Senior running for Littleton school board
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI West Valley View Executive EditorWestPoint High School senior Markus Ceniceros wants to see change. Instead of watching adults advocate for students, he’s running for Littleton Elementary School District Governing Board.
“I saw there were not a lot of younger representation in my community,” Ceniceros said.
“I did research on policies and things that I wanted to see enacted.”
He’s an advocate of the meet and confer process, which would call for annual meetings between representatives of the Littleton Education Association and the governing board.
“During meet and confer, agreements would be made regarding salaries, benefits and working conditions,” Ceniceros said.
“Littleton certainly does not have a meet
and confer policy. This would strengthen the relationship between the governing board and Littleton educators, giving educators more say in their contracts and possibly increasing teacher retention in the district.”
Teacher retention would allow for children to have a better education.
“If we’re having new educators often, our students’ performance will decrease,” he said. “New teachers are not trained to the culture, compared to teachers who are used to the curriculum and the way the district works.”
If elected, Ceniceros has two goals, besides increasing teacher retention.
“I want to shift our energy sector in the district to clean energy by adding solar panels to our campuses, transitioning the buses in our district from diesel to electric,” he said.
“I want to create a tradition in the district where we all come together in the beginning
Senior...continued onThree men indicted for distributing fentanyl
BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFFThreemen were indicted on Oct. 4 on conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine along with use or carry of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.
The three had their initial appearance on Sept. 23.
On Sept. 21, the three men — Keivin Crosswell-Cervantes, 28, of Mexico; Car-
los Alberto Castro-Ruiz, 27, of Avondale; and Alexander Ortega-Islas, 22, of Phoenix — were arrested by special agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Avondale.
During the arrest, HSI special agents seized approximately 410,000 blue fentanyl pills, approximately 20,000 multi-colored fentanyl pills — also known as “skittles” — and approximately 25 pounds of
methamphetamine.
During the enforcement action, special agents also seized an AK-47-style pistol, a Kimber 1911 45-caliber pistol with two magazines, and an FN 45-caliber pistol.
A conviction for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years
Welcome to life at
A new neighborhood is coming to La Loma Village, and you can be the first to call it home. The Orchard at La Loma Village will welcome residents to live life on their terms, and enjoy each day to the fullest, in the midst of peaceful tranquility and exceptional amenities
An edition of the East Valley Tribune
The West Valley View is a controlled-circulation weekly. It is published every Wednesday, and distributed free-of-charge to homes and in high-traffic locations throughout Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Buckeye and Tolleson.
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Avondale PD receives ALEAP accreditation
BY WEST VALLEY VIEWAvondale
Police Department has received accreditation through the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police (AACOP) Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ALEAP), which is a voluntary program to provide public and professional recognition to agencies that prove they meet the rigorous standards of the program.
Accreditation is a progressive and time-proven method of assisting law enforcement agencies in measuring and improving their overall performance. After nearly two years of preparing for the assessment process, all aspects of the Avondale Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services were evaluated and have been found to align with all 175 ALEAP standards.
Avondale Police Chief Memo Espinoza explained that the ALEAP Accreditation process gives the department the opportunity to be fully
evaluated by an independent outside entity.
“This evaluation process reinforces our ongoing commitment to the residents of Avondale, improving the quality of life by providing quality police services,” Espinoza said. “A special thanks to city of Avondale Public Safety Chief Dale Nannenga for his efforts as former Avondale police chief in making the accreditation happen and supporting officers and staff in this extensive process.”
Accreditation is valid for a four-year period, during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.
Avondale Public Safety Chief Dale Nannenga and Avondale Police Chief Memo Espinoza showcase the department’s ALEAP accreditation. (City of Avondale/Submitted)
Currently, 22 of the 141 law enforcement agencies within Arizona uphold this prestigious designation.
Avondale Police Department com-
prises 159 sworn 79 professional personnel and 30 volunteers who strive every day to uphold the department’s mission of “serving with honor.”
For more information regarding the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police, go to azchiefsofpolice.org.
Indicted...continued from page 1
in prison with a maximum penalty of life in prison. It may also carry a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both.
A conviction for use or carrying a fire-
Senior...continued from page 1
of every school year and plant a tree to lie seeds of hope, to represent our commitment to ensuring our students have clean air, clean water and thriving communities to get a good public education.”
Second, he wants to strengthen the relationships between the governing board and the community.
“As a governing board member, I will find ways to communicate transparently to our community parents and our staff and students to ensure that our community can have a say and be up to date on the decisions that are affecting their children’s future. The door knocking, for me, will not stop when elected. It will continue when I am elected. Our community deserves to be informed on decisions that are affecting their chil-
arm during a drug trafficking offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. It may also carry a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
dren’s future.”
Ceniceros would sit down with staff, administration, bus drivers and cafeteria staff and discuss the positives and negatives about the district.
“I would take a list of the common answers back to the governing board and say, ‘This is what we should get to work on,’” he said.
Ceniceros said, if elected, he will work to loosen the dress code standards so parents won’t feel tied to buying expensive uniforms.
Upon graduation, the 18-year-old student plans to attend community college and study public policy or secondary education. He’ll then transfer to a university.
“I’m thankful for my parents, allowing me to campaign and pursue my dreams of helping my community and bettering my community,” he said.
An indictment, however, is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and not evidence. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that “establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.”
The position is nonpartisan, but Ceniceros is the co-founder of Keep Arizona Blue Student Coalition. He said he aligns with the Democratic Party, but, in the end, he just wants to educate youngsters.
“We just thought there should be a group of young people who would reach out to other young people to get them energized,” he said.
“They need to learn what a school board and a city council does, how does a bill get passed, how does this system of government work. We do interviews with councilmembers, school board, legislators, candidates, and we try to educate our followers on the importance of the specific roles. That’s the one thing we really focus on — educating younger people to get involved. At the end of the day, we all have to be involved.”
Sen. Kelly speaks on Mission for Arizona, opponent Blake Masters
BY TALLULAH ANNE West Valley View Staff WriterThreeweeks before the general election, Sen. Mark Kelly is making his voice heard across Arizona — from the debate stage earlier this month and, more recently, Peoria, where he spoke at the Mission for Arizona office, an organization aimed at electing Democrats statewide.
On Oct. 12, Kelly held an event at the office, which serves the entire West Valley. With the election a matter of weeks away, he seems to be doing everything he can do to ensure he is elected over Republican candidate Blake Masters.
Kelly, who has been a member of the U.S. Senate now for 21 months, did not originally plan on going into politics.
“I was not the politician in our family,” he joked. “That was my wife, Gabby Giffords.”
Despite that, Kelly saw the way things were going in American politics and decided to get involved.
“In 2020, I was concerned that we
were going on a bad trajectory,” Kelly said. “And I know a little bit about trajectories.”
After serving 25 years in the U.S. Navy and another 15 years in NASA — which included 54 days in space as a commander of a Space Mission — Kelly was elected to the Senate office
in 2020 after a close election.
In an attempt to rouse new and returning voters, Kelly founded Mission for Arizona earlier this year. The initiative has one goal: mobilizing key voters across Arizona in the hopes of electing and reelecting Democrats, such as Kelly himself.
“This election is so important, and the choice is so obvious,” Kelly said.
“We do elections well in this state. Our governor, Doug Ducey, I agree with him on this: We do elections well. We had a free and fair and secure election in 2020. We’re going to have it again in 2022.”
Kelly’s personal optimism for Arizona was mixed with warnings of the harm he believes his opponent, Masters, is capable of doing to Arizona.
“We’ve expanded veteran’s healthcare, we did postal reform, gun safety legislation … all these things working with Republicans,” he said. “This is the way the place is supposed to work. But we have folks that don’t want to do that. You know, my opponent is an example. He said he’ll never work with Democrats. He calls Democrats psychopaths.”
Kelly was referring to a viral clip of
Masters from August, where he dispelled ideas that he’s being hyperbolic and said that he truly does think Democrats are psychopaths.
For Kelly, he and Masters also disagree on how to lead.
“He’s actually said if he’s elected to the United States Senate, there will be no Legislature,” he said. “I mean, that’s the job. And that is somebody who does not get the job.”
In his time as senator, Kelly pointed out that he has put all of his assets into a blind trust, has stayed away from corporate PAC money, and has published his Senate schedule to the public.
“There are 535 members of Congress,” he said. “How many of those 535 people do you think have done that? One,” Kelly said.
“I was going to say you can count it on one hand, but you can actually count it on one finger,” he added jokingly.
Another issue important to Kelly is voting — both voting in person and voting accessibility. According to AZ Clean Elections, roughly 80% of Arizonans vote by mail, which is something Kelly is acutely aware of.
