Ahwatukee Foothills News - 02.10.2021 by Times Media Group

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Appraisal: State land tract here ripe for 1,050 houses BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

t least 1,050 homes can be built on the 373.5-acre stretch of State Trust Land in Ahwatukee that will go on the auction block within the next few months, according to the appraisal performed by the Arizona Land Department. The appraisal helped the state Land Department set a starting bid of $105 million for the land –located along Chandler Boulevard between 19th and 27th avenues – whenever it holds an auction. No auction date has been set yet, though a Land Department official told the Ahwatukee Foothills Village Planning Committee in Decem-

ber that it likely will occur this spring or early summer. The date will be set when the department begins a 10-week advertising period. As one of the largest untouched pieces of land closest to central Phoenix currently for sale, developers are likely to be flocking to that auction – especially since the land already is zoned for both residential and multi-family development. A study released last month by Land Advisors Organization in Phoenix showed that much of the Valley’s non-tribal open land that could be developed is now located in the far reaches of the West Valley and in Pinal County, though there are hundreds of available acres, much of it State Trust Land, in the far East Valley as well.

Gila River Indian Community plans a mammoth neighbor

Moreover, having one huge piece of land available for auction that could be bought by one developer fits a growing trend identified by Land Advisors Organization. Its study found that developers are increasingly buying huge chunks of land rather than taking a more incremental approach because of the skyrocketing demand for homes and apartments fueled by the relentless migration of out-of-state buyers and renters to the Phoenix Metro region. Maricopa County’s population rose from 2.1 million in 1990 to a current 4.4 million and is projected to hit 4.7 million in three years. The Trust Land in Ahwatukee would host

From the heart

see LAND page 18

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

ver the next decade, Ahwatukee will be getting a big new neighbor – a 3,300-acre sports and entertainment complex that could give the Gila River Indian Community a rival to the Talking Stick Entertainment District just south of Scottsdale. The project lead, Sunbelt Holdings of Scottsdale, and the tribe’s development arm, Wild Horse Pass Development Authority, envision additional hotels, wellness and event centers, an outdoor amphitheater for concerts, sports facilities, outdoor recreation and parks, restaurants, retail establishments and an office park. Sunbelt Holdings President John Graham told AFN that the development, located just south of the Loop 202-I-10 intersection, will fill a “missing corner” of the East Valley. “It’s an additional piece of economic development potential for the whole area,” said Graham, whose

see GILA page 14

At age 15, Ahwatukee resident Reva Chaudhry is an honor student who devotes a considerable amount of time to making people feel appreciated and loved with scores of meticulously crafted greeting cards. See page 25 for details. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff

Photographer)

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

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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Parents demanding a full return to in-class learning in Tempe Union High School District supported a billboard that was erected along I-10 last week. (Courtesy of Channel 15)

Tempe Union may reopen four days a week March 15 BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

empe Union High School District may reopen classrooms for four days a week March 15 – and then again, it may not. The Governing Board last week devoted most of its five-hour meeting to the question of whether it will be safe to allow students back on campus for the first time since Thanksgiving – and reopen for more than two days a week for the first time since last March. Parents, students and others sent 48 emails to the board on the reopening controversy. While admitting that students are struggling and failing grades are proving that, neither Superintendent Dr. Kevin Mendivil nor the board were willing to fully commit to a March 15 reopening yet because of a number of factors, although they all appeared in favor of a fourday instead of five-day model if they do reopen schools after spring break. Among the factors affecting a final decision are the number of teachers and students – and the students’ parents – who will return to campuses, what the metrics measuring COVID-19 spread will show and the likelihood of staying open for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year. Although there was a slight decline in COVID-19 cases per 100,000 posted by the county health department on Feb. 4, the day after the board meeting, all three metrics within Tempe Union’s borders are well within the substantial category for virus spread. Those same high virus-spread readings exist in Tempe Union’s largest immediate neighbors -- Mesa Public Schools, Gilbert Public Schools and Chandler Unified, which have reopened to 5-day classroom learning. But board member Sarah James urged a cautious approach to any decision on reopening classrooms, saying the last thing she wanted to do was reopen campuses only to have to shut them down again. “In 22 years of education,” said James, a teacher, “one

see REOPEN page 4

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

Online learning, enrollment dip cost Tempe Union $4.9M AFN NEWS STAFF

he lower reimbursement rate for online instruction and enrollment decline so far has cost Tempe Union High School District $4.9 million in anticipated revenue since the school year began July 1. Before approving the second 2020-21 budget revision made so far this year, the Governing Board heard a brief presentation from Roland Carranza, district budget and finance director, about the state of district finances. The state reimburses districts at a 5 percent lower rate for online students than it does for those in classrooms fulltime. And while Gov. Doug Ducey set aside about $320 million to cushion the

REOPEN from page 3

of the most important things I can provide my students is consistency.” “We do not need our schools, our classrooms, to be bouncing back and forth between different modes of learning,” said James, arguing that many districts that have reopened at times have closed partially or completely since the current school year began and then reopened. While officials were expressing hope that a downward trend in virus would continue to the point that virus spread levels justified reopening campuses, a few board members worried about letting students back on campus immediately after spring break. Some, including James, wondered if it made more sense to wait at least a week. Some of that concern was driven by observations the board heard from two professionals that Mendivil invited – Dr. Neal Woodbury, vice president of research and chief science and technology officer for Arizona State University’s School of Molecular Sciences and Dr. Amy Jo Overlin, head team physician for Tempe Union, Chandler Gilbert Community College and the Phoenix Mercury. “We have notably spiked every time after a holiday throughout this pandemic,” said Overlin, “and obviously, we have spring break coming – which for our students’

impact of that shortfall statewide, that fund ran out of money and districts for the most part had to settle for less than they anticipated. The shortfall in revenue – representing 5.2 percent of the district’s original $113.5-million spending plan – will not have any impact on this year’s operations, but will have to be accounted for in 202122 budget year planning, Carranza said. And one wild card impacting that will be anticipated enrollment, which he and Superintendent Dr. Mendivil conceded has been dropping. “We have aging neighborhoods and people love their homes and they’re not moving out,” Mendivil said, “and Tempe is becoming increasingly more costly to live in.” Carranza added, “The numbers com-

ing up from our feeder schools has been dropping.” While they addressed enrollment declines traced to fewer young families moving in the district, no one discussed the impact that campus closures have had on enrollment as parents seek other educational options for their children. Mendivil and Carranza indicated an enrollment analysis would be coming later. Mendivil also said he hoped the State Senate Republican Caucus will be able to make good on its promise to equalize online and in-classroom reimbursement for the coming school year only. Gov. Doug Ducey, who has been insisting that schools reopen fully, has not mentioned equalization in his proposed budget.

“I am hopeful again that with the State Senate proposing initially that they would fund the extra 5 percent that that will come through,” Mendivil said. Not part of the discussion was the impact of board member Andres Barraza’s proposal that teachers get “hazard pay” if schools reopen for four-day-a-week inperson learning next month. “I think that we ought to be talking about compensation during that period in terms of hazard pay,” he said. “They are going into a dangerous environment. We’re asking staff at all levels to go into that environment and we should also consider what the district staff has been doing for this entire time and what they’re going to be asked to do when school reopens.” 

VID-19 vaccine. Assistant Superintendent Sean McDonald said 794 teachers responded to a district survey about vaccines and that 613 indicated they got at least one shot. The board spent considerable time not only discussing whether to reopen but also on balancing the academic and mental health needs of students in classrooms with those who opt to remain in online learning. Tempe Union Governing Board members met for five hours Feb. 3, spending more than three-quarters of that time discussing when and how to allow students into classrooms. (YouTube) Mendivil said that Tempe Union teachers have largefamilies is a holiday. So, we can expect in- that could potentially put us back and the ly discounted the effectiveness of having creased travel and potential increased ex- social distancing aspect potentially won’t students on campus two days a week. posure over that time. Though I do think happen in class,” said James. While five days on campus remains an overall we’re going to trend downwards, Board members also expressed con- option, the board appeared more inclined we could see an additional small spike cerns about how students could be kept to go with the four-day model, with all studuring the March area when we’re trying socially distant not only in class but in caf- dents learning at home on Wednesdays so to get into our fourth quarter. So that’s go- eterias and hallways if a significant por- that schools could be deep-cleaned and ing to be a challenge for us.” teachers could devote some time to helption of the student body returns. Other concerns were raised as well as the And there was concern about how many ing students regain some of the academic board discussed whether in-class learning teachers might be fully vaccinated by the ground they have lost this school year. should be offered four or five days a week. March 15 date. “We have only one meeting before March “I’m very hesitant about that because Mendivil stressed the need for flexibil- and if we’re looking at March 15,” said we’re talking about the need for mitiga- ity in making a reopening decision, not- board member Andres Barraza, “I don’t tion strategies, especially when we’re still ing that a survey of Tempe Union teachers think we can have any confusion among in substantial spread or teetering on the indicated that around a third of teachers our community members or among staff verge of or coming back from spring break have received at least one dose of the CO- members. I think we need this now.” 

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

Phoenix unveils second mobile COVID-19 testing van BY ALYSSA MARKSZ AFN Contributor

hoenix Mayor Kate Gallego last week unveiled the city’s second mobile COVID-19 testing van, expanding its free testing services. Accompanied by other city officials and Premier Lab Solutions Vice President of Sales Kelli Kopkash, the mayor said the new van will increase access to testing for people in areas where virus spread is spiking while its other van will continue bringing tests into underserved areas of the community. The new van will operate three days a week. “Our first van has been active since August and already delivered 90,000 tests, but we know that COVID is still very prevalent in our community. We have high positive rates which means you need more testing to really understand the status of the virus,” Gallego said. Both mobile testing vans offer two options – a rapid test with on-site results within 15 minutes as well as a second swab sent for a polymerase chain reaction

City officials and employees debuted a second COVID-19 testing van at a press conference last week. (Alyssa Marksz/AFN Contributor) (PCR) test with results in 24 hours. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, PCR or molecular tests are currently the most accurate form of COVID-19 testing. “It is a free service to our residents, so you don’t have to worry about insurance or any of the barriers that may prevent people from getting tested,” Gallego said. Phoenix’s mobile COVID-19 testing vans

were created in collaboration with Premier Lab Solutions, a Phoenix based lab dedicated to making COVID-19 testing more readily available. “We are so excited and honored to be a part of this venture with the city of Phoenix. We are headquartered right here in Phoenix, so this hits close to home,” Kopkash said. The new van is a slightly larger 2020

Ford T-350 Transit, customized by the Phoenix Public Works Department’s Fleet Management division with an externally mounted generator, A/C unit, refrigerator, USB ports, a foldable work desk and service windows. Phoenix offers three other testing services in addition to the mobile testing vans. ExpresCheck at Sky Harbor International Airport offers three types of COVID-19 tests to travelers-- a PCR test, a blood antibody test and a Rapid Abbott ID test. Drive-thru testing is offered on weekends at various locations in Phoenix by city partners, Equality Health Foundation and Family Tree Healthcare. The vans and testing services were made possible by some of the $293 million the city received last year under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

Bill pushes huge voucher program expansion BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

our years after voters rejected expanding a voucher program, Republican state lawmakers are trying again in a big way. SB 1452 would allow any student who meets certain standards to get more than $4,300 a year of tax dollars to attend a private or parochial school. It also would permit parents to use those dollars for home schooling or “pods’’ with neighbors to teach their children. The measure, approved by the Senate Education Committee, would enable a massive expansion of a program that started in 2011 as a small alternative for students with special physical or emotional needs that their parents said could not be met at home. Since then, however, there has been a near-constant expansion of eligibility, to the point where it now includes foster children, children living on reservations, children of active military, and those at-

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tending public schools rated D or F. Sen. Paul Boyer, R-Phoenix, did not provide any estimates of what his legislation would mean in terms of students. But Aaron Wonders, lobbyist for the state Department of Education, estimated that about 250,000 students in Arizona are currently eligible for a voucher and that SB 1452 could balloon that up to 700,000 of the state’s 1.1 million students in public schools. Boyer said his legislation is targeted at students from low-income families. But the wording appears to have a loophole that would open the door to students from well-to-do families simply because their children were attending a school where there were enough poor students to classify it as eligible for Title I services for the needy. Arizona does not require students to attend traditional public schools in their neighborhoods. They are free to enroll at other school districts and can attend any charter school, which are public schools under Arizona law, without cost.

