Ahwatukee Foothills News - 02.03.2021 by Times Media Group

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No charges in fatal police shooting of Ahwatukee man BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

oth the Ahwatukee man who was fatally shot twice in the back in the doorway of his condo and the Phoenix Police officer who pulled the trigger “could have made decisions that would have avoided this terrible result” but “neither did anything that is prohibited by our criminal laws.” With that conclusion, County Attorney Allister Adel last Friday announced she would not file criminal charges against Officer Jeff Cooke in the May 21 death of Ryan Whitaker at his

Desert Foothills Parkway home. Whitaker was shot to death seconds after answering his door when Cooke and Officer John Ferragamo responded to a 911 report that there was a domestic dispute in his building. Adel’s decision still leaves open an ongoing disciplinary case involving Cooke. City Council last month unanimously approved a $3 million settlement with the family of Whitaker, whose great great grandfather was one of Phoenix’s first 12 policemen. A spokesman for Councilman Sal DiCiccio’s office said that the outcome of that disciplinary investigation has not yet been resolved.

The family’s attorney did not return a request for comment on Adel’s decision and Phoenix Law Enforcement Association President Michael “Britt” London issued a statement that said it agreed with the county attorney’s conclusion. “Each day, our men and women in uniform encounter dangerous situations, many resulting in split-second decisions,” London wrote. “In circumstances where a deadly weapon is involved, our officers try to deescalate the situation but must also defend themselves and

see WHITAKER page 14

Club West feud escalates Veggie medley amid election, court case BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

he upcoming HOA board elections in the Foothills Club West Association are starting to become as bitterly contested as the 2020 presidential campaign. Fueled largely by the debate over the future of the now-closed golf course, the fight between the HOA board and the Club West Conservancy escalated last week as board President Michael Hinz sent the community’s approximate 2,600 homeowners a 2,030word email that he said addressed “misleading and false assertions by the Club West Conservancy.” The Club West Conservancy fired back with a 646-word rejoinder that characterized Hinz’s “long, never-ending letter” as “a desperate attempt to make excuses and explain the board’s failure to bring solutions for the golf

course to the community over the last decade.” The exchange came as the feuding parties await two outcomes that eventually could determine if parts of the course will be sold to a homebuilder so that the 160acre site’s owners have money to fund a park on the rest of the land. One outcome involves the lawsuit the Conservancy has filed against the board and the other involves the March election, where 11 candidates, including four incumbents, are vying for four of the board’s five seats. Only Hinz’s seat is not on the ballot. Though a trial had been tentatively scheduled this month on the Conservancy’s effort to have the courts reverse the board’s assumption of the declarant rights to the course, no date has been set and even a judge has not yet been assigned to preside.

see WEST page 16

Ahwatukee artist Sandra Davis Marshall’s food art rendering of an already famous photo sent her into viral fame with the help of horror novelist Stephen King. See page 12 for details. (Courtesy Sandra

Marshall)

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

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The Ahwatukee Kiwanis Easter Bunny last appeared in 2019 and won’t be back again before next year. (AFN file photo)

Pandemic kills 2021 Easter Parade, Transportation Day AFN NEWS STAFF

wo signature events in Ahwatukee have been canceled this year by the pandemic. For the second consecutive year, the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee’s Easter Parade has been shelved, as has Transportation Day put on by Gods Garden Preschool and Child Development Center. Ironically, the Easter Parade was the first casualty of the pandemic last year while Transportation Day got off as scheduled for its 20th consecutive year only about a month before COVID-19 upended life in Ahwatukee. The Easter Parade had celebrated its 43rd consecutive year when it was last held in 2019. “It is with great sorrow that we must say this year’s Easter Parade is canceled, mostly due to the fact we can’t get a street permit from Phoenix for at least six months,” Parade Boss Mike Schmitt told AFN. The parade’s cancellation means the Spring Fling that follows it – one of the Kiwanis Club’s major fundraisers for all its charitable endeavors – also is scrubbed. “The charitable works and programs of the Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club are continuing and we’re asking for community donations to be able to keep going,” said Schmitt. Schmitt called the cancellation “quite depressing” because “many children, adults, marching bands and businesses will not be moving up 48th Street on April 3. It’s so sad for them and the parade spectators.” More than 100 different groups and businesses enter the parade. Last year only two of Ahwatukee’s traditional annual events – the Festival of Lights along Chandler Boulevard and Dance Studio 111 owner Kimberly Lewis’ Ahwatukee Nutcracker – escaped the pandemic-driven controls on crowds and even the Nutcracker was performed online without a live audience in the theater. People who want to help the Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club can go to ahwatukeekiwanis.org for more information. 

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Kyrene board to discuss campus closings next week BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

he Kyrene Governing Board plans a study session next Tuesday on reopening its classrooms as Superintendent Laura Toenjes said she hoped COVID-19 vaccinations would enable students to return to campuses “even if health metrics do not change as rapidly as we hope.” But it was still unclear when that might happen and the latest county COVID-19 metrics indicate a full reopening might not be in the cards for at least a few weeks. Meanwhile, Tempe Union Governing Board has set 5:30 p.m. today, Feb. 3, for a “comprehensive COVID-19 update,” although it is unclear when the district would even go back to the hybrid model that allowed students in alphabetically designated groups on campus two days a week. Tempe Union has not offered five days of classroom learning since last March. Toenjes’ letter to parents echoed her report to the board on Jan. 26, when she provided a largely pessimistic assessment of the health challenges confronting Kyrene.

“ Ky re n e is currently seeing the same volume of cases, case reports on campus now with only a fraction of the students present for on-site services,” she said. “These case reports Kyrene presented this chart to show how teacher absences and the shortare higher age of substitutes impacts classrooms. (Kyrene School District) than what we saw before schools transitioned to online Toenjes said the state-wide shortage of learning. Case counts would be signifi- substitute teachers poses another personcantly higher if all of our in-person learn- nel issue if schools were to reopen and a ers were on campus right now.” high absence rate continued among the Compounding the problem, she said, district’s teaching staff. was the high number of teachers who have While she said the district “is optimistic exhibited COVID-like symptoms. Even if about the impact vaccinations will have they are not infected by the coronavirus, an employee health staffing levels and they would not be allowed on campus for overall community spread in the coming 14 days if classrooms were open. weeks,” she also said classrooms would

not reopen until the three benchmarks for virus spread were in the moderate range for two consecutive weeks. “We understand the enormous impact that this pandemic has had in a community and we have compassion and empathy for our students, our staff and our families,” she said. “We will continue to closely monitor the weekly reports and we are prepared to make a rapid transition once the community health metrics show that it is safe to do so and our staffing levels are sufficient to welcome in-person learners back on campus.” So far, the three benchmarks that Kyrene and Tempe Union rely on to make their classroom opening decisions are still well into the significant-spread category. However, the updated data released Jan. 28 by the county showed encouraging trends, as all three benchmarks showed a reduction in virus levels. Cases per 100,000 dropped in Kyrene from 745 to 529; percentage of positive new test results dipped from 18.5 percent

see KYRENE page 9

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because funding for online learners is 5 percent lower than the reimbursement rate for in-class students. But State Senate Republicans have said that among their budget priorities is equalizing the reimbursement rate for one year in fiscal 2021-22. Gov. Doug Ducey’s budget did not include that equalizer. Brian Lockery, Kyrene’s director of business services, said he was encouraged by the Senate GOP caucus’ offer, which also includes $67 million in flexible dollars that districts can use for either operating or capital expenses. “Kyrene School District appreciates the two education proposals offered and looks forward to continued discussions on restoring education funding,” he said. “Online instruction has been a key tool to provide a safe learning environment, and reduced funding for distance learners places a significant strain on school district budgets at a time when additional supports are needed to keep students on track academically. As the state budget begins to take shape, Kyrene hopes to be included in conversations about how to use the projected state budget surpluses in both FY21 and FY22 to strengthen education in Arizona.” 

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safe, but also the entire community. Please continue to follow the scientists.” But other parents remain adamant in their desire for a full in-classroom option. Parent Jason Armstrong started a petition on change.org in the hope of getting 500 signers. As of AFN’s Monday deadline, he had garnered 360. “As I look around Maricopa County, I see our neighbors; Public, Private, and Charter Schools, providing solutions for parents who wish to send their kids back to In-Person learning, and I’m astonished and disappointed that Kyrene has hardlined the virtual-only policy regardless of the state guidance and/or the public desire,” he wrote. “There have been endless medical publications and federal/state communications that the best/safest place for our children to be is ‘in the classroom,’ he also said, noting “Nothing will ever be 100 percent safe. There were risks pre-COVID, there are risks during COVID, and there will be risks post-COVID. Why are teachers any different than grocery store employees, nurses, firemen, doctors, manufacturing employees, or any other essential workers?” All school districts to some degree face a loss of state per-pupil reimbursement

to 14.6 percent; and percentage of hospital visits with COVID-like symptoms from 13.7 percent to 12.5 percent. Virtually the same trends exist in the data for Tempe Union. The Kyrene and Tempe Union virus metrics are the same or lower than those in other East Valley school districts that have reopened campuses for five-day in-classroom instruction. For example, Mesa Public Schools’ metrics are 678 cases per 100,000, test positivity nearly 19 percent and hospital visits are at 12.5 percent, according to the data released last week. Chandler Unified’s metrics were 693 cases, 19 percent positivity and 12.5 percent hospital visits. Gilbert Public Schools, which reopened classrooms for five-day-a-week learning two days ago, recorded 722 cases per 100,000, 20 percent positivity and 12.5 percent for hospital visits. Kyrene currently is seeking feedback on a survey to parents and staff that Toenjes said “would inform that discussion” on reopening at next Tuesday’s study session. But Toenjes added: “We also recognize that many families are anxious to have children back in

school, especially now that are teachers and staff have begun receiving their vaccines. Please know that even Kyrene employees who received their first vaccine at the earliest opportunity still will not be fully vaccinated prior to this Feb. 9 board meeting. I appreciate your patience and understanding as we consider all of the factors and all of the voices.” Board members did not directly comment on reopening during that part of the meeting reserved for their individual announcements. Only board President Kevin Walsh praised the administration for arranging to have rapid virus testing available at the district headquarters for employees. Each board member in some way, however, acknowledged receiving numerous comments from the community and said they appreciated them. Emailed comments from parents and staff to the board consumed nearly an hour of the meeting and most praised the district’s decision to keep classrooms closed. Typical of those sentiments was one parent who wrote, “Thank you for making a decision to keep schools closed for in-person learning. I believe this is the right decision to keep not only the students and teachers

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Ocotillo – Skygass Bay Listed for $875,000

Stunning home on over a 1/3rd acre lot with sprawling golf course and lake views! 3,735 sf single level home with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. The newly remodeled kitchen boasts rich dark wood cabinetry, extended kitchen island with quartz counter top and trendy pendant lighting, and stainless steel appliances; gas cooking! New interior paint. New wood – look tile ﬂooring. The luxurious resort style back yard overlooks the prestigious Ocotillo Golf Course! Sparkling pebble tec pool and beautifully landscaped. Large theater room with wet bar, beverage fridge, buffet, two built in work stations, projector and movie screen, perfect for movie night, games, and entertaining guests! Shutters, updated ﬁxtures, 4 year old roof with 10 year warranty!

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

Ahwatukee artist’s latest food art an internet hit AFN NEWS STAFF

ver the years Ahwatukee artist Sandra Davis Marshall’s food art has won a big following but its popularity exploded last week after her latest creation came to the attention of bestselling author Stephen King – and ultimately attracted more than 3.3 million views. Using kale, potato, eggplant and cauliflower, Marshall on Jan. 23 recreated the now-famous photo of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders huddling on a folding chair with his oversized woolen mittens during President Biden’s inauguration. The real photo has been used in countless memes and Marshall said, “after seeing everybody going crazy over Bernie at the inauguration … I jumped right in after my friend suggested I try and make Bernie.” Marshall sent a photo of her veggieBernie to her family “because I couldn’t believe how much a small potato could look like him.” After posting it on Facebook and Insta-

retweeted Marshall’s Bernie. “My first thought was, ‘Wow! Stephen King! Twitter really works! How in the world did he see my Twitter?’ It turns out, somebody posted it in a Facebook group and it made its way to him,” Marshall said. But King didn’t credit her – or anyone – even though a small watermark with Marshall’s name is on the photo of her piece. This was one of Sandra Marshall’s food art creations a few years “People were askago. (AFN file photo) ing him how he made gram, she decided to go on Twitter for the it and they were saying how much they loved it,” Marshall said. “Then, the next day first time “and sent Bernie on his way.” The next day, a friend told her that King he ended up giving credit to the artist who

posted it on Facebook. He tweeted out that it was the other lady who made it.” Marshalls’ fans came to the rescue and asked King to correct his mistake. A day later, the horror novel author posted on Twitter, “I have been informed that the actual creator of the Bernie meme is Sandra Marshall. Once again, bon appetit.” “The lady who posted it to the Facebook group said she learned a big lesson. She will never post someone’s artwork without crediting the artist,” Marshall said. Even before King saw her Bernie art, Marshall’s work with food has won her a sizeable audience. “I’ve been creating this food art as a hobby, and now it’s turning into part of my career,” she said. “Fruits and vegetables fascinate me. The colors of nature are astounding.” She’s already written one book, “One Hot Night at the Veggie Bar,” a 65-page tome with racy veggie artworks meant for adult

surges, said Justin Lessler, an associate professor of epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health. Lessler said 25 percent is “really an exceptional increase” that comes “because we have this new cause of death that … killed in the last year as many people as all but two other causes of death,” Lessler said, adding: “Only heart disease and cancer killed more people than COVID last year and it’s almost up to the level that heart disease would kill in a normal year.” Lessler echoed others who said COVID-19 was not just a killer itself but may have contributed to other deaths in 2020. “I could have heart disease and maybe I would have some chance of dying in the next few years,” Lessler said as one example. “It was greater than the people around me, but because I got COVID, and had that heart disease made it more severe.” Lessler pointed to the possibility of a “more ancillary effect” from the pandemic, such as the social pressure of lockdowns leading to increases in overdose or suicide deaths, or overburdened hospitals being

unable to deliver needed, and possibly life-saving, care to patients. Raban added that “in some instances, those who had the COVID virus died with COVID on board, but it wasn’t necessarily the COVID virus that killed them.” Jeffrey Engel, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists’ senior adviser for the COVID-19 response, said what Arizona saw last year “may be typical,” but that it could have been felt more acutely in the state because of its relatively large number of seniors. People 65 and older accounted for 9,573 of the 12,819 COVID-19 deaths in Arizona, or 75 percent of the total, according to the latest data from the state health department. “I think after this is over, this pandemic is over, we as a society will be looking ourselves in the mirror and really try to ask how we take care of our elderly,” Engel said. For the time being, he said, it’s important that people not get numb to the rising numbers. “There is a person behind all of them,” he said. 

see MARSHALL page 14

Arizona deaths soared last year over 2019 BY MOLLY HUDSON Cronkite News

otal deaths in Arizona rose 25 percent in 2020 over the previous year, with some counties seeing increases approaching 50 percent for the year in which COVID-19 became the leading killer in the state. While data on the causes of death is not expected until later this year, experts attribute the “exceptional increase” in deaths to the COVID-19 as well as to fatalities that may be indirectly caused by the pandemic. “COVID appears to be the reason,” said David Sklar, a professor at Arizona State University’s College of Health Solutions. “Other problems have also increased, such as opioid-related deaths, and some have decreased, such as pedestrian-related deaths because people were driving less and were out less. But COVID has been a large contributor to our increase.” The Arizona Department of Health Services reported this month that there were 75,133 deaths in the state in 2020, an in-

crease of 24.9 percent from the 60,161 deaths reported in 2019. Holly Poynter, a spokesperson for the state health department, said while it’s likely “COVID-19 deaths are a factor” in the increase in deaths, state officials will not be able to say for sure until complete data on cause of death is available later this year. The increased death toll was not spread evenly across the state, with Apache and Yuma counties reporting increases of 48.9 percent and 48.8 percent, respectively. On the other end of the spectrum, deaths increased by 14.29 percent in Greenlee County and 16.2 percent in Cochise County. In Apache County, where the total number of deaths rose from 734 in 2019 to 1,093 in 2020, county Health Director Preston Raban said COVID-19 was a driving force, but not the only factor in the increased deaths. The report on the increase in deaths comes as COVID-19 surpassed cancer and heart disease to become the leading cause of death in Arizona last year. Arizona is not the only state seeing such

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

WHITAKER from page 1

protect others at risk.” Adel said the investigation into the shooting found “no evidence of any physical altercation between Mr. Whitaker and his girlfriend” and that “they were being loud while playing a video game.” Based on the 911 caller’s misinformation, however, the officers arrived at the scene “not knowing exactly what the situation was inside the apartment,” she said. She said Ferragamo knocked on Whitaker’s door, announced it was Phoenix Police and then each officer took a position on either side of the door, out of sight from any peep hole in the door. Adel said this was a common practice. “Inside his apartment, Mr. Whitaker grabbed his gun and removed it from its holster. Leaving the holster on the floor, he moved quickly toward the door,” Adel wrote. “Approximately 12 seconds after Officer Ferragamo knocked on the door, Mr. Whitaker opened the door and immediately stepped out of the doorway with his gun in his hand.” Both officers saw the gun and “protecting his partner from what he saw as an immediate deadly threat, Officer Cooke fired his weapon and Mr. Whitaker died from his wounds,” Adel wrote. But she said, “With the benefit of frame by frame analysis and having time to review and re-review the videos, it appears that Mr. Whitaker was moving his gun to put it down and put his hands up. In other words, after analyzing the videos it does not appear that Mr. Whitaker was a threat to the officers. “That fact makes this case a tragedy, but it does not end the legal, criminal analysis because the law requires us to assess what Officer Cooke reasonably perceived and believed was occurring in the moment he made the decision to fire his weapon.” To reach that determination, Adel said that not only senior prosecutors were involved but so were private citizens, whose role was “to provide a different, non-prosecutor’s perspective of the evidence.” Adel said she conferred with an outside expert on the use of force and that an extensive analysis of the officers’ body cameras also was part of the investigation. Though she said the “the facts of this particular case are clear in terms of what happened,” Adel said what was left for her to decide was “whether a crime occurred and, if so, whether there is a reasonable

Ryan Whitaker of Ahwatukee, gunned down last year by a Phoenix police officer in the doorway of his home, was recalled by family and friends as a generous, fun-loving man. (Special to AFN)

likelihood of conviction at trial.” She detailed Arizona law on justification defenses, stating it would be up to a prosecutor “to prove that Officer Cooke’s actions were not justified beyond a reasonable doubt.” “In his interview, Officer Cooke explained that his decision to shoot was based on the fact that Mr. Whitaker had a gun in his hand, and he saw that gun start to move in the direction of his partner, Officer Ferragamo,” she said. “He feared for Officer Ferragamo’s safety and he decided to shoot to prevent Officer Ferragamo from getting shot. “There is no question that if Mr. Whita-

ker intended to shoot Officer Ferragamo, that shooting would have been an unlawful use of force on the part of Mr. Whitaker. Thus, Officer Cooke believed he was using deadly force necessary to protect a third person from another’s use of unlawful deadly physical force. The remaining question is not whether Officer Cooke’s belief was correct with the benefit of hindsight, but whether it was a reasonable belief based on everything he knew and saw at that exact second.” The 911 caller exaggerated the nature of the situation because apparently was annoyed by the slow response to his earlier call about the noise in Whitaker’s apart-

ment. So, the domestic disturbance call was given a higher priority. “Officer Cooke saw the gun in Mr. Whitaker’s hand move toward his partner. At the time, Officer Cooke believed he did not have the luxury of letting the scenario play out a few more seconds to see what might happen next,” Adel said. “Officer Cooke made a decision based on the information he had – he could do no more. Based on what he knew, I cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that his decision to use deadly physical force was an unreasonable one.” “Because I cannot prove that Officer Cooke’s decision was an unreasonable one, I will not pursue criminal charges in this matter,” Adel said. “When terrible things like this happen, we naturally want to find out who was right and who was wrong,” she continued. “Mr. Whitaker is dead and he shouldn’t be. It is natural to try to find who is at fault; we want to assess blame. “Mr. Whitaker lawfully owned a firearm. He lawfully answered a knock on his door late at night with that firearm. His decision to come out of his home and the way he did so did not violate any laws. Likewise, the officers appropriately responded to a call of an active situation of domestic violence. They knocked at the door and announced who they were.” She said the officers assumed Whitaker knew the police were at his door and that when he answered with a gun in his hand, “it was reasonable for the officers to conclude that he meant them harm.” She called Cooke’s decision to fire “inaccurate in hindsight” but “not unreasonable in the moment and was, therefore, not a crime.” “This is precisely why this case is so heart-wrenching: while both Officer Cooke and Mr. Whitaker could have made decisions that would have avoided this terrible result, neither did anything that is prohibited by our criminal laws,” Adel wrote. 

