. Madison felt that this threat was neutralized by reducing democracy and giving the rich control. He was of the naive belief that the rich and educated were these benign benefactors that would treat the poor with decency.

Later he came to hate how the structure of our government allowed the rich to step all over everyone else. In conclusion, the current incarnation of our government is a republic that elects our representatives via the democratic process.

The only exception is our Supreme Court. With the Supreme Court, our justices are put in place by our elected officials. Traditionally, the president would select the justices and the Senate would approve/confirm the nomination. Even this process traditionally gave preference to the majority of voters who elected the president. This tradition used to hold true, until recently, when partisan games prevented President Obama from nominating a justice. In that case the will of the people was overridden by the GOP (Mitch McConnell) in the Senate, of course.

There are other strategies used by the wealthy corrupt minority to limit democracy. The implementation of Reaganomics with its neoliberal policies has gutted the middle class. A thriving middle class is critical for a functioning democracy.

The decadeslong radio and TV propaganda campaigns to con rural voters who dominate the low-population states that benefit them due to the Electoral College. Other strategies include gerrymandering districts for advantage and allowing the wealthy to donate massive dollars to push their candidates into public awareness. This little gift was courtesy of the conservative supreme court majority with the Citizens United decision. This 2010 ruling of insanity declared that corporations are people and money is speech. Then we have the filibuster. This rule, which was the result of a clerical error in the early days of our founding (a suggestion by Aaron Burr when the Senate was tossing out

rules perceived as unnecessary), is now used as an obstruction tool to negate the will of the majority.

Last but not least, we have efforts to suppress voting. With the knowledge that most Democrats prefer mail-in voting, the right has attempted to repeal the ability to do this. The right has implemented the MAGA strategy of complaining that any election they don’t win is rigged, thereby sowing doubt in our election process. All of this bad behavior reinforces the fact that we are a democracy. If we are not a democracy, then why does the minority (Republicans) try so hard to block the will of the majority?

Benjamin Franklin and the rest of our founders would never have condoned or imagined the amount of corruption, greed and blatant disregard Republican fascists have had for our country. They definitely never intended for a small minority of super rich corrupt individuals to have control over the direction of the United States of America and its people.

Final note: In Philadelphia, while our learned founders were debating how to structure our Constitution, just outside in the street some citizens were hunting a woman they believed was a witch. This only goes to show you that in the United States we have intelligent, engaging individuals capable of great things and we have nutty people who believe crazy things. The story can be found here: americanheritage. com/witch-we-people.

Robert Lukacs Goodyear

How to get a letter published

250 N. Litchfield Road, Ste. 130, Goodyear, AZ 85340

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The West Valley View welcomes letters that express readers’ opinion on current topics. Letters must include the writer’s full name, address (including city) and telephone number. The West Valley View will print the writer’s name and city of residence only. Letters without the requisite identifying information will not be published. Letters are published in the order received, and they are subject to editing. The West Valley View will not publish consumer complaints, form letters, clippings from other publications or poetry.

Letters’ authors, not the View, are responsible for the “facts” presented in letters.

We will not print personal attacks or hateful language. Lengthy letters will be edited for space and grammar. Please do not submit multiple letters on the same topic.

more business visit

Business Briefcase

BY KAILA MELLOS West Valley View Staff Writer

Businesses keep choosing the West Valley to call their home, as it is contin ually expanding to host an array of different companies. From a new cafe opening in Avondale to a teaching salon to a manufactur ing operation also in Avondale — all that and more in the Business Briefcase.

New Penny Cafe

Location: 735 N. 114th Avenue, Avondale

Brittany Salazar, Deni Banach and Laura Hansen are redefining the local coffee shop. In develop ment at The BLVD in Avondale, New Penny Cafe will bring coffee in the morning and craft beer and cocktails the rest of the day — with a kitchen.

Salazar and Banach are co-owners of Enroute Coffee & Tea House in Good year, right next door to Hansen’s Sad dle Mountain Brewing Company.

The BLVD combines residential space and parks with boutique retail and dining opportunities.

New Penny Cafe has yet to set an opening date. But they hope they can start welcoming customers by the end of 2022.

For more information, visit @newpennycafe on Instagram.

Aveda Institute

Location: 775 N. 114th Avenue, Avondale

The Aveda Institute has become well known in the beauty industry as a top school in Arizona, Utah and Colorado.

The new Avondale location is teach ing two trades in the beauty world. First, students can take a cosmetology route, which allows students to learn

more than just hair with courses on makeup, waxing, facials and other cos metology services. The other option is esthiology, which gives students a chance to learn skin treatments, detoxi fying, principles of massage, and other spa treatments.

It is open to the public, who receive discounted rates for hair removal, fa cials and other services.

For more information on becom ing a student or receiving beauty ser vices at Aveda Institute of Avondale, visit avedainspiregreatness.com/ avondale-campus.

Koi Happiness

Location: 950 N. 119th Avenue, Suite 400, Avondale

Koi Happiness, started by Kathy Pe terson, is a scrub/clothing company with a simple mission to create scrubs that people love to wear. Based in San ta Monica, California, the company recently opened a manufacturing ware house in Avondale.

With many collections, including Betsy Johnson clothing, there is some thing for everyone in the medical field looking for scrubs.

For more information about Koi Hap piness Scrubs, visit koihappiness.com.

Coldwell Banker Realty, Southwest-Litchfield

Location: 1616 N. Litchfield Road, Suite 170, Goodyear

Coldwell Banker Realty is part of the largest residential real estate broker age, serving over half of the 100 largest metro areas in the United States. The Southwest-Litchfield office is one of 22 offices with approximately 1,465 inde pendent agents throughout Arizona.

The Goodyear office recently hired two new real estate agents to help bring the best experience to those looking to sell or buy a new home in the area.

Jere Nunez and Courtney Cates are now part of the team.

“The most important part for me is to be the best that I can be for my future clients and to keep learning more ev ery day to become better,” Nunez said. “I decided to affiliate with Coldwell Banker because of its long-standing reputation of success and the numerous resources they offer agents so we can go above and beyond for our clients.”

