Ahwatukee Foothills News 03/29/2023

www.ahwatukee.com

Passion for golf, excellence drives Foothills GM

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

He’s a resident of the HOA that is built around the golf course where he pursues his passion for a sport he’s played since he was 4.

His daughter Whitney – the eldest of his three children and a member of the Desert Vista High School Golf Team – took lessons at the course.

see FOOTHILLS page 4

When he first became general manager of the Foothills Golf Course, Jeremy Strauss discovered in a closet at the clubhouse a framed portrait of him and his wife Hilary on their wedding day at that very facility. Gathered around that picture also are their children, Parker, Bailey and Whitney Strauss. (David Minton/AFN Staff

DiCiccio sides with liberals on wage ordinance

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

Arare alliance between one of Phoenix City Council’s most conservative members and its more liberal wing threw the administration’s spending plans into chaos last week as it voted 5-4 to require contractors on many city projects to pay workers at a rate equal to the region’s prevailing wage for their jobs.

Just weeks before he leaves office the morning of April 17 because of term limits, Councilman Sal DiCiccio joined another outgoing member, Carlos Garcia, as well as Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari and members Betty Guardardo and Laura Pastor in approving an ordinance requiring contractors on certain projects worth over $250,000 to pay the federally determined prevailing wage, overtime and other benefits for the Phoenix Metro region.

The ordinance covers “alterations, improvements, repair, maintenance or demolition on any city-owned or leased building on any cityowned land, including any building subject

to a GPLET lease development agreement executed by the city after Dec. 31, 2023 or pursuant to a contract in excess of $250,000.”

A GPLET, or Government Property Lease Excise Tax, is a complex redevelopment tool that lowers a project’s operating costs by replacing the property tax with a lower excise tax.

Council’s vote on March 22 came during a special and hastily called meeting that was marked by tension as opponents, including Mayor Kate Gallego and District 1 Councilwoman Ann O’Brien, voted against the mea-

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Area pools float bonuses, incentives for lifeguards

BY GERI KOEPPEL AFN Contributor

It’s no secret that public swimming pools nationwide have been having a tough time finding lifeguards for the past couple of years.

Phoenix only opened 14 of its 29 pools in 2022 largely due to the shortage, and it upped the bonus pay this year to $3,000 to attract pool staff.

The shortage is hitting private recreation centers as well, including the Ahwatukee Swim, Tennis and Event Center, which is hosting a job fair open house from 5-6 p.m. today, March 29.

Anyone interested can tour the facility, fill out an application, talk to staff and learn more about the open positions, which include lifeguards, swim instructors and STEM and sports camp counselors.

The center has four lifeguards returning from last summer but still wants to hire six more. About half of the lifeguards also will work as swim instructors or camp counselors. The minimum age to apply is 15, the same as with the city.

“We like to have all the staff in place by end of April,” said Susan Rast, the center’s director. “Training and in-service takes time. We make sure they’re ready and feel comfortable lifeguarding and teaching.”

The center raised base pay this summer—it ranges from $15.25 to $16 an hour—but the city pays lifeguards $15.72 an hour and offers a steep bonus structure.

It adds $500 to the first paycheck and $2,500 more at the end of summer for those who meet certain requirements, including working at least 240 hours from April 22 through Sept. 4. That raises the hourly pay to $25.09.

Pecos Pool hired 30 lifeguards last summer; 29 of them received the $500 plus an additional $2,000 bonus, according to Adam Waltz, a public information officer for the city Parks and Recreation Department.

Citywide in 2022, 298 lifeguards and certified swim instructors were hired and 267 received an additional bonus.

Nationwide, many cities raised lifeguard pay and offered bonuses last year as well.

Media reports have speculated that

see LIFEGUARDS page 10

FOOTHILLS from page 1

He and his wife Hilary held their wedding reception in 2005 at the same clubhouse that he calls his headquarters.

And now, as general manager of the Foothills Golf Course, Jeremy Strauss is overseeing the relatively new owner’s plans to elevate the 166-acre, 18-whole site into one of Arizona’s premier golfing destinations – and a crown jewel for Ahwatukee.

Strauss is the main man at Foothills for Troon Golf, the world’s largest golf course and golf club management company in the world with over 750 courses under its wing globally. Troon was hired by California-based owner Ennabe Properties after it bought the site last fall from Wilson Gee for $4.7 million via a subsidiary, AZ Management & Investments LLC.

That triumvirate has begun upgrading the course and clubhouse with an eye toward just not making Ahwatukee proud of the property, but elevating it into the envy of many a golf course community throughout the state.

Shortly after the sale was consummated last year, attorney Michael Ennabe, a member of the multigenerational family that now owns the course, told the Ahwatukee Foothills News:

“This is our first golf course acquisition and although slightly outside of our wheelhouse, we love the Ahwatukee community and surrounding areas – which is why we thought Foothills Golf Club would be a good fit. We hope to be a good partner to the Ahwatukee community and plan on making the golf club a place where the community can gather.”

Strauss is the guy charged with delivering on that promise:

He believes the springboard for making that vision a reality was laid long before he ever moved from Indiana to Arizona in 2001, chucking a nine-year career in advertising because he wanted to get into golf management.

A dream come true

“First of all, it’s an amazing property,” Strauss said in an interview, noting it was designed by legendary golfers Tom Weiskopf and James Morris – who also designed the even more legendary TPC Scottsdale, home of the WM Phoenix Open.

“So the layout is fantastic,” Strauss said

(Special to AFN)

of Foothills. “The bones of the facility are great.”

Draping those bones with an upgraded driving range and infrastructure, a refurbished and somewhat reduced turf and a renovated clubhouse also comprise the bones of a dream come true for Strauss.

“When I heard that Troon was coming in to manage it and there was a new ownership group that was going to be investing quite a bit of capital into the facility,” he recalled, “it was the perfect storm.

“I mean, it was exactly what I wanted. I live in the community. I play the golf course. My family practices here. There were so many things – like all the stars aligned.

“Obviously, Troon has certain standards that it wants its golf course to meet to be a Troon facility,” he continued. “That means that we have the opportunity to work with the new ownership group and get it up to those standards. And that’s our goal.”

Considering Strauss’ career trajectory since he left advertising, the stars also seem to have been aligned to get him to where he now is.

He was practically born to the game under the tutelage of his father, who put his first iron in his hand when he was 4.

He played competitive golf in high school and college while studying marketing and advertising at Purdue University and then took a job in his field of study.

been accomplished at the Foothills Clubhouse’s restaurant, with a new chef hired away from Arizona State University and an upgraded breakfast-lunch menu rolling out, Strauss observed that his onetime restaurant employer “had such high standards that I think if we can hit 50% of what we did there, we’re probably doing a good job. It was that impressive an operation.”

Onward and upward

Equally impressive is the trajectory of Strauss’ career once he finally did get into the golf industry.

It began in 2003, two years after he arrived in Arizona, at the Ahwatukee Country Club as an assistant pro at a time when it was owned by American Golf and run as a private country club.

Then he got into the Professional Golfers Association of America as an apprentice, taking the playing test and going through an interview.

But as a new century dawned, Strauss realized where his heart lay.

Asked why he is so passionate about golf, he replied with enthusiasm and almost reverence for the game.

“It’s so much more about life than any other sport,” he said. “It teaches you these crazy lessons about honesty, integrity, patience, determination, perseverance – all of those things that you don’t know about when you’re 10.”

“So much stuff relates back to golf. It really does. Even conflict – you just get all of it. And then there’s the independent challenge of it where even though you do play on a team, it’s never all about the team. It’s you versus the golf course – and it wins most of the time.

“But it’s a 4 to 4 ½-hour course and 4 to 4 ½-hour challenge. And that takes a lot of focus and concentration. It’s very rewarding, but also very disappointing. It is the toughest game in the world.”

Equally tough is what Strauss did next: Move to Arizona with no job in the industry in which he wanted to work.

He took a job at a Scottsdale restaurant, Bandera and calls that one of the best career moves he ever made.

“I learned more about customer service at that job than I did in any other job,” he explained, saying those lessons have come in handy not just in the foodand-beverage end of the golf course business but the entire operation as well.

And as he looks at what has already

In December 2004, he said, “I took a shot at TPC Scottsdale.”

“I had less than a year experience in the golf business – that’s it. And then I got lucky enough to get a job as a golf professional there and stayed there for seven years, worked seven Phoenix Opens –which was the most incredible experience I’ve ever had – in their training program.”

In 2011, he became head pro at Raven Golf Club in Scottsdale for an owner that has since sold that high-end course and eventually was promoted to assistant general manager and director of golf.

In 2016, he hopped over to Superstition Springs Golf Course, where he stayed until last December, when Troon hired him for the Foothills gig.

That move was a homecoming for Strauss in more ways than one.

Ahwatukee through and through

The Strauss Family’s roots have grown pretty deep in Ahwatukee.

Jeremy and his wife Hilary celebrated their wedding on March 11, 2005, at Foothills. Indeed, as he was rummaging through an old closet at the clubhouse, he found a large framed portrait of him and Hilary embraced on the Foothills Clubhouse patio on their wedding day.

Why the photo had been enlarged and ornately framed is a mystery, although it

Jeremy Strauss exudes confidence and excitement about the Foothills Golf Course’s future and the plans that he and Troon Management have for it, noting the owner AZ Management & Investments, a subsidiary of a California multigenerational-family business called Ennabe properties, is not in it just for the money but to elevate the playing field.

FOOTHILLS from page 4

could have been used by a previous owner to help market the site for wedding receptions and other social events.

Hilary teaches third grade at Estrella Elementary, where their youngest child Parker is a student.

Their daughter Whitney, a Kyrene alum, attends Desert Vista High, where she plays on the golf team. Their other daughter, Bailey, is a student at Altadena Middle School.

Small wonder Strauss speaks with enthusiasm about the goals that Troon and Ennabe Properties have for the Foothills Golf Course: They align perfectly with the community the Strausses call home.

Strauss, Troon and Ennabe have not wasted any time implementing their ultimate goal for the Foothills.

They already have introduced a variety of Troon programs, some of which entitle participants to play at its other properties and discounts on gear.

“We have plans to work on the greens and do a greens renovation over the next two years,” said Strauss, who frequently tours the course on a golf cart, taking notes of what improvements need to be made – and those he wished had already been made.

Before the end of May, he hopes to complete a renovation of the clubhouse, home of the Festival of Lights’ April 21 Beer and Wine Festival – a frequent venue for the fundraiser.

The owners are continuing to offer the clubhouse for rental for social engagements and community events.

Naturally, the center of Foothills is the golf course and Strauss said plans are nearing completion “that will really start little by little to elevate the property.”

“I would say within two years, you will see a drastic change in the facility,” Strauss said, adding that by fall, “I think people are going to see a pretty good change even that soon.

“I wish I could snap my fingers and have it happen overnight,” he added. “It’s not happening, but we can chip away at certain things for sure.”

Some Foothills HOA residents aren’t happy with some changes. A few complain they no longer have unlimited access to the driving range unless they become club members.

But Strauss said the driving range is in deplorable shape and undergoing a major renovation. What Troon did was limit its use to club members from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and then it is open to HOA residents from 3-5:30 p.m.

Strauss, Troon and Ennabe do face some challenges in implementing their vision for Foothills.

Strauss said the well on the site, as well as most of the irrigation system, needs major upgrading.

And he and Foothills Golf Course Superintendent Mike DeCrescenza – like many employers in many industries – are struggling to fill jobs on the maintenance and landscaping crew.

There also will be some reduction of turf to make way for xeriscape.

Strauss also believes that Troon and

Ennabe Properties’s subsidiary bought the 166-acre Foothills Golf Course late last year for $4.7 million from Wilson Gee. (Tom Sanfilippo/Inside Out Aerial)

15215

the new owner have developed a solid, working relationship with the HOA and its board, though he also admits that is always a work in progress.

“I’ve met with them multiple times and our relationship is great. We look forward to working with them on any of the issues. I mean, we have homes on every hole, so obviously there’s going to be relationships that we have to build with the HOA and the community. Our focus, with the new owner and Troon, is to create healthy relationships with them.”

community. And that’s exciting.”

And, he avows: “I want to make sure people have an idea that the owner has committed some capital and really, really wants to elevate the property. They’re not in it just to squeeze it. They’re in it to make it something cool. “So that is really exciting. That’s cool. That is what I want.”

480.598.9811

And that relationship likely will only be deepened by the primary goal Strauss is charged with carrying out on behalf of Troon and Ennabe.

“The Foothills community in general is a relatively upscale community,” Strauss said. “And our goal is to elevate this property, to match the community, and really give the community what they deserve. And I think they deserve a property that they can be proud of and call their home club and frequent as much as possible.

“I think that we have a unique opportunity to become that home club for this

WAGE from page 1

sure and representatives of contractor associations predicted a court fight.

And it came despite warnings by City Manager Jeffrey Barton that paying a prevailing wage would jack up the estimates on scores of big-ticket projects and would cost the city close to $100 million in unexpected expense.

The unanticipated costs triggered by the ordinance would mean “a $60-million hit to the operating budget” alone for the coming fiscal year, Barton said.

He said it also will add $33 million in costs to the city’s five-year, $8.3 billion capital improvement program, and inflict a still-unknown impact on the projects in the $500 million General Obligation bond the city hopes to put before voters in November for approval.

The stakes for the workers and companies affected by the prevailing wage ordinance were starkly laid out by some speakers, both pro and con, at the meeting.

Speaking against the measure, Arizona Builders Alliance President Tom Dunn said the ordinance violated a state law prohibiting municipalities from imposing a prevailing wage mandate.

Among the 325 companies belonging to the alliance, he said, the measure “disproportionately damages the smaller mom and pop shops that don’t have the ability to staff and compete with the larger groups.

“Another concern we have is the process of this item being placed 24 hours ago” on an agenda for a special meeting despite its “significant issues,” Dunn added, arguing:

“This is something that we should all discuss as stakeholders with respect to how prevailing wage affects the affordability of housing.”

“There will be legal challenges coming, I’m sure, if not from the Attorney General,

from the private side of the businesses,” Dunn warned.

He echoed Joshua Moore, executive director of the Arizona chapter of the American Subcontractors Association, who later told the council:

“Our primary concern remains emerging is minority contractors … and they’re the ones that stand to be hurt the most by this effort to impose this prevailing wage limit competition on public projects. It imposes administrative burdens on smaller companies that may not have the bandwidth to comply, but are otherwise qualified to perform these projects.

“So you got legitimate, stable, safe, skilled contractors that are going to be shut out of the process that’s going to drive up the price of public projects. And that’s not good for the taxpayer. And it’s not good for small business people who are looking for opportunities to do so in a challenging environment where they’re facing a reces-

that we’ll see little benefit from projects construction.

“This ordinance would take the prevailing wage system that the US Department of Labor already uses on federal government projects and apply it to City of Phoenix projects wages within their geographical boundaries.”