GOT NEWS? Relatives and friends last summer protested Ryan Whitaker’s shooting by Phoenix Police and had demanded the officer who pulled the trigger be charged criminally and ﬁred. The County Attorney’s Office has ruled out the former and the latter is still undecided. (Special to AFN)

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

NEWS

MARSHALL from page 12

viewing that sold out in its first printing. She said she’s also finished a longawaited children’s book that will soon be going into print – a bit of a silver lining in the pandemic cloud. “I have thrown myself into my art. Painting and food sculpting,” she said. “My goal was always to go into schools and read to the children in person and bring fruits and vegetables with me, but that’s not happening anytime soon,” she said. “The thought of a fruit and vegetable buffet makes me cringe now.” As for King, Marshall was grateful he quickly corrected his mistake and so she thanked him by turning a tortilla, red onion and eggplant into a recreation of a crazed Jack Nicholson from “The Shining,” the movie based on one of the author’s biggest sellers. “I don’t know if he will ever see it,” Marshall said, “but it sure was fun making it.” 

To thank Stephen King for correcting his tweet about her veggie version of Sen. Bernie Sanders, right, Sandra Marshall recreated a scene with Jack Nicholson from the movie version of King’s novel, “The Shining,” using a red onion, tortilla and eggplant. (Courtesy of Sandra Marshall)

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

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

WEST from page 1

said the Conservancy is fielding four board candidates “in a thinly veiled attempt to coerce the community into purchasing, restoring, or remediating the golf course to restore their ‘views and quality of life.’ “Though I certainly empathize, their efforts to force the rest of the community to resolve their concerns at your expense is not appropriate,” he said, calling the current board members “fiscally responsible volunteers who work hundreds of hours each year to maintain community standards and enforce the rules and regulations of the association, which is their sole responsibility.” Recounting how the board has fought to preserve Club West’s quality of life without raising homeowners’ dues for 15 years, he said Conservancy leaders “are looking to hijack the Foothills Club West Board to achieve their yet unknown goal, which could lead to massive increases in annual assessments or unintended but significant legal expenses.” Hinz said the course’s declarant rights “were given to us and we accepted them” and denied the board tried to hide it, stating it was disclosed at an annual HOA meeting. He also denied the board assumed the declarant rights in secret. “Executive sessions are not secret meetings but meetings that are not open to all members of the association,” he wrote. Hinz also said the board went to great lengths to maintain the golf course, which fell into disrepair because owner Wilson Gee said he could not afford the high cost of city potable water, the only means of irrigating the site. “We have reviewed and engaged with regards to alternate water solutions. In-

Superior Court Judge Daniel Kiley issued a preliminary injunction last fall that stops the board from taking any action on course owner The Edge’s as yet undisclosed plan for the site. But Kiley has since been transferred to another court division – a common practice in Superior Court – and no new judge has been assigned. Superior Court Commissioner Andrew Russell is presiding over the case for the time being. He has yet to rule on arguments by HOA board attorney Carlotta Turman and Conservancy lawyer Francis Slavin over the Conservancy’s request to make the injunction permanent – a move that could possibly make a trial moot and possibly pave the way for an appeal. Those arguments played out before Russell on Jan. 22, when Turman argued that Kiley “did not fully understand the issues that were really in front of the court” and Slavin asserted that the board improperly assumed the declarant rights because its action was not approved by 75 percent of Club West’s homeowners. The litigation and the lawyers’ arguments are framed by various complex laws involving contracts and the operation of planned communities and homeowners associations. The emails by Hinz and the Conservancy were reader-friendly, but were anything but amicable in their descriptions of each other’s actions and motivations. Stating its members’ dues are being used “to disparage the FCW Foothills Club West Board and by extension the volunteers that work hard in this community,” Hinz

cluding pipelines and wells on our property, including how we might benefit by purchasing water from Foothills or Lakewood, SRP and the GRIC (Gila River Indian Community),” Hinz wrote. “We have tried to engage the city, even threatening litigation, to resolve the water issue. The issues of expense and viability, state and federal water regulations and other issues made them unworkable. The multimillion-dollar cost for a proposed pipeline would be borne by the community with no benefit or opportunity to regain that cost, and no promise the effort would succeed.” Hinz also accused the Conservancy of not acknowledging that the declarant rights “could make the opportunity to transition to open space or park land easier and with less expense.” He also said “notions of a park or open space have been discussed. The FCW Foothills Club West Board has consulted with the city and county, each unwilling to partner in the multi-million-dollar risk faced by the community in that endeavor.” The Conservancy’s response was to note it “supports any candidate in the HOA Board election that is against new housing, for term limits and for open and transparent Board communication and actions -- regardless of whether or not they are members of CWC.” It said it did not sue the community but rather the board members individually because they “refused to walk back several actions that the CWC felt were illegal. These questionable actions included (a) the creation of a new voting process out of thin air that would allow as few as 16 percent of residents to approve new golf

course land usage that could include new housing and giving the golf course owner 41 votes in our HOA.” Hinz’s email asserted the golf course owner has no votes “because the course is not in good standing as a member.” The Conservancy also denied it wants the site restored as a golf course, stating it “wants the board and the golf course owners to recognize the preferences homeowners expressed in the June communitywide survey, which showed openness to either golf or a parkland, but was decidedly against new housing.” The group also ridiculed Hinz’s assertion that residents’ preferences “are irrelevant” because the course is privately owned. “Our opinions are never irrelevant, especially in a situation that has the potential to damage property values for 100s of families,” it said, accusing Hinz of scare tactics by suggesting it wants to raise homeowners’ dues. “Hinz criticizes the CWC and the entire community for not presenting to the Board any options for the golf land, but this is completely backwards,” it also said. “The board should be submitting options to the community. If the board has really done all this extensive research on options that Hinz claims, then where are the results of this research, and where are the board’s proposals to consider?” It ended by telling homeowners, “If you want another 10-15 years of excuses for inaction and a ‘closed door’ style of leadership from your HOA board, then just keep voting for the same people over and over. Or take this opportunity to vote for some new talent on the board.” 

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

Cactus League seeks season delay BY GARETH KWOK Cronkite News

he Cactus League board has asked Major League Baseball to delay the start of spring training in Arizona due to high COVID-19 infection rates in Maricopa County. In a letter addressed to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, the board wrote: “In view of the current state of the pandemic in Maricopa County – with one of the nation’s highest infection rates – we believe it is wise to delay the start of spring training to allow for the COVID-19 situation to improve here.” The board’s decision is “based off data from the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, which projects a sharp decline in infections in Arizona by mid-March,” the letter stated. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, the state has over 727,000 reported cases of COVID-19. The letter is signed by Bridget Bins-

If and when fans will be allowed to watch games at Sloan Park this spring, it is virtually a certainty fewer will be allowed in the bleachers than in pre-pandemic days. (AFN file photo) bacher, the executive director of the Cactus League; Martin Harvier, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Presi-

dent; the city managers of Phoenix and Tempe; and the mayors of Mesa, Surprise, Peoria, Scottsdale, Goodyear and Glendale.

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“We just wanted to let MLB know that if there was any opportunity to postpone the season that we collectively, as the host cities, the host municipalities, and the tribal community, would support that,” Binsbacher said. If spring training were to be delayed, MLB would not be able to make this decision unilaterally. It would have to reach an agreement with the Players Association, which has been adamant about starting spring training on time. Binsbacher made it clear that the Cactus League is “not part of those discussions” between MLB and the Players Association. Cactus League spring training is scheduled to begin on Feb. 27. Whenever it starts, it will look different because of restrictions prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chicago Cubs sent out an email Friday that said it will not be able to offer spring training season-ticket holders their

see CACTUS page 18

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

COVID-19 cases may be leveling off, but danger remains BY RYAN KNAPPENBERGER Cronkite News

OVID-19 cases in Arizona may have reached a plateau after a deadly two-month surge, one expert said Wednesday, but that does not mean the pandemic is under control. Dr. Joshua LaBaer, executive director of Arizona State University’s Biodesign Institute, noted that the number of confirmed new cases of the virus dropped from a peak of nearly 12,000 cases on Jan. 4 to 5,918 on Wednesday – good news, but not cause for celebration. “At the very peak we were probably running at 140 mph, we backed that off now to maybe 120 mph,” LaBaer said, comparing the disease to a speeding car. “Still way too fast in terms of new cases per day, but not as bad as it was.” Will Humble, executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association, echoed LaBaer, saying that he “wouldn’t call this a decline, I would say we’re not accelerating anymore. If we see this for another week we can call it a deceleration.” Their comments come as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state hit 738,561, while the number of Arizonans killed by the disease reached 12,643, according to the latest numbers from the Arizona Department of Health Services. They also come as COVID-19 became the leading cause of death in Arizona, killing more people since last February than either cancer or heart disease did in 2018, the most recent year for which mortality data is available from the state. Cancer and heart disease are typically the top two killers in the state. Hope arrived last month in the form of

CACTUS from page 17

same seat locations for the 2021 season. “As part of updated guidance from MLB and in coordination with requirements and guidelines, we are shifting to limited, socially distanced pod-style seating.” Asked if no fans in attendance could be an option for Cactus League games this season, Binsbacher said “that is a possibility.” However, she is hopeful for a podseating concept for all facilities. “This pod seating concept, it works,” Binsbacher said. “You can sell tickets in

Former state health director Will Humble sees some hope in COVID-19 trends in the state but warns the pandemic remains dangerous. (Special to AFN) two vaccines that have been shipped to states across the country. President Joe Biden vowed to increase the number of vaccines shipped to states each week, from the current 8.6 million doses a week to 10 million. Along with more vaccine, he said, local officials can also expect improved communication with federal officials. Gov. Doug Ducey told CNN on Sunday that he is working with the Biden Administration to secure more doses for Arizona. “States, tribes and territories will now always have a reliable three-week forecast on what … supply they’re going to get,” Biden said in response to reporters’ questions at an event last week to

small groups and structure them so that they’re not close together. You can meet all of the CDC guidelines and maintain social distancing and manage traffic patterns. “It can be done. We’re hopeful that there will be fans in the stands, but again, it changes all the time. We’re moving in the right direction and so we’re just trying to be as optimistic and ready for whatever comes our way.” If infection rates in Maricopa County show no sign of improvement and the Cactus League were to be canceled, Mesa Mayor John Giles says it would have a det-

unveil his administration’s plans to fight the disease. Biden also said his administration expects an additional 200 million doses of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine will arrive sometime this summer. That would increase the total vaccines ordered to 600 million, enough to fully vaccinate 300 million Americans. Arizona officials said that they have administered 518,125 doses of vaccine so far, and that 79,026 people have received the necessary two doses to protect them from the virus. Despite the increasing number of vaccinations in the state, Humble thinks it will take some time before there is a notice-

rimental effect on the local economy. The Cactus League generated approximately $363 million in economic last season before COVID-19 shut down the season on March 12, the league said. “Every year, we experience a tremendous boon in our local economy because of spring training,” Giles said. “Last year, we saw the impact of terminating the spring training season early and it did have a significant detrimental economic impact on the community. “Certainly this year is not going to be a normal year. No one is suggesting that we

able drop in the number of new infections. He does think that COVID-19 hospitalizations will slow down as people in high-risk categories are immunized. Just 8 percent of intensive care unit beds in the state were open as of Tuesday, according to AZDHS, with 57% of beds occupied by COVID-19 patients. The state recently lowered the age limit for people to get on the priority list for the vaccine, dropping it from 75 to 65 years old. But Humble fears that could backfire and “elbow out older people” who may be less comfortable using the state website required to make a vaccination appointment. That could end up allowing younger people to take available doses from older people, he said. While the numbers of new cases start to flatten, and more doses of vaccine become available, overworked hospital workers will be waiting to see if they get a muchneeded break in the near future. “We have been at this for months, our health care staff are tired,” said Ann-Marie Alameddin, president of the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association. She stressed that vaccinations are the best way to end the pandemic and is encouraged that the federal government will be able to get more “shots in the arms of Arizonans.” But Arizonans have to help, said Alameddin, adding that health care workers are depending on people to follow health guidelines to mitigate the spread of the virus. “Everybody has to do their part, wear a mask, social distance and get a vaccine when you can,” Alameddin said. “We can’t do this alone.”  return to business as usual but I think we are all stating the obvious of the longer we wait, hopefully, the better the situation is going to be for considering including fans.” While Binsbacher awaits a response from Manfred and MLB, she and the Cactus League executive board are optimistic for spring training this year. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel and whether that’s two weeks or four weeks or six weeks is again, completely out of our control and something that has to be negotiated between MLB and the Players Association.” 

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

Bill would outlaw fame-driven food pranks BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

oing something gross with food that isn’t yours in hopes of getting hits on your YouTube, Facebook or Instagram account could soon land you behind bars in Arizona. With only one dissenting vote, the Senate Commerce Committee voted last week to make it a crime to intentionally contaminate food, drink, water or other products intended for consumption by another person. Just the act itself would be a Class 2 misdemeanor, carrying up to four months in jail and a $750 fine. But if someone else actually eats or drinks the product, the offender is looking at up to six months in jail and up to $2,500 in financial penalties. The same law would apply if the damage is more than $1,000, whether in food that needs to be tossed or loss of business for an establishment. What this is all about is internet fame: Do something outrageous, post it online and then challenge other people to duplicate it. Last year it was the Blue Bell Challenge that started with a girl taking a video of herself at a Texas store removing a container of ice cream off the shelf, licking it, and putting it back. Others followed suit and posted their own videos. Sen. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge, co-owner of the grocery store that bears his family name, said it has moved on from that. “We’ve seen any number of viral challenges dealing with contaminating food products,’’ he said. He’s not the only one.

This individual got a 30-day jail sentence for licking a gallon of ice cream at a Texas Walmart and then putting it back in the freezer, forcing the store to replace its entire inventory of ice cream. (Special to AFN) Dan Bogert, chief operating officer at the Arizona Restaurant Association, told lawmakers of an incident two years ago when two individuals entered a restaurant. “As the staff was attempting to refill the dispenser for the drink machines, these individuals taped themselves spitting into that ice bucket and then posting it on Facebook,’’ he said. Bogert said the staffers saw what was happening, discarded the ice and sanitized everything. But the now-posted video was geotagged with the location of the restaurant. Bogert said it saw a huge decline in customers, “upwards of tens of thousands of dollars” they lost over the next several

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store of and haven’t purchased,’’ she said. “If you don’t know that, I’m concerned for you on a variety of different levels,’’ Ugenti-Rita said. “It’s disgusting.’’ Sen. Tyler Pace, R-Mesa, said he understands the issue Shope is trying to address. But he said the measure is crafted so broadly that it would make criminals not just someone in a grocery store or restaurant contaminating food for many others but also pull in others, perhaps “friends who are no longer friends in high school and one spits in the friend’s drink.’’ “Obviously, that is wrong,’’ Pace said. “But there’s a difference between a restaurant or a place, or a couple of people who are making a bad choice.’’ Sen. J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, also said that perhaps there should be different penalties based on not just what occurred but efforts to publicize it. “An isolated incident where someone comes in and spits in whatever, it’s gross and in the era of COVID certainly we’re all much more sensitive,’’ he said. “It’s a form of vandalism and they should be punished.’’ But having it go viral, Mesnard said, is quite something else. “I’m far more concerned about what a video like that, posted online, could do to that business,’’ he said. “That could just be utterly devastating.’’ The 8-1 vote for the measure, with Navarrete dissenting, sends the measure to the full Senate.

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months. And he said police told the restaurant owner there wasn’t much they could do. Ahwatukee Sen. Sean Bowie said he’s not sure this activity merits creating an entirely new crime. And Sen. Tony Navarrete, D-Phoenix, said that perhaps a public education campaign might be more appropriate. But that idea drew criticism from Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, R-Scottsdale, who said the idea that people shouldn’t contaminate food is “an absolute no-brainer.’’ “I don’t think you should put $2 into a public awareness campaign to tell people to stop licking ice cream that they grabbed out of a freezer that they are in the grocery

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

Lawmaker wants Legislature to decide elections BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

second-term Republican lawmaker wants to allow the Arizona Legislature to overturn the results of a presidential election, even after the count was formally certified by the governor and secretary of state – and even after Congress counted the state’s electors. The proposal of Rep. Shawnna Bolick of Phoenix contains a series of provisions designed to make it easier for those unhappy with elections to go to court. That would include allowing challengers to demand a jury trial and, more to the point, barring a trial judge or an appellate court from throwing out the case, even for lack of evidence, before the jurors get to rule. That actually would affect the rules of court procedures which are set up and overseen by the Arizona Supreme Court, on which her husband, Clint, serves. But the most sweeping provision says that, regardless of any other law, the Legislature retains ultimate authority in

their own decision at any time right up to the day a new president is inaugurated. Bolick’s bill comes as Republican pose a number of election law changes in the wake of President Joe Biden’s victory. Republicans on a Senate panel approved two changes in elecState Rep. Shawnna Bolick wants the Legislature to have the power tion laws deto overturn Arizonans’ vote for President of the United States. (Spe- signed to audit more votes and cial to AFN) require automatic deciding who are the state’s presidential recounts in more situations. electors. “There are hundreds of thousands of And it spells out that lawmakers, by a people ... that think the election was fraudsimple majority, can revoke the formal ulent or full of irregularities or breakcertification of the results and substitute downs in process,’’ said Chandler Sen. J.D.