“To win elections, folks, we have to get people out to vote,” he said. “And that’s why you are here. To help compel people to turn in those mail-in ballots,” he said.
“My opponent, on the other hand, has already said that he thinks voting should only be on Election Day. Do you know why he says this? Because if you only vote on Election Day, much fewer people vote. They don’t want people to vote.”
According to recent polls, Kelly is polling at 51% and Masters at 48%. With Mission for Arizona, Kelly is encouraging voters across the state to show up and vote blue.
“Thank you for being here. Sign up for those shifts. Make those phone calls. And if we do this, we can win in November,” he said.
Avondale
Local EDGE and Ca
reer Connectors are hosting an in-person career expo to support local Avondale businesses with their hir ing needs for the upcoming year.
This free in-person career expo is set for Thursday, Oct. 20 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Avondale Resource Center located at 995 E. Riley Drive, Avondale.
“(The) city of Avondale and Career Connectors share a mission to connect residents with the right opportunities and assist companies in identifying the ideal candidates for their open positions,” said Jessica Pierce, founder and CEO of Ca reer Connectors. “This creates stronger, more sustainable communities. With the continued business expansion in Arizo na, partnering complementary resources to increase capacity and provide a com prehensive career track is critical.
“In partnership, we can meet escalat ing workforce needs of the greater Avon dale business market. This career expo is part of the solution.”
Job seekers will have the opportuni
ty to meet and network with employ ers from multiple industries located in Avondale currently hiring for thousands of open positions. Candidates have an opportunity to explore a variety of posi tions from entry level to executive.
High school juniors and seniors may attend as well, from 11 a.m. to noon, to discuss job openings, internships, ap prenticeships and future career pathway opportunities.
Hiring companies in attendance in clude A to Z Equipment Rentals & Sales, Agua Fria High School, Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, Army & Air Force Exchange Services, Avanti Windows & Doors LLC, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Valley, Cien’s Garage, Cien’s Motor Werks, city of Avondale Human Resourc es, city of Avondale Parks and Recreation, Elwood Staffing, Good Neighbor Support Services, HealthyU Family Medicine LLC, Hickman’s, Integrated Medical Ser vices, Littleton Elementary School Dis trict No. 65, New Penny Café, Proverbs Group Home LLC, Randstand, Rio Sal ado College, Southwest Integrated Solu
tions, Southwest Key Programs, Staff Now, Sunland Asphalt & Construction, the Home Building Academy, Tolleson Union High School District No. 214, U.S. Census Bureau, VALOR Preparatory Academy of Arizona, and WESCO.
This is the third in a series of career expos that will be hosted by Avondale Local EDGE in the coming months. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, the city will support growing industries such as health care, informa tion technology, manufacturing and lo
gistics by matching qualified job candi dates with local open positions.
“It is an exciting time for those enter ing or re-entering the workforce, looking for a new opportunity or considering a ca reer change,” said Ken Chapa, Avondale’s economic and tourism director. “Avondale businesses are offering quality entry-level to advanced positions, and we encourage our local talent to live, work and grow right here in the Southwest Valley.”
Attendees can register for free at app. careerconnectors.org/avondale.
hazardous waste
BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFFResidents of Avondale are invited to take part in a free household hazardous waste drop-off event from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 29. Items will be collected at Avondale Civic Center Complex at the City Hall North Parking Lot, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale.
Household hazardous waste (HHW) is any unwanted household product labeled as flammable, toxic, corrosive or reactive.
Hazardous materials, if not properly disposed of, may have an adverse impact on the environment. Improper disposal of these products in the curbside container can contaminate drinking water and seriously injure garbage and recycling collection and landfill employees. The household hazardous waste event is free to residents to ensure safe disposal.
There is no charge; however, residents will be required to provide proof of residency such as a recent city utility bill or driver’s license. This event is for residential hazardous waste only. Commercial waste will not be accepted. Please transport materials in a cardboard box in the trunk or truck bed of vehicles.
Acceptable items:
• Electronics: TVs, cell phones, VCRs, computers.
• Lawn chemicals: pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers.
• Home repair chemicals: paint, thinners, solvents, adhesives, aerosols.
• Automotive liquids: motor oil, antifreeze, car batteries, gasoline, brake fluid, carburetor cleaners.
• Passenger car tires: up to five tires — no wheels, rims or truck tires.
• Household items: batteries, poisons, pool chemicals, fire extinguishers, caulking, charcoal lighters.
• Art and hobby supplies: glues, paints, polyester resin, mineral spirits, linseed oil, sealers.
Items not accepted:
• Large or off-road tires.
• Passenger tires on rims.
• 55 gallon drums of waste.
• Air conditioners.
• Appliances.
• Ammunition.
• Asbestos.
• Biological or medical waste.
• Glass.
• Metal.
• Plastic.
• Water heaters.
• Smoke detectors.
A complete list of items can be found online at avondaleaz.gov/hhw. For more information call the city of Avondale Public Works Department at 623-333-4400.
OUR READERS’ VIEWPOINTS
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The Big Lie
Editor:Ken Burns’ gripping documentary “The U.S. and the Holocaust” brought back memories of my own family. My four grandparents immigrated from Eastern Eu rope in the 1890s and settled in New York. My parents were born in New York, met, married and had two children in the city. My father and his sister were orphaned and raised by cousins. My father got his college degree from City College, his master’s in business from NYU, and became the chief operating officer of an international tex tile corporation with headquarters in New York. My aunt moved to Paris in the 1920s to study at the Sorbonne. When the war started, she joined the OSS (the precursor to the CIA). She served in North Africa and Europe. A true immigrant story. At the end of the war, my aunt returned to Europe to search for the cousins she had met in her years living in Paris. They had all perished in the Holocaust. My own history makes me reflect on big lies that have had horrific consequences.
The Big Lie No. 1. When Adolph Hit ler rose to power in 1933, he propagated the big lie that the Jews of Germany had caused the country to lose World War I. He added to that lie by saying the Jewish population was the cause of all the prob lems the country faced in the Great De pression. Joseph Goebbels, his minister of propaganda, said it well: “A lie once told remains a lie, but a lie told 1,000 times be comes the truth.” My dear friend Sue was born in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1937, into a family that had lived in the country for centuries. Her father served in the German Army in World War I, but that did not mat ter because he was a Jew. They escaped to the United States in 1938. I met Sue when we were in high school. Those big lies led to the death of millions of innocent people.
The Big Lie No. 2. For hundreds of years witchcraft was believed to exist. There are estimates that tens of thousands
of people (mostly women) were convict ed of witchcraft and hanged, drowned, or burned at the stake. The American colo nies were not immune to this big lie, with the most infamous being the Salem witch trials of 1692-93 in which 19 individu als were executed. This event has been described as a case of mass hysteria. In the 1950s, the Massachusetts Legislature passed legislation exonerating the people who had been executed.
The Big Lie No. 3. Joseph McCarthy was a U.S. senator from Wisconsin, serv ing from 1947 to 1957. He propagated the big lie that the United States was the tar get of widespread communist subversion. He claimed to have lists of communists in the State Department, the administration of President Harry S. Truman, the U.S. Army and other government agencies, as well as in Hollywood. There were no lists. Eventually, Sen. Margaret Chase Smith called him out and the Senate censured McCarthy. Today the term “McCarthy ism” stands for a demagogue who makes reckless and unsubstantiated accusations.
The Big Lie No. 4. “Separate but equal” was a legal doctrine employed in the years after the Civil War. It included segregation in housing, education, health care, trans portation and many other services. The fact is that these services were separate but definitely not equal. The Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 started the dismantling of this noxious practice. The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was historic. In 1963, I was a newly commissioned U.S. Air Force captain stationed at Gunter Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. I was living in a motel in the city when I heard the screech of tires. I went out in the street to find a man who had been hit by a hit-and-run driver. I gave first aid and called for an ambulance. When the driver arrived, he looked at the injured African American and said we had called the wrong ambulance. We needed to call the “Black ambulance.”
The Big Lie No. 5. American Indian
JUDGE’S OPINION — King Features
boarding schools were established in the United States to “civilize” Native Amer ican children. One of the largest schools was in Phoenix, and we still drive on Indian School Road. The schools were usually harsh, as the children were forc ibly removed from their families, had their hair cut, and were not allowed to speak their native language. Many of the children died, and we are still finding ev idence of unmarked graves. Eventually, through court action and legislative vic tories, the system was shut down.