Douglas argued, “The issue here is that prevailing wage is simply a system of different minimum wages that are specified by trade; prevailing wage incentivizes contractors to hire local, pay a livable wage, and keep the economic benefits of the project inside the community.

“It creates opportunities that encourage young people to pursue apprenticeships and skilled trades if they determine that a four-year degree might not be for them. For thousands of Arizona families, construction is their path to the middle class.”

sion already.”

Equally passionate were supporters of the measure who addressed council.

Speaking on behalf of the Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council, Luke Douglas said, “I can hardly go to here from my house without driving by construction or noticing the Phoenix Skyline rise ever higher above the desert that we all call home. …Will this council support and provide for the workers who are building that skyline? Prevailing wages policy has already been federal law for nearly a century.

“It requires contractors and government projects to pay their workers no less than the wage that prevails for their trade in their geographic location.

“It’s intended to prevent contractors from racing to the bottom on wages than bringing workers in from out of town winning contracts on a low bid and leaving a community behind with depressed wages

After those speeches, council members entered the fray.

Guardado moved to end public comment, stating, “This is a great step forward to give the non-union workers a fair and responsible wage when they work on city projects. I am thankful and will not pursue this any further with the general public.”

Garcia, who lost his bid for reelection earlier this month in South Phoenix and has been the council’s most liberal member, rejected Barton’s estimates of the ordinance’s impact on the city budget.

“There is no proof for data that shows that this will raise the costs,” Garcia told Barton. “I don’t appreciate that assumption or numbers. You are very smart person Jeff, I really appreciate you but I don’t think there’s any anything that’s based on any reality out there that those increases are going to happen.

“So I’m proud to support this. And even

Tensions were high as Phoenix City Council, with four members joining by phone, debated an ordinance that requires contractors on city projects worth more than $250,000 to pay workers the federally-determined prevailing wage paid to private sector workers in their region. The measure passed 5-4. (YouTube)

drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica,

and Neurontin.

problem with antidepressants or anti-seizure medications like these is that they offer purely symptomatic relief, as opposed to targeting and treating the root of the problem. Worse, these drugs often trigger an onset of uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes harmful side effects.

The only way to effectively treat chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is by targeting the source, which is the result of nerve damage owing to inadequate blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. This often causes weakness, numbness, balance problems. A lack of nutrients causes the nerves degenerate – an insidious

As displayed in figure 1 above, the nerves are surrounded by diseased, withered blood vessels. A lack of sufficient nutrients means the nerves

cannot survive, and thus, slowly die. This leads to those painful and frustrating consequences we were talking about earlier, like weakness, numbness, tingling, balance issues, and perhaps even a burning sensation.

The drugs your doctor might prescribe will temporarily conceal the problems, putting a “Band-Aid” over a situation that will only continue to deteriorate without further action.

Thankfully, Mesa is the birthplace of a brandnew facility that sheds new light on this pressing problem of peripheral neuropathy and chronic pain. The company is trailblazing the medical industry by replacing outdated drugs and symptomatic reprieves with an advanced machine that targets the root of the problem at hand.

Effective neuropathy treatment relies on the following three factors:

1. Finding the underlying cause

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3. The amount of treatment required for the patient’s unique condition

Aspen Medical in Mesa, AZ uses a state-of-the-art electric cell signaling systems worth $100,000.00. Th is ground-breaking treatment is engineered to achieve the following, accompanied by advanced diagnostics and a basic skin biopsy to accurately analyze results:

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3. Improves brain-based pain The treatment works by delivering energy to the affected area(s) at varying wavelengths, from low- to middle-frequency signals, while also using Amplitude Modulated (AM) and Frequency Modulated (FM) signaling

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Aspen Medical begins by analyzing the extent of the nerve damage –a complimentary service for your friends and family. Each exam comprises a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and comprehensive analysis of neuropathy findings.

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if that was the case, then I would be really extremely disappointed that we underpay folks that work with the city that much.”

One of the most passionate arguments in favor of the measure came from DiCiccio – who often is at odds with Garcia and its three other supporters.

Indeed, earlier that day he was part of the majority vote that quashed a measure advanced by Garcia, Guardado, Pastor and Ansari that would have spared residents in three Phoenix mobile home parks from losing their residences because developers plan to toss them out and replace their homes with newer, pricier ones.

DiCiccio said the wage ordinance “strictly targets those projects that receive corporate giveaways.”

He assailed big business, corporations and banks are waging “a war on the working class” and that the development agreements affected by the prevailing wage measure represents a counterattack that helps workers.

“They’re literally targeting the working class in our country,” DiCiccio said.

“What we’re seeing right now, there is a real problem in our country and it’s systemic,” he added. “It’s built into these individuals that don’t have to worry about getting a job because they live a cushy life and they’re the ones in charge of running their country.”

He said both major parties have been pushing this war on the middle class “and until we start turning the tide in this country, we’re going to have a problem. So I’m

City Manager Jeff Barton said the prevailing wage ordinance could add $93 million in unexpected costs to city projects already being planned. (YouTube)

fully supportive of what Ms. Guardado is pushing here. I believe it’s good for the city of Phoenix. And to be very clear, it is not moving this (a prevailing wage requirement) into the private sector.”

Gallego was having none of it.

Neither was City Attorney Julie Kreigh, who reminded council that last October when the prevailing wage measure was first advanced but withdrawn, members created a rule that gave her office time to review all proposed ordinances before they came up for a vote.

“That has not been done in this case,” Kreigh said, “And I wanted to just put on the record that there might be some legal issues with how this was drafted and with the format.”

The mayor condemned the ordinance and the way it was handled by supporters.

“I will not be supporting this,” Gallego said. “I think this is a terrible way to do public policy. I first saw this yesterday when a special meeting was called and the first time I saw these very, very significant changes was just now.

“We should have a transparent process. We’ll do better if we get more feedback. Two of my colleagues have said that we did a much more extensive process with extensive community involvement for our water rate hearings. To me that same logic applies here.

“This could have very significant financial implications,” Gallego added. “And I do want to remind our colleagues we do use GPLET for affordable housing projects and to get more affordable housing in existing market rate projects.” 

Rob

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LIFEGUARDS from page 3

the reasons for the shortage included the low unemployment rate, which offers young people a bevy of other opportunities, and the fact that swimming lessons and lifeguard classes were halted during the pandemic, so too few people were trained.

Although the city’s bonuses make it challenging to compete for employees, the Ahwatukee Swim, Tennis and Event Center offers incentives.

For one, Rast said she and Alyssa Whiteley, the center’s assistant director, are American Red Cross lifeguard instructors and will provide free in-house training, which will save an applicant about $300. Phoenix requires lifeguards to be certified via StarGuard Training.

They also fully train staff for the swim instructor positions with their own curriculum, while other facilities might require a water safety instructor certificate, Rast said.

May is busy with training new employees and refreshing the skills of returning staff, she added, and those hours are paid.

Not to mention, the center will give away gift cards, host luncheons and raffles, and treat staff to an outing at the end of summer. Staff can also use the swim and tennis facilities without having to buy a membership.

And the center gladly accommodates staff with other obligations. Seasonal employees at the center usually only work about 10 hours a week, Rast said, giving them the ability to hold other jobs, attend summer school, participate in sports, and more.

only on duty during planned activities such as swim lessons and camps and during the two home swim meets when the Ahwatukee Tidal Waves compete against other teams around the East Valley.

Those who run the Ahwatukee Swim, Tennis and Event Center hope today’s open house will attract enough applicants so it can staff up for summer.

“Some might not know what’s all involved,” Rast said, “so we try to inform them on how we do a great job with setting them up for success in any position they want to apply for.” 

If You Go...

What: Job fair open house for lifeguards, swim instructors and camp counselors

Where: Ahwatukee Swim, Tennis & Event Center, 4700 E. Warner Road, Phoenix, AZ 85044

Westbank Listed for $420,000

1,447 sf single level home on the Gilbert/Chandler border. This beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home has an open floor plan. Granite counters, stainless steel appliances, center island, tiled back splash, large pantry and eat-in dining nook in the kitchen. Hardwood plank tile flooring throughout with carpet only in the bedrooms. Bathrooms are upgraded with granite vanity tops and tile surrounds in the showers. Brushed nickel hardware and wood blinds throughout. Large walk-in laundry room. Backs to the canal; easy hiking/biking access and no neighbors immediately behind! Low maintenance front and back yards. Close proximity to both Gilbert and Chandler Schools!

“I think our flexible schedule for summer staff is attractive to kids,” she said. “Most of them are in high school; college. They have lots of commitments.”

The center has a lighter schedule partly because it doesn’t station lifeguards at its pool during open swim hours. They’re

When: 5-6 p.m. today, March 29

Cost: Tickets: $20 general admission, $40 for VIP tickets, free for children 3 and under.

Contact: 480-893-3431; ahwatukeecommunitycenter.com

Bill expands HOA flag rules a bit, not all the way

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

State lawmakers have decided that some flags matter more than other flags.

On a party-line vote March 23, the House agreed to allow residents who live in communities governed by homeowners’ associations to fly the Betsy Ross flag, regardless of existing rules. That’s the flag that existed at the time of the American Revolution, with 13 stars in a circle along with the still-existing 13 stripes.

That flag gets added to an ever-growing list of permissible flags at HOAs that now includes everything from the current U.S. flag, the state flag, a flag remembering prisoners of war, and even the Gadsden flag, the one with the coiled rattlesnake which reads “don’t tread on me.’’

But the 31-29 vote occurred only GOP lawmakers rejected a bid by Rep. Athena Salman, D-Tempe, to conclude that homeowners – even those in HOAs – have a First Amendment right to fly whatever banner they want.

Lawmakers have been fighting for years about a balance between the powers of HOAs to control what occurs within their boundaries versus the rights of individual homeowners.

In prior years, for example, the Legislature has voted to permit residents to put political signs on their lawns even if rules prohibit such displays.

Lawmakers also said associations can’t keep kids from playing in the privately owned streets and homeowners even can place signs in the middle of those streets warning motorists that there may be children present.

And then there’s the issue of what flags can be raised. It started out with permission to fly the American flag.

Since then there have been a series of additions. So HOA residents can fly the state flag, the flag of any Arizona Indian nation, the Gadsden flag, flags representing first responders, flags of any branch of the military, the POW/MIA flag and, most recently, a blue star flag representing that the family has someone in the military service, and a gold star flag representing someone who had died while serving.

To that, SB 1049 would add the Betsy Ross flag.

At a hearing earlier this year, Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, told colleagues the legislation is designed to deal with HOAs who have placed unreasonable restrictions on which version of American flags residents can display despite existing laws that he said allow the flying of all versions of the American flag, current or historical.

Last week, Salman said that’s all well and good but that it just doesn’t go far enough. So Salman proposed what she called her “all flags matter’’ amendment.

“If we’re going to preempt homeowners’ associations, and we’re going to start allowing for flags, it is not our job to decide what flags the government favors, what speech the government says is OK, and what speech or flags we don’t,’’ she said.

Rep. Alexander Kolodin, R-Scottsdale, said she’s not wrong.

“I don’t think the Legislature should be in the business of choosing what flags homeowners’ associations are going to display,’’ he said.

He was not alone. In fact, Kavanagh actually sponsored SB 1034, a separate measure that would have done exactly what Salman was proposing.

Only thing is, Kavanagh could not convince Sen. Jake Hoffman, R-Queen Creek, who chairs the Senate Government Committee, to give that bill a hearing.

So he decided to go with the scaledback version dealing with the Betsy Ross bill, a form of legislation that Hoffman was willing to hear.

On Thursday, Salman told colleagues that determination by Hoffman should not keep them from considering and approving the more liberal version. But that was shot down at Kavanagh’s request.

Kavanagh told Capitol Media Services he feared that the Senate would not have concurred with the changes and his entire bill would die. So he told House GOP colleagues to vote against it to keep the rest of SB 1049 alive.

Still, Kavanagh said, that doesn’t preclude a similar attempt – but just not this year.

“I don’t think HOAs get to override the First Amendment,’’ he said. 

Grim reality hangs over city budget discussion

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

Ahwatukee residents will have their chance on Monday, April 3, to weigh in on Phoenix’s 2023-24 spending plan, which focuses millions on soaring homelessness and raises for most city employees.

To comment on the budget in person, Ahwatukee residents must travel to the Devonshire Senior Center, 2802 E. Devonshire Ave., for the 8:30 a.m. session.

People who can’t make it can file comments at phoenix.gov/budget/contact-us or email budget.research@phoenix.gov. More information on the spending plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1 is at phoenix.gov/budget/hearings.

The 2023-24 General Fund trial budget for Phoenix – a precursor to a proposed budget that will be presented to City Council May 2 with an eye on final approval a few weeks later – totals $2.02 billion and includes a surplus of $134 million.

Out of that $2.02 billion, the city administration is projecting just under $1.9 billion in actual expenditures – an increase of $109 million, or 6.1%, over current spending.

It calls for spending 85% of the surplus –or $114 million – on raises for city employees “so we can provide the highest level of service ensuring that the City’s most valuable assets are paid competitively and that positions can be filled with the best talent available,” City Manager Jeff Barton told the council in his budget message.

The surplus also would cover $14 million for public safety and criminal justice expenditures, including training for the personnel that will be assigned to the new west Ahwatukee fire station that officials hope to open in two years.

That $14 million also would cover the addition of overnight parks patrols and increases in community arts funding and $7.4 million of that money would be spent on “continuity of services for vulnerable populations,” mostly unsheltered people.

The remaining $5 million in surplus funds would be parked in a rainy-day fund that Barton hopes to build with additional allocations over the following four years to cover emergencies and other unexpected costs.

The spending plan calls for no increases in taxes or fees, although the separate city Water Services budget includes rate hikes

and a revised system for assessing residential and commercial water use.

Claiming that 17% of existing city jobs remain vacant, Barton said the city needs to spend most of its surplus on increased employee compensation in order to make Phoenix more competitive with other municipalities in the job market.

Of that $114 million, however, $20 million would be set aside for raises in the 2024-25 fiscal year.

The specifics about those raises for the coming fiscal year remain cloudy because the city is still working on a job class and compensation study that is likely to be given to council sometime in June.

But while council members last week appeared in favor of giving city employees more money, their initial reaction during a hearing March 21 focused mainly on the city’s growing number of tent cities, especially in Central Phoenix.

Those encampments were the subject of a hair-raising front-page report in the March 19 edition of the New York Times that fueled Valley talk shows throughout last week.

Using Central Phoenix to illustrate the problem, the Times reported “cities across the West had been transformed” by “an epidemic” of “a housing crisis, a mental health crisis and an opioid epidemic.”

It said all of that “landed on the doorsteps of small businesses already reaching a breaking point because of the pandemic.”

Council members were clearly rattled during the March 21 hearing by the Times

is no antidote, there is no immediate fix” to “the cycle of homelessness and all the ills that go along with it.”

“You’ve got to help folks get back to where they can redeem themselves and they believe in themselves,” Barton said. “And sometimes that’s a substance abuse issue. Sometimes it’s mental health. Sometimes it’s simply housing and jobs.