For more information on Coldwell Banker Realty, visit coldwellbankerhomes.com.

Laura Hansen of Saddle Mountain Brewing Com pany is opening New Penny Café with Brittany Salazar and Deni Banach of Enroute Coffee & Tea House. (West Valley View/file photo)

Jennifer Mahoney

Verrado

For more sports visit WestValleyView.com

in world powerlifting competition

BY CALEB JONES West Valley View Staff Writer

AtWADE Strength Systems in Glendale, powerlifter Luke Mellon eyed a board every day that listed his goals.

One of them was competing at worlds. Recently, the 2019 Verrado High School graduate fulfilled that dream as a member of Team USA Men’s Junior Powerlifting in the IPF World Men’s Juniors Equipped Championship in Istanbul, Turkey.

“In my gym I train at in Arizona, we have a goal board up for every athlete,” he said. “One of my goals up there was to go to worlds. I would look at that every day. The goal this year was to literally just go.”

achieve his goal and qualify for the competition that included squatting, bench pressing and deadlifting.

Mellon was successful in all his events, placing in the top four for all three events, including a top three finish in squatting. His bronze medal was his best placement at the event — and he earned it by squatting roughly 815 pounds.

His team finished first.

“It felt pretty successful,” said Mellon, who played football at Verrado. “The trip felt successful overall.”

Visit us online at

Luke Mellon competes in the IPF World Men’s Juniors Equipped Championship in Istanbul, Turkey. (Luke Mellon/Submitted)

Jake McCarthy embraces David Peralta’s spot

BY NIKASH NATH West Valley View Staff Writer

Replacing

a fan favorite is never an easy task, especially when said star is Arizona Diamondbacks leftfielder David Peralta.

Jake McCarthy returned to leftfield when Peralta, whose nickname is the Freight Train, was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in late July after nine years with the team.

In the first game following the transaction, McCarthy ripped a double and did a mopey version of Peralta’s trademark move. It was a scene that went viral.

“David’s our guy,” McCarthy said.

“I did it the day he got traded and kind of forgot he got traded, and I was thinking shoot, he’s not here to see it.”

McCarthy has been an impact player for the D-backs since being called up in the middle of July. McCarthy is hitting .288/.350/.446 to go along with eight home runs and 41 RBIs this sea-

son as of Sept. 24. He was placed on the bereavement list on Sept. 23. He’ll be out a minimum of three days.

The youthful outfield, which also features the likes of Daulton Varsho, Alek Thomas, Corbin Carroll and Stone Garrett, has garnered headlines for its strong defensive moves. The 25-yearold from Scranton, Pennsylvania, said the group knows each other well, as they spent time preparing for their major league careers in the D-backs farm system.

“It’s been a lot of fun playing with these guys. I’ve been playing with Alek, Corbin and Stone for many years, so it’s been cool to be in the system with them,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy is about as athletic as they come. He holds the Scranton High School records for rushing yards, 6,080; season, 2,105; and game, 351. He is also the school’s all-time touchdown leader in history with 80, the season, 30, and game, 5.

He’s following in his family’s foot-

steps. His father, Joe Jr., played baseball at the University of South Carolina and was drafted three times. McCarthy’s brother, Joe Jr., also played baseball at the University of Virginia from 2013 to 2015 and made his Major League debut with the Giants in 2020.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are on track to have their best season since 2019, and McCarthy attributes the D-backs’ success to the familiarity he feels throughout the clubhouse.

“It always seems like when you have success, it’s better to do it with guys who you know pretty well and care for on and off the field,” McCarthy said.

Praised for his athleticism, outfielder Jake McCarthy is known as one of the fastest players on the Arizona Diamondbacks. (Jill Weisleder/Arizona Diamondbacks)

e West Valley View publishes on Wednesday. e weekly calendar — a listing of entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical performances, events for schools, churches, county parks and nonprofit groups — runs every issue.

Events must be open to the public to be considered and generally must be held within the View’s coverage area, which is south of Northern Avenue, west of Loop 101, plus all of Tolleson, extending to Estrella in the south and Tonopah in the west.

Events such as concerts and theatrical performances that fall outside the View’s circulation area will be considered because there are no concert halls or theater venues within our boundaries.

Weekly calendar items print on a space-available basis. e only way to guarantee that an item will print is to purchase an advertisement.

Submissions must reach our office by 4 p.m. Wednesday to be considered for the following Wednesday publication. Submissions must be in writing and may be emailed to Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, christina@TimesLocalMedia.com

Buckeye Valley Museum Open

WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

After its recent grand reopening on Sept. 8, the Buckeye Museum has once again begun to bring the past to locals. The museum o ers historical exhibits, programs and school tours. Join the open and take a look inside to explore the past. Special Saturdays are Oct. 8 and Nov. 11.

Buckeye Valley Museum, 116 E. MC 85, Buckeye, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 623-349-6315, buckeyeaz.gov/ residents/buckeye-valleymuseum

favorites to others or find something new and exciting from those with similar interests.

Tolleson Public Library, 9555 W. Van Buren Street, Tolleson, 3 to 4 p.m., free, tollesonaz.gov

appointments for those having trouble.

Civic Center Library, 11350 W.

Civic Center Drive, Avondale, 1 to 3 p.m., free, 623-333-2602, avondalelibrary.org

Eat Play Grow (Parents)

SEPT. 28

Learn ways to raise a child together with other parents and figure out the best ways to ensure kids grow up happy, healthy and safe. Learn fun activities to do with your children and new tips on making sure they eat healthy.

Civic Center Library, 11350 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale, 1 to 3 p.m., free, 623-333-2602, avondalelibrary.org

SEPT. 29

Beginner Fencing

Learn more about one of the first Olympic sports and test your reflexes with the blade. Gain an elementary understanding of footwork and bladework, as well as the unique strategies and rules that make fencing so engaging.

Sundance Recreation Center, 21765 W. Yuma Road, Suite 106, Buckeye, 6 to 7 p.m., visit website for pricing, buckeyeaz.gov

Buckeye Valley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Meeting

OCT. 1

The organization meets the first Saturday of each month, except for May to August.

Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce, 508 E. Monroe Avenue, Buckeye, 1 p.m., 623-386-3465

$uicideboy$

Adult Art Classes with Katie

OCT. 5

It’s never too late to learn a new skill. Join Katie on Zoom as she takes you through the ins and outs of art through careful guided instruction. Art supplies are available to pick up for free.

Tolleson Public Library, 9555 W. Van Buren Street, Tolleson, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., free, 623-936-2746 tollesonaz.gov

Needle & Thread

SEPT. 28

Work on something crafty and spend time with fellow crafters at the library. Bring your own materials and co ee mug. Instruction books are provided for those without something specific already in mind. There’s no registration, so join in on the fun whenever you like.

Civic Center Library, 11350 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., free, 623-333-2602, avondalelibrary.org

Mat Pilates

OCT. 1

The hip-hop duo from New Orleans is joined by the likes of Ski Mask the Slump God, Code Orange and DJ Scheme.

Phoenix Raceway, 8602 Jimmie Johnson Drive, Avondale, 7 to 11:40 p.m., tickets start at $85, relentlessbeats.com

OCT. 7

Code Club

Teach kids 8 and older the basics of computer science and learn an increasingly relevant skill in the modern world of technology. Activities are hands-on and interactive, and will allow kids to get experience programming robots, making games, and experimenting with animations.

Tolleson Public Library, 9555 W. Van Buren Street, Tolleson, 4 to 4:45 p.m., free, 623-936-2746, tollesonaz.gov

Jay Soto at Litchfield’s

OCT. 7

Eon Monday Night Meetup

MONDAYS

SEPT. 28

Get a full-body workout and tighten your core with Pilates. Improve flexibility and get out of the house for a good sweat. The core principles of this class are stabilization, precision, control, concentration, flow and breath.

The Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, 6 to 6:45 p.m., free, wigwamarizona.com

No matter what stage someone is at in their life, there’s always more to learn in business. On Mondays, share ideas, discuss business experiences and look at trends with other like-minded individuals.

Coyote Branch Library, 21699 W. Yuma Road, Buckeye, 6 to 7 p.m., free, buckeyeaz.gov

Join local musician Jay Soto at Litchfield’s bar for smooth music while you dine with. Enjoy high-quality food and drink.

The Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, 6 to 9 p.m., free admission, wigwamarizona.com

Teen Manga Club

SEPT. 28

Meet up with other teens and discuss manga both recent and old. Suggest your

Device Advice Appointments

OCT. 4

Everyone struggles with supposedly basic technology at some point in their life, whether it be due to a new phone, a software change or countless other issues.

The library is o ering help figuring out technology person to person in scheduled

OCT. 7 AND OCT. 8

Take a wellness retreat to help soothe the body and mind, including a choice of two luxury spa treatments, yoga classes, guided meditation and sound therapy. Choose from facials, massage or body treatments.

LeMonds Aveda Salon, Spa, The Wigwam, 195 N. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park, 7:30 a.m., $400 standard ticket, lemondssalonspa.com

LeMonds Wellness Retreat

more features visit

Rob Schneider’s new film is a love letter to Arizona

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI West Valley View Executive Editor

ActorRob Schneider has a love affair with the Valley, where he now resides. Because of this, he’s bringing a taste of Hollywood to the Grand Canyon State.

His forthcoming movie “Daddy Daughter Trip” — which he produced, directed and stars in — will be shown exclusively in Harkins Theatres. Its world premiere is Tuesday, Sept. 27, at Camelview at Fashion Square in Scott sdale, and rolls out in the 15 Harkins Theatres on Friday, Sept. 30.

Shot in Arizona, the film is a fami ly affair. His wife, Jackie Schneider (“The Wrong Missy”), co-wrote the script, and it stars his daughters, sing er-songwriter Elle King and Miranda Scarlett Schneider. “Daddy Daughter Trip” also features the legendary John Cleese (“A Fish Called Wanda,” “Mon ty Python’s Flying Circus”) and intro duces Gavin Guerrero.

“We hope people love it,” he said. “I hope people get the love. My daughter is fantastic. She’s young and she never made a movie before, of course. She just turned 8. It was her idea.”

She took multiple takes well, too, once she understood.

“I had to explain that it’s not that easy. It’s work,” he said.

“It’s fun and it’s exciting and it’s glamorous, with camera and makeup. It’s long hours. It was so hot in the back of the car. We had an old car, and it was repainted a beautiful blue. That’s the theme of the movie. The color of the car is the color of the sky that I see in Arizona.”

Rob and Cleese appeared at comedy clubs around town during the filming. The actor, often paired with friend Adam Sandler, said it was an honor to work with Cleese.

“He’s my hero,” he said. “He real ly is a wonderful man. He has a lot to say, and God bless him. It’s OK to have

opinions. He’s to the left of where I am, but we both agree it’s about making the human condition better. He won’t call himself a conservative, but we do bridge the gap. Free speech is everything.

“But ‘Life of Brian’ is the greatest British comedy of all time. I love Brit ish humor. Monty Python is the high watermark of comedy in the 20th cen tury. If you think otherwise, you’re not educated about comedy, and you can’t argue it. They changed comedy. With out Monty Python, we wouldn’t have had ‘Saturday Night Live.’”

A blend of live action and anima tion, “Daddy Daughter Trip” tells the story of second grader (Miranda) who dreams of a fun-filled spring break va cation her family can’t afford. Against the better judgment of her mom (Jack ie Sandler, Adam’s wife) and with only coins in their pockets, her dreamer father (Rob) decides to take her on a spring break trip anyway.

After a series of misfortunate adven tures, their vacation is saved when the duo meets a couple of famous travel

bloggers.

“It’s about dreams,” Rob said. “If you don’t have money, it doesn’t mean you can’t figure out how to have a dream. It’s about family and hanging on to your dreams.

“In a way, it’s a universal truth that we’re dealing with in the movie that I’m really, really happy with. Besides all the jokes and the physical comedy, this is about love and family, and that’s something I really wanted to show.”

The film is also a love letter to Ari zona, where the Schneiders moved two years ago.

“My family, we are California ref ugees,” he said. “Arizona was nice enough to take us in. This is my thank-

If You Go...