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unacceptable. That includes Jim Swanson, CEO of Kitchell Corp., a major Arizona construction firm. “Don’t get me wrong,’’ he said. “I support school choice through quality charters and open enrollment in our school districts. But this, Swanson said, is not the answer, saying voucher expansion “takes money out of an already underfunded, overburdened system, a system that is barely coping with teachers leaving and retiring, a shortage of counselors, and an overreliance on bonds and overrides to fund school operations at the district level.” Boyer’s legislation also says that high schoolers can get a separate scholarship financed by donations to school tuition organizations to help pay those private and parochial school expenses. That’s crucial as donors get a dollar-for-dollar credit against income tax owed to the state, reducing overall state revenues for education and other priorities.

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“But it’s only a choice if it’s funded,’’ Boyer said. “It’s only a choice if a student has access to the school,’’ he continued. “It’s only a choice if they’re not stuck on a wait list for years and years and told year after year after year, ‘Just wait until we’re fully funded, then it will get better.’‘’ Boyer, a charter school teacher, said the issue is providing what a family thinks is best rather than essentially telling children that their only choice is the neighborhood school that may or may not be meeting their needs. But Sen. Christine Marsh, D-Phoenix, said that misses a key point. “The irony is if we were funding our schools appropriately, we wouldn’t have kids who felt or families who felt the need to leave, or certainly not as many,’’ she said. Leaving the public school system, she said, reduces a district’s per-student funding, leaving the schools even worse off. While the committee was divided along party lines, there are elements of the business community that find Boyer’s idea

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

State of�icial decries online learning underfunding BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

rizona’s top education official told lawmakers last week they need to ensure that schools get as much money for online courses as the law now provides them for kids in seats. Kathy Hoffman said public schools are expected to lose up to $500 million in aid because the state law funds distance learning at 5 percent less than in-person instruction. Mesa Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Scott Thompson last month said he is encouraged that the Senate GOP caucus indicated a willingness to allow 100-percent funding for both online and in-classroom students for one year and the restoration of $67 million in flexible dollars for use to cover either operating or capital costs. “We appreciate the Senate’s continued commitment to restoring the recessionera cuts to our base per-student formula funding and we support the funding of students who have been attending school remotely at 100 percent,” he said. “We look forward to working with members of the Senate to find additional opportunities to address the loss of learning opportunities for our students.” Gov. Doug Ducey did come up with $370 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. But Hoffman told members of the Senate Education Committee, that still shorted schools statewide by $247 million. And aides to the governor said he has no interest in coming up with the difference. At the same time, however, Ducey is pushing ahead with a plan to permanently cut taxes by $200 million this coming budget year, a plan that calls for that rising to $400 million in cuts the following year and $600 million the year after that.

VOUCHERS from page 9

Ron Johnson, who lobbies for the state’s Catholic bishops and the schools they run, said the move is necessary to keep kids in Catholic schools past the eighth grade because high school tuition is high. Even if Boyer gets his measure through the legislature and signed by the governor, that is unlikely to be the last word.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction told a State Senate panel that school districts should receive the same per-pupil reimbursement for online students as they do for students in the classroom. (Special to AFN) “When the state sits on a billion-dollar rainy day fund and projects a $2 billion surplus, there is no excuse to not fully fund every school,’’ Hoffman said. “There has never been a more urgent time to tap into our safety net and provide for Arizonans,’’ she continued. “Anyone who thinks it’s not raining in Arizona right now needs to check their privilege.’’ What ultimately is needed, she said, is “predictable, sustainable funding’’ that would allow schools to plan their budgets and lure and fairly compensate education professionals. She said voters share that belief, citing the approval in November of Proposition 208. That measure enacted a 3.5 percent tax surcharge on any income above $250,000 a year for individuals and $500,000 for married couples filing jointly, a measure proponents say could

Beth Lewis, co-founder of Save Our Schools Arizona said her organization will take “any action to right this wrong.’’ One of those options would be to ask voters to void the law. Lewis’ group gathered enough signatures in 2017, the last time lawmakers tried a major expansion, to put the issue on the ballot. Voters overrode the measure by a 2-1 margin.

raise $940 million a year -- but not until the 2022-2023 school year. The initiative’s legality is being challenged in court by business interests and some GOP legislators. Hoffman did give a tip of the hat to Ducey’s plan to use some cash to boost literacy at early grades. But she said that’s not a permanent solution. “One-time grant funding simply doesn’t cut it for staffing our schools,’’ Hoffman said. “When we use a patchwork approach to funding our schools, our students lose out.’’ She also had kind words for Ducey’s plan to expand broadband access “as it will be critical to bridging the opportunity gap for students and families.’’ But here, too, Hoffman said more is needed. “Even for our schools where internet is reliable, the cost of virtual learning is

The other option, she said, is legal, saying there are questions about a provision in Boyer’s legislation that would take money from a voter-approved School Site Fund, financed by a 0.6-cent sales tax, to

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staggering,’’ she said. “From ordering expensive devices to hiring additional IT staff to manage the issues that rise on digital platforms, to training educators on new digital tools, I cannot overstate the impact distance learning has had on schools’ budgets.’’ “For too long, Arizona has been in a crisis with a shortage of educators, not because we lack the talent, but because too many exceptional teachers have burned out from overcrowded classrooms, noncompetitive pay, and a lack of essential resources for students,’’ she said. “We could not afford to lose a single educator at the state of 2020,’’ Hoffman said. “But the demands of navigating a classroom in a pandemic has exacerbated the strain on our workforce,’’ she said. “We already know of teachers who have either bought themselves out of their contracts or are planning to not renew their contracts for the next school year.’’ It’s not all about classroom learning, the schools chief said. She said students, just like adults, have been struggling with mental health issues during the pandemic and the school closures. Hoffman said she is pushing for putting another $43 million into the state’s School Safety Grant Program, more than double current funding. She said that could add another 355 counselors or social workers to schools. Hoffman endorsed a couple of measures being pushed by Democrats. SB 1227 by Sen. Christine Marsh of Phoenix would set up a committee to study what is an “appropriate class size’’ and identify methods -- and funding -- to reduce the number of students in a classroom, something that also could require additional facilities. It already has cleared the Senate Education Committee, with only Republicans Nancy Barto of Phoenix and Tyler Pace of Mesa in opposition.  help finance the vouchers. Boyer’s legislation for the first time also allows parents to use their vouchers to pay for public or commercial transportation between home and school. 

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

GILA from page 1

project team also includes the planningdesign firms of CallisonRTKL and Kimley Horn as well as real estate consultant Elliott D. Pollack & Company. And he said the completion of the South Mountain Freeway, along with the Arizona Department of Transportation’s plans to add a third lane in each direction of I-10 between Ahwatukee and Casa Grande further enhance the site’s attractiveness – and likely spur more development on the sprawling 372,000-acre reservation. “We’ll have multiple interchanges on it,” Graham said. “We’ll have direct access into Ahwatukee on 40th Street and 48th Street” as well as Chandler…It’s a phenomenal piece of property.” Tribal leaders see the project as an expansion of “our vision to provide additional economic development opportunities for Wild Horse Pass, GRIC, and the Greater Metropolitan Phoenix area,” said Donald Antone, the Wild Horse Authority board chairman. Even before the overall project was unveiled, it was starting to unfold late last year when Phoenix Rising, the state’s largest professional soccer team, announced it as the home for its new stadium. The stadium, which is expected to open for the May start of the 2021 season, will have a 35 percent greater capacity than the team’s previous 6,200-seat venue at its previous home at McClintock Drive and Loop 202. It also will offer permanent bathrooms, paved parking with multiple entrances and exits, a double-sided video screen, more practice fields and “improved family and VIP experiences,” according to the team. Mark Gardo, a spokesman for the Wild Horse Pass Development Authority, said the stadium is costing “in excess of at least several million dollars,” and that funding comes from both Wild Horse Pass and the club. Wild Horse Pass is already home to Gila River Hotels & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass, the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, Whirlwind Golf Club, Aji Spa, Rawhide Western Town & Event Center, Phoenix Premium Outlets, KOLI Equestrian Center, Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park and the Bondurant High Performance Driving School. Graham said he envisions a lengthy buildout for the project, though some new tenants are expected to be announced within the near future.

JOHN GRAHAM

“The stuff we do is long term in nature,” he said. “Our first plan is kind of a 10-year plan but I would believe between this land and other tribal land around it that it’s a 30-year build-out.” A 40-year-old developer of masterplanned residential and commercial properties in Arizona, Sunbelt Holdings will lead the project and provide asset and construction management as well as marketing services. “We can’t sell the land; It’s all got to be ground leased, but that’s something that we’re very attuned to,” Graham said. “On behalf of ASU, we’ve managed and marketed their research park in Tempe since 1992 and that’s all ground-leased – we can’t sell it. So, we certainly know how to do it.” The Gila Development Authority General Manager David White said, “Sunbelt Holdings’ proven expertise and reputation in master plan development, their blueribbon portfolio and deeply-rooted com-

This map is the first cut of the footprint for the proposed mega sports-entertainment complex on Gila River Indian Community land just south of Ahwatukee along the I-10. (Special to AFN)

munity connections made them the ideal partner for this expansion project.” White also said the project will create new jobs for tribal members “and will evolve our culture and legacy.” Graham said he also is excited about working with the tribe. “I think that’s one of the things that excites me about the opportunity the most – is to work with them to celebrate their culture and heritage and at the same time to create economic development opportunities to benefit the tribal members,” Graham said, adding that it also will have ripple effects on that portion of the East Valley as well as Ahwatukee. “I view it as an additional piece of economic development potential for the whole area,” he added. Sunbelt Holdings has developed more than 50,000 acres of land, including residential communities like the 3,800-home McDowell Mountain Ranch in Scottsdale, the 9,800-household Power Ranch in Gilbert and the 5,600home Vistancia. Its commercial developments include the Marina Heights and Hayden Ferry Lakeside projects in TemThe first piece of the mega-complex will open in May when the pe and the PV303 new Phoenix Rising soccer facility welcomes the 2021 season. (Spe- industrial project in cial to AFN) Goodyear that will

include more than 20 million square feet of industrial, office and retail space on a 1,600-acre site near the Loop 303 and I-10. Meanwhile, a far smaller project nearby also is underway. Trammell Crow Company is laying the groundwork for a speculative commerce park on 48 acres and three buildings totaling approximately 700,000 square feet on the Gila River Indian Community land at the southwest corner of Loop 202 and 40th Street. “The South Mountain Loop 202 submarket is a newly emerging submarket given the 22 mile expansion of the Loop 202 Freeway, but already boasts tenants from a breadth of industries,” Cathy Thuringer, a principal with TCC’s Phoenix office, said at the time the project was unveiled. “This new access to and from the Southwest Phoenix and Southeast Valley submarkets will change the dynamic of travel for tenants and visitors to the area and provide excellent opportunities for product type optionality. This location benefit, along with the fact that supply and demand are in strong balance, signal to us that this new commerce park will be well received.” 

GOT NEWS? Contact Paul Maryniak at timespublications.com

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

Legislative panel OKs some easing in sentences BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

tate lawmakers took the first steps last week to reversing decades of tough-on-crime policies. Without dissent, members of the House Committee on Criminal Justice Reform voted to restore some of the sentencing discretion taken away from judges more than four decades ago. HB 2673 does not scrap all of the mandatory sentencing laws. In order to divert from the code, a judge would need to find that a mandatory sentence would be an injustice to the defendant, that it is not necessary to protect the public and that the offense was not serious. Judges would have to explain their decision on the record. Committee members also approved: • Barring the state from denying certain licenses to people solely because they were convicted of drug offenses; • Curbing the ability of prosecutors to “stack’’ charges from multiple offenses

at the same time to get an enhanced sentence; • Ensuring that female prisoners have access to hygiene products; • Establishing an independent office of “ombudsman’’ with oversight over the Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry. Rep. Walt Blackman, R-Snowflake, who crafted that last one, said that in particular is crucial to making changes in the prison system. “This is the beginning of reform,’’ he said. “We can’t fix something if we don’t know what to fix.’’ The state’s policies on incarceration date back to 1978, when lawmakers voted to impose mandatory prison terms for certain crimes. In 1993, they approved the “truth in sentencing’’ law which says criminals must serve at least 75 percent of their term before being eligible for release. Freshman Rep. Joel John, R-Arlington, said he became interested in the issue after meeting a constituent who had served

