Ahwatukee Foothills News 1/18/2023

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

The proposed 417-unit apartment complex on 50th Street near Ray Road appears to be on a fast track for city approval after a positive review by the Phoenix Planning Department and a Planning Commission review already scheduled.

Although the Ahwatukee Foothills Village Planning Committee is set to review

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

Marty Gibson spent several years of painstaking research writing two books on the history of Ahwatukee.

So, he knows what he is talking about when he says, “The history of the Ahwatukee Recreation Center is the history of Ahwatukee.”

And that’s why the ARC is beginning a yearlong celebration of its 50th anniversary with a gift to the community in the form of three free discussions over the next three months facilitated by Gibson with some of the people who were instrumental in laying the foundation for the world’s biggest cul de sac.

The first of these 90-minute programs, open to the public, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at the ARC, 5001 E Cheyenne Drive.

and vote a recommendation on a rezoning request for the project next Monday, the Planning Commission review was set several weeks ago for 6 p.m. Feb. 2 – which could lead to City Council action later next month.

Everest Holdings and Scottsdale multifamily developer P.B. Bell want a 13.95-acre site on 50th Street between E. Thistle Landing Drive and Ray Road rezoned for the sixbuilding complex.

They would build it after razing the two-

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building Commerce Park office complex, which they said is nearly empty and basically useless in the wake of shifts in the Valley’s office building market.

The VPC meeting at 6 p.m. Monday is virtual.

While some committee members last month complained that City Council meets in person but still is forcing village plan-

At 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center, Ahwatukee historian Marty Gibson, right, will facilitate the first of his three discussions with some of the people who were Ahwatukee’s early “settlers.” Two of those people are Sensei Rick Savagian, left, founder of and head instructor at Mountainside Martial Arts and Pete Meier, former vice president of sales for Pressley Development Co.. Savagian is one of the featured guests at this Saturday’s presentation. Meier, who will be a guest speaker at the second installment, is a Realtor and commander of American Legion Post 64, Ahwatukee’s only formal veterans organization. The series is part of the ARC’s 50th anniversary celebration. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer) see ARC page 8

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The Ahwatukee Foothills News is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Ahwatukee Foothills.

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TU board tries to mend rifts as it reorganizes

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

The two school governing boards that serve Ahwatukee each officially welcomed a new member last week and for one, the traditional January reorganization session to elect a president and vice president was uneventful.

But while that was the case for the Kyrene Governing Board, the Tempe Union board saw a little drama before its new leadership was installed.

In Kyrene, Ahwatukee educator Triné Nelson took her oath to begin her first term while Kevin Walsh was sworn into his second four-year term. Walsh was then elected president of the board for the third consecutive year while longtime board member and Tempe Union administrator Michelle Fahy was elected vice president.

Tempe Union saw some action after Ahwatukee speech therapist Amanda Steele was sworn into her first term and Andres Barraza his second.

It came when the board elected a new president and vice president.

Sarah James nominated Vice President Armando Montero – an Ahwatukee resident, Arizona State University senior and Desert Vista High School alumnus –for president. He got some competition when Berdetta Hodge nominate Barraza for the job.

Hodge had nominated Barraza for president in the Tempe Union board’s January 2022 reorganization meeting but then-board member Brian Garcia was voted into his second term in the position. She then nominated Barraza –who started his first term the same time Garcia did – for vice president but Garcia backed Montero.

Before the voting last week, Barraza gave a speech that suggested he still felt bruised by that maneuvering, together with some largely behind-the-scenes battles with Garcia over the board’s ultimately failed effort to discontinue armed school resource officers on Tempe Union campuses by August 2023.

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Barraza said he felt shut out when he tried to slow down the dismantling of SROs after numerous parents, students, staff and community members decried the move.

“I value everyone’s point in positions, but leadership has to be about supporting our board,” Barraza said. “I had no voice... I had it shut out largely last year and that was very detrimental to me and very hurtful.”

Without ever mentioning Garcia, who decided against a second term, Barraza continued, “

“I think at the end of the day, leadership has to be about supporting the district, supporting the students, supporting what our district does,” he continued. “We can’t be political and push issues to the forefront because we believe in it. This district has a history of working with the community.”

Adding salt to his wounds, he said, was a “board evaluation meeting” held partly behind closed doors last month.

“I was devastated last December when we held our board evaluation, but we held it not in the boardroom here. We

held in a back room, but it was still a public meeting because we kept the door open for evaluations,” he said. “The work that the board does should always be transparent.”

Barraza didn’t think his speech would change the course of the vote, stating, “Now, I don’t have any presumption I will get elected.”

He had reason to feel that way. During the January 2022 reorganization meeting, he seemed pretty confident he’d win the vice president’s chair and gave a long speech that sounded more like an acceptance than a campaign speech. He ended up with only Hodge’s vote on the five-member board.

Barraza has made no secret of his

past and has spoken at length about his early life, which saw him enter prison for a short time for unspecified drug-related charges.

Ultimately, though, he became a U.S. Forest Service firefighter, earned an economics degree while a student in ASU’s

see SCHOOLS page 14

During the Tempe Union Governing Board meeting, Desert Vista High School alumnus Armando Montero, left, was elected board president after board member Andres Barraza. center, declined his nomination. He had just been sworn in for his second term while Amanda Steele of Ahwatukee also was sworn in for her first term and then elected vice president of the board. (Special to AFN)

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Gov. Katie Hobbs collected nearly $1.5 million in donations from corporations and other special interests to cover the cost of her inauguration.

But the event cost only about $207,000 to put on.

And that’s going to leave her with a bunch of money she can spend on everything from gifts to visiting dignitaries to trying to flip control of the Arizona Legislature to Democrat in 2024.

The report, obtained by Capitol Media Services, also shows that Arizona Public Service, the state’s largest electric utility, was the biggest donor at $250,000.

APS had previously confirmed that it was had given money but refused to say how much the company was providing. Company spokesman Mike Philipsen would say only that the company was

“joining Arizona businesses to support the governor’s inauguration.’’

He also said that the donation is “directed specifically to the 2023 gubernatorial inauguration committee, meaning it can be used in support of all inauguration functions.’’

But the APS contribution itself exceeds what the event cost, with what to do with the balance now up to Hobbs because she set up the inaugural fund under a section of the Internal Revenue Code that allows proceeds to be used for political purposes.

If she spends the APS surplus and the rest of the money from other donors to help get Democrats elected in 2024, that would prove to be a bit of irony.

The company gave more than $850,000 to the Republican Governors Association this election cycle. And that organization in turn provid-

ed more than $9 million to the Yuma County Republican Central Committee. which used the cash to run commercials seeking to defeat Hobbs.

APS would not comment on whether the donation to the inaugural fund – the largest by a factor of 2.5 over any other – was a way of mending political fences with the new Democratic governor as the company’s investment in the RGA is disclosed in public reports.

While APS was the largest donor, there were others in the six-figure range.

That includes Blue Cross Blue Shield, which not only offers health insurance plans to state employees but also lobbies on insurance legislation at the state Capitol.

Also at the $100,000 level is the Realtors Issue Mobilization Committee. It provides grants to local Realtor associations to advocate on public policy issues. Its funding was cited by the Arizona Association of Realtors in the successful 2016 campaign to add a measure to the state constitution to forever prohibit the taxing of services, including real estate services.

And Sunshine Residential Homes, which provides care to children removed from their homes by the state Department of Child Safety, also kicked in $100,000.

There also was a $50,000 donation from William Perry, owner of William K. Perry Farms which grows cotton and alfalfa.

The Union Pacific Corporation Fund for Effective Government kicked in $26,450, with $25,000 donations from the Tohono O’odham Nation, Southwest Mountain States Regional Council of Carpenters, homebuilder Taylor Morrison, the Arizona Dispensary Associa-

tion that represents marijuana shops, the Health System Alliance of Arizona which lobbies on behalf of major hospitals, Honeywell International PAC and several individuals.

And there are a series of $10,000 and $5,000 donations, a few smaller and one at $25.

The amounts donated are far in excess of what anyone could have given Hobbs or any other candidate for statewide office.

For the election just completed, Arizona law limited individual donations for statewide candidates to $5,300. Even political parties could give no more than $80,300 to a party’s nominee.

And corporate donations to candidates the kind that went to fund the inaugural are entirely prohibited.

It wasn’t just Hobbs collecting money for the inaugural.

A separate State Inaugural Fund that received donations and pledges of about $85,000, the largest of which was $25,000 from food giant conglomerate Pepsico. Hobbs press aide Murphy Hebert said those dollars will be used to pay for event-production expenses.

Hobbs has been under pressure to release information on the sources of funds for the inaugural event since Capitol Media Services first wrote at the beginning of the month that she was not fully disclosing the names of all the individuals or corporations paying for the celebration.

She subsequently put a full list of the names in a booklet that was given out at the Jan. 5 event and listed them on an inaugural web site. But this is the first time there is a full accounting of how much each has donated. see

It will feature Bruce Gilliam, president of Presley Development Company of Arizona – which built the community’s first subdivisions, including the ARC; Rick Savagian, the first director of what was then the Ahwatukee Community Center and founder-owner of Mountainside Martial Arts – Ahwatukee’s oldest solelyowned business; and Mark Salem, who owned Ahwatukee’s first service station and co-founded the Ahwatukee Merchants Association. Gilliam will speak via Zoom on a large screen in the ARC auditorium.

Gibson last week explained his plans for the series as two of his upcoming guests, Savagian and Realtor Pete Meier, reminisced about Ahwatukee’s early years.

When Gibson held a somewhat similar discussion four years ago after he published his second history of Ahwatukee, “Historic Tales form Ahwatukee Foothills,” he packed the ARC auditorium with people eager to learn how the community they call home came to be. They were early residents of Ahwatukee who offered a glimpse of what life was like for them in the 1970s.

This time around, Gibson has selected some key figures who laid the foundation for Ahwatukee at a time when – as developer Randall Pressley wrote in Gibson’s first book – it was 2,720 acres of desert with a few irrigated fields, an abandoned ranch and a caretaker’s house.

“I had been told that local farmers viewed the area as a no-man’s land, since its only source of water were a few isolated wells,” Pressley wrote in Gibson’s “Images of America: Phoenix’s Ahwatukee-Foothills.”

“But I saw something else,” he continues. “There was a breathtaking beauty in the foothills of South Mountain. There was easy access to a major freeway. The land’s proximity to Arizona State University and Phoenix hospitals would likely be attractive to retirees, And there were natural boundaries that I believed, under the right circumstances, could give the area a unique appeal and sense of community.”

Gibson will moderate a relaxed conversation with some of the people who shared Pressley’s vision and worked hard to turn it into reality.

As one of those people, Savagian recalled how Gilliam had brought him on

board in 1979 “because he wanted me to do something with the community center” that is now the Ahwatukee Swim, Tennis and Events Center on Warner Road and 48th Street.

Gilliam felt Savagian was overqualified because he had just completed work on his master’s degree in Wisconsin and had a job as director of a YMCA in that state.

Turns out Savagian was a great hire.

He held the inaugural 5K run at 5 a.m. in the summer, defying Valley events planners who thought no one would show up to defy the heat.

When 500 runners showed up for the first Ahwatukee Five and Five, Savagian knew he was on to a good thing – as did Gilliam, who initially thought the idea was nuts.

“We went from a local tiny 5K to an international spot in two years,” said Savagian, who put on 42 races in seven years.

Of course, physical fitness wasn’t the real motivation for the runs: it was to promote Ahwatukee and sell homes.

“The 15K we started in front of the country club and the villas were just being built,” Savagian said, explaining that participants would have to pick up a swag bag in one of those new homes. In

one day, Pressley sold five.

Gilliam also wanted Savagian to teach karate to kids, though he was busy.

“I was training at the time at a very high level,” he said. “My focus was to eventually make the 1984 U.S. (Olympics) team.

When he got an invitation to be part of the team, Savagian told Gilliam he needed a sponsor. Gilliam told him to write to Pressley .

“I wrote a letter, Fed Exed it to him and within 24 hours Randall called Bruce and said ‘Get what he needs to be on that team.’ And then Randall funded that trip.”

Savagian’s participation on the team also generated a considerable amount of publicity, which in turn generate a lot of business for his Mountainside Martial Arts Center – the oldest owner-owned business in Ahwatukee.

Meier added that the runs Savagian organized also helped get Ahwatukee exposure to families.

“We had a lot of traffic for retirement,” said Meier, who was vice president of sales and marketing for Pressley and is now commander of American Legion

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Post 64, Ahwatukee’s only official veterans organization.

The ARC played a big role in attracting those retirees.

Pressley built a golf course and the ARC, which became a 55+ sub-association of the sprawling Ahwatukee Board of Management homeowner association.

Over time, it gave birth to 28 craft clubs, a nonprofit that sends packages to overseas troops and Legion Post 64’s headquarters. The ARC also makes social memberships available to non-residents over 55 who pay a higher annual fee to participate in the clubs, use the pool, tennis and pickleball courts and billiards and physical fitness rooms.

While reconstructing the ARC’s history, Gibson’s discussions also will enlighten the audience on the formation of the broader Ahwatukee community and the various gimmicks Pressley and others used to grow it.

Those gimmicks included “The House of the Future” on Equestrian Trail, to which Pressley ran hundreds of buses filled with tourists from the airport. The

buses would wind their way slowly past Pressley houses that were available for purchase.