WHAT: “Daddy Daughter Trip”

Opens: Friday, Sept. 30, at Harkins Theatres

Trailer: https://bit.ly/ DaddyDaughterTrip

Web: daddydaughtertripmovie.com

you letter to the people in Arizona. We feel very welcome here. I’m grateful.

“It’s my love letter to the state and the people who were unbelievably helpful to get this movie made. I show some pretty cool places here and how beautiful the state is. The differences are incredible between Flagstaff and Sedona. It just goes to show how gor geous the state is. I love it here.”

Now he’s hoping to bring more films here, thanks to the state’s tax incentives.

“I was asked to make this movie in other states for a tax rebate,” he said. “I’m glad we did it here. I think we’re looking to open a studio here, but we need to see how this movie does and how it’s received and then we’ll take it from there.

“We want to support other filmmak ers. I’ll produce the movies and make a few more. I don’t know how many more I’ll do. I’ll make more films here and have them made here. As a matter of fact, I’m flying to meet some inves tors to produce more films here.”

If You Go...

WHAT: Rob Schneider

WHEN: 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16

WHERE: Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress Street, Tucson

COST: Tickets start at $35

INFO: rialtotheatre.com

In “Daddy Daughter Trip,” Rob Schneider co-stars with his 8-year-old daughter Miranda Scarlett Schneider. (Submitted)

Rob Schneider shot “Daddy Daughter Trip” in Arizona, where he now resides. (Submitted)

‘Disney on Ice’ is a cool expedition for families

BY SUMMER AGUIRRE West Valley View Staff Writer

Mickey Mouse and friends are gliding into Phoenix and inviting families on an icy, magical adventure.

Through artful skating performances, “Disney on Ice presents Into the Magic” will bring everyone’s beloved characters to life and transform the ice into a story scape celebrating bravery, love and adventure. Produced by Feld Entertainment, the tour will play seven performances from Thursday, Oct. 6, to Sunday, Oct. 9, at the Footprint Center.

“It’s just such a fun and vibrant show,” tour coordinator Clair Teson said. “I think it’s one of those shows that just keeps building and building and there’s something for everybody, so it doesn’t really matter which character you connect with most — at some point, you’re going to see them out there on the ice.”

Hosted by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, the audience is taken

through many of Disney’s classic and modern tales during a two-hour graceful, athletic performance.

They will encounter Moana as she embarks on an ocean adventure with demigod Maui to save her island and cross the Marigold Bridge into the Land of the Dead with Miguel from Pixar’s “Coco” for a brilliant cultural celebration of family. Friends from “Frozen, “Beauty and the Beast” and “Cinderella” will also appear on the ice.

Gems of educational elements are hidden in each tale, teaching the audience about being fearless, finding joy in discouraging situations and the many learning experiences present in everyday life.

“One of the things I really like about ‘Into the Magic’ is that it really takes each storyline and expands on it, so you don’t feel like you’re missing out on anything,” Teson said.

She notes Rapunzel’s story as a highlight of the show, which features the princess and Flynn Rider execut-

ing a “shocking” aerial silk performance. She also hinted at a number incorporating a “big, fiery monster” out on the ice.

While kids are getting settled into school this time of year, the tour coordinator said the show is a great opportunity for parents to bond with their young ones through experiencing the magic of “Disney on Ice” together.

“I just hope that they (guests) get to come and have a really good time, and then take that home with their family and those memories of what they saw,” she said. “The moments of awe where they’re just looking up and being amazed — that’s something they’ll be able to talk about forever.”

Since many events were paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic over the past few years, “Into the Magic” may be the first live entertainment experience for a number of children.

“It’s going to be really incredible to be back there and see the show actually happen and have the audience get to

see what we had brought to them three years ago when we shut down, so I’m excited for Phoenix,” Teson said.

Launched in 1981, the “Disney on Ice” traveling team consists of a total of 90 to 100 people, including Teson and three other coordinators, nearly 50 performers, a sales team and crew members.

“It’s amazing when you look at what we produce every week and how there’s only five staff members behind the whole group putting all the pieces together,” Teson said.

If You Go...

WHAT: “Disney on Ice presents Into the Magic”

WHEN: Various times from Thursday, Oct. 6, to Sunday, Oct. 9

WHERE: Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix

COST: Ticket prices start at $20

INFO: disneyonice.com, ticketmaster.com

West Valley View Dining

King Crossword

ACROSS

1 Piratic quaffs

605, in old Rome

8 Last write-up

Like some vaccines

Ecol. watchdog

Stratagem

Turkey’s most populous cit y

Actress Falco

18 Second of two

Church keyboards

21 Six, in Sicily

22 Harvest

23 Fireplace residue

26 Society newbie

28 Golf great Sam

31 Coach Ewbank

33 Passing craze

35 Capital on a fjord

36 Cardiff’s country

“Uh-huh”

40 Kids’ game

Antitoxins

French article

Juan’s pals

Cease-fires

Track assignment

Brazil’s most populous cit y

Karaoke prop

Brit. record label

Bridal cover

Writer Kingsley

Wee bit

Old U.S. gas brand

DOWN

1 Stir up

-- Major

“The Martian”

tor Damon

B ed boards

Question after a mission

PC’s brain

Bravery

Pizza sauce herb

Hungary’s most

populous cit y

10 “The doctor --”

11 Casual tops

16 Must have

Scale members

“How adorable!”

Mermaid’s home

Finland’s most populous cit y

Inlet

29 Carte lead-in

Pooch

32 “Stayin’ Alive” band

Shoulder muscle

“No seats” sign

39 Criminal, to cops

Plus

Debonair

-- mater

Hurt severely

Poolroom supply

Yale students

Without help

“I -- Rock”

GO FIGURE!

by Linda Thistle

The idea of Go Figure is to arrive at the figures given at the bottom and right-hand columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank squares and use each of the nine numbers only once.

SUDOKU TIME

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK H

H Moderate HH Challenging HHH HOO BOY!

EVEN EXCHANGE

by Donna Pettman

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK H

H Moderate HH Challenging HHH HOO BOY!