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a mandatory two years in prison “for some petty crimes he committed because he became addicted to painkillers from injuries he sustained on the job.’’ After release, John told colleagues, this man couldn’t find a job and ended up working on a farm for him. “And there were people that spent less time in prison than he did for more serious offenses,’’ the lawmaker continued. “That didn’t seem right to me.’’ John said he sees no reason why a judge, who has met the defendant and examined the circumstances, should be precluded from imposing a sentence that appears more appropriate. The measure also picked up support from Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer, who called it “good governance.’’ There’s also a financial component to all of this. The latest figures show more than 37,700 people in the care of the prison system. And the agency’s current budget now exceeds $1.2 billion a year, more than 10 percent of every dollar spent to run

state government. “It’s a justice issue if we save some money that we can reinvest in making the community safe,’’ said Molly Gill, representing Families Against Mandatory Minimums. But Gill, a former prosecutor, said the focus should be on doing what’s right. “Frankly, I got sick of sending people to prison who didn’t need to be there, and putting people there who didn’t need to be there that long,’’ she said.’’ Not everyone is pleased with the change. Steve Twist, who was the assistant state attorney general during much of the time that lawmakers were tightening up sentencing laws, sent a letter to lawmakers expressing his opposition. He wrote that it would return Arizona to the days of indeterminate sentencing “which result in great disparity, inequality and injustice.’’ That did not impress Rep. Diego Rodriguez, D-Laveen. “We live in 2021,’’ he said. “And the people of Arizona have consistently come

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SENTENCING from page 15

to us, individually and as a group, and asked us to move forward on criminal justice reform.’’ Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk did not appear at the hearing. But entered her own statement into the record in opposition. Polk said if lawmakers are concerned about the sentences imposed the answer is to revisit the sentencing framework that judges have to work within, not giving them more discretion. HB 2319 deals with the problems some released inmates have with getting a job. It says that, with only a handful of exceptions, a drug conviction cannot be a barrier to getting a state license. “We know that employment is the key to breaking free of the cycle of people winding up back behind bars,’’ said Dianne Mc-

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

Callister representing the Opportunity Solutions Project. “But Arizona’s regulations should not be one of them.’’ McCallister said many jobs require state licensing, like working as a cosmetologist or at a pest-control firm, where a drug offense should not be a barrier. The bill would not allow someone with a criminal record to get a certificate as a teacher, be in certain health profession jobs or certified as a peace officer. The issue of HB 2318 is designed to address situations where prosecutors “stack’’ multiple charges from a single event. Rep. Ben Toma, R-Peoria, got a similar proposal through the Legislature in 2019 only to have it vetoed by Gov. Doug Ducey. He said the language in this one is more of a compromise. The measures approved by the panel still need to be debated by the full House. 

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

Cactus League starting on time – with far fewer fans BY JIM WALSH AFN Contributor

he Cactus League will come back to Mesa and the rest of Arizona on time but fans will find it hardly recognizable. Don’t expect the usual capacity crowd of more than 15,000 loyal Chicago Cubs fans at Mesa’s Sloan Park or kids clamoring for autographs as players take a leisurely stroll across the parking lot between the practice fields and Tempe Diablo Stadium. These, and many other familiar scenes from Cactus League seasons past, will not be possible this year as officials try to strike a delicate balance between the return of spring training and preventing another disastrous spike in COVID-19. With safety paramount on everyone’s minds, fans can expect to see seating limited at Cactus League Stadiums to about 25 percent of capacity, “pods” of small groups of people sitting at least 6 feet apart from

each other, a mask requirement throughout the league and a prohibition against collecting autographs or watching routine workouts. “I think the public and everyone needs to understand that public safety will not be compromised in the name of baseball,’’ Mesa Mayor John Giles said. “There will be baseball, but there will be strict protection.’’ The Cactus League, which supported Major League Baseball by requesting a delay in the season because of COVID-19, is now revving up for Opening Day Feb. 26 after the Major League Baseball Players Association rejected the proposal. Justin Piper, general manager of Sloan Park, said the Cactus League parks will rely on MLB’s safety protocols that focus on masks and social distancing. He also said there will be small variations from park to park based upon their layouts.

see CACTUS page 20

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

LAND from page 1

the biggest home construction project the community has seen in a decade. The most recent large home development here has been Blandford Homes’ new Palma Brisa community on Desert Foothills Parkway near Frye Road. Blandford has 197 homes on the 63-acre parcel it bought from Tempe Union High School District for $23 million in 2017. Among slightly less recent developments in Ahwatukee have been Foothills Reserve, a 320-acre tract with 611 residential lots; Calabria, a 106-acre tract where 26 homes have been built and another 48 custom lots are available; and Promontory at Foothills West, a 110-lot subdivision. The state appraisal of the Trust Land took note of those recent housing projects, stating “there has been an extremely limited supply of vacant land in The Foothills, including relatively small parcels zoned for commercial use, a small site designated for church use, and a near 63-acre site that has historically been contemplated for development of a high school” (Palma Brisa). It also said 135 acres of open land sur-

This Google Earth screen shot shows the location of the State Trust Land in Ahwatukee bordered in red. The South Mountain Freeway is at the bottom of the area, which runs along Chandler Boulevard between 19th and 27th avenues. While most of it is zoned for single-family houses, the lower southeast corner is zoned for two-story and four-story condo and apartment buildings. (Arizona Land Department) rounding Promontory is the only other large tract in Ahwatukee available for development, but that most of it has “limited developmental potential” because it “is situated on the steep slopes of South Mountain.” The appraisal says Ahwatukee “remains

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a highly favorable residential location for the foreseeable future” because of its “highly desirable attributes” that include numerous amenities, proximity to employment and retail centers via the community’s access to a well-developed free-

way system and a “well-above-average demographic.” All these factors should make the State Trust Land a magnet for developers. Of the 373 acres on the site, 300 can be developed since the rest is within neighboring rights-of-way as well as the freeway. Another 18 acres comprise washes, though the appraisal said the area poses no special flood hazards. It does note, however, “a variety of stormwater improvements will be required upon future development.” While the appraiser did not have a soil study, he states, “Based on single-family residential subdivision development on adjacent land, there do not appear to be any atypical or adverse soil conditions which would prohibit single-family residential development on the subject. “The opinion of value is predicated on the assumption there are no adverse soil conditions which would prohibit development of the subject with uses consistent with zoning (mostly single-family residential).” He adds that he has made “extraordinary assumptions” that the land poses

see LAND page 20

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LAND from page 18

neither geological not environmental obstacles to development. The appraisal says that while the full extent of additional roadway improvements that will be needed is unknown, “there will at least be the requirement to construct concrete curbs, gutters and sidewalks, along with streetlights, and possibly a requirement to construct an

attenuation wall to mitigate the freeway traffic noise.” It says that of the total developable acreage, the city is requiring that 12 acres be set aside for a year after the final subdivision plat is filed in case a school district wants to build a school there. The appraisal also notes that 44 acres zoned for apartments or condos and another 11 acres zoned commercial that are all currently in the southeast corner of the

This chart prepared by Land Advisors Organization shows the availability of developable land in the Valley. (Land Advisors Organization) additional northbound lane of asphalt, with the existing northbound lane converted into a continuous turn lane.” The appraisal also notes the absence of freeway sound walls along 3,240 feet of land abutting it and states, “Therefore, future development of the subject property with uses allowed by zoning (predominately residential), will likely necessitate construction of some type of sound

tract could be relocated elsewhere within the overall parcel by a routine administrative amendment to the tract’s overall zoning. However, it stresses that “multi-family oriented development is considered to be unlikely” and that “single-family residential oriented use appears to be the most profitable use of the vast majority, if not all, of the net land area” with the maximum allowable density of 3.5 units per acre. 

The southwest view of the Trust Land parcel shows Chandler Boulevard to the right and the Estrella Mountains in the background. (State Land Department)

CACTUS from page 16

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

“We feel pretty confident in our plan and have received city and state approval,’’ Piper said. “It’s going to be a different experience than what people saw in the past. We want to make sure we provide a fun, exciting day in a safe way.’’ Pods at Sloan Park will be limited to a maximum six people sitting together and each pod will be at least 6 feet apart, making it easier for ushers to enforce social distancing, he said. Every effort will be made to avoid bottlenecks and lines, with only mobile tickets sold so that fans can download them to their cell phones, phasing out the ticket booths at least for this season. Concessions will be spread out, using Sloan’s wide concourse and plaza areas, he said. “We are coming up with a full plan of social distancing,’’ he said. “We will be following CDC recommended social distancing in all areas of the ballpark.’’ While there will be no season tickets this year, season ticket holders will get the first priority to buy single game tickets on cubs.com or sloanpark.com. Because the Cubs and other teams are limiting attendance to 25 percent of capacity to help achieve social distancing, Sloan’s maximum crowd is expected to drop from more than 15,000 to an estimated 3,500, Piper said. Although the protocols represent a marked departure from the usual relaxed, intimate atmosphere at Cactus League games, at least fans who are willing to cooperate have an opportunity to watch live games in person for the first time since the 2020 Cactus League season was suddenly canceled about midway in March. Pitchers and catchers are expected to arrive on Feb. 17. The 2021 season unveils on Feb. 27, when the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers will play the Cubs in the first game at Sloan Park on Feb. 27. The Los Angeles Angels will matchup that same afternoon against the San Francisco Giants in Scottsdale. Other early East Valley games include the Chicago White Sox vs. the Angels on Feb. 28 at Diablo’s home opener and the Seattle Mariners vs. the Oakland Athletics at Mesa’s Hohokam Stadium. Bridget Binsbacher, the Cactus League’s executive director and a Peoria City Council member, said the league would have preferred to see the season’s debut de-

layed to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, providing time for more fans to get vaccinated. Although the league never demanded a certain length of delay, East Valley officials said the ideal scenario would have been about a month. MLB eventually offered to pay players for a 154-game regular season schedule instead of the usual 162-game season, and using the designated hitter in both leagues, as was the case in last year’s abbreviated 60-game season. But the powerful Major League Baseball Players Association quickly crushed that proposal. Players worried that more double-headers during the shortened season would result in more injuries and also said the offer came too late. They had rented homes in Arizona and Florida for spring training, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported. Binsbacher said, “We’re concerned about health. It’s at the forefront of everything.’’ She said the league would work with MLB on using the best safety protocols possible whenever the season begins. “The Cactus League is prepared to open spring training camps as scheduled. Each of the Cactus League’s eight host municipalities and the tribal community participated in a task force to ensure that our 10 spring training facilities will provide a safe environment for all involved. “Operating procedures are forthcoming and will depend entirely on health guidelines. Fans are advised to go to the Cactus League website at cactusleague. com/#navigation-locations for ticket details and protocols for attendees at individual ballparks.” Teams appeared headed toward putting single-game tickets on sale soon, with the Diamondbacks offering subscribers to their newsletter a “pre-sale’’ opportunity. Jerry Hall, manager of Diablo Stadium, said the Cactus League needs a uniform policy, so that the same rules are used in all stadiums and fans don’t insist they were allowed to not wear masks in another ballpark. “All of us will have the same protocols. We will all be on the same page,’’ Hall said. Diablo, the oldest and smallest of Cactus League stadiums, always has touted its intimate fan experience. Its capacity would shrink from 9,600 to about 2,000 or so. “The fan experience will actually be quite nice. You can still sit with your family. You can still watch Major League Baseball,’’ Hall said.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