“But we do have models that we’ve been able to demonstrate that if we have the resources in place for these folks to rehabilitate themselves, then there is an opportunity to salvage them.”

He also called Phoenix’s Washington Street shelter “a prime example of what it is we’re trying to emulate across the entire city as it pertains to our homeless services.”

account of the stark reality of the spread of tent cities in Phoenix.

That account said that within about a half block of one downtown business last year, the charred remains of a fetus were found in a dumpster and the city recorded 1,097 medical emergency calls, 573 fights, 185 fires, 140 thefts, 125 armed robberies, 13 rapes and four homicides.

Additionally, 16 people were found dead because of suicides, heat and hypothermia and drug overdoses, the Times said.

“The situation is not improving,” Councilman Tom Waring told administration officials who had presented the trial budget at the hearing last week.

“I know we’re spending a lot of resources and I am not blaming anybody,” he continued, “but, you know, we’re making the national news.”

Waring said he assumed the Times noticed the encampment during coverage of the Super Bowl.

“It’s not a pretty picture,” he said. “It’s not sustainable and can’t go on. Whatever we’re doing is costing us a fortune.”

“It’s just hitting people front and center. It’s a terrible look for the city,” said Waring, adding, “I’m not discounting the situation folks are in but we’re not doing them any favors by letting this go on.

“And to the extent that we’re not going to let it go on, I really think more proactive action is necessary. …I just know that what we’re doing right now doesn’t seem to be having any kind of impact at all.”

Barton responded by saying that “there

His aides told council members the city opened 592 new shelter beds last year, with 200 of them at the Washington Street shelter, where a total 800 people were served “and 70% have exited to a positive exit destination.”

Waring remained unconvinced – as did other council members. Some asked if more money needs to be spent on the problem.

Councilwoman Laura Pastor said she and her colleagues frequently get calls from citizens about homeless people camping at intersections and on overpasses.

“We get so many calls that Phoenix is not equipped to handle what we’re facing,” Pastor said, asking administration if the city can increase the money it’s spending on services to homeless people.

But Waring suggested some other action is needed, although he did not elaborate on specifically what the city should do.

“There is not one citizen in the City of Phoenix who is going to say things are better than two years ago,” he said. “We spent hundreds of millions of dollars and not one will say, ‘Aha. Success!’ No way.”

He suggested judges have “hamstrung our police department” and said city officials need to consider “whatever we need to do within the confines of the law.”

And he warned the administration to avoid projecting much success for its huge expenditure on aid to the homeless, stating, “It’s not your fault. …I would be very cautious to try and put out any statistic that makes it sound like it’s better when there isn’t one person who is gonna go, ‘Yeah, I’ve noticed it’s definitely better.’” 

LEFT: Councilwoman Laura Pastor wondered if more money should be spent on Phoenix services to the homeless. (YouTube) RIGHT: Councilman Tom Waring said despite city’s millions in expenditures, problems associated with homeless encampments are getting worse (YouTube)

No One Should Have To Wait

Older adults should not have to wait for in-home care services including bathing, personal care, grocery shopping, home delivered meals or laundry help.

Caregivers who need a break just can’t wait!

You shouldn’t wait either!

Make your 2022 Arizona Charitable Tax Credit donation to Area Agency on Aging by April 18, 2023.

QC senator pushes curbs on diversity programs

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Saying he was doing what the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. would have wanted, a Queen Creek senator got Republican colleagues to vote to outlaw diversity, equity and inclusion programs in state and local governments and the university system.

SB 1694, crafted by Jake Hoffman, bans the use of government money for any such program. It also forbids a public agency from requiring workers to engage in those programs, allowing those employees to sue.

But Hoffman told colleagues that he’s not against the ideas. What he opposes, he said, is what these programs include, ideas Hoffman argued actually work against the concepts of inclusion and equality.

“That’s a problem,’’ he said.

“The bill says we don’t want public entities influencing the composition of their workforce based on race,’’ Hoff-

man said.

He then quoted a line from King about children living “in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.’’

“This bill seeks to do what MLK Jr. advocated for,’’ he said.

But Sen. Juan Mendez, D-Tempe, said proponents fail to understand that not everyone is coming from the same starting point and born with the same advantages.

“For those of us who did not win the cultural lottery, much of one’s life outcome can still be predicted by the biases towards race, class, ability and identity,’’ he said.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion programs are only set out to help us understand and prepare our citizens for what it means to live in a diverse and inclusive society,’’ he said. “It’s through these diversity, equity and inclusion programs that institutions are beginning to investigate and correct structural roadblocks that limit the access

to the resources and opportunities that improve lives and communities for everyone.’’

As approved, SB 1694 has a laundry list of what would be off limits.

For example, programs could not describe or expose systems, relations of power, privilege or subordination on the basis of race, sex, color, gender, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation. Nor could they describe methods to dismantle or oppose those systems.

Also off limits would be advancing any theories of a host of theories ranging from unconscious or implicit bias and systemic oppression to inclusive language and neopronouns.

That last category includes words that go beyond the traditional “he’’ and “she’’ which, by their nature, identify the gender of the person to whom it refers. Instead it includes pronouns that do not express gender like “ze’’ and “zir.’’

Also outlawed would be concepts of “anti-racism.’’ Hoffman describes that

as the idea that “the only answer to past racial discrimination is present discrimination.’’

All of that, he said, goes to what he said is the goal of SB 1694 to treat people as equals.

Mendez, however, said all that ignores what he believes are the real intent of these programs. That, he said, seeks to educate that there are people in society who have not necessarily been treated equitably -- and that something should be done about that.

“But this proposal attempts to broaden the cultural wars, claiming that equity and inclusion and diversity is racist because it doesn’t put white, male, heterosexual, conservative views on a pedestal to remain unquestioned,’’ he said. “It should not be our job taking apart programs that are helping our citizens work together and work toward progress.’’

The party-line vote late Monday now sends the measure to the Republicancontrolled House. 

Mt. Pointe shooting suspect arrested

AFN NEWS STAFF

An Ahwatukee teen has been arrested in the Jan. 30 shooting of a Mountain Pointe High School student at a Circle K parking lot only a block from the school.

The 14-year-old suspect, whose name is being withheld by AFN because of his age, is the second of four individuals to be arrested in the case, which triggered an elevated police presence at the school for several weeks.

Police had already upped their presence outside the campus early in January as the result of online threats posted by another student in an unrelated crime. That student was eventually found by police and expelled.

The victim of the shooting, which occurred just after the school day had ended, sustained a non-life-threatening injury to his shoulder and is still recovering, police said.

Phoenix Police Det. Joshua Edelson was credited by the department with last week’s arrest of the teen in the shooting. The department said Edison “worked ex-

haustively to establish probable cause for the arrest” of the Ahwatukee teen on March 23 at a residence on S. 43rd Drive.

Police said the suspect “invoked (his rights) during an interview and he is being detained at the Juvenile Court Center for a variety of violent crimes.” “Officers learned from witnesses that two groups were involved in an altercation and began to fire handguns at each other,” Phoenix police said, adding three of the four suspects fled in a maroon Chrysler 200 and the other half fled northbound on foot.”

Police found 50 spent casings at the scene.

At this time, police said “there is no information as to why the incident occurred.”

City Councilman Sal DiCiccio praised Phoenix Police for their diligence in pursuing the suspects in the case.

At the time of the shooting, he had urged police to hunt down the suspects, warning that an incident like that often leads to similar crimes in a community unless arrests are made as a deterrent to elevated gang activity. 

‘Big Trains’ spring open house returns

BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

Train layouts remind many people of Christmas as a child, and for one local organization every day is Christmas.

The Arizona Big Train Operators nonprofit will hold its annual spring open house noon-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 1-2, at seven homes across the Valley.

Group members say it’s the best way to keep the history of locomotives alive.

And while it can be expensive, the one thing the train owners/operators enjoy more than the pastime itself is seeing the joy it brings to people who visit their displays.

“A lot of people still enjoy the history of railroads,” said Don Sorenson.

Sorenson joined the organization in 2006 but had an interest in trains long before that because his dad worked as

a brakeman for Union-Pacific Railroad for five years.

He said some of the members have mechanical and engineering backgrounds and this keeps their minds occupied with something familiar.

Amtrak saw a 5% decrease in its Arizona station usage between fiscal year 2018 to 2019.

“People don’t ride the trains anymore,” ABTO President Darrell Woolfolk said.

Woolfolk said the group’s membership saw an upsurge in 2021 with 13 new families joining and the organization now has 75 members across the Valley.

Woolfolk joined the organization in 2013 and has served as the president of the ABTO for the last six years.

He said while only about half of their members have layouts, but they all meet to help each other collaborate and build

see TRAINS page 18

Police bust alleged thief in Ahwatukee lot

Don’t tell Allan Rosen that neighborhood crime watches don’t work.

The Ahwatukee resident got a first-hand lesson March 22 when a career criminal boldly entered his garage when the door was raised and stole his SUV, according to Phoenix Police.

The next day Phoenix officers busted the alleged thief, Alfred Gomez, 37, in the Kyrene de las Lomas school parking lot and confiscated Rosen’s van and a huge number of bicycles and other personal items that apparently had been stolen from other Ahwatukee homes.

“The suspect has been ‘working’ the Ahwatukee Custom and Equestrian Estates for at least the last 30 days,” Rosen told AFN. “He was caught on several videos but was unknown to police until (March 23).”

On Wednesday he was seen on video at 4 am trying to enter vehicles on S. Tusayan Court and hours later stole Rosen’s SUV.

“He drove away with the vehicle while I was inside my home,” a stunned Rosen said, adding that he promptly notified police.

This is also where watchful neighbors come into the picture.

“My observant neighbor Amy Stanley of

Warpaint Drive spotted my vehicle in the parking lot of Lomas Elementary and notified me,” said Rosen, who immediately went to the scene and identified the vehicle as his.

“I found my vehicle full of stolen items including; Mountain bikes, snow skis, surf boards, golf clubs, tools, back packs and dozens of other items including jewelry, wallets etc.,” Rosen said.

“As I was calling the police to report the discovery of my vehicle and its contents, the suspect arrived on a newly stolen electric bicycle. He attempted to enter my vehicle to leave with his ill-gotten goods. Before he could go, Phoenix Police arrived.”

Rosen also was pretty lucky that officers arrived when they did.

Police said the officers found a loaded handgun in Gomez’s waistband. He was subdued and handcuffed quickly by the first officer on scene. Police said the suspect has a lengthy record of felony convictions, according to Rosen.

For his part, Rosen, a resident of the Ahwatukee Custom Estates since 1987, is grateful to “the highly observant eye of neighbor Amy Stanley.”

And he also has a reminder for all Ahwatukee residents: “Neighborhood watching works.” 

AFN NEWS STAFF

Phoenix police found quite a haul of alleged stolen merchandise when they busted a suspect in the parking lot of Lomas Elementary last week. (Courtesy of Allan Rosen)

Whiskey manufacturer not amused by parody

BY ALEXIS WAISS Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – An Arizona dog-toy manufacturer told the Supreme Court Wednesday that its “Bad Spaniels” squeaky toy is a “playful parody” of Jack Daniel’s that does not infringe on the distiller’s trademarks.

Bennett Cooper, the attorney representing VIP Products LLC, said the case was about defending “the right of everybody to have a sense of humor.”

“It’s clear in this case that what Jack Daniel’s is complaining about is not Bad Spaniels” possibly confusing consumers into thinking the toy was connected to the distiller, Cooper said. “They’re complaining about the speech, the parody, the comparison to dog poop and a Bad Spaniel, not the mark.”

But an attorney for Jack Daniel’s Properties Inc. told the justices that it’s no laughing matter.

Lisa Blatt called Bad Spaniels a commercial product that capitalizes on Jack Daniel’s trademark to the confusion of consumers and the detriment of the company’s brand.

Whether it’s “funny or it has a parody is not relevant,” she said.

“‘Ha, ha, ha’ is not a standard under the Lanham Act,” the law governing trademark protection, Blatt said. “It’s whether it’s confusing as to (the) source.”

Bad Spaniels is just one of VIP Products’ “Silly Squeakers” line that also includes toys such as Jose Perro and Mountain Drool that are reminiscent of Jose Cuervo tequila and Mountain Dew soda, among others.

The Bad Spaniels toy mimics Jack Daniel’s square bottle and the font of the white-on-black lettering on the label.

But it features the cartoonish face of a spaniel and replaces the liquor bottle’s “Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey” with “The Old No. 2 on your Tennessee carpet.”

While the Jack Daniel’s label lists alcohol content and proof, the Bad Spaniels label says the contents are “43% POO” and “100% SMELLY.”

Jack Daniel’s demanded in 2014 that VIP Products stop selling Bad Spaniels, and VIP went to court seeking a ruling that its toy was a parody that did “not infringe or dilute” the distiller’s trademark.

The distiller filed a counterclaim, and a U.S. District Court judge agreed with Jack Daniel’s in 2018.

Even though Bad Spaniels was an “expressive work,” it was still a commercial product, which meant it could not receive the exception to trademark infringement that a parody would enjoy under the Lanham Act, according to a VIP filing with the Supreme Court.

That ruling was reversed by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on the grounds that Bad Spaniels, “although surely not the equivalent of the Mona Lisa, is an expressive work” that communicates a “humorous message.”

“Bad Spaniels comments humorously on precisely those elements that Jack Daniels seeks to enforce here,” the circuit court said in its 2020 ruling. “The fact that VIP chose to convey this humorous message through a dog toy is irrelevant.”

The appellate court said that, under a doctrine known as the Rogers test, Jack Daniel’s could win only if it could show that the use of its trademark was not artistically relevant to Bad Spaniels or that it “explicitly misleads” consumers.

Jack Daniel’s appealed to the Supreme Court. Blatt told justices March 22 that a survey by Jack Daniel’s showed consumers were confused about who was behind the toy, which she said indicates the parodist “did too much copying and not enough distinguishing.”

An incredulous Justice Samuel Alito pressed Blatt on that claim, asking how “any reasonable person” could think Jack Daniel’s was behind the toy.

He envisioned a pitch meeting in which the CEO is told about “a dog toy, and it’s going to have a label that looks a lot like our label, and it’s going to have a name that looks a lot like our name, Bad Spaniels, and what’s going to be purportedly in this dog toy is dog urine.”

“Do you think the CEO is going to say that’s a great idea, we’re going to produce that thing?” he asked.

When Blatt said “it’s a little rich for people who are at your level … to know what the average purchasing public thinks,” Alito responded that he had a dog so “I know something about dogs.”

But Justice Elena Kagan pushed back on Cooper’s argument that products, like hats or T-shirts, could be protected from trade-

mark infringement claims if they carried a message. Kagan rejected the suggestion that Bad Spaniels is such a product.

A political T-shirt “says something, it’s

making a point.”