Each numbered row contains two clues and two answers. The two answers differ from each other by only one letter, which has already been inserted. For example, if you exchange the A from MASTER for an I, you get MISTER. Do not change the order of the letters.

SCRAMBLERS

Unscramble the letters within each rectangle to form four ordinary words. Then rearrange the boxed letters to form the mystery word, which will complete the gag!

Ella Sue Miccia

Susie Miccia left this world peacefully Sept. 19, 2022. An Arizona native Susie lived in Gila Bend until moving to Buckeye in 1971. She is preceded in death by her parents Wilma and Cole Gatlin and husband Chuck Miccia. She is survived by her three daughters Marsha (Bob) Farnsworth, Laura Pauls (Mike), and Stacey Young (Donny) as well as her grandchildren Toby Farnsworth (Breanna), Amelia Jordan (Mike), Branden Hacker (Ann), Amanda Van Haren (Jim), Dustan Hacker, George Young (Beth), Anthony Young (Aimee), Spencer Young (Matt).

A Celebration of life for Susie will be held at 10:00am on October 1, 2022, at Grace Fellowship Church in Buckeye. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be given to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix AZ.

RichardCalhoun

RichardElliott Calhoun,81,aresidentofLitchfield Park,diedSeptember3,2022.Hewas bornJune21,1941 inLynn,MAto RobertandEthel Calhoun.

Hewasa1960graduateofLynnEnglishHighSchoolandproudlyservedin theUSAirForce,servingashonor guard,until1966.Heheldvariouscommunityandchurchserviceroles throughouthislifeincludingardently supportinghisfamily'sactivities.

Richardleavesbehindhiswife,Jane, twochildrenandthreegrandchildren.

Thefamilyappreciatesdonationsin lieuofflowerstotheDisabledAmericanVeteransCharitableServiceTrust (cst.dav.org)orTheChurchatLitchfieldPark–MusicDepartment.

A WORD ABOUT OBITUARIES

Bernard L. Minetti

Commander, USN, Ret. Commander Bernard L. Minetti USN, Ret., of Peachtree City, Georgia died September 10, 2022 in Sharpsburg, Georgia at the age of 91. He was born July 15, 1931 in Brooklyn, New York to Bernard J. and Ettorina Minetti.

Bernard was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He entered the Navy in 1951 and became a Commissioned Naval Officer in 1954. He was a Naval Aviator and retired as a Commander in 1977 after 25 years of service. As an ordained Deacon in the Catholic Church, he served God his entire life.

Bernard was a devoted husband, father, and God-Father. Though we know he is in the Hands of God, his absence on earth leaves a great sadness behind. He will be forever missed.

Commander Minetti is survived by his daughter, Bernadette Timm; son, Michael Minet ti; sister, Marilyn Barletta; and brother, Richard Minetti. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Patrecia A. Minetti.

A visitation will be held at 6PM Monday, October 3 at Thompson Funeral Chapel in Goodyear, Arizona. A Mass will be held at 10:30AM, Tuesday, October 4 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Avondale, Arizona. Interment will take place at 12:30PM, Friday, October 7 at t he National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, Arizona.

Robert Huerta

Mr. Robert W. Huerta of Litchfield Park, Arizona passed away September 9, 2022 at the age of 80. He was born December 1, 1941 in Phoenix, Arizona to Paul Huerta and Jenny (Machado) Huerta.

A memorial service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, October 1 at Thompson Funeral Chapel in Goodyear, Arizona.

To read the full obituary and leave the family condolences, please visit thompsonfuneralchapel.com/ obituary/robert-huerta

Raul Bustos

Mr. Raul Olvera Bustos of Tolleson, Arizona died September 14, 2022 at the age of 86. He was born January 8, 1936 in Rivera, Texas to Acension Bustos and Genoveva Olvera.

A visitation will be held 6PM Friday, September 30 at Thompson Funeral Chapel. The funeral service will begin at 7PM. Interment will take place 11AM, Saturday, October 1 at Greenwood Memory Lawn in Phoenix, AZ.

To leave the family condolences, please visit www.thompson funeralchapel.com/obituary/ raul-bustos

For more youth visit westvalleyview.com

Brothers make their mark in ‘Matilda’

BY STEVE CARR West Valley View Contributing Writer

It’s

long been said that there’s some thing magical about live theater. That magic is what makes acting so special to Jonathan “JR” Riddle, a 13-year-old eighth grader from Buckeye who is sharing the Theater Works stage with his 10-year-old brother Andrew (“AJ”) in “Matilda the Musical,” which runs from Friday, Sept. 30, to Sunday, Oct. 16, in the Gyder Theater at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive.

“Acting is just like magic. We work together as a cast and we put on this cool show with the sets and everything, and it just comes together. It’s amazing,” JR said. “I like acting because you get to make new friends, have fun and hang out with old friends.”

AJ, too, likes to “hang out with friends and make new friends,” but there’s even more to it for him. “Acting gives me so much energy. It’s fun singing and danc ing and being onstage. I just get really excited.”

Having two actors in the family didn’t come as a great surprise to JR and AJ’s mom, Shelly.

“I was a little surprised when the kids decided they wanted to act,” she said.

“But really, it’s in both of their person alities. When JR was little, he was pret ty animated, vocal and pretty silly. He was not afraid to be in front of people at a young age. AJ also has always been comfortable in front of people, and as soon as he saw his brother onstage, he wanted to be part of that, too.”

JR, who attends Verrado Heritage Ele mentary School, has been acting for four years, starting out on a school project “where we could sing something. I sang ‘Home on the Range.’ After my mom’s friend saw it and said I could sing, I start ed doing voice lessons and camp shows.”

Even at 13, he’s building an impres sive resume with roles with Stage Door Youth Theater, Spotlight Youth Theater, Arizona Broadway Theater and Valley Youth Theater, among others.

After seeing JR in “The Grunch,” AJ, who goes to Sequoia Pathfinder Acade my, “thought it looked really fun, and I thought I’d try it, too.” Their first show together was “The Most Epic Birthday Party Ever,” both productions of Stage Door Youth Theater.

