AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS, MAY 4, 2022 by Times Media Group

INSIDE:

COMMUNITY

P. 27 |

www.ahwatukee.com

PICKLEBALL MATH

BUSINESS

P. 33 |

SAVING SAGUAROS

P. 27 LAKES COURSE

P. 33 HOPING TO PITCH

. 38

P. 38 |

GETOUT

P. 42 |

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

CLASSIFIED

@AhwatukeeFN |

P. 47

@AhwatukeeFN

Plans for former State Land parcel unveiled BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

P. 16

SPORTS

he plan for developing the 373 acres of former State Trust Land in Ahwatukee was unveiled last week, with the developer expecting work to begin late this year or in early 2023 building 1,050 one- and twostory houses, 150 build-to-rent townhomes and 329 apartments and starting home sales in 2024. The Ahwatukee Foothills Village Planning Committee got a preview during its monthly meeting April 25 of Blandford Homes’ plans for

the vast piece of desert next to Club West along Chandler Boulevard between 19th and 27th avenues that will be renamed Canyon Reserve. Then, on May 23, the committee will be asked to give a formal recommendation to the Phoenix Planning Commission on a General Plan amendment for the development. The commission on June 2 will make a recommendation for a City Council hearing July 1 on that amendment. That would be Council’s last meeting before its summer break. The land, which Blandford bought at a state Land Department auction last June for $175.5 million – far above the appraised value of $105

million – is already zoned for homes, apartments and some commercial development. The amendment will affect street classifications for the development, which also will include 29.21 acres of wash corridor. While a good deal of the presentation focused on that amendment, some committee members also focused on so far nonexistent plans to address public safety services for a development that will bring thousands of people and vehicles to the area. The General Plan amendment includes

see STATELAND page 14

Shelved by COVID, FOL Beer and Wine Fest returning BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

nother Ahwatukee victim of the pandemic is coming back to life next month – and a Thanksgiving tradition canceled during the same time may return in an altered form this year. Two years after it was shelved by COVID-19, the Ahwatukee Beer and Wine Festival will be held 6:30-10:30 p.m. June 17 at Foothills Golf Club, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive, Ahwatukee. Tickets were scheduled to go on sale today at folaz.org. Meanwhile, Festival of Lights Committee President Raphael Isaac said it’s possible the Thanksgiving Saturday Kick-Off Party could return in November, though it won’t be the huge all-day extravaganza it had been in the past. The $50 admission to the Beer and Wine Festival will entitle guests to wine and beer tickets, live music and a commemorative wine

see WINE page 9

Festival of Lights Committee leaders who have been working hard are Jeffri-Lynn Campbell, Chris Kracht, Dawn Matesi, Maria Reyes-Smith and Raphael Isaac, during a planning meeting for the 2022 Festival of Lights Wine & Beer Festival, Wednesday, April 27, 2022, in Ahwatukee , Arizona. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

The latest breaking news and top local stories in Ahwatukee!

www.Ahwatukee.com .com

JUST A CLICK AWAY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

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

Times Media Group: 1900 W. Broadway Road Tempe, Arizona, 85282 Main number: 480-898-6500 Advertising: 480-898-5624 Circulation service: 480-898-5641

PUBLISHER Steve T. Strickbine

VICE PRESIDENT Michael Hiatt

ADVERTISING STAFF National Advertising Director Zac Reynolds 480-898-5603 zac@ahwatukee.com

Advertising Sales Representatives: Laura Meehan, 480-898-7904, lmeehan@ahwatukee.com Katie Mueller, 480-898-7909 kmueller@timespublications.com

Classified:

Elaine Cota, 480-898-7926, ecota@ahwatukee.com

Circulation Director:

Aaron Kolodny 480-898-5641, customercare@ahwatukee.com

NEWS STAFF Executive Editor:

Paul Maryniak, 480-898-5647, pmaryniak@ahwatukee..com

GetOut Editor:

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, 480-641-4518, christina@timespublications.com

Sports Editor:

Zach Alvira 480-898-5630, zalvira@timespublications.com

Designer:

Ruth Carlton - rcarlton@timespublications.com

Photographer:

David Minton - dminton@timespublications.com

Production Coordinator:

Courtney Oldham 480-898-5617 production@timespublications.com

Reporters:

Cecilia Chan. 480-898-5613, cchan@timespublications.com Ahwatukee Foothills News is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@ azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@ azintegatedmedia.com.

WRITE A LETTER

To submit a letter, please include your full name. Our policy is not to run anonymous letters. Please keep the length to 300 words. Letters will be run on a space-available basis. Please send your contributions to pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com.

EDITORIAL CONTENT

The Ahwatukee Foothills News expresses its opinion. Opinions expressed in guest commentaries, perspectives, cartoons or letters to the editor are those of the author.

ADVERTISING CONTENT

The content and claims of any advertisement are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. The Ahwatukee Foothills News assumes no responsibility for the claims or content of any advertisement.

Major I-10 closures in Ahwatukee this weekend AFN NEWS STAFF

hwatukee motorists heading just about anywhere next weekend will have to find their way around I-10 since at least one direction of the highway in Ahwatukee will be closed between 10 p.m. Friday, May 6 and 4 a.m. Monday, May 9. Blame it on the three-year I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project as crews remove the north face of the Guadalupe Road bridge in preparation for widening work and Salt River Project crews will conduct utility relocation work during the closure. The bridge itself in both directions will be closed through the entire weekend until the morning of May 9 from Pointe Parkway/48th Street and Calle Sahuaro. Westbound I-10 between the Loop 202 SanTan/ South Mountain Freeway and US 60 will be shut down at 10 a.m. Friday until noon Sunday. That also will close the westbound I-10 on-ramps between Chandler Boulevard and Elliot Road, the westbound I-10 on-ramp at Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, all ramps from the Santan Freeway to westbound I-10, eastbound South Mountain Freeway’s ramp to westbound I-10. and the HOV ramp from westbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) to westbound I-10. Eastbound I-10 will be closed between US 60 and Loop 202 from 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7, to 4 a.m. Monday, May 9. The following ramps also will be closed during that time: the eastbound I-10 on-ramps between Broadway Road and Ray Road, the westbound US 60 ramp to eastbound I-10 and the eastbound I-10 HOV ramp to eastbound US 60. During the westbound I-10 detour, motorists can continue east on the Santan Freeway to northbound Loop 101 Price Freeway to US 60, head north on the Loop 101 to US 60 and back to westbound I-10 or connect to I-10 at 59th Avenue via the South Mountain Freeway. To get around the eastbound I-10 closure, motorists can exit to eastbound US 60, head south of the Price Freeway to the Santan, then head west to pick up I-10 south of Ahwatukee. Both the bridge and I-10 closures are part of the massive Broadway Curve project that began late last year and is expected to continue for at least two years. Improving the Sun Circle Trail crossing at Guadalupe Road is part of that project as plans called for a wider bridge that will accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians. Seven years in the planning, the work began with scraping the asphalt along 11 miles of Interstate 10 between the junction of the San Tan and South Mountain freeways and I-17 near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The project also will involve work on about a mile of east- and westbound US 60 between I-10 and Hardy

see ADOT page 6

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile Roofer! aFamily Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers! aWe have a “Spencer” on every job

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

480-446-7663

FREE Estimates • Credit Cards

www.spencer4hireroofing.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

Your Real Estate Partners in The Valley TheSantistevanGroup.com

(480) 933-1570

©2022 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed. If your home is currently listed with a Broker, this is not intended as a solicitation.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

ONLY A NEIGHBORHOOD EXPERT CAN

NET YOU MORE

PamYour Eagan

36-Year Neighborhood Resale

Kathleen A. Nielsen ATTORNEY AT LAW

♦Trusts ♦ Wills ♦ Probate ♦ Family Law ♦ Divorce

BESTOF

2020

BESTOF

2021

EXPERT

Southwest Business Center

602-390-5740

(SE Rural & Lakeshore)

PamEagan@gmail.com Pam Eagan Realty Executives Associate Broker

TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS Flat and Foam Roof Experts!

4500 S. Lakeshore Dr. Ste 300 Tempe, AZ 85282

480.730.6469

kathleen@kathleennielsenlaw.com Serving Ahwatukee for 35 Years!

Retirement solutions for Are you invested properly? youaand youropinion. employees. Get second Joseph B Ortiz, AAMS®, CRPS®

FREE ESTIMATES 602-736-3019 desertsandscontracting.com

Financial Advisor 8950 S 52nd St Suite 209 Tempe, AZ 85284 480-753-7664

MAKING SENSE OF INVESTING Commercial & Residential | Family Owned & Operated AZROC #283571 | CONTRACTOR LIC. AZROC #312804 CLASS CR4 FULLY INSURED

e d wa rd jon e s .com

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

ADOT from page 3

Drive and a mile of north- and southbound State Route 143 between I-10 and the southern end of the SR 143 bridge over the Salt River.

The project includes: • Widening I-10 to six general purpose lanes and two high-occupancy-vehicle, or HOV, lanes in each direction between US 60 and I-17 and adding a fourth general purpose lane in each direction between Ray Road and US 60. • Adding collector-distributor roads that parallel I-10 between Baseline Road and 40th Street to separate through-traffic on I-10 from local traffic entering or exiting the highway. Unlike frontage roads along portions of the existing freeway system, these CD roads will not intersect with perpendicular roads. • Rebuilding the I-10 interchange with SR 143 to improve traffic flow and create direct

connections to and from SR 143 for drivers in the I-10 HOV lanes. This part of the project will reduce lane changes and often hair-raising weaving between Interstate 10 in the Broadway Curve and on State Route 143 at University Drive. When work is completed, drivers on westbound I-10 will exit I-10 near Baseline Road and use the CD roads to access northbound SR 143 and reach the airport. The entire SR 143 and I-10 interchange will be replaced by ramps that make a direct connection for drivers from the general and HOV lanes and eliminates the existing cloverleaf ramp that connects southbound SR 143 with eastbound I-10. • Razing and replacing the Broadway Road bridge over I-10; • Replacing the 48th Street bridges over I-10 and widening the I-10 bridges over the Salt River; • Building two bridges for pedestrians and bicyclists over I-10 between Baseline and Broadway

roads (at Alameda Drive and the Western Canal) and improving the Sun Circle Trail crossing at Guadalupe Road; • Building sound and retaining walls where warranted. The project’s environmental assessment shows ADOT anticipates seven sound barriers ranging between 14-18 feet, with two along I-10 from the US 60 to Ray Road and the others north of US 60. • Installing a wrong-way driver detection system with thermal cameras, flashing signs and other specialized equipment that ties into ADOT’s intelligent transportation system. • ADOT’s environmental impact study says the project also will extend the Highline Lateral Canal Multi-Use Path east of I-10 across the freeway and eventually into Mountain Vista Park in Ahwatukee. To check on closures every weekend or download an app that will alert you to closures go to i10broadwaycurve. ADOT will close the entire Ahwatukee stretch of I-10 next weekend in both com. ■ directions. (ADOT)

Desert Home Cleaning Service, Inc.

Celebrating over 30 years!

CARPET, UPHOLSTERY, TILE & GROUT • OWNER OPERATED • 38 YEARS EXPERIENCE

SHOWROOM HOURS Mon-Thurs: 10 am - 6 pm Fri & Sat: 10 am - 5 pm or by appointment AZ ROC #128091 & 210945

licensed • bonded• insured

• TRUCK MOUNTED EQUIPMENT

480.598.9811

15215 S 48th St, Ste 185 Phoenix, AZ 85044 ahwatukeecarpets.com

Traci Tartaglio Owner

CARPET CLEANING SPECIAL Only $20 Per Room 2 room minimum

Combined living area and/or area over 300 sq.ft. considered separate rooms

NO HIDDEN CHARGES CLEANING INCLUDES:

Pre-Treating • Most Furniture Moved • Carpet Groomed

480.759.3361

Protector and deodorizer available

Find Any Hidden Charges and the Cleaning is FREE!

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

Top 1% Ahwatukee Realtor Year after Year! GI

M CO

The Foothills 3 bed, 2 Bath 1880 SF, 3 car garage, single story

480.471.8850

Mark & Alexis Breyer

HusbandAndWifeLawTeam.com

CURRENT MORTGAGE RATES 30 yr fixed: 5.25% (APR of 5.39%) 20 yr fixed: 5.125% (APR of 5.27%) 15 yr fixed: 4.50% (APR of 4.64%)

This rate is based on a loan amount of $200,000. Restrictions apply.

Naveen Vadhwa

Ahwatukee Call For Details

! AY M N

NMLS #203016

Senior Mortgage Loan Officer

Office: 480.339.8568 | Mobile: 480.570.5691 Fax: 1.833.406.2115 nvadhwa@bell.bank www.naveenvadhwa.com 4435 E Chandler Blvd. | Suite 201 Phoenix, AZ 85048

M CO

Use this coupon toward an appraisal refund at a successful closing.

Lakewood 4 bed, 3 Bath 2035 SF

A $475 Savings!

D IN

CLO

bellbankmortgage.com

Ahwatukee Call For Details

! AY M N

Ahwatukee $579,000

RC MA

The Foothills 1816 SF 3 Bed, 2 bath

This statement of rates is for real estate professionals only: it is not intended for consumer use. Rates current as of 5/2/22. Examples listed are typical principal and interest payments based on a 45-day rate lock on a $250,000 purchase with 20% down payment. Payment estimates do not include amount for taxes and insurance: therefore, the actual payment obligation will be greater. Rates are based on borrowers’ ability to quality and are subject to market fluctuations which may change the rates without notice.

We’re a Team!

CLO What sets me apart from the other mortgage companies is that I am a working owner, no overhead means lower rates to you. Available to answer your questions 7 days a week.

✔ Purchase ✔ Reﬁnance ✔ FHA ✔ VA ✔ USDA...

BESTOF

San Sebastian at Valencia 2, 4,081 SF, 5 bed, 3.5 bath

PR IN A

Gilbert $845,000

I L!

Higley Manor 3,720 SF, 4 bed, 2.5 bath

BESTOF

2019

ARIZONA MORTGAGE SPECIALISTS, INC.

NMLS #175381

SE CLO

Chandler $1,499,000

I L!

2020

WE DO IT ALL! Mike Langs 480.628.9322 mike@azms.net

SED

PR A N I

Sam Langs 480.240.0229 sam@azms.net NMLS #1762386

License #BK0911294, Company NMLS #175156

8747 S. Priest Dr., Ste. 101 Tempe, AZ 85284

SONORAN LIVING

KELLERWILLIAMS REALTY Each office independently owned and operated.

Call Kevin directly at

602-370-8106 www.SearchAhwatukeeHomes.com

A+

Rating

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

Bill Watson

Gets Results.

Top 1% of Agents in Arizona. THE Hardest Working Real Estate Professional.

I CAN SELL YOURS, TOO!

Let Us Care For Your Teeth So You Can

Smile More!