Mesnard, contending that changing the laws on recounts and audits, he said, will increase voter confidence. Bolick is not the first Republican to advance the argument that lawmakers can trump voter decisions. Rep. Mark Finchem, R-Oro Valley, has repeatedly argued that the U.S. Constitution gives Arizona lawmakers “plenary authority’’ to determine who gets the state’s electoral votes. Only thing is the Legislature was not in session and House Speaker Rusty Bowers rebuffed his efforts to call a hearing of the House Federal Relations Committee, which Finchem chaired last year, to look at ways the 2020 election could have been tainted. Bowers said state law is clear that the electors are selected based on the certified voter count. So Finchem and others decided to conduct their own unofficial, away-from-theCapitol hearing in late November to hear allegations from Trump’s legal team on

see ELECTION page 22

Bowie buoyed by progress of mental health, tax credit bills AFN NEWS STAFF

hwatukee state Sen. Sean Bowie is buoyed by the initial success of two bills he is sponsoring – one aimed at further helping the mental crisis among teens and the other for working families. The Senate has unanimously approved SB1097, which allows mental health days count as an excused absence for our K-12 students. The bill now heads to the House. “It’s a bill we almost got across the finish line last year, and I am optimistic about its chances this year,” Bowie said. “As always, grateful to my colleagues for their support.” The bills progress in the 2020 session ran afoul of the session’s cancellation because of the worsening pandemic. Bowie two years ago succeeded in winning bipartisan support for passage

of a bill mandating suicide awareness training for all school personnel who deal with kids in grades 6 and up. This year, he is pushing SB1376, which he calls “a big one.” “It would essentially require that all grades K-12, as a part of their standard health curriculum, include instruction in mental health… It’s something our staff and I have been working on for months. Stay tuned – I’m hopeful that this one will receive a lot of support this session.” Bowie also won bipartisan support on the Senate Finance Committee, which voted 7-2 with one abstention to approve SB1040, which would create a state Earned Income Tax Credit to pair with the federal credit already in place. “The EITC is designed to help low income working families, many of whom are struggling right now due to the pandemic,” he said, noting 29 states currently have their own version of the federal EITC.

The state credit is a percentage of the larger federal credit, and anyone eligible for the federal EITC qualifies for the state version. Bowie’s bill would create a credit that is five percent of the federal credit. “What does this mean, exactly? For example, a family of four making about $50,000 a year would qualify for about $300 in state tax relief,” he said. “The amount depends on your income level and the number of children you have – the more children, the larger the credit.” Bowie also has a number of other bills in the hopper. One, SB1246, would put term limits on school board members, limiting them to two consecutive four-year terms. He is also taking another crack with a bill that would allow county boards of supervisors the option of moving to allmail elections. Bowie also wants to create an Arizona Nurses Academy to help promote and incentivize students to join the nursing sector.

Bowie said some bills he is working on before submitting them include expanding statewide non-discrimination LGBTQ protections for employment, housing, and public accommodation, and banning youth conversion therapy. Bowie said there are close to 1,000 bills that have been proposed in this session and several hundred more could be added to that pile by Feb. 1, the deadline for introducing legislation. The sheer volume means he’ll be staying up late at night. “My assistant and I work hard each week to make sure I have all of the information I need to make an informed decision on whether to vote yes or no, but that often takes time. And with over a thousand bills introduced every year, it takes a lot of time.” Bowie said that now with floor votes starting in the Senate, “we’ll start with non-controversial bills, but then dive into weightier issues in the next week or two.” 

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

Ducey sounds hopeful note for post-pandemic Arizona BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

here was no tinkling of silverware, no low murmurs of conversations and, in fact, no food at the annual breakfast visit from the governor last Thursday hosted by the PHX East Valley Partnership and the region’s chambers of commerce. And in some ways, the virtual nature of the event underscored one of Gov. Doug Ducey’s central points in his message to business, education and community leaders who gathered around their laptops or cellphones instead of at a hotel of Mesa Community College, the usual venues for what has been a tradition in the East Valley for more than a decade. “The pandemic remains the most significant threat to Arizona and it is going to require vigilant attention for months to come,” Ducey said. “This is a vicious virus and it has taken some 12,000 lives in its path in the state of Arizona alone.” But Ducey is not wont to be a crepe hanger. So, he quickly added a message of hope to his dire warning, stating, “But with the arrival of a vaccine, we’re hopeful that 2021 is going to look a lot different than 2020. Though local public health officials are working hard, I’m asking them to work

ELECTION from page 20

how the election was rigged. That had all the legal authority and effect of a political rally. Bolick seeks to get around that with her law specifically authorizing a legislative override. Less clear, though, is exactly how that would work. Absent Congress reconvening to recount the tally – something that may not be legal under federal law – there is no way to recount or change the vote. Potentially more problematic, Bolick’s HB 2720 says that lawmakers can take that action “without regard to whether the Legislature is in regular or special session

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even faster with more of a sense of urgency.” He announced that a 24/7 COVID-19 vaccine distribution site is opening at Phoenix Municipal Stadium at 5999 E. Van Buren St. to serve the East Valley, complimenting a similar one at State Farm Stadium on the west side, where he said 6,000 doses a day are being administered. “We’ve distributed over 500,000 doses of the vaccine and these are crucial steps in our continuing battle against COVID-19,” he said. Ducey then switched gears to talk about the East Valley’s significance to Arizona’s overall economy, including some recent developments here, and his vision for this year. Gov. Doug Ducey addressed East Valley leaders virtually last Noting Commercial week. (Special to AFN) Metals Company’s announcement of plans to build a new nology jobs and NXP Semiconductor’s manufacturing facility in Mesa, Amazon’s new fabrication plan in Chandler, Ducey expansion in Tempe with 500 new tech- said: “Arizona will emerge from this panor has held committee or other hearings on the matter.’’ That by itself would appear to violate the Arizona Constitution, which spells out when the legislature when it can act. Bolick’s proposal does not explain how there even could be a majority vote if there is no formal, on-the-record vote at a non-existent legislative session. Bolick did not respond to multiple requests to discuss her measure or answer questions. Her office issued a statement contending, “The mainstream media is using this elections bill as click bait to generate misleading headlines. “This bill would give the Arizona Legislature back the power it delegated to cer-

tify the electors. It is a good, democratic check and balance. Secretary of State Katie Hobbs wasted no time in reacting, calling the proposal “breathtaking.’’ “So really, we should just get rid of the presidential election altogether?’’ she said in a Twitter message. “In reality, that’s what this bill would do.’’ Julie Erfle, a Democrat political consultant, was a bit more succinct, saying that Bolick “gives AZ voters the middle finger.’’ But aside from legislative veto of election results, Bolick’s HB 2720 seeks to put into statute other ways that election results can be monitored. For example, it would require counties to create digitized images of all ballots which

demic stronger than ever with the East Valley leading the way.” He highlighted some of his legislative priorities, giving first place in his list to the issue of providing COVID-related liability protection for businesses “so a statewide emergency doesn’t line the pockets of trial attorneys with frivolous lawsuits.” On other agenda items, he said, “We intend to work on broadband expansion, greater access to telemedicine, better roads and bridges, and, of course, continuing to be a global leader on water innovation. “We want better equipment and training for law enforcement officers, criminal justice reform and guarding against wildfires so that we stay on guard against that everpresent risk.” During a question-and-answer session that followed his brief prepared remarks, the governor said Arizona’s “biggest challenge right now is getting enough vaccine from the federal government” but that he anticipated the state would climb quickly out of the pandemic’s economic blowback. That’s especially true, he added, since “when the pandemic hit…Arizona had 45 states behind it in terms of economic growth and personal income rising. Today, through the recession and through the

see DUCEY page 24

would be available to the public to review. She also wants the public to be able to monitor what happens when a ballot cannot be read by tallying equipment. That normally involves election workers from both parties reviewing the ballot and creating a new one attempting to determine the voter’s intent that could be fed through the machine. Bolick wants the images of these duplicated ballots posted on a county website within 24 hours. And she wants to expand an existing law that now allows for up to three observers representing candidates or political parties at the counting center. HB 2720 would require there also be at least 10 individuals from the general public who are registered voters in the county. 

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

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

State board wrangles over charter grants BY CECILIA CHAN AFN Staff Writer

wo East Valley charter schools will each get up to $1.25 million over the next five years to expand or open more locations to serve disadvantaged children. Though some members of the state Board of Education last week had reservations about equity and some recipients, the board approved 10 charter school grants totaling $12.5 million over five years. The federal grants were awarded in 2018 to the Arizona Charter Schools Program. “When I looked at this list of recipients and the criteria, the main question that came to my mind is in light of the fact we have three awards going to a singlecharter entity, which is a significant sized charter and another award to another significant sized charter entity,” said board President Lucas Narducci, a lawyer. The Legacy Traditional Schools in East Mesa, in Deer Valley and in East Tucson all received the grants as well as the American Leadership Academy for a new location in Surprise. Legacy Traditional School has 16 locations in the state, including one in Gilbert and American Leadership has 12 locations, including four in Gilbert. Other recipients include the soon-toopen facilities –Glen Canyon Outdoor Academy in Page, Highland Prep West in Avondale, Ridgeview College Prep in San Tan Valley and Liberty Leadership Academy in Cottonwood. American Charter Schools Foundation operates Ridgeview College Prep and has 11 locations in the state, including one in Gilbert and one in Mesa. Recipients Synergy Public Charter Schools in central Phoenix and Leading Edge Academy in East Mesa are expanding. None of the schools have previously received the award, according to staff. Narducci questioned if smaller charters were at a disadvantage in applying for the grants because they lacked professional grant writers compared with their larger counterparts. To ensure there is equitable knowledge of the grants, they are well-advertised, said Kate Wright, chief of staff for the state Edu-

Legacy Traditional School currently is building a campus in east Mesa that will be partly funded by a grant approved last week by the Arizona Board of Education. (Special to AFN) cation Department, who noted her department provides three hours of free training to help with the application process. But Narducci remained concerned. “This is a considerable amount of money, $250,000 per year over five years,” Narducci said. “Some of the reasons that that money is being given, from what I’ve read, is to assist the schools in developing what they need to do for those areas to open up schools in the right areas to help the kids that want the help. “At least two of the entities receiving the money, one entity receiving it three times, are very proficient in what they do. I think one entity’s got like 20,000 kids in their charter school system and another probably has just as many as that. So, they don’t really need that help.” Noting 20 percent of Arizona students are in charter schools, Narducci said, “There has to be a heck of a lot of charter schools than 15 applications” and that there were areas in the state “that need really good charter schools.” “It just worries me. May be the process itself is not equitable and as broadly accomplished as it needs to be,” he said. Wright said in applying for the federal money, Arizona intended to use it to support the opening and expansion of charter schools. Wright noted that the federal grant the state received is based on Arizona’s plan to open 40 charters over five years, and that the funding process is designed “for a small number to receive” a grant over that time.

Board member Calvin Baker, a retired school superintendent from the Tucson area, said one of the most significant challenges facing the state is how to educate students living in poverty. He questioned how many of the applicants had chosen that as their goal and how many of the charters are located in high-poverty areas. “I would hope that our quality charters can be encouraged to open in areas where there is significant poverty,” Baker said, asking for a map that would show “whether or not these charters are locating in areas and neighborhoods where there are significant numbers of ‘D’ and ‘F’ schools, where there is a high need for quality or if they are locating in areas where there already are a lot of ‘A’ and ‘B’ schools.” Wright said she didn’t know if the charters are located in high-poverty areas but would request more information to bring back to the board. Board member Patricia Welborn who also sits on the board for Empower College Prep, a charter school, asked staff about the possibility of adding grant requirements for the federal grants such as proximity to a high-poverty area. Wright said she would need to get more information regarding if it was possible to add more criteria. While Narducci was inclined to postponing a vote, board member Armando Ruiz, CEO of Espiritu Schools, a charter system in South Phoenix, said a delay would affect the critical timeline for recipients that are in the process of creating new school sites.

“I don’t want to put these schools that have already got money invested, they’re moving ahead,” Ruiz said. “I don’t want to put them in a situation where there is undue stress to open these schools that they’ve already had planned.” Narducci said he didn’t have any negative feelings about the recipients but he was still troubled that only 10 got the funds and that three of the 10 are with the same entity. Ruiz said it was unfair to tell the operators who spent a year getting the grant that now the board didn’t like the process, though Baker countered, “This money was never guaranteed to anyone.” “So no one should have a business plan that depends on this money,” Baker said. “A five-year funding being delayed by one month so that we can have good information is not unreasonable.” The board voted 7-2 to approve the grants with Vice President Daniel Corr and members Christine Burton, Jill Broussard, Janice Mak, Robert Robbins, Ruiz and Welborn in the majority. Corr said no one on the board was casting aspersions on the recipients but was questioning who was being served. Legacy Traditional School in East Mesa, which opened in 2020, indicated it will use its money to expand its grades K-12 and Leading Edge Academy in East Mesa planned to do the same for its 9-12 campus. The discretionary grants go to schools that have met one of four criteria – serving at last 40 percent racially and ethnically diverse students; serving at least 40 percent economically disadvantaged students eligible for the free and reduced lunch program; serving at least 40 percent of students with identified disabilities or serving at least 40 percent of students who are English-language learners. 

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

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

Poll �inds vaccine resistance has political dimension BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

early a month after vaccines have become available here a quarter of Arizonans remain unwilling to get inoculated against COVID-19. And there is a political component to all of this. A new survey by OH Predictive Insights finds that those who identify as Democrats are more likely to roll up their sleeves for a vaccine approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration than Republicans. Just 17 percent of Democrats told pollster Mike Noble they have no intention of getting inoculated versus 29 percent of Republicans. Still, the numbers in the survey conducted earlier this month show some progress. When Noble last ran the poll in September, before there was an approved vaccine, 38 percent of Arizonans said they wouldn’t take it, even if offered for free. But the director of the Arizona Public Health Association said that 25 percent overall refusal rate that remains among Arizonans, even after inoculations have started, could delay the state reaching “herd immunity.’’ That’s the point at which sufficient people have either been vaccinated or already have contracted the virus to prevent wholesale spread among those who have not.

DUCEY from page 22

pandemic, Arizona remains top five.” When asked about the pandemic’s impact on education, Ducey again reiterated his increasing insistence that classrooms be open, stating “this online learning, this digital learning has not been good for our young people.” “We need to get our kids back in the classroom,” Ducey said. “The Centers for Disease Control says it’s the safest place that the child can be.” He noted that while the COVID’s impact has been measured in many ways, “what we aren’t measuring are the numbers around addiction and alcoholism and depression and isolation and suicide. These are all very real issues and the best way to deal with them is to get our kids back

Former state health director Dr. Will Humble, now director of the Arizona Public Health Association said this could become even more crucial now that new more contagious strains of the virus are now beginning to pop up in the United States. Noble’s poll shows much of the attitude about getting inoculated is linked to how much risk anyone believes the virus poses. He found that 68 percent of those who are extremely or moderately concerned about contracting COVID-19 are willing to get vaccinated. By contrast, 44 percent of those who express only slight or no concern will agree to inoculation. And that, Noble found, has a high correlation with politics: Fewer than half of Republicans say they’re concerned, versus 82 percent of Democrats. “Probably, a lot of that’s tied back to the former president,’’ Humble said. “He has made many statements suggesting that this was not a serious thing in terms of public health,’’ he continued. “And there are so many people who see him as an oracle of knowledge that they adopted what he has said.’’ There have been efforts to convince people about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. “Gov. Ducey wants Arizonans to get vaccinated,’’ said C.J. Karamargin, press aide to the Republican governor. “When it’s his turn, the governor will be getting the vaccine.’’ Ducey has in some ways staked his rep-

in school.” Though he noted that education is “our top line in spending and investment,” Ducey did not mention any specifics of his budget proposal – particularly the difference in per-pupil reimbursement to school districts for in-class learners and virtual learners, which is costing some districts millions of dollars. The State Senate Republican Caucus earlier last week said it will push to equalize that reimbursement rate for one year – a move that Mesa Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Scott Thompson applauded. “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

utation in fighting the virus on people getting vaccinated. He has refused to implement new mitigation measures and restrictions on individual and business activities even as the state entered a second wave of infection, relying on the virus being tamped down by Arizonans getting inoculated. The state Department of Health Services reported that as of last week, more than 459,399 individuals had received just their first of two doses. Another 85,533 had gotten both shots. Steve Elliott, spokesman for the health department, said one thing that may build confidence is that, as more people get inoculated, they share their stories. “Arizona will have large numbers of influencers sharing that the vaccines are safe and effective,’’ he said. Elliott also said that his agency will have its own campaign explaining the benefits, both broadly and with messages targeted to specific groups and those disproportionately impacted by the virus. Other states also are contending with a rash of protests from antivaxxers that briefly shut down innoculation centers. But Humble said none of that may matter among people who, vaccine safety or not, don’t see COVID-19 as a risk. “For people of a certain age that have established their opinion about this, I don’t think there’s much that can shift them short of perhaps former President Trump sounding the alarm,’’ he said. “That might

remotely at 100 percent,” Thompson 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.” Ducey also was asked about how he expected to get along with President Biden. “He will be my third president as governor,” Ducey replied. “I’ve worked with Democrats before

change the minds of some of them.’’ All that still leaves the question of whether Arizona can reach herd immunity given the number of nay-sayers to vaccines. The good news, Humble said, is that COVID-19 is not as communicable as measles. That particular disease, he said, requires a 95 percent vaccination rate to keep it from spreading like wildfire. For COVID-19, Humble said, “What we had believed is that we needed to get to 65 percent to 70 percent.’’ But that was before the virus started mutating into new, more contagious strains, with the UK variant believed to be 40 percent more transmissible. “That might move our herd immunity up to 80 percent,’’ he said. Elliott said what may help improve the situation is more people getting inoculated. Humble said one other problem of getting to that point goes beyond personal desires. He said it appears that many of the people who have so far managed to get appointments are those who may be more educated and affluent and capable of navigating what has often been confusing web sites and getting the slots as they have opened up. “Well, if you’re a working person or if you don’t have good WiFi or a new computer or any of the above, you missed your opportunity to get that February appointment,’’ Humble said. 

in the White House,” he continued. “That said, we’re going to be focused on what’s in Arizona’s best interests. My boss is right here in the state. It’s the people that I have to work with.” He also maintained that the bipartisan rancor in Washington, D.C., is not reflected in the State Capitol and that “over 90 percent of the legislation that we passed over the last six years has been bipartisan.” 