The Big Lie No. 6. Following the Jap anese attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Or der 9066, which led to the incarceration of some 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry in concentration camps in the western part of the country. That included camps in Ar izona. Some two-thirds of those incarcerat ed were U.S. citizens. The big lie was that they were a threat to the country. That was false. Many volunteered to serve in the mil itary, and their units were among the high est-decorated combat units in the war. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed the Civil Liberties Act, which apologized for the incarceration. My friend Judy was born in Los Angeles in 1938 to Japanese parents. In 1942, she and her entire family were de
ported to the Poston War Relocation Center on the Colorado River Indian Reservation. At its height, the camp had 17,000 inhabi tants and was the third-largest city in Arizo na. When Judy and family were released in 1945, they returned to Los Angeles but had lost their home and business.
The Big Lie No. 7. In 1964, the United States and North Vietnam were engaged in a limited confrontation in Southeast Asia. On Aug. 4, 1964, the USS Maddox, an American destroyer, was patrolling in the Gulf of Tonkin between China and North Korea. The commander of the Maddox re ported that the ship was being attacked by North Vietnamese boats. Later evidence proved that there were no hostile ships in the area. The outcome of this error was the passage of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolu tion. That gave President Lyndon B. John son the authority to deploy U.S. troops to South Vietnam and commence open war fare against North Vietnam. Marines were deployed to DaNang in early 1965, and I arrived there on Labor Day of that year.
The Big Lie No. 8. Immigration has been a contentious political issue for centuries and remains so today. The term was coined in the 17th century, referring
Your vote on Proposition 310 can help solve the state’s fire district crisis
BY MARK BURDICK Buckeye Valley Fire ChiefSince the first fire district was formed in Arizona in 1918, firefighters have proudly provided service to the citizens in, around and passing through the rural areas of our state, those areas not covered
by cities or towns. Today, there are more than 144 districts that provide fire and emergency medical services to Arizonans and all visitors traveling through our beautiful state.
As fire chief of the Arizona Fire & Medical Authority and the Buckeye Valley Fire District, I would like to lay out the facts of Prop 310 — the Arizona Fire
District Safety Act. Put forward by Arizona firefighters and a bipartisan group of state legislators, this temporary onetenth-of-a-cent sales tax will generate approximately $150 million dollars annually for the state’s fire districts.
These districts are in crisis. Located mostly in rural Arizona and along the major roadways connecting Phoenix, Tucson, Kingman, Flagstaff and Yuma, fire districts are routinely strapped for funding and short of firefighters, paramedics, equipment and training. While urban fire departments frequently respond to 911 emergency calls in six or seven minutes, fire districts’ response times routinely can exceed 30 minutes. Not only does this create a serious risk for the 1.5 million Arizonans who live in fire districts, it also impacts the residents and visitors who travel our state’s interstates and roads on day trips, sightseeing tours and vacations.
Fire districts — like Buckeye Valley — are not funded by and do not receive the same revenues that cities or towns do and rely on a capped tax rate. Our tax rate was cut in half during the Great Recession and has remained at this level ever since. And unlike other municipalities, fire districts do not receive funding from highway user funds (HURF), transaction privilege tax/sales tax (state or local), vehicle license taxes (VLT) or income tax.
Because of this, fire and EMS response times are longer than reasonable and outside of industry standards, as well as being nearly impossible to keep up with population growth demands. Due to these limitations, communities are seeing drastic decreases in firefighter staffing. In Sun City, firefighter staffing has been cut by 19%; in Bullhead City, a 23% decrease; while in North Phoenix’ Daisy Mountain district, staffing is down 15%.
Buckeye Valley, like other fire districts, has been forced to close one fire station, remove an ambulance from service and delay the acquisition of critically needed equipment until sus-
tainable funding can be found. This is a service area that most of us routinely drive through to get to California or Rocky Point and is roughly half the size of the state of Connecticut. These service cuts have resulted in emergency response times in excess of 30 minutes in many cases.
Proposition 310 provides a mechanism to fairly fund fire districts and to ensure that districts get the financial help they need. To put the financial side of the equation into perspective, this fraction of a penny will cost you one cent the next time you spend $10 or a dime if you spend $100.
That fraction of a penny will help provide for improved response times the next time you are driving to Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon and when lives are in danger. It will also:
• Train additional firefighter paramedics that were lost due to budget cuts.
• Construct and staff new fire stations for better response times.
• Staff and equip additional regionally deployed ambulances.
• Expand regionally deployed Urban Wildland firefighters for at risk communities threatened by wildfires.
• Provide increased special operations capabilities (hazardous materials response and technical rescue) for mountain rescues, swift water rescues and off-road accidents.
• Expand telemed services for better patient care for patients with long transport times to hospitals.
• Staff and equip regionally deployed crisis response units for urgent behavioral health issues.
• Expand occupational cancer screenings for firefighters.
• Acquire critically needed fire equipment.
In this time of crisis, each Arizona voter has the opportunity to act as our first responders do when they face an emergency. Together, we can move toward the crisis and solve it, doing everything in our power to help those in need.
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‘Golden Rhule’ has costly implications
BY J.D. HAYWORTH West Valley View ColumnistThe old joke is perhaps more insulting than amusing — and certainly burns the ears of educators and athletic department personnel alike.
Maybe you’ve heard it: “Those who can’t do, teach… and those who can’t teach, teach gym.”
But now, it appears some “former gym teachers” — also known as coaches — are getting the last laugh in the form of huge deposits into their checking accounts.
The first high-profile “personnel casualty” in the National Football League
during the 2022 season took place in the aftermath of week five, when the Carolina Panthers parted company with head coach Matt Rhule.
Good thing for Matt that an updated “Golden Rhule” was in effect because he signed a seven-year, $62 million contract that was fully guaranteed back in 2020.
He will have to make do with $834,000 per month over the next 48 months to just “hang around the house” — or perhaps build several new ones.
Maybe Matt will “go back to school” and return to coaching in the collegiate ranks.
That would certainly please the Panthers, who would see that remaining $40 million “investment” offset by any future head coaching wages paid to Rhule.
Despite losing twice as many games as he won as an NFL coach, Rhule remains a “hot commodity” in the eyes of big-time college football headhunters. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network claims that Matt will “have his choice of coveted college jobs” once this season ends.
Nowhere is a winning coach more needed now than at Nebraska.
The Cornhuskers have suffered through a “football famine” for more than two decades, having last won a share of the National Championship in 1997. That’s why Nebraska named the starting quarterback from that title year, Scott Frost, as the Huskers head coach in late 2018. Frost was “on fire” at the time, having just coached UCF to an undefeated season.
But once he returned home to Lincoln, Frost led Nebraska into a football “deep freeze,” suffering through four straight losing seasons and recording only one win and two defeats through the first three weeks of the 2022 campaign.
By firing Frost in September, athletic director Trev Alberts was actually doing the hard-luck Nebraska alumnus a favor.
Had the Huskers handed Frost his walking papers in October, the buyout on Scott’s contract would have been reduced by 50%.
So, the September dismissal paid him a generous $15 million, which will keep Frost and his family warm this winter — and during many more winters to come.
Closer to home, the “Winter of Discontent” for Arizona State with head coach Herm Edwards was likewise concluded in September with what looks like another multimillion-dollar payout. One estimate puts the total at $10.8 million.
Or maybe not.
Because there’s been no apparent resolution to the NCAA investigation of the Sun Devil football program, it is conceivable that Edwards could wind up with no severance pay and would perhaps have to pay $75,000 from his own pocket should the collegiate sports governing body determine that he was directly involved in rule violations.
But other observers believe a big payday is in Herm’s future, based in part on the “official language” used to announce his departure by ASU athletic director Ray Anderson.
“Herm did not resign. He was not dismissed. We agreed to a mutual relinquishment of duties,” Anderson said.
“We’ll have to work through what all of that means at the end of the day. … Agents are out there and attorneys are out there, both from the institutional point of view and the agents and client.”
Ray Anderson should know.
He was Herm’s agent back during Edwards’ playing days in the NFL.
The recent intrigue at ASU has prompted a joke that’s not very funny to the Sun Devil faithful.
“There are two types of athletic directors. Those who hire and fire coaches… and those who hire and then fire their ex-clients.”
Ears are burning in Tempe and a big chunk of cash will burn a hole through the ASU athletic budget right into the pocket of Herm Edwards.
J.D. Hayworth represented Arizona in the U.S. House from 1995-2007. He authored and sponsored the Enforcement First Act, legislation that would have mandated enforcement of Federal Immigration Law in the 109th Congress.
records,
BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ West Valley View ColumnistMy mother often cautioned us on the value of silence. She mostly spoke her mind and expected her kids to as well, unless we had no clue what we were talking about. Then she advocated holding your tongue.