“But dog toys are just utilitarian goods

see DANIELS page 18

Bennett Cooper, in bow tie, talks outside the Supreme Court, where he defended VIP Products, an Arizona dog-toy maker, against a trademark-infringement claim filed by Jack Daniel’s Properties. (Alexis Waiss/Cronkite News)

DANIELS from page 17

and you’re using somebody else’s mark as a source identifier, and that’s not a First Amendment problem,” Kagan said.

Even though trademark law can impose a restriction on free-speech rights, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson worried that the law could go too far and end up hindering artists who reference trademarks in their works.

“We have these artists with First Amendment rights or parodists or whoever,” Jackson said.

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artists, are trying to designate the source of their products by using the mark.”

VIP Products owner Steven Sacra, who was on hand for the arguments, said it was “bizarre” to see the dispute over one of his Silly Squeakers toys argued before the Supreme Court.

Sacra said it has been a costly and litigious process to get to this point, and that he hopes the justices ultimately “side on freedom of expression” to protect others from having to go through what he’s experienced.

“And the way we prevent infringing their rights is by making sure that trademark holders are only able to come in and accuse them of problems if they … the

TRAINS

“extremely elaborate” villages.

“It’s not like setting up on a card table when you were a kid,” Woolfolk said.

The individual cars measure approximately nine inches tall by 24 inches long with a handful connected that run on tracks up to 500 linear feet through a village.

The villages can take up a person’s entire backyard and some include railyards, tunnels, ponds, and functioning lights on the buildings.

The layouts can have multiple zones and take anywhere from one day to two weeks to put together but most of them only layout for their Spring and Christmas Open House events.

“There’s not many of the youth that have been on a train,” Woolfolk said.

Sharing their hobby, especially with children, represents an integral part of the organization purpose “to promote and advance the interest in and educate the general public about Railroads and large-scale model railroading,” according to their bylaws.

The group maintains train layouts at

Without that, he said, large businesses will be able to pressure creators “to say I’m never going do this again because it’s too expensive, and therefore, speech doesn’t exist.” 

Banner Children’s at Desert and Hospice of the Valley at Ryan House.

Mesa’s Red Mountain Library has approached the organization with an opportunity to possibly hold a weeklong indoor event in July.

Woolfolk said their spring event takes place during daylight hours and acts as a “trial run” for their Christmas show.

The spring show draws hundreds of people in a weekend to members’ backyards and twice that number during Christmas when many of the layouts light up.

Woolfolk said trains have “gone by the wayside” with younger generations and this organization helps rekindle that interest.

Sorenson said it’s an important part of our nation that young people should remember.

“I find that people are very enamored by railroad,” he said. “They’re part of our history.”

East Valley locations for the spring show include: 1861 E. Fountain St. and 6130 E. Colby St., both Mesa; 1341 E. Folley Place and 767 E. Ivanhoe St., Chandler; and 915 E. Saddleback Place, San Tan Valley.

Mt. Pointe thespians probe dark depths of ‘Hamlet’

AFN NEWS STAFF

The Mountain Pointe Theatre Company will present one of William Shakespeare’s best-known dramas as the student thespians take the stage Friday and Saturday with their rendition of “Hamlet.”

People can choose to be or not to be at one of three presentations: 6 p.m. March 31 and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. April 1. Tickets are available at mptheatreco.com or at the school, 4201 E. Knox Road, Ahwatukee.

Longtime teacher-director Corey Quinn said the theater group likes to rotate types of productions so that the young thespians get to experience a wide variety of theatrical efforts during their four years at Mountain Pointe.

“We do Shakespeare shows about every two to three years,” Quinn said.

“A lot goes into these kinds of show. I also like to pick shows that other classes at Mountain Pointe can use in their curricu-

lum. ‘Hamlet’ is a play heavily discussed in their English classes, and this is a great

opportunity for students to experience Shakespeare as it was intended – on the stage.”

While the oftentimes challenging language of Shakespeare is used, the Pride production of “Hamlet” uses a shorter version of the original drama.

That version was written by Lindsay Price, which Quinn said “keeps all the great pieces of the show, but condenses the show to about one-and-a-half hours.

“I used her version of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ years ago, and it was amazing,” he added.

Despite Shakespeare’s language, Quinn said, “Kids can relate to the show mostly because they have studied Shakespeare for years in class.

“The language can take some time to interpret, but we eventually get there. We are doing a modern look for the costumes,

see HAMLET page 25

BASIS Ahwatukee presents Sondheim musical

AFN NEWS STAFF

BASIS Ahwatukee students will present this weekend what’s considered to be composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim’s most popular musical.

“Into the Woods JR.” will be present at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1, at the school, 10210 S. 50th Place, Ahwatukee. Tickets are available at the door.

Both the 1987 musical, later adapted for the big screen, and the student version intertwine several Grimm Fairy Tales in the story of a childless baker and his wife and their effort to start a family.

Director and BASIS Ahwatukee teacher Helen O’Connell said she chose the musical “because it provided our actors with a challenge and gave our technical students a fantastical fairy tale world to create.”

She said the students who comprise the cast and crew “were very excited for this

show” because “it has excellent opportunities for actors to put their own spin on these classic storybook characters.

“There are many roles so every student performer has a moment to shine, from Cinderella and her Prince, to Jack and his

beloved cow, Milky White,” she said.

Though “the characters get lost and confused in the woods” on stage, O’Connell said blocking the young thespians movements on the stage had to be carefully done.

And that was just one of several challenges in mounting a production with multiple characters and story lines.

“As a director, I need to know where each character enters and exits so that it makes sense for the audience,” she said.

“Another major challenge was organizing all of the technical elements and teaching students how to manage those areas. We have student lighting, sound, costumes, props, and set teams who are in charge of designing those aspects. Part of my job is making sure everything is cohesive and helps tell the story.”

The young actors and actresses also had

Freshman Z Shaw plays the title role in the Mountain Pointe Theatre Company’s presentation March 31 and April 1 of the Shakespeare classic “Hamlet” while senior Connor Murray portrays Claudius. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer)

Rithvik Mopidevi and Yeshack Abraham as The Narrators sing along with the entire ensemble cast as BASIS Ahwatukee presents “Into the Woods JR.” this Friday and Saturday. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer)

Desert Vista alumna found dual credits useful

BY MIRA RADOVICH AFN Guest Writer

Alexa Horn knows how to out-muscle the competition. She flexes and uses all of her skills, both physically and academically, to get ahead in life.

As a Desert Vista High School student, Horn took dual enrollment classes through Rio Salado College to get a head start on college.

“Dual enrollment has allowed me to get ahead of others in my classes,” Horn said. “It also saved me a lot of money on textbooks and tuition at university because I already paid a lower amount to get those out of the way in high school through Rio.”

When Horn graduated from Desert Vista in May 2021, she also earned two associate degrees through Rio Salado in addition to her high school diploma.

She transferred her credits to the University of Arizona where she is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in physiology.

AROUND from page 22

at Mountain View Lutheran Church 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee.

The “Way of the Cross” is a self-guided time of meditation and prayer comprised of seven stations. Each station has a picture, Scripture reading, devotion, and prayer that leads along the way of Jesus Christ’s suffering. It takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. The public is invited.

The artist of the paintings is Sieger Köder (19252015). His paintings, sculptures, and stained-glass church windows can be found throughout Europe. The paintings are displayed in the Catholic Church of St. Stephanus in Wasseralfingen, Germany.

The devotions and prayers are written by Theo Schmidkonz, SJ. They have two perspectives; one looks at the experience of Jesus’ suffering while the other looks at the experience of situations present in our world today and in our personal lives.

Kyrene Foundation seeks sponsors and players for golf tourney

The Kyrene Foundation has put out the call for players and sponsors for its 12th annual Golf Classic May 5 at the Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass.

“In 2022, we raised over $25,000 for the Kyrene Foundation, which supports our initiatives in the Kyrene School District,” the foundation said, noting the public’s help is essential to that kind of success.

This year, the foundation has set a fundraising goal of $30,000, with all proceeds going to its work

“I’m in my fourth semester at the U of A and it is going amazing,” Horn said. “I can’t tell you how many people are so impressed when I tell them I am graduating a year early and that I entered

in helping struggling families living in the school district’s boundaries.

Sponsorships include title, contributing, hole and contest. Players can purchase tickets for foursomes, singles and classic and lunch-only tickets also are available.

Information: kyrenefoundation.org/event/golf23

Legion Post 64 slates social mixer for veterans next week at ARC

American Legion Post 64, the only formal military veterans organization based in Ahwatukee, is holding a free veterans social mixer that’s open to the public 5-6:30 p.m. April 5 at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center, 5001 E. Cheyenne Drive.

Light food, iced tea and water will be served at the free event and music and the card game spades are also on the agenda.

Information: Brenda, 303-301-4429

Commemorative pavers offered at Ahwatukee Blue Star Memorial

An engraved commemorative paver placed at the Ahwatukee Blue Star Memorial can honor a friend or family member who served, or is currently serving, in the U.S. Armed Forces and orders are being accepted until April 15 for pavers to be placed in time for Memorial Day.

Pavers cost $60 with the military logo of your choice, or $50 without military logo. Pick up order forms at the Ahwatukee Board of Management office, 4700 E. Warner Rd., or download at ahwatuke-

college already having 64 credit hours completed.”

Horn enjoyed many of her Rio courses and one favorite was linguistics.

“It was very interesting, and I loved how the class was taught and organized,” Horn said. “In reality, all of the courses give you plenty of time to take things at your own pace and the professors were an amazing help and were always there to answer questions in a timely manner.”

Horn is especially grateful for how her dual enrollment classes set up her college experience.

“I love all the opportunities I have at U of A due to not having to worry about gen ed classes because dual enrollment mostly covered them,” Horn said.

Even though she is currently enrolled at a university, Horn’s time as a Rio student is not over.

“Even now I continue to use Rio Salado,” Horn said. “I decided to take my General Physics 111 class at Rio because of the flexibility. I enjoyed the class so much and learned so much from it that I will take 112

ehoa.com/blue-star-memorial.html.

Leave completed forms and payment at the ABM office or mail to the address on the form by APRIL 15. For more information, contact mltiede@ hotmail.com.

The Blue Star Memorial, a joint project of the Desert Pointe Garden Club and the Ahwatukee Board of Management, is located on the north side of Warner Road just west of 48th Street. Parking is available in the ABM parking lot.

East Valley Jewish community celebrates Purim, welcomes newbies

March 6-7 marked the Jewish holiday of Purim, which marks the story of how Mordechai and his cousin Esther saved the Jews from destruction by Haman, a Persian noble.

“Purim gives the message of courage and strength to look for the hidden hand of God because he will never abandon you,” explained a spokeswoman for Congregation NefeshSoul, a reform Jewish congregation located in Chandler on the west side of the I-10 and Ray Road.

Purim was recently celebrated at Congregation NefeshSoul with a play put on by congregants and Cantor Rodger, who penned the work.

For more information about the congregation, email NefeshSoul@gmail.com.

Ironwood Library offers many free activities for all ages in April

Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatu-

in the next couple of months.”

Thanks to her dual credits, Horn will graduate from U of A in spring 2024 (one year early) with her bachelor’s degree and plans on attending a doctor of physical therapy program at Northern Arizona University after.

“Getting ahead in my education will allow me to enter a PT program a year earlier and to get out into the world in a stable job even faster as well,” Horn said.

To help prepare for her future career, Horn has started a tech position at a PT clinic in Tucson.

“I am working on learning more about exercises and the flow of how physical therapy works as I hope to work with athletes one day,” Horn said.

“Dual enrollment classes in high school are a key part of where I am at in my college education today and a reason why I am thriving,” Horn said. “I would recommend Rio to everyone taking online classes for college credit as they have the most flexible options and availability for class starts.” 

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

For more information: phoenixpubliclibrary.org.

Babytimes

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

Toddlertimes

Toddlers ages 24-36 months, accompanied by a favorite adult, will enjoy songs, rhymes, books, and interactive fun Thursdays, 10:30-11:10 a.m. Space is limited to 12 families.

Family Storytime at Pecos Park

Children birth to age five and their favorite grownups play, read, sing, and dance in a fun, active program that builds reading skills.

Every Friday (except for March 31), 9:30-10 a.m., outdoors at Pecos Park, 17010 S. 48th St. No tickets required. Supported by a grant from First Things First.

Sit, Stay, Read!

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

Family storytime at Pecos Park

Children birth to age five and their favorite grownups play, read, sing, and dance in a fun, active program that builds reading skills. Every Friday, see AROUND page 24

Desert Vista High alumna Alexa Horn is studying physiology at the University of Arizona. (Special to AFN)

AROUND from page 23

9:30-10 a.m., outdoors at Pecos Park, 17010 S. 48th St. No tickets required. Supported by a grant from First Things First.

Sit, Stay, Read!

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

Full STEAM Ahead

Children ages 6-12 explore hands-on creative ways to design, experiment, and invent Saturdays, 2-3 2-4 p.m., in this drop-in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) program. No tickets required.

Summer teen volunteer opportunity

Teens ages 13-17 can to volunteer for the annual Summer Reading Program, which offers a chance to learn customer service skills, inspire children to read, and work with other teens. Look for information about availability, training, and volunteer requirements, as well as the online application and parent consent form, at phoenixpubliclibrary.org/teens.

Positions can fill quickly, so apply early for the best chance of selection until all positions are filled.

Paper crafts

Adults and teens can learn a new papercraft the first Wednesday of each month starting April 5. Flowers and all materials will be provided. 4:30-5:30 p.m. No tickets required.

Sit and Stitch

MUSICAL from page 21

their share of challenges, which they have mastered over weeks of rehearsals.

“The music for ‘Into the Woods JR.’ was written by Stephen Sondheim, who was known for creating complicated melodies,” O’Connell explained. “One of the biggest challenges of the show was learning the music.”

She credited music director Erin Ryan, who she said “worked diligently with the students to teach them their parts. Once students mastered that, the rest seemed easier.”

The musical is accompanied by prerecorded tracks, which O’Connell said “means the student actors need to get their entrances perfect every time, since there is no room for error.”

The musical also has allowed other students to shine in creative ways.

Members of the musical production class designed and created the costumes.

“Our students did some thrift shopping and altering for many of the costumes,” O’Connell said. “Many of the pieces were created from scratch by the students as well.

Join fellow stitchers and to work on your current project on the first and third Saturday of each month, April 1 and 15, 3-4:45 p.m. Knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch, needlepoint. All are welcome. No tickets required.

Backyard gardening

Learn about the unique and ever-changing conditions of the Sonoran Desert, and its adaptable plant and animal inhabitants, to better coexist with them. April 1, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. No tickets required.

Next Chapter Book Club

This inclusive community-based book club is designed for people ages 12+ with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have a desire to make friends, explore their community, and read (regardless of current reading ability).

This weekly gathering is free and occurs every Wednesday, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Registration is required and available in the library or online in the Calendar section of the library’s website.

Book Club

Adult readers 18+ can meet up with fellow adventuresome bibliophiles to share their thoughts about each month’s selection the first Wednesday of each month, 5:00-5:45 p.m. On April 5, the book to be discussed is The Measure by Nikki Erlick and on May 3, Turtles All the Way Down by John Green. No tickets required. 