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

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

Poitier name elevates Mesa ASU building cachet

BY JIM WALSH AFN Contributor

ong before the dedication of Mesa’s long-awaited Arizona State University building last week, the new film school and technology facility had become a magnet for bringing new businesses downtown. Now, it has a name as well: The Sidney Poitier New American Film School, honoring the first Black man and Afro-Bahamian actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor (for his 1963 performance in “Lilies of the Field”) and the oldest living recipient of that Oscar. Poitier’s moniker will only enhance Mesa’s already high credibility in leveraging the ASU campus into a job generator, Mayor John Giles said. “We are already getting economic benefits from the ASU building,” Giles said. “ASU gives a lot of confidence to people that it is a wise investment to come downtown.” A trailblazing actor who starred in several films highlighting the evils of racism, Poitier, 93, starred in numerous notewor-

Arizona State University's building in downtown Mesa is quickly taking shape and as of last week, it now has a name: The Sydney Poitier New American Film School, honoring the legendary Black actor and Academy Award winner. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer) Kiana Marie Sears, president of the East Valley NAACP and a Mesa Public Schools Governing Board member, also applauded ASU’s move. “I think this is an amazing thing ASU is doing,” Sears said. “I think he’s a very

thy films, including “Raisin in the Sun” (1961), “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” and “In the Heat of the Night” (both 1967). Giles said he is thrilled the film school is being named after Poitier, underscoring Mesa’s diversity.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

ASU from page 25

bridges,” Sears said. Giles said the imminent opening of the ASU building gives some extra incentive to businesses that might have been interested in downtown but “didn’t want to be first in line.” Shortly after his election as mayor in 2014, Giles said he met with ASU President Michael Crow and sought to lure the university to downtown Mesa, hoping for a transformation similar to what it did in downtown Phoenix. Giles said Crow told him that Metro Light Rail is the key factor, allowing students to move easily and cheaply between ASU’s main Tempe campus and any new Mesa facility – just as students do today between the Tempe and Phoenix campuses. Giles said the city and ASU are anticipating that additional facilities beyond the $63.5 million building now under construction will be built. City officials anticipate a summer 2022 grand opening while ASU officials said during the Poitier Film School announcement that it will be more like fall 2022. Giles said Crow told him, “when we come to your downtown, we will change it per-

manently,” with a large number of students suddenly injecting a new buzz into the area. Several new restaurants already have opened downtown and multiple projects bringing hundreds of apartments are already under construction. Moreover, industries beyond downtown are “fascinated with the technology ASU is advancing,” such as augmented reality, Giles said, noting, “All of it has applications in every industry you can imagine.” “This is going to grow exponentially going forward,” Giles said. While the newly-renamed film school’s home is in Mesa, it will be linked as well to the Tempe campus and a newly renovated facility in the Herald Examiner building in Los Angeles, making an important connection to the mecca of the American film industry. Annie DeGraw, an ASU spokeswoman, said the Mesa facility will remain ASU at Mesa City Center, while the LA building will be known as ASU LA Center. She said both buildings will have signage identifying the Sidney Poitier New American Film School. She said that Michael Burns, the vice chairman of Lionsgate Entertainment, one of the world’s largest film and media companies, has a close working relationship

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This is what ASU's downtown Mesa building will look like once it is ﬁnished. The university expects it will be ready to welcome students in fall of 2022. (Special to AFN) with Crow. Burns, an ASU alumnus, helped connect Poitier and his family with the university to negotiate the naming rights deal, DeGraw said. Giles said he spent the weekend watching some of Poitier’s legendary performances. He said Poitier will have a large presence inside the new building. Giles recently announced that he will seek the development of an anti-discrimination ordinance in Mesa, a move that was welcomed by long-term advocates. “Mesa is a very diverse city. About 1/3 of our city is Hispanic,” with a substantial Black population, he said. “A lot of the people coming to school here will be diverse. We want this facility to be an inspiration to them.” Among the Sidney Poitier Film School’s goals is to improve diversity in the film industry – not only in front of the camera but behind it.

“Our society has been moved forward by film and television,” said Beverly PoitierHenderson, one of Sidney Poitier’s three daughters who spoke at the digital unveiling Jan 25, which also featured Crow, Stephen J. Tepper, dean of the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, and several students. Poitier’s daughters, Sydney Tamila Poitier and Anika Poitier, described how their father is honored to have his name attached to the film school, combining his passions for advancing education and civil rights. Poitier himself did not appear and turned down interview requests, but such stars as singer Harry Belafonte and actor John Lithgow made cameo appearances praising him. “You see a lot more inter-racial couples and gay people. It’s not fun and games. You are shaping the world,” Poitier-Henderson said. 

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 49

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

Breast implant info bill advances in Legislature BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

omen considering breast enhancement surgery in Arizona would get more information about what could go wrong under the terms of legislation given preliminary Senate approval on last week. SB 1001 says that beginning next year doctors must provide women with the risks of the implants used in breast augmentation surgery. That also would include all the materials that manufacturers provide, including any warning requirements from the federal Food and Drug Administration. A final roll-call vote will send it to the House. Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, R-Scottsdale, said she agreed to sponsor the measure after a constituent told her the story of having serious medical problems related to the implants. The woman was hospitalized and ultimately had to have them removed. But Ugenti-Rita said this isn’t some isolated incident. “There are thousands of women across Arizona and the country who do experience almost an adverse reaction, like an allergic reaction, if you will. The senator said that should not be a surprise. “If you can imagine putting something in your body that’s foreign, not everyone responds to it the same way,” Ugenti-Rita said. “On top of that, these implants are made from chemicals and compounds that

are really not designed to be in your body.” The measure also has the backing of Robyn Towt who had a double mastectomy in 2017 and has become a major proponent of the measure, which failed to clear the legislature last year, telling lawmakers that her doctor told her the implants “were perfectly safe.” But the result, she said, was “extreme health issues” which resolved themselves after she had them removed four months later. Towt told lawmakers out that the FDA last year implemented a “black box” warning to inform patients that implants have been associated with development of a type of cancer of the immune system. This legislation specifically requires the medical boards that oversee physicians to not only provide a description of the risks of the surgery and the implants, but to develop a checklist that would have to be provided to patients. At a minimum, the legislation says, that list must include information of breast implant illnesses and, specifically, implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, a particularly rare and fastspreading disease. And patients would need to be told how they can report “adverse events” to the FDA and other programs, as well as provided information about the National Breast Implant Registry which keeps track of not only devices that are implanted but also subsequent surgeries. 

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

REAL ESTATE

Real Estate Guide Lumber prices putting squeeze on new home prices BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

s if low inventory wasn’t exerting enough pressure on home prices, two new trends are apparently adding to the surge – particularly for new houses. The National Association of Homebuilders and the National Association of Realtors said a lumber shortage is accelerating the cost of new home construction while there also is a rising demand for larger houses – partly as the result of more stayat-home and work-from-home time cre-

ated by the pandemic. “While the market remains solid, median home prices are increasing due to higher building material costs, most notably softwood lumber, and a shift to larger homes,” said Robert Dietz, chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders. And resale homes may not offer an escape from that trend because of the steadily shrinking inventory. The median sales price nationally was $355,900 in December – up from

see MARKET page RE2

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See 66 SeePage Page

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Majestic Southwest contemporary estate on elevated 1.24-acre hillside lot. See Page Page 66 See Listed for $1,325,000 Mike Mendoza

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Sanctuary - Front

Sanctuary - Back

Circle G at Riggs Ranch - Front

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Stunning panoramic views from privately gated luxury retreat adorned with vibrant imported Montana stone accents. Prime elevated preserve lot with casita. 5 br, 5 ba with 6,455 sq. ft. Resort-style backyard with negative edge pool, custom artwork, fireplace and built-in DCS bbq.

Estate living with refined tranquility in exquisite setting. Meticulous stonework adorns entire exterior. 7 br, 4.5 ba with 8,873 sq. ft. Custom iron doors lead to massive covered patio with pavers, built-in bbq, heated pool with waterfall and slide plus gorgeous landscaping with fruit trees and koi pond.

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REAL ESTATE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

MARKET from page re1

$329,500 a year earlier. The Cromford Report, which closely monitors the housing market in the Phoenix Metro area, said demand for new and used houses “is still on a downward trend.” But it cautioned that the trend “has had almost no benefit for buyers as supply is dropping to unprecedented lows across large parts of the valley.” “Demand would have to collapse for some semblance of normality to return to this market,” Cromford said, citing a growing chasm between inventory and demand” all due to a worsening supply. A case in point was Avondale, where inventory has plummeted to almost nothing. With only 20 listings, Cromford said, Avondale “is a city of about 85,000 people which, in a normal market, would expect to have about 340 single-family homes for sale. There were 1,100 single-family homes listed in Avondale during 2007. Supply has dropped in half since Jan. 8.” “So, if there were no new listings,” Cromford continued, “the current stock would sell out completely in less than six days. I am starting to wonder if inventory could go to zero in places like Avondale.”

Meanwhile, new pressures are being put on homebuyers in the form of rising lumber prices. The homebuilders group reported that in the first six months of the pandemic “lumber prices Land Advisors Organization last week released this chart of the Valley’s soared more largest homebuilders and the year-to-year change in their production. than 170 per(Special to AFN) cent. Similarly, Cromford reported, Maricopa “This unprecedented lumber price spike had only 62 single-family houses for sale. added nearly $16,000 to the price of a typNormally we would expect over 400,” ical new single-family home,” it said. Cromford said. “Demand has remained The homebuilders association recomstrong in Maricopa with over 2,200 sin- mended that its members include an esgle-family closings a year. There are 10 calation clause in contracts “that indicates days of inventory.” if lumber prices increase by a certain perCromford said inventory is critically low centage, the customer would be required in other small communities – as it is in to pay the extra costs.” large Valley cities – particularly Anthem, It also said the sharp increases in lumArizona City, Carefree, El Mirage, Flor- ber costs “threaten the affordability of ence, Litchfield Park, Sun Lakes, Tolleson, new homes and the housing sector, which Tonopah and Youngtown. is leading the nation’s economic recovery.” The association blamed the lumber cost increase on inadequate domestic production. “Many mills reduced production due to stay-at-home orders and social distancing measures enacted by state and local governments at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic,” it said last week. “Mill operators projected that housing would be adversely affected by the crisis and anticipated a large drop in demand. But housing weathered the storm much better than was predicted and demand

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for lumber has accelerated.” In December, it called on the Trump Administration to pressure domestic lumber producers “to ramp up production to ease growing shortages and making it a priority to work with Canada on a new softwood lumber agreement.” That request went nowhere. All this comes at a time when more millennials and Gen Xers are looking to buy a house – and when more are looking to buy new, the homebuilders group said. In a survey of more than 15,000 prospective buyers, it found “a significant shift in interest for newly-built homes during this period among prospective buyers,” doubling to 41 percent of buyers in December from a year earlier. “On the other hand,” it added, “the share interested in an existing home declined from 40 percent to 30 percent, while the share indifferent to either type of home fell from 41 percent to 29 percent.” “When broken down by generation,” it added, “results show that 50 percent of Millennial and 48 percent of Gen X buyers are looking to buy a new home. In contrast, 50 percent of boomers and 38 percent of Gen Z buyers would prefer to buy an existing home. Those preferring new dominated survey respondents in the Northeast and West. New-home sales in 2020 posted an 18.8 percent increase over 2019, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and U.S. Census Bureau reported last month. The National Association of Realtors Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said that while closings have dipped, “I would attribute that to having too few homes for sale.” “There is a high demand for housing and a great numPhoenix Single-Family Permits by Region ber of would-be buyers, and therefore sales should rise with more new listings,” he said. “This elevated demand without a significant boost in supply has caused home prices to increase and we can expect further upward pressure Land Advisors Organization said that with much of the East Valley on prices for the already built out, more home construction is occurring in the West foreseeable fuValley and Pinal County, evidenced by permits issued. (Special to AFN) ture.” 

FEBRUARY 3, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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COMING SOON! Looking for a new home? In a market like this, it helps to have an inside connection Many of our list i n gs are s ol d bef ore th ey're avai l able to th e pu bl i c an d w e re g ular ly have 10 - 1 5 proper t i es t h at are

"Coming Soon".

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5 tips for first-time homebuyers

er you can afford the total costs of owning a home, not just the loan. Since buying a home can be the biggest financial decision of your life, preparing for the costs and the process is vital. Do your research, find a great agent and your future home can be in your hands before you know it. Wayne Graham is the head of real estate from Homie Arizona, a real estate technology company changing the way real estate is bought and sold. Information: homie.com. 

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

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI AFN Staff Writer

andsea Homes has found a home in Arizona. Landsea Homes has established its division office at Scottsdale Airpark and by the end of this year, the company is expected to deliver 1,000 homes in Arizona – including in south Chandler’s Sonora Crossing community. The company recently released the final homes in Sonora Crossing, where it began selling them early last year on 11.52 acres. Priced in the mid-$300,000’s, the three floor plans range from approximately 1,722 square feet to 2,225 square feet. Sonora Crossing homes are equipped with Landsea Homes’ High Performance Home features, including smart home automation technology utilized by Apple HomeKit. The smart home automation features include an Apple TV media manager device, wireless network internet throughout the home, entry door locks, thermostat control, garage door opener control, light dimmer switches, doorbell camera pre-

THE SANCTUARY

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11821 S Tuzigoot Court ✔ 5341 sqft, 5 bedrooms (+8), 4 bathrooms

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Greg Balen, left, is Landsea Homes’ Arizona division president, and Todd Cordon is its vice president of sales. (Special to AFN)

in just two years,” said Greg Balen, the Arizona Division president. “It’s been organic growth. We initially set up a team here to look for a project but that quickly evolved into realizing the value of having an even greater presence in this market. “Over the last two years, we’ve acquired two home-building companies, Pinnacle West Homes and Garrett Walker Homes.” Landsea Homes also recently announced plans to become a public company in the fourth quarter of 2020, and will be Nasdaq-listed under the new ticker symbols “LSEA,” “LSEAW” and “LSEAU,” respectively. Founded in 2013, Landsea Homes is a Newport Beach, California-based homebuilder of high-performance homes and sustainable master-planned communities in major U.S. markets such as southern and northern California, Arizona, Boston and New York. In Arizona, Landsea offers single-family, detached homes – one and two story – in Buckeye, Chandler, El Mirage, Glendale, Goodyear, Peoria, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Surprise and Tolleson.

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“Our team in Arizona consists of highquality people with market expertise who understand the value of providing best in class homes and unmatched, outstanding customer service throughout the valley,” he said. “Our strategic focus continues to be creating communities in highly desirable markets across the United States, and Arizona fits that criteria. “We really believe in this market. It’s a great place to live. With a robust local economy and continued job growth, the area is attracting new residents, and providing opportunities for current homeowners to expand to accommodate their growing families.” Balen said Landsea Homes is appealing to first-time buyers, in particular the Garrett Walker Collection, which offers affordable new homes in convenient locations with the quality of a trusted and established homebuilder. “We’re able to offer high-quality homes at attainable price points,” he said. “It’s

NEW LISTING

Leading Luxury Home Experts

EVALUATE MORTGAGE TYPES. The choice between a fixed-rate and an adjustable-rate mortgage often depends on how long you plan to live in the home. A rate that is fixed can make more sense if it is relatively low and you plan to stay put for decades since your monthly payment won’t change over the life of the loan. Adjustable-rate mortgages feature rates that can change periodically based on a market indicator and often carry lower rates and can make more sense for buyers who plan on a shorter stay in the house. CONSIDER TOTAL COSTS. What you end up paying when you buy a home will be more than the down payment and the loan. There are likely to be closing costs, including loan origination fees, taxes, title search, commissions, and legal fees. Asking your agent is important to fully uncover what exactly you will have to pay for. Down the road, you will also have to pay for things such as maintenance, repairs, insurance and property taxes. Make sure to look at the big picture to decide wheth-

NEW LISTING

ith Arizona being one of the hottest real estate markets in America, homebuying here requires even more diligent planning and real estate market insight. These tips for first-time homebuyers will help you navigate the process. KNOW YOUR FINANCES. Make a thorough analysis of your finances and credit history. A lender will evaluate your situation and determine what you can afford in terms of a mortgage. The lender typically gauges your ability to pay based in part on your credit history, whether you have a steady income and your cash assets. A good credit score is key in landing a lower interest rate. Getting pre-approved for a loan can help you narrow down your house hunting and strengthen your bargaining position. FIND A GREAT AGENT. A real estate agent will be your partner in the homebuying process and should do

the heavy lifting so you can make a sound decision. Your agent should have deep knowledge of the current housing market to navigate any challenges that may arise. You should also feel a solid connection with your agent and they should understand and respect your homebuying goals. Google and Facebook reviews can offer insight into an agent’s performance. UNDERSTAND YOUR NEEDS. Different areas of the valley will offer unique neighborhood characteristics, but you must consider what is most important to your lifestyle. You may have interest in particular school districts, childcare options or lifestyle. Those who value accessibility might enjoy being able to walk to a grocery store or restaurant from their home. These are things that can be narrowed down with the help of your real estate agent. Consider what would enhance your well-being and remember to reevaluate your list as you gain a better sense of what is out there and what you want.

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Acquisitions make Landsea state’s top homebuilder

NEW LISTING

BY WAYNE GRAHAM AFN Guest Writer

REAL ESTATE

FEBRUARY 3, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

NEW LISTING

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

NEW LISTING

REAL ESTATE

NEW LISTING

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3051 E Rock Wren Road ✔ 3573 sqft, 4 bedrooms (+5), 3.5 bathrooms

$864,900

Beautiful property in private cul-de-sac with picturesque mountain views in all directions!

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

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SPO OTLIGHT home

PRISTINE &CLASSY GATED CALABREA ESTATE! PRISTINE & CLASSY GATED ESTATE ON A PREMIUM 2/3 ACRE HILLSIDE LOT • PRIVATE CUL-DE-SAC • 6 BEDROOMS, 4.5 BATHS, 5200 SQFT OF PURE LUXURY FINISHES • STUNNING VIEWS IN EVERY DIRECTION • IRON DOOR • BUTTED GLASS WINDOWS IN ENTRY & KITCHEN • CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS • DECORATOR PAINT • DOME CEILING FOYER & GROIN VAULTED CEILINGS IN LIVING ROOM • TRAVERTINE & HARDWOOD FLOORS THROUGHOUT • 7-INCH BASEBOARDS • MEDIA ROOM • DREAM KITCHEN INCLUDES S/S APPLIANCES,SLAB GRANITE COUNTERS, ALDER CABINETS,HUGE ISLAND,WALK IN PANTRY • LARGE MASTER SUITE W/STONE FIREPLACE • MASTER BATH W/JACUZZI TUB,3 VANITIES & SNAIL SHOWER • PARADISE BACKYARD W/TRAVERTINE IN VERSAILLES PATTERN,TURF GRASS,PEBBLETEC POOL/JACUZZI,4 WATER FEATURES,LARGE COVERED PATIO,STACKED STONE BBQ • 4 CAR GARAGE W/EPOXY & STORAGE! YOUR DREAM ESTATE AWAITS!!

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TAPESTRY CANYON

3043 W Briarwood Terrace Majestic Southwest contemporary estate on elevated 1.24-acre hillside lot. Stunning, panoramic mountain and city light views in exclusive Tapestry Canyon. Open gourmet kitchen with view windows boasts Gaggenau appliances, wok cook system, granite countertops and island and birds-eye maple Chilean cabinetry. Master suite features spectacular corner view window and arcadia door to patio. Additional amenities include theater room, office, wine cellar, sound system throughout, auto alarm and control system, automatic solar shades plus outside awning. Large hobby room adjacent to laundry room. Travertine and marble flooring throughout. Oversized 3-car garage. Resort-style backyard with slate patio, builtin Viking grill, pool and spa, koi pond and ultimate privacy on coveted mountain preserve lot.

Stunning 5 bed / 5.5 bath custom basement home w/ 4 car garage in Ahwatukee Foothills’ prestigious gated community of Calabrea. Gorgeous curb appeal w/ stacked stonework, front courtyard & paver driveway. Highly upgraded with amazing architectural design throughout the home including custom wood beam, arched, tiled & coffered ceilings. Bright & open with huge windows letting in the natural sunlight. The spacious living room has full wall of sliders that open to back patio. Dream kitchen offers top of the line SS appliances (including 6 burner gas range w/ pot filler & multiple ovens), pristine staggered cabinetry, granite counters, pantry & large island w/ sink & bar top seating, as well as built-in desk/workstation in the breakfast area. Formal dining room & wine cellar perfectly located for entertaining. Sprawling master suite w/ double door entry & private exit doors to outside has wet bar w/ mini fridge & fireplace w/ mantel. Master bathroom has two vanities w/ seated area, large soaking tub, huge walk-in tile shower w/ bench & multiple shower heads, & enormous closet w/ custom organization.