Gibson aims to make the sessions informative but “pure entertainment.”

While his books are available on amazon.com and historypress.com, they also will be on sale at the three ARC discussions.

For now, Gibson is not thinking much about the subsequent sessions slated for Feb. 25 and April 1.

“Our thought is, ‘Let’s get the first session under our belt,’” he said, not sure how many Ahwatukee residents today will care about how the community they call home was born.

Savagian doesn’t share that concern, explaining how he’s trying to persuade his wife to attend “because, you know, I want her to see how everything got started.”

And he believes how everything got started will offer an engaging 90 minutes for anyone with an Ahwatukee ZIP code.

“We want to create the feeling of what it was like back then, the weird things that happened,” he said. “And there were a lot of weird things that happened.” 

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HOBBS

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“With the inauguration events now behind us, we are fulfilling the governor’s commitment to transparency by disclosing the donations made to the Inaugural Fund as well as expenditures from the fund that helped cover the costs of the Jan. 5 inauguration ceremony,’’ Nicole DeMont, director of the inaugural committee said in a prepared statement.

Republican Doug Ducey raised outside money, including at his second inaugural in 2019 where he sold tickets for the best seats to the event. For example, a $25,000 donation got six seats up front, three parking passes, six reception tickets, three photos and six inaugural pins.

But what was left over after paying costs was placed into the “protocol fund’’ that governors can use for things like gifts to dignitaries. Arizona law requires governors to annually account for how those monies were spent.

When Jan Brewer was sworn in in 2011, she raised $200,000 from lobbying firms, business interests and the state’s major utilities. When the event didn’t cost that much, leftover funds were earmarked to

refurbish the governor’s offices, particularly to pay for new carpeting.

And Janet Napolitano’s 2007 inauguration raised only $150,000 from private sources to supplement the $60,000 budgeted in state funds, with no indication of anything left over.

By contrast, Hobbs set up her inaugural committee as a “social welfare organization,’’ a category under the Internal Revenue Code for nonprofits that allows at least a portion of the funds to be used for political purposes. That 501(c) (4) category is the same, for example, as the Free Enterprise Club which has used its status to promote candidates of its choice through independent expenditures for things like commercials.

And that enables Hobbs to use at least part of what’s left over after paying expenses to run the same kind of independent expenditure campaigns in 2024 to get a legislature more to her liking.

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SCHOOLS from page 5

Barrett, The Honors College – which Montero also attends – and became a Tempe businessman.

“This is my fifth year and I’m very proud to serve at Tempe Union High School District for my fifth year on a second term – coming from being a teen parent that went to prison just shortly after high school for drug abuse. I learned the importance of education and I realized that the school-to-prison pipeline is a real issue,” he said. “And that’s ultimately why I restored my rights and ran for school board.”

But he said “that’s not really why I want to be president of this board” and referred to “a lot of turmoil and division among this board.”

“I think it really just kind of took a toll on me because I think it all began after the SRO situation and after that, I didn’t get an opportunity to really heal or talk to any of my other board members regarding that.”

Garcia had tried to push through the SRO ban, which Montero supported.

But the uproar over that attempt forced him to back off an immediate ac-

tion and have the district conduct a series of surveys of different sectors of the district community and then conduct a series of other hearings and studies.

Barraza took a conciliatory tone to end his speech, stating, “We’re all former students of this district and….I think Armando Montero would make a good president.”

Then, he said, “in a spirit of healing,” he was asking that his nomination be withdrawn and Montero was unanimously elected. Hodge cast the lone vote in support of his nomination to be vice president.

Montero thanked Barraza after he withdrew from the president’s race, saying, “We are going into. very transformational year here in Tempe Union and as we’re going to renew our strategic plan and have some really robust discussions about the values that we hold, not just as a board but as a district.”

Kevin Walsh was sworn into his second term and elected to his third term as Kyrene Governing Board President while Trine Nelson took the oath to start her first term. Longtime board member Michelle Fahy was elected vice president. (YouTube)

Broadway Curve project to enhance walkways, bike paths

BY AMY RITZ AFN Guest Writer

Connecting Arizona. Everyone. Everywhere. Everyday. That’s our Mission at the Arizona Department of Transportation, and it includes multimodal transportation.

Yet, say “ADOT” and many people think of highways, cars and trucks.

We know many Arizonans rely on (or perhaps prefer) alternate modes of transportation such as bicycles, scooters and their own foot power.

Because of this, one of the goals of the Interstate 10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project is to “enhance pedestrian and bicycling connectivity by reducing pressure on local roads and making pedestrian crossing improvements.”

While much of the focus is on the mega project’s new vehicle travel lanes and major traffic interchange reconstruction work, crews are also building and improving bridges for people who ride bicycles, skate, scoot and walk to their destinations.

We are happy to say the project’s goal of enhancing pedestrian and bicycle connectivity will begin to take shape in 2023, as crews place the massive prefabricated steel trusses for two new multi-use bridges over I-10 – one at the Western Canal and another at Alameda Drive.

Also in 2023, crews expect to complete widening work on the Guadalupe Road bridge to improve the Sun Circle Trail connection.

Alameda Drive

A multi-use bridge over I-10 at Alameda Drive has been envisioned for decades. Alameda Drive was listed as an alternative bicycle corridor in Tempe’s 1991 bike plan; and in 1995, the same plan expressly mentioned building a pedestrian bridge at Alameda Drive. Today, Alameda Drive has some of the highest east-west bicycle ridership in Tempe.

The city is currently undertaking the Alameda Drive Streetscape Project and, when it is complete, Alameda Drive will serve as a multi-modal corridor connecting Tempe to Phoenix and eventually Mesa.

The new multi-use bridge that’s included as part of the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project will provide the long-awaited safe passage over the interstate.

As a bonus, the bridge offers an alternate route to Tempe Diablo Stadium,

Completion of a multiuse bridge as part of the I-10 Guadalupe Road overpass between Guadalupe and Ahwatukee closes one of the gaps in the Sun Circle Trail, the 120-mile trail system links cities and towns throughout Maricopa County. This is the way construction looked last November and that project is expected to wrap up this year. (ADOT)

where an estimated 150,000 people a year attend free events, charity walks, youth sports and spring training baseball games.

Western Canal

Walkers, runners and bicyclists have long enjoyed the trails that line the canal system throughout the metroPhoenix region. The Western Canal trail between Price Road and 19th Avenue is no exception.

However, there’s a major roadblock between Priest Drive on the east and 48th Street on the west: the I-10/US 60 traffic interchange. Our construction of a multiuse bridge just south of the interchange will provide a safe bypass for people who use the Western Canal trail for exercise, as well as residents on the west side of I-10 who can – at long last – walk to shopping, dining and entertainment venues just a few hundred feet to the east.

Guadalupe Road Bridge

The Sun Circle Trail is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts in the Valley. The 120mile trail system links cities and towns throughout Maricopa County; however, in some areas it is interrupted by roadways.

One example is Guadalupe Road.

Although the Guadalupe Road bridge crosses I-10, it’s not wide enough to accommodate the various types of trail users. The I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project includes widening the bridge to improve the Sun Circle Trail crossing.

This means hikers, mountain bikers and even horseback riders will have safe access to and from popular trails in South Mountain Park.

The improvements will also benefit the people who regularly walk or ride bicycles between Phoenix to the west and Guadalupe and Tempe to the east.

We anticipate opening the widened and improved Guadalupe Road bridge for all users in 2023. Construction of the two other multi-use bridges will continue throughout the year. We look forward to letting you know when they are open and ready for use.

Throughout 2023, expect to see other major progress on the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project. I encourage you to “stay ahead of the curve” at i10BroadwayCurve.com.

Amy Ritz is project manager for the Arizona Department of Transportation’s I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project. 

Biden infrastructure program passes on I-10 widening

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Arizona taxpayers could end up having to shell out another $360 million if they want to smooth car and truck traffic between Tucson and Phoenix.

Sen. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge, said last week he is preparing legislation to have the state provide that cash after a request for a federal grant to widen a section of Interstate 10 was rejected. He said using the funds the state already has would ensure the project’s

completion – which he said is justified, given the number of Arizonans affected by the fact that a 26-mile stretch is now just two lanes in each direction.

The Legislature last year appropriated $400 million for the widening project.

Shope said his measure will have a sweetener for his colleagues who might otherwise balk at ponying up additional cash.

It says the dollars the state puts up would go back into the treasury for other priorities if and when some new source of federal dollars could be found.

Casa Grande Mayor Craig McFarland

said that having the state front the funds fits into the scenario where there would be another bid for the grant.

“But we need to start moving on it now,’’ he said of the project. “We can’t wait for us to get all the money and begin the process.’’

Arizona’s bid for a share of National Infrastructure Project Assistance was rejected.

What appears to have happened, Shope said, is federal highway officials were more interested in funding what he called “green transportation’’ for this round of grants. That might

include things like alternatives to driving, like bikeways.

“If we were talking about a central Phoenix or central Tucson project it obviously would have been more helpful,’’ he said, versus “a 26-mile stretch in the middle of the desert.’’

Rep. Teresa Martinez, R-Casa Grande, was blunter in her comments why the state lost those federal dollars.

“To not fund an interstate because it does not have bike paths? because it doesn’t have a trail?’’ she asked. see WIDEN page 17

WIDEN

“That’s ridiculous,’’ Martinez said. “If the Biden administration thinks that the I-10 interstate is not as important as a bike path I think they have misjudged the situation.’’

But it’s not clear that Arizona lost out because its proposal wasn’t “green enough.’’

Information provided by the office of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly shows that of the nine grants that were funded this year, five were interstate expansion projects. And two actually were for widening stretches of I-10, one in California and the other in Louisiana.

It may also be the Arizona ask was just too large.

The California grant was for $60 million and Louisiana got $150 million. And there was only $1.1 billion available this year.

Less clear is whether the rejection by the U.S. Department of Transportation will delay the scheduled 2026 completion of the project -- and whether Shope can convince colleagues to pony up additional dollars.

For its part, the Arizona Department of Transportation isn’t saying much.

Spokesman Luis Lopez said his agency has not received official notification of the status of its grant application.

The state has been widening sections of the interstate, which stretches from Santa Monica, California, to Jacksonville, Florida, for years. But the last section has been an issue.

Shope, who sponsored last year’s $400 million appropriation, said some of that had to do with the fact that the stretch from Queen Creek Road on the edge of Chandler to State Route 287 outside of Casa Grande runs through the Gila River Indian Community.

He said some of that was residual bad feelings from the tribe which felt it didn’t have any say when I-10 was cut through the reservation. Now, Shope said, Stephen Roe Lewis, governor of the community, has been a participant.

Last year’s $400 million appropriation had little trouble getting enacted, with a 27-1 vote in the Senate and 55-1 in the House, as the state was flush with cash.

That was the result of a 17% increase in revenues in the 2022 fiscal year. But legislative budget staffers predict that will

see WIDEN page 18

moderate to 6% this year and just 2% the year after that.

But Shope said he hopes to convince colleagues that this isn’t just a Pinal County problem.

He said probably half of the residents of the Casa Grande area with jobs drive daily into Maricopa County.

“When they do that, they drop their sales tax dollars into Maricopa County,’’ Shope said.

He also figures that the road links the three largest counties in the state where more than three-quarters of its residents live.

And Martinez said the road is used by more than just Pinal County residents. Then there’s the commerce aspect of it.

“If people in Maricopa want their Amazon packages or groceries in the grocery store, Interstate 10 doesn’t just benefit people in Pinal County,’’ she said.

Kelly said he shares the view of the importance of this project.

“Arizonans rely on the I-10 to connect them to jobs, educational opportunities and their families, which is why improving and expanding this highway is still

a top priority for me,’’ he said in a prepared statement.

The guarantee of a refund to taxpayers if a federal grant comes through is based on the premise that Arizona will have more success the second time around.

“I hope so,’’ McFarland said.

“I think we’ll learn from the first one,’’ he continued. “And, hopefully, we’ll get some feedback from the feds hopefully as to what we may have not done right in the first application.’’

McFarland also called it “pretty normal’’ for applicants not to get federal grants the first time they ask for it.

An aide to Kelly said the senator is waiting for state officials to be briefed “on why projects were or were not funded this year’’ to figure out how to get the grant moving forward.

Shope said Arizona may have something else working for it in its bid for federal dollars: Newly elected Republican Arizona Congressman Juan Ciscomani was placed on the House Appropriations Committee.

Shope also said he understands if the feds are looking to fund alternatives for transit aside from more pavement.

“I don’t believe that just the three

The stretch of I-10 would be fully widened between Phoenix and Casa Grande, making the. highway three lanes in each direction between here and Tucson. (ADOT)

lanes (in each direction) alone is going to solve the long-term problem that this is going to be,’’ he said. And part of that, Shope said, is the fact that the situation will become more than the current rushhour pattern, with heavy northbound

traffic in the morning and the reverse in the evening.

For example, he said Lucid Motors –which is now operating in Casa Grande –already has upwards of 5,000 employees. And many, Shope said, are driving in from the Southeast Valley of Maricopa County.

“You’re going to have the same situation with Nikola,’’ he said, which is expanding its truck manufacturing operation in Coolidge. And Shope noted that Procter & Gamble selected Coolidge as the location for its next manufacturing plant.

