Chandler Arizonan - 10.18.2020 by Times Media Group

CHANDLER OPENS UP OUTSIDE DINING

ATHLETE LEADS VOTE DRIVE

PAGE 18

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From Uptown to Downtown, covering Chandler like the sun.

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

INSIDE

This Week

NEWS .................................. 4

Crowded ballot offers many choices.

REAL ESTATE ................19

Sellers market shows no sign of ending.

COMMUNITY............. 25

Chandler couple take aim at stupidity. NEWS ....................................... 3 REAL ESTATE ......................... 19 COMMUNITY .......................25 BUSINESS ............................. 30 OPINION ...............................32 SPORTS................................. 34 CLASSIFIEDS .........................35

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October 18, 2020

Special ed families feel ‘disregarded’ by CUSD BY KEVIN REAGAN Arizonan Staff Writer

ane Andersen was willing to give Chandler Uni�ied School District a pass when the pandemic �irst started back in March. She understood why schools had to close and had low expectations for how her 14-year-old son, Mattie, was going to be educated for the rest of the school year. Mattie is blind, mentally impaired and requires special help to accommodate his cerebral palsy. So, Andersen knew online learning probably wasn’t going to work. He is one of more than 4,600 special education students in the district who require individualized education plans. As Andersen’s other children �inished out their school year doing assignments virtu-

Jane Andersen is frustrated with what she considers the lack of adequate attention CUSD has paid to educating her son Mattie, who is Blind and mentally impaired. (Courtesy of Jane Andersen)

ally, Mattie had to try and complete activities sent home by his teachers. “That fourth quarter was hard for all kids,” Andersen said. “But for my son.... online learning was really a joke. I mean it wasn’t even challenging. It was silly.” One assignment asked Mattie to practice good etiquette while attending a movie theater – an activity Mattie normally wouldn’t do even if a global pandemic had not shut down every cinema in Arizona. “No learning really occurred there,” Andersen said about her son’s assignments. Then the next school year started

�� SPECIAL ED �� 12

CUSD will move Erie students to new school BY KEVIN REAGAN Arizonan Staff Writer

handler Unified officials have decided to relocate Arizona College PrepErie’s 800 students to a new high school under construction near Gilbert and Ocotillo roads in Gilbert. The Governing Board voted unanimously on Oct. 14 to move Erie’s campus to a bigger facility designed to accommodate up to 2,000 students. The board additionally approved adjusting some of enrollment boundaries for other high schools in order to balance

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out enrollment numbers at all six campuses. Students currently attending the district’s other high schools – not including Erie – won’t be impacted by the boundary changes because the adjustments will only start to apply with the class of 2025. The new high school, which is set to open in July, has been under construction for the last year and is intended to help relieve some of the overcrowding seen at the district’s other schools. The board was presented with a number of options for how it might redraw the district’s boundary lines to account for

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the new campus and ultimately picked a plan that moves Erie students from their current campus near Dobson Road and Chandler Boulevard. Assistant Superintendent Craig Gilbert said this option was recommended by the district’s administrators because it allows for more students to experience Erie’s model of instruction. “This has been a very successful school and I think bringing this success to many students in our district is a viable option,” Gilbert said.

�� ERIE �� 8

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CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

Kyrene board seeking internal Vesely successor BY PAUL MARYNIAK Arizonan Executive Editor

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

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he outgoing Kyrene Governing Board hopes to hire an internal replacement for Superintendent Dr. Jan Vesely, who is retiring at the end of December. The board last week outlined its process for selecting her replacement, stating that it was leaving open the possibility of an external search if its review of internal candidates failed to produce a satisfactory replacement. The announcement means that even though two current board members – President Michael Myrick and John King – are leaving the board, the four of five candidates for three open seats will not have any say in deciding the district’s next top executive. Board member and Tempe Union High School District administrator Michelle Fahy is seeking reelection in the race, which also includes four other educators – Ivan Alfaro, Wanda Kolomyjec, Triné Nelson and Margaret Wright. Since Fahy joined her four board colleagues in signing the announcement of the selection process, The Arizonan asked the four other candidates for their reaction

JAN VESELY

to the board’s intentions on picking Vesely’s replacement. Before the board last week laid out its timeline, Kolomyjec said, stating: “The current board has the institutional knowledge to know more accurately what the school district needs in a new superintendent. However, the make-up of the new board is changing significantly with possibly three new sitting members. “It is a hard call,” she said. “I wonder if the answer might be in a compromise. Perhaps the current board narrows the field of choices to two or three candidates and the new board chooses which one they think

is best. That would seem to take advantage of the best of both worlds: institutional knowledge, but also agency by the new board to choose a partner who they think will best serve in the leadership position.” After the board released its timeline Oct. 13, Kolomyjec added, “I am trying to understand the decision. I reviewed the last two board meeting archives to see if the reason was discussed. I couldn’t find it. Not being part of the board nor part of the decision-making and having access to the reasons, it is hard for me to comment or be critical of their decision. “My inclination is that it makes sense to let the new board – which will have at least two of five new board members and possibly three – have the final say. Perhaps it is simply a timing issue. I will say the board did a great job last time in hiring a quality person like Dr. Vesely. Therefore, I have hope and confidence they will do a good job again.” Wright said, “I do not have any issues with the Kyrene board moving forward with the superintendent search. I think they are very qualified to do so as they have worked together the last four years to guide Kyrene.”

see VESELY page 10

Chandler high schools reopen again BY KEVIN REAGAN Arizonan Staff Writer

handler’s high school students returned to campus on Oct. 13 after the pandemic forced seven-month hiatus absence. All six Chandler Unified high schools reopened their classrooms to start the school year’s second quarter with the added option of in-person learning while still allowing some students to continue studying from home. CUSD staggered reopening its 42 schools by starting with elementary schools last month and keeping its secondary schools closed until last week. One challenge CUSD faced was figuring out how to manage a campus with thousands of students who needed to maintain a physical distance. The district is home to some of the biggest high schools in Arizona with enroll-

ment exceeding 3,000 students at nearly every campus. Hamilton High School with 4,200 students has one of the biggest enrollment rolls in the state. About 3,500 of Hamilton’s students chose to return to campus this week and many more plan to return next semester, according to Principal Mike De La Torre. Hamilton’s first day back was “fantastic,” the principal said, and most of the school’s students didn’t need to be re- Hamilton High Principal reminded students to observe social distancing minded to follow the safety and other protocols to stay safe now that they're back in school. (CUSD) protocols. Teachers now have to hand out disposStudents and staff are expected to keep their faces covered at all able hall passes to students wishing to times and can’t loiter around campus besee REOPEN page 14 fore or after school.

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

Crowded ballot spells numerous decisions for Chandler voters BY PAUL MARYNIAK Arizonan Executive Editor

ost Chandler residents on the permanent early voter list have already discovered what their counterparts who like to visit voter centers will learn in three weeks: there are a lot of names and offices to go through. Beyond the high-profile races for President and a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona, Chandler voters are wading through a ballot that includes judges, all county offices, initiatives on an education tax and recreational marijuana, their three representatives in the Legislature and, depending on where they live, two or three school board races. Chandler voters who want to cast ballots in person have only one place in the city to do so starting this week, one more next week and another three on Nov. 2 and Election Day. But to accommodate an anticipated uptick of voters, the County Recorder expanded access through the Vote Cen-

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ter model, where voters can choose from any voting location than at one assigned site. The department also is adding new, drive-through drop boxes in the parking lots of sport stadiums across the county from Oct. 24 to Nov. 3. To find sites and hours of operation, go to Locations.Maricopa Starting Oct. 22, voters can vote in person from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on week days at the Chandler Boulevard Shops near

P.F. Chang’s at Chandler Fashion Center, 3305 W. Chandler Blvd.; and starting Oct. 28, they can do the same 9 a.m.-7 p.m. week days at the Annex at Chandler Commons, 1909 E. Ray Road. Voters who wait till close to the last minute can visit First Baptist Church Chandler, 3405 S. Arizona Ave, 9 a.m.5 p.m. Nov. 2 and 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 3. Those same days and times apply to the voter centers at the Islamic Center of the East Valley, 425 N. Alma School

Road and at Word of Life Church, 2440 E. Germann Road. People who have filled out their ballot can drop it off at a secured drop-off box at Chandler City Hall starting Oct. 19 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays only. For a list of places to vote in person or drop off a ballot, go to locations.maricopa.vote. But it’s possible many of Chandler’s 167,998 registered voters will be mailing or already have sent their ballots, as there are 132,750 on the permanent early voter list, according to the County Recorder. The most recent data show there are 56,855 registered Republicans in Chandler versus 53,669 Democrats. Registered voters not affiliated with either party total 55,740. Here’s a look at what’s at stake Nov. 3:

Legislature

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CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

CUSD board candidates set out priorities BY KEVIN REAGAN Arizonan Staff Writer

he three candidates on the ballot for Chandler Unified School District Governing Board have a range of priorities and goals they’d like to achieve if elected by the voters on Nov. 3. But a former CUSD teacher has her sights set on upending one of them with a writein campaign of her own. Normally, the county would have canceled the board election if there were only three candidates for three seats – which is what happened in the Gilbert Public Schools Governing Board race. But Sharon Tuttle’s emergence as a write-in candidate means the election is on.

ELEX from page 4

be weighing in on the race in Legislative District 18, which also includes Ahwatukee and parts of Mesa and Tempe. In that district, Democrats hold the registration lead. That could be good news for the allDemocratic LD18 delegation that includes Sen. Sean Bowie of Ahwatukee and state Reps. Mitzi Epstein of Tempe and Jennifer Jermaine of Chandler. Both Bowie and Epstein are seeking a third term and Jermaine her second. According to the latest data, LD18 counts 56,174 Democrats, 51,861 Republicans and 50,768 independents. Taking on the incumbents are Republican Senate candidate Suzanne Sharer of Ahwatukee and House candidates Bob Robson, also Ahwatukee, and Don Hawker of Tempe. Hawker, a retired computer programmer for the federal government, won a spot on the ballot after a successful and rare write-in bid in the primary. Robson is hoping to return to the House, where he served from 2001 to 2009 and from 2011 to 2017 when he still lived in Chandler. He also served two terms on Chandler City Council. Robson appears to be targeting Epstein, possibly because he and Jermaine – as well as Bowie – got the Chandler Chamber’s endorsement. During the Clean Elections debate in

The candidates on the ballot include: Joel Wirth, the district’s former chief financial officer; Jason Olive, an architect and parent of two CUSD students; and board President Barbara Mozdzen, who is seeking her fourth consecutive term. Longtime board members David Evans and Karen McGee declined to run for reelection this year – opening the door for some new voices to be added to a board that presides over one of Arizona’s largest school districts. Questions submitted by the SanTan Sun News to the candidates revealed a broad spectrum of concerns they have about CUSD as it continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Class sizes, budget woes and unstable enrollment were mentioned by all three

candidates. Tuttle did not respond. Chandler Unified’s current board members have spent the last six months making tough decisions about how the district was going to react to the tumultuous pandemic. The uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 often resulted in a split among the five board members on when and how CUSD would reopen its 42 campuses. Each of the three board candidates on the ballot expressed anxiety over how CUSD would continue to navigate the pandemic-related chaos. Mozdzen, who voted to reopen, said her first priority for the next year will be making sure the district corrects any learning gaps students experienced while schools were closed. COVID-19 also created a multitude of so-

cial-emotional problems that may have interfered with students’ learning, she said. “Family situations could be unstable due to loss of employment, or long stretches of confinement, and this can impact the ability of children to focus on learning which will also have to be addressed,” Mozdzen said. Mozdzen also expressed apprehension about the district’s finances in the coming months. CUSD administrators have already estimated a budget loss of $21 million due to a recent dip in enrollment. “The pandemic has impacted our budget negatively this year,” Mozdzen said, “and declining enrollment due to build out and aging communities will impact our budget

see BOARD page 8

Candidates for Legislature from LD18, which includes northern Chandler, debated in August in an online forum sponsored by the Arizona Clean Elections Commission. They included, top row from left: Republicans Suzanne Sharer, running for Senate, and House Republican hopefuls BobVRobson and Don Hawker. Bottom row: incumbent Democratic Sen. Sean Bowie and Reps. Mitzi Epstein and Jennifer Jermaine. (Special to the Arizonan)

late August, Robson at several points directly challenged Epstein on various issues. Epstein last week accused him of unfairly and untruthfully describing her positions in his campaign posters. “One sign accuses me of voting against education funding and the other against funding for the elderly; both signs are the opposite of the work I have done,” said Epstein in an email to supporters. Sharer, an Ahwatukee resident and Realtor, is making her first foray into electoral politics, although she is no

stranger to the political scene. She was appointed two years ago to the Ahwatukee Village Planning Committee by fellow Republican Phoenix Councilman Sal DiCiccio. She is taking on an incumbent whose campaign war chest dwarfed hers as the fall campaign began in earnest in August and one who also has picked up the endorsements of more than two dozen business, law enforcement, education, labor and other organizations. Campaign finance reports for the third quarter were not due until Oct. 15, after the Arizonan’s deadline.

School boards Besides the Legislature, northern Chandler voters also will be deciding who fills three seats on either the Chandler Unified Governing Board or the boards for the Tempe Union High School and Kyrene school districts. Michelle Fahy of Tempe is the only incumbent among the five candidates seeking one of three seats on the Kyrene board. Board President Michael Myrick opted to run for a seat on the Tempe Union Board and John

see ELEX page 16

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CITY NEWS

ERIE from page 1

The U.S. Department of Education named Erie a Blue Ribbon school last year for its excellent academic performance and many of the school’s students have attracted publicity over the years for innovative projects. Unlike the district’s bigger high schools, Erie only accepts students through an open enrollment process that involves filling out an application. The new high school, which will adopt the “ACP-Erie” name, is expected to continue the open enrollment process and draw some additional students who had previously been assigned to Perry High School. Eighth graders living within the perimeter of Ocotillo, Cooper, Lindsay and Chandler Heights roads will be joining Erie’s existing students as the first crop of pupils to attend the new school for the 2021-2022 school year. Before the board made its boundary changes, some families voiced concerns over how Erie’s students would mix with students who are assigned to attend the new school.