And being able to rehearse together is value added for them.

“Acting together is good because when we’re home and rehearsing, we might be doing a dance and I could say, ‘You’re

going left when you should go right,’ to help correct each other. It’s fun since it’s hanging out with friends and hang ing out with your brother,” JR said as he put his arm around his younger brother ’s shoulder during a Zoom interview.

Shelly finds the whole process both memorable and engaging.

“I love that they get so excited about it,” she said. “The theater community is amazing. Every part of it has been super supportive and made it an incredibly pos itive experience. This is their first Theater Works show, and it’s been phenomenal. The whole creative team is super orga nized, and communication has been out of the park. I love that the kids are com fortable and the parents are comfortable. It’s a well-oiled machine.”

Buckeye’s Jonathan “JR” Riddle, 13, and An drew “AJ” Riddle, 10, star in “Matilda the Musical.” (Submitted)

If You Go...

WHAT: “Matilda the Musical”

WHEN: Various times Friday, Sept. 30, to Sunday, Oct. 16

WHERE: Gyder Theater at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria

COST: Tickets start at $37

INFO: 623-815-7930, theaterworks.org

Avondale students earn perfect scores

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

Sixty

Avondale Elementary School

District students received a perfect score on the annual Arizona’s Ac ademic Standards Assessment, nearly doubling the results from the year prior.

Third through eighth grade students excelled with a 100% on the statewide achievement test, which is proctored in April of each year. Several students have earned this recognition multiple years in a row, and one student earned 100% achievement in both ELA and math for two consecutive years.

Students, along with their families, were celebrated at the district’s gov

erning board meeting on Sept. 20.

“We are incredibly proud of our stu dents as they have worked to earn 100% on the state assessments,” said Dr. Betsy Hargrove, AESD superintendent.

“It is phenomenal to hear the strategies used by our students and their suggestions to others to have the same success. Ideas such as ‘keep trying and don’t give up,’ ‘read and reread to ensure the answer is cor rect,’ ‘check, double and triple check your work,’ ‘participate in class and listen to the instructions’ were among the powerful ac tions shared among our students. Celebrat ing and sharing these successes promotes confidence in others to achieve.”

JOB SEEKERS

Search Tips for Recent Grads

Gettingstarted right out of school can be more challenging that graduating itself.

Applying for your first job after classwork ends is often a daunting proposition. Grads typically have more book-learned knowledge than real-world experience. But joining the workforce doesn’t have to become an impossible task.

It just takes the right preparation.

BEFORE YOU APPLY

You should arrive at this job search brimming with hard-won confidence. You’ve just achieved a major accomplishment in graduating from school. Be aware, however, that some openings draw numerous candidates from across a wide spectrum of skills and experience. You may not immediately secure a job in your field, despite your academic cre-

dentials. So start early, while notifying any prospective employer of when you’re set to leave school. Utilize the network of friends, family, professors and initial professional contacts you’ve already made to pinpoint job opportunities. They can provide a needed recom mendation that can open doors which might remain closed with a blind application.

SELLING YOURSELF

Depending on the job, you may be expected to apply with a resume or curriculum vitae. Both provide a platform for your skills and experience, but they do it in different ways. A CV is typically submitted in research, educational or medical fields. This credential-based document is more in depth than a resume, stretching into multiple pages. You’ll list education, experience, certifications and other professional affiliations. A resume, however,

jobs.phoenix.org

should be limited to one page while focusing more on your personal skills. Busy hiring managers typically have a stack of resumes to go through for any coveted job opening, so make sure yours is to the point.

THINGS TO AVOID

Follow the correct application format for your field. Closely examine your documents to make sure there are no grammatical or spell ing mistakes. Nothing will get your application passed over more quickly. First impressions matter, and employers will disregard you as a candidate if you’re too inattentive to submit a mistake-free application. If you’re worried that you might miss something, employ a standard spellcheck function or the Grammerly app to double check. Friends or family members who are careful readers can also be a huge benefit. Tailor everything to the job you’re applying for, focusing on strategic phrases or keywords that are part of the company mission. And don’t for get the cover letter.

EMPLOYMENT

GENERAL

LOOKING

compassionate

CNA's. Certified Caregivers. Part time/full time 623-547-7521

GARAGE SALES/ BAZAARS

RUSSELL RANCH

Dentist sought by Adelante Healthcare, Inc. in Maricopa County, AZ.

Must have Dental degree (DMD, DDS) plus dental license or elig. in AZ.

Send resume to: Meredith White, Adelante Healthcare, Inc, 3033 North Central Ave, Suite 145, Phoenix, AZ 85012 or fax (623) 583-3007

EMPLOYMENT

Oct.

HANDYMAN

HANDYMAN

37+ years experience

PUBLIC NOTICES

ST JOHN’S IRRIGATION DISTRICT ANNUAL ELECTION OF DIRECTOR will be held on Tues day, November 8th, 2022 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at 10253 W. Southern Ave. Tolleson, AZ 85353. Please c all 623-210-2734 Karena Brown with any ques tions.

ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION

Stan- 602-434-6057

JOEL CEDILLO

623-707-6072.

ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION FOR I Name: AZ SANDMAN'S MOBILE BLASTING LLC. II The address of the registered office is: 25743 W Globe Ave., BUCKEYE, A Z 85326. The name of the Statutory Agent is: Oliberto Vasquez. II I Management of the Limited Liability Company is vested in a manager or managers. The names of each person who is a manager and each member who owns a twenty percent or greater interest in the capital or p rofits of the limited liability company are: MEMBER: Oliberto Vasquez. 25743 W Globe Ave., BUCKEYE, AZ 85326. Published: West Valley View/Business, Sept. 28, Oct 5, 12, 2022 / 49296

ating.

Furniture,

Clothes, Art. Citrus

Bethany Home.