“So you’re going to have cross-traffic going either way, as opposed to just directional,’’ he said.

So far, though, intercity rail in Arizona has largely gotten no farther than studies.

Amtrak last year unveiled a 15-year expansion plan to connect communities in 25 states, including trips between Tucson and Phoenix with stops in Marana, Coolidge, Queen Creek and Tempe, with extensions out to Avondale and Buckeye.

Stephen Gardner, Amtrak president, estimated the line would attract 200,000 annual riders. 

ning committees to meet online, one Planning Department official told the Ahwatukee Foothills News that could change by spring.

“There is definitely talk about going back to in-person, but the earliest that will happen is for the February meetings,” the official said. “My guess is it might be pushed back to maybe March or April, but we shall see.”

To register or speak at the 6 p.m. Jan. 23 VPC meeting, go to: phoenix.gov/cityclerksite/PublicMeetings/230123001.pdf.

The city Planning Commission has not yet posted its agenda for the 6 p.m. Feb. 2 meeting.

The project first came before the Ahwatukee VPC last month but a vote was delayed until next week after three committee members said they had not been given enough time to review an information packet about it.

They also expressed concerns about the development’s impact on traffic in the area and on stretched ranks of Phoenix Police.

The developers would build four three-story buildings and two fourstory buildings housing what they call “highly amenitized” apartments aimed at “high-earning” single professionals and couples, according to attorney Manjula M. Vaz and P.B. Bell Principal R. Chapin Bell.

Bell said the complex would be no different from the complexes he has developed in the Valley over 42 years that house more than 20,000 apartments.

“We focus all our developments on really high quality, highly amenitized communities in markets that really have a need for housing,” he said.

Plans submitted by Everest Holdings indicate the two four-story buildings, which will be about 48 feet high, will be around the pool and clubhouse.

Bell said outdoor amenities will include a dog park, a multipurpose lot with barbecue areas, a fire pit and a tot lot.

The project also would not be far from a massive three-building distribution center on 50th Street that is already under construction.

The Converge Logistics Center’s developers have filed a rezoning application that would open its use to other kinds of companies. They have said it could

generate as many as 1,800 vehicle trips a day – mostly large semi-trailers that would proceed north to Ray when exiting in order to reach the I-10.

In its review of the apartment complex, city Planning staff said the project supports the city housing plan’s goal “of preserving or crating 50,000 housing units by 20230 by contributing to a variety of housing types which address the supply shortage at a more rapid pace while using underutilized land in a more sustainable fashion.”

It also said the project meets the needs of the “Ahwatukee Foothills employment center,” which it defines as an area with more than 418,000 workers within a 20-minute drive time.”

“The proposed development will continue to provide convenient access to established employment centers located to the north and south. Furthermore, the location would ensure access to adjacent metropolitan areas including downtown Phoenix, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and other retail locations,” the staff report states.

It also said the rezoning request “is consistent” with the area’s use in the Phoenix General Plan.

But the staff report also includes a letter from neighboring residents Andrew Harmsen and Michael and Carol Kolodziej that asked the VPC to reject the rezoning request.

“We are talking about a quality of life issue here,” the Kolodziejs wrote. “The additional traffic delays cause more pollution and air quality issues, wear and tear on our roads and frustration amongst the community.”

“More crowding on our roads and at

our restaurants is hardly a benefit,” they wrote. “I recall visiting LA and wanting to go out to eat on the weekends. Not only did you have to wait to find a parking spot, you then needed to wait an hour to get a table. We don’t need that in Ahwatukee.”

And they said, “The developer can say that they are aiming at “high-earning professionals” to reside there. However they know as well as you that you cannot discriminate against anyone that qualifies to pay the rent regardless of their background or what they do for a living.”

Harmsen echoed similar critcisms, writing:

“There is a constant stream of traffic entering Ahwatukee via Ray Road from Chandler, as well as both I-10 off ramps. This is how conditions are right now. Add the anticipated 1,800 additional trips from the Converge Logistics Center. Then add over 200 more anticipated trips from these apartments (which I believe is an underestimate for over 400 units aimed at high earning professionals), and you’re looking at well over 2,000

additional trips on 50th Street every day.

“Most of them likely to utilize I-10-toRay-to-50th and then 50th-to-Ray-I-10. THERE IS NOT ENOUGH STREET INFRASTRUCTURE TO ACCOMMODATE THIS! As stated earlier, the already significantly used dual left turn lanes onto 50th Street, and the single right turn lane onto eastbound Ray Road, will become a mess of large trucks and even more vehicle trips every day. The large trucks, which are larger and slower than cars, will cause bad gridlock in the area, regardless what is done to fix traffic light timing. 50th Street will become impossible to maneuver. Ray Road will become impossible to maneuver.

“People are impatient drivers,” Harmsen continued. “They cut over three lanes of traffic when they get off the I-10 so they can turn south onto 50th Street. Their attitudes will get worse with all the large trucks and additional traffic of these apartments.”

“All in all,” he added, “my opinion is that the proposed site is not the best location for these apartments. The city would have to look into upgrades to the street grid in order for many residents to approve this plan.” 

The 417-unit apartment complex on just under 14 acres on 50th Street between E. Thistle Landing Drive and Ray Road will comprise six buildings – four three-story lining the perimeter and two four-story in the center around a swimming pool at 12,000-square-foot clubhouse. (AFN file)

Phoenix considering tougher water standards for new development

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

Phoenix officials are studying tougher water conservation requirements for new developments that would cover a broad range of elements in the planning and construction process for a project.

They could include higher standards for pools as well as separate meters for them and all outside water use, a requirement that large consumers recycle at least 30% of their water on site, and provisions for developers to detail their conservation plans in their zoning applications.

In a memo that includes a draft ordinance submitted to City Council by Deputy City Managers Karen Peters and Alan Stephenson as well as the Water Services and Planning and Development departments, officials stressed that Phoenix “can no longer depend on receiving its full allocation from the Colorado River” and that “a supply sufficiency is likely in the future.”

“To adapt to a challenge of this mag

heritage of water-problem solving,” they wrote. “Only by adopting institutional water conservation policies will the City be able to maintain a pattern of sustainable growth and efficient water use.”

The policy document describing those measures said future zoning cases will be expected to “address best practices related to water use” that will be “evaluated for appropriateness on a case-bycase basis.”

Those practices could include a requirement for water-efficiency certifications, drought-tolerant landscaping, restrictions on the use of turf, green infrastructure and low-impact development for surface parking, streets and sidewalks, preservation. of open space, enhanced swimming poll standards that would include their size and location as well as separate meters for all outdoor water use, and even a project’s impact on water rates.

Those factors would be balanced against “whether the project is a key industry identified as significantly beneficial to the city’s economy.”

“Based on these evaluations, the City

may determine the project is incompatible with available water resources, consistency with planning documents or an insufficient economic benefit to warrant the large water use,” the memo states.

The memo does not indicate a timetable for adoption of the standards, which were to be discussed this week by City Council. However, the fact that a draft ordinance already has been submitted indicates their adoption is imminent, although they still must be aired at a public hearing.

The new standards also would require city planners to give an “increased level of scrutiny” to developers’ requests for annexation of land outside the Water Services Department’s service area that they want included in their project.

The proposed guidelines say such requests “should be discouraged to ensure that water resources are focused on areas within the current service area.”

The 30% recycling requirement would apply to any residential, commercial or industrial development that consumers at least 500,000 gallons of water a day. That recycled water would have to be used

either on the site or directed to a specific project identified by the developer.

The memo also details what the city has already done over the years to ensure an adequate water supply as well as its conservation measures.

Most recently, the city voluntarily agreed to forego 30,000 acre feet –roughly a year’s supply of water for three households – and is completing a “drought pipeline to more efficient transport water to those parts of the city that rely on Colorado River water. About 40% of Phoenix’s overall water supply comes from the Colorado.

Stressing supply “is only one side of the equation,” the memo said that for decades Phoenix “has made significant progress in demand management and conservation” that date back to 1980.

As a result, it says, per-person water use has fallen by 30% over the last 30 years while demand since 2000 has fallen by more than 19,000-acre feet.

The city also has adopted 12 new conservation programs with a goal of reducing per-person water use to 155 gallons a day by 2030. 

Water availability could restrict future development

BY HOWARD FISCHER| Capitol Media Services

Tom Buschatzke says it wouldn’t be wrong to see the freeze on new development in an area in and around Buckeye due to a shortage of groundwater there as the canary in the coal mine.

But the director of the state Department of Water Resources said that the early warning for Arizonans first occurred three years ago in Pinal County: His agency already is refusing to issue the necessary permits for new developments that were planning to rely solely on groundwater.

More to the point, he said, much of the rest of this drought-stricken state is headed that way absent some new source of water.

In a wide-ranging interview with Capitol Media Services, Buschatzke said that communities are not immune just because they have an allocation of water from the Central Arizona Project.

That resource, too, is limited. And cities that can’t show their CAP allocations ensure a 100-year supply of water face similar restrictions.

Nor he said can developers rely on the idea that there may be treated seawater available sometime in the future to start building today.

Buschatzke said that his decision not to release until Monday the analysis of available groundwater in what is known as the Lower Hassaympa sub-basin near Buckeye was not an effort – as Gov. Katie Hobbs said Monday in her State of the State speech – to hide it from the public so that developers could keep building.

He did acknowledge that the request to delay the report did, in fact, come from the staff Doug Ducey, her predecessor. But Butschatzke said the former governor wanted to have it released at the same time as stakeholders came up with “potential solutions that would be put out into the public world at the

same time.’’

Hobbs, informed of the existence of the report, had a different idea.

“I think we can’t tackle this issue if we don’t know what we’re facing,’’ she said after her speech.

Anyway, Buschatzke said the timing is legally irrelevant: Public or not, Buschatzke said what’s in the report means that his department isn’t issuing any permits at all for new residential subdivisions for the 886 square mile area that has been under study.

What the release of the report has done, though, is create a new focus on the fact that the state faces a water shortage even as people keep moving here.

“We have this dual challenge, right?’’ the governor said. “We have to balance our needs to address the housing crisis with our need to address water shortages.’’

This “dual challenge’’ is caused by a dual problem.

Lawmakers realized decades ago that the state was in a position where the amount of groundwater available would be outstripped by demand.

Arizona has long been entitled to a share of Colorado River water. But it took federal legislation to authorize construction of the Central Arizona Project with the idea of reducing the need to pump.

And in 1980, with the CAP in place, state lawmakers approved a historic law designed to cut groundwater pumping in metropolitan areas, with the idea of “safe yield’’ by 2025, the point at which what is being taken out balances with recharge.

Only thing is, that Colorado River supply, allocated in what it turns out were unusually wet years, has recently failed to materialize. The result has been mandatory cutbacks, with more to come if Arizona, California and Nevada don’t agree on a plan.

But what the report from Buckeye shows is that, for much of the state,

groundwater is not a solution for the future as CAP water becomes scarcer.

“We’ve been trying to take the easy way out,’’ Hobbs said. And that leaves the question of whether Arizona can continue to grow at the rate it has.

“I don’t know the answer to that,’’ she conceded.

“A lot of what we’re facing in terms of Colorado River shortages is that more of the snowfall is being absorbed and there’s less runoff,’’ the governor continued. And that, she said is caused by climate change.

“It’s not something that we can fix by using less water,’’ Hobbs said. “It’s very complicated.’’

But could development actually be stopped?

“There’s a lot in that question I don’t have answers to,’’ the governor said, saying that will become part of what the Water Policy Task Force she announced on Tuesday will wrestle with, “what we need to do to balance our need to continue to house people and our water shortages.’’

Buschatzke said none of this should come as a surprise.

“Over the years, what I’ve said is that, given the fact that groundwater’s a finite resource, that we’ve been allocating groundwater since the 1980 Groundwater Management Act for a variety of uses, that it was kind of a matter of time,’’ he said. And Buschtzke said Buckeye won’t be the last such area affected.

“I can’t exactly tell you who’s next and when that will occur,’’ he said. It will all be governed by the science.

“We’re in the process, as we always are, of improving and updating our groundwater models,’’ Buschatzke continued. “And as we work through those we may see some of this starting to daylight elsewhere.’’

So what are the options for continued growth?

One is to pump water from the Harquahala Valley even further west of

Phoenix. A special law allows transfers from this basin into more water-starved areas of the state.

There is also some reclaimed water that hasn’t already been allocated to things like providing cooling for the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station.

And the Colorado River Indian Community recently got federal permission to sign long-term leases for part of its 719,428 acre-feet a year of Colorado River Water. An acre foot, on average, supports a family of three for a year.

But even that has limits.

Buschatzke said the tribe is looking at leases of perhaps 25 to 30 years, too short by itself to become part of any 100-year assured supply for a community or developer.

“But you could take that CRIT water, you could put it under the ground, and you could divide the volume by the appropriate calculations to make it 100 years,’’ he said. “You could pull it out over the 100 years.’’

And what of desalination?

Buschatzke said the only thing that has happened so far is the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority has directed its staff to talk with IDE Technologies, an Israeli firm, about a possible plant on the Sea of Cortez to provide water for Arizona at some future date. But that, he said, is far from a sure thing.

“Right now I would not be able to put any potential desalinated water as an approval for anybody’s assured water supply program, none,’’ Buschatzke said.