BOARD from page 6

negatively in the future.” Wirth, who retired from the district in 2018, has concerns about school funding as well. He believes the district’s first priority in the near future should be to find additional revenue streams to supplement the district’s budget. CUSD administrators have said the projected budget loss has been due partly to a decline in usage of the district’s community and after-school programs, which were

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Erie has a reputation for its heavy student workload and some parents worried their children couldn’t keep up with the school’s expectations. Gilbert said Erie’s homework requirements are comparable to the district’s other high schools and the school’s course catalog is not much different from the others. The new Erie campus will offer many of the same programs and amenities that can be experienced at any typical high school, he added. “It is going to be a comprehensive high school,” Gilbert said. “And all the things that we offer at all our schools is what our plan is to offer at this school as well.” Another concern parents expressed involved the close-knit, communal culture Erie has become known for throughout the district. Some parents worried this culture could be lost by moving over to a bigger campus and others felt their child might not feel accepted in this type of learning environment. Myron Blueford, an Erie teacher, pointed out how Erie is still a relativecanceled during the pandemic. Wirth said he would like to see these community programs broadened to generate more revenue for CUSD. “I would greatly expand our community education program which provides services to students in the summer, offering all programs indoors,” he said. “These programs would include but not be limited to sports, academics, fine arts and personal enrichment.” Olive thinks the district should be preparing for a future that could include a major decline in enrollment.

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ly young high school and is still developing a campus culture. So parents shouldn’t fret about their children not fitting in, he said, because they can be part of Erie’s journey of

growth and expansion. “This is not necessarily an established culture that we’re going to be

Although CUSD had been expecting to see a major boost to enrollment over the next decade – so much so the district built another high school to accommodate future growth – the district started this school year with 1,600 fewer students than expected. “Our district is not growing like it once was so (we) will have to shift our mindset around what we are doing,” Olive said. “We can’t be caretakers here. We have to get ready for what is coming.” When asked about his thoughts on how CUSD handled the pandemic, Olive said the district’s online schooling wasn’t always effective or constructive for his own children. “I thought that the initial response from the district was not as good as it could have been,” he added. “My child did not do well in the spring. Since the summer, the online teaching has improved but it is not a good substitute for in-person learning.” Wirth thought CUSD did an “adequate” job responding to COVID-19 while Mozdzen admitted online learning did not work for many families. Before COVID-19, the school district was routinely called out for its response

to issues involving equity, race and students’ mental health. CUSD began offering services that address their social-emotional needs of students and Mozdzen said she wants to see these services continue. “Learning these skills positively impacts the ability to achieve in school, career, and life,” Mozdzen said. “Strong social/emotional skills have been shown to improve student achievement.” Tuttle, now an English Learners teacher for Casa Grande Elementary School District, touts her “proven track record of commended performance” as an educator. She describes herself on her website as “a staunch advocate for equity and social justice measures that affect the well-being of students, families, staff and school systems. She also has worked with Stand Up Speak Up Save A Life, a nonprofit that addresses teen suicide and the issues that lead to it, and worked on the Arizona Education Association’s Ethnic Minority Leadership Task Force, according to her LinkedIn web page. She taught in CUSD from 2016-19.

see ERIE page 12

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

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CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

Chandler Realtor’s team helping cancer victim ARIZONAN NEWS STAFF

or the last six years, Chandler Realtor Darwin Wall has organized a Breast Cancer Awareness Pub Crawl to raise money benefitting a victim of breast cancer. Wall and his team are doing it again beginning with happy hour Friday, Oct. 23, through Sunday, Oct. 25 to help a neighbor who has been fighting the disease since May 2019. The beneficiary has endured five surgeries in five months and is facing two more operations as out-of-pocket expenses go through the roof. Wall’s seventh annual pub crawl has 25 sponsors as well as eight participating Chandler bars, including Murphy’s Law, Bourbon Jacks, Ghett’yo Taco, SanTan Brewing, The Local, 1912 Lounge at the San Marcos Resort, The Stanley and Pedal Haus. Additionally, the San Marcos is offering discount rates for anyone too tired to drive home. The Stanley is a new bar in downtown Chandler that is opening next weekend. For each $50 donation, participants will get an event t-shirt. Then, they’ll wear their special State 48 t-shirt when they visit each bar, where they will get a complimentary drink and food specials. Participants can extend the pub crawl over the three-day event, so that they can visit several bars one day and the others the other two days. Ticket purchasers also will get a swag bag

VESELY from page 3

Kyrene is not the only board facing a possible membership change that is picking a superintendent before the election. In Higley Unified, Superintendent Dr. Mike Thomason announced his retirement in July and the board within three weeks approved a three-year contact naming his assistant superintendent, Dr. Dawn Foley, as his replacement. The board said it is choosing an internal search first because “that will provide the most stability for our community.” “The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant implications in both the

Organizers of the event include, from left, Realtor Darwin Wall and team members Chad Cox, Brooke Michie, Vanessa Contreras, Kari Dean, Janna Wall, Tiffany LeDoux, Laura Kulakowski, Monda Clemons and Paulina Matteson. (Special to the Arizonan)

filled with Chandler-centric items. People also will have a chance to buy raffle tickets at each bar from members of Wall’s team, who will be wearing their special t-shirts so they can be readily identified by anyone. The raffle, for prizes from the sponsors, will be held live Tuesday, Oct. 27, on the group’s Facebook page, Save Second Base-Pub Crawl Fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness. Aside from the pub crawl, people can also get raffle tickets by tagging the

group’s Facebook page at or the group’s Instagram page. People who pose in front of a mural at 287 E. Frye Road #2 in Chandler get twice the number of raffle tickets by posting the photo on their Facebook or Instagram account. Walls team will then scour Instagram and Facebook for those tags and then enter the names into the raffle. Wall’s pub crawl last year raised $7,000 for a local mom fighting breast cancer. The entire event is run by his federally approved nonprofit, Save Second Base-

Pub Crawl Fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness, and all proceeds go towards the designated beneficiary. This year the organizers are doing things a little differently to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions. It’s one reason the usual one-night event is stretched across all weekend to encourage social distancing and small groups. People can buy a ticket at tinyurl.com/Chandlerpubcrawl. For more information: 480-726-2100 or dwall@darwinwall.com.

short and long term for the district budget outlook, as well as enrollment,” it said in a joint statement. “Staff, students and parents have weathered rapid changes in teaching and learning as a result of the pandemic, and the board is concerned with introducing new leadership at this critical juncture that could result in additional change.” It also said leadership consistency was a goal, stating it wants “someone with the skills, characteristics and knowledge that would adapt well to the unique culture of the Kyrene district and community.” “The Board is extremely proud of the work being done in each of our 26 schools,

the progress on the Strategic Plan 2022 and the momentum of our equity initiatives. The next superintendent should ensure that work continues.” Stating it believes “there are individuals within the Kyrene system who possess the skills required to fill this position; individuals who are familiar with the Kyrene vision, mission, culture and community, the board also set a timetable that begins with a community survey and ends with a goal of hiring someone two days before Thanksgiving.” The board said “community engagement and transparency are critical components” of its process, and created a special page on the district website to update parents

and others on its progress at kyrene.org/ Page/53792. Its timeline calls for forums with employees Oct. 20-21 and an application deadline Oct. 25. The board hopes to pick finalists by Nov. 6 and interview candidates Nov. 10 in a session closed to the public. In the survey, people are asked to indicate what’s important to them in terms of district leadership, community relations, management of district operations, management style, experience and skills. Vesely has been superintendent since mid-2016 and announced her retirement earlier this month.

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CITY NEWS

SPECIAL ED from page 1

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

in August and CUSD decided to keep its schools closed until the second quarter starts this week. Since mid-August, some students like Mattie had been allowed to visit their school for about seven hours per week to receive hands-on instruction with a special education teacher. Although Andersen thought seven hours was an “inadequate” amount of weekly instruction, she figured it was better than nothing and gave CUSD another pass. But Andersen is close to running out of patience with the school district. After the CUSD Governing Board narrowly voted to allow elementary students to come back to school in September, Andersen could no longer keep her frustrations to herself. The board’s decision notably left out middle and high school students, who have had to wait until Oct. 13 to return to campus. Andersen felt her son – who is starting his first year at Perry High School – could not wait another month. She began writing letters to administrators asking why special education students couldn’t come back sooner. “It was frustrating to me that my son was kind of disregarded,” the mother said. “It’s been really difficult because he needs

full one-on-one attention all the time.” Chandler Unified has had to contend with several dilemmas over the last six months as it navigated the challenges of trying to figure how to virtually educate 46,000 students learning at home. Parents have been demanding for months to have the schools reopen and some have gone so far as to threaten to pull their child out of CUSD if the district didn’t comply. But parents like Jane Andersen can’t simply take her son to a private school. It costs up to $37,000 to enroll in a school that could accommodate Mattie’s needs, Andersen said, and the deadline for families to seek a scholarship or a state voucher already expired. So, the Andersens have been left to wait until CUSD decided to welcome back students like Mattie to its high schools. Waiting an extra month may not seem like much to other families, Andersen noted, but it can feel like an eternity for a 14-year-old who has been receiving very little meaningful educational engagement for months. Terry Locke, a spokesman for CUSD, said the special education issue is a matter of shuffling resources. CUSD considered bringing special education students back sooner at the high schools, but Locke said it would have been impossible while the majority of them were still learning at home.

“While we were one of the first districts to provide special (education) services,” Locke said, “it would have been difficult to provide full-time special education classrooms without reopening the school.” Elisa Taylor, another CUSD parent, said she has not been satisfied with the district’s reasoning for not allowing special education students to return earlier. Her 13-year-old daughter Ari should be attending Payne Junior High, where she’s involved in several extracurricular activities. Despite Ari’s epilepsy and cerebral palsy, she is a social butterfly who loves being around her peers at school, Taylor said. The last six months have been particularly challenging for Ari, her mother said, because unlike her siblings, Ari is physically confined to the family’s home and cannot easily stay connected with people her own age. “She can’t just ride her bike down the street, go to a friend’s house, text somebody – it’s just not the same thing at all,” Taylor said. Online learning has turned out to be a daily struggle for Taylor and her daughter. Each week, the teenager receives a few hours of in-person instruction and completes one 45-minute virtual lesson. But Taylor said she feels Ari isn’t getting the same level of engagement out of virtual learning compared to her oth-

er children. Furthermore, Taylor has to assist her daughter through activities and assignments sent home by Ari’s teachers and the mother doesn’t always feel qualified to offer the best one-on-one instruction. “I’m not a teacher. I may be educated, but this is not my specialty,” Taylor said. “And she’s sick of working with me half the time.” Taylor said she had foolishly presumed that when students started going back to school on Sept. 14, her daughter would be among the first pupils to return. It wasn’t made clear the older special education students would have to wait until October, Taylor noted, so the news turned out to be devastating for her family. Another of Taylor’s children has already transferred to a charter school because she didn’t want to wait any longer for classroom instruction. Taylor hopes her other children won’t have to follow because she still values and appreciates public education. Like Taylor, Andersen doesn’t want to perceive CUSD as an enemy in this situation. Yet she feels compelled to bring attention to an injustice when she sees one. “I believe in public education and I love our school district,” Andersen said. “But when they’re wrong, I will let them know.”

projecting onto them,” Blueford said. Although Erie plans to keep its name and mascot, the school’s administrators will eventually have to decide whether the school should continue mandating students to follow a specific dress code at its new campus. Principal Rob Bickes said he’ll be holding community meetings over the next few months to figure out whether Erie should continue requiring students to wear uniforms. Bickes said he has already sketched out a schedule over the next few months for how he’ll begin the process of acclimating Erie’s existing and new students to the new facility. Erie’s staff is excited to move over to a campus that will be able to accommodate more programming, Bickes added, and they’re eager to welcome

a new cohort of students into the Erie family. “I’m very excited for a new chapter,” the principal said. In addition to offering Erie a bigger campus to grow, CUSD leaders commended their boundary plan for its potential economic benefits on the district’s budget. Board President Barbara Mozdzen is grateful CUSD may be able to avoid having to spend up to $7 million on renovations at Erie’s current campus by moving the school over to a newer facility. Erie started out as a high school with a graduating class of only 10 students, Mozdzen noted, and has proven its need for a better campus to fit all the students wishing to enroll. According to district records, Erie’s current campus was intended to only accommodate 765 students and the school ended the last school year with

817 students. “I’m very much in favor of being able to give them a place to continue to grow,” Mozdzen said. The board’s reshuffling plan also involves redrawing some of the boundary lines for Hamilton High School, the district’s largest campus which ended the last school year with more than 4,000 students. CUSD will move Hamilton’s perimeter of Chandler Boulevard, Alma School, Pecos and McQueen roads to Chandler High’s boundary. This move would be the least troublesome considering the perimeter is geographically adjacent to Chandler High’s campus, officials said. Chandler High has new facilities to accommodate an extra horde of students, district officials added, that could help Hamilton’s campus from becoming too crowded.

The district’s boundary plan further involves moving a section in the area of Val Vista Drive, Ocotillo, Lindsay and Chandler Heights roads out of Perry High’s boundary to Basha High. CUSD said reshuffling the boundaries in this way will hopefully keep enrollment levels at each high school campus between 1,500 and 2,000 students. At the end of the last school year, none of the district’s schools had fewer than 2,000 high school students. If Erie’s students had remained at their current campus, then CUSD would have had to move more of Perry’s boundaries over to the new school and carve up more of Hamilton’s enrollment zone. Administrators claim the district’s reshuffling plan best ensures the least amount of disruption for students and maximizes the district’s existing resources.