$549,900 13405 S 37TH PL

$665,000 9501 S PALM DR

$220,000 1014 E SPENCE AVE 208

$1,300,000 1939 E LA COSTA DR

I CAN SELL YOURS, TOO!

At Ahwatukee Dental Health, Dr. Amy Nordquist and her team are dedicated to providing each and every patient with the care and attention they need in the most comfortable way possible. Her time spent with you will always be thorough and focused on your dental concerns. Our team values personalized attention and long-term relationships with all of our patients. We can’t wait to meet you!

New Patient Promotion

79*

• CEREC Same Day Crowns

Comprehensive Exam, X-Rays & Preventive Cleaning *For patients without dental insurance; in the absence of periodontal disease.

$714,600 3514 E DESERT BROOM WAY

KELLER WILLIAMS® REALTY

• Invisalign • Teeth Whitening • Dental implant Restorations

Second Opinion & Invisalign Consultations Scan this QR to see my almost 100 5-star Zillow reviews!

www.TheBillWatsonGroup.com

O 480.706.7211 • C 602.469.0388

Professionalism • Integrity • Communication

• Cosmetic Dentistry

FREE

$830,000 3988 E WOOD DR

SONORAN LIVING

CLINIC SERVICES

Each office is independently owned and operated.

Call today or visit us online!

(480) 893-2474

ahwatukeedentalhealth.com

15215 S 48th St, #190, Phoenix, AZ 85044

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

WINE from page 1

glass. There will be casino-style games with a chance to enter a “split the pot challenge” and a raffle. There also will be an auction, although the number of prizes will be substantially fewer than the scores of items that had been available when the beer-wine event had been held at Rawhide Western Town and Event Center. “We are not going to do what we did in years past, where we had a couple hundred auction items,” said FOL Committee President Raphael Isaac. “This year we’ll have hour or five large items that people can bid on.” The committee is still in the process of gathering those auction items, but they could include a “wine experience” in northern Arizona, an electric bike or mega-television set. There also will be the popular wine pull, in which a $10 ticket gets the buyer to choose a bottle of wine from a selection that includes many valued at far more than the ticket price. As it changed the whole nature of the Festival of Lights, the pandemic also has impacted the Beer and Wine Festival.

For several years, the Festival of Lights Beer and Wine event had been held at Rawhide Western Town and Event Center but after 2018, it returned to the Foothills Golf Club, where the 2022 version will be held June 17. (AFN file photo) The biggest impact involves food: it will be available from a handful of select food trucks that will be parked outside the clubhouse. “A lot of the restaurants either didn’t want to do it or couldn’t afford to do it,” Isaac said. “So what we’ve decided is, we’re going to have food trucks there and food will be available. …We’re looking for more specialty type food.”

In the past, restaurants were invited to the event to give away food samples along with coupons and brochures that advertised their businesses. “But with everything the way it’s been over the last two years, a lot of restaurants just didn’t want to do that,” Isaac said. Even the nature of the nonprofit Festival of Lights organization has been changed by the pandemic forever.

see WINEpage 12

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE MILITARY, FIRST RESPONDERS, FRONTLINE WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES QUALIFY.

PROPRIETARY LINE OF AMERICAN MADE HVAC EQUIPMENT • Manufactured in Texas

Trusted, Expert Service!

1500 OFF Call for Details!

Not valid with any other offers or coupons.

PROPRIETARY LINE OF AMERICAN-MADE HVAC EQUIPMENT

• 10-Year Parts & Labor Warranty Included on Two-Stage Equipment • 10-Year Parts & Labor Warranty Included on Two-Stage Equipment • Manufactured in Texas

Up to

NEW UNITS

Call 24/7 • 602-641-2960 Call 24/7 • 602-641-2960 FRONTLINE WORKERS

New Systems

as low as

per mo.

29-POINT TUNE-UP

17.75

Includes Full Unit Inspection, Light Coil, Cleaning and a written report of ﬁndings.

$80 Value!

Not valid with any other offers or coupons.

FREE SERVICE CALL

Check us out on

SemperFiHeatingCooling.com

ROC #309388 ROC #320048

SemperFiHeatingCooling.com

ROC#309388 ROC#320048

The group was set up more than 20 years ago to pay for the Christmas light displays along the median of Chandler Boulevard between 24th Street and Desert Foothills Parkway. To financially support the expensive undertaking, FOL held the big Kick-Off Party in Desert Foothills Park the Saturday after Thanksgiving and eventually added the adults-only Beer and Wine Tasting event. The word “tasting” has been dropped from the event title. But when the pandemic forced both fundraisers to remain closed, the FOL Committee negotiated with the Foothills Homeowners Association board to take over the management of the lights display from set-up to tear-down to power costs totaling about $120,000 – as well as $6,000 in payments for barricades that manage traffic on Chandler Boulevard during tear-down and set-up. While both the Foothills and Club West HOA boards kicked in $50,000 and $25,000, respectively, hundreds of residents and businesses also gave donations last year to keep the Christmas display lit throughout December.

With Repair. Please call for details. Not valid with any other offers or coupons.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

Lisa Miguel

Extraordinary Real Estate Services Call me for a FREE Home Value Report!

Top 1% in Sales

480-444-6058 • www.Lisamiguel.com

Club West

Listed for $865,000 Beautifully remodeled home on nearly ¼ acre with a north facing back yard, gorgeous mountain views and no neighbors immediately behind! 3,152 sf, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms plus enormous bonus/game room. Kitchen boasts professionally refinished cabinetry with ORB hardware (2021,) stone backsplash, breakfast bar, pantry, eat – in kitchen dining nook, and 2020 stainless steel appliances. Downstairs master suite! Master bathroom has a walk – in shower with tile surrounds and custom glass door enclosure, soaking tub with tile surrounds, double vanities and a walk – in closet. Upstairs carpet replaced in 2021. Upstairs bathroom has double sinks and was completely remodeled in 2020 with marble vanity top, white cabinetry, shiplap wall accent, designer mirrors, new porcelain tile flooring and subway tile surrounds in the shower. The bonus / game room has its own balcony with spectacular mountain views! Balcony surface was professionally refinished in 2020. Sparkling pebble tec pool, lush grass area, extended covered back patio and spa pad. Pool completely remodeled in 2020 with new pebble tec surface, new perimeter tile and a new pool vac. 2020 kool decking. New pool pump installed 2021. Newer custom sliding glass door with window panes. Plantation shutters (2020) and shilouette blinds (2021.)

Tatum Ranch Listed for

$785,000

Remodeled home on the 1st tee of the Tatum Ranch Golf Course! Over a ¼ acre property situated in a cul de sac with a northeast facing back yard. 2400 sf. Four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Open kitchen – family room floorplan. Professionally refinished cabinetry, breakfast bar, pantry and eat – in casual dining area in the kitchen. Newer 8x24 porcelain tile flooring throughout with carpet only in the formal living room and bedrooms. Master bathroom has dual sinks, granite vanity top and a walk – in shower with tile surrounds. Secondary bathroom has dual sinks with ORB faucets and tile surrounds in the shower / tub. Exit the family room through French doors to the extended covered back patio and resort style back yard with Gazebo and Jacuzzi hot tub with stone veneer surrounds.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN WARNING! Our clinic is taking every precaution and we follow strict CDC guidelines to ensure that our patients, clinic and staff are SAFE! Mesa, AZ — The most common method your doctor will recommend to treat your chronic pain and/or neuropathy is with prescription drugs that may temporarily reduce your symptoms. These drugs have names such as Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin, and are primarily antidepressant or anti-seizure drugs. These drugs may cause you to feel uncomfortable and have a variety of harmful side effects. Chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and the most debilitating balance problems. This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet which causes the nerves to begin to degenerate due to lack of nutrient flow.

Rare find, impeccably cared - for single level home with incredible mountain views; no neighbors behind! 1,340 sf, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Kitchen boasts Silestone counter tops, breakfast bar, pantry and eat-in kitchen dining area. Open kitchen – family room floor plan! Spacious family room exits to the covered back patio. Tile flooring in kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room and all traffic areas; laminate flooring in family room. Carpet only in bedrooms! Vaulted ceilings! Master suite has a walk in closet and its own exit to the back patio. Double sinks in the master bathroom! Enjoy majestic mountain views from the covered back patio!Extended patio with pavers and lush grass area in back. Land behind home is protected Maricopa Trail System. Low maintenance, well - manicured front yard landscape. All appliances convey including the refrigerator and washer dryer.

The main problem is that your doctor has told you to just live with the problem or try the drugs which you don’t like taking because they make you feel uncomfortable. There is now a facility right here in Mesa that offers you hope without taking those endless drugs with serious side effects.

Circle Mountain Land

(See the special neuropathy severity examination at the end of this article)

Listed for

$185,000 each

Two parcels; 4.7 acres each. Residential Acreage abutting Pyramid Peak and state trust land. Elevated property, away from flood zones. Build a grand estate or subdivide a small community! Beautiful Northeastern views of New River Mesa and surrounding mountains. Zoning requires at least 1 acre per home. 15-20 minutes from Anthem and Cave Creek and still only 45 minutes from Sky Harbor 9.4 acres total available (10 acres minus 40 foot road easement along Northern edge.)

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra!

The treatment that is provided at Aspen Medical has three main goals. 1) Increase blood flow

The treatment to increase blood flow, stimulate small nerve fibers and get you back to health is our new $50,000.00 SANEXAS UNIT!

Laveen Meadows

Listed for $380,000

3) How much treatment will your condition require?

3) Decrease brain-based pain

As you can see in Figure 2, as the blood vessels that surround the nerves become diseased they shrivel up which causes the nerves to not get the nutrients to continue to survive. When these nerves begin to “die” they cause you to have balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling, burning, and many additional symptoms.

Impeccably cared - for 1,666 sf single level 4 bedroom 2 bathroom home! Open floor plan! Kitchen boasts island / breakfast bar, 2019 stainless steel appliances, and large eat-in kitchen dining area. Large great room with soaring vaulted ceilings! Ceiling fans throughout. 2019 upgraded laminate wood flooring throughout with carpet only in bedrooms (carpet also installed 2019.) Split master bedroom floor plan. Double sinks in the master bathroom! All appliances convey including the refrigerator and front load washer / dryer. Multiple patios in the back! Low maintenance front and back yard landscape. Close/ neighborhood access to Maricopa Trail System.

NOTE: Once you have sustained 95% nerve loss, there is likely nothing that we can do for you.

Aspen Medical will do a chronic pain and neuropathy severity examination to determine the extent of the nerve damage as a public service to you and/or your family and friends. This neuropathy/ pain severity examination will consist of a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and a detailed analysis of the findings of your neuropathy.

2) Stimulate and increase small fiber nerves

Laveen Meadows Listed for $420,000

determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation. As long as you have not sustained at least 95% nerve damage there is hope!

Fig. 2

In order to effectively treat your neuropathy three factors must be determined. 1) What is the underlying cause? 2) How much nerve damage has been sustained.

In addition, we use a state-of-the-art diagnostics like the TM Flow diagnostic unit to accurately determine the increase in blood flow and a small skin biopsy to accurately determine the increase in small nerve fibers! The Sanexas electric cell signaling system delivers energy to the affected area of your body at varying wavelengths, including both low-frequency and middle-frequency signals. It also uses amplitude modulated (AM) and frequency modulated (FM) signaling. During a treatment session, the Sanexas system automatically changes to simultaneously deliver AM and FM electric cell signal energy. THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT SANEXAS IS COVERED BY MEDICARE AND MOST INSURANCE! Depending on your coverage, your treatment could be little to no cost to you! The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be

Aspen Medical will be offering this chronic pain and neuropathy severity examination from now until May 31, 2022. Call 480274-3157 to make an appointment to determine if your chronic pain and peripheral neuropathy can be successfully treated. Due to our very busy office schedule, we are limiting this FREE consultation offer to the first 15 callers. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER ANOTHER MINUTE, CALL Call 480-274-3157 … NOW! We are extremely busy and if your call goes to our voicemail, please leave a message and we will get back to you asap.

480-274-3157 4540 E Baseline Rd., Suite 119 Mesa Az 85206

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

I Just Saved a Ton of Money... And I Might Win a

ARE YOU GOING TO BE THE

Luxury Kitchen!

OTHER PRIZES

50th WINNER!1 YEAR OF SAVINGS

WIN 1 OF 2

85” TV MATTRESS

LUXURY KITCHENS

OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVE WASHER • 3.4 Cu. Ft. Capacity • 8 Wash Cycles • 3 Temperature Settings • Dual Action Agitator NTW450IXQ CLOSEOUT

• • • •

DRYER • Super Capacity • Multiple Drying Cycles • Automatic Dryness Control NED4500VQ CLOSEOUT

429

EACH

DISHWASHER

• Normal Wash Cycle • Heated Dry On/Off • Standard Upper Rack

FRONT LOAD WASHER

DRYER

DVE45T6200W

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

12 MONTHS NO INTEREST**

MONTHS

NO INTERES

T**

58” 4K UHD SMART TV • 2 HDMI Inputs • Airplay2 Built-In

UN58TU7000

BFTF2716SS

STAINLESS STEEL 23 CU. FT. SIDE BY SIDE • Deli Drawer • Crisper Shelves

• LED Lighting FFSS2314QS CLOSEOUT

949

DISHWASHER

REFRIGERATOR

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

• 25 Cubic Foot Capacity • Spill Proof Glass Shelves • Humidity Controlled Drawers

2350

479

219

• 7.5 Cu. Ft. Capacity • 4.5 Cu. Ft. Capacity • 10 Cycles • 9 Options • 10 Wash Cycles • Steam Sanitize • Smart Care WF45T6200AW

58”

FFMV1846VW CLOSEOUT

299 679EACH

HDA2000TWW CLOSEOUT

1000’s OF ITEMS IN STOCK FOR FAST DELIVERY

1.8 Cu. Ft. Capacity 2 Speed 300 CFM Exhaust Digital Display Timer

FOR 50 YEARS SPENCERS HAS BEEN SAVING YOU MONEY. WILL YOU BE OUR LUCKY WINNER? NOW MORE THAN EVER, NO MATTER WHERE YOU SEE IT, READ IT, OR HEAR IT, SPENCERS WILL HAVE A LOWER PRICE!

WRS325SDHZ

WDF520PADM

BUYS ALL 3 PIECES

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

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

Arizona’s largest independent dealer! “It’s Like Having A Friend In The Business” Check Out Our Website

WWW.SPENCERSTV.COM OPEN DAILY 9AM-9PM | SATURDAY 9AM-6PM | SUNDAY 11AM-5PM

IT NO CRED IONS OPT NEEDED, BLE AVAILA Due to current circumstances, some items may be out of stock.

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

WINE from page 9

PLUMBING We Repair or Install

Hi Everyone, Just a friendly reminder that if your toilet water supply has a thin white plastic nut, you should consider changing it to a steel braided, steel-tipped supply line. We have been seeing these plastic ones crack at the ﬁtting and they can do a large amount of ﬂood damage to your Matt Tobias General Manager house, especially if you’re not home when it happens. If you are unsure if yours should be changed, please give us a call. Thank you! — Matt

Ask Matt

Call us today with your question!