“There hasn’t been a plant sited, there hasn’t been a plant under construction, it’s not producing any water,’’ he said. “You have to have water being produced.’’

And that says nothing about it being actually available for 100 years.

“Desal can be part of the solution,’’ Buschatzke said. “But none of the desal being discussed ... is going into anyone’s assured water supply at this time.’’ 

Thunder thespians present a classic comedy this week

AFN NEWS STAFF

George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion” debuted in London 110 years ago and the talented thespians in the Desert Vista Thunder Theatre Co. will be showing this week that, like fine wine, the play has aged well.

The show will be performed at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow, Jan. 19, through Saturday, Jan. 21, at the school, 16440 S. 32nd St., Ahwatukee. Tickets are $8 pre-sale at Desert Vista and $10 cash at the door.

“Pygmalion” revolves around phonetics professor Henry Higgins’ effort to teach perfect English to a Cockney flower girl, Eliza Doolittle. He is confident he can do it so well that she will pass for a duchess. The play also is the parent of the timeless musical, “My Fair Lady.”

The students liked the idea of mounting the production, according to guest director David Mittel.

“Every spring, we discuss the upcom-

Family thankful to God, Armer Foundation

BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

Last week on Jan 10, Nash McFarland, 2 ½, was the focus of an awards ceremony on the lawn outside the Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Wearing an oversized “I Am Strong” shirt that draped to his knees, Nash smiled broadly if shyly as a gold medal proclaiming “Chemo Grad” was placed around his neck.

A framed Certificate of Bravery, like the medal, markedg the end of his inpatient chemo treatments. It was signed with well-wishes by more than a dozen medical staff members as his parents, Preston and Kendyll McFarland beamed at their younger of two sons.

Nash’s gray T-shirt with its green memorial ribbon reflects the motto, based on the verse from Joshua 1:9, the Mc-

Farland family adopted last April when their son was rushed to the emergency room with swelling in his side.

They celebrated that Easter Sunday with a large family contingency that gathered below their seventh floor window at Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s oncology floor.

They prayed together, sang joyously of Christ’s resurrection, and blew kisses up to the boy who had anticipated a much different Easter Sunday.

His parents had made a sign reading “I Am Strong” and Nash flexed his muscles. The more than 20 family members gathered below flexed back.

The McFarland family faced a long road as their son was diagnosed a few days later with hepatoblastoma, a rare type of liver cancer found in fewer than one in a million children through age 3.

Four large tumors were found on

his liver.

Last July, Nash was in surgery for a liver resection when it was determined one tumor was too close to a main blood vessel, making the resection impossible. The boy was sewn back up.

Receiving that disheartening news was hard on his 31-year-old parents, who’d already faced many discouraging reports since the day before Easter 2022, when they’d discovered a lump in his stomach during an early morning diaper change.

“Kendyll and I had great trust in the

see MCFARLAND page 26

Nash McFarland, 2 ½, holds the medal he received after completing chemotherapy following a liver transplant for a rare form of cancer. Beside him is a plaque, signed by wellwishers. (Courtesy of the McFarland Family)

ing school year and what our theater season will look like in regards to productions,” he said. “We like to have a good balance of genres. ‘Pygmalion” was discussed as a good choice due it’s satiric and classic nature. It also had a decent cast size for a non-musical play.”

Even better, he added, “’Pygmalion was also appealing due to both strong female and male roles and the universal appeal of a ‘Cinderella’ transformation storyline.”

The students are having a blast despite the play’s age.

“The cast has embraced their roles and are enjoying the nuances of British society during the 1910s,” Mittel said.

And it’s been a challenge since the play requires several types of English accents –cockney, Received Pronunciation or typical British, and Scottish.

Nor is this a student production with

see PLAY page 26

The Desert Vista thespians who are among the cast of “Pygmalion” include, from left, Adalyn Vehring as Lady Boxington, Joshua Rego as Lord Boxington, Chase Flores as Freddy Eynsford-Hill, Ellen Culloty as Eliza Doolittle, Jeffrey Rudolph as Professor Henry Higgins, Emma McClain as Mrs. Higgins and Bradley Ash as Colonel Pickering. (David Minton/AFNStaff Photographer)

PLAY from page 25

script changes that make it easier for the young actors and actors to master.

“We are doing Shaw’s true ‘Pygmalion’ with a few modifications and cuts, but overall the integrity of the 1913 script is completely there,” Mittel said.

The set is “not overly elaborate,” he said, though the costumes “are a major part of the production.”

The play is presented on a “thrust stage” with the audience seated on three sides of them – a design that required some scenery modification.

The main set is Higigns’ study - complete with two large library bookcases, period furniture and various gadgets to teach phonetics.

As for the costumes, Mittel said, “Shaw’s play is a satire on British social structure during the Edwardian era and costumes are a great way to convey not only the time period but the differences in social classes. Think ‘Downton Abbey.’’

MCFARLAND from page 25

surgeon working on the resection – Dr. Ramin Jamshidi. We fully believed, and continue to believe, he’d act in the best interest of Nash from the get-go. So, when he told us a resection was not possible, we knew it was for good reason and it was the right choice,” said Preston.

“From the very start, Kendyll and I fully expected hiccups and major setbacks throughout Nash’s journey. And, unfortunately, we know the future will be far from easy or normal as a cancerfree future is not promised. But stressing about something that you have absolutely no control over never helps and always hurts.

“So instead, we release it. Talk about it. Ask for help. Don’t do it alone. Hand it over to whatever or whoever you choose. As I said early in our journey, we don’t believe in coincidences or the right place at the right time. We know God is good and He’s got us.”

The couple, who grew up in Ahwatukee and now reside in Gilbert, moved forward with their search for a liver donor. At least two were presented yet not chosen. They also went to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to be placed on their transplant list.

“Nash’s team was very selective of the liver,” Kendyll explained. “We waited two

“We have had a good time building costumes, renting some and thrift shopping as well, he added.

If Mittel’s name sounds familiar, it’s not surprising.

Though Jesse Ploog-Bacik is the main theater teacher at Desert Vista, he visits annually to direct one production. “Pygmalion” will be his 17th.

Mittel also worked for 28 years in the Kyrene School District as an English teacher and directed close to 50 plays at Kyrene Middle School and later at Akimel A-al Middle School.

“Over the years at DV, I’ve been fortunate to work with former students who I taught and directed in middle school,” he added.

He’s proud of the students for their investment of time needed to pull off this production.

They worked together for five weeks and Mittel said, “I am quite impressed with their work ethic and dedication.”

And even if you’ve seen the play or its

musical offshoot, Mittel said the Thunder thespians’ rendition of “Pygmalion” is worth checking out.

“This cast is amazing,” he said. “Their performances and character portrayal are impressive to observe.”

He also noted that the play offers “a nice mix of comedy and drama with a poignant message about self-worth and individual growth.”

And besides, he said, “going to see a live production is a lot of fun. Supporting your local arts programs is also a wonderful thing to do for the whole family.

The stage manager is Zowie Gilmore and her assistant is Jordan Cole.

Among the case, Jeff Rudolph plays Henry Higgins, Ellen Culloty plays Elza Doolittle and Bradley Ash plays his side kick, Col. Pickerign.

Other cast members include Emma McClain, Bobby Matysiak, Lillian Abbs, Ella Havard, Lola Money, Chase Flores, Joshua Rego and Adalyn Vehring. 

months for the right one, and we are very grateful to the family who donated their child’s liver. He received his new liver Nov. 3.

“God has been our strength. We’ve learned to trust His timing and not our own.”

Preston said his son’s transplant wasn’t even possible until the third try.

“Yes, there was a first and second liver prior to all the puzzle pieces fitting together, and various reasons on why they

weren’t possible,” he said. “You tend to guard your heart more and more the further you dive into the transplant process.”

He said he is cognizant of the gift given his son, and the source that made it possible is unthinkable.

“In this case another family had to lose their child for ours to even have a shot. Let that settle in,” said Preston.

“A joyful moment for one family might be another’s worst nightmare. This sat heavy on Kendyll and I – an unfathomable gift and one we may never be able to return. Let me assure you, we are both organ donors in case we pass away.”

Preston expressed joy in how quickly Nash rebounded from the transplant surgery - becoming “the Nash we absolutely adore – so full of color, energy and opinion”.

It is Nash’s older brother Knox, who turns 4 on Jan. 30, who was joyful upon learning his brother was cancer-free and would be coming home. Unlike the prior eight months, they would be more

able to play like they once did.

“The boys are back,” laughed their father. “The dynamic duo of Knox and Nash are in full swing – wrestling, Spidey cartoons, Playdoh, Jeep Powerwheel rides and all. Seeing Nash interact with Knox now makes us reflect on how truly sick and worn down he was the last eight months. They’re definitely making up for lost time.”

Though the family is moving back to a sense of normalcy, it will not be as it was before last April for some time.

“Nash will probably always be a medical baby,” said Kendyll McFarland. “We aren’t done. He will need scans every three months, MRI and CTs to assure no tumor growth. He also will have his heart checked with EKGs and echocardiograms.

“A lot of the medicines he was on can affect his heart and hearing. He needs weekly blood draws to check for liver rejection, and just to be sure everything in his body is happy and healthy.”

The boy’s hearing has been affected by chemotherapy medications, and he may require hearing aids, said his mother.

“Nothing is guaranteed and they have a whole list of possible side effects,” she admitted.

Both parents are effusive when talk-

The play revolves around Jeffrey Rudolph, as Professor Henry Higgins, trying to tech perfect English to a poor cockney flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, played by Ellen. (David Minton/AFNStaff Photographer)

Nash McFarland’s family includes parents Kendyll and Preston McFarland and older brother Knox. (Courtesy of the McFarland Family)

Valley housing analyst sees sellers bouncing back

The leading analyst of the Valley’s housing market says 2023 is starting to look like the year when the sellers market will return after a gloomy second half of 2022.

But the Cromford Report says it might take a while psychologically for both buyers and sellers to find much to be happy about.

“The trend is now moving in favor of sellers, having been favorable to buyers a month ago,” it said earlier this month. “So, although there is gloom and de-

spondency almost everywhere, amid the murk there are clear signs of improvement. Because sentiment is so poor, there is psychological pressure to lower prices. However there is no such downward pressure coming from the market. If all trading was done by unemotional computers, prices should be stabilizing right now.”

It also advised, “At this stage in the market cycle, where we are just emerging from despair, all positive signs will be greeted with generous amounts of

cynicism. We recommend eliminating all emotions and just focusing on the numbers.”

Still, it’s hard put on a happy face in light of some of the numbers the Cromford Report served up.

Compared to Jan. 1, 2022, it said, the opening bell for this year found that while listings were up 182%, those under contract were down 41.9% and monthly sales plummeted 44.6% – from 9,265 to 5,132.

“We have very low volumes of closings because both buyers and sellers are discouraged,” Cromford Report explained.

“The numbers confirm that demand is very weak compared to normal for the time of year, and even weaker compared to the strong demand 12 months ago,” it continued. “However weak demand does not necessarily make a market crash. Excess supply is what really drives prices down hard. This is what we saw in 2006 through 2008. But in 2023 supply is low and getting lower. It is much higher than this time last year, when it

was abnormally low, but it is still a long way below normal.”

It also saw little reason to worry about a 3.5% decline in the median price of homes – down to about $410,000 from $425,000 – because “sales prices are a trailing indicator and these moves reflect the balance in the market in November, when we experienced a clear advantage for buyers.”

“Leading indicators are looking more positive,” it said. “This probably stems from interest rates being less horrible than they were six weeks ago. Demand is starting to stabilize and even showing a few signs of a slow recovery. With new supply very weak, we are not witnessing a market crash. This is merely a correction, with prices now just a tad lower than a year ago.”

The big unknown is the Federal Reserve, it said.

“We are still dependent on the whims of the Federal Reserve. If they continue to push the Federal Funds Rate higher in an attempt to curb inflation, then mortgage rates could move higher too, putting a quick damper on any recovery

This 2,062-square-foot house on E. Monte Way in Ahwatukee recently sold for $565,000. The 30-year-old home has three bedrooms and 2 ½ baths and boasted vaulted ceilings, a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a giant wine fridge, quartz counters, a builtin buffet, plenty of cabinets, and a peninsula w/pendant lighting over the breakfast bar. The oversized master bedroom has a grand double-door entry, sliding doors that open to the attached balcony. (Special to AFN)

in demand. However, if the 30-year fixed mortgage rate stays between 6% and 6.75%, then we should have confidence that the housing market can operate normally at this level.”

It said such market confidence will come from several months of interest rate stability and conceded, “This is by no means certain to happen, but it is possible.”

“Once the fear is removed,” it added, “we should see more signs of a recovery in demand and volumes will rise back towards a more normal level.”

The Cromford Report also noted, “The gap between the re-sale and newly built numbers continues to grow. The new-

home market is far more healthy than the re-sale market both in volume and in pricing.”

It said that among the Valley’s 17 major home sub-markets, “Paradise Valley is improving for sellers at an astonishing pace, with supply dropping and demand rising. Not far behind are Avondale, Chandler and Mesa, all up more than 30% over the past month.” Phoenix also is seeing the market tilting more favorably by 24% in favor of sellers.

That data helped explain the Cromford Report’s cautious optimism when it said, “Confidence could be making a comeback sooner than expected.” 