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Ducey plan would expand gambling options – and state revenue BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

o, you think Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will rush for at least 75 yards in an upcoming game. Wanna bet on it? That would become legal in Arizona under the terms of a plan by Gov. Doug Ducey. And you’d even be able to do that from your phone. Also look for legalized wagering on “fantasy’’ leagues. If keno is your thing, that, too, would be available – but not everywhere. And there could be more tribal casinos with more kinds of games. It’s all in the details obtained by Capitol Media Services about the multi-pronged proposal that would vastly expand what kind of legal wagering can occur here, both on and off-reservation. But this is about more than providing easier access for Arizonans for a way to wager. Most notably, the plan -- and the deal Ducey has negotiated with tribes who currently have the exclusive right to most forms of gaming in Arizona -- would generate new dollars for the state while allowing the governor to keep his promise of not raising taxes. Depending on the revenues, they even could help Ducey finally get closer to his multi-year promise of moving the state’s income tax rate as close to zero as possible. Under the terms of a 2002 initiative approved by voters, the tribes have been able to operate casinos in exchange for giving the state a share of the profits. That generated $31.7 million in the most recent quarter. Sen. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge, who is sponsoring one of the versions of the plan, told Capitol Media Services that more casinos and more games, like craps, might keep people in Arizona with more options to gamble closer to home. He also figures that there is an audience for local expanded gaming. Consider, Shope said, people who come to town for spring training or the Phoenix Open. “For that person that is interested in doing something in the afternoon and evening when the ballgame’s over, they’re going to be able to go ahead and have that option,’’ he said. That same revenue-sharing formula by

gave tribes the right to operate casinos for the next 20 years but also specifically barred the state from implementing any form of gambling that did not exist at the time. W i t h those comexKeno would be available but not everywhere under the deal the governor pacts piring, that is negotiating with Arizona’s tribal leaders. (Special to AFN) opened the the tribes would remain in place for the next door for Ducey to renegotiate. 20 years. But more casinos and more games For college sports, the only permissible would presumably generate more dollars. form would be betting on the outcome of But the really big bucks -- no one from a game. the governor’s office is giving out figures -But for those seeking a bit more excitecould come from the state’s share of newly ment, the law also would allow “prop authorized off-reservation gaming if the bets’’ on professional games. legislature approves. Short for “proposition bets,’’ these enShope acknowledged this will result in a compass pretty much anything other than sharp increase in what’s legal in types of the ultimate result or point spread. More gambling in Arizona. But he said that it is, at to the point, they focus on the perforleast in part, an acknowledgment of reality. mance of an individual player. Take fantasy league wagering. The “where’’ of all that is a bit more “Fantasy sports has been played for complex. years,’’ Shope said. What Ducey is proposing involves 20 In essence, players “draft’’ real players for licenses, with half reserved for the tribes. a fake team they have created. Then your The other half will be divided up among team “plays’’ another fake team, with the Arizona sports teams or franchises. winner decided based on a point system. There would be the option to actually sit This would involve having the state license at home -- or anywhere -- and bet by phone. the major players like DraftKings and, preFor those interested in something a bit sumably, get a share of the wagering. different, the new deal negotiated by DuAnd it’s not just football and baseball. cey and now awaiting legislative approval Those online sites permit wagering on also includes keno. everything from basketball and hockey to Until now, like sports wagering the 2002 golf, soccer and NASCAR racing. tribal compacts forbid the state from ofThe bigger change involves being able to fering it. bet on collegiate and professional games. But don’t look to be able to make those The door to that was opened in 2018 bets from anywhere -- or even where you when the U.S. Supreme Court voided the can now buy a Lottery ticket. The plan 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports gives that exclusive right to “fraternal orProtection Act. That federal law made it il- ganizations’’ like the Veterans of Foreign legal for states to legalize sports wagering. Wars, the Elks Club and other similar sites. Ducey said in 2019 he was interested in Shope said the restriction is justified. having Arizona move into that territory. He said these organizations have been But that was not a legal option here as a “suffering across the country’’ as younger result of that 2002 initiative which not only people -- he is 35 -- aren’t “into doing that

kind of thing any more.’’ “That’s why you see memberships in all these groups dwindling,’’ he said. Shope said he’s willing to help out -- and give them the exclusive right to make money off of keno -- because “they do a lot of good for the community.’’ It will still be the Arizona Lottery ultimately running the games and spitting out the winning numbers. And, like casino wagering, fantasy leagues and sports betting, the state will get a share of everything wagered. In some ways, the odd-man out are the state’s horse tracks. The deal Ducey negotiated with the tribes precludes them from operating “racinos,’’ essentially allowing some forms of casino gaming. Whether Ducey’s plan succeeds is unclear. Rep. Mark Finchem, R-Oro Valley, contends that the governor lacks the authority to negotiate new gaming compacts with the tribes. Instead, he said that formulating gaming police is “a quintessential legislative function.’’ He is asking Attorney General Mark Brnovich to review his legal arguments and issue a formal legal opinion declaring the issue of expanded tribal gaming beyond Ducey’s reach. Strictly speaking, a finding by Brnovich against the governor’s powers would not halt legislative proposals to create new kinds of off-reservation gaming. Everyone, including Ducey, concedes he needs approval of state lawmakers to declare wagering on professional and college sports to be legal in Arizona. But the existing gaming compacts give the tribes veto power over any expanded off-reservation gambling. It is only because the deal Ducey has negotiated gives them some additional gambling opportunities that they are willing to approve an enlargement of what happens beyond tribal borders. More to the point, if the governor cannot deliver on what he has promised the tribes because of a legal impediment -- like a ruling that it is beyond his power -- there cannot be new off-reservation gaming. Ducey aide Gretchen Conger told Capitol Media Services that the governor believes the original 20-year gaming compacts, ratified by voters in 2002, specifically authorize her boss to negotiate amended compacts. 

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

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Ahwatukee doc practices parking lot medicine BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

LC Pediatrics founder Dr. Diane Matsumoto says just because there’s a vaccine, the battle against COVID-19 is far from over – including in Ahwatukee. “People don’t want to hear it, but the battle is raging on,” said Matsumoto, who dons her “bunny suit” to treat sick patients in what had been her staff parking lot at 16611 S. 40th St. Though she has worked with children the last 25 years, the “bunny suit” isn’t the stuff of Peter Cottontail. It is full-body personal protective equipment. It’s standard gear for Matsumoto’s staff – Dr. Noelle Miller, Dr. Khristina Ramirez, Dr. Nima Sakhadia and physician assistant Dan Ramaekers. Patients who aren’t sick are met inside. Even before the pandemic struck, TLC Pediatrics maintained separate lobbies for sick and well-child visits.

Dan Ramaekers and Dr. Diana Matsumoto dress protectively so they can treat patients in the parking lot at TLC Pediatrics in Ahwatukee. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer) TLC’s curbside services, including COVID testing of young children and parents began in late March, when Matsumoto, who founded the clinic in 2004, returned from a mission trip to Kenya.

She refers to that time as “the week the world changed.” “I was in Kenya March 5 when this all broke out,” she recalled. “We had no internet for 10 days and when we got it back,

everything had changed and our flights were canceled. We got out of Kenya 15 hours before the country closed and we came back to a different world – and that was the start of our parking lot medicine.” The ensuing 10 months have brought great changes to the TLC Pediatrics, costing some beloved staff members who were considered high-risk, including four who had been with the practice for eight years or more. Though seeing sick patients with COVID or COVID-like symptoms curbside visits day-in and day-out has been grueling, the staff has risen to the task. “I’ve been so impressed at how TLCs staff has faced the challenge with few complaints,” Matsumoto said. “We’ve worked outside in 115 degrees and 40-degree temperatures, and last week we were out there in the rain and hail.” The staff sees sick patients as they sit in

see PEDIATRICS page 26

Love is in the cards for Ahwatukee teenager BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

o call Reva Chaudhry a busy teen is an understatement. The Ahwatukee resident, 15, already has 14 AP classes under her belt at BASIS Ahwatukee, which has given the excelling junior its Student of the Year Award the last five years. But studies aren’t the only thing that keep Reva busy, especially since the pandemic began. Last summer, she handmade 120 greeting cards with personalized notes that she gave to employees at Trader Joe’s and Sprouts in her neighborhood, reducing some workers to tears over the messages of gratitude and encouragement. She made another 50 cards for healthcare workers at Chandler Regional Medi-

cal Center. She made paintings that she sold to raise over $600 for the hard-hit Navajo Nation. In December she got donations of slightly imperfect products from mainly local businesses – Engrave My Memories, Zaaina Skincare and Wisely Wrapped – and made 100 care packages for homeless people that included insulated mugs, satchels, journals, handmade soaps, socks, and snacks. Then she dipped into her personal savings to buy them blankets and pens. Naturally, she made cards to go with those packages – and also included a list of ideas for things they could write in the journals she donated. And she started a nonprofit called Gift A Treat (giftatreat.org) to raise money for prosthetics and diagnostic tests for needy,

see REVA page 26

Reva Chaudhry spends hours making these greeting cards that include a thoughtful personalized for the recipient, whether they be relatives or strangers who could use a some encouragement. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

COMMUNITY

PEDIADTRICS from page 25

their cars. “We’ve swabbed noses, comforted scared families, diagnosed COVID, pneumonia and other illnesses, and sociallydistance hugged grieving families, all from behind a white bunny suit and mask,” she said. “We’ve been extremely successful keeping people out of the E.R. and urgent care.” Even so, she said, there have already been COVID deaths within the Ahwatukee community. “We’ve grieved with children in our practice who have lost their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and teachers to this disease,” she said, adding she is personally aware of four deaths within the community. “I know people are dealing with COVID fatigue, and I know it’s hard to hear, but we need to stay vigilant,” she said. “The battle is so real, and yet we still get questions daily about if it is made up,” Matsumoto continued. “My answer is always, ‘What’s in it for us to make this up? It’s certainly an odd way to develop a practice.’” “It’s been an awful 10 months, and just the other day I was thinking, it’s getting warmer and we’re going to be out here again in 115 degrees.” Though she and her staff have received vaccinations, they will continue to wear their protective gear – and treat people even in the parking lot if they have to. “We offer curbside COVID testing for patients who are ill or have been exposed,”

REVA from page 25

crippled people in India. That last endeavor evolved from her visit to India, “I met my grandpa’s friend who volunteers at a hospital and uses his own money to fund diagnostic tests, dialysis support, and prosthetics for impoverished patients who barely make a dollar a day in wages. “I was so inspired by his story, I knew I had to jump at the opportunity and be a part of this cause,” she explained. As for the greeting cards, Reva said such handmade gifts “have always been my way to make someone feel loved and special, which is why I’ve been making them for as long as I can remember. “This past year being so incredibly difficult and tragic for so many people, I wanted to shine a light in the lives of those who are often forgotten among all the chaos:

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

And she said people should not expect relief from the pandemic any time soon. “What we know for certain is that the average citizen who does not fall under certain categories…will likely start receiving vaccinations in late spring or early summer, Dan Ramaekers and Lushanna Belone organize personal protective though studies equipment at TLC Pediatrics. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer) are still ongoMatsumoto said. “While most centers ing for children so it is unclear when they don’t always provide COVID testing on will receive the vaccine. That leaves us with young children, TLC providers perform a number of months to remain vigilant.” testing, check vital signs and lungs, pro“Although we’re all tired of the social vide recommendations and follow-up care limitations resulting from the pandemic, instructions.” TLC Pediatrics encourages each patient Her website. TLCPedsAz.com, also and family member to continue observing notes, “TLC also offers additional curbside safety measures including mask-wearing testing when needed at the time of a pa- in public, social distancing, frequent hand tient’s visit such as testing for strep or flu. washing, and staying home when sick.” This is why the appointment is a billable Matsumoto had high praise for Ahwatuvisit although the actual testing for COVID kee families who have adapted to the chalis provided at no cost at this time.” lenging times, stating, “The epidemic has Matsumoto stressed, “Screening is key allowed us to really appreciate the superin combating the virus and the sooner we powers of our parents and community. can get preliminary information, the bet“We hear wonderful stories of families’ ter families can plan.” distance learning, forming quarantine

the homeless,” she said. “When most quarantined to keep safe, the grocery store workers still showed up for work. I wanted to express my appreciation for their courage and hard work and once again, the best way I could do that was through my cards and a personalized Besides making greeting cards, the BASIS Ahwatukee scholar also has message.” a foundation raising money to help poor, sick patients in India. (Pablo Her greeting Robles/AFN Staff Photographer) cards also have evolved into a blog, paperunleashed.com, layers of papers, patterns, and textures, and instagram handle #paperunleashed, and unique color combinations.” “to really experiment with textures, colHer meticulous attention to the cards ors, patterns, and styles. So these cards of- emerges from her description of the ones ten feature intricate cut-outs, many, many she made for the homeless people to ac-

groups, starting family exercise programs, and virtually checking on each other.” She recalled how Ahwatukee rallied to her aid during a shortage of surgical masks. “Ahwatukee community members stepped up and we got hundreds of beautifully-made masks,” she said. “It was quite moving.” While the availability of masks and shields have improved, doctors now are coping with pandemic-related depression and anxiety, especially among the young. TLC serves patients newborn through age 21. “We’re actively evaluating kids for depression and anxiety. We refer kids to psychology if needed and treat with medication if indicated,” she said. “Parents are scared and you can’t hug them, you can hardly hear them. It’s just been so hard.” Married to opthamologist Dr. Bert Matsumoto, the couple has six children. Prior to the pandemic, Matsumoto was active in medical missions, volunteering and leading medical trips to Africa with organizations such as Feed My Starving Children, Global Health Outreach and Project Cure. But right now, the fight is at home. “People say you’re not in the ICU, what do you mean you’re on the front line?” she said. “But we are. It’s probably the hardest thing we’ve been through by far.” TLC Pediatrics, in both Ahwatukee and Chandler, is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: TLCPedsAZ.com 

company what she called “carefully curated” packages. “I wanted them to be beautiful yet simple, so the message shines. I gathered some of my favorite patterned paper, cut them to size, and stuck a slightly smaller white cardstock paper on top. “For each card, I cut out a gold bow, which finished them off perfectly. I keep a list of some of my favorite quotes and uplifting lines, which inspired the message I wrote in each card.” She used the watercolor card set she received for her birthday, as well as doilies and angel paper cut outs to make the thank you notes for front line workers, taking the time to speak to the store managers to find the employees’ names “so I could personalize every card and envelope with each employee’s name.” “Seeing the pictures of the workers who

see REVA page 27

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FEBRUARY 10, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

REVA from page 26

received the cards, their smiling, happy faces, it was an amazing feeling,” Reva recalled. “These reactions just reinforce why I love making cards so much. One of the employees at Trader Joe’s loved her card so much, she had tears in her eyes and said that this made the last three months all worthwhile.” Her sense of philanthropy dates back to fifth grade, when she and her sister Anya Chaudhry, a valedictorian in Desert Vista High School’s Class of 2020, started designing t-shirts for Bad Turtle Designs, selling them at every school event and city gathering the sisters could get to. The proceeds went to the Phoenix Zoo. She explained her way of balancing her rigorous academic schedule with her philanthropy in the same meticulous way she makes cards. “It all comes down to breaking everything down into small, manageable steps, and working my way up. Monday: design and cut out all the pieces for my cards and finish all my math homework. Tuesday: actually create the card and promote my page on Instagram.