$3500 OFF Any Service Call Today!

AHWATUKEE’S

1 PLUMBER

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.542 704.54 22

(480) (48

ROC # 272721

Proceeds from the Beer and Wine Festival will go to select charities based in Ahwatukee as well as to the Foothills HOA to help cover some of the display costs. Meanwhile, after declaring it all but dead, Isaac said the committee is considering bringing back the Kick-Off Party in a significantly modified form. “We’re revisiting the Kick-Off Party,” Isaac said, explaining that because the Foothills HOA has taken over responsibility for the Christmas lights display, the urgency of that event is significantly reduced. “It’s not like we have a gun to our head that says we have to raise $30,000 or $40,000,” he said. “Now we have some flexibility. So, we’re thinking we’ll probably do a scaled-down version.” A scaled-down version also relieves the committee from trying to line up hun-

dreds of volunteers to set up, run and tear down the party. “And when I say smaller, I’m not saying like 10 vendors but maybe we do 60 vendors or maybe we don’t have to stress over the bouncy houses as much,” Isaac said. “Maybe we have fewer of those. Maybe we do something with an antique car show or just mix it up a little bit but also make it to where it’s a little bit more manageable. We’re all volunteers. Nobody gets paid to do this and it’s very stressful.” Meanwhile, the committee is hoping to get business sponsors for some pieces of the Beer and Wine Festival and volunteers to help staff it. So far, only committee member and Realtor Dawn Matesi has signed up as a sponsor. She and her real estate team are sponsoring the commemorative wine glasses. To volunteer or inquire about becoming a sponsor: go to folaz.org. ■

GOT NEWS?

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

SM MO OO OT TH H S SU UM MM ME ER R S 4 trial-sized trial-sized facial facial 4 products to to help help products polish and and protect protect polish

STODDARD LEGAL SOLUTIONS PLLC

Providing peace of mind through compassionate estate planning

• Wills & Trusts • Estate Administration • Business Services

The Firm honors those who selflessly serve our community. Ask about our discounts for military, law enforcement, first responders and teachers.

SCHEDULE A FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

480-210-6444

AHWATUKEE EXECUTIVE OFFICES 5010 E. Warner Rd., Suite 109 • Phoenix, AZ 85044

www.stoddardpllc.com

*FREE in the U.S. and available for one cent in Canada with the purchase two or morefor Merle cosmetic *FREE in the U.S.of and available oneNorman cent in Canada products. Cosmetic included. Off er valid with the purchase of accessories two or morenot Merle Norman cosmetic while supplies last at participating Merle Norman products. Cosmetic accessories not included. OffCosmetic er valid Studios beginning May 1, 2022. Limit one per customer. while supplies last at participating Merle Norman Cosmetic We reserve the rightMay to substitute individual components. Studios beginning 1, 2022. Limit one per customer. We reserve the right to substitute individual components.

Ahwatukee

Studio Name Phone Number Studio Name Phone Number Connie Desrochers, Owner Address Business Hours Address Business 480-893-6947 • 4855 E. Warner Rd #17Hours Phoenixmerlenorman@merlenormanstudio.com merlenormanstudio.com/AZ/Phoenix/mn-5999/ Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios have been independently owned and operated since 1931.

Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios have been independently owned and operated since 1931.

RACHEL STODDARD, ESQ. Local Ahwatukee Resident 10+ Years Litigation Experience

Making the tough decisions now ensures that, should the unthinkable occur, you will be able to control what happens to you and your assets. Getting your plan in order in advance will also save your family from having to struggle with those choices in the future.

22 22 Summer GWP AdAd Slick Summer GWP Slick S.A.U. system: 3 columns x 7"x 7" (6-7/16" x 7") S.A.U. system: 3 columns (6-7/16" x 7")

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE

OPENING EARLY MAY 2022

For every new patient that comes into our office we will donate a MinMin Bear to a child battling kidney disease.

CALL TODAY TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT!

1345 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 103, Phoenix 85048

602-935-7427

bigapplepediatricdentistry.com

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP Hear from real people who have experienced loved ones with Parkinson’s, and how Parkinson’s has affected everyone. Speak up and tell your story or just listen.

1st Monday of Every Month 10:30am - 12:00pm The Tuk

OFFICES | MEETING ROOMS | COWORKING Your dream workspace awaits. Tour today!

(attached to LivGenerations Ahwatukee) Please RSVP to Sheri Simpson at 480-800-7304

1 MONTH FREE ON A PRIVATE OFFICE

480.613.9248

4435 E. Chandler Blvd. | Suite 200 | Phoenix, AZ 85048 OfficeEvolution.com/locations/phoenix

Call us today! 480-660-0817 livbest.life/ever • 15815 South 50th Street ⋅ Phoenix, AZ 85048

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

STATELAND from page 1

expanding Chandler Boulevard to five lanes along that stretch that borders Canyon Reserve. And as it has been since March 2020, the Village Planning Committee’s consideration of the plan on May 23 will be online only, with a WebEx link released by the Phoenix Planning Department about 10 days ahead of the meeting. Alan Beaudoin of Norris Design, the zoning consultant for the project, spent a good part of his presentation to the committee on the purpose of the General Plan amendment, explaining, “Chandler Boulevard is not a completed street – it’s only partially developed as it sits out there today.” “We are asking for an amendment to the current street-classification map that calls for a five-lane road for Chandler Boulevard adjacent to the front edge of the subject property – two lanes in each direction and the center turn lane,” he said. The width of Chandler Boulevard would be shortened, therefore, from 100 feet to 60 feet. The original street classification anticipated Chandler Boulevard would connect to the South Mountain Freeway – something that did not occur. So the current city street classification calls for Chandler Boulevard to be much wider than it needs to be with the freeway interchange having been moved to 17th Avenue, Beaudoin explained. “There’s not a need to have such a large roadway adjacent to the property and the street class amendment would propose to modify the cross section of the roadways to reduce the roadway and work toward probably a more multimodal approach to the use of that piece of roadway,” he said. That “multimodal approach” involves the city’s request for bike lanes on both sides of Chandler Boulevard. Beaudoin said the city Department of Streets Transportation “is requesting enhanced consideration for bicycle facilities and so we’re working in our amendment process and inner-master plans to do some unique configurations of the bike lanes.” In addition, the development plan calls for extending Liberty Lane to Chandler Boulevard, but only as a local street because the freeway interchange is now at 17th Avenue. Liberty Lane “was anticipated to be a much larger road connecting up with a freeway interchange and, of course, that did not happen, Beaudoin said. “So we are asking that that road be not classified and

Norris Design presented this graphic overview of how Blandford Homes will develop Canyon Reserve on the 373 acres of former State Trust Land for which it paid a whopping $175.5 million at an auction last year. (Norris Design) that we’re allowed to construct it as just a But he said while there is an “increasing local street to provide some connectivity number of homebuyers in the builder’s to the neighborhoods that we’re develop- other communities that are choosing a ing as well as the neighborhoods to the plan with an EV charging station, “it is still immediate west.” not an option often selected.” Because Beaudoin’s presentation fol“We see it in the future as something lowed a lengthy presentation by the city that the market is going to continue to of its plans to expand the network of elec- be interested in and having available as a tric vehicle charging stations and develop choice for them,” he added. a way for low-income residents to access That led to a question about whether the expensive vehicles, the committee was any of the approximate 11 acres of the deinterested in Blandford Homes’ plans for velopment now zoned commercial would charging stations. allow for a gas station. But Beaudoin said The city plan calls for modifying plan- he had no idea whether a gas station ning regulations and working with utility would eventually end up in that area. companies to make it easier – and possiThe bigger concern was raised by combly mandatory – for new-builds to include mittee member Darin Fisher of Vision EV-charging capability. Community Management, which manages Beaudoin noted that Blandford Homes three of the HOAs closest to Canyon Reas a company offers charging stations as serve. an option to homebuyers, depending on Fisher focused on whether Phoenix fire the plan they choose. and police departments had plans to build

This map shows how the General Plan amendment sought for the Canyon Reserve development would complete Chandler Boulevard and Liberty Lane. Both roads would also be less wide than currently designated by the city, partly to make room for bike lanes on the northern and southern edges of Chandler Boulevard. (Norris Design)

substations there. “Our single greatest concern we have down is the lack of public safety,” Fisher said. The Phoenix Fire Department, the ambulance services and Police Department cannot meet their stated delivery times for service to Foothills Reserve, Calabria. Promontory. He added those services “are continually missing” target delivery times in Club West and other nearby HOAs as well. “There has long been a debate down in our end of Ahwatukee about putting a fire substation or police substation down there,” Fisher said, noting Canyon Reserve will bring at least 5,000 new residents and as many as 3,200 motor vehicles that will be “massively impacting the density in that particular end of Ahwatukee.” “That has not come up in conversation yet,” Beaudoin replied. “But we haven’t started the extensive process with the City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department yet either. …This is the first that we hear of a public response challenge in the western portion of the Ahwatukee Foothills. “We certainly will be having conversations with the Fire Department, for sure. And can certainly bring up conversations with the Police Department as well as it relates to those services,” he continued. City records show that while there had been a plan for a fire station in the Phoenix’s long-range capital improvement program, that project is no longer on the books. City officials did not have an explanation and records do not reflect a reason why it was dropped. Fisher said, “there were old maps of this state land and potential development that showed the possibility of “substations being added to the capital improvement program “but nothing’s ever been formal.” But he added, “It’s just one of the things that I know is going to be a touchstone topic of conversation going forward for a lot of the homeowners in the area.” Beaudoin also was asked whether Blandford will be completing a sound wall along the northern edge of the South Mountain Freeway, where there is about a 3,400-foot gap. “We’ve had good conversations with ADOT about us constructing a wall,” he replied. “We’re obviously interested in noise mitigation for future residents …and that’s been the nature of the conversation so far. And what we’re hoping to do is move toward an agreement.” ■

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

Voted Best Dentist & Customer Service

9 Years!

We use appropriate PPE with all patients. NEED A CLEANING?

79 $49

• Implants • Invisalign

• CEREC Same Day Crowns

New Patient Special*

• In Office Whitening • CT/3D Scanner • Specialists on-site

IMPLANT SPECIAL!

4000

With Crown and Abutment included.

15715 S. 46th St., Suite 104, Phoenix, AZ 85048 BellaVistaDentalCare.com Mon/Wed 8-5 • Tues/Thurs 9-6

Anytime. Anywhere. Any day...

s Agcy Inc , Agent y Road 85044 4-2004 m to 6:00pm to 5:00pm to 12:00pm

Children 14 & Under*

Includes: Exam, Cleaning & X-Rays

• Laser Treatment for Canker/Cold Sores, Gingivitis, and Periodontal Disease

480.598.5900

Not to be combined with Insurance and extraction not included Offer expires 5-31-22

Anytime. Rashmi Bhatnagar, DMD, MPH, MAGD Anywhere. Any day... Call Us for In-Network Insurance Status

Here’s the deal. These rates are great, surprisingly great.

Sam Winter Ins Agcy Inc Sam Winter, Agent 3636 E Ray Road Phoenix, AZ 85044 Bus: 480-704-2004 Mon-Thurs 8:00am to 6:00pm Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm Saturday 9:00am to 12:00pm

That’s when you can count on State Farm . I know life doesn’t come with a schedule. That’s why at State Farm you can always count on me for whatever you need – 24/7, 365. GET TO A BETTER STATE™. CALL ME TODAY. ®

That’s when you can count on State Farm . I know life doesn’t come Sam Winter InsAgcy Ins Agcy Inc with a schedule. That’s why Sam Winter Inc I’m here with surprisingly great Auto and Renters rates for atSam State Farm you can always everyone. So call me to combine Auto and Renters and Sam Winter,Agent Winter, Agent count on me for whatever 3636 E.E.Ray Road see how much you can save. You might be surprised. 3636 Road you need –Ray 24/7, 365. GET TO BETTER STATE™. 1101198.1 (Ray Rd.AFry’s and Melting sam@samwinter.net State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL CALL ME TODAY. Pot Center) Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® ®

480-704-2004

Phoenix, AZ 85044 Mon-Thurs 8:00am to 6:00pm Bus. 480-704-2004 Friday 8:00 to 5:00pm Saturday 9:00am to 12:00pm

Treat Mom to Something Sweet

Pre-order Online now! Phoenix-Ahwatukee Ahwatukee Foothills Towne Center 4722 E Ray Rd, #14 • Phoenix, AZ 85044 ( 480 ) 753-1121 • NothingBundtCakes.com

Individual premiums will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm® underwriting requirements.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Indemnity Company | State Farm Fire and Casualty Company | State Farm General Insurance Company

Bloomington, State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL IL | State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas | State Farm Lloyds Richardson, TX | State Farm Florida Insurance Company Winter Haven, FL

18-RR-0014-0319-1 Trim: 4.9” x 5.4” Bleed: N/A

Bakery #: 14 Phoenix Print

Family Owned and Operated since 1976

Family managed since 1981

LOWER PRICES, LARGEST SELECTION!

NOT ALL POTTERY IS CREATED EQUAL HUGE SELECTION OF OVERSIZED POTTERY! PET FRIENDLY!

• Fountains • Benches • Bird Baths • Ceramics • Stoneware • Wrought Iron • Oversized Pottery • Metal Wall Decor • Indoor/Outdoor Decor and Much More!

480-802-1309

Southern Chandler 23843 S. Cooper Rd.

Delivery Available Open Daily 9am-5pm

CLOSED TUES. & WED.

Current hours: Monday- Wednesday 4-8 • Thursday 11-8 Friday- Saturday 11-9 • Sunday 11-8

3646 E. Ray road suite 20, Phoenix, Az 85044

480.704.7404

Turning 65? Preparing for Retirement?