Submit your releases to pmaryniak@timeslocalmedia.com

“The props were also a fun challenge for this show. We had to create a cow puppet for the character of Milky White. One of our students, Madison Redell, took the lead on creating the puppet, and she did a fantastic job.”

O’Connell designed the set and students used it “to help create a versatile woodland space.”

“Almost the entire show takes place in the woods, so the set itself does not move, but with the help of lights and props we create different areas on stage.”

Even parents got into the act, joining the Off-Stage Drama Club in building and painting the sets.

One student, Ohiya Walker designed the paint scheme for the set and led students to realize the design.

O’Connell is hoping for a big turnout at the box office.

“This is our first large scale musical since 2019, and the students have created a spectacular story,” she said.

“We have 72 students involved in the production, both on and off the stage. Seeing 48 students on stage dancing the cho-

see MUSICAL page 26

Be a Player in the Ahwatukee Chamber

27th Masters Golf Tournament

Be a Player in the Ahwatukee Chamber

HAMLET

but the set is amazing and very artistic and like nothing we have ever done before. You need to see it to believe it.”

Of course, among the sometimes grim and often deep themes in “Hamlet” is the title character’s contemplation of the meaning of life – and whether it’s worth living.

“I’m not sure a lot of them have been through the things that these characters have been through thankfully, but they have studied them long before in their English classes,” Quinn said.

For this production, the students have jettisoned the ornate robes of the 1300s or 1400s that “Hamlet” is believed to have been set in originally in favor of postapocalyptic costumes.

“The set is cold, dark and very symbolic of death, so lots of warm clothes,” Quinn said. “Modern clothes are easier to use, and the period piece costumes can get pricy. The nice thing about Shakespeare is that you can easily adapt them to any time period.”

Quinn described the set as “a giant stone skeleton the size of the entire stage that wraps its arms of death around the show and its characters.”

Despite the grim look, the set “is very neat,” he said, for a show “where in the end everyone dies.”

Quinn said he and the cast and crew

Be a Player in the Ahwatukee Chamber

Friday, April 7th , 2023

Be a Player in the Ahwatukee Chamber

Friday, April 7th , 2023

Be a Player in the Ahwatukee Chamber

Foothills Golf Club

Foothills Golf Club

Chamber

27th Masters Golf Tournament

6:30 am Registration/Breakfast 7:30 am Shotgun Start

27th Masters Golf Tournament

27th Masters Golf Tournament

27th Masters Golf Tournament

6:30 am Registration/Breakfast 7:30 am Shotgun Start 12:30 pm

27th Masters Golf Tournament

Friday, April 7th , 2023

12:30 pm Lunch/Awards/Auction At WICKED

Friday, April 7th , 2023

Friday, April 7th , 2023

Friday, April 7th , 2023

Foothills Golf Club

Foothills Golf Club

Foothills Golf Club

Foothills Golf Club

Friday, April 7th , 2023

Friday, April 7th , 2023

TO REGISTER go to www.ahwatukeechamber.com

TO REGISTER go to www.ahwatukeechamber.com

6:30 am Registration/Breakfast 7:30 am Shotgun Start 12:30 pm Lunch/Awards/Auction At WICKED

6:30 am Registration/Breakfast 7:30 am Shotgun Start 12:30 pm Lunch/Awards/Auction At WICKED

6:30 am Registration/Breakfast 7:30 am Shotgun Start 12:30 pm Lunch/Awards/Auction At WICKED

6:30 am Registration/Breakfast 7:30 am Shotgun Start 12:30 pm Lunch/Awards/Auction At WICKED

Foothills Golf Club

Foothills Golf Club

This years theme is “SPORTS”

Prizes awarded for:

This years theme is “SPORTS”

Prizes awarded for:

TO REGISTER go to www.ahwatukeechamber.com

6:30 am Registration/Breakfast 7:30 am Shotgun 12:30 pm Lunch/Awards/Auction At WICKED

Foursome $775

considered this production “super fun to make.”

Individuals $200

Moreover, he added, “The kids have done a great job, and I am super proud of them.”

TO REGISTER go to www.ahwatukeechamber.com

TO REGISTER go to www.ahwatukeechamber.com

TO REGISTER go to www.ahwatukeechamber.com

6:30 am Registration/Breakfast 7:30 am Shotgun Start

Best Dressed Foursome, Man, Woman & Cart

One Golfer will walk away

Best Dressed Foursome, Man, Woman & Cart

This years theme is “SPORTS”

This years theme is “SPORTS”

The cast includes Z Shaw, Connor Murray, Leila Cabanillas, Maia Pattison, Johnny Osenkarski, Chase Carter, Layla Hamilton, Phoenix Torres, Karl Pollet, Owen Klanke, Ireland Hanrahan, Lucky Navarro, Griffin Weber, Constance Kelly, Brody Stolfa, Ember Gurr and Jayvin Sumler.

Foursome $775

Also, Kylie Stinson, April Conyers, Ramsey McNeil, Courtney Stinson, Sebastian Navarro and Xander GaedeGaede.

Individuals $200

Members of the crew are Trevor Perry, Phoenix Torres, Molly Corbin, Samantha Payne, Dasia Franklin, Olivia Pattison, Aurora Garcia, Olivia Pattison, Ember Gurr, Anissa Moreno, Kendra Brierly, Brooklyn Cole, Leo Martin, Alyx Guenther, April Conyers, Xander Gaede, Cameron Weber, Shilaah Amaro, Amaris Moreno, Maia Pattison and Brianna Nunez.

Other cew members are Jadyn Carter, Emma Kulinowski, Layla Hamilton, Griffin Weber, Jayvin Sumler, Kyra Deeney, Brody Stolfa, Hannah Kinsman, Ellie Al-

Karl Pollet, Owen Klanke, Lucky Navarro, Constance Kellyy, Syd Gannon, Jojo Terrazas, Sebastian Navarro, Ramsey McNeil, Chase Carter, Courtney Stinson, Ireland Hanrahan, Connor Murray, Leila Cabanillas, Johnny Osenkarski, Kylie Stinson and Daileen Billy. 

This years theme is “SPORTS”

One Golfer will walk away with a 65’ TV

Prizes awarded for:

This years theme is “SPORTS”

Prizes awarded for:

Prizes awarded for:

Foursome $775

Individuals $200

Prizes awarded for:

Join the Ahwatukee Chamber for an unforgettable

Best Dressed Foursome, Man, Woman & Cart

Players Receive:

Individuals $200

Best Dressed Foursome, Man, Woman & Cart One Golfer will walk away with a 65’ TV

TO REGISTER go

Best Dressed Foursome, Man, Woman & Cart

Best Dressed Foursome, Man, Woman & Cart

www.ahwatukeechamber.com

One Golfer will walk away with a 65’ TV

the Ahwatukee Chamber for an unforgettable golf experience. Register at www.ahwatukeechamber.com

www.ahwatukeechamber.com

One Golfer will walk away with a 65’ TV

Players Receive:

One Golfer will walk away with a 65’ TV

Breakfast | Golf | 2 Drink Tickets | Range Balls I Lunch Golf Balls | Golf Shirt /Wind Breaker or Yete

Join the Ahwatukee Chamber for an unforgettable golf experience. Register at www.ahwatukeechamber.com

Friday, April 7th , 2023

Join the Ahwatukee Chamber for an unforgettable golf experience. Register at www.ahwatukeechamber.com

Breakfast | Golf | 2 Drink Tickets | Range Balls I Lunch Golf Balls | Golf Shirt /Wind Breaker or Yete

This years theme is “SPORTS”

Join the Ahwatukee Chamber for an unforgettable golf experience. Register at www.ahwatukeechamber.com

Hole-In-One Prizes:

Hole-In-One Prizes:

Foothills Golf Club

Join the Ahwatukee Chamber for an unforgettable golf experience. Register at www.ahwatukeechamber.com

Players Receive:

2) Vacation (Valued at $10,000)

Prizes awarded for:

1) San Tan Ford Car or Truck (Based on availability)

Players Receive:

Players Receive:

2)

Prizes awarded for:

1) San Tan Ford Car or Truck (Based on availability)

(Valued at $10,000)

Players Receive:

6:30 am Registration/Breakfast 7:30 am Shotgun Start 12:30 pm Lunch/Awards/Auction At

Foursome $775

Breakfast | Golf | 2 Drink Tickets | Range Balls I Lunch

Breakfast | Golf | 2 Drink Tickets | Range Balls I Lunch Golf Balls | Golf Shirt /Wind Breaker or Yete

Best Dressed Foursome, Man, Woman & Cart

Golf Balls | Golf Shirt /Wind Breaker or Yete

Breakfast | Golf | 2 Drink Tickets | Range Balls I Lunch Golf Balls | Golf Shirt /Wind Breaker or Yete

Hole-In-One Prizes:

Best Dressed Foursome, Man, Woman & Cart

Breakfast | Golf | 2 Drink Tickets | Range Balls I Lunch Golf Balls | Golf Shirt /Wind Breaker or Yete

Hole-In-One Prizes:

Hole-In-One Prizes:

1) San Tan Ford Car or Truck (Based on availability)

1) San Tan Ford Car or Truck (Based on availability)

2) Vacation (Valued at $10,000)

San Tan Ford Car or Truck (Based on availability)

Hole-In-One Prizes:

2) Vacation (Valued at $10,000)

TO REGISTER go to www.ahwatukeechamber.com

Vacation (Valued at $10,000)

One Golfer will walk away with a 65’ TV Join the Ahwatukee Chamber for an unforgettable golf experience. Register at www.ahwatukeechamber.com

Foursome $775

Individuals $200

1) San Tan Ford Car or Truck (Based on availability)

2) Vacation (Valued at $10,000)

One Golfer will walk away with a 65’ TV

This years theme is “SPORTS”

Join the Ahwatukee Chamber for an unforgettable golf experience.

Andrew

Prizes awarded for:

Best Dressed Foursome, Man, Woman & Cart

Carrie

One Golfer will walk away with a 65’ TV

Players Receive:

Join the Ahwatukee Chamber for an unforgettable golf experience. Register at www.ahwatukeechamber.com

Breakfast | Golf | 2 Drink Tickets | Range Balls I Lunch Golf Balls | Golf Shirt /Wind Breaker or Yete

Players Receive:

Hole-In-One

Breakfast | Golf | 2 Drink Tickets | Range Balls I Lunch Golf Balls | Golf Shirt /Wind Breaker or Yete

Hole-In-One Prizes:

Hole-In-One Prizes:

1) San Tan Ford Car or Truck (Based on availability)

2) Vacation (Valued at $10,000)

1) San Tan Ford Car or Truck (Based on availability)

2) Vacation (Valued at $10,000)

fonso,

The cast for the Pride thespians’ production of “Hamlet” includes senior Ramsay McNeill as The Messenger, senior Sebastian Navarro as Francisco, sophomore Lucky Navarro as Osric, junior Owen Klanke as Rosencrantz, senior Connor Murray as Claudius, senior Chase Carter as Laertes, sophomore Layla Hamilton as Horatio and sophomore Z Shaw as Hamlet. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer)

reography created by our choreographer, Haley Ward, is a sight to see! The music is catchy, the story has some great humor to it, and it has an important message about the power of wishes.”

www.ahwatukee.com

The cast includes Sarhana Shrestha, Abhinav Srinivasan, Yeshack Abraham, Tushar Gowda, Nathan Greenman. Yen Phu, Sumaya Tarazi, Shazaib Amlani, Smriti Athreya, Anika Bommareddy, Vedant Chauhan, Neha Tummala, Mingyu Kim and Rithvik Mopidevi.

Also, Esha Mulimani, Miles Parker, Han Phu, Shreya Raman, Mariella Tran, Ria Venkatrajan, Ohiya Walker and Omar Dreiza.

The musical production crew includes Kamalesh Goggi, Michael Kamin, Sanaa Mazhar, Tamara Svoiski, Yunso Tae, Megh Gowda, Lola Manuelito, Chloe Nguyen, Madison Redell and Hajun Tae.

Off Stage Drama Club members are Shreenidhi Balaji, Angelina Dutta, Elena Svoiski, Jennah Tarazi, Nabeeha Alam, Smriti Athreya, Luca Powell, Surabhi Saroha, Ohiya Walker, Pranav Nalole, Tamara Svoiski, Rajiv Mohapatra

and Amora Dillan.

The On Stage Drama Club members are Lerhyl Angel Beltran, Reeva Bhattarai, Lucy Fan, Shritha Gudupally, Saanvi Kalidindi, Avin Kamboj, Rhea Karam, Aliaksandra Krypinevich, Ava Loran-

dos, Aanya Mukherjee, Riya Murali, Brayden Park, Neha Sree, Srija Potharaju, Yuto Powell, Kavya Ramkumar, Ayush Rao, Kayla Smith, Elena Svoiski, Ananth Tangirala, Jennah Tarazi, Zoey Thompson, Ahsha Tiwari and Curie Yoon. 

April 7th at 7:00pm, Last Seven Words of Christ, a meaningful worship with word and music.

Sunday, April 9th • Easter Services

Sunrise Service 6:00 AM

Traditional Service 10:00 AM

Children’s Sunday School 10:15 AM

Easter Egg Hunt After Worship

LA CASA DE JUANA

BESTOF 2022

If you thought you have been to a Mexican restaurant lately you probably need to reconsider and visit La Casa De Juana in Ahwatukee. The fare is authentic Mexican, and when we say authentic we mean it, unlike many of the restaurant chains that call themselves Mexican. Upon entering you’ll be dazzled by the colorful décor, the tables and chairs are beautiful, Mexican painted murals, colorful banners hanging from the ceiling and the gracious service with warm orange and yellow tones echoing throughout the restaurant will make this your favorite Mexican restaurant. With great lunch and dinner specials, we have Happy Hour Monday - Sunday from 2 - 6 PM with $5 House Margaritas, $4 Beers, $5.95 Cheese Quesadilla, $8.95 Chunky Guacamole and $9.95 Juana’s Nachos. Live music every Thursday night in our Ahwatukee location and every Friday at our Tempe location. In conclusion The flavorful salsa, the delicious margaritas, the extraordinary and well-priced food will definitely keep you coming back.

Don’t hesitate to stop by the Ahwatukee location

3941 E. Chandler Blvd. (S/W corner Chandler & 40th St) to make your next reservation call 480-626-9295

www.juanashouse.com

Sumaya Amlani plays The Baker’s Wife, Sarhana Shrestha portrays The Witch and Tushar Gowda “The Baker” in the BASIS Ahwatukee musical this weekend. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer)

April

Summer Kids Camp Preview

Rebranded Ahwatukee theater offers camps

AFN NEWS STAFF

With a new name and new mission of becoming a community theater that will focus on serving all ages and broadening its platform beyond Ahwatukee, the former Ahwatukee Children’s Theater is now AZ ACT and it is scheduling “our first full camp experience.”