ERIE from page 8

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CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

Chandler, Kyrene A+ schools named ARIZONAN NEWS STAFF

hree Chandler Unified and three Kyrene schools have been named A+ Schools of Excellence. The Arizona Educational Foundation gave the designation to Haley Nicole Knutsen, Navarrete and Riggs elementary schools in Chandler Unified and Kyrene Altadeña Middle School in Ahwatukee as well as Kyrene de las Brisas and Kyrene de la Mirada Leadership Academy in Chandler. Altadeña is celebrating a new A+ designation after previously earning the award in 2012 while Brisas and Mirada are renewing their A+ status. This is the third consecutive A+ award for Brisas and the second consecutive award for Mirada. Both schools also earned AEF’s A+ designation in 2016. The Kyrene awards brought to 16 the number of A+ School of Distinction awards in the 26-school district. Chandler schools have earned the A+ distinction 81 times since the pro-

REOPEN from page 3

move around campus during class and pupils must be dismissed from their classrooms in small groups rather than leave all at the same time as they did before. De La Torre, who taught at Chandler High School before becoming an administrator, said Hamilton’s students seem to understand the need to have all these new rules and routines and hasn’t observed any of them trying to undermine them yet. The principal spent most of that first day of in-person learning wandering around Hamilton’s large, mostly-indoor campus checking in with the school’s 200 teachers and administrators. He said most teachers appeared to be relieved to finally meet their students in person after instructing them virtually for the last six weeks. “They were happy to have students back,” De La Torre said. “There was some apprehension going in but I think there was some surprise in terms of how solid it turned out.” Hamilton has been keeping a close watch

gram’s inception in 1983 – the most of any Arizona school district, said CUSD spokesman Terry Locke. “We are proud of the schools for sticking their neck on the line to see how they compete among the best in Arizona,” Locke said. “It’s a rigorous process that includes an internal examination. Families who attend these schools know how great they are. Now the rest of the state does as well.” Schools applying for this recognition take part in a several-monthslong process that includes a written application, on-site visits by a team of trained judges and participation by faculty, students and families. Schools are evaluated in areas such as school culture, curriculum, leadership, assessment data and community involvement. They receive an A+ School of Excellence banner and a $500 award and get to brag about the designation for four years. The foundation gave 34 schools the

designation this year. “The A+ School of Excellence™ Award shines a spotlight on the positive stories and successes occurring in public schools,” said foundation Executive Director Kim Graham. “The application and evaluation process for this program is comprehensive and rigorous. We applaud these schools for exceeding expectations to meet their students’ needs and for achieving overall success despite the many challenges that face the education community statewide.” The foundation’s mission is to identify, support and celebrate excellence in Pre-K-12 public schools through business and community partnerships. It sponsors a variety of programs for teachers, administrators and students. Some programs shine a spotlight on excellence while others provide a steppingstone to help support schools and educators on the road to awesomeness.

In addition to the Arizona Teacher of the Year program, the foundation also coordinates the Arizona State Spelling Bee, the A+ School of Excellence Award, the Principals Leadership Academy of Arizona, teachSTEM and Take Your Legislator to School. The foundation was founded in 1983 by then State Superintendent of Public Education Carolyn Warner, who felt a nonprofit needed to be established to champion public education and recognize the work of publicschool educators. “The A+ School of Excellence award is a powerful energizer for increasing public confidence in recognized schools, often resulting in greater parent and community involvement and even serves as an economic driver for some communities,” the foundation noted. “A+ Schools are celebrated and recognized as exceptional,” it said, adding the designation “spotlights the positive successes happening in public schools every day.”

on class sizes, the principal added, by making sure teachers are not burdened with having to spread out too many students within a confined space. Teachers have been instructed to rearrange all their desks to point in the same direction and to avoid clumping tables together for group projects. The school’s science labs look particularly different than before, the principal noted, because desks have been moved around to areas normally taken up by lab tables. “Teachers are taking advantage of those extra spaces that would not have typically had desks,” De La Torre said. Like other high schools in the district, Hamilton’s made some slight adjustments to its schedule in response to Chandler Unified’s COVID-19 protocols. The school’s “conference period,” a 20-minute period typically used for club meetings or studying, has been eliminated and an extra lunch period was added to prevent the school’s cafeteria from getting too overcrowded. Hamilton further gave students a couple

more minutes to move around campus in between classes. The school’s hallways and stairways are marked with lines and arrows to help students walk around without bumping into classmates. A rigorous cleaning schedule has been put in place to ensure desks, door handles, and locker rooms are getting wiped down and disinfected each day. The school’s many extra-curricular activities remain available for students, the principal said, and several clubs have found ways to hold their meetings and competitions virtually over Zoom. Hamilton plans to host its homecoming assembly virtually by filming it live inside the school’s auditorium and then broadcasting the event online so students can watch from a classroom. The school is trying its best to keep the customs and routines students are accustomed to, De La Torre said, because it’s vital to keep morale up during this transitional period. Hamilton’s morale among staff and students is certainly not the same as it was last year, the principal admitted, but he

and his assistant principals are attempting to stay engaged with as many people as possible. “There are anxieties and fears and concerns,” De La Torre said. “There are good days and bad days for everybody. I think our staff has done a really good job working through those things.” As Hamilton slowly begins returning to some sense of normalcy in the coming weeks, De La Torre said his priorities will be focused on safety and academic performance. Keeping students healthy and safe from the coronavirus will be the school’s first priority, the principal said, the second will be centered around filling in any learning gaps that may have happened during the pandemic. De La Torre said his staff will need to take some time to go back and examine what lessons may have been missed during the virtual-learning period and figure out how to cover that material again later in the school year. “That’s going to be a big piece of the puzzle,” he said.

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

Study sees rec needs in west, SE Chandler BY KEVIN REAGAN Arizonan Staff Writer

handler’s western and southeastern regions need more recreational facilities to meet projected population growth in the near future, according to a recent city needs assessment. A lack of gyms and indoor facilities in certain parts of the city has prompted planners to recommend the addition of at least 157,000 square-feet of new recreational space across Chandler. Due to the aging status of Chandler’s other indoor recreational centers, the city has spent the last few months studying the need for new programming and the feasibility of constructing new facilities. The study’s authors determined the city’s southeast region, which stretches from the Loop 202 San Tan Freeway to Hunt Highway, will see “extreme” population growth of 53 percent over the next 15 years. West Chandler neighborhoods, which are located west of the Loop 101 Price Freeway, are projected to grow by about 24 percent. “There was a lack of comparable facilities in the west and southeast that indicates a new facility in either of those locations would be well attended,” the study concluded. Some city officials are skeptical of the study’s population projections since Chandler is already approaching build-out and is running out of developable land. “I’m just struggling with that,” Mayor Kevin Hartke said. “I mean if we come up with a 20, 30-percent total – to me that’s about tapping us out.” And these regions are not completely vacant of any recreational spaces, as the west and southeast neighborhoods currently have access to some private fitness centers. The city’s north and southwest regions have considerably more options for both private and public facilities. The study found Chandler already has sufficient demand for some sort of multigenerational recreation center that could accommodate residents of

all ages and replace some of the city’s aging facilities. “The Chandler Senior Center and Chandler Community Center are outdated and undersized,” the study found. “These facilities will require major capital improvements in the future to continue operating at current levels.” Most of the city’s existing recreation programs have reached their capacity, the study found, and many have a waiting list to join. “The existing multipurpose rooms are largely used for recreation-related classes and there is little availability for use by the community,” the study concluded. The study further determined Chandler currently had a “deficit” of community center space and encouraged between 157,000 and 231,000 square feet of new facilities to be constructed in order to achieve equal coverage across the city. Chandler’s current level of service breaks down to about 0.3 square feet per resident and the study’s authors believe that ratio should be between 0.8 and 1.1 square feet per person. The study offered a few options for how Chandler could broaden its recreational offerings with projects that ranged in cost between $5 and $60 million. One option includes constructing a $50-million recreation center in West Chandler next to Nozomi Park on Kyrene Road. This parcel of land is reportedly owned by the Tempe Union High School District and may not be available for development. Another option proposes building a $57-million facility north of Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center and Basha High School in Southeast Chandler. The Tumbleweed Recreation Center, which is considered Chandler’s primary recreational facility, could benefit from an expansion of facilities – ranging in size between 9,000 and 62,000 square feet, the study concluded. City Council has recently reviewed the study’s initial assessments and no official actions have been taken on its recommendations.

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CITY NEWS

ELEX from page 6

King decided to retire. Also running for a spot on the Kyrene board are Ivan Alfaro, an education consultant; Wanda Kolomyjec, an Arizona State University professor; Trine´ Nelson, a curriculum manager; and Margaret Wright, an adjunct biology professor. In the Tempe Union race, incumbent board President Berdetta Hodge and member Sandy Lowe are hoping to hang on for another four year term in the face of six challengers that include 2019 Desert Vista High School graduate Armando Montero, now an ASU student. Other candidates in the Tempe Union race include Realtor Lori Bastian, Ahwatukee attorney Don Fletcher and teachers Sarah Lindsay James and Paige Reesor. There’s also a third governing board race awaiting voters as longtime Ahwatukee resident and educator Dr. Linda Thor sees another term on the Maricopa County Community College District board.

County races

The offices of Assessor, County Attorney, Treasurer, Superintendent of Schools and Recorder are all up for election. But the county race that may be of special interest to Chandler voters involves the contest for District 1 supervisor. Former Chandler Councilman and State Transportation Board member Jack Sellers is hoping to win a four-year term after getting the seat through appointment in 2018 to fill the remaining two years of Denny Barney’s term after he resigned to become president/CEO of the Phoenix East Valley Partnership. Hoping to deny Sellers a full four year term is Democrat Jevin Hodge, who would become Maricopa County’s first African-American supervisor if he wins. Hodge’s career experience includes working as the national engagement director for LINK Strategic Partners and as chair of the Booker T. Washington Child Development Center. He has served as a board member for Best Buddies Arizona and as an advisory board member for the U.S. Global Lead-

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

ership Coalition. Sellers is on the GPEC International Leadership Council, the Arizona-Mexico Commission and Arizona Sister Cities. Two women are vying to be the County Attorney. Republican Allister Adel was appointed by the county Board of Supervisors after Bill Montgomery was named to the Arizona Supreme Court. She is facing a challenge from Democratic Julie Gunnigle and both candidates are promising criminal justice system reforms.

Education candidates

Besides the Legislature, northern Chandler voters also will be deciding who fills three seats on either the Chandler Unified Governing Board or the boards for the Tempe Union High School and Kyrene school districts. The race to fill three seats on the Chandler Unified Governing Board almost was canceled because three candidates are on the ballot for three seats. But former CUSD teacher Sharon Tuttle’s emergence as a write-in candidate means the election is on. The candidates on the ballot include: Joel Wirth, the district’s former chief financial officer; Jason Olive, an architect and parent of two CUSD students; and board President Barbara Mozdzen, who is seeking her fourth consecutive term. Longtime board members David Evans and Karen McGee declined to run for re-election this year – opening the door for some new voices to be added to a board that presides over one of Arizona’s largest school districts. In Kyrene, Michelle Fahy of Tempe is the only incumbent among the five candidates seeking one of three seats on the Kyrene board. Board President Michael Myrick opted to run for a seat on the Tempe Union Board and John King decided to retire. Also running for a spot on the Kyrene board are Ivan Alfaro, an education consultant; Wanda Kolomyjec, an Arizona State University professor; Trine´ Nelson, a curriculum manager; and Margaret Wright, an adjunct biology professor. In the Tempe Union race, incumbent board President Berdetta Hodge and member Sandy Lowe are hoping to hang on for another four-year term in

the face of six challengers that include 2019 Desert Vista High School graduate Armando Montero, now an ASU student. Other candidates in the Tempe Union race include Chandler Realtor Lori Bastian, Ahwatukee attorney Don Fletcher and teachers Sarah Lindsay James and Paige Reesor. There’s also another governing board race awaiting voters as longtime Ahwatukee resident and educator Dr. Linda Thor seeks another term on the Maricopa County Community College District board. Thor, the former 20-year president of Rio Salado College, is facing former Queen Creek cosmetology instructor Shelli Boggs, who has gained some notoriety for posing for photos with a semi-automatic assault rifle. Boggs also served on the governing board of the East Valley Institute of Technology. The Boggs-Thor race is for an at-large seat on the seven-member community college board but Chandler voters also will be asked to choose their district representative to the panel.

Criminal Justice and Arizona Dispensaries Association. There were more groups opposed to the measure, which include Gov. Doug Ducey, the Yavapai County Attorney, the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association, Saddle Mountain Unified School District in Litchfield Park, U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Peoria, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Proposition 208, or the Invest in Education Act, would impose a tax on part of the income of high earners to help pay for teacher salaries, classroom support staff salaries teacher mentoring and retention programs and other education programs. If passed, a 3.5 percent surcharge would be added to the existing income tax of 4.5 percent for single filers earning over $250,000 a year and couples earning over $500,000 annually. Only the income over those amounts would be subject to the tax. The Joint Legislative Committee estimated the new surcharge would generate $827 million a year. Those that support the proposition

We just surpassed 2.5 million registered “voters, which is the highest number ever recorded in Maricopa County. ”

– Megan Gilbertson

The District 1 community college fight is between incumbent Laurin Hendrix, who just won a two-year seat on the Gilbert Town Council – he is allowed to hold both offices – and Jacqueline Smith, the vice president at the ASU Foundation for a New American University.

Weed and taxes

Votes also will decide the fate of two propositions. The Smart and Safe Arizona Act, or Proposition 207, would legalize the possession and recreational use of marijuana for adults and impose a 16.0 percent tax on sales. According to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, the proposition would generate an estimated annual $166 million in revenue from tax and licensing fees. Supporters include former Gov. John Fife Symington, Arizona Attorneys for

include the Gilbert Education Association, Higley Education Association, Children’s Action Alliance, United for Education and Mesa Education Association. Opponents include Ducey, state Treasurer Kimberly Yee, Goldwater Institute, Arizona Tax Research Association, Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Greater Phoenix Chamber and Arizona Small Business Association. The county is expecting a historic turnout. The 2008 General Election had the highest turnout at 79.76 percent and participation on record. “We just surpassed 2.5 million registered voters, which is the highest number ever recorded in Maricopa County,” said elections spokeswoman Megan Gilbertson. According to officials, close to 78 percent of Maricopa County’s 2.5 million registered voters have already requested a ballot in the mail.