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“By the end of the week, I have a card done, blog post done, all my schoolwork done and I can then start thinking of what I need to do next. Keeping my end goal in mind as a motivator and focusing on the small, attainable steps keeps me from getting overwhelmed or overstressed.” “Ever since I was 7, I would spend days creating the perfect birthday, anniversary, Christmas card for my mom, dad, and sister,” she said. “Even at 15, I still do that every holiday. I wanted to share my love for crafting and show how something as simple and conventional as paper can have the power to become so special and create so many memories and smiles.” Though she hasn’t zeroed in on a college yet, she has a pretty good idea of what she wants to do when she gets older: “Finding my own ways to serve the community, creating my own charity foundation, designing my own blog. “I do things on my own terms,” she said. “I want the same sense of creative expression and freedom in all my future endeavors, which must also complement my philanthropic pursuits.” 

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Ahwatukee lawyer and partner on top 100 list

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n Ahwatukee lawyer and his partner have made a Valley magazine’s list of the Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona regardless of their specialty. Pat MacQueen and Ben Gottlieb, founders of a practice that bears both their names, were in the list published by AZBusiness. “The prestigious group is chosen by AZBusiness magazine’s editorial team in collaboration with industry experts,” said the magazine. “The attorneys were selected from a pool of more than 2,000 of the state’s most talented and successful attorneys. Selections are based on each lawyer’s professional success and ratings, impact on his or her law �irm, impact on the communities she or he serves and impact on the legal profession.” The magazine chooses the winners from a pool of 2,000 attorneys; that list is culled from the approximately 18,500 attorneys in Arizona. This is the second consecutive year AZ Business has tabbed both MacQueen and Gottlieb as among the top 100 attorneys in Arizona and the third consecutive year MacQueen has made the list – a designation that is given regardless of practice area. The rankings are based on evaluations of the staff of the magazine and their knowledge of the industry around the state, and place both attorneys in the top one-half of one percent of all attorneys in Arizona. “We are very grateful to be recognized by the people in the community we serve as being at the top of our �ield,” MacQueen said. “We strive to provide our clients with great legal representation and do it in an atmosphere that is enjoyable for both our clients and the M&G team. Ben and I believe that by creating that kind of atmos-

T BEN GOTTLIEB

phere, it helps attract clients who may not want to deal with an attorney in a ‘traditional’ law �irm atmosphere.” Gottlieb said that the differences between M&G and other law �irms do not end with the �irm’s culture. “When Patrick and I formed the �irm, we wanted to do a couple of things,” Gottlieb said. “We wanted to provide the best possible legal representation in the Valley, and we really wanted to do things differently from other �irms. Our team has a tremendous diversity of experience across all elements of real estate law, and our collaborative approach gives our clients access to a broad spectrum of ideas and strategies that help us generate tremendous results.” M&G handles a variety of real estate matters, speci�ically litigation, transactional law, business law and estate planning in both the commercial and residential areas. Information MandGLawGroup.com. 

he Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committee is launching its Small Business Bingo promotion Monday, Feb. 15. Jessica Magee, studio manager for Music Maker Workshops, and Angelica Parra, a Cox account executive, chair the committee – which is giving a local spin to that classic game to promote businesses in Ahwatukee. Participants can pick up bingo cards either at businesses that are part of the campaign or download them at ahwatukeechamber.com. Then, between Feb. 15 and March 31, players will have to visit businesses listed on the card and look around the establishment for the code word that they use to �ill a bingo square. Once players have completed traditional, they turn in the card. Winners will be picked in a raf�le in early April and �irst prize is a $200 gift card to one of the participating businesses while the second-place winner gets a $100 gift card and third place a $50 card. “We’re hoping to actually get people

into these places versus doing something virtually,” McGee said. Participating businesses include Music Maker Workshops, Ahwatukee Carpets, Pigtails & Crewcuts, Your CBD Store, Pure Barre Ahwatukee, Board & Brush, Nicholas Goode at Edward Jones, Von Hansons, Kolache Cafe, Smallcakes, Where U Bean, Fuschia Spa, Urban Air, Foothills Pet Resort, Buzzed Goat, Honey Baked Ham and Once Upon a Child. 

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Ahwatukee investment advisor empowers women BY KELLY MIXER AFN Guest Writer

hwatukee Foothills resident and investment advisor, Cathy Smith, is thriving during this coronavirus pandemic at the Ahwatukee of�ices of LifeTyme Financial Group. “I have discovered my purpose is to be a �inancial coach,” Smith said, who has her life, health and Series 65 licenses. “When I meet someone, I ask questions and listen to what their concerns are, what keeps them up at night. We follow a process that allows them to better understand the decisions they are making with their money whether it is an investment, college planning or making a large purchase.” Smith said that when she started with LifeTyme, “I wanted to meet as many people as I could in Phoenix to share our company vision, which is to help others understand how money works and how to make it work for them.” “I feel my purpose is to help women, families and small business owners through education; to lead and support others to discover investing peace of mind,” she added. Smith tries to break things down for clients in terms they can understand – something rarely done in today’s �inancial world, she said. “It is vital that people feel comfortable and con�ident asking investment questions,” she said. “Often, an investor will hand their money over to an advisor only to go home and pray that it all works out”

CATHY SMITH

It is important that they understand the �inancial language so that they are no longer taken advantage of by the Wall Street Bullies.” Smith moved to Ahwatukee in 2005 from Chicago with her husband, Tim, and their three children. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame and worked for 12 years as an executive trader for Wall Street �irms. She joined LifeTyme in early 2019 after her children were grown and she wanted to get back to work in the �inance industry. Vincent Del Franco, the founder of LifeTyme Financial, said, “We love putting together a plan and getting everyone talking and Cathy is excelling in our mission.” Information: 11022 S. 51st St., Ahwatukee. ltfusa.com. 

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 38

OPINION

Opinion FEBRUARY 10, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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Send your letters on local issues to: pmaryniak@timespublications.com

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Club West HOA head addresses Conservancy actions BY MICHAEL HINZ AFN Guest Writer

t is appropriate to address misinformation communicated by “Club West Conservancy” to our community. These attempts, whether intended or not, are divisive and unproductive. I have addressed these in a letter directly to Club West homeowners, but it is appropriate to communicate them at large to the entire community. Let me start with reminding all of us that the golf course is private property. As such, the board is simply not in a legal position to propose or submit options for the golf course. Even so, the owners of the course have been engaged with members of the community for months to develop collaborative solutions to their issues, but the actors and actions of the CWC prevent them from presenting anything to you, the community.

Let me repeat that: The CWC actions have served to hamstring any collaborative effort between the board, the city, your fellow homeowners and the golf course. This includes efforts to establish mechanisms to relieve, even forgive tax liabilities, environmental liabilities and mitigate other concerns. Further, the CWC action has created a chilling effect in creating a facilities or recreational bond district, one that might provide alternative financial solutions. All because CWC spins a false narrative that our board supports development, which it never has. These current efforts have been ongoing for nearly a year, but the CWC seemingly does not want you to be aware of them. Their claims to the contrary are false and misleading. The board supports the community will. Not the desires of the CWC, not the desires of the golf course, not the efforts

of our councilman. We support the full community. The CWC demonstrates its intention by changing their stated mission of “conservancy” to some other, yet unstated, agenda and turning their focus elsewhere, leading to disruption. Claims of secret meetings or closed sessions are both false and divisive. They invoke conspiracy theories, false narratives, misinformation, and distrust. CWC claims that there is no increased assessment risk, calling it a “scare tactic.” Factually, the HOA could be compelled to levy assessments. CWC’s stated limits or claims to such assessments are completely incorrect. The HOA applauds homeowners working with the golf course for solutions. The HOA cannot demand private owners comply to a survey. The HOA can only require compliance to the CC&Rs. By utilizing your declarant rights, the

board can fine and enforce rather than litigate. Unfortunately, CWC’s actions may deny you that option. Declarant rights are recorded contractual rights allowing their owner to dictate, change or restrict land use in a planned community. Few HOAs in the country have them, Club West was lucky in obtaining them at all, much less having them given to us for free. This fact, and our intentions, were announced in our annual meeting in 2011 – 10 years ago, before some members of this group even lived in our community. CWC does not want you to have them. They are afraid that the community would use those rights to dispossess them of their “views.” They are not afraid of the board. They are afraid of you, the community. Factually, by suing the board and its

And when our nation’s greatest infectious disease experts state this in the country’s most prestigious medical journal, that makes it the best possible evidence we have and is the direction we should follow moving forward. President Biden’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Anthony Fauci agrees, stating students need to return to school and that the risk of spread when children are in school is less than when they are out in the community. The research in this area has consistently shown children are far less likely to become infected with COVID-19, not likely to suffer serious consequences if infected, and are not significant spreaders of the virus. The overall evidence has found that schools overall are not a major source of spread for COVID-19 or connected to major outbreaks. While you can find specific cases and small studies which come to a differ-

ent conclusion, this is again not how science-based decision-making works. It means we need to look at the preponderance of evidence to make decisions, not specific examples. And as a whole, the evidence is overwhelming in favor of reopening schools. Politicians across the political spectrum from Arizona’s Republican Governor Doug Ducey to Democratic U.S. President Joe Biden have called for schools to reopen. At this point, with the science and policy makers in favor of reopening the only thing keeping schools closed is a very vocal minority who has hijacked the reopening discussion. It is understandable people are afraid and anxious right now, but that does not give them the right to make damaging decisions for other people’s children. There is extensive research on the serious harm that excessive time on electronic devices and too much time spent

indoors has on children. We also know from many research studies that a lack of social interactions and isolation is detrimental, especially for children. The recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization, the American Heart Association, and Swingle, who is a leading researcher in this area, are: no use of electronic devices for children under the age of 2; one hour or less for those 2-5 and two hours or less for older children. By forcing children online for the entire day in order to receive an “education”, we are trading an admittedly unknown but apparently very low risk of consequences for virtually guaranteed negative consequences. As an educator, I can assure you that online education is sub-standard. On-

see HINZ page 33

School closings here do not ‘follow the science’ BY ANDY LENARTZ AFN Guest Writer

he principle guiding decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic has been to “follow the science.” However, the continued closure of schools does not follow this model and is in direct opposition to research findings as well as in opposition to the recommendations from scientists, medical experts, and political policy makers. In a JAMA article, the U.S. Center for Disease control stated that children need to return to school because the risks of continuing to keep kids at home outweighs the potential consequences of opening schools. Science-based decision making doesn’t mean accepting those things you agree with and rejecting those you do not, it means making decisions based on the best evidence available.

see LENARTZ page 33

OPINION

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Edge has posed a false choice for Club West