Theater classes will be offered 9 a.m.-1 p.m. for kindergarten through 12th grades. The first session will be held June 12-16 and June 19- 23.

There also is an opportunity for young-

sters to participate in AZ ACT’s 2023 summer main stage production of “The SpongeBob Musical Youth Edition,” which the group said is “full of lively characters and music by multiple artists.”

Shows will be presented June 30 and July 1 at Kroc Center for the Arts and auditions will be held May 15 and 16 by appointment.

Full rehearsal information is available at azact.org and registration for summer classes is underway at azact.org

The theater, with a subtitle of Arizona

see THEATER page 32

AZ ACT, then called the Ahwatukee Children’s Theatre, presents “A Christmas Carol” every year. Last year the cast included, from left, Colton

Meredith

Harmon as Tiny TIm, Samuel Nelson as Peter Cratchit,

Snow as Emily Cratchit, Jeff Rudolph as Bob Cratchit and, in the foreground, Julia Fagerman as Belinda Cratchit and Kenzie Padilla as Betina Cratchit. (AFN file photo)

Kyrene offers summer camps, academies

fifth grade.

Registration is underway for an array of summer camps and academies in Kyrene School District.

Registration for summer programs is already underway.

An elementary summer academy will run 8 a.m.-noon at Monte Vista Elementary in Ahwatukee May 30-June 26 for students entering kindergarten through

Create Learn Explore

Incoming kindergarten through fourth grade students can also find an academy at Waggoner Elementary in Tempe during the same time periods.

Incoming fifth-either graders also have an opportunity for a summer academy at Kyrene Middle School in Tempe.

For more information and to register: Kyrene.org.

How to pick a summer camp for your kids

AFN NEWS SERVICES

Understanding what your child needs and wants from a summer camp experience is the first step to giving them an enjoyable and fruitful time.

Summer camp offers so many opportunities for healthy and fun activities, but you should understand what your child needs and wants from a summer camp experience before making reservations.

Choosing the right camp requires a little legwork. What are your child’s interests? Does he or she have any physical of psychological needs? Are there any academic subjects that could use some brushing up on?

camp programs, and special needs.

Ask yourself what you and your child want to gain from the camp experience. Kids want to have fun, gain new skills, and make new friends.

You also want them to improve self-confidence, become more independent, learn about the world, and most of all, to be safe.

Deciding as a family which camp is the best is the first step toward a summer full of excitement, growth, and wellbeing.

Preschool Enrollment Begins March 21

Kyrene preschools ensure children enter kindergarten ready to learn. Customize your preschool experience with flexible scheduling, a variety of program options and a preschool on most campuses.

Working together as a family will ensure the kids have a great summer, and mom and dad can rest assured they’ve made the best choice.

How can parents find the right summer camp for their kids? There are so many options, but which one is right for your family?

Parents want to believe that when their children step into the real world, they can go forth safely with their health, personal integrity, and confidence intact. Spending summer at camp is a great bridge into that world, fortifying a child’s character and giving them the freedom to explore and experiment in a safe environment.

Signature Preschool Options Include: Reggio Emilia, Project-based Leader in Me, Early Learning Academy, Bienvenidos, Dual Language, and Arts Integrated

When you research summer camp programs with your child, you’re much more likely to find one that will satisfy your needs.

The hardest moment of the summer is that final hug or squeeze of your child’s hand before he or she gallops off into a gaggle of new friends.

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Registration is competitive and opens at 6:30 a.m.

Parents want to know that their children are going to be safe, and kids just want to have fun. When you work together, you’re laying the foundation for a great summer for all involved.

The decision to send your child to summer camp isn’t necessarily an easy one. There’s so much to consider: summer camp type, cost, size, location, summer

You get back into the car to watch your maturing son or daughter through the rearview mirror. What keeps the separation bearable is knowing that your kid is growing, that he or she is having an outrageously good time, and above all, they’re safe.

Therefore, the most imperative step in the summer camp process is to find an establishment you can trust and that addresses safety protocols, staffing, and

see CHOOSE page 32

Be an Explorer at Kyrene Summer Academy.

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at

THEATER from page 29

Community Theatrical Company, said in a release, “We will be focusing more on ‘community’ – both the community inside our walls with more programming for all ages, as well as the community we serve.

“ACT was built on a strong foundation that allows us to continue what we have been doing for over 20 years, yet still evolve.” It describes its goal as bringing “a variety of people together into one community through the joy of performing. “It is a place where educational programs

become performances and challenges are overcome through connection.”

Executive Director of AZ ACT is Melissa Snow, who studied dance, music, and theatre from some of the top artists and educators in the business and danced competitively as well as with the Ballet Repertoire Theatre.

At 16, she became a parade performer for the Disney Company, playing roles in street shows, stage shows, commercials, and television specials with Disney.

“Melissa has used those skills and passion that Disney ignited to teach dance at multi-

ple studios not only here in Arizona but as part of a dance convention that traveled the country,” AZ ACT says on its website.

Snow joined the Ahwatukee Children’s Theater in 2005 as a choreographer and has directed and choreographed numerous stage shows as well as its award-winning show choirs.

She is assisted by a group of talented and experienced actors and dancers. Bailey Isenberg, a 15-year veteran AZ ACT, has directed numerous shows and taught dozens of young people. Among the AZ ACT alumni now teaching others are Megan Snow, Anna Cederdahl, Katie Bring, Kendall Snow, Taylor Day, Jacob Anderson, Shannon Reagan, Morgan Brigham and Abby Van Vianen.

Board members include Ahwatukee resident Liz O’Neill, co-owner with her husband Tim of AZ Property Inspections, and a longtime volunteer in a number of business and community organizations. Also on the board is Mike McDaniel, president of Modern Workplace for DXC Technology and also a longtime community volunteer.

Ahwatukee Children’s Theater was founded in 2000 by Michelle Rubino, who several years ago relocated to Kentucky but has still kept a hand in AZ ACT. 

CHOOSE from page 31

group structure in your camp search.

The obvious step here is to speak with your child about what he or she is interested in pursuing this summer. CampPage.com allows searches by type, activity, and region.

So, whether your daughter is excited about magic, math, or Mars, she can find the most ideal summer camp for her interests.

Having your child at a camp close by may be a bigger psychological factor for you than anything else – you fall asleep at night knowing that if the phone rings, you can be at the cabin door in less than an hour.

Camps nearby often enable kids to maintain stronger connections with their peers – they’ll camp in the summer with the same kids they play basketball or dance with in the winter.

Consider everyone’s peace of mind and long-term benefits as you make your decision together.

This story was supplied by CampPage. com, which offers an extensive database of summer camps in the United States and Canada. 

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Ahwatukee chef’s skills please PV resort

DAVID M. BROWN AFN Contributor

Yulissa Acosta of Ahwatukee is coordinating many meals now as the new chef de cuisine for the Hearth ’61 restaurant at Mountain Shadows in Paradise Valley.

She leads menu development, coordinates the meat and seafood sourcing and ensures culinary excellence.

“In the world of professional cooking, it’s rare to cross paths with an individual who possesses not only superior technical culinary skill but the heart, passion, imagination and temperament that fosters teamwork and an unending pursuit of excellence,” said Executive Chef Charles Wiley.

No yolk, eggs could stay on grocery shelf longer

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

If some state lawmakers get their way, those AA-labeled eggs you find at the store later this year -- and pay a premium for -- may not be as fresh and tasty as they are now.

On a 4-3 vote, the Senate Commerce Committee last week agreed to allow eggs with an AA rating to remain on store shelves for 30 days – six days longer than now permitted.

Rep. Michele Pena, R-Yuma, said Arizona is only one of two states with such a short limit. She told lawmakers that other states allow AA eggs on shelves for 30 days and some have no statutory pull-by date.

There’s no evidence eggs older than 24 days are unsafe. Arizona allows A-graded eggs to be sold for up to 45 days after being candled, which occurs shortly after they are laid and collected.

But Roland Mader of the Arizona Department of Agriculture said egg quality starts to deteriorate after 24 days,

explaining, “The egg white gets more liquid, more watery.

“The cell membrane of the yolk, they lose the integrity,’’ Mader continued. And that, he said becomes most visible, when you break the egg into a pan and the yolk, rather than standing up, “is very flat.’’

What HB 2750 would mean, Mader said, is that someone buying a carton of AA eggs after 24 days would be getting what the state now considers a grade-A egg –something less than he or she paid for.

He said it’s no different than, say, the grades of beef that are available.

“If a customer purchases prime rib-eye steak, the customer expects and should be getting prime rib-eye steaks, not a lower grade,’’ Mader said.

Pena, however, argued there are good reasons to extend the sell-by dates of Grade AA eggs.

She reminded lawmakers of the recent shortage of eggs. But because that has been a national issue even in states with more liberal rules about how long eggs

LEFT: Yulissa Acosta of Ahwatukee brings what her boss calls “superior technical culinary skill” to the Hearth ’61 restaurant at Mountain Shadows in Paradise Valley. RIGHT: One of Yulissa Acosta’s creations is a tempora mushroom and oysters dish. (Courtesy of Hearth ’61) see CHEF page 37

Cutline (Special to AFN)

CHEF from page 36

Wiley, an employee of the developer, Westroc Hotels & Resorts, and its predecessor, Westcor, for more than three decades, added, “Yulissa has proved herself to be adept at all of the above.”

She also works closely with Executive Sous Chef Alfred Muro and 25 team members, including server Anessa Khan, wine steward Denis Babic, the wine steward, and restaurant Manager Jimmy Coghill.

The name Hearth ’61 celebrates the year Paradise Valley incorporated. The original Mountain Shadows golf resort opened two years before in 1959, welcoming locals and tourists such as Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Robert Stack and Del Webb.

Today, the signature restaurant at the 183-room resort offers brunch and dinner. The seasonally changing American-style menu includes Southwest influences, insights Chef Acosta has brought from her native Mexico and French cooking styles. Guests enjoy an exhibition kitchen with a large oven, floor-to-ceiling glass and contemporary décor that conduces to family get-togethers and more intimate meetings. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the bar features quiet live music.

Acosta noted that the popular monthly Sunday Supper Club with four-course winepaired menus have restarted after Covid.

“We always feature a special guest, with well-known chefs from other restaurants during the summer months, and they regularly sell out,” she said.

Acosta moved to the Valley as a child, attending elementary school in Mesa and Tempe High School, where her culinary arts teacher inspired her to become a chef.

“I had no idea that was an option for my future at the time,” she recalled, crediting her teacher with launching her into a series of culinary inspirations and experiences. She received a scholarship through CCAP (Careers through Culinary Arts Program), which allowed her to attend the Classic Cooking Academy in Scottsdale.

“It was a very educational and detaildriven experience,” she recalled. “The instructors there at the time were very honest and helpful, especially when I

was working through new cooking techniques.”

Work at Bink’s Midtown and Mirabel Golf Club followed.

At those venues, chefs Kevin Binkley and Brandon Gauthier mentored her. During this time, she also learned kitchen ethics, particularly managing speed and timeliness.

“A big one that I’ve always carried with me was the importance of a clean kitchen and spending extra time to detail the nooks and crannies,” she said. “It makes a difference in the long run, especially with the equipment.”

In 2017, she helped open Hearth ’61, starting as a line cook; just a year later, she became sous chef. “I put in a lot of hours, committed to teamwork and had the willingness to learn from others,” she said.

Chefs Wiley and Muro have taught her since.

“There is not enough time to describe how much I’ve learned from the both of them,” Acosta said.

“Chef Wiley has influenced all of us to be creative; he’s given us a lot of flexibility to be creative. We are all fortunate for the enjoyable environment he has provided for us to work here.”

She added, “However, I have also been fortunate to work with unique ingredients, and they’ve been gracious and patient enough to teach me how to incorporate them into dishes.

“I’m trying to keep it simple, using those influences, seasonal ingredients and surrounding it with a lot of flavor.”

Two plates she has debuted are the beautifully presented Duroc Farm’s Pork Chop with Jacob bean ragu and black pepper glaze and the Two Wash Ranch Chicken Roulade with barley risotto, romanesco and natural jus.

“I wanted to amplify the flavor in the protein of each dish,” she explained. “The glaze in the pork radiates sweet and spice, while the Jacob bean ragu tones it down enough to where the glaze itself cuts the through the fat.

“In the chicken, I was trying to play with textures from the roulade itself and add creaminess from the barley risotto. The

natural jus complements the chicken and helps cut through the fat of the risotto.”

Those on restricted diets will appreciate that Wiley has ensured that the Hearth ’61 menu contains gluten free, vegan and vegetarian selections. Acosta added that the kitchen will also go off menu, if possible.

At Hearth ’61, diners can start your meal with “To Begin” selections, flatbreads and salads.

Chef suggested two palate-cleaners: the hiramasa crudo and the tempura oyster mushrooms. Accompanying these could be a bread from Noble in Phoenix for dipping in a housemade basil pesto, nut free, dusted with parmesan reggiano.

For the first, she uses yellowtail sourced from Baja California for its taste and sustainability. To this she adds varying tastes of cara orange segments, frisée, shallot rounds, jalapeño and white soy vinaigrette.

The second and very different starter, a bit heavier, combines buttered sunchokes, shishito peppers, light and sweet, black garlic tahini, walnuts and matcha, a Mexican salsa chef assembles with dried quajillo and chipotle peppers.

The short rib agnolotti, developed by Chef Muro, is a regular menu item

throughout the year and returns at selected times, with changes.

“The reason it’s not there all of the time is that it’s so labor intensive,” Acosta explained. “It requires a four-hour braise to get just the right texture.” To this, the kitchen provides a shitake mushroom velouté, or sauce, onions, fennel, Aleppo peppers and marscapone.

Every day the menu offers a Feature of the Day, possibly meat, fish or pork. “Our fish purveyor might say, ‘The orange roughy is looking very good, and we can give you a very good price,’” Acosta explained.

The restaurant’s wine list provides a good selection for pairing, and dessert beverages, cognac and digestifs are also available for the dessert phase.

Chef Wiley credits the inventive menu to Acosta.

“Yulissa personifies a new, modern chef, one who naturally embraces not only the simplicity, freshness and innovative presentations of the cuisine at Hearth ’61,” he said, “but also the restaurant culture of genuine hospitality that we covet so dearly.”

Information: mountainshadows.com. 

LG targets EV for $5.5 billion battery operation

BY MARK MORAN AFN Staff Writer

After months of study, speculation, and delay, Korean energy giant LG Energy Solution announced it will break ground this year on a $5.5billion lithium battery manufacturing plant in Queen Creek with production to start in 2025.

The announcement quadruples LG’s initially announced investment of $1.4 billion made early last year and the plant likely will create thousands of jobs.

LG’s North American subsidiary bought 650.5 acres at Ironwood and Germann roads in a state Land Department auction last April for $84.4 million and the town has been upgrading roads around the site in anticipation of the development.

The bid was the only one cast for the State Trust Land parcel is near Zimmerman Dairy Farm and CMC Steel Arizona, southeast of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.