Offering Virtual or In-Person Appointments and Medicare 101 Workshops • Wondering about your Medicare plan options? • What’s new for 2022? Let me help YOU find a plan that’s right for YOU

Debbie Stovall

Licensed Independent Medicare Broker

Call or email today: 602-954-9143 (TTY:711) debbie@wecaremedicareaz.com • www.wecaremedicareaz.com

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

Pickleball court funding a drop in city budget bucket ABY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

he ongoing effort by two Ahwatukee residents to bring pickleball courts to Desert Foothills Park notched another victory last week after City Councilman Sal DiCiccio got the city Parks and Recreation Department to convert both – not just one – of the two tennis courts to dual use. “More great news,” DiCiccio said in a release. “I just learned from our city manager that this year’s budget will now include funding for two new pickleball courts in Ahwatukee – not just one. “Additional funding has been added to renovate and repair two existing tennis courts at Desert Foothills Park and convert them to dual purpose courts for tennis and pickleball. This is an update from what I was initially told that we would only be getting one court converted. I worked hard with City staff to make this community request a reality, and I am pleased with the results we got. This funding will ensure more opportunities for the community to enjoy our outdoors while getting in some exercise!” The day before DiCiccio’s announcement, City Manager Jeff Barton sent City Council a preliminary $1.78 billion budget for the fiscal year beginning July 21 that includes $21,000 “to resurface tennis courts and add lines to create two pickleball courts at the Desert Foothills Park.” That spending was part of a total $3 million Barton is adding to the trial budget he released about a month ago based on community recommendations. That $3 million is part of a $24 million increase in total spending that Barton added largely in response to council members’ requests. Council is scheduled to take up preliminary approval of the budget on May 17 with final adoption slated for June 1. The pickleball addition is the least costly of eight separate spending increases or additions Barton made in response to community requests made during budget

t o G s? w e N

Jill Ostendorp and Carrie McNeish have lined up a number of supporters in their effort to have eight pickleball courts installed at Desert Foothills Park. They succeeded in persuading the city to convert the two tennis courts there to dual-purpose courts to accommodate both pickleball and tennis. (Special to AFN) town halls. The others include increasing grants to community arts groups from $75,000 to $275,000; allocating $250,000 to study infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations; $750,000 for a youth workforce education program called Elevate EdAZ; another $300,000 to the $200,000 initially allotted for the “threatened buildings program”; a raise from $600,000 to $1.2 million for the road safety projects; and $229,000 to reopen the center at the base of South Mountain Park “to offer residents culturally relevant education programs” with the addition of 2.5 new positions. Nor does the money allotted for the creation of dual-purpose courts come close to the $21 million in Council’s pet projects. That includes another $1.5 million for affordable housing, $1.6 million for “climate and sustainability,” $2.4 million for economic development, $3 million to help settle refugees, immigrants and unsheltered people; $3 million for the Parks and Recreation Department and Phoenix Library and $6.9 million for public safety

and criminal justice. The $2.4 million for economic development will include the creation of 10 new jobs for the Community and Economic Development Department. The $3 million for assisting unsheltered people, refugees and immigrants will generate 17 new positions. The funding for the tennis courts’ conversion at Desert Foothills Park is not the end of the campaign being waged by Realtor Jill Ostendorp and resident Carrie McNeish. For one thing, they emailed DiCiccio and other city officials, thanking them for funding the project but asking them for repairs and some specific matters to address. They asked the department to fix and replace fences, put a barrier between the two courts to catch balls, install new nets and adequate lights and clean the bathrooms regularly – something other Ahwatukee residents have sought for the bathrooms in other local parks. They also told the officials that Ahwatukee resident Steve Manolis, a pick-

leball expert, was willing to work with the parks department to ensure that the conversion to the dual courts was accomplished correctly and with all the improvements they listed. Asked if the parks department would work with them, spokesman Adam Waltz replied: “The Parks Department will follow our typical project management protocols with this project being facilitated by Parks and Recreation staff. Moving forward, the City will be working with the contracting company to resurface and mark the courts, which is standard protocol.” Ostendorp and McNeish declined comment on that response. Meanwhile, the two women also are disputing the parks department’s characterization of a poll on how Desert Foothills Parks neighbors feel about adding eight pickleball courts. Contrary to the department’s report that the poll results were “about 50-50,” they showed that 87% of respondents favored the pickleball courts proposal they are pushing. After filing a records request for the poll results, McNeish said, “Look at these results – not close at all There were 1016 responses received and 880 said they would like to see the courts as ‘multi use’ for both pickleball and tennis – that’s 87%.” “The community at large supports this effort,” she said, adding the results did not include comments from people who live beyond a 3-mile radius of the park because the city discounted them. The two women also are pinning part of their funding hopes on some $420,000 in impact fees collected from developers for new home construction in Ahwatukee. They’ve noted that much of that money has been generated recently by Blandford Homes’ Palma Brisas community not far from the park. But a city official said that while impact fees are spent generally for projects in the community where they were generated, they are not necessarily spent near the new homes themselves. ■

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

NEWS

Helping Ukranian refugees Ahwatukee husband-wife dentists Dr. Shahyar Foroughi and Dr. Baharak Foroughi did more than open their heart to some Ukranian refugees recently. They had a mother and son open their mouths for more than $8,000 worth of pro bono dental work at their Ahwatukee practice, Atrium Dental. “We wanted to help out with the crisis in Ukraine,” Shahyar explained, “I have family that came to the U.S. as refugees… They escaped Iran from religious persecution in the 80’s. Ever since the war broke out in Ukraine, we have found ways to help.” He explained that a patient brought the two refugees to his practice and found it an ideal opportunity to lend a hand. Atrium Dental is at 4425 E. Agave Road, Ste. #130. Information: atrium.net. (Courtesy Atrium Dental)

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

ROTH IRA

CONVERSIONS Three suspects arrested in the shooting death of an Ahwatukee teen are, from left. Tyshon McKenzie, Michael Parham and Alberto Jimenez. (Special to AFN)

TAXFREE

3 charged with slaying of AT ANY Ahwatukee teenager AFN NEWS STAFF

hoenix Police last week arrested and charged three men with murder and other crimes in the fatal shooting March 7 of an Ahwatukee teen. Anthony Covarrubias, 18, was found shot in the middle of East Dry Creek Road, near 44th Street and Ray Road around 6:30 p.m., within a block of his home. Charged in the killing are Michael Parham, Tyshon McKenzie and Alberto Jimenez. All three were are accused of first degree murder and armed robbery. Parham also is charged with drug possession and possession of a firearm despite the fact he is a convicted felon. McKenzie also is a convicted felon and was charged with illegal firearm possession. According to the affidavit used in Parham’s arrest, detectives said he and the victim had agreed about two hours before the shooting to meet so that Covarrubias could buy a gun, although the affidavit also states the victim had left his home carrying a gym bag and that his rifle was later found missing. Parham had three guns in his car when arrested and he had been observed by police to have entered a gun store to buy a shotgun prior to the fatal incident. Parham and McKenzie had been under surveillance but court records do not indicate whether it was because they were already suspects in the killing or under investigation for some other activity. The affidavit said Parham admitted after his arrest to having had “prior problems with the victim.”

During the meeting between the victim and the three suspects, the affidavit said, “a verbal altercation occurred” and Covarrubias pulled out a knife. At that point, two of the three suspects fired four or five times before all three suspects fled in the car they had driven to the meeting. The affidavit does not identify the shooters. Covarrubias was the second oldest of an Ahwatukee single mom’s five children and regarded as the “man of the house,” according to his sister, who told AFN shortly after her brother’s death that “he was always making jokes and going around helping others. He could do anything. He was a strong kid. He didn’t have to go like this.” “Everybody in the neighborhood called him Chubzz because he was chubby,” said Lisa Carillo, adding that the family has lived in Ahwatukee for seven years. “Mom is a single mom. She raised all five of us on her own. Anything that my mom needed, he would go out of his way to do – hustle for money to make sure he had something if we needed something. He was the man of the house that took care of everybody. He was over-protective of everybody.” She said her brother had loved music since he was little and also liked to go fishing. “He loved everything,” she added. “He played basketball. He helped out at church. He did everything. He was a strong kid.”

see MURDER page 24

AGE

FREE SEMINAR

CREATE MILLIONS IN TAX FREE WEALTH

With taxes rising and the economy in ﬂux there few ways left to reduce your taxable income and safely grow your money.

New laws and regulations have not touched the valuable beneﬁts you can receive from a Roth IRA. Learn how to use the Roth IRA to your advantage to maximize your income and ﬁnance your bucket list dreams. Dr. Harold Wong has educated over 1,000 CPAs and tax professionals Now You Can Learn These Secrets Too!

RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY! CALL OR EMAIL

480.706.0177 harold_wong@hotmail.com WHEN/WHERE

Saturday, May 7, 2022

10am - Noon Seminar / 12:15pm - 1:30 FREE Lunch

Hyatt Place Chandler

3535 W Chandler Blvd / Chandler 85226

DR. HAROLD WONG

· Tax Advisor/Financial Educator/Author · 40+ Years Experience

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

GOP hopefuls for state schools chief debate education BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

he race among Republicans who want to be the state’s school chief could come down to whether voters believe whether the education system in Arizona is properly funded. During a debate aired this past week by KAET-TV, the Phoenix PBS affiliate, business owner Shiry Sapir of Scottsdale said she sees no reason to put more taxpayer dollars into K-12 education. While state funding this year is about $6,600 per student according to legislative budget reports, Sapir said that reaches $14,000 when federal and local dollars are added in. "You can go to some religious schools or charter schools at a fraction of that," she said. "There’s no business in the world that thrives when you throw good money after bad." But Phoenix resident Tom Horne, who served as superintendent of public instruction from 2003 through 2010, said he disagrees. "Maybe it’s unusual for a conservative Republican," he said. "But I think we need more resources in our schools as long as there’s accountability making sure those resources achieve academic results and to be sure that the money is used for teacher salaries and smaller class size." State Rep. Michelle Udall of Mesa, who is pushing legislation to revamp school funding, said she falls somewhere in the middle. "I think there are some areas where we’re spending enough and other areas where we need some targeted increases," she said. For example, Udall said, the amount of money the state puts into special education programs does not even cover the services that schools are required to provide. She also said teachers should be paid more. But Udall said she believes that some of the problem of getting dollars into their pockets lies not with the state but with local school boards who have been using some of the money allocated by the state, including for a 20% average salary increase, for other priorities. Horne said his 24 years of experience on the Paradise Valley Unified Governing Board convinces him that there are ways to spend less on administration and more

TOM HORNE

SHIRY SAPIR

MICHELLE UDALL

in the classroom. The debate, sponsored by the Citizens Clean Elections Commission, found much greater area of agreement among the candidates on the question of what is being taught in traditional public schools. And much of that is over the teaching of what has been called "critical race theory." Their understandings of exactly what that includes differs among the candidates. But they agreed that schools should not be teaching students that their race matters. "Critical race theory is really a way of looking at history as every decision they made was based on racism," said Udall. "The problem with that is when we start teaching our children, our teachers, to see race first, then they see race first." But race, she said, is not always the motivating factor. "Definitely, our country was not founded to perpetuate racism," Udall said. Horne noted, though, that was one of the conclusions of the 1619 Project, the New York Times series looking at the history of American from when slaves were first brought here. The report concluded that one reason the Revolutionary War was fought was to preserve slavery in the colonies. "There’s not one scrap of paper from the period that would support that," he said. "It’s a complete fabrication." Sapir said it comes down to teaching all the facts. "Yes, there was slavery in America," she said. "But if you taught children that there was also the Civil War, they will not tear down statues of Lincoln because they’ll

understand he was actually leading the movement to abolish slavery and he actually took a shot to his head for that," Sapir continued. "But the reason our children tear those statues is because somebody’s not teaching them the facts." That led moderator Ted Simons to question whether there were a lot of Lincoln statues being torn down. "Not really," Sapir acknowledged. "But there are a lot of others." The issue of critical race theory is only part of what Sapir said is wrong with what is being taught in Arizona schools. "We’ve been seeing since COVID the oversexualizing and grooming of our children rampant around our state," she said. Pushed for a definition, Sapir said grooming is "conditioning a child to accept things that otherwise would not accept as normal, such as sexual conversations with adults." Udall said grooming is "rare" in Arizona schools. "But there are cases that we’ve seen it happening," she said, defining it as "preparing them to receive sexual advances from adults." And Horne chimed in with a story from a neighbor who said her young son was acting like a ballerina. The story, he said, is the students picked out Skittles and, depending on the color they got, they had to play the role of being gay or transgender. "That has no business in our schools," he said, saying he believes it fits within the definition of "grooming." All three say they support providing

vouchers of public funds to parents to be able to send their children to private and parochial schools. "Public schools will perform better if they have competition," said Sapir. Udall angered members of her own party last year when she -- along with two other Republicans -- refused to support what could be a massive expansion of who would be eligible. During this week’s debate, however, she said she does support vouchers "in a limited way." "But it does require accountability," Udall said. She compared it to when Arizona first legalized "charter schools" about three decades ago. These are technically public schools and they get state funds. But they can be operated by private organizations, even on a for-profit basis. "Charters took off like wildfire," Udall said. "Some of them were great and some of them were really bad and really took advantage of parents and children," she said. "Rather than ensuring they got a good education, some of them took the money and ran." Now, Udall said, "charter schools are regulated and can be closed if they’re not performing," suggesting that some oversight would be appropriate if schools are getting state dollars. The survivor of the Aug. 2 GOP primary will face off against incumbent Kathy Hoffman who is unopposed in the Democratic race. ■

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

BEST OF THE BEST

FREE 25 $

SERVICE CALL

OFF REPAIR

PLUMBING & HVAC SERVICES • $99 Sewer Camera Inspection • $99 A/C Tune-up incl: 1lb Freon • 10% OFF Tankless Water Heaters • 3 Ton Trane A/C Unit only $5,995 • FREE Slab Leak Detection w/Repair

Air Conditioning & Repair

Best Plumber

Over 1,000+ Five-Star Reviews

• $500 OFF any Whole House Repipe

Home Services

480-405-7099

ROC #223709 ROC #289252 | ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

Ahwatukee mom’s wish comes true as Ducey signs bill AFN NEWS STAFF

ov. Doug Ducey last week signed the so-called Right to Try 2.0 bill into law that aims to give parents the right to obtain individualized experimental treatments in this country instead of being forced to do what an Ahwatukee couple had to do two years ago to save two of their three daughters: Spend more than $500,000 to go to Italy to try to save two daughters’ lives. Ahwatukee mom Kendra Riley appeared before both the House and the Senate earlier this month with an emotional plea for support of the bill, which she said would help ease the burden of parents who faced what she and her husband endured in March 2020. The bill, introduced by West Valley Sen. Nancy Barto at the behest of the Goldwater Institute, had won the support of only two Democrats in the Senate – one of them Sen. Sean Bowie. And in the House, most Democrats also voted against it as Ahwatukee’s two representatives split on the measure. “I felt like the bill made a reasonable request that would help families who needed these treatments,” Bowie told AFN. “I knew it was important to the Rileys and that they were constituents. Leading up to the vote, I didn’t hear a compelling enough reason to oppose it, so I was happy to support it. It didn’t seem like a partisan issue, so I was surprised to see the final vote breakdown. “I’m glad the governor signed the bill into law, and happy for families like the Riley’s that this bill was designed to help,” Bowie said. Similarly in the House, Rep. Jennifer Jermaine voted “yes,” saying that she had benefitted from an experimental stem cell surgery a decade ago that restored the full use of one of her arms. Ahwatukee’s other delegate to the House, Rep. Mitzi Epstein, voted against her measure, but did not explain her vote. Epstein is running for Senate in LD12, the new number for the legislative district that includes Ahwatukee. Neither Bowie nor Jermaine are seeking re-election. Only two House Democrats explained their votes against the bill at the time of the final floor vote, with one calling it a “buyer beware bill” that exposed parents

Kendra Riley appeared on Feb. 2 before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee to tell her heartbreaking story as the mother of two daughters with a terminal brain disease, although one appears to have responded well to treatment. (AFN file photo) to potentially expensive and disappointing experiments while another said she became worse as the result of an experimental treatment she sought for her back. Jermaine said that as long as parents were properly and adequately advised of the risks of an experimental treatment and provided informed consent, the bill posed no harm.