Extraordinary view from every room with abundant natural light. Premium location. Two water features. One is micro biotic koi pond ecologically sustained with minimum maintenance. New 2019 exterior paint. New 2019 energy star hot water heater with Wi-Fi control. New 2019 soft water system. New 2019 partial air conditioning. Home theater room screen and equipment to convey. Family room in-wall led TV to convey. New 2020 front automatic awning. Smart house with app controlling doors, water heater, softener and temperature.

Finished basement offers huge family room w/ wet bar & mini fridge, perfect room for home theatre if desired, additional bedroom & full bath. Spectacular backyard w/ no neighbors behind or to one side is a true sanctuary w/ its large covered patio, breathtaking pool (waterfall feature & negative edge side), spa, built-in bbq, perfectly placed desert landscaping, scenic fencing & of course the hillside views. This is a MUST SEE home in Calabrea. Easy access to freeway & all Ahwatukee has to offer including shopping, dining, hiking/biking trails, golfing & plenty of other entertainment choices. Schedule your showing today!

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REAL ESTATE

FEBRUARY 3, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

LANDSEA from page RE5

very compelling for someone who’s currently renting to buy a home. “We do a lot of research to understand our customers, and exactly what works well for them. That is very important as we can devote resources to things they want, as opposed to things we think they should want. “Our homebuyers have their included options and then they can choose upgraded carpet, countertops, and personalize the home to suit their needs.” Earlier this year, Landsea Homes launched its Performance Collection, which offers High Performance Home features in select communities in Arizona and California. The features consist of three core pillars including home automation, sustainability and energy savings, which gives homebuyers connected living at their fingertips, providing ease, security and privacy. “Sustainability is a defining characteristic for Landsea Homes and the company’s deep respect for the shared environment of the communities created are reflected in every Landsea High Performance

480-706-7234

Home,” Balen said. “We take great pride in delivering responsibly designed homes with the highest standards in sustainable building technology so that every detail creates a healthy living environment and enhances the lives of our residents.” Balen adds that the insulation makes the homes more comfortable and less susceptible to the hostile environment in Arizona. For sustainability, the company has much lower waste factors than the industry average. “The job sites are safer because there’s less extra material lying around before it gets disposed of,” Balen said. “It’s smart. We’re always trying to do a better job that way.” All of Landsea’s High Performance Homes are supported by a partnership with leading technology company Apple and utilize the Apple HomeKit environment to operate all home automation features from one mobile application. The smart home automation features, installed and compatible with Apple HomeKit include an Apple TV media manager device, MeshNet wireless internet throughout the home, entry door locks,

3 BR / 2 BA / 2,182 SQFT Rare opportunity for superb Scottsdale Villa with amazing amenities. Largest floor plan with a full third bedroom.

Estate living with refined tranquility in exquisite setting. Meticulous stonework adorns entire exterior of home.

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5BR / 4.5 BA / 4,924 SQFT Majestic Southwest contemporary estate on private hillside lot with stunning mountain and city light views.

Tapestry Canyon

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Winfield ! LD O S

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! LD O S

Stunning panoramic views from privately gated luxury retreat with casita on elevated preserve lot.

Sanctuary

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4 BR / 3 BA / 2,730 SQFT

New interior paint and flooring. Master suite downstairs with loft and Jack and Jill bathroom upstairs. Close to community pool.

Keystone

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3BR / 2.5 BA / 1,689 SQFT

Listed for $349,900

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tems, Energy Star-rated appliances and LED lighting. The cost-in-use features lower monthly bills and encourage environmental awareness and stewardship. “On day one, a homebuyer can come in and live in a functioning smart home that they can augment with other products and tailor to their lifestyle,” Balen said. “Our tagline is ‘Live In Your Element’ and that’s what we want our customers to be able to do on a daily basis.” Landsea Homes plans to continue to grow and expand in Arizona, and retain their foothold as one of the largest homebuilders in the state. In September, the company acquired 476 finished single-family home sites at Sunrise Ranch in Surprise. “We’re aggressively seeking opportunity in Arizona and other markets,” Balen said. “Our focus is always on overall lifestyle and allowing our customers to live their best life in that market. “At the end of the day, we do a really good job of understanding our customers and creating opportunities for them to thrive in their homes—perhaps the most important purchase decision they make.” Info: landseahomes.com

Ahwatukee’s #1 Team for Over 30 Years 7BR / 4.5 BA / 8,873 SQFT

Circle G at Riggs Ranch

thermostat control, garage door opener control, light dimmer switches, doorbell camera pre-wire, and high-touch customer service with an individualized training session from an expert who ensures that all applications are working properly. “Today’s homebuyers seek a balanced life through technology, the ability to stay connected, and the option to be in control all while maintaining a high level of privacy and security. Our High Performance Homes and the partnership with Apple provide the features and conveniences people have come to expect,” he adds. To further its sustainability mindset, Landsea Homes includes various features that contribute to healthy living, including appliances that reduce energy waste and tankless water heaters that generate hot water faster. Landsea Homes also offers the option to install the REME HALO air purifier in homes across Arizona, which mitigates indoor contaminants to keep residents safe and support healthy living. With each High Performance Home, the homebuyer is provided with enhanced roof insulation, wall insulation and floor insulation, more efficient mechanical sys-

Spectacular waterfront home in popular Laguna Shores. 2019 A/C replacement.

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Tapestry Canyon

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

re8

Ahwatukee Custom Estates One of the most amazing view lots in

$2,099,000

SOLD!

all of AZ. Custom home with everythingl 10,000 sq. ft., 3/4 acre prserve lot, 6 bedrooms, 6 bathes, Executive Office Suite, Master Suite with Sitting Room, Master Bath with Jacuzzi, Theater Room, Exercise Room, Loft, Guest House, Grand Foyer, Gourmet Kitchen, Resort Backyard with Pebbletec Diving Pool, Watertalls, slide, Volcano, firepit, Spa, Sport Court, Grassy Play Areas, & Outdoor Kitchen, 4-car A/C Garage. A true masterpiece!!!

Ahwatukee Custom Estates

Calabrea

$1,750,000

$1,339,000

Pristine & Classy Gated Estate On A Premium 2/3 Acre Hillside Lot, Private Cul-De-Sac, 6 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths, 5200 Sqft Of Pure Luxury Finishes, Stunning Views In Every Direction, Iron Door, Butted Glass Windows In Entry & Kitchen, Custom Window Treatments, Decorator Paint, Dome Ceiling Foyer & Groin Vaulted Ceilings In Living Room, Travertine & Hardwood Floors Throughout, 7-Inch Baseboards, Media Room, Dream Kitchen Includes S/S Appliances, Slab Granite Counters, Alder Cabinets, Huge Island, Walk In Pantry, Large Master Suite W/Stone Fireplace, Master Bath W/Jacuzzi Tub, 3 Vanities & Snail Shower, Paradise Backyard W/Travertine In Versailles Pattern, Turf Grass, Pebbletec Pool/Jacuzzi, 4 Water Features, Large Covered Patio, Stacked Stone Bbq, 4 Car Garage W/Epoxy & Storage! Your Dream Estate Awaits!!

SOLD!

Amazing Remodeled Custom Estate with mountain views located at the end of a cul-de-sac.Over 8000sqft of pure luxury finishes.6 Bedroom,5.5 Baths.Custom Kitchen.Elevator.Executive Office.Basement Media Room.Dance Studio.Huge Backyard with Pool, Jacuzzi, Turf, BBQ, Sportcourt.This Spectacular Estate has it all!!!

Summerhill $1,099,000

Calabrea $1,099,000

Cabrillo Canyon $689,000

5 bedroom / 3 bath, 3,506 SqFt, Cul-de-sac location with huge backyard, sports court, built-in BBQ, mature shade trees, very private backing to wash. Good size SOLD! bedrooms, master downstai5. Features a large office with balcony, plus office/loft with built-in bookcase and 3 full baths. Th� home is perfect for family gatherings BEST NEAR THE LOOP 202 in gated withand stunning mountain only. views. andLOCATION entertaining. CanNEW be previewed with 24Calabrea hour notice appointment

SOLD! Stunning Single Level Custom Remodel on a huge corner lot in a cul-de-sac! *4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath *The highest quality custom finishes throughout *Grand foyer *Formal living & dining room *Familt room w/fireplace *Wetbar *Designer kitchen includes: quartzsite counters & island, s/s appliances, custom cabinetry, walk-in pantry *Recessed LED lights throughout *Plantation shutters *Large master suite *Master bath w/walk-in shower, free standing tub, & walk-in closet *Laundry room w/sink *Wood flooring *Custom fixtures *Trane A/C’s *Private backyard w/covered patio, pebbletec pool, turf, & RV gate with tons of room to park the toys *3 Car garage with epoxy *The lot is very private *The house shows like a new build *Do not miss your opportunity to own this amazing Cabrillo Canyon Estate!

SOLD!

Canyon Verde/$899,000--SOLD IN 1 DAY Foothills/$299,000--SOLD IN 1 DAY Ahwatukee/$489,000--SOLD IN 1 DAY

Complete with the highest quality build and finishes. Gourmet kitchen includes slab granite counters, alder cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. This estate also features a media/ theater room with 105 inch screen. The basement includes a full wet bar, family room & 2 bedrooms. Resort Backyard with pool. A perfect 10!

www.GenoRoss.com Donna Leeds

�

TOP GRI, ABR REALTOR

949.310.5673

lf"fl!

Stunning single-level custom estate gated summerhill on a 1/2 acre lot. beautiful mountain views. Gourmet Kitchen. Master Suite w/sitting area. Two master suites. Split floorplan. Executive office w/built-in cabinets. Tropical paradise backyard w/covered patio, gazebo, pebbletec pool, rock waterfall, built-in bbq, turf, & putting green. This estate has the perfect floorplan!!

Geno Ross

602.751.2121

wwwBestAgentWUSA.com

Making Ahwatukee

Home Dreams Come True Since 1986 www.WestUSA.com I 480.893.0600

4505 E. Chandler Boulevard, Suite 170, Phoenix, AZ 85048

Horse Property - Queen Creek

$695,000

PENDING!

Over 2200 sq. ft main house with 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a separate 844 sq ft 1 bedroom, 1 bath guest house, complete with full kitchen, lvg room and laundry room, a 44 x 32 mare motel, enclosed 16 x 16 area with AC, heat and electrical. An expansive front courtyard with views of the San Tan Mountains and a back covered patio, with views of the Superstition Mountains. With over an acre, of lasered level irrigation land, 3 grass pastures divided by fences, gates for horses and livestock, 3 stalls for horses or livestock 1 dog kennel/work room, all sitting on a county island!

Mountain Park Ranch

$320,000

Open Floor Plan, Bright & Cozy Corner Lot Home Across from Large Greenbelt. 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Pool Backyard Paradise Private Pool with Travertine Pool Deck, Split Master with Separate Entrance to Back Yard. Beautiful Custom Shower and more.

Rhonda Fosenburg 480-227-0815 rhonda@rhonda4realestate.com rhondafosenburg.com

Ahwatukee

SOLD! 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 3252 Sq Ft. This gorgeous family home with it’s backyard oasis combines the best of indoor and outdoor living . The remodeled kitchen overlooks the dining/family room with gas fireplace and offers granite counter tops, stainless appliances, duel ovens, wet bar and large pantry. Recently repainted inside & out and re-carpeted in 2019.

Troy Royston 480-435-3461 troyston61@gmail.com

SOLD!

Warner Ranch Meadows

$599,900

Let the AZ sunshine in with all it’s glory through the panoramic windows.1/2 bath + 3/4 bath & 1 bedroom downstairs. Eat in kitchen is complete with center island, breakfast bar, granite countertops, a plethora of custom cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. Three bedrooms up plus a office with built in desks! Master suite has wood flooring, private exit to balcony, and built in desk. Full spa bathroom with double sink vanity and separate soaking tub + shower. Resort style backyard features a covered patio with lush green grass and a sparkling pool.

Citrus Mountain Estates

$849,900

$399,900

Gorgeous Views! SEMI-CUSTOM BASEMENT HOME SITUATED ON A STUNNING WATERFRONT LOT IN HARBOR ISLAND COMMUNITY. 4,525 sq ft. 4 Bedrms 3 Baths. 1 Bedroom & Bath Downstairs. Awesome Backyard W/ Play Pool, Grassy Area, Dock Where You Can Boat or Fish.

Prepare to be amazed! Come and see this wonderful 4 bed, 2 bath property now for sale in Phoenix! A beautiful facade, desert landscaping, 3 car garage, this home has it all and more!

Geri Thompson 480-239-7589 gerithompson@westusa.com

$419,900

UNDER CONTRACTBACK UPS

Kelly Quek, M.B.A. 480-734-9808 kellyquek8@gmail.com

SOLD!

Charming 3 bed, 2 bath home. Formal living and dining room. Tile & carpet in all the right places. Vaulted ceilings and soft color palette. Spacious open floor plan for the kitchen, dining, and family room. The stunning eat-in kitchen has a plethora of custom cabinets, beautiful granite counters, SS appliances, breakfast bar seating, and a pantry. The master has a private entrance, a full bath, and a walk-in closet. The serene backyard has a covered patio, mature foliage, and a nice lawn area for the kids & pets to play! Community amenities. Close to schools, shopping, and major freeways. Make this your new home today!

Marty Griffin 602-692-7653 martygriffin@q.com

Jenifer Bulfer 480-297-6968 jbulfer@westusa.com

Harbor Island

SOLD!

Mountain Park Ranch

Marty Griffin 602-692-7653 martygriffin@q.com

Tempe - Temporary off the Market $299,900

TEMPORARY OFF THE MARKET

Wonderful single story 3 bedrooms, 2 baths great Tempe location. Large living room, kitchen offers black appliances and granite counters. Spacious master with walk in closet. Large yard with RV gate and no HOA. Great location and minutes from ASU , restaurants and entertainment.

Natalie Christensen 602-373-6212 nchristensen@westusa.com

FEBRUARY 3, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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Teens ‘band’ together to protect the vulnerable BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

hen COVID-19 began spreading last year, Ahwatukee resident Michelle Watson grew anxious about her Massachusetts family. She, her husband Jeff and two sons began thinking about what could be done for those who were older, immune-compromised or had pre-existing conditions like asthma that might make them more susceptible to the coronavirus. Last fall, the Watson’s two sons Jyles, 17 and Vaughn,14, joined with Keaton Dudley, 17, to do something about it. They launched Protect-O-Band, a bright red silicone wristband with a white cross emblem – a universal symbol for medical awareness – and six bare feet to symbolize the recommended six feet of physical distancing guideline.

see PROTECT page 32

JYLES WATSON

VAUGHN WATSON

KEATON DUDLEY

Digital Academy student is Kyrene spelling champ AFN NEWS STAFF

hile organizers of the Scripps 2021 National Spelling Bee are still hoping to hold their iconic event in person, the road for hopefuls in Arizona is virtual. And last month, Kyrene School District fielded its contestants, led by Drew Passmonick, a seventh grader in the district’s new Kyrene Digital Academy. Scripps says on its website that it is “exploring a number of scenarios to administer the national competition while following social distancing and group assembly guidelines.” The bee is tentatively scheduled June 1-3 in National Harbor, Maryland, though organizers said they will have more to say this month.

While the district-level bees have been spectator affairs in the past, the pandemic is forcing them to compete with an online test developed by the national organization. Still, the 27 Kyrene finalists were “eager to put their knowledge to the test and out-spell their peers,” district spokeswoman Erin Helm said. The youngsters from Kyrene’s middle school and K-8 campuses had 24 hours to complete the online test, tackling words such as “kaleidoscope,” “quiescence” and “harrumph.” Drew emerged as Kyrene District Bee Champion. In second place was Lincoln Trembath, a fifth grader at Kyrene de los Lagos. Tying for third place were Kyrene de los Cerritos fifth grader Conner

Trynosky and Christopher Humanski, also a fifth grade student and also a student in the district’s Digital Academy. All four students will advance to the virtual regional bee as they march toward the Arizona State Spelling Bee. Kyrene will host this year’s regional bee Feb. 20. And while the competition will continue playing out online, Helm added, “Kyrene hopes to welcome back families for an in-person event next year.” Kyrene Digital Academy seventh grader Drew Passmonick is the district’s 2021 spelling champ. (Kyrene School District)

COMMUNITY

PROTECT from page 31

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

The vivid yet subtle message: the wearer is medically vulnerable and needs to socially distance or requires extra consideration as they interact with others. “People of any age could have medical problems, including plenty of kids who might have issues that we’re unaware of. So the band, which we make in adult and youth sizes, could be a subtle reminder to other students to give space,” said Vaughn, an Altadena Middle School eighth grade student. Since the launch, the teens have worked hard to ensure Protect-O-Band wristbands are available to area residents, including local school districts. “Everyone agreed that we wanted to help our community in one way or another during the pandemic as watching from the sidelines didn’t feel right,” said Jyles, a member of the Desert Vista High School National Honor Society and its volleyball and swim teams. “The idea was inspired by the extreme growth of COVID cases as the year progressed, so we saw an opportunity to step in and help protect those more vulnerable,” he continued. “I think it’s safe to say that everyone has family and friends with

@generationaz

medical conditions that put them at high risk as well.” Jyles created and manages their GoFundMe page, which has set a $5,000 goal set to help produce and distribute more Protect-O-Bands. Keaton, also a Thunder National Honors Society and volleyball team member, focuses on distributing the Protect-O-Bands. “Our project has two main distribution targets: schools and medical offices,” Dudley explained. “We began ramping up distribution to schools in December just as many went fully online due to COVID-19. This was a temporary roadblock for the project because it made it more difficult to get Protect-O-Bands to the students’ families.” Dudley, vice-president of Desert Vista’s DECA chapter – a national association of business and marketing students – said, “We’re starting to distribute bands to Kyrene schools and we’ll be distributing bands on campus at Desert Vista in early February.” “I’ve been thankful to have an enthusiastic response by Tempe Union leaders in education, and shared productive Zoom discussions to promote how Protect-OBand might ease the transition to in-person learning,” he added. Medical offices were a focus during the

@genchurchaz

holidays. “We’ve delivered more than 2,000 Protect-O-Bands to over 25 medical facilities and the two school districts. It’s been a real team effort to promote the project,” Dudley said. One of the Ahwatukee medical practices the teens reached is TLC Pediatrics, founded in 2004 by owner and physician, Dr. Diane Matsumoto. “It’s wonderful to see these young men help raise awareness of the risks of COVID to those who have complex medical issues,” said Matsumoto. “We celebrate the contributions of these young men and others stepping outside themselves to help address this horrible pandemic.” Each team member also helped spread the news of their venture by reaching out to family and friends personally and promoting Protect-O-Band on social media. Dudley set up an Instagram page, @protectoband, and designed the logo in hopes to spread the message of the wristbands. Vaughn’s input that helped with the band’s graphic design. He said he is aware of medically-vulnerable peers who need to socially-distance – like those with asthma – but may be hesitant about expressing it.