“It’s one thing to be an idiot,” she would say, “but another thing to constantly open your mouth and prove it to everyone.”
Which brings me to the rapper/clothing designer/cultural icon Kanye West, who goes by the one-word appellation “Ye.”
Ye, who has rapped beautifully about his late mother, Donda, has spent several weeks proving my mother exactly right and teaching us a valuable lesson besides.
It is possible to be prodigiously talented, wealthy and famous and still be a blithering idiot.
Ye’s recent turn in the media grinder
began in Paris during Fashion Week, when he sported an oversize T-shirt with a picture of Pope John Paul II on the front and the slogan “White Lives Matter” on the back.
While I agree with Ye that the statement is “obvious,” there’s no denying those three words carry a highly charged context: The Anti-Defamation League calls the phrase “a hate slogan,” seized upon by the Aryan Nation and Ku Klux Klan as “a staple among white supremacist mantras.”
In other words, this wasn’t fashion. It was like dressing up as a Nazi for Halloween and calling it “just a costume.”
Speaking of Judaism, Ye turned his attention there in an appearance on Fox News’ Tucker Carlson show and on social media. His interview with Carlson was a rambling two-hour mess even before the really anti-Semitic comments — edited out for TV — leaked to the media.
Among Ye’s greatest hits: “I prefer my kids knew Hanukkah than Kwanzaa. At least it will come with some financial engineering.”
Because, you know, Jews control the world’s money and all.
Not content with claiming to “have visions that God gives me, just over and over, on community building,” Ye went on a social media rant that got him banned from Instagram and Twitter: “I’m a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I’m going death con 3 On Jewish people. The funny thing is I actually can’t be Anti-Semitic because Black people are actually Jew also. You guys have toyed with me and tried to Black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda.”
Can I get an “Oy vey”?
The woke left, from Rep. Alexandra Ocasio Cortez to singer John Legend, lined up on cue to cancel Ye. Others suggested that Ye, who has spoken often of his battle with bipolar disorder, might be off his meds and should seek help.
Meanwhile, the business community, from Adidas to JPMorgan Chase, moved to distance themselves, either suspending doing business with Ye outright or announcing the relationship was “under review.”
Keep in mind, this is the same guy who said in 2018: “When you hear about slavery for 400 years … For 400 years? That sounds like a choice.”
Only now you’re reviewing his wisdom? My take on Ye: He belongs on the Mount Rushmore of rap, alongside giants like Dre and Eminem. His talent has brought him wealth and fame, but like so many icons, he holds no special claim on intellect.
“Stronger,” “Gold Digger” and “Jesus Walks” are tunes I’ll spin until I die. But watch two hours of Kanye pontificate on kinetic energy or wear his atrocious chunky moonboots? Hell no.
The rich and famous might try keeping their mouths shut more often. As for Ye, he would be wise to heed a line from his classic “Hey Mama.”
“I know I act a fool,” he vowed to Donda, “but I promise you, I’m goin’ back to school.”
When Ye, when?
David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com
DE SALUD
Adrian Fontes is the smart choice
BY BETTINA NAVA West Valley View Guest WriterIam a proud member of the “McCain Ma chine.”
I can still remember the era of Republicans versus Democrats. When politicians would debate vociferously and then stand up from the table, grip
ping hands with common goals in mind. Unfortunately, we are not currently ex periencing that two-party system, where ideologies respectfully differ but have America’s best interests at heart.
As the perfect commentary for where we are, in recent speeches, Adrian Fontes, candidate for Arizona Secretary of State, has said, “Ours is not a campaign about parties. Ours is a campaign about Ameri
can democracy versus totalitarianism.”
Sadly, this is devastatingly true. Fon tes’ opponent was at the Capitol on Jan. 6. He is a key conspirator in the “Stop the Steal” lie that has done nothing but waste taxpayer dollars. If elected as sec retary of state, he has vowed to overturn election results he does not agree with.
In this race, Arizonans have one clear decision — do we believe and intend to uphold professionalism, inclusion and respectful candidates of principle, or are we going to support a candidate who has helped to hijack the Republi can Party by perpetuating falsehoods and refusing to embrace the facts. Fon tes’ opponent continues to try to gut our democracy by focusing on what divides us instead of how our diversity is the key to finding solutions to the greatest questions of our time.
In this race for Arizona secretary of state, as voters decide who should over see our elections, help register our new
Letters...continued from page 8
to non-warlike population movement. It has been a constant in our country since the landing of the passengers on the May flower. They were immigrants fleeing religious intolerance. We, however, have spent time and resources limiting new immigrants. In 1882, Congress passed the first of many immigration laws, the Chinese Exclusion Act. In the 1920s, Congress passed several laws that put quotas on immigration from certain coun tries. Burns chronicles how those quotas kept scores of people from escaping Nazi Germany death camps. The last compre hensive immigration law was signed by Reagan in 1986. There are any number of big lies concerning immigrants. “They won’t assimilate.” False! “They don’t pay taxes.” False! “They are here to get gov ernment benefits and won’t work.” False! Today we have a border wall, DACA im migrants, transport to northern cities, and other political issues. It is time for Con gress to perform its function and act.
The Big Lie No. 9. November will be the third anniversary of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan, China. Since then, the disease has ravaged the
businesses, and protect the addresses of victims of assault, Adrian Fontes is the only logical choice.
Principled Arizonans of all parties must vote for Fontes because his oath of office means something to him. He is a former Marine Corps veteran, former elections official, and father to three young daugh ters. His actions have proven that he will put people before personal politics.
Arizonans, this election is not a choice about party. It is simply a decision about the future of our state’s democracy and whether we can, as Benjamin Franklin asked, keep our Republic.
Choose wisely.
Bettina Nava is co-founder and owner of OH Strategic Communications. She works with blue chip and emerging clients to aggressive ly achieve their goals in diverse markets. She has extensive background in political and com munity strategic planning and implementation with an emphasis in communications and build ing coalitions around complex social issues.
world, with over 1 million deaths in the United States. One of the great scientific ef forts has been the development of vaccines that are safe and effective. That has also led to an avalanche of big lies concerning the vaccines. Let me mention a few. “When you get the shot, you will have a microchip in jected into your arm.” False! “The vaccine is made with fetal tissue.” False! “The shot will alter your DNA.” False! “The vaccine will make you unable to have children.” False! And more big lies.
The Big Truth No. 1. Joseph Robi nette Biden Jr. won the 2020 presiden tial election.
Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Leonard Kirschner, M.D., MPH Litchfield Park
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Business Briefcase
BY KAILA MELLOS West Valley View Staff WriterTheWest Valley is home to a wide variety of businesses that appeal to everyone in the community. That is why so many businesses are choosing to open. With many new de velopment projects like Canyon Trails Towne Center, businesses like Eegee’s and Ono Hawaiian BBQ are expand ing throughout the Valley. This week, the Business Briefcase will break that down and more!
Eegee’s
Location: Canyon Trails Towne Center on Cotton Lane and Yuma Road Eegee’s, a longtime Tucson chain, is
opening doors to a few Phoenix loca tions. One location that plans to open its doors this year is in the new Canyon Trails Towne Center development.
Eegee’s is home to the eegee, which is a fruit-packed frozen treat. They are available in lemon, straw berry, piña colada, skinny berry and the flavor of the month, which is a scary berry eegee. Eegee’s is best known for its grinder subs, which comprise sliced ham, salami, provo lone cheese, pickles, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cut onions, spices, pep peroncini and eegee’s famous house dressing. The chain also has other subs and salad options.
There is no word when this eegee’s
location will open yet. But for more information about other eegee’s loca tions or the menu, visit eegees.com.
Ono Hawaiian BBQ
Location: Canyon Trails Towne Cen ter on Cotton Lane and Yuma Road
Founded in 2002, Ono Hawaiian BBQ is a family-owned California and Arizona fast-casual restaurant known for its authentic Hawaiian Plate Lunches and other island specialties. The chain just celebrated its 98th open restaurant split between California and Arizona, but its ninth open store in the Valley area.
One of Ono Hawaiian BBQ’s signa ture lunch plates comes with a choice
between chicken, like Hawaiian barbe cue chicken; beef, like Kalbi short ribs; seafood, like crispy shrimp; or a com bination of all of the above, with a side of rice and its famous macaroni salad and vegetables.
There is no word when this Ono Hawaiian BBQ location will open yet. But for more information about other locations or the menu, visit onohawaiianbbq.com.
Have an item for Business Briefcase?