Adjustable-rate mortgages on comeback, but trigger regrets

AFN NEWS SERVICES

Adjustable-rate mortgages, which offer homebuyers on a budget an initially low interest rate, are making a big comeback.

But as financial markets churn and the economy remains shaky, some borrowers are regretting their decision to opt for what many see as a risky gamble.

About 43% of those who took out an ARM regretted it, according to a recent survey by U.S. News & World Report. ARMs work by offering a fixed mortgage interest rate, usually lower than a 30-

year fixed-rate loan, for a period of several years.

Then the rate resets, usually annually, according to what interest rates are doing at the time. The popular 5/1 ARM, for example, will have a fixed rate for five years that then resets every year thereafter based on the market.

That’s where folks can get themselves in trouble if they can’t afford their new mortgage payments when rates increase.

“ARMs can still be a great tool for the right buyer,” said Erika Giovanetti, a

This

home on E. Ashurst Drive in Ahwatukee recently

boat dock as well as a private pool and,

These five apps help people organize their homes

Whether you’re looking to declutter a closet or do a whole room overhaul, organizing around the home can feel like a mammoth task.

Thankfully, there are a number of home organization apps that can help make the job easier.

“The key to benefiting from using home organization apps is to commit to regularly updating them,” said Lauren Saltman, professional organizer and owner of Living Simplified in Newfields, NH.

For example, if you make changes to your wardrobe or go food shopping, be sure to update the app.

Being diligent and committing to using these apps can help you become more organized and less wasteful. The following apps are expert-approved and sure to help you reach your organization goals quicker—whether that means sorting out your closet, pantry, or time.

cozzo.app

CozZo is designed to keep kitchens and pantries well organized.

Developed to help keep track of food items and their expiration dates, your food inventory can be quickly updated by scanning receipts and bar codes. The app can also help minimize food waste.

“This app is helpful for tracking what’s in your refrigerator and freezer,” said Saltman. “If you ‘menu plan’ or find yourself at the grocery store without a list, just check your app to see what you have at home.”

CozZo is free to download and has inapp purchases. A household account plan is $1.99 if billed monthly, or $19.99

expert at U.S. News & World Report. “Especially now, they are a really good way for people to be able to afford those monthly payments, but people need to be aware of the exact terms they are agreeing to in the loan agreements. They also need to be able to have a plan in place to afford higher monthly payments.”

About 1,200 borrowers with an ARM participated in the survey taken between Dec. 14 and 20, 2022. Half of them said they opted for an ARM because the introductory rate was lower than those

if billed annually.]

sortly.com/solutions/home-inventory-software

Jon Sanborn, CEO of SD House Guys in San Diego, is a fan of Sortly, an app designed to help keep track of items in your home.

“It allows you to create virtual rooms and boxes to organize items, take photos of them, and assign tags,” said Sanborn. “You can also add notes and reminders, set expiration dates for items, and share lists with family members.”

This app also has a bar code-scanning feature that can help you easily track inventory, ”so you always know what you need to restock,” Sanborn said.

Basic plans are free and allow up to 100 item entries. The advanced plan is $49 a month (or $348 if billed yearly) and allows up to 2,000 item entries. Its ultra plan is $149 a month (or $720 if billed yearly) and allows up to 10,000 item entries. The latter plan is geared more toward growing businesses. Free 14-day trials are available.

on fixed-rate mortgages. And slightly more than half said they did so because they plan to refinance or sell their home before the rate starts to adjust.

There are no guarantees that rates will be lower, or that borrowers will be able to find a buyer for their home, when that fixed rate period is over. Some 58% of the borrowers who spoke to U.S. News said they’d had “hesitations” about taking out an ARM for exactly that reason.

Still, ARMs can be a useful tool as long as borrowers fully understand their pros and cons, said Rocke Andrews, a Tucson-based mortgage broker

homezada.com

If you find yourself constantly misplacing important papers or struggling to keep up with home maintenance jobs, this app can help change that.

HomeZada offers a number of capabilities: You can inventory your home’s valuable features and personal property, set a home maintenance schedule, and manage every aspect of a renovation project (from planning the budget to tracking receipts and warranties).

“The inventory feature is great for insurance and emergency purposes,” said Amy Vance, owner of Eco Modern Concierge in Houston.

HomeZada’s essentials plan is free and includes home inventory and document storage capabilities. The premium plan is $11.99 a month, or $79 annually, and also covers home maintenance and finances. The deluxe plan is available for $149 a year and allows you to manage up to three properties.

productiveapp.io

Ashley Jones Hatcher, an organizing and

with Lending Arizona.

Anyone who took out an ARM before the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, and did not take the opportunity to refinance while rates were at the lowest point in history, is right to have regrets, he said.

But borrowers who used ARMs over the past year or so, when fixed rates surged to the highest in decades and home prices remained elevated, were simply being strategic.

Realtor.com® is forecasting a 7.1% rate for the 30-year fixed by the end of 2023.

“One of my concerns is that there still

design expert, recommends Productive if you’re finding it hard to get organized.

This fully customizable habit management app can help users easily work toward their home organization goals. It includes weekly challenges, which are tailored to each user, and statistics for viewing progress.

“Unless you hire a professional organizing team to come into your home and blitz organize your spaces, working toward getting organized will take time,” said Hatcher. “This app helps you create the habits to do so.”

Hatcher said that by focusing on small areas in your home each day, you’ll “slowly uncover a fully organized space.”

Basic subscriptions are free. The premium monthly memberships start at $6.99, and premium yearly memberships range from $14.99 to $39.99.

apps.apple.com/us/app/my-wardrobeoutfit-finder/id1463372370

My Wardrobe-Outfit Finder is the perfect organization app for people who feel that their closets may be getting out of hand. It allows you to take photos of your wardrobe and organize items digitally by type. This can help you better manage your family’s clothing and accessories and pare down your wardrobe to items that you actually use.

“You can create outfits, collections, and even [virtually] prepare a suitcase for a trip,” said Saltman.

Users have the option to sync their event calendar, which can help with planning outfits in advance.

My Wardrobe-Outfit Finder’s basic plan comes at no charge, with upgrades ranging from $4.99 to $29.99. 

is a big set of people who don’t plan on selling or refinancing before their reset period expires,” said Giovanetti. “ARMs take a lot more research and work, not just while you’re borrowing one, but throughout the course of the loan. …

For the average homebuyer who doesn’t want to get involved with understanding the rules and the rate adjustment schedules of an ARM, maybe they should consider a [fixed-rate mortgage].”

ARMs are still far less popular than fixed-rate loans. Data from the Mortgage

My Wardrobe-Outfit Finder offers organization tips to people who feel that their closets may be getting out of hand. (Realtor.com)

MORTGAGE fRom Re2

BY SCOTT SHUMAKER AFN Staff Writer

The fate of the historic Buckhorn Baths spa buildings in east Mesa has been in the balance for a decade, ever since the passing of Alice Sliger in 2010.

Sliger created the storied Buckhorn Mineral Wells and Wildlife Museum in East Mesa with her husband Ted Sliger, who died in 1987.

But the fate of the old buildings stands in the in the middle of a tug of war between the current owner, Aktar Verma of Paradise Valley, and Mesa city planners.

Verma has expressed an intention to preserve Buckhorn’s historic buildings, which sit within a larger 11-acre parcel of mostly vacant land that he wants to turn into multifamily housing.

Developers for Verma and city planners are at odds over what the housing

complex adjacent to Buckhorn should look like.

The owner is focused on getting the apartments built and generating revenue; plans for the historic structures’ ultimate use are still hazy.

The city doesn’t oppose apartments on the site, but it isn’t sold on the current designs and its relationship with the historic section of the property.

An October meeting about the latest plans became tense as representatives for Verma dangled the possibility of removing the site’s historic landmark status and redeveloping the parcel according to current zoning – without regard to the historic structures on the site.

“As we know, the previous owner was planning to flatten the entire site and put a trailer park there. Thank goodness that didn’t happen,” said Tim Boyle, the

Leading Luxury Home Experts

architect who is working with the owner on redevelopment plans.

“The current owner, if he gets frustrated enough, is just going to be like, ‘OK, let’s just take this out of (the) historical preservation,’” Boyle continued.

When a planner reminded him that the parcel has a Historic Landmark overlay on it, Boyle replied, “It takes about six months and you can remove (that).”

Verma’s attorney, Ralph Pew, did not respond to requests for comment last week about the project’s current status or discussions with the city.

Mesa Senior Planner Cassidy Welch told the Tribune, “City Planning staff continues to work with the applicant on this project.”

Boyle and Pew were frustrated in the meeting because city planners were withholding support for the project until certain conditions are met.

City planners want Verma’s proposed 210-unit complex to be more in harmony with the historic portion of the site.

Another is the city wants some movement on preservation of the historic structures in the early phases of the project, and they want these steps out-

Once

lined in a development agreement.

The city’s fears that developing the housing completely separate from the historic spa facilities and casitas would not be attractive, and worse, potentially leave the historic buildings to decay beyond recovery.

Local historian Mesa Preservation Foundation President Vic Linoff is particularly concerned about a long delay in restoration, saying that Buckhorn Baths are in danger of “demolition by neglect.”

The buildings “are really deteriorating,” he said, and need stabilization soon.

But renovations of the structures will likely be costly and a possible recession looms.

Representatives for Verma said they need to get the housing component of the project built first in order to generate revenue to fund preservation of the historic buildings.

They are frustrated with the city’s demands and resulting delays.

“Why can’t we approach it and say, ‘OK, Mr. Verma, thank you for preserving the Buckhorn,” attorney Ralph Pew said during the discussion. “I just would wish that as a city, we would think of the fact

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Bankers Association shows that last October, when the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was at its highest since 2001, ARMs accounted for only 12.7% of all loan applications. In the last week of December, they made up 7.3% of the total.

Andrews noted that many borrowers are asking sellers and builders to buy down their mortgages rates rather than choosing an ARM. The most popular is the 2-1 buy-down, which offers a rate that is 2 percentage points below the current mortgage rate for the first year and then 1 percentage point below the rate in the second year.

Then it resets to a permanent rate, which is what the rate was when the loan was taken out, for the remainder of the mortgage term. The seller typically pays

that right now, he’s not obligated to do any of that.”

At one point Boyle lost his temper and seems to have slammed his fist on the table based on the recording.

“I think at this point the conversation has ended,” Welch said a short time later. “I don’t feel comfortable moving forward at this point.”

During the meeting, Welch described the Buckhorn Baths site as “one of the most iconic and significant sites in the city.”

The lore of the Buckhorn Baths includes the Sligers’ chance discovery of hot mineral water while drilling a drinking water well in 1939.

The water came up 127 degrees and subsequent testing showed good mineral composition for soaking.

The Sligers then developed their gas station and taxidermy museum into a spa and hotel.

It became a part of Mesa’s important roadside history and helped entice Major League Baseball owners to bring their players to Mesa for Spring Training, Linoff said.

The Sligers filled the spa with sports memorabilia, artifacts, art and taxidermy by Ted. The stuffed animal heads which covered the lobby walls have all been donated to a collector.

The Buckhorn Baths was an early adopter of neon in Mesa, and the property includes a stylish mid-century neon

for the buy-down.

That allows homeowners to take advantage of a monthly payment that’s more affordable now, with the certainty of knowing what the rate will be in the future. Of course, there’s always the option to refinance later if rates drop below what the borrower signed up for.

But the other important consideration, Andrews said, is that refinancing isn’t cheap. There might be periods when borrowers can get better deals on the closing costs, and it’s always crucial to shop around, starting with their current lender. He recommends they take into account their overall costs and not just how much they’re saving every month.

“ARMs aren’t a bad product,” says Andrews. “There’s just always that underlying worry.”

Realtor.com provided this report. 

sign that “stops traffic” on Main Street the rare times it’s turned on due to its dazzling qualities, Linoff said.

The spa hosted sports legends and the Sligers organized large barbecues on the property that would attract thousands when Mesa was still a small town.

At one point, “anybody who was anybody” stayed at the bath, Linoff said.

In 2012, Mesa voters approved bond dollars for the city to purchase the site, but the city was not able to reach a deal with the heirs and the property passed to other buyers.

Linoff hopes the buildings are saved.

“How the Buckhorn was built is unique. Ted didn’t use any architects,” he said. “He did everything on the cheap, but built a remarkable place out of nothing but scrub bush and sand.” 

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Ahwatukee Friends kicks off the year with a brunch and special guest

Ahwatukee Foothills Friends and Neighbors is kicking of 2023 with a brunch 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 23 at Biscuits Restaurant.

A presentation titled “In Case of Emergency” will be made by guest speaker Derrick Johnson, retired Phoenix Fire Department paramedic.

Contact affanwomensgroup@gmail.com for more details and to register. The cost is $20 and a prepaid reservation must be received by Jan. 14.

The group is a local women’s club serving Ahwatukee since 2001 that offers women of all ages activities such as dining, card playing, games, gardening, books and day trips.

More information: affanwomensgroup.org/public.

Transportation Day coming soon to God’s Garden Preschool

The popular Transportation Day sponsored by God’s Garden Preschool and Kindergarten will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 11 on its grounds, 1401 E. Liberty Lane, Ahwatukee.

The free event gives kids a chance to inspect dozens of utility and other vehicles, such as fire trucks, police cars, and other vehicles. The free event also will have bouncy houses, pony rides, train rides and other activities.