The Rileys’ ordeal began in March 2020 – just as the pandemic was starting to grip Arizona and the rest of the world. Their 2-year-old daughter Olivia had difficulty walking. An odd vibration developed in the iris of one eye. Tests subsequently confirmed Olivia had metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), a rare genetic brain disease that has no cure as it destroys the protective fatty layer surrounding the nerves in the central nervous system, aggressively taking away motor function and other abilities. Within 90 days of her first symptoms, Olivia could no longer walk or talk. Subjected to moderate to severe pain on a daily basis, she is now in hospice care. Children with MLD typically aren’t expected to live past 6. The Rileys’ heartbreak only worsened after that. Neither devastated parent knew they were carriers and so they had their two other daughters tested. And while their eldest daughter Eva is a carrier and not affected by the disease, the tests showed their 6-month old daughter Keira also had MLD. The Rileys found that only one medical facility in the country, located in Iowa, offered a treatment program for Olivia. “It wouldn’t cure the disease” Kendra told the

At 3 years of age, Olivia Riley of Ahwatukee is in hospice care as the result of a very rare terminal brain disease. Her mother, Kendra Riley, appeared before state Senate and House panels in February and March to press for the Legislature’s passage of a bill making it easier to seek experimental treatments for diseases like Olivia’s. Most legislative Democrats voted against the measure, signed into law last week by Gov. Doug Ducey, with the exception of two of three Democrats representing Ahwatukee – Sen. Sean Bowie and Rep. Jennifer Jermaine. (Courtesy of the Goldwater Institute)

Senate Health and Human Services Committee Jan. 13. “It would require weekly trips for us from Phoenix to Iowa,” Kendra continued. “So we were doing that every single week during the pandemic with her just to try and get as much time with her as we could with her.” Meanwhile, an advocacy group offered the Rileys some hope for their baby: A medical facility in Milan, Italy, had developed a gene treatment that showed great success with children who had MLD but had not yet developed symptoms. A team of doctors in Milan told Kendra that Keira could be the 31st kid in the world to have this treatment. “Kids that have had this treatment in the past – they’ve only been doing this for a decade – are now 11 and 12 and living completely normal lives. So they’re walking, they’re talking, they’re good playing soccer and going to school and you never know they have MLD.” “We could have had everything done here, but it wasn’t in place ” Kendra continued. And so, she said, “We had to raise a half a million dollars. We had a month to do so. We had to get passports for the girls, visas for the girls. We had to move Olivia’s clinical trial to a site in Amsterdam. And we needed my parents to come with us.” Thanks to the generosity of family, friends and especially the Ahwatukeebased Armer Foundation for Kids and the Desert Financial Credit Union Foundation, the Rileys raised the money and stayed in Milan for six months as their infant received treatment at the San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy. “I’m very happy to say she’s advanced for her age. She’s walking, she’s talking, she’s running, she’s climbing,” Kendra said, her voice cracking with emotion. “It’s amazing. It’s things Olivia could never have the chance to do.” “So I’m here today in support of this bill because if it were in place, and we were going through this right now, we would get this treatment for cure and we’d be here. We wouldn’t have to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars, leave our jobs and our family and our friends and go halfway around the world during a global pandemic to save our daughter’s life.” Olivia is now in hospice care. ■

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

MANUFACTURED EXCLUSIVELY FOR ARIZONA IN ARIZONA!

ARIZONA’S TRUSTED WINDOW & DOOR COMPANY

WINDOW SPECIAL

NOW N OW OFFERING

VIRTUAL ESTIMATES Please Pl se s send: end: en Exterior • Ex Exte teri te rior ri or ppicture ictu ic ture tu re ooff yo your ur hhome omee om Exterior window • Ex Exte teri te rior ri or ppictures ictu ic ture tu ress of yyour re ourr wi ou wind ndow nd ow or do doorss Width Height window • Wi Widt dthh & He dt Heig ight ig ht ooff ea each ch w indo in dow do w needed ed

$3,250 Installed

EMAIL TO: q quotes@energyshieldwd.com uote uo tes@ te s@en s@ ener en ergy er gysh gy shie sh ield ie ldwd.c ld .com om

Max Size 30 Sq. Ft. per Window

• • • • •

PREMIUM WINDOWS REVOLUTIONARY GLASS MAXIMUM HEAT REFLECTION EXTREME DUST CONTROL HIGHEST POSSIBLE QUALITY

0% INTEREST OAC • ROC#310824

FACTORY DIRECT INSTALLERS LICENSED GENERAL CONTRACTOR

AFFORDABLE MULTI SLIDE DOOR SYSTEMS

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATE

602-777-3835

SUB-

CONTRACTORS

Thermal Broken Frame, Low E Glass, Argon Gas. Custom Sizes Available

EnergyShieldWindowsAndDoors.com Se Habla Espanol

Factory Showroom Open

MON - FRI 9AM - 5PM 330 S. 75th Ave • Phoenix • 602-777-3835 OPEN MON. - FRI. 7AM - 5PM, CLOSED SAT-SUN

ROC# 310824

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

Ballot could offer 3 future voting approaches BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

rizonans going to the polls this year could be faced with three vastly different and often-conflicting approaches for the conduct of future elections. An initiative campaign to broaden access to the ballot reported it now is in line to have more than $1 million to gather the 237,645 signatures needed to put the question to voters. That includes $500,000 already donated by Living United for Change in Arizona, the group that convinced voters, twice, to hike the state’s minimum wage. Laura Dent, spokeswoman for the coalition of groups coming up with the cash, known as Activate 48, says the campaign already has more than 60,000 signatures collected since launching in early February. Arizonans for Free and Fair Elections has until July 7 to gather the rest on its proposal to do everything from automatic voter registration when people get a driver’s license to overturning some of the restrictions on early voting previously approved by the Republican-controlled measure. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers already have placed another vastly different one there which actually would impose new voter ID requirements. That measure began as an initiative by the business-oriented Free Enterprise Club. But the action by the Republican-controlled legislature saves it the effort and the cost of getting signatures by agreeing themselves to put it on the ballot. And a third group that wants to curb early voting is hoping for the same favorable treatment of being able to bypass the signature requirements for an initiative. Lee Miller, one of the Republican organizers of what is dubbed Easier to Vote,

MURDER from page 19

Covarrubias had attended Mountain Pointe High School, but dropped out after his sophomore year a couple years

Harder to Cheat, said he has been unable to hire the necessary paid circulators to get people to sign petitions to qualify the measure for the 2022 ballot. So now Miller is hoping that GOP lawmakers do for him and his allies what they did for the Free Enterprise Club: put the issue on the November ballot without the need to gather signatures showing public support. Theoretically speaking, all three could be approved in November. And if there are conflicting provisions, the measure that gets more votes would become law. But what ultimately will be at play is whether Arizonans believe that the existing voting laws – including new restrictions that Republicans are enacting this year – are too lax or too restrictive. The most comprehensive of these proposals is the initiative being pushed by Arizonans for Free and Fair Elections. It would restore the “permanent early voting list’’ that lawmakers eliminated in 2021, ensuring that people who want can continue to get early ballots even if they do not use them for several years. It also would require counting early ballots that are postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day – existing law says they have to be received by that deadline – and add to the kinds of documents that those going to the polls could present to show their identification. Then there’s the provision that says people are signed up to vote when they get a driver’s license unless they specifically opt out. It would repeal the 2016 law that makes it a crime for individuals to take someone else’s early ballots to a polling place. And it would spell out that a signature on an early ballot envelope is sufficient to ago, Carillo said. One of two boys in the family, he had been looking for a job, she added. Covarrubias’ slaying was the third homicide in Ahwatukee this year.

have the votes inside of it counted. That directly conflicts with what’s been dubbed the Arizona for Voter ID Act, the one that GOP lawmakers agreed to put on the ballot for the Free Enterprise Club. It seeks to spell out that those who use early ballots provide information beyond their signature on the early ballot envelopes. That includes an affidavit with the voter’s date of birth and the number from one of several acceptable forms of identification. These include a driver’s license, a state-issued non-operating license, the last four digits of the person’s Social Security number, or a unique number issued by the secretary of state to those who lack the other types of ID. But it would leave it up to counties to decide whether that information would have to be provided on a separate document that voters would need to remember to put into the envelope. A similar requirement enacted in Texas reportedly resulted in thousands of votes not being counted. The Arizona for Voter ID Act also would affect those who go to the polls on election day. It would bar anyone from voting who does not provide an acceptable photo ID. Gone would be an alternate option of bringing in two different documents without a photo that contain the person’s name and address, like a utility bill, veUnsolved is the Jan. 1 shooting death of 23-year-old Eduardo Roman Castillo in an apartment at the Village at Lakewood complex on South Lakewood Parkway. A third homicide in Ahwatukee in-

hicle registration certificate or property tax statement. The Easier to Vote, Harder to Cheat proposal that lobbyist Lee Miller and other Republicans hope to get lawmakers to put on the ballot takes a somewhat different approach to early ballots. It would continue to permit voters to provide only their signature on the envelopes. But it would prohibit people from dropping off such an early ballot at a voting center after 7 p.m. on the Friday before election day. There still would be an option for those who want to bring their early ballots to a polling place on Election Day. But they could not simply drop it off, as is the case now, but instead would be required to stand in line and provide the same kind of voter ID as those who were standing in line to vote that day. It also seeks to require that ballots be scanned and the images placed online for public viewing as well as mandates county officials to set up a system so those who cast early ballots can be sure their votes were counted. And it says anyone who needs to “cure’’ a ballot where election officials question whether the signature matches would have only through 7 p.m. on Election Day. Current law gives them up to five day to resolve the issue, which sometimes can be done through a phone call, and ensure their vote is counted. The initiative proposal by Arizonans for Free and Fair Elections actually deals with more than the voting process. If approved, it would provide more cash for candidates who choose to run with public funds. Conversely, it would scale back the limits on donations by private individuals and political action committees who now can give up to $6,250 to candidates every election cycle to no more than $2,500 to those running for statewide office and $1,000 for legislative, city, town or county offices. ■

volved the Jan. 5 shooting death of Monique Kistner, 60, whose 33-year-old son Robert Kistner has been charged with murder and is in jail in lieu of a $500,000 bond. ■

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

FREE ESTIMATES

BEFORE

AFTER

SPECIALIZING IN TILE ROOF UNDERLAYMENT REPLACEMENTS AND REPAIRS We Also Do: • Shingle Roofs • Flat Roofs

SENIOR & MILITARY DISCOUNTS

• Foam Roofs • Elastomeric/Heat Reflective Coatings

ROOF INSPECTIONS

SERVING THE EAST AND WEST VALLEYS

hornandsonsroofing.com EAST VALLEY

10% OFF 623.688.0127 FULL REPLACEMENT ROC #334716

602.432.0713

WEST VALLEY

George Horn, Owner • hornandsonsroofing@gmail.com

Credit cards accepted • Licensed, Bonded, Insured • Over 50 years experience • Family owned and operated

CYNTHIA WORLEY, AHWATUKEE EXPERT CYNTHIA WORLEY, AHWATUKEE EXPERT CEO and Founder of Stella Realty Group CEO and Founder of Stella Realty Group Keller Williams Realty East Valley

Keller Williams Realty East Valley

3860 E Nambe Street • $525,000

3149 E Desert Broom Way • $1,100,000

THREE REASONS TO SELL

CYNTHIA WORLEY, AHWATUKEE EXPERT THREE REASONS TO SELL CEO and Founder of Stella Realty A market Today many Group Keller correction Williams Realty East Valley families can sell

A market

Today many

means to realize equity correction families can sell selling for THREEwindfalls and REASONS means to realize equityTO less down right size to the HOUSE selling for OPEN home windfalls and the that best A road. market Today many Thursday May 5 less down right size to the their needs. correction families can sell 2:30 PMfits - 5:00 PM

the road. home that best means to Saturday May 7realize equity selling for windfalls and fits their needs. 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM less down right size to the Single Story the road. home that best Beautiful Desert Landscaping fits their needs. cynthiaworley@worleyteam.com 2 BR| •worleyteam.com 2 BA • 2 Car Garage

CALL TODAY! 480-330-7035

1,886 SF CALL TODAY! 480-330-7035

A market peak is the best A market peak time to get the is the best highest price SELL time to get the for your home.

OPENprice HOUSE highest

A market peak Friday May 6 forthe your home. is 2:00 best PM - 5:00 PM time to get May the 7 Saturday highest price 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM for yourOasis home. Backyard • Upgraded

Interior • Mountain Park Ranch 5 BR • 3 BA 3 Car Garage • 3,683 SF

cynthiaworley@worleyteam.com | worleyteam.com CALL TODAY! 480-330-7035 cynthiaworley@worleyteam.com | worleyteam.com

EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

with this ad

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

free leather upgrade *

Save hundreds and enjoy moving up from one grade of leather to a superior grade absolutely free on any Stressless seating ®

or save $ 300

Emily modular sofa system

on the Max, Mike or Royal recliners in any Paloma leather.