I know we should reserve judgement on the Edge’s plan for new housing on Club West golf course land until we actually see the plan. But when will that be? There has been nothing stopping the Edge from posting their detailed plan on their website, but they haven’t. Instead, during the past two weeks the Edge’s representatives Mike Hare, Bill McManus and Matt Shearer have written two opinion pieces for Ahwatukee Foothills News that skirt around providing their full plan but do present a false “choice” between two bad alternatives. I suggest that my neighbors consider this: Follow the money. The Edge is coming for yours. What we do know about the Edge is that they want to build houses on the Club West golf course land. Their recent opinion pieces make one other thing clear. The Edge is trying to frame a false “choice” for the community between a little housing and a lot of housing on the golf course land. If you want just a “little” housing like the 45 they’ve mentioned – plus maybe open space or a parkland – you’ll probably have to cough up millions in special assessment fees. If you don’t want to contribute to such a plan, then you’ll have to agree to allow them to build a lot of houses – probably their original plan of 162, or more. Those are the two choices the Edge is offering the community. What kind of “choice” is that? And why are they coming out with only snippets of this plan (while obfuscating the truth)? Maybe they don’t want to lay out their complete plans because they know their scheme will be very unpopular and that might keep their friends on the HOA board from getting re-elected. Here’s what they are saying, even though it is hard to believe they would actually voice this. Mike Hare said, “Two sources of funds remain to finance any re-development plan.” He said land and lot sales is one, and the other can come through “member contributions.” Those, he lays out, could be in “various forms, including special assessments, voluntary contributions, and/or various debt instruments.” Hare also says, “The Edge and CLS are 100 percent indifferent as to how the commu-

nity votes to finance the agreed-upon redevelopment solution.” It’s obvious the Edge is coming for your money. It is not the Foothills Club West Community’s responsibility to pay one dime toward a profit enterprise’s efforts to make millions. The community does not need to “finance” anything. Hare recommends, “At the end of the day, take a step back and consider the potential outcomes of your vote [in the Foothills Club West election]. Vote responsibly and understand the true motivations of the candidates.” It’s crystal clear the intent of the two opinion pieces from the Edge were to influence the Club West HOA Board election. The Edge wants people elected to the board who will support their new housing initiative. This includes the four incumbent board members (Geist, Kaiser, Moroz, Neese) and two people strongly affiliated with the Edge: a former Edge business partner in a water pipeline project (Maize) and a member of their hand-picked “Advisory Group” (Lake). Yes, do vote responsibly. It is time for new blood on the board. Vote for Thomas Bell, Anthony “Beau” Burgess, Kristy Rockafellow, Jim Siart, and/or Julie Tyler, who will bring new ideas, the willingness to listen to homeowners and move our community forward, a stance against housing on the golf course land and a determination to keep the Edge from getting your money. -Hal Elliott

These Club West residents urge vote for change

As original residents in the Foothills Club West Community, we have seen both positive and negative changes in our area over the past 27 years. The situation our community currently faces with the golf course land and HOA Board is divisive and discouraging. The upcoming HOA board member elections provide opportunity for change. The four incumbents running for re-election, Paul Moroz, Fred Kaiser, Chris Geist, and Martha Neese, have all been on the board 20, 20, 12 and 6 years, respectively, and the current HOA President, Mike Hinz, has been on the Board for 14 years. Four open seats on the board allow for change with four new faces with fresh ideas. There are seven new candidates running for the four open seats on the board: Thomas Bell, Anthony “Beau” Burgess, Kristy Rockafellow, Jim Siart, Julie Tyler, Richard Lake

and Steve Maize. Selection of our HOA board members is vitally important to remedying the current issues and securing the future of our community. The very divisive dilemma of the golf course land and the dissatisfaction with our HOA board and Vision Management may be the main influences on voters in this election. The residents who are opposed to development of houses on the golf course property need to carefully evaluate each candidate. There are only five candidates who have publicly stated they will enforce the existing CC&Rs that protect the golf course land from building houses. Additionally, they will listen to and work with the community, function with transparency, keep association expenses low, and support implementing term limits for board members. Those candidates are Thomas Bell, Anthony “Beau” Burgess, Kristy Rockafellow, Jim Siart and Julie Tyler. Before you vote, you should be aware that the other two candidates, Richard Lake and Steve Maize, both have connections with the investor group that wants to build houses on the golf course (the Edge/The Park at Club West/Community Land Solutions). Richard Lake’s candidacy letter in AFN’s Jan. 20 edition states he is open to all options for the golf course. It is also publicly known that he is one of the 12 residents on the Edge’s Golf Course Advisory Committee. You should also be aware that most of these 12 residents that were hand-picked by the Edge for their committee have expressed their openness to new houses on the golf course in social media. Steve Maize also said he is open to all options for the golf course in his candidacy letter in the AFN’s Jan. 27 edition and public records indicate he had business affiliation with The Edge. Your ballot will be arriving soon, and very different than in past years, we have many candidates to choose from in this election. You can vote for the same people who have been on our board for decades and led us to where we are now, or you can vote for new candidates who offer a fresh start, transparency, willingness to hear residents, and determination to work with mutual respect for a better Foothills Club West Community. -Niles and Barb Gaston

Conservancy has blocked viable course solutions

This election will determine if the honest, fair and equitable solutions engineered through community collaboration and extensive expert consultation are allowed to advance ... or if a new “CWC Board of Directors” gains control of your assessments for their “own backyards” and potentially ties the property in litigation for many years like The Lakes. The Club West Conservancy does not agree with the work we have done. They have blocked your ability to consider potentially viable solutions. They have controlled the narrative through litigation and prevented informed decisions at the ballot box. The CWC has gone to great lengths to assure you only hear one side of the story. Now, they seek to pack the BOD with their candidates. All five CWC candidates live very close to each other on the former golf course. Consolidating fiduciary power to this tiny area effectively gives them your money for their own backyards. The lawsuits at The Lakes were, for example, privately financed by those willing to participate. If successful in packing the BOD, the CWC can force you to pay their legal bills. Is it fair to assess all homeowners to finance litigation beneficial to a few? The current board of directors has been attacked by the CWC for resisting demands that homeowner assessments be spent on the property. This is evidence that the CWC is inconsiderate of the vast majority of our homeowners and demands your money be spent to litigate and restore what they openly call their “own backyard.” The CWC’s recent attempt to “set the record straight” continues their tradition of misleading the Homeowners: “… it is illegal to raise our dues by more than 10 percent in one year without a supermajority (75 percent) vote of all residents. Therefore, Hinz’s claim that the CWC wants to ramp up annual dues is just a ridiculous ‘scare tactic.’” The CWC knows this is not true. They are well aware of the ability of the board to unilaterally assess any amount to fund litigation. We have all seen their pleas for your money to support their lawsuits. They know they can “pack the board” and effectively bill the Homeowners as their legal fund.

see LETTERS page 33

OPINION

FEBRUARY 10, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

LETTERS �� page 32

They have not properly disclosed their abilities if allowed to control the board. Regardless, by their own acknowledgment, the CWC can unilaterally increase your assessment to $546 in just three years … in addition to the massive costs of litigation. Remember – the CWC could simply say they will not use homeowners’ assessments to finance mitigation of or litigation on what they consider to be their “own backyard.” This simple statement, which the CWC has been asked about for months, is missing from every single piece of their propaganda. Are you willing to let a board controlled by the CWC assess you without your approval? Would you prefer to hear the existing solutions at no cost to the homeowners? The HOA also did not change the requirement for re-purposing the land as the CWC regularly claims. Until the HOA board obtained the declaration rights from a builder, that builder had the ability to re-purpose the land. This sounds as bad as it was – the HOA board should be praised for proactively obtaining the declarant rights and protecting the land. The board did the right thing in obtaining the declarant rights and conveying those rights to the homeowners via the 2018 Amendment. Even local attorney, frequent NextDoor poster and witness for the CWC’s litigation Ellen B. Davis agreed: “This amendment is good news in the prior declaration had an expiration clause and this one does not. The prior declaration had

HINZ �� page 31

members, CWC has created a potential liability for the HOA, and therefore each of our homeowners. They chose to sue their neighbors on the board, rather than sue the course owner directly. Even after having been told that suing the owner likely could have derailed its sale and enhanced our community efforts. Why would the CWC chose to sue the board if “conservancy,” rather than disruption, was the aim? Any effort by the HOA for rapprochement has been rebuked. Factually, CWC’s suggested options have potential liability for the HOA. Some would require changing the underlying

no restriction on the “Declarant” rights to amend / void the land use restriction. This one does.” Furthermore, although not required to convey those rights to homeowners, the board did so anyway because it was the right thing to do. The copy-and-paste rhetoric from the CWC consistently and intentionally misinforms Homeowners about the Declarant Rights as well as voting structure. The truth is that all of us (100 percent) can decide to re-purpose the land if we all choose to participate, but a minimum of 31 percent must actually care enough to vote in order for the outcome to be valid. To say 16 percent of homeowners could decide for us, (as in every piece of CWC propaganda), reveals an intention to mislead our neighbors as 31 percent is the required minimum. What does this matter? Besides simply being truthful, what if the community decides a sustainable park is indeed a better option to the dirt lot? The super-majority the CWC demands accomplishes their “Do Nothing” platform because a super-majority requires 1,950 homeowners to approve a measure – 1,950 need to not only vote, but actually vote “YES.” Think about that! This means that in an association of 2,599 homeowners, (where the most who have ever voted is 598), … 1,949 could vote “yes” with zero “no” votes and the measure would not be approved! We hope everyone will take a fresh, honest look at the central debate here. Every single homeowner whom we have presented the facts to has changed their mind

use of the land, not possible without declarant rights or resolving significant tax issues. The liability of allowing the land to remain fallow creates significant environmental and safety liabilities, not to mention actual remediation and tax issues. All creating the potential for real and significant assessment issues. A price they are willing to have you pay. CWC stated that the HOA should absorb those costs. I object and the board does as well. In that no golf course owner has presented a development plan, the CWC’s entire effort is a canard. Michael Hinz is president of the Foothills Club West Association Board of Directors. 

and now agrees that obtaining the declarant rights and conveying them to the homeowners via an amendment was a “good thing” that should not be undone. To do so risks everything. Please elect only one CWC candidate to maintain fiscal control and equal representation. -Keith Schott

Bolick must expect favorable treatment on appeals

There is nothing in the US Constitution to stop a future Arizona legislature from nullifying a Presidential election and choosing their own Electors. Shawnna Bolick must believe that with the expanded Arizona Supreme Court, and with the new justices on the U.S. Supreme Court, much of her legislation would survive judicial review. Bolick’s astonishing quest for attention and power sets her up for political advancement. Unlike voters in a general election, the legislature has no secret ballot, so non-conformists to the party line could be punished. Meanwhile, citizens might not bother to vote if they were to favor a presidential candidate with a party affiliation contrary to that of the legislature’s majority. What we see here is not conservative (a useful cover term) but is essentially reactionary. -Richard Sibley

Legislature proves downballot voting needs attention

Do you like the idea of guns everywhere without registration? Do you like the idea

LENARTZ �� page 31

line education opened access to people who otherwise could not have received an education, was an acceptable alternative for a short-term emergency scenario like last spring, and provides the flexibility to meet the needs of some learners. But online education is not at the same level and does not meet the same level of actual education as real, in-person learning. There is not the same social interaction or focus on overall application of concepts, just rote memorization and essentially testing one’s stamina for enduring long stretches of tedium. Some parents are not yet comfortable

of Legislators supporting the attack on our Capitol as we witnessed Jan. 6? Do you like the idea of any woman needing an abortion to be convicted of murder? Do you like the idea of our state having a billion-dollar surplus, while so many of our residents are preparing for eviction and are going hungry? Do you like that lobbyists are pushing these radical bills with some of our legislators in order to satisfy those special interests who paid for their elections? These are the some of the hot topics in the 2021 Arizona Legislature. They are a result of Arizona voters not knowing who their local candidates were, enough to bother voting for them. Arizona saw a remarkable 80 percent turnout in last November’s election. Unfortunately, many voters did not bother to vote past the presidential and senatorial candidates, and left the rest of their ballot blank! That blank ballot means we are stuck with many legislators who do not represent Arizona values. There are so many resources available to all parties during election season, to inform who these candidates are and the values they represent. The website az.gov will take you to all the information you need to get acquainted with what’s going on. For the next election, take the few minutes to read about who your “down-ballot” candidates are and what they’re up to. Your life, your livelihood and our democracy may depend on it! -Ann Lutz sending their children to school and some educators are not yet comfortable going back into the classroom, which is perfectly acceptable. They can make that choice – for themselves. What is unacceptable is when these parents and educators are blocking this option for parents who would prefer real education for their children and educators who would prefer to get back to real teaching. 