Please email your business news and tips to Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at Christina@TimesLocalMedia.com
1 Annual amount based on possible monthly or quarterly amounts. 2 Allowance amount does not carry over to the next quarter or the following year. All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation. The Cigna name, logos, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/service area. Limitations, exclusions, and restrictions may apply. Contact the plan for more information. This information is not a complete description of benefits, which vary by individual plan. You must live in the plan’s service area. Call 1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711) for more information. Cigna is contracted with Medicare for PDP plans, HMO and PPO plans in select states, and with select State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in Cigna depends on contract renewal. © 2022 Cigna Some content provided under license.
For more business visit WestValleyView.comInstructor reaching rank of tang soo do master
BY DAVID MEDINA West Valley View Staff Writerkarate until she was around 12 but took a seven-year break from the sport.
ly-friendly competition fuels her fire for greatness.
Moshay
Williamson, co-own er of Starworld Martial Arts Academy in Goodyear, will be promoted to the rank of master in the art of tang soo do, a Korean martial arts style that is based on karate. Her promotion to the rank of mas ter will take place at Starworld Mar tial Arts Academy’s Saturday, Oct. 22, regional karate tournament, which attracts 150 to 200 competitors from around the Southwest.
Williamson has been martial arts since she was about 3, encouraged by her father, Johnny Williamson, a mas ter in tang soo do and the founder and co-owner of Starworld. She practiced
After Williamson gave birth to her daughter in 2007, she returned to it and fell back in love.
“When I started getting back into it, I was like, ‘Wow.’ I really liked karate again,” she said.
“I wondered to myself why I even stopped in the first place,” Williamson said. “So I just picked it back up, and now this is like a lifelong thing. I don’t see myself ever leaving it. It’s pretty amazing.”
Williamson earned her black belt around 2011 and won a world cham pionship.
Williamson has witnessed great things in her career, but the fami
“When I was very little, I remember wanting to outrank my dad. He’s been doing this since I was born. When he reached his master, I saw him change. He was just so hum ble and confident,” William son said. “I loved how he helped people. He helped my friends, and he would talk to them and counsel them. He just always helped people. I was like, I want to do that. I want to be like that.”
Williamson achieved this goal and became a big part of Starworld Martial Arts Acad emy, leading classes and helping kids gain self-confi dence and learn self-defense. For Williamson, it’s all about helping people and her stu dents. Williamson loves see ing her students succeed — in martial arts and life.
“When you’re working from black belt to master, you’re focusing on your self more, but you still help others. When you get to the rank of master, it’s complete ly about helping others. And that’s it. At that point you’ve had your fun in the sun, if you will,” Williamson said.
“Now, I’m like, ‘What can I do to give back?’ Becoming a master means that I have enough knowledge. And it’s still learning a lot of things to where I can help others and give back to make other people feel good, just like how it helps me feel good. So, becoming a master, that’s kind of what it means to me. I’m helping others and learning all these cool things. And I love it.”
e West Valley View publishes on Wednesday. e weekly calendar — a listing of entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical performances, events for schools, churches, county parks and nonprofit groups — runs every issue.
Events must be open to the public to be considered and generally must be held within the View’s coverage area, which is south of Northern Avenue, west of Loop 101, plus all of Tolleson, extending to Estrella in the south and Tonopah in the west. Events such as concerts and theatrical performances that fall outside the View’s circulation area will be considered because there are no concert halls or theater venues within our boundaries.
Weekly calendar items print on a space-available basis. e only way to guarantee that an item will print is to purchase an advertisement. Submissions must reach our office by 4 p.m. Wednesday to be considered for the following Wednesday publication. Submissions must be in writing and may be emailed to Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, christina@TimesLocalMedia.com
Buckeye Valley Museum Open
WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS
After its recent grand reopening on Sept. 8, the Buckeye Museum has once again begun to bring the past to locals. The museum o ers historical exhibits, programs and school tours. Join the open and take a look inside to explore the past. The next Special Saturday is set for Friday, Nov. 11.
Buckeye Valley Museum, 116 E. MC 85, Buckeye, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 623-349-6315, buckeyeaz.gov/residents/buckeyevalley-museum
and experimenting with animations. Tolleson Public Library, 9555 W. Van Buren Street, Tolleson, 4 to 4:45 p.m., free, 623-936-2746, tollesonaz.gov
nurturing your plants.
Civic Center Library, 11350 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale, 2 to 3 p.m., free, 623-333-2602, avondalelibrary.org
OCT. 19
Teen Volunteer Wednesdays WEDNESDAYS
On the road to college and careers, it’s incredibly valuable to have volunteer hours racked up for the resume. Teenagers are encouraged to come by and learn valuable work skills, as well as get some volunteer hours in for school.
Civic Center Library, 11350 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale, 3 to 5 p.m., free, 623-333-2602, avondalelibrary.org
Ecstatic Dance
SUNDAYS
Dance like nobody’s watching with an uninstructed freestyle dance session. There are no steps to follow and no guidebooks to use. People of all age groups and skill levels are encouraged to simply do what they feel and enjoy a judgment free environment of love and inclusivity.
Turtle Park, 675 N. Villa Nueva Drive, Litchfield Park, 2 p.m., $20, soulshealinghumanity.com/events
Code Club
Genealogy Club
Dive into the study of family trees and ancestry, and figure out details about the past. Get an overview on what tools are needed to study genealogy, as well as what techniques are used to figure out family trees. Share tips and experiences with other people interested in family history, and figure out how to find old relatives.
Coyote Branch Library, 21699 W. Yuma Road, Buckeye, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., free, buckeyeaz.gov
Digital Escape Room
OCT. 20
Mystery novels have been a staple of children’s literature for over a century, and their popularity has yet to decline. In these devious situations, children are encouraged to work together in escape room scenarios, figuring out the details of puzzles and interesting conundrums meant to challenge the mind based on these same mystery books.
Litchfield Park Library, 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., free, mcldaz.org/en-US/ locations/litchfieldpark
Live Music at Litchfield’s OCT. 22
Every Saturday, enjoy live music at Litchfield’s bar and grill. Enjoy drink specials and listen to live performances from local musicians as they show o the quality of their craft.
The Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, 6 to 9 p.m., free admission, wigwamarizona.com
First Five Years (Parents)
OCT. 25
The “Terrible Twos” of childhood up to when a child is 5 can be some of the most di cult to tackle. Get help from the professionals on how to raise and care for a child with a combination of nurture and positive discipline. The class covers brain development, preventing tantrums, calming techniques, and preparing for school readiness.
Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library, 495 E. Western Avenue, Avondale, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., free, avondalelibrary.org
Origami
OCT. 26
In this interactive class, kids learn the delicate and ancient art of origami, with stepby-step instructions on how to fold and build masterpieces. Participants will have a chance to create their own personalized work of art by the end of the program.
Coyote Branch Library, 21699 W. Yuma Road, Buckeye, 3 to 4 p.m., free, buckeyeaz.gov
Character Breakfast at Red Allen’s Bar & Grill
OCT. 29
Take the kids to meet their favorite princesses and superheroes at Red Allen’s. Have them enjoy a special breakfast they’ll never forget as they meet up with the characters.
The Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, 8 to 11 a.m., free admission, wigwamarizona.com
Goosebumps Carnival
OCT. 29
FRIDAYS
Teach kids 8 and older the basics of computer science and learn an increasingly relevant skill in the modern world of technology. Activities are hands-on and interactive, and will allow kids to get experience programming robots, making games,
Grow Your Garden (Adults)
OCT. 22
Nobody needs to be born with a green thumb to figure out gardening. Learn tips and tricks with these fun gardening classes to make the most out of a household garden, as well as what conditions are favorable for growth, and what not to do when
Enjoy a carnival of horror and fright for all ages at the library, featuring traditional Halloween events like costume parades, fun craft projects and spooky games for the whole family to enjoy.
Civic Center Library, 11350 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale, 1 to 3 p.m., free, 623-333-2602, avondalelibrary.org
Tips for having a safe, fun Halloween
BY ABRAZO WEST CAMPUSIt’salmost Halloween, one of the holidays most looked forward to by children and parents alike.
As you’re planning this year’s costumes and stocking up on treats, are you ready to provide a safe and healthy Halloween for your family?
“Halloween is a great time for families to bond, but it doesn’t have to be over chocolate bars,” said Dr. Jason Black, an emergency physician at Abrazo West Campus. “As Halloween continues to evolve, so do your choices for treats for your kids and the trick-ortreaters at your door.”
Trick-or-treaters and their parents will appreciate waving glow sticks for visibility and staying hydrated with mini bottles of water as they continue their candy quest. Raisins and goldfish
in factory-packaged snack bags are another option. Inexpensive alternatives to candy, such as stickers, bubbles, crayons and play dough also bring a fun twist to Halloween treats.