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

Creative Expression contest open to all Chandler students Entries are sought for Chandler’s 25th annual Creative Expression Competition. Students living or attending school in Chandler may vie for awards in writing, visual arts and video. Entries must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. Oct. 30. This year’s theme is “Culture and Equity Across Time.” Students may express how their experience of culture or understanding of equity has changed with time. Submission guidelines and judging criteria are at chandleraz.gov/CreativeExpression. Students may submit their writing, visual or video entry online or mail or drop off entries to the City of Chandler – Neighborhood Resources Department, Attn: Rori Minor, 235 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler, AZ 85225. Winners will be notified in late November. The visual arts winning entries will be displayed on street pole banners downtown along Arizona Avenue during January. Winning entries also will be featured on the City’s website at chandleraz.gov/CreativeExpression. Information: Rori Minor at 480-7824329 or rori.minor@chandleraz.gov.

17 CITY NEWS

Around Chandler will be at 2 p.m. Oct. 22. Interested organizations may participate at bit.ly/3imwNf1 or by calling 1-415-655-0001 and entering the following access code: 145 072 4771. The Neighborhood Resources Department oversees the annual allocation of more than $2.5 million in local and federal funding for human services; housing rehabilitation and capital improvements; neighborhood revitalization; and affordable housing activities benefitting Chandler residents. Information: 480-782-4349.

Chandler woman promoted at St. Joseph the Worker nonprofit

A Chandler woman has been promoted to development director at St. Joseph the Worker, a nonprofit that assists homeless, low-income and other disadvantaged people become self-sufficient. Marcy LaRont was promoted from the position of grants manager. In addition to the two years LaRont has been with SJW, she has a decade of experience in development and two decades of experience in the corporate sector. LaRont will now oversee all fundraising

activities, stewardship, volunteer and new programs to broaden SJW’s reach and visibility across the Valley. St. Joseph the Worker was created in 1988 when volunteers from André House, a shelter and soup-line, responded to a plea from homeless individuals receiving dinner in the park who said, “We want jobs, but we don’t have the tools.”

East Valley Hadassah seeks new female members from Chandler

The Devorah Chapter of Hadassah East Valley is seeking members. Although the group is not holding regular in-person activities, we are doing zoom socials, discussions and fundraising activities. Information: Ann Baum at ann.hadassahmembership@gmail.com

National Charity League chapter seeks mothers and daughters

The Santan Chapter of National Charity League, Inc., a mother-daughter volunteer organization, is accepting applications from women with daughters currently in 6th through 9th grade. The Santan Chapter comprises nearly 220 members in Marico-

pa and Pinal Counties. Information: nationalcharityleague.org/ chapter/santan or membershipsantan@ nclonline.org Interested mothers are encouraged to attend one of the prospective member meetings. For an invitation, email membershipsantan@nclonline.org

Annual Chandler Golf Challenge reservations sought for Nov. 13

The 24th annual Chandler Golf Challenge swings into action Nov. 13 with reserved tee times and physical distancing guidelines at Chandler’s Bear Creek Golf Club, 500 E. Riggs Road. The challenge supports the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Scholarship Fund. The tournament contributes nearly $10,000 a year for the city Parks & Recreation Department’s programs for more than 300 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Chandler and neighboring cities. Participation in the all-inclusive tournament is $85 for individuals and $425 to be a tee box sponsor and host a foursome.

Mayor Kevin Hartke and the rest of City Council hope residents will provide their thoughts about the community and its future in the annual budget survey, which is available until Nov. 15. Residents are asked to answer at least the first five general questions and the remaining ones provide an opportunity to give feedback on Council’s six strategic goals. The survey is online at chandleraz.gov/ government/budget-and-capital-improvement-program/planning. Paper copies can be obtained at various city facilities or downloaded from the webpage.

City slates orientation for block grant requests

Chandler’s Neighborhood Resources Department will host an orientation for organizations interested in applying for 2021-2022 Community Development Block Grant funds, Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds and general funds. The virtual WebEx orientation session

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CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

Chandler easing outdoor dining rules BY KEVIN REAGAN Arizonan Staff Writer

he City of Chandler has proposed easing regulations on restaurants in help them serve more customers during the pandemic. As some restrictions on inside dining remain in effect across Arizona, Chandler restaurateurs want to create additional dining spaces that extend beyond their rooftops and into adjacent parking lots or patios. After Gov. Doug Ducey signed earlier this year reduced the eateries’ dining capacity by 50 percent, city officials began examining options that would allow businesses to expand their premises without jeopardizing the public’s health. The city had discovered some restaurants still weren’t earning enough revenue with smaller indoor dining areas. “In many cases, limited dine-in service has been more financially challenging than when dining rooms were closed as staff costs can outweigh the additional revenue created by dine-in service,” a city memo stated. The city has proposed streamlining the application process restaurants must

complete if they wish to serve alcohol outside. These types of requests are typically reviewed and voted on by City Council before they’re passed along to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses. In order to speed up the review process, Chandler may temporarily allow City Manager Marsha Reed and her staff to authorize applications. The proposed changes would also waive a 48-day time limit on these extension permits as well as waive the $100 application fee. The city will also waive a $25 fee that restaurants ordinarily pay for each day covered by the temporary extension permit. The city has recommended letting them remain in effect until May 31, 2021. “This program has been designed to satisfy regulatory constraints while also creating as little burden as possible for the businesses,” city documents state. Ginger Monkey, a bar and restaurant located near Ocotillo Road and Arizona Avenue, has already asked for the city’s permission to serve alcohol in an outside dining area and Council reviewed their application earlier this month.

Kim Moyers, the city’s cultural development director, said her department is working to ensure the proposed changes will still comply with health guidelines. Every applicant wishing to expand their premises will have to sign an agreement acknowledging their understanding of the health guidelines and follow them, Moyers added. The regulation changes were driven in part by the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership, a nonprofit that advocates for downtown businesses and events. The partnership approached the city about devising some sort of “street dining” program. Mary Murphy-Bessler, the partnership’s executive director, said she’s visited other cities that have employed strategies to help restaurants expand their dining capacity and thinks the same can be done in Chandler. The city has the chance to implement a cheap, easy solution that could have a major impact on small businesses hurt by COVID-19, she added. “This is an opportunity for communities to add their own character to outdoor dining experience for their community,”

Murphy-Bessler wrote the city. Chandler would not be the first municipality in Arizona to introduce regulatory changes designed to encourage more outdoor dining. Earlier this year, Prescott began allowing restaurants to use public parking spaces as temporary dining areas. Prescott officials recently announced that they are looking for an end date to the dining program. City leaders in Chandler have already expressed support for easing regulatory hurdles that may be harming the restaurant industry and opening up the permitting process to more potential applicants. “This is an incredible way to provide more opportunity and liberty for our businesses that have been really hamstrung by this COVID crisis,” said Councilman Mark Stewart. Councilman Matt Orlando thinks the regulatory changes are sensible during a time of uncertainty and allow for greater flexibility among applicants. “It makes a lot more sense than a piecemeal approach,” Orlando said. “We want to make sure everything’s equitable and everyone has an opportunity to do this.”

off with the Chandler SWAT team that ended when the suspect eventually surrendered. Police said the crimes occurred between Sept. 29 and Oct. 2. Inside the hotel room, police found a handgun and ammunition that they linked to the first incident in central Mesa, when Reyes is accused of firing several shots on Sept. 29 at two men who were outside the Diamonds Sports Grill. “At least 12 rounds were fired at the victims, who were seated in their vehicle. Both victims suffered minor grazing wounds. Neither victim knew why they were fired upon or what might have precipitated the suspect’s actions,’’ according to Detective Nik Rasheta, a Mesa police spokesman. The victims were able to give police

a good description of Reyes, including that he was stocky and was wearing a Los Angeles Dodgers baseball cap. Rasheta said the ammunition recovered by police from the hotel room matched the bullets used in the shooting. Beyond the high level of violence, perhaps the strangest twist in the case occurred on Oct. 2, when police found a stolen GMC Sierra in the 500 block of W. Erie in Chandler. “A short time later, Guillermo robbed a 10th victim on the same street at gunpoint. He forced the victim inside his home and apparently sought to throw police off his trail by stealing the victim’s clothes,” Rasheta said. “Guillermo took off his own clothes and put on the victim’s clothing, which included a camouflage shirt,” he added. “He left his clothes behind and fled in

the victim’s blue Ford Mustang.’’ During the manhunt, police recovered a series of critical pieces of evidence that eventually helped them identify and track Reyes down. One example was when police recovered a Dodgers cap and a backpack after it fell out of the stolen Sierra, Rasheta said. Police also located a trail of fingerprints matching those of Reyes in stolen vehicles and even on some food containers after an armed robbery at an East Mesa barbeque restaurant. “Mesa Police want to thank all the extremely observant victims and witnesses, the meticulous Crime Scene Specialists and especially the Chandler Police Department for helping us arrest a tremendously violent offender,’’ Rasheta said.

String of robberies, carjackings ends in arrest

BY JIM WALSH Arizonan Staff Writer

esa and Chandler police ended a violent series of armed robberies, car jackings and a shooting when they arrested a 34-yearold suspect on suspicion of numerous felonies at a Chandler hotel room. Guillermo Reyes is accused of 19 felonies committed within a four-day span in Mesa, Chandler and Scottsdale. The spree included five armed robberies of six victims, with five cars and trucks stolen at gunpoint and later found abandoned, police said. The stolen vehicles ranged from a Mercedes to a pickup truck and finally a Ford Mustang. Police arrested Reyes inside the motel room on Oct. 9, after a stand-

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

19 REAL ESTATE

From Uptown to Downtown, we cover Chandler like the sun

Chandler home prices going up, up and away BY PAUL MARYNIAK Arizonan Executive Editor

he steadily high demand for homes is sending desperate buyers in search of new houses instead of resales – but they shouldn’t expect developers will take any offer that comes along. So says the Cromford Report, which closely monitors the Valley’s housing market, which also reported that home sales on average over the past month in Chandler ZIP codes 85224, 85225 and 85226 sold above the listed price. “With low supply and high demand,” it said, “we see the unusual situation where the average selling price exceeds the average list price becoming more commonplace.” And no relief will be found in newbuilds, it said. “With the chronic shortage of re-sale homes, many buyers are turning to new-builds,” Cromford said last week. “Here they will not face multiple offers, but they may well find some builders are not accepting contracts except for homes that are near completion.” The reason won’t make buyers happy. “Prices are climbing steeply and some developers do not want to tie

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themselves to a fixed price until the home is almost complete,” it said. “The builders are experiencing an extreme seller’s market and buyers (and their agents) are likely to feel a little less appreciated than usual.” Developers are finding themselves in the catbird seat. Homes are moving so quickly on both the resale and new-build markets that developers “can also spend less on sales and marketing,” Cromford said. Demand has not declined for months in the Valley’s market.

Active listings across Maricopa and Pinal counties for September were down 41 percent from September 2019 by 41.1 percent, excluding homes where the buyer’s offer was contingent on selling their own home and those that were under contract but where the seller was seeking back-up offers. When those homes were added to active listings for September 2020, listings were down 24.4 percent from a year ago but up .9 percent from August because there were 73 more houses on the market last month, Cromford said.

More discouraging news for buyers involves price. The median sales price for homes sold last month was $327,000 – up 17 percent from September 2019. Yet, despite that, sales last month were up 20.5 percent over September 2019. “It is unusual for the number of listings under contract to be higher on Oct. 1 than Sept. 1, but this is what we see in 2020,” Cromford said. “Even

see MARKET page 20

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REAL ESTATE

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

Chandler is changing – and home values rising BY CAROL ROYSE Arizonan Guest Writer

The average median price in the area is approximately $600,000. Prices are up year over year in the area an average of $44,000!

he landscape in Chandler is changing. Have you noticed the dairy farms are mostly gone, so are the alfalfa fields and other farming fields? In their place, infrastructure – and homes, apartments, senior living and retail. Case in point is the corner of Chandler Heights and Gilbert Road. It is called the Steel Yard and will be home to several restaurants, including High Tide Sea Food, a sit-down lunch and dinner house, Pita Jungle and the ever popular Someburros, among others. If you drive McQueen Road, you have also noticed the four-lane extension project from McQueen to Gilbert Road along Chandler Heights. McQueen is following many other two-lane roads that once meandered through farmland and dairy farms.

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What does this mean for the area and zip code 85249? Well, it means more amenities, more traffic, but also more appreciation in

housing prices. The average median price in the area is approximately $600,000. Prices are up year over year in the area an average of $44,000! Buyer demand is very strong. With buyer demand comes the new home builders who have snapped up the farmland like Maracay Homes, Taylor Morrision and Beazer among others. This is also another reason for a

new high school in the South Chandler area. To add another dimension, renters and young buyers are flocking to the suburbs, which is upending an urbanization trend. Many renters leaving Phoenix for Chandler are young couples who are now getting married and having families. The downtown and urban lifestyle has lost it charm with many venues being closed or limited capacity. Thousands of millennials and empty nesters flocked to the activities and energy of Phoenix but now they are finding more space and the relaxed atmosphere of the suburbs more desirable. Chandler is a great place to live, a vibrant downtown, great shopping, easy freeway access and beautiful neighborhoods. For more information on home values in the area, call Carol Royse, 480776-5231 and ask about her 100-percent-of-sales-price offer.

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MARKET from page 19

more startling is the amount by which the number of listings under contract exceeds the 2019 level – 34 percent. The market was strong this time last year, but now it is on fire.” “To be fair,” it added, “September had one extra working day in 2020 compared to 2019, but this does not take much away from the impressive number of closed listings.” All of these trends prompted Cromford to warn that people who expect a rash of foreclosures in the Valley soon can expect disappointment, “There have been a number of articles written predicting that home prices will fall next year because of the damage to the economy by the COVID-19 pandemic,” it said. “This will cause some people, those who took those articles seriously, to be very surprised by the huge increase in pricing that is currently going on.” Cromford predicts, “The upward price trend will continue for the near

and medium term, making any price reductions in 2021 rather unlikely.” In Maricopa County, it noted, foreclosures last month plummeted by 79 percent from September 2019. Meanwhile, the upward trend in price is so steep that it predicts yearover-year increases will soon hit 20 percent. “The economy has severely damaged the finances of a large number of people,” it said. “However, most of those people were unlikely to be in a position to buy a home anyway. Those who are in a position to buy a home have had their determination to do so increased dramatically by the pandemic. The gap between the haves and the have-nots is widening.” It also cited recent data suggesting “there is unlikely to be the sort of foreclosure flood that we saw in 2007 through 2012. “ “We currently have no more than a molehill, it said, adding: “The market is still showing no sign of weakness.”