Share Your Thoughts: Send your letters on local issues to: pmaryniak@timespublications.com

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Pride alum Rashie Hodge seeking next college football opportunity BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

ashie Hodge Jr.’s football career has been encapsulated with success every step of the way. Hodge was a freshman when Mountain Pointe �inished undefeated in 2013, winning the state title and ending the season as one of the top-ranked teams in the country. As a junior and senior, he began to breakout as a true playmaker, leading the defense from the linebacker position while also contributing on offense at running back. Hodge went on to star at Glendale Community College for two years before signing with New Mexico State. A breakout season in 2019 was followed by him and the rest of the Aggies sidelined due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now with two years of eligibility still remaining, Hodge is searching for what he believes will be the �inal stop of his collegiate career before chasing his longtime dream of being drafted into the NFL. “I see myself playing somewhere really soon and making an impact on the �ield,” Hodge said. “I miss the game. I want to �ind a program with a good culture. Going to the NFL is one of my goals I want to check off.” Hodge’s �irst and only full season of play at New Mexico State in 2019 was �illed with accolades. He started for the Aggies as outside linebacker, showcasing his speed and overall �ield awareness by covering receivers from sideline to sideline. Hodge racked up 71 total tackles, a team-high 10 for a loss, 3 fumble recoveries and an interception. His performance quickly gained him notoriety from national writers, who began to call Hodge a potential lock for the NFL Draft when he declares. But with New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham shutting down all contact sports at every level across the state due to the pandemic, New Mexico State was forced to forego the 2020 season. It set back Hodge’s time-

of the best high school come into the weight room to talk to us, it football teams ever in was pretty cool.” the state, which was Now back home in Phoenix, Hodge littered with Division spends his days working out to stay ready for any opportunity that comes I talent. He learned from the his way. An early morning workout follikes of defensive tackle lowed by �ield work at least three times Natrell Curtis and wide a week fuels his desire to keep in touch receivers Emmanu- with schools currently showing interest el Butler and Jalen in signing him to their 2021 recruiting Brown. Hodge also be- class as a transfer. gan to take after runHaving played against and made a signifning back Trey Lauer icant impact against the likes of Alabama, and linebacker Wesley Ole Miss and other power �ive schools Payne, one of the most while at New Mexico State, he believes in dominant defenders in his ability to compete for any program in the 2014 class. the country. Overall, he hopes to soon sign “That was one of with a school to continue his football cathe best teams ever,” reer while representing Mountain Pointe Hodge said. “Being and Phoenix as he did with the Aggies. around people like “There’s so many great names that have that, those are guys come out of Mountain Pointe, it’s good Mountain Pointe alum Rashie Hodge Jr. starred for the Pride that had that oppor- to be part of that company,” Hodge said. aslinebacker and running back before becoming one of the many tunity to go to the “This part of my life is critical. I just have greats to represent the program at the next level. (AFN File Photo) next level and that to keep doing what I can to stay in shape was something we and be patient so when it comes down to line and overall goals as a player, but that dreamed about at our young age. Seeing making my decision, I choose a school that hasn’t hampered his con�idence. them around campus and having them is the place I want to be.”  Seeking a new opportunity, Hodge announced last September he had entered the transfer portal. With the NCAA announcing at the start of the pandemic that 2020 would not count against an athlete’s status in terms of eligibility, Hodge can still play collegiately for two years. “I was banking on this year to make a statement,” Hodge said. “The season getting canceled, it was another obstacle. But you have to embrace adversity in life. New Mexico State was a great experience, and it helped the mental aspect of my game get better. “But I just feel like it wasn’t the place for me. I just want to �ind a place where I can continue to grow as a football player and as a man.” Hodge’s rise to becoming a standout defensive player started as a freshman at Hodge spent two years at New Mexico State, but was only able to play one due to the Mountain Pointe. At the time, he wanted pandemic and has since entered the transfer portal to find a new program to compete with to absorb all he could from perhaps one for the two years of eligibility he has left. (Courtesy Rashie Hodge Jr.)

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S T?

The votes are in. The people hav e spoken... It’s the Best of Ahwatukee!

Our reader poll is designed to let YOU tell us about your favorite people, places, shops, restaurants and things to do in Ahwatukee. PEOPLE | PLACES | SHOPS | RESTAURANTS | THINGS TO DO

Hits the streets March 10 2021 th

WWW.AHWATUKEE.COM

e your v r BIG GAME DAY! TAOUKET e s e y R a ONLY ine’s D Valent today! SUNDAY 16 WINGS FOR $19.99 FEB. 7 table only OPEN 11AM TO 3PM ON FEB. 7!

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with purchase of a 2nd entree. Must include the purchase of two beverages. Not valid with social hour pricing, daily/weekly specials, or any other promotions, discounts or specials. One coupon per table. Dine-in-ONLY at the Ahwatukee location. Equal or greater value, minimum $9.00. Expires 2/28/21.

AHWATUKEE

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Dinner entree!

4723 EAST RAY ROAD

480-705-0505

call your orders in advance please

Everything Made from Scratch Daily

FEBRUARY 10, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

@AhwatukeeFN @AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Alice Cooper pays homage to his hometown BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor

lice Cooper and his longtime producer, Bob Ezrin, like to create conceptual albums. The topic of the original shock rocker’s forthcoming collection is something close to his heart — his hometown of Detroit. “Detroit Stories” is set to hit stores Feb. 26. “It’s easier to write in concepts,” said Cooper, who lives in Scottsdale. “I didn’t want to just write 12 good, hard rock songs. I said, why don’t we dedicate it to the home of hard rock. “We didn’t stop there. We wrote the album there, with Detroiters and have the entire band from Detroit.” Those legendary musicians included MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer, Detroit Wheels drummer Johnny “Bee” Badanjek, jazz and R&B bassist Paul Randolph,

Alice Cooper hammed it up Feb. 4 as he celebrated his 73rd birthday at Los Sombreros Scottsdale. (Pablo Robles/Get Out Staff Photographer) Grand Funk Railroad’s Mark Farner and the Motor City Horns. The group recorded

at Royal Oak, Michigan’s Rustbelt Studios. “Mark Farner, Wayne Kramer and John-

ny Bee were great, and then we got some studio guys to play bass, keyboards and horns. The only guy who wasn’t from Detroit was Joe Bonamassa. I just thought he was good for the songs ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’ and ‘Drunk and In Love.’ “I’ve known Wayne Kramer since the MC5 days. I think he’s playing better than he ever has. Johnny Bee is a premier drummer. Mark Farner is a modern guitarist from Grand Funk.” Cooper didn’t anticipate the funk undercurrent of the songs. He listened back to the songs and soul was revealed as well. Normally, he said, he would ask to remove it. But Detroit had such a great relationship with Motown that he asked to keep it in. “When we played the Eastown back in those days, it was Alice Cooper, the Stooges and The Who and I’d see Smokey Robinson in the audience,” Cooper recalls

La Gattara opening its new spot this spring BY ANNIKA TOMLIN GetOut Staff Writer

issy Pruitt and Carrie Seay are looking forward to introducing their feline friends to Downtown Phoenix later this spring via their La Gattara Cat Café and Boutique. Known as a feline-based entertainment center and cat sanctuary, La Gattara opened in 2017 near East University Drive and South Dorsey Lane in Tempe. However, their lease ended at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The new location is in Downtown Phoenix in the Garfield neighborhood district,”said Seay about the new spot near Second and Garfield streets. “Missy had already closed the previous location and it took us a couple of months to really find the perfect location. When we saw this place, it was just to die for.”

Missy Pruitt and Carrie Seay say their new location in Phoenix is far larger than the one they have been operating in Tempe. (Special to GetOut) The new location came with a coffee shop, but the duo’s renovations will add

offices, storage rooms, a laundry area, a larger gathering area for humans and cats,

�ee COOPER page 38

and a party area for events like drag bingo. “It’s about three times the size of the previous location, so there is a lot more room for private parties,” she said. “With social distancing, we’ll be able to have a decent number of people interacting with cats while staying safe. We can have events, parties and birthdays, too.” All the free-roaming cats – except for resident feline Charlie Chaplin – will be available for adoption. Charlie was found living in a bar in Downtown Phoenix “looking pitiful,” according to Pruitt. A veterinarian said he was not likely to live for long, but he has since healed. “If customers were having a bad day, it’s like (Charlie) knew it — he had this intuition,” Pruitt said. “He’s just become everybody’s cat. If you come in and someone

�ee GATTARA page 38

GET OUT

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

King Crossword ACROSS

1 To boot 5 Tummy muscles 8 Writer Rice 12 Appeared suddenly 14 Earth 15 Regatta 16 Pout 17 “-- a Camera” 18 Decisive moments 20 A Musketeer 23 Prejudice 24 Reddish horse 25 Lake activity 28 CCV x X 29 Pre-diploma hurdles 30 Dig in 32 Straw hats 34 Carton sealer 35 School orgs. 36 Used a sponge 37 Stir-fry veggie 40 Crony 41 Slanted type (Abbr.) 42 Yacht lover’s event 47 French 101 verb 48 Veteran 49 Easy targets 50 Ballot marks 51 Whig’s rival

DOWN

39 Seniors’ org. 40 Cushions 43 Flamenco cheer

44 Med. plan option 45 Not ‘neath 46 Like some humor

Sudoku

1 NYPD alert 2 Brit’s restroom 3 Hotel amenity 4 Choice 5 Leading man? 6 Tampa Bay NFLer 7 Dishes not on the regular menu 8 Home of St. Francis 9 Entre -10 Egyptian river 11 BPOE members 13 Historic times 19 “Phooey!” 20 Branch 21 Pyramid, maybe 22 Saintly ring 23 Wild pigs 25 Challah holder 26 Tide variety 27 Be slack-jawed 29 “Beetle Bailey” dog 31 Danson of “Cheers” 33 Granny Smiths 34 Mild cheese 36 Bulb measure 37 Slapstick arsenal 38 Jazzy James

COOPER from page 37

Motown song. “Go Man Go” is rockabilly, and “Drunk and In Love” is blues. “I tried to include every bit of Detroit kind of rock,” Cooper said. The acknowledgments in the liner notes even reflect his love of the Motor City by thanking the likes of Creem Magazine, WABX, Soupy Sales, The Grande Ballroom, Al Kaline, Bobby Layne and Gordie Howe. “They were our sports heroes,” Cooper said. “They were such a big part of my life when I was a little kid. The Tigers, Lions and Red Wings were the biggest things. “We had a great time playing big arenas all over the world, but the coolest rock ‘n’ roll time was at the Grande and Eastown with Suzi Quatro and maybe Ted Nugent. You go and every one of these bands brought it every night. Nobody was up there going, ‘I hope you like us tonight.’ You grab them by the face and shake them.” Preorder “Detroit Stories” here: alicecooper.lnk.to/DetroitStories 

GATTARA from page 37

She adds it’s been difficult to show potential fur parents the cats’ personalities at foster homes. “A lot of the cats we have right now were from hoarding situations or former feral cats, so they are on the shy side,” Seay said. “As sweet as they can be, it’s hard to show their personality when they are a little scared when people come over to meet them. They aren’t the most outgoing and I-want-to sit-on-your lap (type of cat).” Pruitt and Seay are applying to become a registered 501(c)(3). “We want to have more of an impact on the cat rescue community,” Seay said. Information: La Gattara Cat Café and Boutique 147 E. Garfield St., Phoenix, lagattara.org 

about the east side Detroit club. “We’d see members of the Supremes and the Temptations at hard rock shows. Back then, it was just music. It wasn’t something they were shocked by. They loved hard rock. When they did shows at the Roostertail, we’d go there. There was nothing racial about it. You were part of the gang.” That, Cooper added, is the difference between Detroit and the rest of the world. Music there is authentic and real. “Bands playing Detroit had better be real,” he said. “What the Stooges did was the absolute beginnings of punk. It didn’t matter that they weren’t the greatest players. “When they got on stage and did play, they never flinched about who they were. It’s the same with the MC5 and us. We were theatrical hard rock bands, and we didn’t try to change for Detroit.” That music is reflected in “Detroit Stories.” He calls “$1,000 High Heel Shoes” a

already has him on their lap, you’re not going to get him that visit.” The adoptable cats are now living at foster homes, while the new location is being renovated. “The location has been closed for almost an entire year,” Seay said. “We’ve been really working out of foster homes. Over the summer I had 20 kittens and Missy has had anywhere between five to 15 cats at her house and fosters as well.” La Gattara has helped facilitate more than 830 cat adoptions since it opened. “At the café, people can come in and can sit down with cats and really see their personality in a different way,” Seay said.

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but I’m never alone. I have Life Alert.® AS SEEN ON

PUZZLES ANSWERS on page 30

For a FREE brochure call:

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Ahwatukee Foothills News

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Merchandise

Air Conditioning/Heating

Carpet Cleaning

Pets/Services/Livestock

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

Family owned and proudly serving Ahwatukee for over 20 years.

While Your’ Away Services Pet, Home & Property Checks

Voted one of the “Best of Ahwatukee” 10 Years Running!

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Powerful Truck Mounted Soft Hot Water Extractions.

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Infusion Software, Inc. dba Keap seeks a Sr. Software Engineer – Back End to design, develop, test, deploy, & maintain back end in Chandler, AZ. REQ’D: Bachelor’s degree in Comp. Sci. or closely related technology field or foreign equivalent & 5 yrs. exp. in testing frameworks (such as Mocha, Jest, etc.); Java, Spring, HTML5, Vue, React, & Javascript; Git/GitHub, Maven, Gradle, & CircleCl; Security best practices; Agile, SCRUM or similar iterative unified processes. Employer will accept a Master’s degree in Computer Science or closely related technology field, or its foreign equivalent, and three (3) years of experience in the above-listed requirements accepted. Apply at: https://keap.com/about/careers.