“Don’t let children eat anything with questionable or unknown ingredients, especially if they have food allergies,” Black said. “Inspect all candy and food before consuming.”
Carefully check labels on your kids’ treats. Edibles containing cannabis are now frequently packaged in ways that more closely resembles a traditional candy or popular snack, such as gummy bears, brownies or cookies.
“Cannabis edibles sold at dispensaries are required to make it clear they are not meant for children,” Black said. “Labeling information you might look for include words such as THC con-
tent, medicated, medibles or marijuana leaves displayed on the packaging.”
Your child’s health isn’t limited to the goodies they’re consuming.
“Make sure that masks fit correctly and costumes aren’t too long,” Black said. “Both can be a tripping hazard, particularly in the dark.”
Makeup is a culprit of spoiled Halloween. Kids can have sensitive skin and break out in itchy rashes and hives from makeup. By testing makeup on a small area of your child’s skin, you can quickly determine if the makeup will be safe for your child. Cosmetic contact lenses may seem cool, but they can cause corneal abrasions, infection and even vision loss.
While out trick-or-treating, kids should stay in groups and smaller children need to be accompanied by an
adult. Everyone should wear reflective tape on their costumes and carry flashlights so they are easily visible to drivers.
Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year. A few commonsense tips help keep it safe and enjoyable for everyone!
Halloween safety tips
• Make sure costumes fit correctly so you don’t trip and fall.
• Trick-or-treat in a group with adult supervision.
• Test makeup before applying to prevent an allergic reaction.
• Carry a flashlight or glow stick to you more visible to traffic.
• Do not enter homes to get candy.
• Carefully inspect treats with an adult before snacking.
West Valley View Dining
Forthose who want to celebrate the spooky season while supporting a good cause, Buckeye’s annual Halloween Carnival is just around the corner.
Since 1940, local families have enjoyed old-fashioned carnival games, food and activities while supporting organizations in the community. This year’s 82nd Halloween Carnival will haunt Monroe Avenue in Downtown Buckeye from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29.
“This is a big one for Buckeye,” said John O’Halloran, Buckeye’s public information and communications project manager. “It’s one of our most well-attended events of the year, so the residents love it. The entire West Valley loves it.”
What sets the Halloween Carnival apart from other festive events is its attention to the community. All booths are organized by local charities, schools, churches and nonprofits.
Some of the organizers include BESD Family Resource Center, United West
The annual Buckeye Halloween Carnival is a throwback to a classic street carnival, with games like ring ross, balloon darts and pin knockdown. (City of Buckeye/Submitted)
Valley Firefighters Charities, American Legion, All Faith Community Services, B.A.C.A. Bikers Against Child Abuse, The Odyssey Institute (Varsity Cheer
Team), Kiwanis Club of Buckeye, Saddle Mountain School District and West Mec SWC Pharmacy Tech.
“It’s just a chance to get together, have
a good time and celebrate Halloween while actually giving back to the community,” O’Halloran said. “It does a great job of supporting our local nonprofits, and I think that really shows how the Buckeye community can come together and raise funds for these local groups.”
The organizations keep every dollar raised during the event. Last year’s carnival, which saw approximately 9,000 attendees, raised over $40,000 in support of local causes.
O’Halloran hopes to top that number this year with a lineup of, so far, over 50 booths. They feature a range of traditional carnival-style games, from favorites like ring toss to balloon darts and pin knockdown.
Other booths will offer carnival food like hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and walking tacos. A variety of other food trucks will be in attendance for carnivalgoers to choose from.
“It’s a true throwback to a classic street carnival — you have the carnival games,
GO FIGURE!
by Linda ThistleThe idea of Go Figure is to arrive at the figures given at the bottom and
columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank squares and use each of the nine numbers only once.
SUDOKU TIME
EVEN
DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK H
by Donna PettmanPlace a number in the empty
in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.
DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK H
Moderate HH Challenging HHH HOO BOY!
Each numbered row contains two clues and two answers. The two answers differ from each other by only one letter, which has already been inserted. For example, if you exchange the A from MASTER for an I, you get MISTER. Do not change the order of the letters.
SCRAMBLERS
the cakewalk, bingo, costume contests, you have all of that,” O’Halloran said.
The costume contests will be organized into seven different age groups, including one for families, at various times between 6 and 8 p.m. The categories include scariest, cutest and most original DIY costume, with category winners each receiving a trophy prize. Children and families can sign up the day of the carnival until 5:30 p.m.
While the event hasn’t experienced much change in its 82 years, 2022 is the first year that it will add “trunk-ortreat” to its list of activities. Vehicles will be parked at the edge of the carnival
throughout the evening, which allows the festivalgoers to trick-or-treat to their individual desires.
Activities and food range in cost from one to 10 tickets, which are $1 each and can be purchased at the carnival’s Community Services booth.
For more information about the Halloween Carnival or to register as a volunteer or nonprofit vendor, visit buckeyeaz.gov/events.
If You Go...
What: Buckeye Halloween Carnival
When: 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29
Where: Historic Downtown Buckeye, Sixth Street Plaza and Monroe Avenue, Buckeye
Ob uaries
Deadline: Thursday by 5pm for next week
Richard Dewey Pace Richard, 82, of Avondale, Arizona passed away on April 14, 2022. A lifelong native of the West Valley, and Tolleson High School Graduate Class of ’59, Richard was at home when he left this world.
For more stories & the latest news: westvalleyview.com
Just out of high school, Richard enlisted with the Navy. He wanted to follow in his two older brothers’ footsteps. He went through boot camp in San Diego but was honorably discharged due to a health condition. He came home and decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and became a Journeyman Electrician. In February 2022, Richard received his 60 year honorary member pin from the IBEW Local 640. He was a very proud Union Member and receiving this honor just a few months before he passed was one of the highlights of his life.
Dugan “Doug” Crowell Jan. 17, 1930 – Aug. 1, 2022
Dugan “Doug” Crowell passed away peacefully in Goodyear, AZ on August 1, 2022 with loving family by his side.
Doug was born on January 17, 1930 near Tomahawk, Wisconsin, the second of thirteen children. He graduated from Tripoli High School in 1948 and attended the University of Wisconsin Platteville before serving with the US Army during the Korean War. After Korea, he finished his university degree and started teaching in Walworth, WI where he met the love of his life, Mary Harness, whom he wed in 1957. He also completed a Master’s in Education at Eastern Illinois University in 1970.
Our reader poll is designed to let YOU tell us about your favorite people, places, shops, restaurants and things to do in Peoria, Glendale, Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Avondale, Tolleson and Buckeye.
Those that knew Richard, knew he was adventurous in his early youth. Loved motorcycles and racing cars. He frequently and fondly spoke of his Austin Healey and Harley Electra Glide. He met his wife, Christine Hochecker, through mutual friends at Phoenix Raceway. They were married January 19, 1964. Richard became a Master Mason in 1971 and spent many of his middle years dedicated to the Masonic Lodge. Those that knew him, knew he loved to tell jokes! He was a true “story teller” and entertained family and friends through the years with his colorful narratives and playful antics. His favorite motto, and we say it often.. "Everything’s Alright!"
Richard was predeceased by his wife, Christine, in July 2012. He is survived by his daughter, Christiana Pace (son in law Jason Van Dyke), and his son, Richard Pace. Memorial Services will be held on October 22, 2022 at 1pm, Acacia Masonic Lodge 1015 N. Dysart Rd., Avondale, AZ 85323.
Doug taught history, English and student counseling in Illinois, retiring in 1988. His greatest passion was his student coaching career. He was inducted into the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Mercer County School District Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014.
He was predeceased by Mary, his wife of 59 years, daughter Cherelynn Hyett, his parents, Kelly and Almeda (Fields), and five of his siblings. He is survived by his daughters Kayla Baretta (John, Greenville, SC) and Michele Kerfoot (Doug, Goodyear, AZ), his remaining six siblings, brother-in-law Rear Admiral USN (Ret.) Francis Harness (Marti), his four grandchildren, two bonus grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Special thanks goes to the staff of Hospice of the West and his church pastors for their support. A memorial service will be held at The Church at Litchfield Park, November 5, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Condolences may be sent, and a longer obituary viewed, at ThompsonFuneralChapel.com.
Charles Watson
Charles Wayne Watson was born April 5th, 1953 in LaPorte, Indiana.