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

Move up to any one of my listings and I'll buy your home for Cash * 480.776.5231

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*Seller and Carol Royse must agree on guaranteed price and closing date at time of listing

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Should I sell my home now or should I wait until next year? This is a question I get every day. Of course, I do not have that elusive crystal ball to look into the future. What I do have is data! Data is today’s new dollar. What the data has revealed is a sol-id and healthy real estate market throughout our State. The Maricopa and Pinal County markets have been leading the way in appreciation. Again, looking at the data, I am convinced the next 90 days might be the best time to sell your home, even for years to come. If you look at the price per square foot rankings for the East Valley, Chandler is up a whop-ping 8.5%, Mesa up 8.4% and Gilbert up 7.9%. Demand for Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert homes has increased while the available inventory has certainly decreased. With the lack of inventory sellers are worried to put their homes on the market for fear they will not ﬁ nd a home to move into. At the Carol Royse Team we are experts in working out the details of a sell ﬁ rst and buy without making that dreaded double move. If this is you, give me a call and l will be happy to explain our system for helping sellers who want to become buyers, and who do not want to make that double move. Another concern is the Presidential Election. This election is viewed by many as a game changer for our Country, no matter who wins. I have lived through the Savings and Loan Crisis in the early 90’s, the recession that followed when interest rates were 15%. I have lived through the tragedy of the 911 Terrorist’s Attacks on our Country, and the meltdown of 2008 through 2012. Here is what I know. Life went on, people got married, children were born, homes were sold, and homes were purchased.

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REAL ESTATE

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

Remote working changes home buying trends BY NICK CALVI Arizonan Guest Writer

hile the coronavirus pandemic hasn’t slowed the Phoenix real estate market, it has shifted the focus of homebuyers to location. In May, Zillow Group found that 75 percent of Americans working from home due to COVID-19 would prefer to telecommute at least half of the time once the pandemic subsides and 66 percent said they would consider moving if their job allowed them to continue telecommuting. Now, the extension of working remotely has made that a reality for employees looking for a new home. A shift to permanently working from home provides an opportunity to explore other areas of the Valley that might not have been feasible while commuting. From considering a larger house to accommodate a home of�ice or to create

more space while staying at home, to an entirely new area that is closer to a better school, the options are now endless for those who don’t have to consider a drive to the of�ice. In addition, people from across the U.S. are taking advantage of remote work by booking weeks long stays in new areas to change their scenery. There’s no denying that the cost of

living in California is one of its major drawbacks, so I believe we’ll see not only more Californians than usual moving to Arizona. But more people are testing the waters with long-term rentals to make a more educated decision before packing up and moving. One of the added benefits to house shopping while working remotely is the flexibility to look in more affordable neighborhoods. Typically, the more reasonably priced homes are toward the outskirts of the Valley versus centralized cities like Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. While distance may have been unappealing while commuting, without

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that factor, millennial buyers who, according to Apartment List, haven’t bought a home because they couldn’t afford to find a great home in their budget. Low interest rates are also encouraging homebuyers to make a purchase now rather than waiting until after the pandemic subsides. Will many companies continue to have their employees telecommute? A high percentage of companies found no loss of productivity with work from home so removing the cost of a physical office just makes sense and employees can continue to reap the benefits of the flexibility. Only time will tell, but it’s likely that the migration to the suburbs and more affordable areas will continue well beyond the pandemic. Nick Calvi is the founder and CEO of Tweener Homes, the �irst technology based real estate brokerage of fully furnished homes that can be rented on a monthly basis. TweenerHomes.com.

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

25 COMMUNITY

Chandler podcast aims to ‘cure stupidity’ I think our world is “increasingly curated, BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Chandler couple has launched a new podcast to explore the complexities of human behavior and teach listeners how to be a little more accepting of other people’s flaws. Eric M. Bailey and his wife Jamie are putting their relationship on public display each week by recording a frank, open conversation between themselves and then posting the audio online for a podcast they’re calling “The Cure for Stupidity.” The cure for someone else’s stupidity is not a simple one and yet the Baileys think their podcast has some good advice for how to be a bit more compassionate and tolerant. The couple delve into their personal lives and share past experiences that tie into topics covered in a book – also titled “The Cure for Stupidity” – written by Eric last year. The self-help book deploys brain science to teach readers why they’re so frustrated by seemingly clueless, apathetic people and Bailey’s new pod-

everyone is putting out this museum on the best parts of their lives.

”

– Eric M. Bailey

Jamie and Eric M. Bailey of Chandler engage in some fairly touchy subjects, like their arguments at home, in podcasts they call “The Cure for Stupidity.” (Tim Sealy/Sealy Media)

cast is meant to be an extension of his book’s teachings. “It’s really to continue the conversa-

tion and to put into practice the lessons that you learn in the book,” said Jamie. “It kind of puts them into prac-

mask-mandate policies. The collection of photos has been published online in an album Vance has called “The Masked Portrait Project” and she hopes will exhibit the beauty and kindness that comes with putting on a mask. “We need more positivity in the world right now,” the 28-year-old student said. Vance started the project after assisting her history-student husband Marc take some photos for an archiving assignment he was completing in response to the pandemic. Vance was dispatched to document long lines stretching outside supermarkets and citizens stockpiling shopping

carts with toilet paper – familiar scenes that could be seen across the country as the COVID-19 virus first started to proliferate back in March. Vance said taking the disturbing photos every day quickly grew to be too taxing on her mental health and she longed for an escape from the pandemic’s grim reality. “I just started to get really depressed from it,” she recalled. “It was a really scary time back at the beginning.” And the pandemic wasn’t only hurting Vance emotionally. Its economic impacts quickly began to hinder her finances after many of her freelancing gigs were

tice and (we’re) calling ourselves out on where we fall victim to them.” Each week, the couple take one of the book’s lessons and spend 30 minutes sharing anecdotes from their private lives to demonstrate their relevance. The Baileys are seemingly unafraid to dive into touchy subjects that others may be too fearful to make public. So far, the podcast has had conversations involving troubles with parenting, their interracial marriage and recapping past arguments. One recent episode covered a fight the Baileys had over Eric’s messy kitchen habits and his inability to ob-

see PODCAST page 27

Chandler photographer brings out masks’ beauty BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Chandler photographer is using her artistic skills to document the COVID-19 pandemic through a more positive perspective. Emily Vance, a digital photography student at Arizona State University, has snapped dozens of portraits over the last few months depicting models showcasing a variety of face masks. She has photographed a mother adjusting her child’s mask, college students displaying their ASU-branded masks and local politicians demonstrating their own

abruptly canceled due to COVID-19. Despite these setbacks, Vance still wanted to continue taking photographs and wondered how she could utilize her creativity to give back to the community. Vance was in the midst of completing a course on portrait photography and thought she could find a way to snap portraits that could positively reflect society’s current turmoil. The pandemic has sparked anguish and rage across the country, Vance noted, and much of that hostility has been the result of local governments forcing citizens to

see PHOTOGRAPHER page 27

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

27 COMMUNITY

PHOTOGRAPHER from page 25

put on a mask. If there was an album of portraits that normalized face masks, the photographer thought, some people might change their attitude. “It doesn’t have to all be negative,” Vance said. “I think there was a lot of negativity about wearing masks in the beginning.” Vance began by posting a couple pictures on Instagram and their popularity quickly escalated to a Facebook group, followed by an entire website dedicated to Valley residents modeling their favorite face masks. The pictures have even caught the attention of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, who recently agreed to pose for one of Vance’s portraits outside City Hall. “It’s already bigger than I thought it would be,” Vance said about the project. The project’s sudden success has helped to affirm the photographer’s lifelong ambition of becoming a working artist. Vance said she grew up knowing she was never going to follow a traditional career path and instinctively knew she’d pursue some sort of artistic endeavor. Though her family warned she’d never make money in the arts, Vance explored

PODCAST from page 25

serve the chaos he was creating for his wife to later clean up. “I didn’t really even realize it was a thing,” Eric said. The podcast helped correct his neglectful behavior, Eric said, and allowed him to do so without being too confrontational. That’s the great benefit of starting a podcast, he added: it allows creators to tell relatable narratives that can help listeners make discoveries about themselves. “We want to tell a story in a way that makes people feel something,” Eric said. But being so transparent every week has not always been comfortable for the Baileys. Jamie said she wasn’t so keen at first about the idea of sharing stories of their family’s personal lives in a public format. But transparency has become in-

Emily Vance has put together a collection of photographs she shot of people wearing masks to convey the beauty and kindness that comes with wearing them. (Courtesy of Emily Vance)

her creative side until she found her calling. “I would love to draw and paint but I just don’t have the patience for it,” she joked. Photography ended up becoming Vance’s passion and has given her the opportunity to document pivotal life moments of both friends and strangers. She’s been present at weddings, graduations and most recently photographed her first childbirth. It’s a job that opens up a

window into a person’s life, Vance said, and allows someone to observe a moment that can never be recreated again. If there’s one lesson Vance has learned through enduring a six-months-long pandemic, it’s to give thanks to the power of technology and the internet. The pandemic restricted artists from leaving their homes, Vance noted, and yet everyone still found ways to exercise

creasingly important in an age when everyone is presenting a false version of themselves on social media, she said. The Baileys are disturbed by the lack of authenticity that currently exists in internet culture because it creates an illusion that everyone’s lives are seemingly glamorous and perfect. “I feel like that is so unsustainable for a community,” Jamie said. The couple hope their podcast may encourage listeners to let their guard down and be more willing to expose some of their vulnerabilities in front of others. “I think our world is increasingly curated,” Eric added. “Everyone is putting out this museum on the best parts of their lives.” When the Baileys aren’t podcasting, the couple stays busy running a local consulting firm that helps businesses and government agencies improve communication skills among their employees.

Eric’s recent book complements many of the ideals and principles he tries teaching clients about how they interact with others. He said the book tries to teach readers how to move past the “garbage” and hurt feelings they carry around and start finding ways to have more meaningful relationships. That’s the key to beginning to understand why someone may judge or insult another person, Eric said. “The reality is everything we would judge as stupid – all those things can be explained rationally using psychology,” he said. The book or podcast could potentially put a mirror up to someone and get them to realize their judgement is more about themselves and not someone else, the Baileys said. “It’s not about changing them,” Eric added. “It’s about changing how we judge them.” The podcast can be heard by visiting ericmbailey.com or on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple and Stitcher.

their creativity by snapping photos off of their iPhone and sharing them online. “It’s made me appreciate the fact that more people do have access to art and photography,” she said. “I am a firm believer in community over competition. The more artists we have get involved, the better.” Vance’s pictures can be seen at themaskedportraitproject.com.

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

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As senior leaders of America’s military, we took an oath to defend the United States from all enemies, foreign and domestic. At present, our country is now confronted with enemies here and abroad, as well as a once in a century pandemic.

As retired military officers, we believe that Donald J. Trump has been tested as few other presidents have and is the proven leader to confront these dangers. It can be argued that this is the most important election Gen. Alfred Hansen, USAF, Ret., Gen William R. Looney III, USAF, Ret., Gen. Lance Smith, USAF, Ret., ADM. Mark Fitzgerald, USN, Ret. ADM. Thomas B. Hayward, USN, Ret., ADM. Jerome L. Johnson, USN, Ret., ADM Leighton Smith, USN, Ret., ADM. Steven White,USN, Ret.ADM Paul Yost, USCG, Ret., LTG Edward Anderson, USA, Ret., LTG Emil “Buck” Bedard, USMC, Ret, LTG William G. Boykin, USA, Ret.LTG Dennis Cavin, USA, Ret., LTF James Chambers, USAF, Ret., LTG Matthew T. Cooper, USMC, Ret. LTG, Gordon E. Fornell, USAF, Ret.LTG Jay Garner, USA, Ret, LTG Stan Green, USA, Ret,.LTG Earl Hailston,USMC, Ret.,LTG D.J. Heljlik, USMC, Ret,.LTG James H. Johnson, Jr., USA, Ret, . LTG Timothy A. Kinnan,USAF, Ret., LTG James M. Link, USA, Ret.LTG Frederick McCorckle, USMC, Ret. LTG Thomas McInerney, USAF, Ret.,LTG Thomas J. Owen, USAF, Ret.LTG Garry L. Parks, USMC, Ret. LTG Clifford H. Rees, USAF,Ret.LTG James C. Riley, USA, Ret. LTG Richard M. Scofield, USAF, Ret.LTG Leroy Sisco, USA, Ret.LTG Ellie G. Shuler, Jr., USAF, Ret.LTG Hubert G. Smith, USA, Ret.LTG David Teal, USAF, Ret. LTG William Thurman, USAF, Ret.LTG Garry Trexler, USAF, Ret. LTG Thomas C. Waskow, USAF, Ret.LTG Ronald L. Watts, USA. Ret. LTG R. L. Wetzel, USA, Ret.LTG John W. Woodmansee, Jr. USA, Ret.LTG John L. Woodward Jr., USAF, Ret.LTG Michael W. Wooley, USAF, Ret.VADM Edward Briggs, USN, Ret.VADM Toney M. Bucchi, USN, Ret. VADM E.W. Clexton, USN, Ret. VADM George W. Emery, USN, Navy, Ret.VADM W. J. Hancock, USN, Ret, VADM Peter Hekman, Jr., USN, Ret.VADM Gordon Holder, USN, Ret. VADM Paul Ilg, USN, Ret.VADM William Dean Lee, USCG, Ret.VADM James W. Metzger, USN, Ret.VADM James Pappas, USN, Ret.