NOTICE OF CREDITORS

APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL

EPRESENTATIVE AND/OR INFORMAL PROBAT E OF A WILL NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT: 1. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Matthew Ortiz has been appointed Personal Representative of this Estate DATE 8/23/22 Ad dress: 9265 Sunshine Ave Flagstaff, AZ 86004 2. DEAD L INE TO MAKE CLAIMS. All persons having claim s against the Estate are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this No tice or the claims will be forever barred. 3. NOTICE OF CLAIMS: Claims must be presented by delivering or mail ing a written statement of the claim to the Personal Repres e ntative at (address) 9265 Sunshine Ave, Flagstaff, A Z 86004 4. NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT. A copy of the No tice of Appointment is attached to the copies of this docu ment mailed to all known creditors. DATED: 9/9/22 /s/ Mat t hew Ortiz, Matthew Ortiz. PUBLISHED: West Valle y View and West Valley Business, Sept. 21, 28, Oct 5, 2022 / 49180

BEFORE THE ARIZONA POWER PLANT AND TRANSMISSION LINE SITING COMMITTEE

BEFORE THE ARIZONA POWER PLANT AND TRANSMISSION LINE SITING COMMITTEE

Docket No. L-21207A-22-0252-00208 Case No. 208

Docket No. L-21207A-22-0252-00208 Case No. 208

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF SIERRA ESTRELLA ENERGY STORAGE, LLC, IN CONFORMANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES, SECTIONS 40-360, et. seq., FOR TWO CERTIFICATES OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMPATIBILITY AUTHORIZING THE SIERRA ESTRELLA 230-kV GENERATION INTERTIE PROJECT AND ASSOCIATED SUBSTATION WITHIN THE CITY OF AVONDALE, ARIZONA, IN MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

time and place at which the hearing will be resumed will be posted on the above-noted Project websites and the Commission website. NOTE: NOTICE OF ANY RESUMED HEARING WILL BE GIVEN; HOWEVER, PUBLISHED NOTICE OF SUCH A RESUMED HEARING IS NOT REQUIRED.

time and place at which the hearing will be resumed will be posted on the above-noted Project websites and the Commission website. NOTE: NOTICE OF ANY RESUMED HEARING WILL BE GIVEN; HOWEVER, PUBLISHED NOTICE OF SUCH A RESUMED HEARING IS NOT REQUIRED.

No tour of the Project area is planned by the Chairman at this time. If the Chairman or Committee later decide to conduct a tour notice that includes a map and itinerary of any such tour will be available at the hearing and posted on the Project website at https:// www.sierraestrellaenergystorage.com/, and on the Commission’s website at https://www.azcc.gov/arizona-power-plant/meeting-schedule.

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF SIERRA ESTRELLA ENERGY STORAGE, LLC, IN CONFORMANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES, SECTIONS 40-360, et. seq., FOR TWO CERTIFICATES OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMPATIBILITY AUTHORIZING THE SIERRA ESTRELLA 230-kV GENERATION INTERTIE PROJECT AND ASSOCIATED SUBSTATION WITHIN THE CITY OF AVONDALE, ARIZONA, IN MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD before the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee (Committee) regarding the application of Sierra Estrella Energy Storage, LLC (Sierra Estrella or Applicant) for two Certificates of Environmental Compatibility to authorize the construction of the Sierra Estrella 230 kilovolt (kV) Gen-Tie Project and associated substation (Project). The Project consists of a proposed 230-kV alternating current generation intertie transmission line (gen-tie) and associated substation facilities. The proposed Project is designed to deliver power from an adjacent 250-megawatt (MW), 1,000-MW-hour battery energy storage system.

No tour of the Project area is planned by the Chairman at this time. If the Chairman or Committee later decide to conduct a tour notice that includes a map and itinerary of any such tour will be available at the hearing and posted on the Project website at https:// www.sierraestrellaenergystorage.com/, and on the Commission’s website at https://www.azcc.gov/arizona-power-plant/meeting-schedule.

Maps of the Project site and detailed information about project facilities and technology are contained in the Application, which is available for inspection at the following locations:

A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD before the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee (Committee) regarding the application of Sierra Estrella Energy Storage, LLC (Sierra Estrella or Applicant) for two Certificates of Environmental Compatibility to authorize the construction of the Sierra Estrella 230 kilovolt (kV) Gen-Tie Project and associated substation (Project). The Project consists of a proposed 230-kV alternating current generation intertie transmission line (gen-tie) and associated substation facilities. The proposed Project is designed to deliver power from an adjacent 250-megawatt (MW), 1,000-MW-hour battery energy storage system.

A general location map of the Project is attached as Exhibit A.

commercial and industrial groups; or to promote the orderly development of the area in which the Project are located that desires to become a party to the proceedings shall, not less than ten (10) days before the date set for the hearing, file a Notice of Intent to Become a Party with the Director of Utilities, Arizona Corporation Commission 1200 West Washington Street, Phoenix AZ 85007.

commercial and industrial groups; or to promote the orderly development of the area in which the Project are located that desires to become a party to the proceedings shall, not less than ten (10) days before the date set for the hearing, file a Notice of Intent to Become a Party with the Director of Utilities, Arizona Corporation Commission 1200 West Washington Street, Phoenix AZ 85007.

The Committee or the Chairman, at any time deemed appropriate, may make other persons parties to the proceedings. Any person may make a limited appearance at a hearing by filing a statement in writing with the Director of Utilities, Arizona Corporation Commission 1200 West Washington Street, Phoenix AZ 85007, not less than five (5) days before the date set for the hearing. A person making a limited appearance will not be a party or have the right to present testimony or cross-examine witnesses.

Maps of the Project site and detailed information about project facilities and technology are contained in the Application, which is available for inspection at the following locations:

• Arizona Corporation Commission Docket Control Center, Phoenix Office

• Arizona Corporation Commission Docket Control Center, Phoenix Office

1200 West Washington Street, Suite 108 Phoenix AZ 85007

1200 West Washington Street, Suite 108 Phoenix AZ 85007

• Avondale Civic Center Library 11350 Civic Center Drive Avondale, Arizona 85323

• Avondale Civic Center Library 11350 Civic Center Drive Avondale, Arizona 85323

• Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library 495 East Western Avenue Avondale, Arizona 85323

• Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library 495 East Western Avenue Avondale, Arizona 85323

• The Project Website: https://www.sierraestrellaenergystorage.com/

A general location map of the Project is attached as Exhibit A.