“We are so excited that LGES is expanding this pivotal project that supports the demand for innovative clean energy solutions,” Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley said.

Stating “the substantial investment will create a positive ripple effect for the region and the state, bringing local jobs, infrastructure, and capital investment,” the mayor added, “LG Energy Solu-

EGGS from page 36

can be sold, Pena conceded she cannot link a shortage to Arizona’s 24-day rule.

“It was more of a capitalist mind-set that instigated all of that,’’ Sen. Theresa Hatathlie, D-Tuba City, said of the egg shortage.

What actually appears to be behind the measure are the desires of the Arizona Retailers Association, representing the stores that sell the eggs.

But in a prepared statement for the committee, Michelle Ahlmer, the group’s executive director, said the change is designed to help shoppers by keeping eggs available for sale for an extra six days.

“Consumers need all the help that can be provided,’’ she said.

There also is the claim that the 24-day

tion will be the first company to break ground along the advanced manufacturing corridor.”

This is the single largest investment ever for a stand-alone battery manufacturing complex in North America, according to LGES.

It will consist of two facilities, one for 2,170 electric vehicle batteries and the other for “pouch type” lithium-ion phosphate batteries, which are used in rechargeable devices like power tools, electric bikes solar panels and laptops.

“Our decision to invest in Arizona demonstrates our strategic initiative to continue expanding our global production network, which is already the larg-

limit results in $3 million worth of expired eggs being thrown out every year because it can be difficult to repackage AA eggs for sale at a lower grade.

“That simply doesn’t happen,’’ countered Glenn Hickman, president of the family-owned egg ranch that bears his name.

As the state’s largest egg producer, he testified he would know if retailers were dumping $60,000 worth of eggs a week.

Hickman does not dispute that some stores may find themselves with AA eggs past 24 days they cannot sell.

But he said the blame likely lies with poor management, saying his trucks deliver eggs to the average store three times a week and it is up to store staff to ensure that the stock is rotated.

Patrick Bray, lobbyist for the Arizona

est in the world, to further advance our innovative and top-quality products in scale and with speed,” said Youngsoo Kwon, CEO of LG Energy Solution in a press release.

“We believe it’s the right move at the right time in order to empower clean energy transition in the U.S.”

As the demand for rechargeable batteries grows in North America, the battery plant will bring the company closer to its customer base and save money on logistics and manufacturing, LGES said.

In addition to being a huge investment, LGES also plans to launch new technology in the facilities, making its production decisions based solely on

Farm and Ranch Group, questioned the accuracy of that $3 million claim.

He noted Ahlmer has been quoting that same figure since 2018.

That’s when she used it to convince lawmakers to allow those eggs initially graded A – usually because they have a larger air pocket which shows lower quality – to be sold up to 45 days after being laid, nearly twice as long as previously permitted.

Hatathlie supported the change, saying she doesn’t understand why there even are mandatory sell-by dates on eggs.

“I know that organic eggs, when harvested and cared for, will last even up to a year,’’ she said.

Hatathlie said if it were up to her, HB 2750 would extend the ability to sell AA eggs not just to 30 days but to 45.

data. The company said those cost reductions would eventually bring down the cost of electric vehicles.

“By implementing this key measure to enhance product quality, the Arizona facilities will aim to increase yield, improve manufacturing processes, and boost productivity to better respond to the ever-rising battery demands in the region,” the company said.

LGEG initially announced its intention to build the facility in Queen Creek almost a year ago. But months of speculation and study followed as the company said it was reevaluating.

see BATTERY page 39

But that still leaves the issue of quality. And that was enough to convince Sen. Frank Carroll to vote against the change.

The Sun City West Republican recalled moving here 30 years ago from Illinois, which does not have Arizona’s 24-day limit on the sale of AA eggs.

“I preferred the flavor of the eggs when I encountered Arizona,’’ he told colleagues, saying it appears there is a correlation between how old the eggs are on the shelf and that taste.

Hickman said he provides lower quality grade A eggs with their 45-day sale period to any merchant who wants them. In fact, that’s the only way jumbo eggs are sold in Arizona.

The committee’s vote sends the measure, which already has cleared the House, to the full Senate. 

LG is quadrupling its initially announcement investment in a lithium battery plant in Queen Creek to $5.5 billion, and it is unclear how that might affect this original design of its facility released early last year. (Ffile photo)

from page 38

Progress came to a standstill and raised speculation that the facility might not be built. That ended with Friday’s announcement.

“With this historic investment from LGES, Arizona has become the battery manufacturing capital of the country,” said Gov. Katie Hobbs in statement.

“These Arizona-made batteries will power green, sustainable technologies around the world, cementing Arizona’s reputation as an innovation hub for renewable energy. We’re grateful to LGES for their legacy investment and for committing to making thousands of goodpaying jobs for Arizonans,” she added.

The company’s decision to increase investment in electric vehicle battery production in North America comes from rising demand from electric car makers like Tesla for locally manufactured high-quality, high-performance batteries to satisfy the Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credits for electric vehicles, according to LGES.

“Situating the new ESS battery facility in North America, the biggest ESS market globally, LGES aims to respond to the fast-growing needs for locally manufactured batteries on the back of the IRA, and further expedite clean energy

transition in North America upon the strong government policies supporting the adoption of ESS,” the company said.

LGES’s announcement is the latest in a series of battery-related announcements in Arizona and nationwide. Ford said last month it would build a $3.5 billion battery factory in Michigan and has plans to for battery plants in Kentucky and Tennessee, partnering with another Korean company, SK On, according to the New York Times.

A wave of new factories is expected to increase battery manufacturing capacity in North America tenfold from 2021 to 2030.

LG did not start out as the huge electronics and battery manufacturing conglomerate it has become.

Lucky Chemical Co. was established in 1947 as a cosmetics company whose first star product was called Lucky Cream when it opened a lab in the 1950’s in Korea, where it used plastic injection technology to make plastic combs, and soap dishes, according to an article last year in Newsweek about the history of LG.

While town officials say it will be good for the local economy, the facility last year raised concerns among some neighboring residents, who worry it could pose environmental damage and threats to people, pets and livestock. 

LG Enegery Solution’s North American subsidiary bought a barren 650.5 acre site at Ironwood and Germann roads in Queen Creek last April at a state Land Department auction for $84.4 million. (Town of Queen Creek)

Jake Romaine’s fight with cancer motivating Thunder baseball

BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

Jake Romaine patiently stood inside the Desert Vista home dugout on Saturday, March 18, leaning over the railing at times while his teammates stretched for practice.

Behind him on the dugout wall was a reminder for the entire team, “Play Like a Champion Today.” It’s a slogan made famous by the University of Notre Dame, as Irish players hit it on their way out of the locker room and onto the football field.

But this year, the sign represents more than just playing up to a certain standard for Desert Vista. It now represents Romaine’s fight with leukemia and the program’s support for him.

“To me, it means confidence,” Romaine said. “It’s hard sometimes but I know these guys always got me out here. Whatever I’m going through, just push through it. This is my favorite place to come to.”

There was a time last fall where Romaine didn’t think he would be able to be around his teammates at all this season.

He was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on Nov. 12. Just days prior he was playing in a pre-season game with his teammates. But in a matter of days, he went from a happy-golucky baseball player preparing for his senior season to a hospital bed at Phoenix Children’s.

But he never let that break him. He was told his high school baseball career was over. Hope remains for his college career at Paradise Valley Community College.

The support from his teammates fueled him. Shirts were made in his honor with the slogan, “Live Like Letty,” eluding to the nickname he picked up due to his last name and long, curly hair before chemotherapy treatments forced him to shave it off.

Romaine was told he would undergo chemo treatments for six to nine months and have maintenance treatments for two more years after. Doctors warned

on Saturday, March 18, he joined his teammates for practice. It wasn’t the first time and won’t be the last, but his fight has motivated the Thunder this season. (Dave Minton/AFN Staff)

him he may be too weak at times to do any physical activity, let alone be there with his team.

But that hasn’t stopped him.

“It didn’t really seem possible,” Romaine said. “Now that I’m here, I don’t know what I was thinking. I just pushed through a lot and worked as hard as I could. That helped me get back out here and hang around with the guys.”

Just weeks after his diagnosis, Romaine shared a video to social media of him on a stationary bike. A few more weeks went by, and he was seen in a batting cage taking swings.

On that Saturday, where his presence was a surprise to his teammates, he grabbed his glove and jogged out to warm up. It was a sight that nearly brought head coach Patrick Herrera to tears. It brought smiles to the rest of the faces on the field that day.

“It’s the most unfortunate thing I’ve gone through as a coach,” Herrera said.

“But it’s really brought this group together. We rally around him. Losing your senior year and still coming out to support your guys. He’s a special kid.”

All the success Desert Vista has had so far this season has been for Romaine. He’s been able to attend games at times but has spent most at his home watching a livestream or awaiting updates from his teammates.

He is always on their mind, and his determination to fight leukemia has motivated the Thunder program to succeed.

Desert Vista struggled last season to find a consistent rhythm on the field. The Thunder, in their first year under Herrera, would often find success before losing two or three games in a row. They felt they were better than what their record showed and even though 17 wins was a vast improvement from the year prior, they knew they had what it takes to do even better.

That’s why they went to work early this past off-season. Herrera’s ability to rebrand the program took off even further and the players who returned to the team

bought in to his philosophy.

The “Vista Boys” persona represents pride for the school and team. They aim to perform their best every time they step out onto the field with this new mindset.

It’s worked. Desert Vista is off to a hot start at 12-2-2 and is now being named a dark horse to make a run at the 6A title.

“It’s just a different vibe out here now,” senior pitcher Michael Caruso said. “Last year we had a good run, but we have a good chance this year. It’s a complete mindset change for everyone. We’ve got something special.”

Disciplined baseball, good pitching and big bats have been key for the Thunder’s success. Caruso has played a big role in that with a 3-0 record on the mound and 2.21 ERA.

He’s also become a leader for the Thunder program alongside other seniors. Having been a part of the rebuild the last two seasons, Caruso has seen the growth and maturity of the players on the team. That includes some of the juniors, espe-

see ROMAINE page 43

From left: Brendan Burke, Pat Herrera, Jake Romaine and Michael Caruso have all bought in to the “Play Like a Champion Today” mindset. It has taken on a new meaning this season with Romaine’s diagnosis. (Dave Minton/AFN Staff)

Desert Vista senior Jake Romaine was told he may not be able to be around his team at all this season due to his leukemia diagnosis. But

ROMAINE from page 42

cially catcher Brendan Burke.

Burke leads the team with 16 RBI this season. Along with Caruso, Herrera praised him for his success at the plate. While he acknowledged a good start to his junior campaign, he credited his teammates and their collective off-season work for the success.

“Everyone is competing harder, and we’re all bought in to what coach Herrera is trying to do,” Burke said. “We’re an underdog every day. We just go out there and compete.”

As Desert Vista prepares for the rest of the season, Romaine continues to be at the forefront of players’ minds.

The Thunder’s main goal is to win a championship. Not for themselves, but for him. He believes that would be pretty special.

“I knew we were going to come out pretty hot. But I didn’t know it would be this hot,” Romaine said. “I’m here enough to know we are the real deal this year. This year, I think anything is possible and these are the guys that can make a run.” 

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World’s largest Easter pageant begins Thursday

BY SRIANTHI PERERA Tribune Contributor

The world’s largest annual Easter pageant begins a two-week run Wednesday, March 29, on the grounds of the Mesa Arizona Temple.

“Jesus the Christ” at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple usually draws at least 100,000 people.

It entails more than 400 cast members (including a donkey and sheep), over 1,000 costumes and and upgraded sound and lighting system that requires 45-ton cranes to install.

Thousands of volunteers form into committees for stage production, security and frontline work – including laying out over 9,000 chairs on the temple grounds.

“The pageant generally is one of those treasures, I think, unique to the world in general, but specific to our little Mesa

community,” said Trevor Orme, who plays the shared role of Jesus. “And as big as it is, it surprises me how few people have either heard of it or, if they have, haven’t come to it.

“Just the experience of being there is one to remember,” he added.

The free, 70-minute outdoor musical dramatization highlights the key moments of the life of Jesus Christ from birth to resurrection as detailed in the King James version of the Bible.

Last year, after a hiatus of three years due to an extensive renovation of the Temple complex and the pandemic, a completely new version of the pageant was introduced.

The script and score were rewritten under the direction of Gilbert composer Rob Gardner while the London Symphony Or-

see PAGEANT page 47

Coopstock returns for 25th year with rock icons

BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

Coopstock returns for another rockin’ event to support Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers in Mesa and Phoenix.

This year features performances by legendary rock ‘n’ roll icons such as KISS lead guitarist Tommy Thayer, Collective Soul lead singer Ed Roland and Cheap Trick lead singer Robin Zander, among others, at Las Sendas Golf Course Sunday, April 2.

It will be followed by the Alice Cooper’s Rock & Roll Golf Classic April 3, where a donor gets to play golf with musicians like Alice Cooper, Tommy Thayer and Ed Roland. That event has already sold out, as it does every year.

All proceeds benefit Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers, a nonprofit that Scottsdale native Cooper built to provide free after-school music lessons to local teens.

“We are fulfilling a vision we’ve had for several years…to provide teens with a central place to learn, have fun, and explore their creativity in a supportive and safe environment,” Cooper said. “The Rock is the first of many teen centers in Arizona and, ultimately, around the country.”

For a quarter-century, Coopstock has drawn thousands and this year organizers expect more than 2,500 people to attend the event.

Tickets start at $69 for a festival ticket with lawn access seating and guests can bring their own chairs or blankets. More exclusive tickets include a collectible “Groovy Coopstock Chair” and premium seating or valet parking, table seat, dinner/drinks and perks.

Tommy Thayer has known Alice Cooper for many years through the “rock ‘n’ roll biz” and knows the invaluable service the teen centers provides for the community.

“I’m very familiar and I love what they

do,” Thayer said. “And I know that I can help contribute and bring some music and a little golf as well.”

Thayer joined Kiss as lead guitarist in 2003 and has attended the local fundraiser in year’s past that starts with a dinner party, followed by a live auction of music memorabilia – including a couple of Thayer’s signature Les Paul guitars – and ends with a jam session.

Every year, some young teens that attend the Cooper’s centers get invited to support Thayer on stage during the jam session.

While their skills at such a young age impress Thayer, he said he finds the thrill as a fan himself when he gets to perform with the likes of other legendary artists such as The Doors guitarist Robby Krieger, Eagles lead guitarist Don Felder, and Robin Zander, lead singer and rhythm guitarist for Cheap Trick.

The large cast and crew in the Mesa Arizona Tempe Easter Pageant only starts rehearsing a few weeks before the annual run starts and yet it comes of as flawlessly as a long-running Broadway musical. (AFN file photo)

Legendary KISS lead guitarist Tommy Thayer is one of the featured guests at Coopstock at Las Sendas Golf Course next Sunday. (Special to AFN)

EV rockers steer into Pub Rock for gig

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

Turn Zero vocalist Emily Grieve has always viewed music as an outlet that has gotten her through some of the toughest times of her life.