VADM J. Theodore Parker, USN, Ret.VADM John M. Poindexter, USN, Ret.VADM Robert J. Spane, USN, Ret.VADM Edward Straw, USN, Ret.VADM Donald C. Thompson, USCG, Ret. VADM Howard Thorsen, USCG, Ret. VADM Nils Thunman, USN, Ret.VADM Jerry Unruh, USN, Ret.MG James E. Andrews, USAF, Ret. MG Joseph Arbuckle, USA, Ret.MG Paul Bergson, USA, Ret.MG Casey D. Blake, USAF, Ret.MG William G. Bowdon, USMC, Ret.MG Edward Bracken, USAF, Ret. MG Patrick Brady, MOH, USA, Ret.MG David Burford, USA, Ret. MG H. Hale Burr, Jr., USAF, Ret.MG Thomas Carter, USAF, Ret. MG. Carroll Childers, USA, Ret.MG Peter W. Clegg, USA, Ret.MG Jeffrey Cliver, USAF, Ret.MG John Closner, USAF, Ret.MG Richard S. Colt, USA, Ret.MG James W. Comstock, USA, Ret.MG Wesley Craig, USA, Ret.MG James Cravens, USA, Ret.MG Thomas F. Crawford, USAF, Ret.MG Gene A. Deegan, USMC, Ret.MG James D. Delk, USA, Ret.MG Robert E. Dempsey, USAF, Ret.MG Travis Dyer, USA, Ret.MG Neil Eddins, USAF, Ret. MG David Eidsaune, USAF, Ret.MG Fred E. Elam, USA, Ret.MG Peter Franklin, USA, Ret. MG John t. Furlow, USA, Ret.MG David C. Garza, USMC, Ret.MG Brian I. Geehan, USA, Ret.MG Timothy F. Ghormley, USMC, Ret.MG Francis C. Gideon, Jr. USAF, Ret.MG William A. Gorton, USAF, Ret. MG Lee V. Greer, USAF, Ret. MG John S. Grinalds, USMC, Ret. MG John Gronski, USA, Ret. MG Patrick J. Halloran, USAF,Ret. MG Gary L. Harrell, USA, Ret.MG Bryan Hawley, USAF, Ret.MG John W. Hawley, USAF, Ret.MG C.A.“Lou” Hennies,USA, Ret.MG Robert R. Hicks Jr. USA, Ret.MG Geoff Higginbotham, USMC, Ret. MG William Hobgood, USA, Ret.MG Bobby Hollingsworth, USMC, Ret. MG. Jerry D. Holmes, USAF, Ret.MG Clinton V. Horn,

since our country was founded. With the Democratic Party welcoming to socialists and Marxists, our historic way of life is at stake. …The Democrats have once again pledged to cut defense spending, undermining our military strength. The Democrats’ opposition to border security, their pledge to return to the disastrous Iran nuclear deal, their antagonism towards the police and planned cuts to military spending will leave the United States more vulnerable to foreign enemies. President Trump’s resolute stands have deterred our enemies from aggression against us and our allies.... We believe that President Donald Trump… will continue USAF, Ret.MG Dewitt T. Irby, Jr. USA, Ret.MG Donald L. Jacka, USA, Ret.MG William K. James, USAF, Ret.MG Alan D. Johnson, USA, Ret.MG David J. Kaucheck, USA, Ret.MG Michael C. Kerby, USAF, Ret.MG Anthony R. Kropp, USA, Ret.MG John A. Leide, USA, Ret. MG Vernon Lewis, USA, Ret. MG Thomas Lightner, USA, Ret.MG JamesE. Livingston, MOH, USMC, Ret. MG Robert E. Livingston, Jr., USA, Ret.MG John D. Logeman, USAF, Ret. MG Jarvis Lynch, USMC, Ret.MG O. G. Mannon, USAF, Ret.MG Randall Marchi, USA, Ret.MG Clay T McCutchan, USAF, Ret.MG John Miller, USAF, Ret.MG Paul Mock USA, Ret.MG Bruce Moore, USA, Ret.MG William A. Navas, Jr., USA, Ret.MG George Norwood, USAF, Ret.MG Ray O’Mara, USAF, Ret.MG. Joe S.Owens, USA, Ret.MG Richard Perraut, USAF, Ret.MG Ronald G. Richard, USMC, Ret.MG Ernest O. Robbins II, USAF, Ret.MG H. Douglas Robertson, USA, Ret.MG Nels Running, USAF, Ret.MG John P. Schoeppner, Jr., USAF, Ret.MG Richard A. Scholtes, USA, Ret.MG Gregory Schumacher, USA, Ret.MG Richard Secord, USAF, Ret.MG Mark Solo, USAF, Ret.MG Melvin Spiese, USMC, Ret.MG James Stewart, USAF, Ret.MG Michael P. Sullivan, USMC, Ret.MG Paul Vallely, USA, Ret.MG Russell L. Violett, USAF, Ret.MG Robert Walter, USA, Ret.MG. Kenneth W. Weir, USMC, Ret.MG Geoffrey P. Wiedeman, Jr., USAF, Ret.MG Gary C. Wattnem, USA, Ret. MG Richard Wightman, Jr., USA, Ret. MG Robert J. Williamson, USA, Ret.MG Michael N.Wilson, USA, Ret. MG Walter H.Yates, USA, Ret. MG. Albert Zapanta, USA, Ret. RADM Philip Anselmo, USN, Ret.RADM Stephen Barchet, USN, Ret .RADM Jon W. Bayless, Jr., USN, Ret. RADM Timothy Beard, USN, Ret. RADM James B. Best, USN , Ret. RADM Stanley D.

Bozin, USN, Ret .RADM Bruce B. Bremner, USN, Ret .RADM John T. Byrd, USN, Ret. RADL Norman Campbell, USN, Ret. RADM James J. Carey, USN, Ret. RADM Arthur Clark, USN, Ret. RADM Jay Cohen, USN, Ret. RADL David Cronk, USN, Ret .RADM Ernest A. Elliot, USN, Ret .RADM James. R. Fowler, USN, Ret. RADM George Furong, USN, Ret . RADM Albert Gallotta, USN, Ret. RADM William J. Gilmore, USN, Ret. RADM Andrew A. Granuzzo, USN, Ret. RDML John G. Hekman, USN, Ret .RADM Robert P. Hickey, USN, Ret. RADM Donald E. Hickman, USN, Ret. RADM Steve Israel, USN, Ret. RDML Grady L. Jackson, USN, Ret .RADM Ronny Jackson, USN, Ret. RADM John Graham King, USN, Ret. RADM Jon Kreitz, USN, Ret. RADM Charles Kubic, USN, Ret. RADL Bobby C. Lee, USN, Ret .RADM Douglas E. Lee, USN, Ret .RADM Frederick L. Lewis, USN, Ret .RADM Edward S. McGinley II, USN, Ret .RADM John H. McKinley, USN, Ret. RADM Mark R. Milliken, USN, Ret. RADM Ralph M. Mitchell, Jr., USN, Ret. RAML Robert Moeller, USN, Ret. RADM Douglas M. Moore, Jr., USN, Ret. RADM John A. Moriarty, USN, Ret. RADM David R. Morris, USN, Ret .RADM William E. Newman, USN, Ret .RADM Robert Owens, USN, Ret .RADM John F. Paddock, Jr., USN, Ret. RADM Marc Pelaez, USN, Ret .RADM Russell S. Penniman, USN, Ret .RADM Leonard F. Picotte. USN, Ret.RADM David P. Polatty III,

to secure our borders, defeat our adversaries, and restore law and order domestically. We urge our fellow Americans to join us in supporting the re-election of Donald Trump for President. 300 retired generals and admirals, including nine 4-star and fifty-two 3-star flag officers, have signed this letter endorsing the re-election of Donald Trump.

Donald Trump Stands with America. He Fought the China Virus Joe Biden Defends China

www.flagofficersfortrump.com USN, Ret. RADM Brian C. Prindle, USN, Ret. RADM J.J. Quinn, USN, Ret. RADM Michael Roesner, USN, Ret. RADM Norman T. Saunders, USCG, Ret. RADM William R. Schmidt, USN, Ret. RADM Scott Semko, USN, Ret.RADM Doniphan B. Shelton, USN, Ret.RADM Robert Shumaker, USN, Ret. RADM Kenneth Slaght, USN, Ret. RADM Bernard J. Smith, USN, Ret. RADM Alton Stocks, USN, Re t.RADM Thomas E. Stone, USN, Ret. RADM Barton D. Strong, USN, Ret .RADM Jeremy D. Taylor, USN, Ret.RADM William E. Terry, USN, Ret. RADM Robert P. Tiernan, USN, Ret. RADM Lenn Vincent, USN, Ret .RADM George Wagner, USN, Ret.RADM Garry R. Wright, USN, Ret. RADM H. Denny Wisely, USN, Ret .RADM Ray Cowden Witter, USN, Ret.RADM Charles B. Young, USN, Ret.BG John Allen, USAF, Ret.BG John Arick, USMC, Ret.BG Mark Beesley, USAF, Ret.BG Charles L. Bishop, USAF, Ret.BG William A. Bloomer, USMC, Ret.BG Donald C. Bolduc, USA, Ret. BG Frank Bruno, USAF, Ret.BG Jimmy Cash, USAF, Ret.BG Clifton C. Clark, Jr., USAF, Ret. BG Peter b. Collins, USMC, Ret.BG Keith B.

Connolly, USAF, Ret.BG Howard G. DeWolf, USAF, Ret.BG Duane Deal, USAF, Ret.BG Philip M. Drew, USAF, Ret.BG David K. “Bob’ Edmonds, USAF, Ret.BG Curtis Emery II, USAF, Ret.BG Terry Ethridge, USA, Ret.BG Robert L. Floyd II, USA, Ret.BG Jimmy E. Fowler, USA, Ret.BG Jerome V. Foust, USA, Ret.BG CWilliam Fox, Jr. MD, USA, Ret.BG Edmund J. Giering, USA, Ret.BG Timothy J. Grogan, USA, Ret.BG Norman R. Ham, USAF, Ret.BG David A. Herrelko, USAF, Ret.BG C. J. Hindman, USAF, Ret.BG Stanislaus J. Hoey, USA, Ret.BG Thomas Honeywill, USAF, Ret. BG Tamhra Hutchins-Frye, USAF, Ret.BG James Johnston, USAF, Ret. BG Phillip Jolly, USA, Ret.BG Charles Jones, USAF, Ret.BG Robert Jordan, U.S. Army, Ret. BG Jack Kotter, USA, Ret.BG Douglas E. Lee, USA, Ret.BG Robert W. Lovell, USAF, Ret.BG Ronald S. Mangum, USA, Ret.BG Thomas P. Maney, USA, Ret.BG Michael H. McClendon, USAF, Ret.BG Michael P. McRaney, USAF, Ret.BG James M. Mead, USMC, Ret. Brig Gen Joseph Mensching, USAF, Ret.BG Bruce Miketinac, USA, Ret. BG Daniel L. Montgomery, USA, Ret.BG Hans Mueh, USAF, Ret. BG Charles W. Neeley, USAF, Ret.BG Michael I. Neil, USMC, Ret. BG John Nicholson, USA, Ret. BG Joseph Oder, USA, Ret.BG Guido J. Portante, USA, Ret.BG Teddy E. Rinebarger, USAF, Ret.BG Douglas J. Richardson, USAF, Ret.BG Steven A. Roser, USAF, Ret.BG Michael Scholes, USA, Ret. BG George L. Schulstad, USAF, Ret. BG Richard M.Tabor, USA, Ret.BG David B. Warner, USAF, Ret.BG David Weeks, USA, Ret.BG William O. Welch, USAF, Ret.BG Robert E. Windham, USA, Ret.BG Robert V. Woods, USAF, Ret. BG Robert H. Woods, Jr., USA, Ret.BG David Zalis, CH, USA, Ret.

Our Military leaders stand with Trump. 300 U.S. Retired Generals and Admirals signed an Open Letter supporting President Trumps’re-elections. For a full list of signers go to flagofficersfortrump.com This is the most important election in our history. The choice is between socialist/Marxist policies and our freedoms and the traditional way of life for our children and grandchildren. Vote for Trump

Paid for by JewsChoose4MoreYears@gmail.com. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee. Carol Greenwald, Treasurer, 62 William St, NY, NY 10005, 845-743-0608

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

Who do our health care heroes trust to tackle the COVID-19 crisis?

Who do our small businesses trust to help rebuild the economy?

Who do those we trust to keep our communities safe support?

EndorsEd By:

J.D. was named “Legislator of the Year” by the Health System Alliance of Arizona for his leadership in protecting individuals with pre-existing conditions.

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BUSINESS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

Ahwatukee duo’s invention could be a COVID-buster BY PAUL MARYNIAK Arizonan Executive Editor

s partners in business as well as life, Yani and Jodi Deros have been the parents of invention. The Ahwatukee couple’s company, ATOM, has conceptualized, tested and developed over 300 products for a range of national and global brands from Honeywell, KitchenAid and UBS to Axon, the former Taser International – generating more than $3 billion in product orders over 15 years. Now, they say, their latest invention, CIRQ+CLEAN, could be the answer to the arduous task of cleaning and disinfecting hotel rooms, offices and even classrooms. They’ve already met with leaders in five states to tout Cirq+Clean’s potential to effectively – and in touchless fashion – decontaminate classrooms and spare teachers, students and custodians of the arduous task in a matter of minutes. The year had not started out that way for the 19-year Ahwatukee residents and Boston transplants who base their company in Skysong, Arizona State University’s economic development complex in Scottsdale. When 2020 began, the Deroses were touting CIRQ+, a mult-functioning hub that resembles a miniature version of the Star Wars robot R2D2 and turns hotel rooms into smart hotel rooms. “We have engaged with almost 1,000 hotels and properties around the world to capture their challenges, aspirations and unmet needs that eventually built the foundation of CIRQ+,” Yani explained, adding that spending at least 100 nights a year in hotels while traveling for his business got him thinking about the technology in the first place. “As a result, we found an incredible opportunity to develop a technology solution that could transform any hotel room in the world instantly, moderniz-

Flanking Yani and Jodi Deros with their invention are their children, Andrew, a Desert Vista Class of 2018 member and now an ASU junior majoring in mechanical engineering and industrial design, and Alicia, a 2014 Desert Vista grad who graduated last year from ASU. (Special to AFN)

ing the space with one system.” Depending on the model, Cirq+ allows guests to control thermostats and lights and interface with the front desk and room service. One benefit of the app, Yani said, is that the user’s preferences, such as room temperature, will travel with him or her between CIRQ-equipped hotels. The technology has benefits for hotel operators, too, enabling them to control energy costs and include thermal occupancy sensors that reduce energy consumption when rooms are not occupied. As 2020 began, he and Jodi were upbeat about their invention.