“There are plenty of kids who could benefit from the Protect-O-Band because kids could also have issues that we are unaware of, and the band could be a subtle reminder to other students to give space,” said Vaughn, an avid mountain biker and new member of the Ahwatukee Lightning Lacrosse team. “We made this to help protect people in a higher risk group because it has the potential to save lives.” Since sharing her vision to help children and adults with higher risk, Michelle Watson has watched the three teens take responsibility for moving the project along. “Everything we do starts at home, which then affects our immediate community, and out from there,” she said. “If we can help give a reminder to those around us that there are some folks who may have more going on medically than meets the eye, and that puts them at high risk for COVID-19, then certainly a ProtectO-Band could help them, and help our immediate community here in Ahwatukee.” She said she’s proud of the boys taking ownership of the project, and working hard to see it through.

see PROTECT page 33

COMMUNITY

FEBRUARY 3, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

PROTECT from page 32

“The boys have taken this idea and flown with it,” she said. “It’s been a joy and a thrill to watch their dedication to the cause. Their hearts are in this.” Besides the GoFundMe page, the teens are seeking help finding a sponsor willing to help with the costs for producing more. Bonna Lippert of Fully Promoted West Valley donated the first 500 wristbands. The team said if it wasn’t for her largesse, it would have taken months to raise funds to get it off the ground. Another item on their wish list is to find medically-vulnerable individuals to use and endorse Protect-O-Band to help the team spread the value of the message of safety. “It’s our sincere hope that these bands will be a visual reminder to others that the children and adults wearing them require physical distance, helping to slow the spread of COVID-19” the team expressed on their GoFundMe page message. So far, the Protect-O-Bands are a localized project, but with time, the team hopes it might spread so as to help other medically-vulnerable adults and children. “We hope to help those in need around the valley. If this somehow expands out-

side of our community, that would be great as we would like to help as many people as possible,” said Jyles. “However, we aren’t looking for this to grow into a large company but rather be a helping hand until everything is truly safe and back to normal.” Added Dudley: “We welcome followers. The more people who know about the bands, the more effective they are.” As Kyrene School District employees began their free, rapid COVID testing last week (Thursday, 28) at their Emergency Command Center, a basket of the bright red silicone Protect-O-Bands and the flyer explaining the project were available for the taking. The teens hope that exposure will trickle down as staff educate students as to their availability. Some have already been delivered to individual schools. The team also announced Protect-OBand is now upon request at all seven Tempe Union High School District schools nurse’s offices for students and staff. Besides gofundme.com/f/protectoband and their Instagram account, the Protect-O-Band team can be reached at Protectoband@gmail.com. 

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Chamber bingo game: ‘B’ is for business BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

nless you’ve been living on a remote island since last March, you already know that small businesses in Ahwatukee and around the world have taken a beating from the pandemic. And that’s why Jess Magee and Angelica Parra want you to get ready to play Small Business Bingo. Players won’t be sitting at long tables in smokey rooms listening to letters and numbers being filled out on your card. Indeed, they’ll actually be moving around Ahwatukee and visit the local businesses to fill the bingo card that can either be downloaded at ahwatukeechamber.com or picked up at one of the participating businesses. Once players have their card and enter the business, they’ll have to look around for the code word that they use to fill in a square. “We’re just trying to drive local residents into the businesses,” said Magee, a Cox ac-

ness Committee. Normally, the committee of more than 60 members devotes itself to help women “evolve personally and professionally by providing opportunities in leadership, development, education and networking.” But times aren’t normal, so the committee also has ramped up supporting local business as a Jessica Magee, left, and Angelica Parra, co-chairs of the Ahwatu- priority. The bingo promokee Chamber’s Women in Business Committee, have lots of cards for the groups Small Business Bingo promotion that begins Feb. tion is a special kind of supportive endeav15. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer) or because it’s anycount executive. “We want people to physi- thing but isolated. cally go in and meet these shop owners.” “Especially in the last year, what’s really Magee and Parra, a studio manager at been lacking is that personal attachment,” Music Maker Workshop in Ahwatukee, Magee said. “We’re hoping to actually get co-chair the Chamber’s Women in Busi- people into these places versus doing

Local business’ staples are creepy crawlies BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

rett and Julia Arendse are lifelong lovers of creepy crawlies. Lifelong Ahwatukee siblings, the two have collected a slew of unusual pets – snakes, lizards, tarantulas and frogs. Small wonder they not only started working in reptile stores, but have opened Ahwatukee’s first store dedicated to selling the critters, along with any necessary supplies. Brett, 23, and Julia, 20, opened The Reptile Store a week before last Christmas at 4804 E. Chandler Blvd. “We kinda hit the ground running,” Brett said of their 1,700-square-foot store with wide aisles and well-defined

areas for reptiles and accessories. Their youthfulness and experience with reptiles are keys to the success of their new venture that is already gaining a steady fanbase. “We’ve both been keeping reptiles all our lives, I started at about age 5 and Julia around 3,” he said. “We both worked at another reptile store in Phoenix, but then on Oct. 26, Julia had a car accident and couldn’t work anymore.” Julia suffered an injury to her right wrist in the accident. “I was actually honking my horn when I saw someone turning in front of me and then my airbag exploded. It broke my right wrist and now has screws in it,” she said. “At the other reptile store where I was working, a lot of things we did required I use my hand and I couldn’t

do it anymore.” An avid skateboarder who injured both ankles throughout the years, Brett was also ready to make a change. “We sat down as a family, Julia and my mom and dad and said ‘we can do this,’” he recalled “From the idea to our opening was just a month and a half. Brett Arendse, a 2015 Mountain Pointe High School grad, said he and his sister get a lot of enthusiastic support from their parents, Mark Arendse and

�ee REPTILES page 37

Ahwatukee resident Julia Arendse last year opened The Reptile Store at 4804 E. Chandler Blvd. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)

something virtually. That way it gives them a chance to connect and to meet the people that are working in the local businesses.” Between Feb. 15 and March 31, players will have to look around each business to find the code word that will help them fill a bingo square. Once players fill five adjacent squares horizontally, diagonally or vertically, they can turn it in – and then try to fill another – hopefully even more. The cards will become part of a raffle April 2 with the first prize being $200, second $100 and third $50 – all in gift cards to the participating businesses. 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.

�ee BINGO page 36

BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

Madhu Chadha is ambassador of month

BINGO from page 35

The committee held with a business scavenger hunt last year that Magee and Parra said was well received. But now, they said, “we want to help highlight some of Ahwatukee’s local businesses and help drive new traffic.” “We also wanted to make this completely about the businesses, so all the prize money will go directly back to a few businesses as the winners will receive a gift card of their choice to one of the featured businesses,” they added. “We’re proud to support local and are looking forward to a fun and exciting new community event.”  Chamber gears up for tourney The Ahwatukee Chamber of Commerce is looking for sponsors and players for its 24th annual Masters Golf Tournament March 26 at Foothills Golf Course. For details: Ahwatukeechamber.com

AFN NEWS STAFF

M These Small Business Bingo cards made by the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committee can be picked up at participating businesses or downloaded at ahwatukeechamber.com.

(Special to AFN)

adhu Chadha, owner of WSIOptimized Web Solutions, has been named Ambassador of the Month by the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce. WSI is a full-service web development and Digital marketing company serving small and medium-sized businesses. “We specialize in website design, SEO and social media marketing,” Chadha said. “I am passionate about educating small business owners on how to maximize their online presence,” said Chadha, who is also a LinkedIn expert. A frequent speaker at webinars hosted by several local organizations, she said she is planning to organize workshops on search engine optimization for small businesses “so they can understand how to optimize their website to be found on Google.” An accountant and qualified CPA, Chadha acquired a WSI national franchise and became a certified digital marketing

consultant in 2001. Besides her role as an ambassador chair for Ahwatukee Chamber of commerce, Chadha also is a member of Chandler MADHU CHADHA Chamber of Commerce and Local First AZ . She serves on Ahwatukee Chamber Women in Business Committee and Chandler Chamber Women In Leadership Council. She also is a mentor for Chandler Innovation Incubator serving small businesses. When not working, she said, “I enjoy hiking, yoga, meditation painting and listening to music and traveling with my family.” Information: 480-467-4435, mchadha@wsitopwebdesigners.com. 

Laveen farmers bring goodies to Ahwatukee AFN NEWS STAFF

t’s no longer a painful drive from Laveen to Ahwatukee now that the South Mountain Freeway has been open. And that’s why Amadio Ranch owners Eric and Christina Amadio find it a lot easier to visit Ahwatukee and even Gilbert to sell their fresh produce and homemade pies. The farm’s Peach Truck Stop, a cherry red vintage flatbed boasting a cornucopia of goodies, is parked on Fridays 3:306:30 pm at the Century 21 offices, 3930 E. Chandler Blvd., on the northwest corner at 40th Street. It also is parked from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays in the parking lot of Keller Williams Integrity First Realty, 830 S. Higley Road at Warner Road, Gilbert. Winter vegetables they’re harvesting now include beets, cauliflower and broccoli, with carrots coming soon. Pies are made from scratch using an old family recipe and include apple, peach, cherry, blueberry, caramel apple and strawberry

Christina Amadio shows off some of the fresh produced she and her husband are selling out of their truck in Ahwatukee. (Special to AFN) rhubarb, along with other varieties from their repertoire of 20 flavors rotating each week.

They also have chicken pot pies. The Amadios are committed to providing the freshest, healthiest vegetables and

fruits Valleywide from their sustainable farm while adhering to COVID-19 protocols. And they say their truck is filling a market niche. “When COVID started, all farmers markets closed to decide how to proceed with social distance,” Christina said. “We took a look and just told our customers to stay six feet apart. We added some more space to separate tables out. But we kept going and kept bringing fresh vegetables and fruits to Gilbert.” The Amadios have rural roots in the Midwest and when they relocated to Arizona in 2010, they were determined to continue their deep love of the farming life. They also derive nearly three-quarters of their own food needs from the farm. The Amadios are currently working on a farm tour that they hope “will mentor and inspire the community to grow their own foods and live self-sufficiently.” Information: amadioranch.com 

FEBRUARY 3, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Two case studies on maximizing retirement BY HAROLD WONG AFN Guest Writer

ypical retirement investment options are: an .88 percent coupon interest on a 10year and 1.63 percent on a 30-year U.S. Treasury Bond; 1 percent or less on bank CDs; and 2.02 percent average dividend yield and 4.57 percent compound growth rate before fees over the last 21 years on S&P 500 stocks. I will cover two case studies that are composites of various client situations I have seen over the decades. Case study 1: A couple ages 54 have combined $100,000 annual income; have saved $500,000; can save $15,000 a year until retirement and can average 4 percent compound growth rate in the stock market. Assume that all debt is paid off at retirement. They pay $10,000 of annual income tax and their goal is to have at least $80,000 of annual retirement income. Solution: They both retire at age 67, fullretirement age for Social Security benefits

REPTILES from page 35

Sheri Arendse Rothenback. Mom “was slightly less on board than my dad when we started our reptile collections as kids, but they both encouraged us,” he added. “We learned the responsibility of caring for a life and the rewards of doing that.” Julia said she started her reptile collection with a tarantula – now she has 26. “I kept bringing them in one by one and she didn’t know until one day she walked in my room,” Julia said of her mother. “I also have two snakes, three tree frogs and one flying gecko.” The siblings said they knew from the start how they wanted to run their store. “A lot of reptile stores are crowded, but we had the benefit of setting up our store during the pandemic so we made it so there’s plenty of room to look at the animals and still be socially distant,” said Julia, also a Pride alumna. “And we keep it really clean, which isn’t the case with a lot of reptile stores,” added Brent. “Not a lot of stores pay enough attention to animal health and cleanliness like we do. A clean store is a healthy store.”

with $50,000 of annual SS income. At age 54, they deposit $300,000 in a private pension fund, which will generate $32,225 of annual retirement income for life at age 67. Their $15,000-a-year annual savings, compounding at 4 percent for 14 years in the stock market, will become $285,354. Assume this will pay for bucket list dreams during their first 10 years of retirement. Assume that the other $200,000 grows at the same 4 percent compound growth rate and becomes $333,015 in 13 years. If this earns an average 2 percent dividend yield, that’s another $6,660 of annual retirement income. Total annual retirement income at age 67 is $88,885. However, if the stock market crashes within five years of retirement or just as they retire, life is no longer fun. Case study 2: A couple ages 60 have combined $180,000 annual gross income and owe $30,000 in annual taxes. Both work and no longer save because they want to enjoy expensive hobbies now in exchange for delaying retirement until age 70. Assume they have no debt at retirement.

One early influence was their aunt, Jodi Crampton, who currently lives in England. “She’s a rattlesnake wrangler and took care of and rehabilitated rattlesnakes and other reptiles while doing research in South Africa and Arizona. It’s been a lifelong passion for her,” Brett said. “We video chat and she’s been really encouraging to us as we start our business.” They have lured some of their regular patrons from their former employer. One of them is Danielle Littleton, who with her husband Robert, owns Trinity Auto Glass. “I love shopping at the Reptile Store for several reasons. First is their knowledge of reptiles, and more importantly is their great and friendly customer service they offer,” said Littleton. “Brett and Julia take the time to talk to you about the animals that you have and their needs, and their animals always look healthy and happy. You don’t get any kind of smell when you walk in the door and the animal cages are always clean.” She said bringing her two children to The Reptile Store is an educational experience. “They always take time out to talk

They have saved $1 million and their dream is to be able to afford extensive foreign travel when they retire and help grandkids. Solution: They decide to wait until age 70 in order to maximize their SS retirement benefits, which will be $65,000 annually. At age 60, they deposit $600,000 in a private pension fund, which will generate $62,315 at age 70. They decide to save taxes by selling power from their solar business equipment to large food companies. If they save $25,000 of annual taxes for 10 years, with an effective 9 percent yield, this will become $414,007 at age 70. At age 70, they earn 7 percent annually on the $414,007 in a real estate lending program or equipment leasing program and this will generate $28,980 of extra retirement income. Assume that their extra $400,000 ($1 million saved less $600,000 deposited in a private pension) is used to purchase solar business equipment and the $400,000 returns to them at age 70. It’s now available to either be reinvested to my 12-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter about the different snakes and geckos they have and they don’t treat my kids any differently than any other customer,” she said. Littleton said her family has bought several snakes and lizards – as well reptile food, like live mice, worms and crickets weekly. “We have about 12 snakes and six lizards at home,” she said, “and Brett and Julia are always there to help with any questions we may have.” The young owners say business has grown steadily. “We try to be super-active online, using Ahwatukee 411 and other sites and our online presence is doing its job, but I think word-of-mouth will do it for us,” said Brett Arendse. “Our goal is to get an educational license and do school presentations.” Information: 602-8720367. 

BUSINESS

or to fund their bucket list dreams. Total retirement income of $156,295 is $65,000 from SS; $62,315 from the private pension; and $28,980 from the real estate lending or equipment leasing program. Any income from the $400,000 is extra. In contrast, if they relied on stocks paying an average 2 percent dividends, their $1 million would only generate $20,000 annually. If they retired at age 65, their Social Security would only be about $50,000. It’s an entirely different retirement with $70,000 vs. $156,295 of annual income. Conclusion: Waiting until age 70 to start your SS; saving taxes; and alternative investments can help you afford your bucket list dreams in retirement without stock market risk. Free information on tax savings, retirement planning, and solar business investments can be found at drharoldwong.com or solarbusinessinvestments.com. Dr. Harold Wong earned his Ph.D. in economics at University of California/ Berkeley. To schedule a free consultation, reach him at 480-706-0177 or harold_wong@hotmail.com. 

Brett Arendse, co-owner with his sister Julia of The Reptile Store, displays a Super Hypo Boa Constrictor, one of many critters available at the establishment. (Corey Woods/AFN Contributor)

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

OPINION

Opinion FEBRUARY 3, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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

www.ahwatukee.com

Consider golf course options in Club West board vote BY MIKE HARE AFN Guest Writer

s one controversial vote is ratified on a national basis, several other votes loom in our community. First is the vote to determine future HOA leadership and second is a vote to confirm a near-term redevelopment plan for the Club West Golf Course. Both votes are critical to the long-term viability of the community and should therefore be made with thoughtful considerations. As you consider the candidates, I believe the community is best served by a diverse board, particularly in regards to mindset and geographic location. Most are aware that four to five of the new Board candidates are members of the CWC. While I am not against the CWC having board representation, I am not sure that a board “packed” with three to five likeminded CWC members is in the best interest of the community. Similarly, I’m not sure it’s prudent to “pack” the board with three to five CWC members that live on golf-oriented lots within a 450’ radius of each other. This might make a good storyline for the Lifetime Movie Network. Instead, consider electing a board that provides geographic diversity with can-

Applauds DiCiccio’s stand on reimbursement grant

I just read that Phoenix City Council approved reimbursement of $5.2 million in expenses run up during protests last year by a vote of 8-1. Congratulations to the council for standing up for what is right and on behalf of the citizens of this fair city. Councilman Garcia needs to reassess his priorities since he was against the allocation. Garcia obviously has a hidden agenda somewhere. As for the other dissenters, obviously they have no idea whatsoever what has gone

didates that live both on and off the golf course. I believe it’s fair to acknowledge that the CWC remains steadfast in its agenda to limit the current Board’s actions, including the denying of the community to consider potential re-development plans for the golf course. Selfishly, the CWC has chosen a self-serving path of litigation. Imagine if the CWC successfully “packs” the board and further embraces litigation as the most logical approach to solving community issues. This approach would come at a tremendous expense to the community, both financially and aesthetically. Before you vote, consider if litigation is in the best interest of the community or rather a self-serving tactic of the CWC. I believe the vast majority of Club West residents agree that a meaningful and timely executed re-development solution for the golf course is paramount. Regardless, of the CWC’s current litigation and delay tactics, the Edge and Community Land Solutions are pursuing all avenues to present the Community with timely re-development options. If there is one fact you take away from this article, please consider that the Edge and CLS are 100-percent indifferent to the ultimate re-development plan for the golf course. Additionally, we support the process to

confirm any re-development plan with a vote by the community. So again, as you consider your ballot, remember that over the past 15-months, the CWC has not provided a single re-development solution to CLS, the board or the community for consideration. Mike Hinz reiterated this fact in his recent community letter. Under Matt Tyler’s leadership, the CWC has failed miserably in its ability to provide a single viable redevelopment solution with financial support. Regardless of the CWC’s ongoing antics, CLS is available to meet with the CWC to discuss any rational golf course solutions that are in the best interest of the community. So here is the reality of any proposed redevelopment plan for the property. First, we recognize that no one solution exists that everyone will embrace. More importantly, there is no solution that is “free.” There are fixed costs associated with the property, including land costs, pursuit costs and property taxes. In addition, there are improvement costs associated with any approved re-development plan. The Edge and CLS are not charitable nor philanthropic entities, so two sources of funds remain to finance any re-development plan. Those sources include the sale of land and lots and member contributions. Land and lot sales are fairly straight

forward with total revenues dictated by current market conditions. Member contributions can be in various forms, including special assessments, voluntary contributions and/or various debt instruments. The ultimate financial structure to any solution will determine the tradeoff between the quantity of residential development and member contributions. Again, the Edge and CLS are 100 percent indifferent as to how the community votes to finance the agreed-upon redevelopment solution. For example, we remain indifferent to a CWC sponsored solution that includes no homes and requires 100 percent community funding. Alternatively, we are acceptable to any solution that allows for responsible residential development that requires no financial contributions from the community. At the end of the day, take a step back and consider the potential outcomes of your vote. Vote responsibly and understand the true motivations of the candidates. Support diversity in your candidates and press for open minded solutions that enhance the overall well-being of Club West. The sooner we end the CWC’s litigation, the sooner we can arrive at communitybased solutions.

into making this country free and the sacrifices therein. One “whackjob” even made the statement, “Do not reimburse them so they can kill more of the people in our communities and defund the Phoenix Police Department.” I’ve read stupid, ignorant statements before, however, none as ignorant as this one. Ahwatukee Councilman Sal Diciccio has everyone’s best interests at heart – this I can readily see. Defunding the police ranks right up there with defunding hospitals and EMT units. Blatant disregard for the community in supporting the defunding of essential organizations like the Police Department is

ludicrous at best.

work parking lot. Yes, I would be fired. This is not the first and nor will it be the last that there are disagreements at city hall. I never hear other council persons resorting to as much name calling as Sal. Maybe he has a limited vocabulary but more likely he has anger management issues. Either way he has to remember that he works for us. The usual result of throwing insults, is that the whole discussion turns into a fight and from there on there is no civil discussion. Sal represents my district and as an active vot-

Mike Hare lives in the Foothills and is a member of Community Land Solutions. 