“I’ve been through some pretty dark spots in my life where music was the thing that I turned to because I felt like I was alone. But music made it so that I knew that I wasn’t,” said Grieve, a graduate of Dobson High School in Mesa.

Inspired by the bands that emerged during the pop-punk movement of the late 90s and the early 2000s and the rhythms that followed during the metalcore explosion of the late 2000s that carried into the 2010s, Grieve ventured into a music career.

In 2018, she started the band Turn Zero – a reference to a phrase called out during timed competitive Pokémon card matches when a player is in the middle of their turn as the clock hit zero.

Since then, Turn Zero has gained a reputation for dynamic live shows as well as

its recorded material.

Though the band started with a slightly softer sound, it has recently begun venturing into a heavier sound.

“It’s the type of music that I’ve gravitated towards since my Sophomore year of high school and it’s the type of music that I’ll listen to while doing menial tasks around the house,” Grieve said.

“It’s also perfect because if I want to cry, I can listen to the lyrics and if I don’t want to cry, I can also have the music.”

Adding to its heavier sound has been the addition of bassist and Scottsdale resident Eli Fabrega and drummer Ryan Hart. Grieve met while the two when they attended Hamilton High School in Chandler.

“The sound that we have now is actually closer to the sounds that I wanted in the beginning,” Grieve said.

“And with the current lineup we have, everybody is so talented and open-minded so when it comes to writing or picking out new songs to play, everybody is involved.”

This chemistry is best displayed during the band’s energetic live performances,

like the one it has planned on April 4 at Pub Rock Live in South Scottsdale.

“We really are huge on crowd participation. So when we play “Drown” – a cover of the ‘Bring Me The Horizon’ track – we like having everybody singing that last chorus and when we play ‘Animal.’ we like hearing the crowd clap their hands to the bridge,” Grieve said. “Making sure that we know how to get everybody moving is our goal.”

However, it is Grieve’s voice that usually captures the crowd’s attention.

“With Emily, I feel like we are a very solid band,” said Hart, a resident of Chandler. “When people see Emily up on stage singing to them, they just feel captivated by it. I feel like Emily is what makes us stand out among the rest.”

Although Grieve usually captures the spotlight, she gladly shares it with a cast of talented musicians that includes the band’s enigmatic rhythm guitarist John Curtis-Sanchez, who may have a special move planned for the show.

“John does a lot of work for the live show. He runs and jumps across the stage and he’s working on a super-secret move for the show right now,” Grieve teased.

“I think that the amount of fun that we all have up on stage is just contagious.”  The band is hoping to spread the energy not just to the crowd but to the headline act of the 4/4 bill, Denver-based rockers Suitable Miss.

“We’re playing with some really cool bands like Suitable Miss from Colorado and one of our goals is to go and play out of the state,” Hart said. “We’re hoping this show will help us get to that point.”

Because of this, the band plans to jam its four recorded and released tunes as well as a new single titled “Gaslight” and a cover of a Taylor Swift song during its

30-minute set.

Although the band members hope the show helps advance the group’s career, they also hope to give fans a memorable experience with a lot of entertainment value.

“I always just hope that people feel like they had a good time after the show because that’s the main point we’re selling,” said Fabrega, an alumnus of Chaparral High School.

“If they’re not they’re going crazy and having a fun time while listening and if Emily’s not making them cry with her with her vocals at the same time, then we’re not really doing our jobs,” he added.  

chestra recorded the soundtrack.

A backdrop of a large LED screen that helps simulate various scenes such as the flowing sea and ferocious storms, sophisticated special effects and the stateof-the-art sound and light technology are among the updates.

“I would hate to use word spectacle because it makes it trite, but it really is an experience,” said Ben Mason, who plays Peter the Apostle.

How does such a large production come together?

“I like to think of it as a puzzle,” said Jenee Prince, pageant director. “We’ll start with the edge pieces and get some of those scenes done and then all of the loose framework from there.”

The process begins as far back as August, when the community is invited to audition. By early December, actors are chosen and new costuming and repairs to costumes are underway.

Committees are formed for makeup, sound, props, stage crew, music, lighting, publicity and the other myriad aspects that must work to perfection to put on a production that parallels one on Broadway.

The first rehearsal, when everyone meets for the first time, takes place on a Saturday in March. For many days thereafter, the core cast meets and rehearses before the first dress rehearsal.

“It comes together very, very quickly and that’s by having so many people in

COOPSTOCK from page 45

“A lot of them I grew up admiring myself, and so get to get the get on stage and play their music with them is something that is interesting to me,” Thayer said. “I get to play other people’s music and enjoy that, and again, it’s all for a great cause and to raise money for this foundation.”

Overall, Thayer describes the work taking place at Solid Rock stands as impressive and inspiring for local teens that “only helps them grow and go the right direction in life.”

“I don’t know what music is going to be like in the next 10-20 years,” Thayer said. “But whatever the popular music is, these are the kids that are going to take that into a new direction.

After the fundraiser, Thayer will hit the road to perform with Kiss’ End of the

place to do different things,” Prince said. “So many moving parts work separately together and we all coordinate and collaborate on what we do. People are constantly working to put their pieces into the puzzle.”

She added, “I think the biggest challenge for me is making sure that it feels and it looks right, that it represents the subject matter of the Savior’s life in the way that we want it to. That’s the most important thing for me.”

The Easter pageant had a modest beginning in 1938 as a sunrise service on the Mesa Temple grounds. It was a conclusion for a statewide convention that evolved over the years to became an annual event and a beloved community tradition.

The cast and crew are not professional actors and they deem it a calling in the church. Everyone volunteers their time and service.

Prince was born and raised in Mesa and attended Westwood High School. She remembers seeing the pageant as a young girl, little dreaming that she would be directing it one day.

At college, she trained in the theater arts and cultivated a strong musical background. Today, she works as a fine arts director overseeing a cluster of schools.

In 2004, she was asked to be an assistant director for the show and transitioned to be the director in 2012.

“I was so excited about it,” she said. “I love people and love gathering with people and especially in the community. I’ve lived in Mesa my whole life. I’m grateful to

Road tour in South America, which started in 2019 but was put on hold due to the pandemic.

In October, the band returns to the US to wind down the tour and its 50-year journey as a band on Dec. 2 in New York City.

“It’s been a wild ride and I just sometimes have to pinch myself, because it’s hard to believe I’ve been able to be part of this and be a part of such an important group as Kiss through the years,” Thayer said.

In the meantime, Thayer invites everyone to come out for a fun night of music and memories and experience the remarkable concept that Alice and Cheryl Cooper have created.

“They know exactly what they’re doing, and they’re very good at it,” Thayer said. “It’s kind of groundbreaking, and I hope that more people do these kinds of things using this as an example.”

be a small part of such a big community event.”

To Prince, the position is not one of being in charge.

“I think of it as a big opportunity to link arms with so many like-minded people in the community,” she said.

A lawyer in Mesa, Orme has played roles in the pageant since he was 17, including Joseph in the Nativity scenes, a sepulcher angel, Adam and as the crucified Jesus Christ.

Orme is not trained in theater or music, but is comfortable on stage, he said.

That may have something to do with being chosen to play Jesus Christ. He shares the role with two others.

“Just being in the pageant itself means a lot,” he said. “Being able to play this particular role has increased meaning. I love doing this role because of how it makes me feel and for how I hope to help others feel.”

As Jesus, he’s on stage about 80 percent of the time. On the days he is not playing Jesus, he will be part of the greater multitude cast with his three small daughters.

A lawyer in Gilbert, Mason settled in the East Valley 12 years ago. With his theater background in school, he was chosen to play Jesus last year. “I’m incredibly hum-

bled to get cast in that role and I just did the best I could,” he said.

Mason said the experience was “fantastic.” “It definitely brought me and my family closer to Christ to help me better understand everything that he went through,” he said.

The other aspect was strengthening community bonds. He values the relationships made with the other members of the cast.

“When you have those tight relationships and form those friendships in the context of all of us also growing closer to Christ at the same time, I think it makes those bonds even stronger,” he said. 

If you go

What: Mesa Easter Pageant

When: 8 p.m. March 29-April 1; April 4-8.

Where: North lawn of the Mesa Arizona Temple, 101 S. Lesueur, Mesa.

Cost: Free

Info: As parking is limited, attendees are encouraged to use Valley Metro Light Rail.

Details: mesatemple.org/easter-programgram

Easter Parade Spring Fling Carnival & Craft Fair

ACROSS

1 Pot brew

4 Rosary component

8 Tempo

12 Rowing need

13 Scarce

14 “Damn Yankees” vamp

15 Polish composer Chopin

17 Squad

18 Oust from office

19 Not ‘neath

21 Show to a seat, slangily

22 Established rule

26 Kick out

29 Cat’s coat

30 Ms. Longoria

31 Chaste

32 River blocker

33 Till bills

34 Wyo. neighbor

35 Corral

36 Sanctify

37 -- acid

39 Luau bowlful

40 Khan title

41 Blacksmiths’ blocks

45 Indolent

48 Curry powder spice

50 Dayton’s state

51 “Do -- others ...”

52 “I love,” to Livy

53 Autograph

54 Take five

55 Bottom line

DOWN

1 Bean curd

2 Deserve

3 God of war

4 Chicken serving

5 Third rock from the sun

6 “Exodus” hero

7 Propriety

8 Book jacket write-up

9 Long time

10 “The Greatest”

11 Make lace

16 Wimbledon tie

20 Where Lux. is

23 Actress Russo

24 Currier’s partner

25 Mama -- Elliot

26 Monumental

27 Dame Dench

28 Part of Q.E.D.

King Crossword

29 Summer cooler

32 Illinois city

33 Martini garnish

35 Glutton

36 Witticism

38 Synthetic fabric

39 Seg-ments

42 Persia, today

43 Rickey flavor

44 Kilt wearer

45 Part of UCLA

46 Sashimi fish

47 Sharp turn

49 French article

Sudoku

If you’ve spent any time following the tormented lives of the Dutton family on the Yellowstone Ranch, you may remember the scene from the bunkhouse food debate: when it comes to chili, it is beans or no beans?

The argument among the ranch hands was as rich and robust as a good bowl of chili should be.

Jan spills the beans about what makes chili

The same question was asked by Delish.com on their Instagram Stories page and the arguments for and against beans in chili was just as spicy and heated. Care to take a guess as to what nearly 90 percent of voters decided?

If you don’t give a hill of beans, you’re on the wrong side of the debate. Almost all who voted agreed that if you don’t have beans in chili, well, you can call it chili, but it’s really just meat sauce. (Texans, please stand down!)

I don’t think we’ll settle this age-old controversy in this column, so instead, let me share one of my all-time favorite chili recipes! With three different meats and authentic chili seasonings, do you suppose beans add or take away from this glorious pot of flavor?

Read on and see for yourself.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. stewing beef, cut into half-inch cubes

• 1lb. ground beef

• 1/2 lb. ground pork

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• Flour for coating meat

• 1 sweet yellow onion, chopped

• 4 cloves of garlic, minced

• 3 tablespoons chili powder

• 1 1/2 tablespoons cumin

• 2 teaspoons red chili pepper flakes

• 2 teaspoons Mexican oregano

Directions:

Dredge stewing beef in flour and brown all meat in large frying pan with oil. (Jan’s Note: I slightly brown the flour in a dry skillet for a rich, nutty flavor! Cook and stir often until flour is a very light golden-brown color.)

Sprinkle one half of the chili powder, cumin, oregano, pepper flakes and jalapeno powder over browning meat. In large Dutch oven or soup pot, add diced tomato, tomato paste, bullion, water, cider, sugar and remainder of spices. Bring to boil then reduce heat to low. Sauté onions and garlic until soft and translucent and add to soup pot.

• 1 small jalapeno, minced

• 3 beef bouillon cubes dissolved in 1/2 cup of hot water

• 1 (16) can diced tomato

• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

• 16 ounces water

• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• Optional, ½ cup corn flour mixed with water into a paste

• Salt and pepper to taste

Add spiced meat to pot. Cook on medium heat for 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Turn to simmer and cook for minimum 2 hours. Stir chili frequently so meat doesn’t stick to bottom of pot and burn.

Add corn flour and water mixture to chili during the last thirty minutes only if chili needs thickening. Add salt and pepper to taste. Important: Stir pot especially during last half hour so flour doesn’t stick to bottom of pan.

Serve with bowls of heated beans, cheese, sour cream and flour tortillas..

480-898-6465

Consider a Technical School

These programs offer a quicker, affordable pathway to a new career

They’re particularly helpful for those looking to gain a specialized skill, or anyone attempting to earn needed credentials for work while taking care of other financial or family obligations.

Trades like electricians and welders come with robust benefit packages, while jobs in fields like nursing and dental hygiene play a critical rose in health care. All of them require certification through technical schools, which provide educational opportunities and on-the-job experience on a much shorter timeline than the typical four-year university. They’re cheaper, too.

dollars cheaper per year, according to the Community for Accredited Online Schools.

PERSONAL ATTENTION

Whether you’ve just graduated from high school or are a working adult who’s looking to make a fresh start, technical school can provide a pathway to an exciting new career.

WHAT THEY DO

Vocational or technical schools offer fulltime, one- to two-year courses to prepare for careers in health care, technology, manufacturing and transportation, among others. They’re filling a critical need for people moving into the workforce, but also for retraining. Some 80% of CEOs said they were concerned about future skills training in one study by the Society of Human Resource Management.

CRITICAL AFFORDABILITY

In an era of growing, sometimes insurmountable student loan debt, technical schools provide a pathway to careers at a significantly lower average cost than any four-year school. Sometimes, tuition is literally tens of thousands of

Those four-year schools also have huge incoming classes, with thousands of students per course. Technical schools offer a smaller, more personalized experience. Students create intimate networks of peers who get to know each other while studying and working together. These lifelong relationships can pay big dividends professionally down the road, to say nothing of personal connections made. Smaller, local campuses make commuting and parking easier, and most classes are held in individual buildings rather than across sprawling campuses.

NEEDED EXPERIENCE

Getting started in a new career with no experience can be prohibitively difficult, even if you have a degree. Technical schools not only offer the required credentials, they also prepare students for many high-demand jobs by providing hands-on experience before you even begin a career. Hiring managers will take special notice of those who possess both education, certification and experience — three things that could push you to the front of the line for open positions. 

development, testing,

implementation. Telecommuting permitted. Apply at https://www.jobpostingtoday.com/ Ref #89708.

Gen Digital Inc. has an opening for a Optimization Analyst in Tempe, AZ. Job duties include understanding the business needs of cross-functional teams and execute website A/B tests to drive business impact; Partner with business stakeholders to ideate, design, develop and execute A/B, multivariate and personalization tests; Develop test experiences in collaboration with visual designers, copywriters, product managers, pricing specialists, and engineers. May telecommute. To apply, submit resume to jobads@gendigital.com. Must reference job title and job