Businesses also have sponsorship opportunities and

can find more information at transportationday.com.

Champagne, giveaways on tap at Ahwatukee Skin & Laser next week

Ahwatukee Skin & Laser is holding a special free open house 4-6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, that will feature champagne, giveaways and information on the latest anti-aging options for 2023.

The open house will feature discussions on popular FDA approved treatments including Ultherapy, the nonsurgical alternative to a facelift. Special discounts will be offered on retail products and services during the event. Attendees can also enter a raffle for a free Botox treatment and must be present to win.

According to Sarah Neumann, PA, founder of the award-winning practice, “This is a great opportunity to learn about all the new anti-aging treatments that are available, ask questions, and save on services in the New Year.”

The event also announces the partnership of Ahwatukee Skin & Laser and Saguaro Dermatology.

Saguaro Dermatology, founded by board-certified dermatologists and brothers, Dr. Carsten R. Hamann and Dr. Dathan Hamann, has locations in Central Phoenix and Mesa.

Space is limited for the open house. Interested parties can RSVP to 480-704-7546. Ahwatukee Skin & Laser is located at 4425 E. Agave Road, Building 9, Suite 148. ahwatukeeskincare.com

Valentines Day bash planned at Cactus Jack’s Bar & Grill

Cactus Jacks Bar & Grill, 48th Street and Elliot Road, in Ahwatukee is hosting its annual Valentines Dance Party starting at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 8 with line dancing lessons and open dancing.

Treats and raffles are in store and the admission is $5.

Information: Carrie at cmcneish@cox.net or dancemeetsfitness.net.

2 Tempe Union students make first round of Flinn Scholarship cuts

Two Tempe Union students are among the 92 high school seniors who are semifinalists for the prestigious Flinn Scholarship.

Tatsat Jha of Corona Del Sol High School and Makayla Johnson of Marcos De Niza High School will join the other hopefuls later this month in interviews as the Flinn Foundation winnows the list to 40 finalists. From that group and after further research, a panel of judges picks about 18 to 20 winners.

Flinn Scholarships give recipients a full four-year free ride in one of Arizona’s three state universities with their meals, lodging and other expenses covered, two opportunities for fully paid study abroad, a network of some of the great minds in various disciplines around the world, and other opportunities.

The Ssmifinalists represent 59 traditional public, charter, and private high schools, and include one

home-schooled student. Arizona College Prep High School in Chandler, Hamilton High School in Chandler, and University High School in Tucson each have four 2023 Flinn Scholarship Semifinalists. Basha High School in Chandler and BASIS Tucson North were next with three students apiece.

Seven Arizona counties are represented: Coconino, Gila, Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, Yavapai, and Yuma. BASIS schools across the state fielded the most semifinalists at 11.

Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club announces guest speakers

The Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee has announced a full roster of speakers for its weekly meetings at 7:30 a.m. Thursdays, which will be held for the time being at the Ahwatukee Event Ceter, 4700 E. Warner Road until repairs are completed at its usual meeting site, Biscuits Restaurant in the Safeway Plaza on the southwest corner of Elliot Road and 48th Street.

Speakers include: Jan 26, a speaker from Helping Hearts; Feb. 9, Jeff Parent, Ahwatukee Little League; Feb. 6, Kevin Robinson, Phoenix City Council candidate; March 9, Mary Adams, of Mountain View Lutheran Church; and March 16, Juan Te Dailey, of D Squared Homes for the Homeless.

MCFARLAND from page 26

ing about the Ahwatukee-based nonprofit Armer Foundation for Kids, a charity started by Jennifer and Matt Armer dedicated to ease some of the financial burdens to families with children with extreme medical conditions that have unforeseen financial burdens.

“Armer has been with us every. single. step,” wrote Preston in an email.”

‘“I got a call from Jennifer the day

AROUND from page 27

Ironwood Library offers free activities for all ages this month

Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee, presents a variety of programs for children, teens and adults. Unless otherwise noted, free tickets are required and available 30 minutes before programs’ start times at the library’s information desk.

For more information: phoenixpubliclibrary.org.

Babytimes

Babies ages birth to 23 months, accompanied by a favorite adult, will enjoy songs, rhymes, books, and interactive fun Tuesdays, 10:30-11:10 a.m. Space is limited to 12 families.

Toddlertimes

Toddlers ages 24-36 months, accompanied by a fa-

after Nash’s diagnosis and she’s been lifting our family up ever since. The resources they’ve provided our family, even outside of financial help, have been countless.

Simply put, Jennifer and team are family. They are intentional, thoughtful, but also respectful of your journey,” he said. “The hardest part was accepting the help on the upfront – that’s me and a pride thing.”

Kendyll recalled the help provided

vorite adult, will enjoy songs, rhymes, books, and interactive fun Thursdays, 10:30-11:10 a.mSpace is limited to 12 families.

Sit, Stay, Read!

Young readers & listeners can sign up for reading time with a registered therapy dog/handler team. Read with Elsa 4-5 p.m. every uesday.

Full STEAM Ahead

Children ages 6-12 can explore hands-on creative ways to design, experiment, and invent Saturdays 2-3 p.m., in this Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) program. Space is limited to 10 families. No tickets are required.

Teens: Envision 2023

Teens are invited 4-5 p.m. Jan. 24 to make vision boards – a collage of images or objects that represent their goals – to motivate them all year long. They can bring photos or objects to but it’s not required. All

when the family opted to try the liver donor list at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and the Armer Foundation arranged the flight through the nonprofit Angel Flight West.

“I asked Jennifer what type of budget we had as I knew we’d need a rental car, a hotel, even help with food. She said, ‘This is yours to decide how to use. Your friends and your family have given this to you; we are just stewards of it.”

Her voice broke as she spoke, and

supplies will be provided. No tickets required.

Library Teen Council

Ironwood is looking for teens ages 12-17 who would like to help organize programs, create displays, and improve the library experience for all library users. Participation offers an opportunity for those wanting experience in a work environment for school, scholarship, or job applications. Online volunteer applications are available at volunteer.phoenix.gov. Under “Browse by Interest” choose “Library,” in the “Keyword” box type “Ironwood,” and complete the appropriate application.

A volunteer coordinator will notify applicants when the first meeting will take place.

Next Chapter Book Club

This inclusive community-based book club is designed for people ages 12+ with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have a desire to make

tears fell, unbidden.

Armer Foundation for Kids, and the families they help, are listed on their website: ArmerFoundation.org.

The McFarland’s I Am Strong t-shirts were designed by The Armer Foundation and can be purchased on their website in several styles for men and women. To date, sales have exceeded their original goals.

“Don’t go into battle without your Armer,” Preston concluded in his email. 

friends, explore their community, and read (regardless of current reading ability). This weekly gathering is free and occurs 3:30-4:30 p.m. every Wednesdays.

Registration is required and available in the library or online in the Calendar section of the library’s website.

Book Club

Adult readers 18 and over can meet up with fellow adventuresome bibliophiles to share their thoughts about each month’s selection the 5-5:45 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month.

The book Feb. 1 is “A Woman of No Importance” by Sonia Purnell 

New state regs could push egg prices even higher

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Those already expensive eggs at your local grocer are about to get a tiny bit costlier – and potentially less available.

And it’s all in the name of humane treatment of the hens

New regulations that took effect at the beginning of the month require that laying hens that are kept in cages have at least one square foot – 144 inches –of usable floor space. That compares to cages that until now could be less than half that size.

And beginning in 2025, all major producers have to go to cage-free.

The state Department of Agriculture puts average annual per capita consumption at slightly more than 270 eggs a year. Figuring the new rules would add somewhere between a penny and 3.25

cents per egg, that comes out to somewhere between $2.71 and $8.79 a year.

But Chelsea McGuire, lobbyist for the Arizona Farm Bureau which opposed the rule, thinks those numbers are soft.

Biscuits owner undeterred by kitchen fire that forced brief closure

AFN NEWS STAFF

There are few worst ways for businesses to start a new year than with a fire and that is exactly how Ahwatukee restaurateur Lloyd Melton belatedly started 2023 when a kitchen fire hit his restaurant last week.

But Melton was more grateful and relieved than angry and frustrated when the late afternoon fire broke out Jan. 9 at the Original Biscuits Restaurant in the Safeway Plaza on the southwest corner of Elliot Road and 48th Street.

The fire broke out around the stove but most of the flames went up the hood, sparing any damage to the restaurant outside the kitchen. It caused about $25,000 in damage nonetheless, Melton said.

“I have insurance,” he said. “I worry more about my employees because

they live off those tips and thank God no one got hurt.”

He counted his blessings in the blaze’s aftermath, starting with the fact that the restaurant was closed, so no one was hurt.

He said his sprinkler system “goes off everywhere” and that while it creates a “cleanup from hell,” it also spared the dining area from damage.

Melton figures he’ll be closed for about three weeks for repairs. That left the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee without its regular Thursday morning meeting place at a time when the Kiwanians are in initial planning for the Ahwatukee Easter Parade.

The club has lined up a temporary meeting site – without breakfast –– at the Ahwatukee Event Center at 4700 E.

At best, she said, it’s speculative as the full rules for cage-free housing are not in place. And McGuire argued that the estimates the state was using didn’t really take into account all the costs.

And that, McGuire said, is only part of the problem that consumers will face, what with shoppers sometimes finding there are no eggs available at any price.

Much of that is due to an outbreak of avian flu that requires farmers to destroy whole flocks even if just one hen tests positive. A ban on selling eggs from traditionally caged hens, McGuire said, only exacerbates the problem.

“We’re restricting the supply from which we can choose the eggs that we can bring into the state,’’ she said, noting the rule affects not just Arizona-based egg producers but any firm that wants to sell eggs to Arizona consumers.

“We’re locking producers into this premium product and doing so unnecessarily,’’ McGuire said. And she said it’s all being done “without a public

see EGGS page 31

The new law requires chickens to be housed in cages that are bigger and “more humane” than those currently used. (Special to the Tribune)

Original Biscuits Restaurant manager Luis Hernandez stands amid the fire-ravage kitchen at the Ahwatukee eatery. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer)

health or safety justification or a scientific justification.’’

Some animal rights groups argued that it’s cruel to keep the laying hens in tiny pens.

McGuire sniffed at that contention.

“Stress indicators on hens, things like that, are really no different between conventional confinement cages and cagefree production systems,’’ she said.

That wasn’t the assessment of thenRep. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, when he crafted legislation in 2021 to require cage-free housing by anyone producing more than 3,000 eggs a year.

“Confining chickens to less than one square foot, I think, is really cruel,’’ he told colleagues.

“Granted, they don’t have very high levels of sentient awareness,’’ Kavanagh continued. “But they feel pain and they’re prevented from engaging in natural and instinctive behavior, even to the point of spreading their wings or being able to sit down when they lay their eggs.’’

The Farm Bureau managed to kill that measure.

That didn’t end the fight, with the

Warner Road near the northwest corner of 48th Street.

Approaching 82, Melton, a Phoenix native and ex-Marine who served in Vietnam, shows no sign of slowing down as he runs the two Ahwatukee Biscuits restaurants and two others in Tempe and Sun Lakes.

And he’s had to roll with some punches over time, notably when he thought he’d have a good thing going at the old Club West Golf Course clubhouse when a would-be entrepreneur made a deal with owner Wilson Gee and his partners to restore the course.

Things were going well at the Club West Biscuits for a few months – until the entrepreneur couldn’t pay the cost of

state Department of Agriculture concluding it already had the authority to approve its own rules. And that’s precisely what it did.

It turns out the agency had an important ally on its side: Hickman’s Egg Ranch, located west of Phoenix, which is the state’s largest egg producer. And what it came down to is the fear that the failure to take some voluntary measure would result in something more onerous.

As far back as 2021, when lawmakers were considering the Kavanagh measure, company President Glenn Hickman told lawmakers he worried that voters would adopt an initiative being pushed by World Animal Protection.

It would not only have required cagefree systems by May of this year but would have made violations a crime. By contrast, the legislation -- and the rule that eventually followed after the bill failed -- gives him until 2025 to come into full compliance, with no criminal penalties.

The company already has been moving into the cage-free market. Hickman told lawmakers in 2021 that some clients, including McDonald’s and Costco,

potable city water used to irrigate the course.

Eventually, Gee took the site back and as the course continued to deteriorate, Melton closed up shop.

If anything is adding a little gray to his hairline these days, it’s the skyrocketing cost of eggs and a shortage tied to avian flu that has wiped out thousands of chickens.

That sets up a particularly steep challenge for a restaurant that serves only breakfast and lunch.

“I thought I was in a type of restaurant that wouldn’t get hit as hard” by inflation,” he said. “75% of my food business is eggs. My cost has tripled and they think it’s going up again.” 

already were demanding cage-free eggs.

But the initiative caused some heartburn as company representatives told the Department of Agriculture.

“Hickman’s Egg Ranch informs the department that it cannot convert the remainder of its production facilities to cage-free housing by May 31, 2023, as required by the initiative, and may have to euthanize a portion of its flock to avoid criminal penalties if the initiative passes,’’ the agency reported.

And then there was the fact that other states already had enacted similar rules, meaning Arizona producers who want to sell their eggs elsewhere effectively would have to go along eventually.

The final rule also is more liberal than what lawmakers had rejected. It exempts any producer which has fewer than 20,000 egg-producing hens.