The hearing will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn; 86 S. Rockford Drive; Tempe, AZ 85281, on November 7, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. and will continue on as necessary on November 8, 2022, commencing at 9:00 a.m. If any revisions to the hearing schedule are required, they will be noticed on the Project website at https:// www.sierraestrellaenergystorage.com/ and on the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) website at https://www.azcc.gov/arizona-power-plant/meeting-schedule.

The hearing will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn; 86 S. Rockford Drive; Tempe, AZ 85281, on November 7, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. and will continue on as necessary on November 8, 2022, commencing at 9:00 a.m. If any revisions to the hearing schedule are required, they will be noticed on the Project website at https:// www.sierraestrellaenergystorage.com/ and on the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) website at https://www.azcc.gov/arizona-power-plant/meeting-schedule.

PUBLIC COMMENT WILL BE TAKEN IN A SPECIAL EVENING SESSION ON NOVEMBER 7, 2022, AT 5:30 P.M. VIA TELEPHONE, ZOOM OR IN PERSON AT THE HILTON GARDEN INN. PUBLIC COMMENT MAY ALSO BE TAKEN AT OTHER TIMES DURING THE HEARING AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN.

The Committee or the Chairman, at any time deemed appropriate, may make other persons parties to the proceedings. Any person may make a limited appearance at a hearing by filing a statement in writing with the Director of Utilities, Arizona Corporation Commission 1200 West Washington Street, Phoenix AZ 85007, not less than five (5) days before the date set for the hearing. A person making a limited appearance will not be a party or have the right to present testimony or cross-examine witnesses.

This proceeding is governed by Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) §§ 40-360 to 40-360.13 and Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R14-3-201 to R14-3220.

This proceeding is governed by Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) §§ 40-360 to 40-360.13 and Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R14-3-201 to R14-3220.

No substantive communication not in the public record may be made to any member of the Committee. The written decision of the Committee will be submitted to the Commission pursuant to A.R.S. § 40360.07. Any person intending to be a party to the proceeding on the matter before the Commission must be a party to the proceeding before the Committee.

No substantive communication not in the public record may be made to any member of the Committee. The written decision of the Committee will be submitted to the Commission pursuant to A.R.S. § 40360.07. Any person intending to be a party to the proceeding on the matter before the Commission must be a party to the proceeding before the Committee.

ORDERED this 23rd day of September, 2022.

• The Project Website: https://www.sierraestrellaenergystorage.com/

The Applicant will make available final copies of the pre-filing conference prehearing conference, and hearing transcripts at each of the above locations and website.

The Applicant will make available final copies of the pre-filing conference prehearing conference, and hearing transcripts at each of the above locations and website.

Each county, municipal government, and state agency interested in the Project that desire to be a party to the proceedings shall, not less than ten (10) days before the date set for the hearing file a Notice of Intent to Become a Party with the Director of Utilities Arizona Corporation Commission, 1200 West Washington Street, Phoenix AZ 85007.

PUBLIC COMMENT WILL BE TAKEN IN A SPECIAL EVENING SESSION ON NOVEMBER 7, 2022, AT 5:30 P.M. VIA TELEPHONE, ZOOM OR IN PERSON AT THE HILTON GARDEN INN. PUBLIC COMMENT MAY ALSO BE TAKEN AT OTHER TIMES DURING THE HEARING AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ALL LOCAL AND STATE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES REGARDING COVID-19 WILL BE FOLLOWED DURING THE HEARING AND PUBLIC COMMENT SESSION. FURTHER RESTRICTIONS ON PUBLIC ACCESS, ADDITIONAL SAFETY PROTOCOLS, AND REVISIONS TO THE HEARING SCHEDULE MAY OCCUR DUE TO PUBLIC HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ALL LOCAL AND STATE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES REGARDING COVID-19 WILL BE FOLLOWED DURING THE HEARING AND PUBLIC COMMENT SESSION. FURTHER RESTRICTIONS ON PUBLIC ACCESS, ADDITIONAL SAFETY PROTOCOLS, AND REVISIONS TO THE HEARING SCHEDULE MAY OCCUR DUE TO PUBLIC HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS.

At least 24 hours in advance of the hearing, information regarding online and telephone hearing access, as well as any additional details regarding COVID-19 safety protocols or other revisions to the hearing schedule will be noticed on the Project website at https://www.sierraestrellaenergystorage.com/.

At least 24 hours in advance of the hearing, information regarding online and telephone hearing access, as well as any additional details regarding COVID-19 safety protocols or other revisions to the hearing schedule will be noticed on the Project website at https://www.sierraestrellaenergystorage.com/.

The Chairman may, at his discretion, recess the hearing to a time and place to be announced during the hearing or to be determined after the recess. The date

The Chairman may, at his discretion, recess the hearing to a time and place to be announced during the hearing or to be determined after the recess. The date

Each county, municipal government, and state agency interested in the Project that desire to be a party to the proceedings shall, not less than ten (10) days before the date set for the hearing file a Notice of Intent to Become a Party with the Director of Utilities Arizona Corporation Commission, 1200 West Washington Street, Phoenix AZ 85007.

Any domestic non-profit corporation or association formed in whole or in part to promote conservation or natural beauty; to protect the environment, personal health or other biological values; to preserve historical sites; to promote consumer interests; to represent

Any domestic non-profit corporation or association formed in whole or in part to promote conservation or natural beauty; to protect the environment, personal health or other biological values; to preserve historical sites; to promote consumer interests; to represent

ORDERED this 23rd day of September, 2022.

By: /s/ Paul A. Katz

Paul A. Katz, Chairman Assistant Attorney General Chairman, Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee 15 South 15th Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 85007 Paul.Katz@azag.gov Certificate of Mailing

By: /s/ Paul A. Katz Paul A. Katz, Chairman Assistant Attorney General Chairman, Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee

15 South 15th Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Paul.Katz@azag.gov

Certificate of Mailing

Published: West Valley View/Business, Sept 28, 2022 / 49268

Published: West Valley View/Business, Sept 28, 2022 / 49268

BY JOHN

BY JOHN

CARPET CLEANING/ REPAIR