“We raised $1.6 million to help us advance this technology and we were going on an incredible tear at the beginning of the year with our second-generation system – and then COVID-19 hit,” he said. Suddenly, travel ground to a halt – and with it the hotel industry. And, as Yani explained, the couple confronted a decision: “We either sit back and ride this out or we take it upon ourselves to use our smart room technology and develop a solution to take on COVID.” “We saw the devastation that was happening across the world and sitting back in our home, we were saying, ‘What are

we going to do? You know the future doesn’t look so bright,’” Yani explained. ATOM got to work and by September they were unveiling at a New York City media event CIRQ+CLEAN, a touchless sterilization device that moves around the room on a robot and dispenses an electrostatically-charged mist of an EPAregistered fluid. “Because we’re technologists and innovators, we started thinking about how can we leverage our smart room capabilities to take on COVID-19 and through a series of internal meetings and brainstorming we leveraged our capabilities and discovered a natural liquid.” The liquid, HOCL or hypochlorous acid, “is a natural substance that is similar to what your white blood cells make to fight off infections and diseases in your body,” Yani said, explaining that it has been used since World War II in caring for wounds. “It’s EPA-registered to kill pathogens, including the novel coronavirus,” he said. “So we got a hold of the liquid and we started thinking, ‘Okay, how do we treat surfaces and spaces that people live in because there’s really a lot of uncertainty out there?’” Once they had developed the spray device, they needed a robot to move it around the room. “We asked our son to tap into the network at ASU and see what he could pull together,” Yani said. “He networked with his friends and brought on three graduates and underclassmen at ASU to help build the robotics portion of the system.” That was around July 4 and by Labor Day, they were ready for the New York City debut. The Deroses said hotel operators are excited about CIRQ+CLEAN’s possibilities. For example, it can keep housekeeping staff safe. Once the initial spraying is

see INVENT page 31

BUSINESS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

we the power of

CIRQ+CLEAN scoots around the room spraying a ﬁne mist of a ﬂuid that the EPA has registered as a coronavirus killer. In the upper corner are the different sizes of the CIRQ+ hub that the Deroses are marketing to hotels. (Special to AFN)

INVENT �� page 30

complete, housekeeping can safely enter the sterilized room to change linens, clean bathrooms, vacuum and complete other tasks. Then, when housekeeping leaves, the hub can be told to spray the room again for the next guest. The fluid itself is “a superior layer of sterilization,” the couple said, not only because of its effectiveness against COVID-19 and other coronaviruses but also because it doesn’t trigger respiratory problems like many disinfectants and sanitizers do and because it’s safe for children, adults and pets. It’s also inexpensive, Yani said, since it takes only about a quarter of a liter to treat an 800-square-foot room. The Deroses have their eye on another market as well. With the sheer number of classrooms that school officials have to give extra attention to provide safe environments for students, they’re meeting with officials in various states – including Arizona – in the hope of selling them on the device. Andrew Collins, principal of the Phoenix Modern School said CIRQ+CLEAN has been a Godsend. “Our challenge is how do we do really big things and important things with a very limited staff,” Collins said, adding that he likes the device’s effectiveness “and its ability to do it multiple times a day in order to keep our studio spaces as healthy as possible.” Added Yani: “Teachers are on the

front lines and they’re being asked to do things that they didn’t sign up to do and parents are obviously concerned sending their kids back into the spaces. This is a very unique circumstance that nobody ever planned for and we see ourselves as a solution that every school can and embrace and protect the teachers and the students every day.” Deros said not only are states and school systems interested in CIRQ+CLEAN, but so are insurers, especially those that work with schools. Deros is working with a multi-billiondollar company, Arrow Electronics of Colorado, to build a manufacturing facility, preferably in Arizona. He said it takes no more than 90 minutes to put one unit together. Deros said he’s received a number of inquiries as to whether a residential version of CIRQ+CLEAN is in the offing. “I think that from a commercial standpoint, there’s going to be a lot of need and demand in that area and I think eventually in time we could consider that.” But right now, he and Jodi are focusing on schools and offices. “There’s a real major crisis that’s unfolding here and we’ve got to do something about it,” Yani said. “We’re just, first and foremost, thrilled to be able to provide a solution to protect the teachers and the students and give parents peace of mind.” Information: cirqplus.com or info@ cirqplus.com

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OPINION

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

Opinion Editor’s note

The Arizonan invited the five candidates for Kyrene Schools Governing Board to write an opinion column on a subject of their choice. Three of the five candidates accepted the invitation and their columns appear today.

Kolomyjec: Schools are the heart of our communities BY WANDA KOLOMYJEC Arizonan Guest Writer

hen Paul Maryniak, the editor of the Chandler Arizonan, offered school board candidates a chance to write a column for the paper to allow community members insight into those running in the race, I felt challenged to settle on one issue to write about. I would begin to think and write about

one topic, but then I would find something new had popped into my consciousness demanding its consideration. It is cliché to say that our world is changing daily, but our world IS changing daily and the most pertinent and compelling topic seems to become less relevant within 24 hours of contemplating its consequence. I finally decided to return to the primary reason that I chose to run for school board in the first place. I believe education is a pillar of democ-

racy and access to academic excellence is vital. This notion, and its critical import, seemed to underlie the myriad of topics that were swirling through my brain. Our schools literally underpin our democracy, and democracy is something many of us take for granted in the United States of America. However, with a raging pandemic, social unrest and increasing polarization within our communities, our democracy seems more vulnerable than ever before. It seems to follow that our pillars must be

shored up and attended to more than ever before as well. Something struck me as I participated in a forum for school board candidates sponsored by the Ahwatukee Chamber of Commerce and SRP: all five candidates expressed admiration and respect for their fellow candidates (who were also their competitors, I might add) – genuine respect and admiration. Although our views do not completely

tendent council. These experiences have allowed me to see the strengths, the diversity, and the specific needs in the Kyrene community. I believe that my own journey in Kyrene would make me a great advocate for every child in Kyrene and their individual experiences. Two of the pillars in Kyrene are providing learning environments to assist children reach their maximum potential while promoting a culture of inclusion. In my time in the Kyrene district, I’ve seen

wonderful educators and administrators who have embraced these pillars... ...Classroom teachers who provide alternative seating options for all of their students, ones who teach their students about mindfulness and provide spaces for them to decompress. ...Music teachers who strive to not let the personal financial situation of their students prohibit their participation in band, and the principals that remind communities weekly that our differences are what make us better

and that we are all better together. The work Dr. Vesely has spearheaded around equity is just another indicator of a district that has embraced a culture of inclusion and not just for students with disabilities or racial minorities but as part of a core intent and mission of equity for all. If you have your mind on equity, it’s less about programs and more about opportunity and planning for the full range of learners

By the beginning of year 2, it was obvious that I could be the most helpful by volunteering to fill the unfilled role of PTO president. I lacked knowledge on how to do a lot of things but I knew the reason behind my service was to find small ways to help. In a conversation with our school counselor, I learned that she had hungry students in her office every day. Hungry children can’t focus in their classrooms and she hoped to offer them fresh food options for snacks. We included a plea in our PTO newsletter

for a donation of a used refrigerator, found a parent willing to donate one, arranged a transportation donation and installed it with donated time from campus facilities. Each small individual effort to help was offered by different members of the community, which in turn created a huge cumulative impact for those students and their ability to thrive at school. A community can find new and creative ways to support their school. Our PTO did not have a large financial reserve. I decided

to bring a new and rejuvenating fundraising effort to the school. It was impressive to see the community come together to help by making small donations towards a larger goal. With one fundraiser, we were able to raise more than double what was raised in the four previous years! Giving is exponentially compounded when we involve the community. With our stronger budget came the re-

Nelson: The skills I will bring to the board BY TRINE´ NELSON Arizonan Guest Writer

y entire career has been in and around education. I began working with teenagers and I currently work with young adults. My two children are attending Kyrene schools and have varying educational needs. I’ve also had the privilege of serving for two years on the community superin-

see KOLOMYJEC page 33

see NELSON page 33

Wright: Everyone can play a role in Kyrene’s success BY MARGARET WRIGHT Arizonan Guest Writer

n 2017 our oldest child started middle school. We decided to enroll him in our neighborhood school even though it didn’t have a great reputation. Our family was committed to finding ways to rejuvenate, support and improve our middle school. I began to see many wonderful and inspiring things going on behind the scenes.

see WRIGHT page 33

OPINION

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

KOLOMYJEC �� page 32

align, we understand at the heart of it all, we want the same thing: a desire for a great learning environment for our children and the professional teaching community that supports it. I believe we were modeling what leaders must exhibit: passion for our values, respect for others – especially with those whom we disagree – and a humble willingness to serve.

NELSON �� page 32

in every classroom. As Dr. Vesely prepares to move on to a new phase, I express my thanks for her leadership. Her willingness, and ability, to guide Kyrene with a steady hand and an

WRIGHT �� page 32

warding experience of reimbursing teachers for their tremendous sacrifices to personally buy much needed classroom supplies: snacks, headphones, tissues, calculators, art supplies, software subscriptions and STEM equipment. It was an honor to see firsthand how much our educators give of themselves. They know

I think people are beginning to understand the critical importance local elections play in their lives. School board members set the tone of the district and the community. Leadership replete with respect and a willingness to work together across differences will model to our students how to interact across disparity. It is at the community level we have the opportunity to strengthen our democracy through excellence in education, but also

eye towards elevating all students during the COVID-19 crisis is deeply appreciated. Now, the work continues. The search for a new superintendent is one of the most important actions a governing board can undertake. I look forward to seeing a thoughtful, transparent search conducted where

that their investments in student learning will pay off in a big way for the future of our society. I believe that every single person involved with a school is interested in seeing it succeed. Parents, students, teachers, administrators, support staff, and even the local neighbors want their school to be a great school! I am confident rejuvenating efforts to sup-

A GREAT TEAM FOR ARIZONA

through modeling civic engagement and dialogue across ideological differences. Kyrene School District has many students from varied and interesting backgrounds. In a country where we seem to be increasingly divided and segregated, Kyrene schools offer an incredible opportunity for enriched interaction, appreciation for different cultures and practices and discovering common ground. This practice must be fostered and it must be modeled.

the diverse needs of students, teachers, and community are center. More than ever, it is imperative we have board members who can work collaboratively to guide this important search. Throughout my career, I’ve been able to demonstrate the ability to identify priorities,

port and improve the student experience are happening at each of our unique Kyrene schools. I have learned through my years of service that involving the whole community is the most effective way to find solutions to our problems. Small donations of money, time or talents can have huge impacts. Our Governing Board is meant to set a unifying vision for Kyrene. Serving on the board

When leaders step up and provide this standard, I believe students will flourish and lead the way out of our malaise. The dizzying barrage of distressing news and constant din of partisan sniping reveals the critical importance of local governance. Our schools, as the heart of our community, offer the chance to teach our children to lead through respect, kindness and genuine admiration. I can’t think of anything our country needs more than that right now.

successfully work with large groups who often have diverse viewpoints and work to build consensus to achieve a common goal. I hope to be able to bring those same skills to the Kyrene Governing Board with a driven, balanced, and collaborative approach.

means finding ways to collaborate with our community and inspire them to be involved. Each member of the school board and every person involved with our district brings the capacity to be an influence for good. I encourage each of you to take a moment and think about what small way you can help. It will always be the small things that make the difference in creating the better future we all hope for.

Together, Jennifer and AJ will keep moving Arizona forward

Your vote is critical in this upcoming election. Vote for this team to fully fund schools, protect access to quality and affordable healthcare, and have an economy that works for everyone.

Early voting begins October 7 Mail in your ballot by October 27 Drop off your ballot or vote in person on November 3 Paid for by AJ for State Senate and Jennifer Pawlik for AZ House. Authorized by AJ Kurdoglu and Jennifer Pawlik.

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SPORTS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

Sports

Chandler athlete leads ASU vote drive

BY ZACH ALVIRA Arizonan Sports Editor

rizona State softball player Olivia Miller, a Chandler native and Corona del Sol grad, is trying to ensure Arizona State University athletes and staff vote Nov. 3. The 20-year-old outfielder has been on a mission to register all of ASU’s athletes and staff since February, when she discovered only a small percentage of ASU athletes were registered. “I would say based on the conversations I had with people, only about five percent of athletes and staff were registered at ASU,” Miller said. “It was kind of disheartening. “We as athletes have an opportunity to use our platform to make a difference and letting our voices be heard at the polls is where it starts.” Miller shared her plan with members of Sun Devil Athletics’ administration, who helped set it in motion shortly before the pandemic forced classes online and canceled all sports, including her softball season. After the death of George Floyd in Minnesota, Miller put her initiative into high gear with the help of Sun Devil Athletics, the Andrew Goodman Foundation and the university as a whole. In late September, Miller took additional steps in an effort to have all athletes registered. “All of 2020 in all of its glory pushed me to make me realize something needs to change,” Miller said. “I don’t think voting is the only solution by any means, but at the end of the day, we have to start somewhere. “If there is one thing from this crazy year you want to change,” she added, “I guarantee there is a position you can vote for.” Miller said her family always stressed the importance of voting in every elec-

Chandler native and Arizona State softball player Olivia Miller took it upon herself to register as many Sun Devil athletes and staff to vote in an initiative she started in February. (Courtesy Sun Devil Athletics)

tion. At a young age, she believed it was something all U.S. citizens do when they turn 18. But as she got older, she realized voting was a choice many of her peers ignored. When Miller turned 17, her grandmother, Kimberly Carr, helped her and a couple of her friends register to vote. Miller said Carr has been a poll worker for Maricopa County for several years and has shared her interest in politics with the rest of the family. Additionally, Miller’s aunts are also deeply engulfed in politics. One even quit her job in an effort to work in an election. However, after the pandemic hit, she wasn’t able to be hired. Instead,

“

A lot of people say what is going on doesn’t affect them or they don’t like the candidates, I hear that a lot and I understand. But at this point in time, there’s no ignoring it. Even if it isn’t directly affecting you, it’s constantly in your face and affecting someone you know. – Olivia Miller

”

she’s volunteered. Miller said they’ve had several conversations about the upcoming election. But most importantly, they’ve highlight-

ed why it is so important to vote. “A lot of the things she and I talk about is why it is so important to get young people, at least at ASU, to register,” Miller said. “There isn’t enough time to be complacent. “A lot of people say what is going on doesn’t affect them or they don’t like the candidates, I hear that a lot and I understand. But at this point in time, there’s no ignoring it. Even if it isn’t directly affecting you, it’s constantly in your face and affecting someone you know.” Miller said she believes the number of student-athletes and staff registered to vote increased from her estimate of five percent to nearly 85 percent. Miller’s initiative didn’t go unnoticed. Her call to action echoed across the country, with other college programs jumping on board to encourage athletes to vote. Miller said fellow Pac-12 school UCLA registered all of its athletes and staff, while several college football programs took time to register all of their athletes. Additionally, the NCAA Division I Council passed legislation to give all athletes the first Tuesday in November off every year in order to vote – including this Nov. 3. Beyond Arizona State athletics, Miller said several people she hasn’t spoken to in years have reached out to her about her initiative – including many of her former teammates at Corona del Sol who said they registered after witnessing her effort at ASU. Miller said she never expected for her initiative to make as much of an impact as it has. “I definitely did not expect to get nearly as many people registered to vote as I did,” Miller said, “and I know I’ve had a reach larger than just the athletic program. “I didn’t realize it would go as far as it did.”