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

-Mike McCormick

Disapproves of name calling by DiCiccio at meeting

This in regards to Councilman Sal DiCiccio and his name calling during discussions at city hall – as mentioned in the Jan 27 edition of AFN. At the place I work, we have many meetings and yes, there are disagreements. If I ever resorted to the type of name calling done by Councilman Sal, I would be picking up my belongings and my behind from my

see LETTERS page 40

OPINION

LETTERS from page 39

ing citizen, I would ask Sal to get some help, otherwise his fate will be the same as mine if I ever used such language at my workplace. -Stanley Dsouza

Club West resident questions Conservancy’s tactics

Serving on any homeowners’ association board of directors is a thankless job. I thank those for serving on the Club West HOA, especially since there have been numerous elections over the years where few have cared to run. Further, we live in a world class association, Club West, with an amazing fiscal awareness. It has its faults, but it is still world class. Thank you, BOD, for your efforts for many years. While it may be time for new faces on the HOA BOD, they should not be exclusively Club West Conservancy backed faces. It would almost seem to be a conflict of interest to have CWC members participate in board discussions about the fate of the golf course given the CWC’s focus seems to be litigation for the benefit of a handful of homeowners as opposed to the greater good of the vast majority of Club West homeowners. I understood the CWC was primarily formed a year ago to study The Edge proposal to preserve open spaces and provide solutions. The CWC then complained that things were moving too fast and it needed more time to study The Edge preliminary proposal. Instead, it has sued the BOD and created delays. We need transparency from the CWC. If they have solutions, let’s hear them. It’s not the BOD’s formal role to create such solutions. But we agree the BOD should facilitate discussions. Unfortunately, it cannot as long as there’s a lawsuit. Over the last seven months, The Edge has spent considerable time and money researching possible uses and funding sources for the golf course. The initial proposal was just that; nothing was cast in concrete. The Edge is ready to work with the BOD and the CWC, but no one will meet because of the lawsuit. Indeed, The Edge has five proposed new solutions including zero development for consideration, but CWC has used litigation to block The Edge from presenting the options to the community. The current BOD has protected Club West homeowners and repeatedly refused the CWC’s request to assess all 2599 homeowners when only 12% of homeowners live adja-

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

cent to the golf course. But if the CWC seizes control of the board, that means the CWC can spend Club West HOA money for its “own backyard” without homeowner approval. The board’s hands are tied by the CWC’s lawsuit. If a permanent injunction is granted in a few weeks, then there will be even less discourse until the lawsuit is tried or settled; one year at a minimum. Then there is a possible appeal and so on. No winners for sure. Does anybody know what the result is if the CWC wins its lawsuit? You might want to think about what power the BOD or Club West homeowners will have to impact any development if the CWC lawsuit is successful. Perhaps The Edge or CWC can answer this question with certainty. Let’s have a civil discussion without the lawsuit. Or let’s discuss joint solutions with the lawsuit as an incentive to end this nowin scenario. If the CWC plan is delay and dirt, then keep up the great work. But we can’t just presume they have anything close to the backing of 2600 homeowners. Perhaps those who have been so vocal on social media, but lacking solutions, want to buy the land and restore the golf course. Everything is for sale these days. I hope we can see solutions rather than continued banter behind the cloak of social media. Let’s work together. -Chris Henrichsen

Why she supports Richard Lake for Club West board

Recently I received a beautiful, color printed “voting guide” sent out by the Club West Conservancy. It is clear that all those running for Club West Board care about our community. I appreciate all those willing to volunteer their time to serve on our HOA board. The candidates have many common concerns including open discussion with the board and board transparency…sounds good. All candidates say they are willing to explore partnerships and explore and develop potential solutions; however, in the next sentence many, and I mean those being promoted by Club West Conservancy, say they are not willing to see “any” new homes on “any” of the existing open land. That doesn’t sound like compromise or doing what is in the best interest of the entire community. It seems that those running in the interests of CWC prefer litigation to solutions. Any future litigation would come out of our HOA money and this could be very expensive.

This is why I am supporting Richard Lake for the board. He has stated that no idea should be discarded if feasible just because a few do not agree with it. In addition, Richard has stated “leaving the golf course as is, should not be a viable solution.” He does not want to see all the vacant golf course land replaced with houses nor does he want to see it remain an eyesore and potential dust bowl. In addition, Richard is not being promoted by any special interest group such as the CWC which is focused on their individual interests in the community negating any open discussion involving even a small amount of development. Richard is open to all ideas. Richard Lake feels that to leave the golf course “as is” would be unfair to the community as a whole in order to satisfy the wishes of a small contingent of homeowners. He is concerned with the impact of this on the entire community. The property values of those not living on the golf course must also be taken into consideration. It would seem that the Club West Conservancy candidates are focused mainly on those living along the course. On an additional point, some candidates have recommended the platform of term limits, which sounds good, except that in the past, our community has had difficulty in even having people willing to run and serve on the board. So, if we have term limits, and not enough candidates run to fill offices… what then? Just asking. - Elspeth Gadzik

Law of the land to be unconstitutionally overturned

By forcing prosecutors to treat abortion as murder, Republican state Rep. Walt Blackman has gone too far introducing a bill to do so this year. If passed, this bill will prosecute all participants in the abortion process, from nurse to doctor to pregnant woman, as a murderer, to include the death penalty as punishment for this act. For years Cathi Herrod, president of Center for Arizona Policy, struts the halls unescorted at the Capitol proselytizing her anti-abortion bills, waiting for a lemming to put his or her name on any of a number of dramatic bills to counter the law of the land, Roe v. Wade. This year she found that lemming in Blackman, representing Snowflake, who is sponsoring what will be the harshest abortion law in the United States. It’s amazing to me I’m still vigilantly being forced to defend the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allows legal abortions. Leg-

islators, please stay out of my reproductive rights. -Marie Colangelo

Packing Club West HOA board of directors

I live on the Club West Golf Course. I am a board member of Save Club West and member of Concerned Club West Homeowners. I am also a member of the advisory group to Community Land Solutions (CLS). CLS is a consultant to current golf course owner - The Edge. The following is my opinion and does not reflect the views of any of the groups listed above. Since 2016, I have focused on obtaining facts and accurate data regarding the Club West Golf Course debacle and learning more about the functions and limitations of our HOA BOD. I just completed a redo of the demographic study of Club West parcels I did in 2016 using more effective tools: 345 homes have a full, partial, or frontal view of the golf course, not 357 per previous study. The number of homeowners who paid a premium for golf course lots could not be determined. The 345 homes represent 13% of the total homes in the community. Club West residents have been exposed to numerous propaganda publications from the Club West Conservancy. These various emails, posts on Nextdoor website, letters to the editor in AFN, mailers, etc. are filled with inaccurate statements and messaging. CWC was invited to collaborate with the HOA, CLS and CCWH on “creative solutions” for the golf course property. After initial discussions, they decided to sue the Club West HOA board, thereby severing any collaborative effort. And they publicly criticized the HOA for spending homeowner money to defend the lawsuit. All HOA legal fees associated with this lawsuit (including Tim Barnes) are being paid by the HOA insurance company. However, the insurance premium could go up because of this. It has become obvious that the CWC wants a golf course solution that excludes any new homes being built on the golf course. They are happy with doing nothing. Everyone in the community would love to see the Club West Golf Course restored. This is not economically feasible or sustainable. CWC members advocate suing the golf course owner to restore the golf course just like Lakes Golf Course homeowners did. The CWC thinks Club West CC&R’s relative to the golf course are the same as The Lakes.

see LETTERS page 41

FEBRUARY 3, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

LETTERS from page 40

They are not. Represented by Tim Barnes (Club West HOA attorney), the homeowners have won the legal battles but the Lakes Golf Course site remains a blighted eye sore and the war may not be over. The CWC feels the Club West HOA should sue the golf course owner. The only way this can happen is if four members from the CWC or residents who agree with their philosophy are elected to the HOA board, forming a majority. The board can unilaterally pursue litigation. This decision is made during an executive session. No homeowner knowledge, input or vote is required. The costs of such action would not be covered by insurance and ultimately come from Club West homeowners. All Club West homeowners should have

received a mailer listing four CWC candidates for the board. These four candidates all live on the golf course (Holes 12-14) and are within a 450-foot radius of each other. In addition to philosophical differences, the addition of these people to the FCW board will not be fair to 87 percent of the community who do not enjoy a golf course view. It may be good to have some representation from this group on the board but not more than one. I have no idea how the community could pick just one or limit selection to three. So, I am not going to vote for any of the CWC candidates. I recommend non-CWC Club West homeowners vote in the same manner. I do not want to see the Club West board packed and our money spent on a fruitless endeavor. I hope a record number of Club West homeowners vote in this critical election. -John Ealy

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Coaches Association awards scholarship to kids of �irst responders

lives of those in the community, stepped in to assist. King said showing appreciation to those sacri�icing time away from families to help others is the least he and the ABCA can do during dif�icult times. “It feels good to be a part of their story,” King said. “The ABCA, we aren’t heroes. The kids and their parents, the �irst responders, they’re the real heroes. “We want all the focus to be on them and their efforts to get through an incredibly dif�icult year.” 

this process and maybe haven’t had the opportunity to receive as much exposure as possible and to help them in a little way toward their college education.” The event features 10 matchups between schools from across the state, with one player from each team eligible to win

the award. King said each coach from the teams nominated athletes who �it the criteria, which includes having a �irst responder as a parent or guardian and one who demonstrates outstanding character both on and off the court. Winners are scheduled to be announced in March, sometime after the �inal game of the event on March 2. “We wanted this to be a diverse representation of Arizona basketball,” King said. “We wanted to make sure it was broad in terms of geography and we wanted to make sure it was for both boys and girls.” East Valley teams competing in the event include Basha, Seton Catholic, Hamilton and Marcos de Niza. Saguaro in Scottsdale will also play a game as part of the event. This ABCA has used this event in year’s past to give back to communities and student athletes. This year, however, with the pandemic raging on in Arizona and across the state, King and his team wanted to set their sights on those on the frontlines battling the virus. The Legacy Foundation, a local non-pro�it focused on helping healthcare organizations improve the

“Everyone is praying he gets better soon, and we will take the necessary steps to quarantine ourselves.” Desert Vista last played Tuesday against Queen Creek, a game the Thunder managed to grind out a win to improve to 2-1 on the season. The contest against Mountain Pointe Friday was scheduled to be part of Hoophall West, an annual tournament that has taken on a new form this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Per guidelines set forth by the Tempe Union High School District, Desert Vista’s basketball program will quarantine for 14 days. As a result, the Thunder will be forced to cancel games against Highland, Corona del Sol, Desert Ridge and Boulder Creek. Ballard said the team is scheduled to return to the court on Feb. 12, three days before the team is scheduled to face Valley Vista.

“How many practices we would like to have before playing a game is what we are working on,” Ballard said. “We are going to make sure we come back, and our guys are in a good position to play games before we go against somebody else.” Ballard added Desert Vista would look into rescheduling as many of the games the team will miss as possible. He hopes to at the very least reschedule region games against Mountain Pointe, Highland, Corona del Sol and Desert Ridge. Desert Vista Athletic Director echoed Ballard’s statement on social media. “DV will do everything we can to adjust any games missed while continuing to be safe,” Eubanks wrote. Mountain Pointe Athletic Director Aaron Frana said the two schools were already in the process of looking at a new date and were targeting sometime around

Feb. 24. Though talks are still in preliminary stages. “We are looking for a date to try to reschedule, so we’ll �ind out,” Frana said. “I talked to (Mountain Pointe coach Kaimarr Price) and he was very disappointed. Obviously, this is a big-time game. They were looking forward to playing an opponent like Desert Vista and gauging where we are.” Desert Vista becomes the latest East Valley team forced into quarantine due to COVID-19. On Wednesday, both Chandler and Hamilton entered a 10-day quarantine period due to a positive test within one or both of the programs. Ballard said the Desert Vista studentathlete who tested positive was experiencing only mild symptoms so far. He said the player did the right thing to get tested and put less people at risk. 

BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

he Arizona Basketball Coaches Association is teaming up with the Legacy Foundation to award $20,000 in scholarship money to children of �irst responders across the state. As part of the ABCA Tip-Off Marathon, 20 scholarships worth $1,000 each will be given to boys and girls basketball players whose parents are either nurses or other healthcare workers, �ire�ighters and police of�icers. The annual event, which typically takes place at one venue during a 24-hour period, will be held throughout February and into March due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “We look at the last year of our lives and there is nobody who we would appreciate more than the people on the front lines trying to help us out,” said Matt King, who has spent the last 4 years as president of the ABCA. “We thought that an appropriate way to honor the basketball season and them, was to recognize student-athletes who have had to navigate through

The Legacy Foundation, a local non-profit focused on helping healthcare organizations improve the lives of those in the community, stepped in to assist the Arizona Basketball Coaches Association in providing scholarship money. (Courtesy Matt King)

Full schedule of games for the ABCA Tip-Off Marathon

Washington at Independence (girls) – Feb. 5 Saguaro at Marcos de Niza (girls) – Feb. 5 Sunrise Mountain at Paradise Valley (girls) – Feb. 18 Deer Valley at Desert Edge (boys) – Feb. 26 River Valley at Mohave (boys) – Feb. 27 Sunnyslope at Basha (boys) – Feb. 27 Kofa at Liberty (girls) – Feb. 27 Seton Catholic at Hamilton (girls) – March 2

Desert Vista basketball enters quarantine due to COVID-19

BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

ours before Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe were scheduled to square off in a rematch of last year’s 6A state championship basketball game, the game was canceled due to a positive case of COVID-19 in the Thunder program. Desert Vista co-head coach Jordan Ballard con�irmed the team has entered a 14-day quarantine as a result of the positive test. “We are all disappointed, but the �irst thing they wanted to know was if the student was OK,” Ballard said. “The student himself, he took it so hard. He thought he let everyone down. But everyone has been telling him how much they love him and not to feel bad because this can happen to anybody.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

FEBRUARY 3, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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Macayo’s spicing things up for 75th anniversary BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

GetOut Editor

ava Singam has been in the restaurant business for most of his life. But when he purchased the Macayo’s Mexican Food brand two years ago, he continued the chain’s love affair with the Valley. “It’s a legacy brand to me,” Singam said. “You don’t see very many restaurants that have been around for 50, 75 years. This brand will really carry a lot of history down the line. Even 40 or 50 years down the line, somebody is going to look back it and try to trace its roots back to Phoenix when it opened.” The seven-restaurant chain is celebrating its 75th anniversary on Sept. 26. However, it’s celebrating throughout 2021 by introducing new specials the 26th of each month. “We’re honored and grateful to have been a part of families’ traditions and celebrations every day and on special oc-

Nava Singam purchased the Macayo’s Mexican Food brand two years ago and has never looked back. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer) casions for 75 years,” said Singam, who owns Kind Hospitality. “We aim to continue to be the place

where people come to enjoy a traditional Mexican meal and a great experience and to provide the delicious food that people

testing, the CDC’s post-travel recommendations include testing three to five days after arrival and staying home for seven days. Travelers flying from a U.S. Territory or U.S. possession such as the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands are exempt from these requirements. For many travelers planning upcoming vacations, this new requirement has created concern and raised many questions. The concerns were quickly acknowledged by the travel industry and the responses have been prompt and reassuring despite the short period of time since the announcement. Although this matter is evolving, several resorts already had or have implemented onsite testing with timely results to meet CDC requirements. Their goal is to reduce obstacles so travelers can have a worryfree vacation. Additionally, several resorts are offer-

ing guests assistance with quarantine accommodations should a positive test result occur. As a result of COVID-19’s dramatic impact around the world, the travel industry has worked with the CDC and other nations’ governmental agencies in a variety of capacities, from testing and implementing protocols to enhanced sanitization measures and reduced occupancy at resorts and on cruise ships. The results in open tourism areas have been impressive with very rare reports of infection. Airlines are also responding to new requirements and offering services to help international travelers. An example of this is mobile health passports, which are digital applications helping travelers understand and track international travel requirements including negative COVID-19 test results and other countryspecific required travel documents.

bring into their own homes for many more years to come.” Macayo’s kicked off the milestone year with specials such as 75-cent crispy tacos. It continues with 75-cent cheese enchiladas on Feb. 26, and 75-cent cheese crisps on March 26. Those are three of the many appetizers, entrees and desserts Singam kept on the menu when he acquired the brand. The changes were more organic, he said. “We’re not trying to change the brand,” Singam said. “The brand was around for 73 years when we picked it up. There was no need to change it. “What we need to do is make sure that the newer generation understands what Macayo’s is all about. That’s what we’re trying to gravitate to. The menu is the same. The recipes are the same. In fact, when we bought the brand, we took ev-

�ee MACAYO’S page 46

Travel industry continues on the road to recovery BY JOANNE MICHAUD

GetOut Guest Writer

he travel industry is in a gradual recovery with people traveling to the Caribbean, Mexico, and other destinations. As of Jan. 26, travelers now have to take additional steps when traveling abroad due to the new requirement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that air travelers entering the U.S. must present a negative COVID-19 test or have medically certified documentation of recovery from a COVID-19 viral infection prior to boarding a U.S.-bound flight. The negative viral test must be completed within 72 hours of flight departure and applies to all passengers, including U.S. Citizens and legal permanent residents who are 2 and older. Along with the required pre-departure

On Jan. 14, American Airlines announced that their VeriFLY mobile health passport will be available to passengers beginning Jan. 23. Working with a travel advisor (TA) can greatly facilitate the process for travelers and help offer peace of mind. TAs have access to vendor information and enhanced resources that enable them to assist clients with testing options prior to returning to the U.S. With appropriate protocols and resources in place and the support of a TA to facilitate the process, travelers can feel comfortable returning to traveling when they are ready. A TA can also help guide travelers through the changing entry requirements of various countries. Each country has different requirements so reviewing and understanding these is important. For example, Mexico does not require

�ee TRAVEL page 47

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

Central Kitchen in Chandler offers tasty variety TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

hirsty Lion Gastropub, a division of Concept Entertainment Group, has picked its Chandler location to launch Central Kitchen – an online food hall. Four new restaurant concepts were developed for Central Kitchen, each featuring unique culinary directions and scratch-made food available for takeout and delivery from the one central website. “The online food hall launched in Oregon last fall with great success,” said the company, and Arizona is now the fourth state where it has launched. “We’ve been fostering the idea of a kitchen focused on takeout and delivery for the last year,” said John Plew, president and CEO of Thirsty Lion Gastropub. “The pandemic put the process into hyper speed, and we saw this as the perfect opportunity to pivot with the climate and launch an idea that aligns with current consumer demands. “Central Kitchen fills a need in the restaurant space by providing multiple culinary offerings from one hub. Guests can order the food that everyone in their home is craving under one ticket.”