Royal with black Paloma leather on Original base

Mike power motion recliner

save $50 on the new Stressless Dining Collection when you buy four or more. ®

Come experience the Stressless® difference when it comes to dining room seating comfort. Our new collection, with Stressless’ patented relax/recline design, features wider seats that are available with or without armrests, and in high back or low back. since

Now through May 31st

*see store for full details contemporary furniture & accessories

great prices great design

PHOENIX 1701 E. Camelback 602-266-8060 SCOTTSDALE 15804 N. Scottsdale Rd. (South of Bell) 480-367-6401 GILBERT 2000 S. Santan Village Pkwy. 480-838-3080 HOURS: PHOENIX Mon-Sat: 9am-6pm, Sundays: Noon-5pm SCOTTSDALE & GILBERT Mon-Fri: 10am-7pm, Saturdays: 10am-6pm, Sundays: Noon-5pm

www.copenhagenliving.com

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

Community

COMMUNITY

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Local Girl Scout wins Gold Award with saguaro project BY JUSTIN LIGGIN AFN Contributor

hen faced with the death of the saguaro cactus in her front yard, Phoenix Girl Scout and environmentalist Ella Werre sprang into action to find a solution to this growing problem, securing a Gold Award honor for her efforts. “We were greatly saddened by how sudden ours fell and how it appeared as if its roots were rotting,” said Ella. The fall inspired Ella to research saguaro cactus health in Arizona and find out how she can contribute to saving them. “I wanted to learn more about why saguaros fall over, especially in urban areas where there are more fallen than usual,” said Ella. “It was important to me because everyone in Arizona has a connection to these iconic plants.” To complete her mission of raising awareness and educating the public, Ella created a brochure on saguaro health and the factors, like climate change, that are

Here she shared images of fallen and healthy saguaros in Phoenix and the multiple factors that contribute to their health. In addition to the educational material, Ella also created a project on iNaturalist, a social network dedicated to mapping and sharing observations of biodiversity across the globe. “My project on iNaturalist allowed users to log saguaros that they see in their community, creating a count of the population which scientists can use to measure saguaro health,” said Ella. Ella’s project has made an Ahwatukee Girl Scout Ella Werre is a Mountain Pointe impact on the community and High alumna and now attends Michigan State University. has even been picked up by a (Special to AFN) graduate student and their adaffecting their lifespans in urban areas. visor, who is a scientist at the Desert BoAn additional element to Ella’s project tanical Garden. The duo is using the Girl was her website: saveoursaguarosaz.com. Scout’s iNaturalist project to locate sagua-

ros in Phoenix to collect genetic samples and research the diversity of the urban saguaro population. Despite completing her project during the pandemic and running into challenges such as finding expert researchers to speak to, Ella’s Gold Award project taught her important lessons on the power of perseverance. “I learned a lot about how to persevere and I feel like this project helped me feel like myself again. I know now that the best remedy for a lack of motivation is to dedicate time to an interesting idea or project,” said Ella. Though Ella has been a Girl Scout for 12 years, she still has the same passion for the organization and appreciates the positive change that Girl Scouts has had on her life. “I’ve have been able to grow up surrounded by strong, powerful women role models and I have learned so many new skills through camps, activities, and badg-

Katie and Scott Hastings have four sons: Dalton, 12, twin 10-year-olds Dax and Dawson and, Dutch, 7. (Courtesy of Katie Hastings)

tool to help them know what to do if they ever find themselves in an unsafe situa-

see ELLE page 28

Victim writes toddlers book on avoiding sex abuse EARBY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

s a registered nurse whose family roots also extend into education, Katie Hastings has been particularly passionate about preventing child abuse. She also is a victim of child sex abuse. She has founded a company devoted to sparing other children of that horror and now, the mother of four boys has written a children’s book to help them. Hastings recently published “Your Safe Body,” which she wrote and illustrated specifically for toddlers and elementaryage children about how to avoid becoming victims of sex abuse. She has had ample experience – both as a survivor of child sex abuse and a pediatric nurse – and drew her inspiration from what she saw as “a major gap in body safety education.”

“I saw a need for children to have a se-

quential, easy-to-memorize body safety

see HASTINGS page 28

COMMUNITY

ELLE from page 27

es,” said Ella. “It has allowed me to become a cultured, knowledgeable and intelligent young woman.” As a Girl Scout Gold Award, Ella has proved herself as a changemaker and innovator in her community, earning the highest honor for the organization. The prestigious Gold Award gives an edge to girls not just personally, but professionally as well with research showing that 99 percent of Gold Award alums take on leadership roles in their everyday lives. Since her project, Ella has graduated from Mountain Pointe High School and attends Michigan State University with a ma-

HASTINGS from page 27

tion, and to know and recognize unsafe situations,” the Gilbert native explained. She wrote her book around the name of the company she founded called SHOUT LLC, which educates parents on how to teach their children the prevention and awareness techniques based on the acronym for “Stop, Help, Out, Unsafe, and Tell.” “I created SHOUT to help parents educate their children on body safety, and prevent sexual abuse in children,” Hastings explained. “Studies show before the age of

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

jor in biochemistry and molecular biology. “I consider myself someone who cares deeply and strongly about the environment. I am glad I was able to complete a project that brings more attention to climate change, and how it directly affects things that we might take for granted,” said Ella. ■ Ella posted this map on her website saveoursaguarosaz.com that shows locations of saguaros. The locations were posted by “citizen scientists,” she said so people can keep track of their health. (saveorsaguaros.com)

18, one in three girls and one in five boys are sexually abused. That statistic is alarmingly high. Studies also show 93% of child sex abusers are someone the child knows. Providing parents with an easy to read, colorful, interactive book, and body safety tool will help start discussions about abuse, and prevent abuse in children.” With experience working at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Los Ninos Hospital, Hospice of the Valley, and MGA Healthcare, Hastings through her company now serves as a community and public health nurse who educates parents, teachers, and health

Helping pets

A check for $5,862 was presented to Lost Our Home pet rescue that was raised from Ahwatukee Foothills Friend’s and Neighbor’s charity fundraiser on March 28. Charity committee members who organized the event were, from left, Maria Callen, Julie Haggerty, Doris Markham, Angie Gray (Chair), Ann Marie Geary (director of philanthropy and fund development for Lost Our Home, Cathy Keene, Carol Arnold, Jeanine Ray and club President Sylvia Shippey. (Courtesy of Sylvia Shipley)

care providers about child sex abuse. Children were the inspiration for Hastings’ career choice, which includes a Phoenix College bilingual nursing program for Spanish patients and a BSN she earned at University of Phoenix in 2011. “I got into nursing after caring for a friend’s child with cerebral palsy,” she explained. “I enjoyed helping her and was drawn to special needs, pediatric nursing, which was the field I began working in as a new grad nurse.” Over time she also has worked as an RSV nurse and in fields of medical surgery, pulmonary, telemetry, hospice and long-term acute care. As if that and her campaign against child sex abuse wasn’t enough work, Hastings also owns Woventable, LLC, where she does interior design work and DIY projects she shares on Instagram. She has been married for 15 years to Scott Hastings, whose family owned one of the largest honey bee businesses in Arizona in the 1940s through the 60s. He owned and operated Arizona Superior Cleaning, which ranked as the top commercial cleaning company in the state in 2018 and is now owned and operated by his brothers. Her family has roots in public education. Her late grandfather was the superintendent of Apache Junction Schools and her father, Mathew Wright, is an attorney for the Arizona School Risk Retention Trust. Given her jobs and four pre-teen sons, writing and illustrating the book required “balancing home, work life and writing,” she said. “Lots of times – especially when writing during the pandemic – I had to set my work aside to help take over temporary role as teacher for my four elementary

aged children in remote-based learning, like so many parents did. I juggled finding time to write, balance family, and work life and illustrate. “But I found a good balance and would set my work aside for a time when necessary to meet the needs a challenging pandemic provided in family life, especially when it came to my children’s educational needs. As a new illustrator, getting the formatting right for good DPG images when published was a hurdle I had to learn as well, but now know for the future.” Her book was published earlier this year. It’s available through Amazon and all major book stores as well as an e-book on Kindle and Apple Books – Hastings said she has been “humbled” by the reaction. “Many People posted about ‘Your Safe Body’ in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. I am overjoyed at parents, and people everywhere using their voice to support this book.” She also said she can be found on Instagram and Facebook as @katiethemomthenurse “where I share child abuse prevention and other useful information.” Right now, Hastings also is working on a new book “that highlights part of my abuse experience and healing, to help victims of abuse on their recovery to heal from trauma. “I have decided to make this a contribution book, with other victims sharing their story. It will be written in a positive light, a self-help book, that will bring awareness, hope, and will aide others in trauma recovery and healing to know they are not alone. I am still looking for contributors to share; many of which are choosing to remain anonymous. Anyone interested in contributing to this book is free to reach out to me.” ■

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

Dedicated birder featured by Audubon Society on Zoom BY ELIZABETH FARQUHAR AFN Guest Writer

ow many kinds of birds do you see in your back yard or around the neighborhood? Five or six? Even if your feeders are popular you see far fewer than the more than 500 species that live in or migrate through Arizona. Tempe resident and Desert Rivers Audubon Society member Jake B. Thompson saw 416 species in 2021, when he was pursuing an Arizona Big Year. Virtually every day all year Thompson was in the field looking for birds. On workdays he combed sites within striking distance of home and job. On days off he threw his sleeping bag in the back seat and took off to prowl every valley and corner in the state. On Tuesday, May 10 at 7 p.m. on Zoom, Jake will talk about his Big Year as part of Desert Rivers Audubon Society’s monthly

JAKE B. THOMPSON

speaker series. He’ll share stories about living in the field, devoting every second

of daylight looking for birds – and many nights looking for owls. And he’ll show photos of some of the birds he saw and the places he discovered. The presentation is free. Register at desertriversaudubon.org to receive the link. Birders love spending time outside watching and listening for various species and logging their sightings on their personal life lists or in databases like eBird. But some birders elevate the chase to a different level. They commit to spending a year finding as many species as possible in a defined area. It’s called a Big Year and you may remember it from the movie of that name starring Jack Black and Steve Martin. Jake, a Desert Rivers Audubon board member, belongs to the Big Year subspecies of birders. On Jan. 1, 2021, he embarked on an Arizona Big Year. It was such a great experience that currently he’s do-

ing a Maricopa County Big Year. Branching out, last month he traveled to Texas where he sighted 216 species. The Monthly Speaker Series is the cornerstone of Desert Rivers Audubon Society’s educational program for more than a decade. May through August the talks are offered on Zoom only. Anyone may attend at no charge by registering for the Zoom link. September through April the talks are offered on Zoom and in person at the Southeast Regional Library, 775 E. Guadalupe Road in Gilbert. Desert Rivers Audubon Society, the East Valley’s local Audubon chapter, provides environmental education and conservation opportunities to East Valley residents and the broader community. For information on programs, memberships and giving, see desertriversaudubon.org ■

Local Scout troops help Mountain View Lutheran cleanup AFN NEWS STAFF

roop 17 from Foothills Baptist Church and Troop 48, a newly formed girls’ troop chartered by Mountain View Lutheran Church, recently joined together to remove wood bark chips from two playground areas on the Mountain View Lutheran campus. One area is just east of the preschool building, and the other is just west of the worship center on the north side of the campus. This area is about 2,600 square feet and 21 boys from Troop 17 and five girls from Troop 48 along with 15 adults helped with the effort. The bark was raked and shoveled into large black trash bags, placed into wheelbarrows and loaded into a pickup truck. A pickup truck was provided by Carl Graff, who then drove the truck to an area where the bags were unloaded. The Scouts did all the loading and unloading of the bags. “After over four hours of work, the Scouts had raked and filled almost 160

large black trash bags from these two playground areas,” said Chuck Mackey, a BSA scout unit commissioner and facilities manager at Mountain View Lutheran. “This was a very dusty and dirty project but, in the Scouting tradition the project was accomplished, and everyone had a good time, although very tired! The project was led Senior Patrol Leader Aidan Wall of Troop 17. “He organized and directed the Scouts from both units and did an amazing job,” Mackey said. Troop 17 is led by Scoutmaster Chris Grosjean and Troop 48 is lead by Scoutmaster Dedra Wadsworth. Information about Troop 17 for boys: Sheryl Houle at 480-540-1269 or email sheryl@houlefamily.net and for Troop 48 girls’ contact Dedra Wadsdorth at 520-982-1876 or email mcwads@msn.com. “A great thank you goes out to both troops and Mountain View Lutheran Church is very appreciative of their hard work and dedication to scouting and serving their community,” Mackey added.. ■

A huge cleanup effort brought out members of Troop 17 from Foothills Baptist Church and Troop 48, a newly formed girls’ troop chartered by Mountain View Lutheran Church. (Special to AFN)

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

AROUND AHWATUKEE

availableMother’s Day event for moms raising kids with disabilities

Ahwatukee resident Michele Thorne, founder/executive director of the nonprofit Care 4 the Caregivers, is sponsoring a special Mother’s Day event 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at Modern Allo for 35 mothers who are raising children with disabilities. “Mothers raising children with disabilities have had it rough the last two years – juggling school closures, a shift from inperson therapy to teletherapy, and increasing isolation from the pandemic,” Thorne said’ “This Mother’s Day, Care 4 the Caregivers is hosting a special event in honor of these amazing caregivers and will treat 35 mothers to a day of rest and relaxation. They will be seen, celebrated, and taken care of.” “Caregivers at previous events have expressed that it was the first time in years that they took a break and did something for themselves. That it was the first time they felt seen and respected. That it was the first time they were able to connect with other caregivers in the community. At these events, we strive to create an environment where caregivers can take down their guard, relax, and find comfort that they are not alone.” Care 4 the Caregivers’ mission is to strengthen families by caring for those who are raising children diagnosed with a disability. It hosts community events, workshops and runs support groups. The group also provides educational, mental, and physical resources on its website and mobile app. The group’s motto is: “When caregivers feel seen, appreciated, heard, and supported, their children will have better outcomes.” We would love it if you could help us share the word about our charity’s work to support those raising children with disabilities. Reservations/information: care4thecaregivers.org.

Happy hour for commercial real estate pros in Ahwatukee slated at Philly’s

A happy hour will be held 4-6 p.m. May 12 at Philly’s Bar & Grill, 4855 E. Warner Road, for architects, engineers and contractors in commercial real estate who live in Ahwatukee. The quarterly gatherings are aimed at helping them professionally network in their neighborhood.

Gila River Indian Community offering grants to Valley nonprofits

Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass, Lone Butte and Vee Quiva – are accepting applications from nonprofits for its self-excluded jackpot fund beginning June 1. The deadline to apply is June 30 at 5 p.m. All Arizona 501(c)(3) organizations that are recognized by the IRS and focus on education and children’s welfare are eligible for consideration to receive self-excluded jackpot funds. The nonprofits can apply online through June 30. The selected applicants will be notified in September and honored during a special Gila River Cares event in October. “We are privileged to further support Gila River Cares mission of giving back through the self-excluded jackpots,” said Kenneth Manuel CEO of Gila River Resorts & Casinos. “The funds help smaller yet influential organizations thrive and we look forward to discovering and supporting new nonprofits each year.” Last year, more than $84,000 was distributed across three nonprofits benefiting Arizonans including one•n•ten, ICAN: Positive Programs for Youth and The Tommy Two Shoes Literacy Project for Children. Self-excluded jackpot funds are accumulated when a gaming winner is ineligible to receive their winnings on table

games, slot machines or bingo. This money is distributed to help further support Gila River Cares mission of giving back to locals in need. To apply and view eligibility qualifications visit playatgila. com/gila-river-cares/.

GOP candidates will appear at series of Ahwatukee town halls in Club West

The Republican precinct committees of the Camelot, Club West, Thunderhill, and Reserve GOP precincts will hold a series of question-and-answer town halls “with a moderator asking questions with regard to pertinent issues our state and nation are facing.” All run from 7-9 p.m. at the Club West Community Center, 16414 S. 14th Ave., Ahwatukee. The next one on May 18 will feature U.S. Senate candidates; June 7, Secretary of State hopefuls; June 23, gubernatorial candidates; and July 14, state senate and superintendent of schools candidates.

Kyrene Foundation seeks sponsors, players for golf tournament this week

Sponsors are being sought for the Kyrene Foundation’s 11th annual Golf Classic May 6 at Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass. Last year the Golf Classic raised more than $25,000 to help support various Foundation initiatives in the Kyrene School District including the Kyrene Family Resource Center, teacher mini-grants and principal (cq) grant, student scholarships and recognitions and annual initiatives such as Backpacks for Students, Thanksgiving Food Baskets and Winter Wonderland. This year’s goal is $30,000. Information: Kyrene Foundation.org.