It also does not require that all eggs come from free-range hens which would have required that they have access to the outdoors at least part of the day. Instead they could be kept in large barns – up to 300,000 square feet where hens could wander about.

McGuire, however, said she remains convinced that none of this was nec-

essary. She argued that Arizonans would have rejected the initiative for cage-free eggs.

The record, however, suggests otherwise. Voters in 2006 approved a ban on “gestation crates’’ for pig and cattle ranchers.

And the Department of Agriculture reached the same conclusion, citing “the success of recent animal welfare ballot initiatives in Arizona and elsewhere’’ to justify the rule.

In debating the 2021 legislation, lawmakers asked Hickman if eggs from cage-free chickens are of higher quality than their more-confined cousins. He said there’s no simple answer.

“You feed the chickens the same,’’ Hickman said. He said it’s like brown versus white eggs, with no real difference.

“But there are some studies that suggest that chickens who have less stress tend to have more natural defenses, immunities, if you will, and are therefore healthier,’’ he continued. “And that would translate potentially into maybe a different composition of egg.’’

Maybe.

“You’re making some scientific leaps,’’ Hickman concluded. 

Council District 6 hopefuls write on the issues

To our readers

The Ahwatukee Foothills News has invited Phoenix City Council District 6 candidates Kevin Robinson and Sam Stone to write a column every week now through March 1. Aside from two in which AFN asked them to address specific subjects, the candidates were invited to write on topics on their choice.

Early voting for the March 14 runoff election begins Feb. 15 and the last day to register to vote is Feb. 13. The last day to vote in person at City Hall is March 10. To register: elections.maricopa.gov/voter-registration/register-to-vote.

Robinson: My decades-long connection to Ahwatukee

BY KEVIN ROBINSON AFN Guest Writer

In June of 1987 I was a newly promoted sergeant assigned to the South Mountain Patrol Precinct. My area of responsibility was the 43 squad area, part of which was Ahwatukee. I had supervisory responsibility for all police activities from 6PM until 4AM Thursdays through Sundays. Back then, our police presence was minimal, there were very few calls for service and not much vehicular traffic. However, as Ahwatukee grew, so did the calls for police service.

From a personal standpoint, in 1997 I purchased my first Ahwatukee home in the small, gated community on the southwest corner of 32nd Street and Chandler Bouelvard. I lived there for eight years, enjoying what all of us appreciate Ahwatukee for, great neighborhoods and strong community.

Around 2006 I purchased a home further west in the area of 27th Ave. and Shaughnessy. Surrounded by the desert preserve, this neighborhood was quintessential Ahwatukee. I loved calling Ahwatukee home.

In the mid-1990s, I was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and after a few years as the midnight shift commander in the Central City Patrol Precinct I was assigned as the Operations Lieutenant in the Planning and Research Bureau of the Police Department.

As such, I had the responsibility of assessing the needs for additional police facilities, leading me again to serve the community of Ahwatukee.

In the capacity as the Operations Lieutenant, I was involved in Ahwatukee’s very first police “facility”, the storefront police station in the shopping center on the southwest corner of 48th Street and Ray Rd. Provided my memory serves me correctly, in my Operations Lieutenant capacity I signed the lease for that space.

Ahwatukee continued to grow and the police department, in concert with the Ahwatukee community, recognized that the police presence needed to as well.

Still assigned as the Operations Lieutenant, I was tasked with locating a larger facility for our growing police presence. That’s when we placed temporary modular buildings on a vacant lot north of Phoenix Fire Station #43, 4110 East Chandler Blvd.

This became a running joke of sorts between Police Officers and Firefighters, as they were in a brand-new station, and we were “in their backyard in temporary housing”. Eventually, with a great deal of support from the Ahwatukee community, a permanent police facility was built adjacent to the Pecos Park Community Center.

In the mid-2000s I found myself once again responsible for ensuring the safety of the residents of Ahwatukee. I was the Investigations Division Chief, and I

Stone: Hire a nerd, we obsess so you don’t have to do it

BY SAM STONE AFN Guest Writer

Hang on for the ride, Ahwatukee. I’ll bet dollars to donuts right now there are a bunch of terrible photos of me getting ready to land in your mailboxes. Probably a few screenshots of stuff I tweeted over the years, too.

That’s life in modern politics and, let’s be honest, my friends would say “unusual”, but I typically just admit to being an odd-looking guy. So there will be lots of great photos for my opponent to choose from. And I’m unreserved – I say things most politicians won’t. He has plenty to work with there, too.

But what Mr. Robinson doesn’t have, are my ties to Ahwatukee, or this district. And he doesn’t have the ideas I’m bringing to the table to make our communities even better and more vibrant than they are.

Simply put, this isn’t Mr. Robinson’s neighborhood. He’s lives in Scottsdale. He admitted to one of the local papers that he’s only in this race because the Mayor asked him to, and she’s making his fundraising calls to buy the election for him.

I’m not going to pretend I live in Ahwatukee, I live in Orangedale, and in case you’re wondering where Orangedale is, it’s generally referred to– incorrectly - as “Little Arcadia” – much to the chagrin of

Arcadia and Orangedale alike.

Nonetheless, I’ve been a part of the Ahwatukee community for the last six years. I fought to help local businesses like Urban Air open their doors on time. To get improvements made to the parking and amenities at our trailheads.

To pave our streets, and hire more cops to patrol them. When COVID hit, I battled the city tooth and nail to ensure our local restaurants and as many of our businesses as possible could stay open and operate safely.

Whatever happens in this race, Democrats will still hold a majority on the Council. If there’s something they absolutely want to do, I won’t be able to stop it – unless it’s something that can’t stand up to the light of day, something they can’t support when the public is aware of it.

When the council is doing things that primarily benefit contractors and insiders, they need to be called out on it – and I’m asking for your vote to do just that.

I’m a wonk. A nerd. When I started this run, I promised to stay true to myself and campaign on things that I care deeply about - like changing city policies as they relate to contracting and purchasing so that we stop paying double what the private sector does for the exact same products and services.

Fighting to reduce the time it takes for homeowners and businesses to get through our permitting processes. And

oversaw one of the largest and longest running criminal investigations the department had ever encountered.

A serial sexual offender had victimized women in the area of 48th Street and Elliott Road as well as numerous other locations throughout Phoenix. I assigned surveillance teams throughout areas in Ahwatukee in what would prove to be a successful effort in apprehending the suspect.

As public safety is concerned, I have been directly involved in some of the most important moments in Ahwatukee’s history. Whether it was leading investigations or fighting for resources, I have been there for you.

Having the permanent substation allowed officers to respond quicker to calls, tips, and be available across Ahwatukee

like they had not been able to before. The creation of the substation is tangible proof of what can be accomplished when the community and city officials come together to achieve a shared goal.

I’ve always said that keeping residents safe is the number one priority for any elected leader.

I recall this time in our community’s history as similar calls are being made for a new fire station. Ahwatukee residents are concerned about response times, and they deserve a representative who has helped solve these problems before.

Throughout my policing career, I’ve advocated for resources and public services in Ahwatukee. I will continue that advocacy as the District 6 City Councilman. After all, past performance is a clear indicator of future performance. 

generally striving to squeeze desperately needed efficiencies from existing programs, so that we can deliver more and better services with the money we already have.

I’ve listened to generations of politicians talk about what they want to do and why they want to do it, but none of them ever bother to spend any time thinking about how we do those things. That’s my focus, and – frankly – is something Phoenix desperately needs from the council at this time.

Our pension debt repayments are going to eat up more and more of our budget over the next 20 plus years. Phoenix is already projecting max annual tax increases every single year just to keep up. And we have a growing population with increasing need for key city services. With your support, I can make these things happen.

I highly encourage folks to head to my website at SamStone.vote and read up on all my plans for yourself. Call me if you have a question, my number is 480616-1787. And, lastly, thank you for your consideration. 

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Thunder soccer not fearing post-title slump midway through season

BY ANDREW LWOWSKI AFN Contributing Writer

Desert Vista High School has always had a winning culture in its athletics, and boys’ soccer is no different.

Under head coach Trent Elliot, the Thunder have captured the state title twice in his four years leading the program. He took over the program early in the 2018 season and never looked back, winning the 6A title in his first year. Then the Thunder fell short in the semifinals to Hamilton in 2019 and to Brophy in the 2020 title match.

During the 2021-22 season, the Thunder boasted a 20-1-4 record that ended with the state title over Chandler. However, that championship team was not built during the season, but forged through heartbreak and adversity in years past.

“I had a group of five that were sophomores on varsity, and they went through two years of losing,” Elliot said. “From the end of their junior year they made it a point that wasn’t going to happen again.”

Through the hardship, Elliot says that the boys embraced the underdog mentality and pushed each other to overcome the final hump.

His team in 2022-23 is still learning.

This season, Desert Vista has lost four close games in power point play by one goal.

“Really, the wakeup call for us was the Brophy game – even the Perry game –we got cards,” Elliott said. “We ended the Brophy game 10 against 11 and that’s when they scored. We ended the Perry game eight against 11.”

The turnaround starts with attitude.

First year varsity player and sophomore defenseman Genki Shinohara said he’s noticed the attitude has been “negative” compared to what he has seen in years past.

While the Thunder continue to develop the maturity and mental fortitude,

Elliot has seen growth and believes his group will be a “tough team to deal with” down the stretch.

“I’ll take a 24-seed and run into the tournament and try to make a five or six game run,” he said.

Being shadowed by Brophy as the top school in the East Valley paired with adversity from years past, propelled the Thunders title run in 2022-23.

However, senior defenseman Lionel

Desert Vista boys soccer coach Trent Elliott said his team has a lot to learn this season after winning the state title in 2022. But he’s confident they can still avoid the postchampionship slump and hit their stride late in the year. (Dave Minton/AFN Staff)

Williams admitted they lost sight of their drive after doing so.

“We had the chip on our shoulder to go and prove to everybody that we were the team to watch, we were the team to beat,” he said. “This season, having that title, at the beginning of the season we didn’t have that drive to look to.”

Now more than halfway through the season, the Thunder sit at 6-8 overall, 0-0 in their section. With section play

still yet to begin, Elliot said that it is the small goals that will help get the team rolling, the first of which is to win the 6A Central.

Desert Vista graduated 11 players from last year, but Elliot said that isn’t the biggest challenge for the team now.

“The hardest part this year is the seniors adapting to their new role,” he said. “That’s been our struggle so far this year. We didn’t go through a lot of adversity last year ... There weren’t a lot of games where we got down or had to figure out what we had to do to come back. And I think that’s what I’m realizing with this group is, as juniors, they don’t have a struggle, so how do we react to what we’re going through.”

Senior midfielder Micah Vasey acknowledged that the key difference between the two teams has been internal, referencing the turbulence that ignited the team chemistry of last year.

“Playing with both the teams, it’s kind of hard to form a team on the field the same way that we had last year,” Vasey said. “We’re still working on adjusting the team dynamic and our play style.”

To get the team back on track to defend their title, Williams said it’s “more of a focus aspect.”

“It’s not getting flustered,” he said, adding that it is frustrating at times, but it is about how the team can bounce back game by game.

“Last year it was focusing on getting to goal more, this year is just focusing on the team dynamic and working together,” Vasey added. “This team, the talent is a lot more (than last years), we need to learn to funnel that energy.”

The Thunder have fallen victim to the post-title slump that teams of all sports often face.

But the season is not lost, nor should the Thunder community lose faith as the remaining five games for Desert Vista are sectional matchups.

“It’s just remembering who we are and what we have to do and take it game by game,” Williams said. 

Desert Vista senior Lionel Williams is one of the key players stepping into a leadership role this season for the Thunder. He said the key for the team now is to take everything game by game. (Dave Minton/AFN Staff)

Barrett-Jackson is a ‘see and be seen’ show, auction

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor

Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, hosts its annual flagship auction at WestWorld of Scottsdale each January, serving as the gateway to events season in the Valley.

This year, like years past, Chairman/ CEO Craig Jackson expects another incredible event with an enviable No Reserve collector car docket and a host of activities for auction-goers of all ages. The event kicks off on Saturday, Jan. 21, and runs through Jan. 29.

Included in this year’s auction is a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT, one of only 644 sold new in the United States. One of the last and most popular analog supercars, the vehicle has less than 3,400 miles and, while it was originally finished in black,

Barrett-Jackson chairman and CEO Craig Jackson is excited to kick events season into high gear when Barrett-Jackson revs into town on Saturday, January 21 through Sunday, January 29. (Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson)

this Carrera GT now has a concours-quality paint finished in a bespoke PPG red.

Asian District prepares for Chinese Lunar New Year

BY SRIANTHI PERERA Tribune Contributor

Ushering in the Lunar New Year in Asia means setting off firecrackers and fireworks and creating a messy, noisy and immersive experience that differs from the North American version of looking at fireworks from afar.

“We just had our New Year fireworks, but this one has a different appeal to it; it has a lot more of a street vendor vibe. They light it up and they don’t necessarily care about the mess, the smell, everyone just wants to be there for the celebration,” explained Anthony Amphonephong, executive director of the Asian Chamber of Commerce.

Two upcoming celebrations in Mesa celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year will try to offer the real atmosphere.

Fireworks, lion dancing, Japanese Taiko Drums and Vietnamese fan dancing will make up the cultural extravaganzas.