Appliance Repairs

Appliance Repair Now

If It’s Broken, We Can Fix It! • Same Day Service • On-Site Repairs • Servicing All Major Brands • Quality Guaranteed

We Also Buy, Sell & Trade Used Appliances Working or Not

480-659-1400 Licensed & Insured

JENNIFER BEEBE References Available 20 Years Experience Bonded & Insured

It’s a Clear Choice!

Concrete & Masonry

Block Fence * Gates

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

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

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Concrete & Masonry

Electrical Services

Garage/Doors

Glass/Mirror

DESERT ROCK

C. READ & SON ELECTRIC

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS

CONCRETE & MASONRY

BLOCKWALL

RETAINING WALL BLOCK FENCE PLANTER BBQ

CONCRETE

FOUNDATION DRIVEWAY SIDEWALK PATIO

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Contractors

Ahwatukee Resident

 Electric Car Chargers for ALL your  Fans electrical needs  Lighting 41 years  Troubleshooting  And much more experience

East Valley/ Ahwatukee

Broken Springs Replaced Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610

Not a licensed contractor

2008 through 2019

ROC #158440 Bond/Insured

www.readelectricaz.com

480-940-6400

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •

• Panel Changes and Repairs • Installation of Ceiling Fans • Switches/Outlets • Home Remodel

ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932

Home Improvement REMODEL CONTRACTOR

Plans / Additions, Patios New Doors, Windows Lowest Price in Town! R. Child Lic#216115, Class BO3 Bonded-Insured-Ref's

480-215-3373

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

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

Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured

Handyman

Jaden Sydney Associates.com Visit our website! Landlord and Homeowner Property Services

Repairs • Drywall • Painting • BINSR Items Trash Removal • HOA Compliance

AND so much more!

Ahwatukee Resident

480.335.4180 Not a licensed contractor.

Home Improvement

Home Remodeling • BASE BOARDS • DRYWALL • ELECTRICAL • PAINTING • PLUMBING • BATHROOMS • WOOD FLOORING • FRAMING WALLS • FREE ESTIMATES • GRANITE FABRICATION & INSTALLATION • CARPET INSTALLATION • LANDSCAPING

No Job Too Small! Senior Discounts!

David Hernandez (602) 802 3600

NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

daveshomerepair@yahoo.com • Se Habla Español

Handyman

Oooh, MORE ads online! Check Our Online Classifieds Too!

Irrigation

MALDONADO HOME REPAIR SERVICES CALL DOUG

480.201.5013

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs!

THE HANDYMAN THAT HANDLES Marks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical SMALL JOBS THAT OTHERS DECLINE

Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • CarpentrySmall Man!” ✔ Painting ✔ Gate Restoration • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Electrical Decks • Tile • More! Repairs ✔ Lighting ✔ PlumbingPlumbing Quality Work Since 1999 Decks •Affo Tile • More! rdable, ✔ Plumbing ✔ Replace Cracked ✔ Sheetrock 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, Roof Tiles Texturing Repairs 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 ✔ Drywall Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor “No Job ✔ & MUCH MORE! ✔ Carpentry Job Too ✔“No Flooring

Ahwatukee Resident, References Available, Insured

*Not A Licensed Contractor

www.Ahwatukee.com Electrical Services

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Painting • Flooring • Electrical Handyman Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Decks • Tile • More!

Too Small Man!”

Sprinkler & Drip Systems Repairs • Modifications • Installs

Job Too Marks the Spot for“No ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small “No Job Too Man!” ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More!

rk Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Wo BSMALLMAN@Q.COM 1999 ce Sin rk Wo y alit Qu LLC Affordable,

✔ Kitchens

✔ Bathrooms 2010, 2011 2012, “No 2013, Job Too And More! 2010, 2011 Small Man!” 2014 2012, 2013, 2014 Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Ahwatukee Resident / Referencesty Work Since 1999

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Affordable, Quali

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor Bruce at 602.670.7038 Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor • Drywall Repair • Electrical Repair • Bathroom • Plumbing Repair Remodeling • Dry rot and termite • Home Renovations damage repair

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

FREE Estimates!

GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES

Plumbing

520.508.1420

Electrical

SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

All Estimates are Free • Call:

www.husbands2go.com

Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC#317949

Residential Electrician

Call Sean Haley 602-574-3354 ROC#277978 • Licensed/Bonded/Insured

Ask me about FREE water testing!

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@times publications.com

Paint Tile

Able Handyman Service LLC

And Much, Much More!

Not a licensed contractor

Jim 480.593.0506 Ablehandyman2009@gmail.com

• 20 Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty

480.345.1800 ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

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Landscape/Maintenance

Irrigation

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

NTY 5-YEAR WARRA

480.654.5600 azirrigation.com Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

Landscape Design/Installation

Juan Hernandez

Foothills Touch Landscapes LLC Lawn care/Maint.

TREE

Landscape/Maintenance

High Quality Results

SPRINKLER DOCTOR

Juan Hernandez

TRIM TREES ALL TYPES GRAVEL - PAVERS SPRINKLER SYSTEMS SYNTHETIC GRASS

Drip/Install/Repair & Tune ups!

Jose Martinez

TRIMMING

Starting as low as

25 Years exp (480) 720-3840

$25 per visit.

Install/Design We do it all!

SPRINKLER

Not a licensed contractor

Ahw. Res - 30 yrs Exp Free Estimates. Call Pat (480) 343-0562

Complete Clean Ups

Not a licensed contractor

Not a licensed contractor.

25 years exp. Call Now (480) 720-3840

602.515.2767

RAMON LANDSCAPING SERVICES

Custom Design and Renovation turning old to new Custom Built-ins, BBQs, Firepits, Fireplaces, Water Features, Re-Designing Pools, Masonry, Lighting, Tile, Flagstone, Pavers, Culture Stone & Travertine, Synthetic Turf, Sprinkler/Drip, Irrigation Systems, Clean ups & Hauling

Call for a FREE consultation and Estimate To learn more about us, view our photo gallery at: ShadeTreeLandscapes.com

480-730-1074

Bonded/Insured/Licensed • ROC #225923

Landscape/Maintenance

Arizona Specialty Landscape

New & Re-Do Design and Installation Affordable | Paver Specialists All phases of landscape installation. Plants, cacti, sod, sprinklers, granite, concrete, brick, Kool-deck, lighting and more!

Free Estimates 7 Days a Week!

Not a licensed contractor.

Interior Painting ● Pressure Washing Exterior Painting ● Drywall/Stucco Repair Complete Prep Work ● Wallpaper Removal

480-888-5895

480-217-0407

Specials

WANT A WEED-FREE GREEN LAWN?

Lawn Mowing Starts At $40 Full Service Starts At $70 15 + Yrs Exp! All English Speaking Crew

SONORAN LAWN

480-745-5230

480-940-8196 theplugman.com

FREE WEED CONTROL FERTILIZER TREATMENT WITH LAWN AERATION SOIL AMENDMENTS * SOIL TESTING * LAWN SERVICES

ROC 282663 * BONDED * INSURED YOUR LAWN EXPERT SINCE 1995

Get Your Lawn Ready For Spring!

Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control Starting @ $60/Month! • One Month Free Service • Licensed, Bonded Insured for your protection. • Call or Text for a Free Quote

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

480-586-8445

Irrigation Repair Services Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

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

Call Lance White

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

ConklinPainting.com Lic/Bond/Ins ROC# 270450

Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet. Please recycle me. Looking To Freshen Up Your Home? WE CAN HELP!

Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years! Family Owned & Operated Residential & Commercial Painting • Interior & Exterior • Professional Cabinet Reﬁnishing • Epoxy Floors & Concrete Coatings • In-Home Color Consultations “Professional, Punctual & Clean”

Veteran Owned

ROC# 256752

SHARE WITH THE WORLD!

Place a Birth, Anniversary, Wedding Announcement, In Memoriam, Obituary or any life event in this paper today! Call us for details.

www.ACPpaintingllc.com Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

ROC# 186443 • BONDED

480.844.9765

25 years Experience & Insured

Free Estimate & Color Consultation

Responsible • 100% Guaranteed Ask for Ramon

The Possibilities are Endless

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

CONKLIN PAINTING

Irrigation Repair & New Installation Yard Clean-ups • Storm Damage • Palm & Tree Trimming Tree Removal • Landscape Lighting Installation & Repair Landscape Design

Serving the Valley for over 28 years

Timers/Valves/Sprinklers DRIP-PVC-COPPER Backflows & Regulators

Painting

I could help you have your palm trees and other trees trimmed by giving you a reasonable and better price than the others.

Not a Licensed Contractor

Repairs - Installs - Modifications

class@timespublications.com or call 480-898-6465

(480)785-6323

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

Painting

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Interior, Exterior House Painting. Stucco Patching. Gate/Front Door Refinishing. Quality work/Materials Free Estimate Ignacio 480-961-5093 602-571-9015 ROC #189850 Bond/Ins'd

PAINTING OF ALL TYPES SPECIALIZING IN: Wood & Stucco Repairs • Deck Restoration Roofing, Shingles & Metal • Exterior/Interior Painting Elastometric & Clear Coats • Power Washing Leaf Guards (20yr No Clog) New 6" Seamless Gutters (Gutter Art Available)

SPEND A LITTLE…

MAKE A LOT!

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL $

$25 OFF

Off 40work done *Any

Filter Cleaning!

480-532-2525 • Residential / Commercial

Monthly Service & Repairs Available

602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5

Painting

www.barefootpoolman.com

ROC 296559 • Licensed, Bonded & insured

SUN TECH

PAINTING

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

INC.

Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior

• High Quality Materials & Workmanship • Customer Satisfaction Free Est imates • Countless References • Carpentry Services Now Available

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

Visit us at Suntechpaintingaz.com or view our video promo at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM5pbvpZJlg

602.625.0599 ROC #155380

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

Family Owned • Free Estimates

“We get your house looking top notch!” ★ Elastomaric Roof Coating ★ Epoxy Floors

Call for our 3 Month Special! Starting at $145.20/month

★ Small Job Specialist

Scott Mewborn, Owner 480-818-1789

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

ROC#309706

Place YOUR Business HERE! in the Service Directory

★ Interior/Exterior Painting ★ Drywall Repair & Installation ★ Popcorn Ceiling Removal

Pool Service / Repair

Plumbing

See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

Watch for Garage Sales in Classifieds! You will find them easy with their yellow background. Garage Sale Fri & Sat 7a-11am Household, clothes, kitchen items, furniture, electronics, mason jars, kid items, DVDs, MORE 555 W. Lane Dr Mesa

Only $27.50 includes 1 week online To place an ad please call: 480-898-6465 class@times publications.com

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

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

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

Call Juan at

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-720-3840

480-405-7099 ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

Not a licensed contractor.

THE MOST READ PAPER in Ahwatukee!

Classifieds: 480-898-6465

License #ROC 298736

Plumbing

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@timespublications.com Plumbing

PLUMBING $35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

We Repair or Install ROC # 272721

SERVICE • REPAIR • REPLACEMENT

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.5422

(480)

We offer personalized service for our customers. We use the best materials that we can find.

Owned and Operated by Rod Lampert Ahwatukee Resident Serving Ahwatukee for over 25 years

Our services include: Sinks, Toilets, Faucets, Water Heaters, Garbage Disposal, Drain Cleaning, Pressure Reducing Valves, Pressure Vacuum Breakers, Hot Water Circulation Systems, Main Service Valves and Hose Taps.

(480)

279-4155

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC 189848

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Roofing

Window Cleaning

TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS

Flat and Foam Roof Experts!

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CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

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Email Your

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

palmabrisa.com

NOW SELLING

A new gated resort community is now selling in the Ahwatukee Foothills with a dramatically different style. It feels exclusive, but also lively and exciting — and it's called Palma Brisa. • Modern resort-style gated community with stately palms

• Diverse architecture: Modern Bungalow, Urban Farmhouse, Italian Cottage, Andalusian, Modern Craftsman, French Country, and Spanish Mission • Four amenity areas connected by expansive lawns

• Homes from 1,700 sq. ft. to 4,000 sq. ft. from the $500’s

ERIC WILLIAMS

480-641-1800

TERRY LENTS

© Copyright 2021 Blandford Homes, LLC. No offer to sell or lease may be made prior to issuance of Final Arizona Subdivision Public Report. Offer, terms, and availability subject to change without prior notice. Renderings are artist’s conceptions and remain subject to modification without notice.