Become a Published Author with Dorrance. We want to read your book! Our staff is made up of writers, just like you. We are dedicated to making publishing dreams come true. Trusted by authors for nearly 100 years, Dorrance has made countless authors’ dreams come true.

Complete Book Publishing Services FIVE EASY STEPS TO PUBLICATION:

1. Consultation

4. Distribution

2. Book Production

5. Merchandising and Fulfillment

3. Promotion

Call now to receive your FREE Author’s Guide

855-977-5138

or www.dorranceinfo.com/lovin

Obituaries

480-898-6465 obits@timespublications.com Deadline: Wednesday by 5pm for Sunday

Jesse Dean (J.D.) James Our dear J.D. -Not a day goes by that we don't miss you. On your 35th birthday, we want you to know how much we love and miss you, and your Kroos is still going strong. He has saved us (with Jack!) Love, Mom and Dad and doggies Kroos and Jack

Obituaries - Death NOtices iN MeMOriaM We are here to make this difficult time easier for you. Our 24 hour online service is easy to use and will walk you through the steps of placing a paid obituary in the Ahwatukee Foothills News or a free death notice. Visit: obituaries.Ahwatukee.com

Ahwatukee American Legion Post 64 is always seeking new members

Men and women who served in the Armed Forces are always invited to join Ahwatukee American Legion Post 64, which meets 4-5 p.m. every third Wednesday of the month at the Ahwatukee Rec Center, 5001 E. Cheyenne Drive, Ahwatukee. The post’s mission is to “enhance the well-being of America’s veterans, their families, our military and our communities by devotion to mutual helpfulness.” Information: Americanlegionpost64.com or 480-326-4656.

Service Saturdays back in action with Ahwatukee professor

Ahwatukee resident Dr. Neal Lester, Foundation Professor of English at Arizona State University and founder/director of its Project Humanities, has begun its biweekly Service Saturdays, where groups and individuals distribute clothing and toiletries at the Human Services Campus in downtown Phoenix. The outreach runs from 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. and services the Campus’ unhoused clients. During the outreach, clients shop alongside “personal shopper” volunteers who aid in searching for various styles and sizes, as well as share warm conversations with them. There also is a weekly sorting of donated items 2-4 p.m. Fridays. Information: projecthumanities.asu.edu/service-Saturdays or projecthumanities@asu.edu. ■

331661_4.75_x_4.75.indd 1

2/23/22 12:37 PM

REAL ESTATE

Real Estate Guide Expert sees rents slightly decreasing, supply increasing BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

leading Valley residential real estate analyst is calling out media reports of a continuing surge in rent, saying the most recent data from the Phoenix metro housing market shows rents are starting to fall slightly, available rental units are increasing and nervous landlords are starting to offer deals to attract tenants. Over the last few weeks, the Cromford Report has been identifying data that prompted it to state on April 22: “Almost

everybody is saying rents are going up. Not in Phoenix, they’re not. With rents going down and mortgage rates and home purchase prices going up, the argument for buying over renting is starting to look significantly weaker.” It’s more than just inventory of singlefamily homes, townhouses and apartments that is prompting that statement. The Cromford Report noted that inventory of for-sale homes also is rising while the number of closings is trending downward.

see RENT page RE4

SPO OTLIGHT home

STUNNING & IMMACULATE CLUB WEST HOME WITH UPGRADES GALORE!

SPO OTLIGHT home

SOLD

Enjoy superb mountain views from custom single-level luxury home in gated Summerhill Estates.

Mike Mendoza

Listed for $1,450,000

See Page 6

Listed for $819,000

Geno Ross

See Page 6

SOLD

This beautiful mid-century single level home with over 3,000sf is situated on a huge corner lot in the desirable North Central Phoenix corridor

Bonny Holland

See Page 6

Sold atat$1,163,500 Offered $1,299,000

Ahwatukee’s #1 Team for Over 30 Years 480-706-7234

www.MendozaTeam.com

Mike Mendoza

L SO

SO Sanctuary - Front

Sanctuary - Back

Tapestry Canyon - Front

Tapestry Canyon - Back

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

Majestic Southwest contemporary estate on elevated 1.24-acre hillside lot with stunning mountain and city light views. 5 br, 4.5 ba with 4,924 sq. ft. Resort-style backyard with slate patio, built-in Viking grill, pool, spa, koi pond and ultimate privacy.

Listed for $1,950,000

Listed for $1,325,00

re2

REAL ESTATE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

Greater Phoenix real estate market expectations BY GEOFF GREEN AFN Guest Writer

ave you felt a gnawing suspicion that the recent increase in real estate prices will end in another great recession? If so, you aren’t alone. Unbalanced supply and demand created the 2008 bubble in real estate prices and are the major driver of today’s price increases. However, the cause of the unbalance is different today and far less risky. This article will evaluate today’s price drivers and review reasonable expectations for greater Phoenix real estate prices for the next three to six months.

Supply (sellers):

The number of single-family homes available for purchase has continued to drop to extremely low levels resulting in bidding wars for the available homes on the market. This situation has resulted in a price appreciation approaching 25% in the last year or so, with 50% of the contract prices being higher than the asking price. Evidence abounds that home builders are at least 10 years behind in providing sufficient homes for the demand. Current supply chain problems have resulted in a lead time of 12 to 14 months for a new build. Apparently, more of the baby boomer generation has decided to “age in place” – the reverse of the situation predicted some time back that baby boomers would produce a glut of selling as they moved to care facilities.

Demand (buyers):

Demand was increasing about as fast as the supply has been dropping. However, there are signs that demand might be ap-

Sale homes have been flying off the market rapidly. (Geoff Green) proaching a peak, but firm evidence has not yet appeared. Purchase prices are exceeding asking prices by almost 2%. Arizona and the Greater Phoenix area has always been a draw for people retiring, seeking warmer weather, and a great place for winter homes, just to name a few reasons. Desire to leave costly states for less expensive surroundings has increased dramatically in the last year or so. The end effect is an increase in buyers with plenty of cash available to bid up prices on relatively less expensive housing accommodations. Internet buyers added significantly to the demand, although expectations are that these buyers will have less of an effect in the future due to business model failure. Wall street and institutional investors have also added to the demand in a big way. Not by buying loan packages (which ended up being fraudulent and toxic and contributed significantly to the great recession) but by investing in properties outright, primarily to profit from price increases and rental income. So, what can we reasonably expect prices to do for the next three to six months? It’s reasonable to expect a drop in demand with prices plateauing somewhat. In-

Be Smart. Choose LendSmart. Contact Eric Kinneman

for your mortgage needs 602-757-2171.

When you support your local Community businesses, we are all winners, making our Community stronger one closing at a time.

Eric Kinneman, Branch Manager - Ahwatukee Branch. NMLS #212062 | AZ License 0911709

O: 480.477.8464 | D: 602.757.2171 | F: 602.445.0913 | ekinneman@lendsmartmortgate.com | www.erickkinnemanloans.com

Average sale prices have been exceeding list price. (Geoff Green)

creasing interest rates, although still historically low, will decrease the affordability of homes unless the buyer is using pure cash, not just a loan designed to look like a cash purchase. Because of the run-up in prices, many buyers are deciding to stay where Active listings have been in a downward trajectory, shrinking the they are and take on supply of available homes for sale. (Geoff Green) a wait-and-see attitude before moving. In fact, from a purely tial price direction changes across the resifinancial short-term perspective, renting is dential real estate market in general. starting to look more favorable than buying. When these numbers start to approach There is scant evidence that supply will normal levels indicating a more balanced increase significantly. There is little loan supply and demand, it is likely to create a redefault risk in the near term with very few turn to more normal price growth numbers owners underwater at the present time. in the greater phoenix area. How can you determine when the balance Geoff Green is a Realtor with Keller Wilof supply and demand might be changing? liams Realty Sonoran Living. Just keep watching the numbers depicted Information: Geoff@Gmgreen.Net or in these charts for early indication of poten 602 790 2927. ■

Club West luxury

This 3,452-square-foot house on South 15th Drive in Ahwatukee recently sold for $1.08 million. The five-bedroom, four-bath two-story home, built in 1998 in Foothills Club West, boasts a large and sumptuous outdoor entertaining area with pool and an updated interior and sold for about %150,000 over list price. (Special to AFN)

REAL ESTATE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

MARTA CUBILLO

RYAN GIPPLE

KIM HEALY

LISA MIGUEL

re3

GENO ROSS

West USA Realty Ahwatukee agents honored AFN NEWS STAFF

est USA Realty Ahwatukee announced its 2021 top Realtors and honored 14 other Realtors for years of service that total 205 years. West USA originated its first office in Phoenix in 1986 and became of the largest real estate firms in Arizona, growing from one agent to over 3,000 serving the Valley. The Ahwatukee branch opened 33 years

JUST LISTED!

ago and is still in the same location, 4505 E. Chandler Blvd., STW 170, Ahwatukee with over 220 Realtors. In all, 10 agents have logged 30 years of service, 13 with 25 years, 16 with 20 years, 24 with 15 years and 66 with a decade on the job for West USA Realty. The Ahwatukee branch also has gained a reputation for numerous charitable endeavors partnering with Horizon Honors Key Club, Kyrene Resource center and Ah-

watukee Kiwanis Club. The four Realtors with awards of excellence and Top 1% Producers companywide are Lisa Miguel, Geno Ross, Ryan Gipple and Kim Healy. Gipple also was saluted for top business opportunity (volume) company-wide Miguel also garnered #1 in the Ahwatukee office. Marty Griffin was awarded the Culture award and 10 years of service. Joining Griffin for 10 years of service were DaLet’s RALLY FOR RAFFY and get this amazing single father of two beautiful girls a peaceful home to recover in. Raffy’s story is an inspiration for all. In 2005, at 19 years old, his kidneys shut down, he received a kidney from his sister 6 months later. In 2015, his new kidney shut down. Finally, he got his second transplant in 2021. In addition a third corneal transplant was done on March 24th. This has taken a toll on Raffy and his family physically, emotionally, and financially. Your help is greatly appreciated. Sponsors, players and auction items are all greatly appreciated.

8515 S 31st Way, Phoenix, AZ 85042

4 bedroom/2.5 bath, 3607 sf, 19,751 SF LOT! $1,025,000

Lisa Wunder The Wunder Team

602.538.4308

Direct: Email: lisawunder@gmail.com

vid LaFountain, Fred Lien, Carlos Martinez, Jim Parker, Kelly Pedraza and Henry Fillion. Saluted for 15 years of service were Stacey Lykins, Tony Ficara, Marcy Lobliner and Peggy Underwood. Honored for 20 years was Marta Cubillo while honors for 25 years of service went to Steve Garvey. Saluted for 30 years of service was Fred Foley. Information: Donna Leeds at 602-9424200. ■

Realtor , ®

SEPTEMBER 9, 2022

EVENT DATE CHANGED

4082 sqft 5 bedrooms, 4 baths

Some advice on investing in Arizona real estate BY CHRIS MORRISON AFN Guest Writer

rizona has become one of the hottest real estate markets on record. Property values in metro Phoenix have grown 31.1% from last year. Many out of state investors are taking stake in Phoenix properties due to growth forecasts, predicting the city will be in the top 10 best real estate markets this year. Phoenix area home prices are expected to grow at a steady pace this year, making it an ideal market for investors. The limited housing supply also adds to the value, making this an incredibly competitive market. Real estate investing is one of the fastest methods towards generational wealth. While real estate investments pose great opportunities, it is important

This chart by the Cromford Report compares home sale price averages in 17 Valley municipalities between week 17 of 2020 and that of 2022. (Cromford Report)

Leading Luxury Home Experts

14616 S. 1st St, Phoenix

2894 sqft, 3 (+4) bedrooms, 2.5 baths

1532 E. Silverwood Dr., Phoenix

First time on the market in the gated golf community of Shadow Rock

$835,000

BONNY HOLLAND Ahwatukee Resident and Realtor since 1995

602.369.1085

Bonny@LeadingLuxuryExperts.com

2016 & 2017 BREA Award for Most Sales in Ahwatukee!

WHISTLING ROCK

$2,499,000 14228 S. 5th St., Phoenix

credible weather, golf courses, and college towns. If you are hosting a vacation home, upgrade to a smart lock. Smart locks not only provide easy access for guests, but a sense of security as keys can’t be duplicated or lost. Always keep your rental property in operable shape by repairing issues immediately. Do not forget to have all permits in order and assure all laws are followed where your rental home is located. An organized and clean listing with great photos, will make your rental home stand out for travelers. Grow your investment without purchasing properties. Yes, it is possible to invest in real estate without purchasing real estate property. Invest in a real estate-focused company such as commercial real estate developers, timeshare companies, hotels and similar real estate companies.

$1,300,000

TEMPE GARDENS

837 E. Divot Dr., Phoenix

4060, 4 (+5) bedrooms, 3 baths

2016 sqft, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths

Located in the Hillside gated community of Summerhill, this custom luxury estate has it all!

This beautiful home is located in Whistling Rock, a sought after gated community in the Foothills

Beautiful and well-maintained gem located within walking distance of Ken McDonald Golf Course

TAPESTRY CANYON

FOOTHILLS CLUB WEST

14009 S. 17th, Phoenix

$1,599,000 16026 S. 7th Ln, Phoenix

$900,000

DESERT SHADOWS

9387 E. Wood Dr., Phoenix

Chris Morrison is a founding member of RETSY, a technology-based real estate brokerage with over 300 years of combined experience and more than US $3.5 billion in sales. ■

3293 sqft, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths

2348 sqft, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths

Stunning Mountain side custom home with amazing city and mountain views located in the premier community of gated Tapestry Canyon.

Nestled into the Ahwatukee Foothills, what incredible mountain views and sunsets.

The perfect 4 bedroom/2.5 bathroom with pool in Desert Shadows II is now available!

www.LeadingLuxuryExperts.com Each Keller Williams Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Dave Cox:

Dave@LeadingLuxuryExperts.com 509-869-0358 Team Leader

Meghann Holland:

Meghann@LeadingLuxuryExperts.com 480-241-4976 Realtor®

$900,000

4725 sqft, 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths

re5

Before investing in a company, analyze its stock and history to ensure it is a good option for you and your investment portfolio. Other methods of investing include real estate mutual finds and real estate exchange-traded funds, commonly known as EFTs. Finally, look for a seasoned professional to guide you through the purchase for any type of real estate to ensure a smooth and successful acquisition. A knowledgeable agent will provide expert insight on the evolving market and industry trends that would impact the price of your new property, resulting in the highest return for your investment.