Lunar New Year Celebration 2023, The Year of the Rabbit will take place 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21, at AZ International Marketplace in Mesa’s Asian District, while Culture Night, Celebrating Asian Lunar New Year organized by the Asian Festival will take place 4-10 p.m. Jan. 28 at Mesa Community College. Both outdoor events are free to attend.

“We Asians love to celebrate. So, we organized this for the community to come out and celebrate and have fun,” said local Realtor Winnie Kho Kaplan, whose husband, Steve Kaplan, founded the Asian Festival last year.

A limited-edition 2020 Ford GT Carbon Series is another featured vehicle sell-

ing with No Reserve. Finished in frozen white, its carbon blue graphics package features a blue center stripe down the middle of the exposed single carbonfiber stripe.

Other options include exposed carbon-fiber sideview mirror caps and the standard Carbon Series weight-saving titanium exhaust system. Essentially still in the wrapper, this supercar has only 32 miles on the odometer and comes with the window sticker, factory production photos and battery charger.

Also headed to the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction block is a 1966 Shelby Group II Mustang built for Ken Miles to race in the Sports Car Club of America Trans-American Sedan Championship. However, Miles died in a crash while testing a car at Riverside International Race-

As an adviser to the festival, Winnie Ken Koshio,

a Japanese drummer who entertained at the Asian Festival last year, will be returning fort this year’s Chiense Lunar New Year celebration in Mesa’s Asian District.(Winnie Kho Kaplan/ Special to the Republic)

way on August 17, 1966, and never got behind the wheel of this Mustang.

Its first owner was driver John McComb, who competed extensively in SCCA events. McComb sold the car in 1967, but it continued to be raced into the early 1970s.

Another highlight is a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, No. 61 of 69 built in 1969. It is powered by an all-aluminum 427/430hp V8 engine mated to a M21 4-speed manual transmission and a 4.10 posi-traction rear end.

This Camaro is optioned with D80 spoiler equipment and an AM radio. It comes with a Jerry MacNeish Certificate of Authenticity and is from the Northside Customs Collection.

Jackson says the 50th anniversary celebration of Barrett-Jackson in 2022 was its most successful auction in the company’s history, surpassing $203 million in sales while also raising more than $8.8 million for charity.

As is the case with all Barrett-Jackson events, many celebrities attended as well.

“Last year, Joey Logano came with several other NASCAR drivers,” he said. “He ended up being the NASCAR Cup Series champion (at Phoenix Raceway).”

The auction also welcomed GRAMMY Award-winning artist Pitbull as he sold his 2022 Karma GS-6 EV “Mr. 305 Edition” to support The SLAM Foundation and Selfless Love.

Other celebrities in attendance included Bret Michaels, Tim Allen and Renee Zellweger, as well as professional athletes such as DeAndre Hopkins, Richie Incognito, Bubba Watson and Jacoby Ellsbury.

This year was one of change for BarrettJackson. In August, IMG, an Endeavor company, acquired a majority stake in it.

The global leader in events, IMG owns, operates and commercially represents the likes of Frieze art fairs, the Madrid and Miami Open tennis tournaments, Formula Drift, and New York Fashion Week: The Shows.

“Pairing Barrett-Jackson with the unique power of the Endeavor network

is an unparalleled opportunity for our company, immediately opening doors to amplify and accelerate the growth of Barrett-Jackson as a global lifestyle brand,” Jackson said.

“I couldn’t be more excited to have this perfect partner as we look to optimize our fan experience and create new touchpoints for car enthusiasts around our live events and media offerings.”

Jackson and his team are working on elevating the auction experience and promises there are plenty of activities at the events beyond the block.

“It’s a lifestyle event and we add experiences all the time — live music, firepits, cigar lounge, the food and beverage offerings. It all lends itself to this experience that is Barrett-Jackson.”

Several family-friendly activities include STEM Fest on Saturday, January 21, as part of Barrett-Jackson’s Family Day, when children 12 and under receive free admission. Hot Laps and Thrill Rides with Toyota, Dodge, Ford and Chevrolet as well as exhilarating off-road experiences with RAM and Toyota will be available throughout the event.

As part of STEM Fest, winners of Barrett-Jackson’s community STEM Program, Gearing Towards The Future, will showcase their projects along with companies and organizations focused on STEM initiatives. The winners will also receive their awards during the event.

Introduced in September, Gearing Towards The Future was created with SciTech Institute to develop future automotive engineers and technicians.

“Barrett-Jackson is passionate about its long history of creating family-friendly automotive lifestyle events that encourage multiple generations to come together and enjoy a shared interest with one another,” Jackson said.

“This new STEM program provides an even greater opportunity to engage with the youth here in Arizona through an exciting educational platform that will help support the future community of automotive enthusiasts.”

There were four open competitions: a 10th and 11th grade-only competition focused on the design and build of an electrical component for any vehicle for the future of transportation, a 7th and 8th grade-only competition focused on developing a plan that outlines how to implement electric vehicle charging infrastructure that could be implemented across the country, a 4th and 5th grade-only competition focused on presenting the design and layout of a future vehicle, and a competition open for all grades, Pre-K through 12, with the focus on presenting a plan for future transportation options in a community setting of any size.

Barrett-Jackson is invested in Gen X, too. The Future Collector Car Show (FCCS) returns Sunday, Jan. 22, with a

new location: the Polo Field at WestWorld of Scottsdale. The concours-style event will celebrate the cars we love today and the collectibles of tomorrow.

During the show, which was formerly held at High Street, spectators will enjoy a variety of vehicles ranging from the 1980s to today, from highly modified custom builds to original and perfectly preserved rides, effectively creating an experience where generations of vehicle owners can find common ground in their love of future collectibles.

“The FCCS is all about cars from the ’80s and up, and it’s really taking the collectors and enthusiasts who dream about those cars and showcasing them,” Jackson said.

“It’s a true judging of that era of cars. We really want the generation that grew up with these cars—millennials, GenXers—to enjoy this entire genre of cars. We’ll have European sports cars and Japanese cars; cars the younger generation of automotive enthusiasts grew up loving.”

Jackson says there’s truly something for everyone.

“Barrett-Jackson is a place to see and be seen,” he said. “It is a lot of fun. It’s something unique. It is the only major event like it in the world. People come from around the world to enjoy it. Locals should take advantage of it as well. There’s so much happening here in Arizona in early 2023, and it all starts with Barrett-Jackson.” 

If You Go...

What: Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auction

Where: WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale

When: Times vary, Saturday, January 21, to Sunday, January 29

Cost: Tickets start at $25; discounts for seniors, military, students, first responders, children

Info: barrett-jackson.com

This 2019 Ford GT Heritage sold last year for $1.2 million. (Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson)

Kho recently secured a nonprofit designation to facilitate obtaining sponsors and keep it free so that the community may participate in large numbers.

Culture Night will have about 100 booths selling crafts and demonstrations including lantern making, kung fu, calligraphy and a tea ceremony.

Entertainment includes a lion dance, international live jazz music performed by John Williams (formerly of Herbie Hancock), Taiko Japanese drumming artist Ken Koshio and cultural dances from various Asian countries.

The Asian District also wants to spread cultural awareness and events such as these is a good first step.

“Its aim is to create a central hub for the general public to celebrate with cultural performances and things that they normally would not have access to,” said Amphonephong, who expects at least 2,000 people to attend.

Children will receive the traditional red envelopes with money and 5- to 10-year-olds may appear in a beauty pageant.

“It’s good for anyone who loves cultures. The New Year celebration is joyful,” said David Pham, a member of the Arizona Vietnamese community, which is partnering with AZ International Marketplace to put on the show.

Amphonephong said the festival is being held during the day, oriented toward the family and focused on the cultural aspect of the holiday. The district has dozens of stores and supermarkets providing goods and services.

Outside, there will be about five main food vendors selling Chinese food, Filipino fusion, Vietnamese Pho and a donut cart. “It’s a smaller event and more intimate, that’s what they want to keep it as,” he added.

This is the third Chinese New Year celebration being held in the Asian District.

The first one was held just before the pandemic hit in 2020, and it was “a huge success,” attended by more than 10,000 people. Coming out of Covid, last year’s event attracted about 12,000, and the

district held another one, a night market, in October.

Initially, the Asian District Night Market was built around marketability in the area.

“As we recently branded the Asian District, we wanted to bring traffic and a lot of eyes to the area, so we recently held the Asian District Night Market,” Amphonephong said.

“We want every business owner to have the opportunity to host whatever seems fit for their business and this also goes along with it. The Lunar New Year is a very, very big celebration in the Chinese and the Vietnamese community,” he said.

“AZ International wanted to host their own, so we are letting them take the reins on it and we are just helping them out, providing them the resources and what we’ve done in the past to help them succeed,” he added.

The Valley has a burgeoning Asian population.

Amphonephong, who is of Laotian descent, said that when he was small, his family used to know every Laotian who lived in the area.

Nowadays, it is different, he said. A Laotian community is developing in Laveen, and many people are moving there from across the country.

“It’s hard to keep track. There are at least about 100 families,” he said. 

If You Go...

What: Lunar New Year Celebration

Where: International Marketplace, 1920 W. Broadway Road, Mesa.

When: 4-0 p.m. Jan. 21 at Arizona Lion dances at 1 and 3 p.m. and fireworks displays at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

What: Culture Night organized by Asian Festival

Where: Mesa Community College, 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa.

When: 4-10 p.m. Jan. 28

Info: Asianfestivalaz.com.

ACROSS

1 Energy

4 Amtrak express

9 Sushi fish

12 Praise in verse

13 VIP on Air Force One

14 Tennis feat

15 Museum piece

17 Train lines (Abbr.)

18 Sprite

19 Holler

21 Word game with dice

24 Horseshoe site

25 Brit. record label

26 Not ‘neath

28 Bolivian city

31 Wilson’s predecessor

33 Observe

35 Castle

36 Caper

38 Music booster

40 GPS suggestion

41 Skip

43 Telethon array

45 Soft and weak

47 Kanga’s kid

48 Use a shovel

49 Land in the Irish Sea

54 Oklahoma city

55 Beethoven’s “Fuer -- “

56 Kimono sash

57 Unruly group

58 Impudent

59 Tex- -- cuisine

DOWN

1 Pledge

2 Wedding words

3 Mal de --

4 Moon mission

5 Brewed beverages

6 JFK info

7 “The Addams Family” butler

8 Houston team

9 Picnic veggie

10 Beige

11 For fear that

16 Small barrel

20 Thy

21 Alpha follower

22 Muscat’s land

23 Eloquent person’s talent

27 Actor Stephen

29 Memory method

30 Stretches (out)

32 Marathoner’s stat

King Crossword

34 Catherine, notably

37 Municipalities

39 “Nuts!

42 Inventor Nikola

44 Gut-punch reaction

45 Wax-coated cheese

46 Rover’s pal

50 Fleur-de- --

51 Oft-tattooed word

52 Jurist Fortas

53 Kibosh

For grilled cheese lovers, this sandwich takes your craving to a whole new level. So, say “cheese, please!” the ultimate way.

Ultimate grilled cheese packs a punch of flavor

Sudoku

This grilled cheese sandwich version is loaded with all the things that go best with cheddar – like apples and bacon. A good grilled cheese sandwich never goes out of style. Kids love them, adults love them, and they’ve proven to be one of the most popular food truck favorites across the country.

But we must tackle a controversy while building this big boy. That is, do you spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread? I say butter on the inside and mayo on the outside.

I’ve actually switched my loyalty from butter to mayo for the outside of the sandwich because mayonnaise produces the most beautiful evenly cooked crust! For this ultimate grilled cheese, I’ve

Ingredients:

• 12 slices thick-cut bacon

• ½ cup maple syrup

• 4 crisp apples, cut in ¼ inch slices (I used Honey Crisp)

• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick) softened

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Arrange the bacon on a baking rack set over a sheet pan lined with aluminum foil. Cook bacon half way. Then brush maple syrup on both sides of bacon and cook until crispy and caramelized, continuing to brush with maple syrup periodically. Set aside.

Heat a cast iron or heavy skillet with 1 tablespoon of butter. Over medium high heat, cook sliced apples until softened and slightly grilled on each side. Set aside.

Lay 12 slices of bread on a board and spread each one with mayonnaise. Flip the slices and

used aged cheddar and gruyere. Use any cheese combination you like.

I’ve also brushed maple syrup over the bacon during the cooking process. The sweet and salty add so much to the cheese sandwich! Finally, grilled apple slices bring all the flavors home. The combination of all of these ingredients really makes this sandwich memorable. So now you have the grown-up version and a real tasty ultimate grilled cheese sandwich.

plus 2 tablespoons

• 1 cup mayonnaise (I used Best Foods)

• 12 slices white bread

• 8 ounces gruyere or cheese of your choice

• 8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar, shredded

spread each one with butter. Sprinkle equal amounts of shredded cheddar to all 12 slices (buttered side). Add a layer of apple slices, 2 pieces of bacon and Gruyere cheese to 6 of the slices of bread. Close sandwich, making sure mayonnaise is on the outside. Press down gently.

Heat a cast iron or heavy skillet (or Panini press).To the skillet add remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Grill sandwiches on both sides until rich golden brown. Allow to cool for about a minute before slicing in half. Serve with chips or tomato soup (and a dill pickle!)

FREEDOM.

TO BE YOU.

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