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

I-10 STUDY: LOOP 202 TO STATE ROUTE 387 Vfrom you! YOUR INPUT IS IMPORTANT! WeUVwantUVto hear ¨ § U ¦ V U 303

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The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), in cooperation with the Gila River Indian Goodyear Community, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Federal Highway Administration and the Maricopa Association of Governments, is conducting an environmental study under the National Environmental Policy Act and engineering study to evaluate improvements to I-10 between G Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) and State Route 387. This study will evaluate and assess the benefits Estrella Mountain Park and impacts of a range of feasible alternatives, including a no build alternative. It will alsoRegional identify mitigations to offset potential impacts.

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Gila River Indian Community

Attendees will be able to submit verbal comments by phone or online via the website during the meeting.

San Tan Valley

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UNABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETING? Learn more and provide comments

All comment methods are considered equal, so it is not necessary to submit your comments multiple times. If you do not have access to the technology necessary to participate in the live public meeting or wish to receive printed copies of the online materials via mail, please contact the study team at 602-522-7777 or i10wildhorsepasscorridor@hdrinc.com no later than November 10, 2020.

Apache Junction

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ADOT invites you to participate in a live, call-in/online public meeting to learn about the I-10 study and to provide feedback on the alternatives being evaluated. Comments received during the public comment period between October 21 to December 4, 2020 will be considered when identifying a recommended build alternative for the I-10 corridor to be evaluated in the Environmental Assessment and Design Concept Report documents.

 If you cannot participate in the live meeting, the event will be recorded and posted on the Sonoran Desert study website shortly after the meeting. National Monument  Visit i10wildhorsepasscorridor.com to learn more about the alternatives and provide comments via our interactive online map of the I-10 alternatives and crossroad options. Study related materials, including exhibits, maps and evaluation criteria results for the alternatives and options, will be available on the study webpage by October 21, 2020. In addition, you may submit comments in the following ways during the public comment period between October 21 and December 4, 2020. Email: i10wildhorsepasscorridor@hdrinc.com Phone: Call the bilingual study line at 602-522-7777 Online: Visit the website at i10wildhorsepasscorridor.com Mail: I-10 Wild Horse Pass Corridor Study Team c/o HDR, Inc., 20 E. Thomas Rd. | Suite 2500 | Phoenix, AZ 85012

V U

10 ¨ § Tempe CALL-IN/ONLINE PUBLIC MEETING ¦ |Mesa NOVEMBER 18, 2020 5:30-7 P.M. 202 V U

3 87

I-10 Corridor Crossroads

V U 3 87

Casa Grande

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

NORTH

V U 2 87

IN THE CALL-IN/ONLINE PUBLIC MEETING The public meeting will be held November 18, 2020 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and will be conducted by phone and online. There are three ways to participate in the live event:

REGISTER Register by visiting TO RECEIVE i10wildhorsepasscorridor.com before 4:30 p.m. A CALL on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 to receive a call at the time of the event inviting you to join.

ONLINE

CALL-IN

Visit the study website at i10wildhorsepasscorridor.com and click on the meeting link to listen in, watch the presentation and participate. Please log in a few minutes prior to the 5:30 p.m. meeting time. Call 833.380.0669 at the time of the event to listen to the meeting.

Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other nondiscrimination laws and authorities, ADOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or dBack isability. Persons who require a reasonable accommodation based on language or disability should contact Daina Mann at 855.712.8530 or dmann@azdot.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to ensure the State has an opportunity to address the accommodation. De acuerdo con el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA, por su sigla en inglés) y otras normas y leyes antidiscriminatorias, el Departamento de Transporte de Arizona (ADOT) no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, edad o discapacidad. Las personas que requieran asistencia (dentro de lo razonable) ya sea por el idioma o discapacidad deben ponerse en contacto con Daina Mann al 855.712.8530 o dmann@azdot.gov. Las solicitudes deben hacerse lo más antes posible para asegurar que el Estado tenga la oportunidad de hacer los arreglos necesarios. The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being or have been carried out by ADOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated 04/16/2019 and executed by FHWA and ADOT. Las consultas, la revisión ambiental y otras acciones requeridas según las leyes ambientales federales correspondientes para este proyecto se están llevando a cabo, o se han llevado a cabo, por ADOT de acuerdo con 23 U.S.C 327 y un Memorándum de Acuerdo con fecha del 16 de abril de 2019, y se han realizado por FHWA y ADOT. AWHATUKEE FOOTHILLS - Oct/Nov 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 602-522-7777 | i10wildhorsepasscorridor@hdrinc.com ADOT TRACS No. F0252 01L and 02L | Federal Aid No. 010-C(222)S

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

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C O N C R E T E & MA SO NRY CONCRETE BLOCKWALL RETAINING WALL BLOCK FENCE PLANTER BBQ

East Valley/ Ahwatukee

FOUNDATION DRIVEWAY SIDEWALK PATIO

PAVER • CONCRETE REMOVAL • HARDSCAPE BONDED & INSURED • ROC#321648 SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! FREE ESTIMATES • 16 YEARS EXPERIENCE RESIDENTIAL CALL JOHN: 480.797.2985 COMMERCIAL

Block Fence * Gates

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

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

Drywall

JOSE DOMINGUEZ DRYWALL & PAINTING House Painting, Drywall, Intall Doors, Baseboards, Crown Molding Reliable, Dependable, Honest!

Place YOUR Business HERE! Call for our 3 Month Trial Special! Classifieds: 480-898-6465

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

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

Handyman LLC

• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations

SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

520.508.1420

All Estimates arethe Free Call: Marks Spot• for ALL Your Handyman Needs!

Electrical Services

www.husbands2go.com Painting • Flooring • Electrical

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

Plumbing Drywall • Carpentry Licensed, Bonded &•Insured • ROC#317949 Decks • Tile • More! Ask me about FREE Needs! water testing! Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman

Marks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical • Panel Changes “No Job Too ✔Small Flooring Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Man!” and Repairs Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Electrical Decks • Tile • More! • Installation of Decks • Tile 1999 e Quality Work Sinc • More! ✔ Plumbing Affordable, 2010, 2011 Ceiling Fans 2012, 2013, 2014 ✔ Drywall Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 • Switches/Outlets Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor “No Job ✔ Carpentry • Serving Arizona Since 2005 • • Home Remodel Too Small Marks the Spot for“No Job Too ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small Man!” “No Job Too Man!” ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More! ✔ Kitchens 9 199 ce Sin rk Wo y alit Qu Affordable, ✔ Bathrooms BSMALLMAN@Q.COM 2010, 2011 9 199 ce Sin rk Wo y 2012, “No 2013, Job Too Affordable, Qualit And More! 2010, 2011 Small Man!” 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

602.670.7038

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Garage/Doors

Hauling

OPEN 24/7 • SERVING ALL OF METRO PHOENIX • HONEST AND REPUTABLE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

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

ACTION CONTRACTING INC. WE DO IT ALL!

Bath & Kitchen Remodels • Car-Port to Garage Conversion Drywall & Stucco Repairs • Plumbing • Electrical • Can Lights Windows • Doors • Cabinets • Painting • Block Fences Wrought Iron Gates • Remodeling • Additions • Patios Tenant Improvements

East Valley

480-833-7353 - Office 480-430-7737 - Cell A+

-S

1 CE

LIC/BONDED/INSURED Res/Comm’l ROC#218802

aaaActionContractingInc.com

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

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

Free Estimates with Pride & Prompt Service!

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

OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE SERVICING & INSTALLING GARAGE DOORS AND OPERATORS

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

ANOZIRA DOOR SYSTEMS

480.266.4589

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

Not a licensed contractor.

2012, 2013,

Ahwatukee Resident/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor Since2014 1999 Ahwatukee / References Call Bruce at References/ Insured/ Affordable, Quality Work Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor Bruce at 602.670.7038

Meetings/Events?

josedominguez0224@gmail.com

• Electrical Repair • Plumbing Repair • Dry rot and termite damage repair

GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES

QUICK RESPONSE TO YOUR CALL! 15 Years Experience • Free Estimates

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

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

• Old Pant & Chems. • Yard Waste

Irrigation

• Concrete Slab • Remodeling Debris • Old Tires

• Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service

NTY

5-YEAR WARRA

480.654.5600 azirrigation.com Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

CLASSIFIEDS

Irrigation

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

Landscape/Maintenance

Roofing

Plumbing

Insured/Bonded Free Estimates

Sprinkler & Drip Systems Repairs • Modifications • Installs

ALL Pro

T R E E

S E R V I C E

L L C

Prepare for Monsoon Season! LANDSCAPING, TREES & MAINTENANCE

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

480-354-5802 Painting

• 20 Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty

480.345.1800

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

Superstition Landscape Maintenance

Junk Removal PLUS House Cleaning Call or Text Adrian

480•376•9803 or 480•925•1418

Honest & Reliable

FREE Estimates

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

Beat Any Price By 10% • Lifetime Warranty Water Heaters Installed - $799 Unclog Drains - $49 FREE RO UNIT w/Any WATER SOFTENER INSTALL NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 Months!! ‘A’ RATED PLUMBING REPAIR Free Estimates • Same Day Service

480-405-7099 ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting

10% OFF 480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

Public Notices CITY OF MESA MESA, ARIZONA NOTICE OF VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING DOBSON LIBRARY IMPROVEMENTS Project No. CP0903 Please join us for a virtual event discussing the upcoming Dobson Ranch Library Branch Improvements project. This project will update the entrance of the Dobson Ranch library branch, located at 2425 S. Dobson Rd., with a fresh, modern look and improved accessibility for the public. The renovated façade and entry will offer greater visibility and convenience for library users. The library expansion includes the addition of a THINKspot makerspace for the community to foster innovation and networking.

Location: Virtual Public Meeting: online at mesaaz.gov/engineering

Voted #1

Family Owned & Operated

Over 30 yrs. Experience

Time: 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Free Estimates! Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

ROC# 256752

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH!

East Valley PAINTERS

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

www.irsaz.com

ROC 3297740

Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident

Date: Thursday, October 29, 2020

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality

480.721.4146

20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

ROC#309706

Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

Call Lance White

BOOK ONLINE! STATE48DRAINS.COM

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Landscape/Maintenance

480-477-8842

SEWER CABLE COMPREHENSIVE, FULL-SERVICE PLUMBING COMPANY

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

HYDROJETTING

Now Accepting all major credit cards

Pool Service / Repair

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

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

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

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact Curt Albright, Michele Arrollado, Lucy Lopez, or Juanita Gonzales with the City of Mesa Engineering Public Relations Department at (480) 6443800. Si usted tiene preguntas de este proyecto, favor de llamar a Lucy Lopez, con la Ciudad de Mesa al (480) 644-3800. Published: Glendale Star, Oct. 18, 25, 2020 / 33823

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Call us to place your ad online!

480-898-6465

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

NOW OPEN

HAPPY HOUR

Every Day 2pm-6pm and 10pm-CLOSE • $2 OFF ALL Draft Beer and Appetizers • $4 House Wine

• $2 Well Drinks • $4 Titos, Bacardi, Tanqueray, Herradura Silver, Jack Daniels

ALL DAY SPECIALS

MONDAY $10 Burgers TUESDAY $5 Dos XX Draft $4 Chips with Salsa and Guac $6 Nachos WEDNESDAY $10 Wraps

THURSDAY $8 Wings and Chicken Tenders FRIDAY $9 Fish & Chips and Fishy Wrap SATURDAY $10 Pizzas SUNDAY $10 Pastas

The location is formerly Majerle’s Sports Grill at Fashion Center in Chandler

3095 W Chandler Blvd Chandler AZ 85226 www.howlerssportsbar.com

480-899-7999

REGULAR HOURS DAILY 11AM - 12AM

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 18, 2020

Care and Coverage. Together. Some things are meant to be together. Meet Banner Medicare Advantage. This year get both quality health care and comprehensive insurance coverage in a single plan – including prescription drug coverage – with Banner Medicare Advantage. We make it easy and convenient to stay healthy. You can choose from an extensive network of doctors and a range of specialists who welcome Banner Medicare Advantage members and work together to keep you healthy. All this from a trusted neighbor.

Make sure you’re not missing out on Medicare coverage that might be just right for you.

Get more from Medicare this year.

0 $ 0 $

Annual deductible and copays for primary care provider visits in network. Rx copay tier. Plus, mail order options included in your plan’s prescription drug coverage. 5,000+ providers to choose from. No referral needed for a specialist in-network. Hundreds of clinics and labs, 16 hospitals.

Call 833-516-1010 (TTY 711) Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to speak with our licensed agent and learn more about Banner Medicare Advantage plans. Or visit us at Bannerhealth.com/MAnews to learn more or enroll. Banner Medicare Advantage Prime is an HMO with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Banner Medicare Advantage Prime HMO depends on contract renewal. H5843_AEPAd2CY21_M

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