He was a loving hus band, of 48 years, to Carol Watson (North). Father to Heather Watson (Jim Beaumont) and Charles Watson II ( Amy Cleveland), and Papa to his pride and joy: Reece, Ryan, Emma, and Charlie. He was the son of Earl Martin and Deloris (DePoy} Watson. Brother to Shanona Watson (Joseph Pie gat) and Shelley Watson (Daniel Manogg). Chuck was a friend to anyone who met him. His personality exuded joy in every circumstance. He enjoyed playing the gui tar with all of the people in his life. Teach ing his family to play was a passion. He looked for every opportunity to encourage all of those around him. He was a patriot and the American flag meant something very special. He was proud to be a Free mason and a Shriner. He very much appre ciated his brothers who shared that same
commitment. He had a very successful career in the HVAC and sheet metal in dustry. Chuck firmly believed in Local 20 and all of the other Union brotherhoods. In spite of the health challenges he faced, he believed "I've never had a bad day in my life". All who met him were blessed to be a part of his life. He believed in a hardwork ing, honest day's work. But he was always prepared with a joke to lighten the mood. He loved watching his children and grand children perform sports and supported all of their teams and teammates. He was a protector and provider, not only to his family but to his community. Our family will deeply miss the leadership and joy that Dad brought to our lives. He will not be forgotten because of the many ways he im pacted all of us. Although he is physically gone, someone so special could never be forgotten for he has left a legacy of love. We love you Dad and will continue to work towards preserving your memory and mak ing you proud.
A visitation was held at 7pm, Oct 12 at Thompson Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life took place at 2pm, Oct. 15 at Palm Valley Church.
To leave the family condolences, please visit www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com/ obituary/charles-chuck-watson
Seth D. Otis
Seth, age 45, passed away in Tempe. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer and one son, James.
Services will be held at Cornerstone Christian Center 11301 W Indian School Rd on October 20, at 10:00AM.
Socorro Moreno Cons
Socorro Moreno Cons, 97, passed away peacefully on October 7th, 2022, at home in Goodyear, Arizona.
She was born on May 13, 1925 in Bisbee, Arizona. Socorro and her husband owned and operated Cons Cafe in Avondale until their retirement in 1990. To this day people still request their great Mexican cuisine.
While her husband, Loreto, was in the service during WWII, Socorro worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber with a group of women known as "Rosie the Riveter" making parts for the wings of airplanes.
Her favorite past times were going the Senior Center, playing bingo, and feeding the birds.
Socorro is survived by her sons Richard, Mike, Tony, and daughter Carmen, eight grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren.
Visitation was held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Goodyear on Thursday, October 13th at 10:00am, Rosary at 10:30am and Mass at 11:00am. Graveside Service will follow immediately at Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley.
You may send the family condolences at www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.
Misty Louann Green
Misty Green passed peacefully in her home September 23rd, 2022. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday October 29th, 2022 - 10:30 AM at The White Tanks Baptist Church, 1420 N 192nd Avenue, Buckeye, AZ 85396
Paul R. Stucky
Paul went to be with the Lord on May 8, 2022. Obituary May 12, 2022. His memorial service is at The Church at Litchfield Park at 1:00 on Saturday, October 22, 2022.
The service can also be viewed at tiny.cc/LPFunerals. He is survived by his wife Meredeth and sons Jacob (Sarah) and Eric.
Craig Stanton
Craig Anthony Stanton has passed away at the age of 56 years old on October 2, 2022. Craig was born in Mountain View, CA on March 20, 1966 to Bob and LeAnn Stanton.
A memorial service is scheduled for 1:00 pm, October 12th at Thompson Funeral Chapel located in Goodyear, AZ, with a reception to follow at the West Valley Fellowship Club in Avondale AZ.
To read the full obituary and leave the family condolences, please visit thompsonfuneralchapel.com/ obituary/craig-stanton
Your vote matters to our local high schools
BY MARK YSLAS Agua Fria High School District SuperintendentLast week voters received their ballots in the mail.
I can’t help but feel a sense of pride when I exercise my constitutional right to vote. I cherish that right and the responsibility that comes with participating in national, state and local elections. I like to go to the polling booth to cast my vote and proudly wear my “I voted” sticker throughout the day.
As the Agua Fria High School District superintendent, I have been asked
to explain a few things about the two ballot items that will directly impact the district.
If you reside within our district boundaries, you’ll have an opportunity to vote on a no-tax-increase maintenance and operations override and a no-tax-increase bond. Both of these items are continuations of the current property tax and will not increase tax rates.
Here are the most common questions asked about the bond and override.
What is the difference between a bond and an override?
Bonds support a district’s building
and facility needs. For our district, bond funds would support building a new high school; remodeling and adding classrooms to existing schools; repairing aging buildings; upgrading security systems and equipment; adding parking; and repairing and replacing air conditioners, roofs, etc.
Overrides support a district’s personnel and program needs. For our district, override funds would support expanding vocational and career/ technical education, hiring additional security personnel, creating workforce development academies, and providing competitive pay to retain and attract highly qualified teachers and staff. In addition, the override supports the arts, athletics, Jr. ROTC and specialized academic programs.
Are both the bond and override needed?
Yes, both the bond and override are needed to continue to provide the best possible education to every student that attends Agua Fria, Canyon View, Desert Edge, Millennium and Verrado high schools. State and federal dollars are not enough to meet the needs of our district. Almost all school districts around the state are supported by their local homeowners through bonds and overrides. In our district, our needs are magnified due to the skyrocketing growth here in the Southwest Valley.
What will happen if these items fail?
Without an override, the district
would lose approximately $3.5 million following the November election, $7 million the second year, and more than $10 million the third year and beyond. As a result, the district would have to consider cuts to salary and benefits for all staff and elimination of student programs such as career and technical education, Jr. ROTC, medical assisting, computer programming and coding, engineering, arts, athletics, etc.
Without the bond, the district would not be able to adequately meet the challenges presented by the rapid growth in the Southwest Valley. As a result, there would be insufficient funding for the much-needed new high school. Our existing schools will become more overcrowded, and classroom sizes will continue to increase.
Also, it will become increasingly more difficult to upgrade and repair aging schools with a lack of funds. In addition, our ability to upgrade our campuses with modern security systems will be limited.
As the election season winds down, we will all be excited that the TV ads interrupting our favorite shows or sporting events will stop. The beauty of the community will reappear when the political signs that clutter street corners are taken down. We can all breathe a sigh of relief knowing the end of the 2022 election season is here.
With the support of our community, our schools will continue to flourish with the funding provided by the override and bond.
For more stories & the latest news: westvalleyview.com
West Valley students featured on GCU worship album
BY SUMMER AGUIRRE West Valley View Staff WriterGrandCanyon University’s Worship Arts program has released its seventh student worship album, and two West Valley natives contributed their musical talents to its creation.
Litchfield Park resident Edwin Lopez and Peoria resident Victoria Gutierrez were featured on several songs on GCU’s student album this year, “Canyon Worship 2022,” which is through its Center for Worship Arts. Collaboration was a significant factor in the album’s genesis, resulting in a collection of songs reflecting the students’ feelings and experiences in an honest light.
“When people hear the album, I really just hope they know that these songs come from places that really are as organic as they feel and sound,” said Lopez, a recent GCU graduate. “I know every single person on every single one of the songs on the album and they’re all my friends, and so it was just really cool to see not only the way that God is working through them but the way that they’re able to let themselves be known in such a vulnerable way.”
“Canyon Worship 2022,” produced by music industry veterans Geoff Hunker and David Willey, was released Sept. 9 after a year’s worth of efforts. It presents 11 tracks, four of which featured three or more students.
Lopez co-wrote and recorded the songs “Here (I Will Be)” and “Sometimes,” while Gutierrez co-wrote and played bass in “Sometimes,” “The Real Thing” and “I’m Yours.”
Left, This year’s student album was a collaborative e ort, as four of its 11 tracks featured three or more students. Right, GCU’s annual student worship albums are produced through the school’s Center for Worship arts. Its seventh album, “Canyon Worship 2022,” features West Valley natives Edwin Lopez and Victoria Gutierrez. (GCU/Submitted)
“It was cool to not only be in a new environment and learn to work with new people and new creatives,” Lopez said.
“But it was also really cool to be able to be with a lot of people that hadn’t done records yet, haven’t been able to be part of songwriting sessions, and see a song that they wrote be produced in a very different type of lens and getting to as many ears as it has.”
Gutierrez enjoyed learning about the value of collaboration, and cherishes the opportunity she had to sit down with the other students and realize that “you’re not alone in the experiences you have.”
“It’s really sweet to just get together with friends and see that we’ve all been through similar things in life and that we can all come to the same understanding about
God and the way he’s been so faithful to us,” she said. “That was a really nice thing to feel throughout the whole process of songwriting and really getting those ideas down in the song and then even in the recording process, which was really neat.”