MACAYO’S from page 45

erybody on our team.” The portions were just as important to Singam. He wanted to serve enough food for guests to have leftovers. “That’s No. 1,” he said with a smile. “When you think of Macayo’s, you think of big meals. We want to make sure they’re getting value. We made sure the plating was correct. We revisited the training manuals. We visited our stores and retrained everybody, so the service levels would be the same.” Besides its service, Macayo’s is known for its chimichanga, which the restaurant will celebrate on September 26, National Chimichanga Day. The Chimi de Macayo ($13.99) comes with shredded beef, chicken or carnitas, and relleno sauce, crispy flour tortilla, sour cream and rice or refried beans. Singam is planning to expand the brand this year to meet the demand for food at Macayo’s. He’s already inked a deal for a restaurant at Pima Crossing in Scottsdale. Singam is committed to opening a Macayo’s at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.

Five different restaurants, each with an array of menu items, are part of Central Kitchen at Thirsty Lion Gastropub’s Chandler location at 3077 W. Frye Road. (Special to AFN) The Central Kitchen website has a food hall appearance with five differently branded restaurants, including Thirsty Lion. An advanced point of sale system communicates orders to the kitchen based on predetermined measurements of cook time for each dish. “This results in precise preparation time, no matter which restaurant is in-

cluded in an order,” a spokesperson said. The Chandler Thirsty Lion kitchen will offer takeout and delivery from five total concepts, which include Soy Joy, Southern Jewel, Killer Wings, and Pizza and Spice. All menus have been designed under the direction of Keith Castro, CEG’s vice president of food and beverage and executive chef.

Crispy tacos are 75 cents at Macayo’s as part of its 75th anniversary specials. (Pablo Robles/ Staff Photographer)

He’s also considering Queen Creek, Gilbert/Chandler and Buckeye. A pandemicera expansion is a bold move. Expansion wasn’t his primary concern, however. “The biggest concern for us was safety,” Singam said. “Once everybody knew that we were really being cautious about how

we delivered the food and how we control the restaurant’s environment, I think folks really gravitated to us. “I’m thankful that we had the 6,000-square-foot dining rooms because when we cut to 50% occupancy, that’s still quite a number of customers. That’s really been helping us.”

Soy Joy Kitchen specializes in rice bowls, sushi, ramen and other Asian favorites. Southern Jewel offers Southern fried chicken, Nashville hot chicken, sliders and Southern specialties. Killer Wings serves boneless and traditional wings with a variety of house made sauces. Pizza and Spice has a large selection of gourmet specialty pizzas and salads. “These four restaurants will be anchored by Thirsty Lion Gastropub, which features starters, burgers, sandwiches, salads and specialty entrees, the company said. Central Kitchen is offering a Takeout Tuesday deal for 25 percent off each to-go order placed through the hub website. Information: CentralKitchenFoodOnline.com.

Thirsty Lion’s mission is “to revolutionize the gastropub business by combining the traditional values of European and American pubs and creating a gathering place where friends and family can come together to celebrate life, enjoy great food, craft beers, signature cocktails, wines, music and sports. Concept Entertainment is a hospitality management company based in Scottsdale. Information: thirstyliongastropub.com. 

Macayo’s was helping others, too. The staff took food to hospitals, first responders and grocery stores every day. “Everyone appreciated what we did,” he said. Every Macayo’s delivered food for up to 20 people. I think the community has blessed us back for coming and visiting us. So, I think pivoting in so many ways was critical. But I think we pivoted toward humanistic values more than anything.” Singam is looking forward to the September 26 anniversary. He hopes patrons will, too. “We hope we’re going to be around for the next 75 years,” he said. “We’re just appreciating everything that our customers have done throughout the last 75 years.” 

Macayo’s locations

12637 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee, 480.598.5101 650 N. Scottsdale Road, Tempe, 480.967.2552 1920 S. Dobson Road, Mesa, 480.820.0237 6538 E. Superstition Springs Blvd., Mesa 480.807.1846

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FEBRUARY 3, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Pandemic promises a different Open experience GETOUT STAFF

he Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament will kick off Thursday, Feb. 4, in Scottsdale with attendance limited to 5,000 fans per day. That is a far cry from a normal year when the tournament can draw over 200,000 people on its busiest days. Even with that reduced attendance, the Open will have the largest attendance of any tournament since the PGA resumed play in June, according to Golf Digest. The Open has still managed to attract over 130 players, including popular golfers like Rory McIlroy. Tickets for the tournament were still on sale as of Jan. 28. Individual tickets cost between $100 and $125 while group packages cost anywhere from $500 to $155,000. In addition to limiting attendance, the Thunderbirds organization that runs the tournament has instituted a number of other safety measures to combat the spread of COVID-19. The popular 16th hole has been scaled down and will feature a single-story, openair venue instead of the larger, indoor structures that usually surround the hole. Temperatures will also be taken upon

TRAVEL from page 45

a negative COVID-19 test result for air travelers; however, random testing is performed at airports and the test costs are passed to travelers. In addition to working with a TA, travelers should secure trip protection regardless of how short or long the trip. A TA can help navigate country-specific travel insurance requirements and the travel

The limited number of attendees at this week’s Waste Management Phoenix Open won’t be seeing this kind of crowd around the iconic 16th hole. (AFN ﬁle photo) entry, and all event goers will be required to wear masks unless they are consuming food or drinks, tournament Chairman Scott Jenkins said. The tournament is required to submit an official safety plan to the city outlining these mitigation strategies under an executive order issued by Governor Doug Ducey. That order prohibits gatherings of more than 50 people unless event organizers receive permission from the city.

The order also requires the event’s safety plan to be posted publicly on the city’s website. As of Jan. 28, the Waste Management Phoenix Open’s plan was not posted on City of Scottsdale’s website. Assistant City Manager Bill Murphy said the plan was still in the works due to recent rule changes at the federal level. In addition to the tournament’s rules, attendees are required to wear masks under

protection plans offered by vendors. Trip protection plans vary; travelers should work with their TA and carefully read policy inclusions and exclusions. Some plans offer COVID-19 related coverage such as trip cancelation due to a positive viral test prior to departure, emergency medical care coverage if a traveler tests positive while traveling, etc. Certain plans offer coverage if a traveler must quarantine due to contracting COVID-19

while traveling whereas other plans don’t cover this. It’s important for travelers to understand their policy coverage. The travel industry’s agility to respond to the changing environment has increased exponentially in recent months. The importance of responding to and implementing effective solutions, as well as the role of the travel advisor, have been crucial to reviving travel and providing

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

mandates issued by local, county and federal authorities. Maricopa County has had a mask mandate in place since June 2020 and Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega reinstated the city’s mandate on Jan. 13. Additionally, the TPC Scottsdale course that hosts the Waste Management Phoenix Open is located on federal land managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, meaning it falls under an executive order issued by President Joe Biden on Jan. 20 requiring mask usage on federal lands. “Since these changes came down late, we have scheduled a meeting to tour, review and finalize the safety guidelines for this year’s tournament with Thunderbirds, PGA, TPC and Bureau staff, so they can submit their operation plan, which includes all these safety guidelines to the (Arizona) Department of Health and the city for final concurrence,” Murphy said. Scottsdale will have public safety staff on site to ensure compliance with safety guidelines and the Thunderbirds have also hired additional security to monitor compliance. “Every golfer, caddie, associated with PGA will be tested on site,” Murphy said. “Each spectator who will enter the course will be screened and checked for properly fitting mask. 

travelers a sense of safety and peace of mind when they choose to travel. Potential changes resulting from the Executive Order issued in January and any subsequent policies are being monitored. Updates will be provided as appropriate. Travel agent JoAnne Michaud can be reached at 919-452-0227 or jmichaud@ dreamvacations.com. 

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

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

25 Years exp (480) 720-3840

Install/Design We do it all!

Not a licensed contractor

MALDONADO HOME REPAIR SERVICES

480.201.5013

THE HANDYMAN THAT HANDLES SMALL JOBS THAT OTHERS DECLINE ✔ Painting ✔ Gate Restoration ✔ Lighting ✔ Plumbing Repairs ✔ Replace Cracked ✔ Sheetrock Roof Tiles Texturing Repairs & Your MUCHHandyman MORE! Needs! Marks the Spot for✔ ALL Painting • Flooring • Electrical Ahwatukee Resident, References Available, Insured Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry A Licensed Contractor Decks • Tile *Not • More!

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Marks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical “No Job Too ✔Small Flooring Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Man!” Paint Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Electrical Decks • Tile • More! Able Handyman 1999 e Quality Work Sinc Decks •Affo Tile • More! rdable, ✔ Plumbing 2010, 2011 Tile Service LLC 2012, 2013, 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 ✔ Drywall Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor “No Job And Much, ✔ Carpentry Too Small Marks the Spot for“No Job Too ALL Your Handyman Needs! Much More! ✔ Decks Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small Man!” Not a licensed “No Job Too Man!” ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry contractor Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More! Jim ✔ Kitchens 9 199 480.593.0506 Ablehandyman2009@gmail.com ce Sin rk Wo y alit Qu able,

Electrical

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Ahwatukee References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor Ahwatukee / References CallSydney BruceResident/ at 602.670.7038 Jaden Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor Bruce at 602.670.7038 Associates.com

Juan Hernandez

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

Handyman

SPRINKLER Drip/Install/Repair & Tune ups! Not a licensed contractor

Classifieds 480-898-6465

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

High Quality Results TRIM TREES ALL TYPES GRAVEL - PAVERS SPRINKLER SYSTEMS SYNTHETIC GRASS Complete Clean Ups

Jose Martinez Not a licensed contractor.

602.515.2767 Irrigation

2012, 2013, 2014

Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Work

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

Sprinkler & Drip Systems Repairs • Modifications • Installs

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Home Improvement

ROC#277978 • Licensed/Bonded/Insured

C. READ & SON ELECTRIC Ahwatukee Resident

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.

 Electric Car Chargers for ALL your  Fans electrical needs  Lighting 41 years  Troubleshooting  And much more experience 2008 through 2019

www.readelectricaz.com

480-940-6400

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

LLC

• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations

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

GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

All Estimates are Free • Call:

520.508.1420

www.husbands2go.com

Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC#317949 Ask me about FREE water testing!

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

Call Sean Haley 602-574-3354

ROC #158440 Bond/Insured

TRIMMING

$25 per visit.

CASH OUT!

Afford ✔ Bathrooms 2010, 2011 1999 rk SinceBSMALLMAN@Q.COM 2012, “No 2013, Job Too Affordable, Quality Wo And More! 2010, 2011 Small Man!” 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

Residential Electrician

TREE

Starting as low as

480-215-3373

CALL DOUG

Juan Hernandez

daveshomerepair@yahoo.com • Se Habla Español

See MORE Ads Online! www.Ahwatukee.com

• 20 Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty

480.345.1800 ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

Landscape/Maintenance

Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control

RAMON LANDSCAPING SERVICES

SPRINKLER DOCTOR

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

Arizona Specialty Landscape

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

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

Responsible • 100% Guaranteed Ask for Ramon

Not a Licensed Contractor

WANT A WEED-FREE GREEN LAWN?

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!

480-217-0407

480-940-8196 theplugman.com

FREE WEED CONTROL FERTILIZER TREATMENT WITH LAWN AERATION

Repairs - Installs - Modifications Timers/Valves/Sprinklers DRIP-PVC-COPPER Backflows & Regulators LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

Irrigation Repair Services Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

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

Call Lance White 25 years Experience & Insured

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

Not a licensed contractor.

ROC# 256752

Painting

Jose Dominguez Painting & Drywall SEE OUR AD IN DRYWALL! Quick Response to your Call! 15 Years Exp 480-266-4589

CONKLIN PAINTING Free Estimate & Color Consultation

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

Not a licensed contractor

480-888-5895

SOIL AMENDMENTS * SOIL TESTING * LAWN SERVICES

ROC 282663 * BONDED * INSURED YOUR LAWN EXPERT SINCE 1995

ROC# 186443 • BONDED

Painting

ConklinPainting.com

480.844.9765

Lic/Bond/Ins ROC# 270450

“We get your house looking top notch!”

Add a Background Color to Your Ad! Classifieds 480-898-6465

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

Landscape Design/Installation

★ Elastomaric Roof Coating ★ Epoxy Floors ★ Small Job Specialist

Scott Mewborn, Owner 480-818-1789

East Valley PAINTERS

License #ROC 298736

Looking To Freshen Up Your Home? WE CAN HELP!

Serving the Valley for over 28 years

The Possibilities are Endless

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

Specials

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

SONORAN LAWN

480-745-5230

Schedule your holiday cleanup with SONORAN LAWN.

Call for a FREE consultation and Estimate

Bonded/Insured/Licensed • ROC #225923

Residential & Commercial Painting • Interior & Exterior • Professional Cabinet Reﬁnishing • Epoxy Floors & Concrete Coatings • In-Home Color Consultations “Professional, Punctual & Clean”

Veteran Owned

Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@timespublications.com

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

10% OFF

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality Free Estimates! Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com Family Owned & Operated

Now Accepting all major credit cards

Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

www.ACPpaintingllc.com

To learn more about us, view our photo gallery at: ShadeTreeLandscapes.com

480-730-1074

Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years! Family Owned & Operated

Voted #1

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

(480)785-6323

Meetings/Events?

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

CLASSIFIEDS

FEBRUARY 3, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Painting SUN TECH

PAINTING INC.

Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior

• High Quality Materials & Workmanship • Customer Satisfaction Free Est imates • Countless References • Carpentry Services Now Available Visit us at Suntechpaintingaz.com or view our video promo at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM5pbvpZJlg

602.625.0599 ROC #155380 Family Owned • Free Estimates

Pool Service / Repair

Painting

Plumbing

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

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

YOUR CLASSIFIED SOURCE

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

480-405-7099 ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

480.898.6465

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

$25 OFF

Monthly Service & Repairs Available

602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5

www.barefootpoolman.com

Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001 WE’RE ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU

480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

SERVICE • REPAIR • REPLACEMENT

ROC#309706

Plumbing

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

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL $

Off 40work done *Any

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)

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

Plumbing

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Pool Service / Repair

Filter Cleaning!

See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

279-4155

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC 189848

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

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

Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers! We have a “Spencer” on every job and every step of the way.

Plumbing

Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541 affinityplumber@gmail.com

PLUMBING

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor 24/7

Inside & Out Leaks

Bonded

Toilets

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

$35 off

Any Service

Not a licensed contractor

Water Heaters

Disposals

$35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

Anything Plumbing Same Day Service

We Repair or Install ROC # 272721

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured (480)

704.5422

480-446-7663 Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hirerooﬁng.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

CLASSIFIEDS

Roofing

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

Roofing

Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

10% Discount for Ahwatukee Residents 100% NO Leak Guarantee Re-Roof & Roofing Repairs Tile, Shingles & Flat Roof

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS

10% OFF COMPLETE UNDERLAYMENT Commercial & Residential Family Owned & Operated

ROC #152111

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs Complimentary & Honest Estimates

602-938-7575 $ 1000 OFF when you show this ad

on qualifying complete roof replacements

Call our office today!

480-460-7602 Ask us about our discount for all Military and First Responders!

www.porterroofinginc.com

Let us show you the IN-EX Difference!

AZROC #283571 | CONTRACTOR LIC. AZROC #312804 CLASS CR4 | FULLY INSURED

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

inexroofing.com

30 Years Roofing Experience

JILEK ROOFING, LLC

Valley Wide Service

480-446-7663

10% OFF with this ad

FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hirerooﬁng.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

Window Cleaning

You will find them easy with their yellow background.

Licensed & Insured • Bonded, Res/Com ROC 328854

Garage Sale Fri & Sat 7a-11am Household, clothes, kitchen items, furniture, electronics, mason jars, kid items, DVDs, MORE 555 W. Lane Dr Mesa

Only $25 includes up to 1 week online Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident

To place an ad please call: Licensed • Bonded • Insured ROC # 269218

480-898-6465

Ahwatukee Based Family Owned and Operated Insured • Free Estimates

See our reviews and schedule at:

www.cousinswindowcleaning.com

480-330-2649 HIRING?

People are looking in the Classifieds Every Day!

class@timespublications.com

Email Your

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Call us to place your ad online! CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@timespublications.com

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING

Watch for Garage Sales in Classifieds!

Cell: 480.417.3689 Office: 480.912.5014 Email: tomjilek60@gmail.com

480-706-1453

Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers!

Call for your FREE Roof Evaluation

New Roof Installation & Roof Repair Specialist

Over 30 yrs. Experience

Over 30 Years of Experience

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

Serving The Valley Since 1996

FREE ESTIMATES 602-736-3019

Roofing

480-898-6465

Job Post to: class@times publications.com

or Call 480-898-6465

CLASSIFIEDS

FEBRUARY 3, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

END OF MONTH

REDUCTION 12 58” 4K UHD SMART TV

NO MATTER WHERE YOU SEE IT, READ IT, OR HEAR ABOUT IT, SPENCERS IS GUARANTEED TO BE LOWER!

THTS** MONN TERES NO I

• 2 HDMI Inputs • Airplay2 Built-In

BFTF2716WH

1.6 CU. FT. OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVE

• 3.5 Cu. Ft. • Porcelain Tub • 700 RPM Spin Speed NTW4500XQ CLOSEOUT

449

WMH1162XVQ CLOSEOUT

• Adjustable Glass Shelves • 2 Crisper Drawers • LED Lighting

899

FRSG1915AV

$ NO INTEREST**

• 950 Watts of Power • 10 Levels of Power • Sunken Glass Turntable

199

SIDE BY SIDE COUNTER DEPTH REFRIGERATOR

12 MONTHS

• Active Blue Light Technology • NeoFrost Dual Cooling Technology

BFTF2716SS BEKO

WASHER

FAMILY SIZE REFRIGERATOR

DISHWASHER

• 12-Place Settings • 5 Wash Cycles • Piranha™ Hard Food Disposer • Hot Start Option GSD2100VWW –

299

REFRIGERATOR DISHWASHER • Integrated Control Styling • Premium Nylon Racks • In Door Silverware Basket • Energy Star Qualified WDF520PADM

• 25 Cubic Foot Capacity • Spill Proof Glass Shelves • Humidity Controlled Drawers • Energy Star Qualified WRS325SDHZ

RANGE • 4.8 Cubic Foot Capacity • Self Cleaning Oven • Smooth Top • Proudly Made in USA WFE505W0HS CLOSEOUT

$339 10%

2350

99 $

BUYS ALL 3 PIECES

** NO INTEREST IF PAID IN FULL IN 12 MONTHS. $799.00 Minimum Purchase Required Minimum Payments Required 30.79% APR If the promotional balance is not paid in full by the end for the promotional period or, to the extent permitted by law, if you make a late payment, interest will be imposed from the date of purchase at the APR noted above. This APR is as of 7/4/2019 and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Your card agreement, the terms of the offer and applicable law govern this transaction including increasing APRs and fees and terminating the promotional period.

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HOUSE IN S R E C SPEN PLANS PAYMENT BLE AVAILA Due to current circumstances, some items may be out of stock.