The Worship Arts program, which is through GCU’s College of Theology, blends ministry and performance with a variety of industry experts, instructors and experienced worship ministers.
Its worship albums are released annually and are fully created by the program’s current students. They are recorded at the GCU Recording Lab, one of 49 Lopes Live Labs (L3’s) on campus, which are designed to provide students with hands-on experience leading to real-world skills.
Every December, Worship Arts hosts an open mic show, where students can
submit original songs to perform. Those chosen to showcase their music are then placed in a separate pool, and their songs are picked based on whether they will come together in a cohesive album.
“It takes off from there, and then it becomes a cool process of recording, finding musicians and refining lyrics so that it can be tracked, produced and mixed into what they become for everybody to hear and enjoy,” said Lopez, who praised the program’s efforts to present students with platforms and opportunities like the annual albums.
Gutierrez expressed that she never thought she would be able to record music and is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Worship Arts community.
“Canyon Worship 2022” can be streamed on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.
Estrella
BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFFEstrella
Mountain Community College recently hosted the inaugural AZ HSI Summit.
The summit, which took place on Oct. 7, was highly anticipated, and its registration filled up nearly 30 days before the event took place.
The in-person conference held at Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) welcomed over 250 faculty, staff, administrators, students and community partners. It showcased and exchanged evidence-based practices that effectively and intentionally support Latinx students and build capacity among faculty and staff to teach and lead at Hispanic-serving institutions, or HSIs.
“HSIs are very diverse institutions,” said Dr. Rey Rivera, EMCC president and AZ HSI Consortium co-founder. “A lot of the students are first-generation college students. Many come from socioeconomic backgrounds that are probably lower than the national average. So, we really have to focus on the ‘serving’ part of the Hispanic-serving
institution title and take a holistic approach to develop our services and resources.”
There are 559 HSIs located throughout the United States and Puerto Rico and, as of 2021, there were 20 HSIs in Arizona alone.
To be designated an HSI, a college or university must have a student body population that is at least 25% Hispanic. EMCC has been designated an HSI since 1996, when its student population was about 28% Hispanic. Today, it is around 55%.
The University of Arizona was designated an HSI in 2018 and currently has 26% Hispanic total enrollment.
The summit kicked off with a continental breakfast and welcome remarks from Paul Luna, president and CEO at Helios Education Foundation; Bettina Celis, Maricopa Community College District acting vice chancellor and provost, Academic and Student Affairs; Dr. Marla Franco, AZ HSI Consortium co-founder and University of Arizona Associate vice provost, Hispanic Serving Institution Ini-
College hosts AZ HSI Summit
tiatives; and Rivera.
Dr. Gina Garcia, associate professor, Educational Foundations, Organizations, and Policy, University of Pittsburgh, delivered the keynote.
Breakout sessions such as “Learning from Students to Better Serve Our Students”, “Undocumented Students Deserve Access to Higher Education,” and “Theory Meets Access: Working to Increase College Pathways for the Underserved” followed, and the day concluded with a networking reception.
“It’s been incredible to see such a positive response from the AZ HSI community,” Franco said. “This inaugural summit marks an exciting time for convening some of the most intentional partners committed to advancing educational attainment among Latinx students in Arizona. This work is imperative,
Pictured from left to right: Dr. Rey Rivera, AZ HSI Consortium co-founder and EMCC president; Dr. Marla Franco, AZ HSI Consortium co-founder, and University of Arizona Associate vice provost, Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives; and Paul Luna, president and CEO at Helios Education Foundation. (Estrella Mountain Community College/Submitted)
Find a Job at a Career Fair
Careerfairs are a time-honored way of bringing many employers and job seekers together at once.
Whether sponsored by colleges, government job agencies or professional organizations, career fairs are an opportunity to meet with employers, learn about job openings and companies, schedule interviews and maybe even go home with a job.
Preparing for a career fair
The first thing you need to do is decide what you want from the fair. Are you merely collecting information? Are you hoping to get a job while there? Are you planning to market yourself?
Dress for the job you want. If you’re going to a career fair that is hiring for a manufacturing job, it may be acceptable to wear clean jeans and a shirt. For a professional job, a business suit is more appropriate. It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed. While a career fair for artistic/design and creative jobs might allow for more leeway, generally you want to dress conservatively.
Get a list of who will be at the career fair and research them. This helps you plan who you want to see. This also lets you spend your limited time with each recruiter talking about your qualifications rather than having to learn their basic information.
Prepare questions to ask about a job opening — but avoid such things as pay rate or benefi ts. What are some good questions? Ask things like the average tenure of employees at the organization, what sort of attributes are
essential to success in the organization, or what accomplishments are valued and rewarded in the organization.
Prepare your elevator speech or commercial. Introduce yourself in 30 seconds and communicate what you are looking for and why you are interested in a job provider. Practice before you go. The ASHA Career Portal recommends including who you are, what your passion is, what your purpose is and the skills you have to achieve it, and what your something “extra” is.
Packing for a fair
Print several copies of the strongest version you have of your resume, one designed to appeal to the type of companies that will be at the career fair.
Other things to take include a pen, notepad and breath mints. Don’t chew gum. Carry a portfolio or a briefcase.
At the fair
Always behave professionally—whether you are in the restroom, the elevator or standing in front of a booth. You never know who is going to see or hear you.
Project confidence. Use a strong handshake, make eye contact and speak in a clear and natural voice.
Be aware of your body language and project the image of a professional.
After the fair
Send thank-you letters to those employers that you have a high amount of interest in, especially if you gave them a resume. Identify the jobs you are interested in and if you didn’t give them a resume
at the fair, follow up with a cover letter and resume, mentioning that you met a representative.
JOIN THE TEAM AT
Update your resume with anything you learned that better reflects your qualifications.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE NOW!
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SERVICES
Cleaning Services
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GARAGE SALES/ BAZAARS
Sundance Adult Village Community Wide Garage Sale! Sat. Nov. 5th 8a-Noon Located 1/2 mile east of the intersection of Watson & Yuma, in Buckeye (north of Yuma Road)
FULTON ESTATES COMM YARD SALE Fri Oct 21 & Sat 22 7a-2p. Community is located between Indian School & Thomas Rd. From 135th Ave to 138th Ave. Look for banners!
MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE
Palm Valley 2/3 Community Yard Sale Sat-Sun Oct 22-23
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EMPLOYMENT GENERAL
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Local welding supply business is looking for an energetic person/full time position to work MondayFriday, and one half day Saturday per month. Duties include yard maintenance, filling propane, and assisting customers. Bilingual helpful. Not just a dead-end job-room for growth. Great company to start your career. Benefits include vacation time, holiday pay, health and medical benefits, 401K opportunity and many more. Wage starts at $15.00 with a review at 60 days.
Send resume to rase@vernlewis.com or apply in person 742 E. Main, Avondale.
HANDYMAN
Large CommunityTools, Furniture, Electronic, Housewares, Art, Books, Toys, Kids Items, Patio Goods, Collectibles & More.
Multiple Entrances Indian School & 144th or Bullard & Cambridge or Thomas & 140th Ave (Goodyear)
Private bath with shared kitchen and laundry. Pool. Female only. Located in Goodyear. $600 a month. Includes all utilities/wifi. 623-734-4874
ROOMS FOR RENT
Seasonal Room for rent. Oct-May Private entrance, bath, and kitchen. Includes: utilities, and wifi. No Pets/Smokers Can send pics. $650 month. $300 deposit. 585-202-2056
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NOTICE OF ELECTION OF DIRECTOR OF ROOSEVELT IRRIGATION DISTRICT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an election for the offices of Director of Division I and for I At-Large Members of Roosevelt Irrigation District will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2022. The polls will be open at 8:00 a.m. and will close at 6:00 p.m. The polling place shall be at the district office, located at 103 West Baseline, Buckeye, Arizona 85326.
DATED this 26th day of September, 2022 /s/ Donovan L. Neese, Secretary Roosevelt Irrigation District Published: West Valley View, Oct 2022 / 49432
PUBLIC NOTICES
CITY OF BUCKEYE
PUBLIC NOTICE
The City of Buckeye is seeking applicants t o serve on its various boards and commissions
In order to be considered for vacant seats, indi viduals must be eighteen years of age or older, a Buckeye resident for at least one year, and a r egistered voter. Interested individuals ma y complete and submit the Boards and Commis s ions Application found here : https://www.buckeyeaz.gov/government/city clerk/boards-and-commissions. For additional i nformation, please contact the City Clerk’ s Office at (623) 349-6914 or cityclerk@buck eyeaz.gov
Published: West Valley View / Business Oct 12, 19, 26, 2022 / 49685