$495,000

7209 Sqft, 6 (+9) bedrooms, 5.5 baths

UNDER CONTRACT

SOLD

UNDER CONTRACT

SHADOW ROCK

to be aware of a few industry basics. If you plan on getting involved in real estate, here are a few suggestions that expert investors follow. Know the neighborhood and risks. Consider the area in which you are purchasing a property. Areas that provide upcoming commercial and retail developments, such as shopping centers and restaurants, increase the odds of a profitable investment return. A growing area in population and future developments is a great sign for a successful investment location. Research the worth of the area and recent comps to predict potential profit. Be sure to calculate renovation expenses and other costs to calculate an anticipated profit margin. Set yourself up to make money and not lose money. Upgrade your vacation home rental. Arizona is popular to tourists for the in-

#1 TEAM IN CLOSED VOLUME FOR 2021 IN AHWATUKEE

This home is on 1/3 acre lot in one of the best and most sought after locations in the Foothills at the base of South Mountain.

SUMMERHILL

REAL ESTATE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

SOLD

“At the moment the number of homes for sale remains very far below normal, but we have seen before how it can increase sharply if more sellers emerge just as demand is declining.” Stating that the sellers market is slowly deteriorating in 17 major Valley municipalities, the Cromford Report said that between mid-March and mid-April, Cromford Report noted: “We have seen a 34% increase in the number of new rental listings added to ARMLS (Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service) compared with the same four weeks in 2021." It added there has also been a 20% increase in the number of rental homes available in Phoenix on the Progress Residential web site over the past four weeks. Cromford Report is not saying rents are heading back to pre-pandemic levels – a scenario no housing expert anywhere is

whole, the highest was 537 in Avondale. Phoenix was just under 422. That means all the markets are still weighted heavily toward sellers. Cromford noted that while overall market conditions are rapidly changing, “prices will continue to rise for many months since they are trailing indicators of market conditions.” In a report April 30, it looked at monthly average sale prices in the 17 Valley submarkets it monitors for 17th week of 220 and compared it to that of this year. The average percentage different between the old average price and the current one was at least 50% in all but three of the 17 communities: Tempe, 48%; Sun City, 46% and Fountain Hills, 34%. Fountain Hills: it posted the fourth highest average sales price in the Valley with $922,843 – behind only the three communities with seven-figure average home sale prices: Paradise Valley, $4.35 million; Scottsdale, $1.46 million; and Cave Creek, $1.15 million. ■

SOLD

RENT from page RE1

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

saying is on the horizon. But what it means, it said, is “renters of single-family detached homes are seeing far more choice than they did last year and we are starting to see homes advertised with ‘the first month’s rent is free.’ Rental supply is particularly strong in Gilbert. “This appears to be a significant turnaround in the rental market and it does not seem to have been recognized by the media outlets, who are mostly still referring to rising rents. That is so 2021.” Meanwhile, for those trying to buy or sell a house, the data is mixed but leaving no one much to necessarily cheer about, according to the data supplied by the Cromford Report and various other sources. The Cromford Report has developed an index for 17 Valley cities that measures how far each is tilted toward either sellers or buyers, with 100 indicating a balanced market. While indices in all 17 submarkets were pointed downward last week, the lowest threshold was 210 in Buckeye

SOLD

REAL ESTATE

SOLD

re4

FAMILY RUN TEAM

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

re6

SPO OTLIGHT home STUNNING & IMMACULATE CLUB WEST HOME WITH UPGRADES GALORE! ORIGINAL OWNERS*AMAZING FLOORPLAN*FORMAL LIVING & DINING ROOM*FAMILY ROOM W/FIREPLACE*GOURMET KITCHEN W/CUSTOM CABINETRY & PULLOUTS,SLAB GRANITE COUNTERS,ISLAND,MOSAICS,PENDANT LIGHTING, & BREAKFAST BAR*BONUS/MEDIA/ GAMEROOM W/ROLLING SHUTTER*BEDROOM DOWN W/FULL BATH*CUSTOM HARDWOOD STAIRS*LARGE MASTER SUITE W/VIEWS,HIS/HER CLOSETS & BONUS CLOSET*MASTER BATH W/WALK IN SHOWER & JACUZZI TUB*UPSTAIRS LOFT*UPGRADES INCLUDE: REMODELED BATHS,PLANTATION SHUTTERS,NEW CARPET,NEW TILE,NEW PAINT,NEW BASEBOARDS,NEW APPLIANCES,SURROUND SOUND, & MUCH MORE*LAUNDRY ROOM*3 CAR GARAGE /EPOXY & CABINETS*VERY PRIVATE TROPICAL PARADISE BACKYARD W/COVERED PATIO,NEW PEBBLESHEEN POOL,WATERFALL, NEW DECKING,GRASSY PLAY AREA & RV GATE*THIS IS A CLASSY HOME!!

Listed for $819,000

Geno Ross (602) 751-2121 www.GenoRoss.com SUMMERHILL ESTATES

716 W KALER DR, PHOENIX AZ 85021

Enjoy superb mountain views from custom single-level luxury home in gated Summerhill. Exquisite courtyard entry opens to spectacular foyer and gorgeous travertine flooring throughout. Spacious gourmet kitchen boasts large island with bar top, stainless viking appliances, granite countertops, custom alder cabinetry, walk-in pantry, desk and breakfast room. Stacked-stone fireplace in family room. Theatre room with components and recliner seating. Master suite features two-way fireplace, sitting room with wet bar, patio access and connected office. Meticulously maintained and move-in ready with 2022 interior paint. Trane hvac units replaced in 2018 and 2019. Backyard amenities include extended covered patio with pavers, built-in bbq, fireplace, plus pebble tec pool with waterfall and spa.

LANDERWOOD 3378 sqft, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths

Floor plan includes both a formal living and dining room. Exquisite touches throughout include 24” polished travertine flooring, plantation shutters, emerson ceiling fans, surround sound speakers, crown molding and solid core 8’ doors. Master bathroom features include granite counters, stone tub and shower surrounds, large walk-in shower with two shower heads including rain head, Jacuzzi tub, raised-panel alder cabinetry and large walk-in closet. Two secondary bedrooms feature ensuite baths. Third secondary bedroom with built-in cabinetry. Fifth bedroom is a den with no closet off of the master suite. Secondary bathrooms all feature stone counters and shower surrounds. Huge laundry room with extra cabinetry, stone counters and sink. Extended outdoor living space from large covered patio with gorgeous pavers throughout. 3-Car-garage with Tesla charging station. Reduced energy costs from existing solar panels.

This beautiful mid-century single level home with over 3,000sf is situated on a huge corner lot in the desirable North Central Phoenix corridor

Sold at $1,163,500 SOLD

Listed for $1,450,000 SONORAN LIVING

KELLER WILLIAMS® REALTY

Bonny Holland

602.369.1085 • www.LeadingLuxuryExperts.com

Mike Mendoza

SOLD

SONORAN LIVING

KELLER WILLIAMS® REALTY

480.706.7234 • www.MendozaTeam.com

REAL ESTATE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

Buying as-is? Beward of the warning signs AFN NEWS SERVICES

hile you should approach any house being sold under this term with caution, buying a home as is doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a bad deal. At its most basic, a home being sold as is typically means the seller isn’t interested in any sort of negotiation. This might be because the seller wants to move quickly or doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of making minor cosmetic repairs. The real problem for buyers is when there’s more to the story—like a structural flaw with the home or hidden damage that can cost a small fortune to repair. Here are six red flags to watch for if you’re considering a home being sold as is. Cracks. Cracks can indicate a significant structural problem. Cracks in a foundation are never a good thing. So if an as-is home on your list winds up proving worse for the wear at the foundation level, then it might be time to reconsider. How to check it out: Have a licensed

480-706-7234 ! LD O S

Circle G at Riggs Ranch ! LD O S

Regatta at Val Vista Lakes

home inspector or experienced real estate agent do a walk-through with you to determine if an as-is home has any notable foundation issues. If there are, have a structural engineer create a damage report and then have several contractors bid on the repair. Once you know how much a repair will cost, reduce your offer by this amount to ensure you can get the house without overpaying. Sketchy addition. Another structural problem you don’t want to ignore is a badly built addition. “Homes with additions can typically have problems that are very expensive to resolve,” says real estate developer Bill Samuel. “Ask the seller if the home has any additions and if the addition was permitted. I’d also generally discourage inexperienced buyers from purchasing as-is homes with additions.” How to check it out: Work with a home inspector to check for any additions with flaws or shortcuts in the construction. Roof damage. If you encounter an as-is home, you’ll want to make sure the reason isn’t a damaged roof.

“The cost of a roof replacement is estimated to be $8,000 plus, which is a high added cost on top of the home value, not to mention a major overhaul to the property,” says Joshua Blackburn, director of design and construction at Evolving Home. “Be on the lookout for any visible damages on the roof of the house you are checking because this is a big red flag.” How to check it out: Be sure to eyeball the roof (from a safe distance on the ground) for any looming signs of damage. Also, take a peek in the attic to check out the roof from within the house. Flood zone property. You’ll want to be sure it is not in a flood zone since repairing past, or future, damage could be financially crippling. Ask the sellers if the home has ever flooded before and if they can share details on the completed repairs. How to check it out: Find out your home’s potential for damage with the Realtor.com flood risk rating. And work with your local insurance agent to determine the cost of insuring the house, as flood insurance is costly.

Mold. Like water damage, mold can be another nasty (and often hidden) element you won’t want to deal with in any property. Mold is not only costly to remove, but it can also be a health hazard. As a result, most lenders will also want to steer clear of lending on a home that has a severe mold infestation. How to check it out: Be wary of any mildew smells or discoloration in the home’s walls, ceiling, or floors. If you suspect mold, talk with your real estate agent about having a mold professional inspect the house. Not allowing an inspection. All buyers have the right to know the condition of the home they’re buying. "'As is’ simply means no renegotiating the sales price, and that’s fine in a competitive … market. Buyers have a right to know the condition of the home they’re buying. And if sellers disagree, it tends to mean they’re hiding something.” How to check it out: Unless you love the home, this red flag usually means you should walk away from the deal. Realtor.com provided this report.

Ahwatukee’s #1 Team for Over 30 Years 7BR / 4.5 BA / 8,873 SQFT Estate living with refined tranquility in exquisite setting. Meticulous stonework adorns entire exterior of home.

! W E N

4 BR / 2.5 BA / 3,008 SQFT

4BR / 4.5 BA / 3,040 SQFT Rare opportunity for waterfront living in Gilbert. Updated custom with breathtaking lake views.

Listed for $1,375,000

Mike Mendoza MendozaTeam.com

! LD O S

5 BR / 5 BA / 6,455 SQFT Stunning panoramic views from privately gated luxury retreat with casita on elevated preserve lot.

Beautiful remodel with pebble pool and spa in ideal Chandler location.

Listed For $724,900

Listed for $1,790,000

Sanctuary

Fox Crossing ! LD O S

5 BR / 4.5 BA / 4,820 SQFT Custom home in the heart of Ahwatukee with ensuite bathrooms and 2021 exterior paint.

! LD O S

Listed for $1,950,000

5 BR / 4.5 BA / 4,405 SQFT Superb mountain views from single-level custom with 2022 interior paint and 2019 HVAC.

Listed for $1,450,000

Listed for $1,395,000

Ahwatukee Custom Estates

re7

Summerhill Estates

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

re8

Ahwatukee Custom Estates

$1,375,000

SOLD!

Pristine & classy single-level gated tuscan estate! stunning curb appeal w/amazing south mountain views. Grand foyer, entertainment room w/full wetbar & scotsman icemaker, formal dining, family room w/canterra fireplace, kitchen incs :slab granite,alder cabinets,s/s wolf appliances,gas cooktop,miele dishwasher,copper sinks,island, & subzero, most amazing custom stonework ever seen in ahwatukee consisting of marble,canterra,travertine, & granite, large master ste w/sitting area & 2 separate full baths, his/her alder & cedar lined closets, guest suite-2nd master w/ensuite bath & courtyard, extremely private backyard w/covered patio, pebbletec pool w/waterfalls, firepots, firepit, grassy play area, & fully equipped outdoor kitchen, fruit trees inc: apple, orange, lemon, & lime, this dream estate has it all!

Calabrea

SOLD!

$1,339,000

Ahwatukee Custom Estates $1,750,000

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

SOLD!

5 bedroom / 3 bath, 3,506 SqFt, Cul-de-sac location with huge backyard, sports court, built-in BBQ, mature shade trees, very private backing to wash. Good size SOLD! bedrooms, master downstai5. Features a large office with balcony, plus office/loft with built-in bookcase and 3 full baths. Th� home is perfect for family gatherings one is a show stopper!!! over 4200sqft of luxury on a preserve hillside lot in a cul-de-sac, 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath with andThis previewed with 24family hourroom notice andkitchen appointment only. aentertaining. bonus room, formalCan living &be dining room w/soaring ceilings, w/fireplace, includes:s/s appliances,

SOLD! The best view lot in all of club west!!! this stunning custom gated estate in canyon verde has the best privacy & views you will find in ahwatukee*grand foyer*formal living & dining room*executive office*kitchen includes: custom cabinets w/ antiquing, s/s appliances, cooktop, island, breakfast bar, pendant lighting, & walk-in pantry*butler’s pantry w/wine fridge*family room w/fireplace*upgraded fixtures throughout*large master suite w/sitting area*master bath w/jetted tub, snail shower, & spacious closet*guest suite w/separate entrance*all secondary bedrooms are large*paradise perfect backyard w/covered patio, pebbletec pool & spa, firepit, built-in bbq, flagstone, and putting green*oversized garage w/epoxy & built-in cabinets*this custom estate is a dream opportunity! welcome to paradise!!

slab granite, island, & recessed led lights, breakfast nook, gigantic master bedroom with the most amazing preserve views, custom master bath w/walk-in shower, freestanding tub, his/her vanities, & large walk-in closet, all bedrooms are extremely large with walk-in closets, views from every room, laundry room w/built-in cabinets & sink, extended length 3 car garage w/ epoxy, guest bedroom downstairs, paradise backyard w/covered patio, grassy play area, firepit, & custom new pool & jacuzzi 2020, this amazing home is truly stunning and checks all of the boxes!!

www.GenoRoss.com Donna Leeds

�

TOP GRI, ABR REALTOR

949.310.5673

lf"fl!

One of the most amazing lots available in ahwatukee!! Located in foothills mountain ranch estates!! Over 5 acre hillside lot with stunning mountain views from every direction*build your dream custom estate or build multiple homes on this sight*zoned r3*the possibilities are endless on this rare opportunity*there is not another piece of land in ahwatukee that offers this many buildable acres*no hoa*located at the end of a cul-de-sac*be the king of the hill with views all the way to four peaks*plans available and other custom home options available from a well know ahwatukee custom home builder*do not miss this amazing hillside lot in an amazing location!!!!

Foothills $499,000

Mountain Park Ranch $679,000

Canyon Verde $899,000

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

Ahwatukee Agent 2020

Geno Ross

602.751.2121

wwwBestAgentWUSA.com

Making Ahwatukee

Home Dreams Come True Since 1986

hwatukee s Come True 1986

www.WestUSA.com I 480.893.0600

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

Petroglyph Estates at Superstition Foothills

Lakewood

SOLD!

$635,000

2,498 Sq Ft. EXCEPTIONAL HOME Which Has One of the LARGEST LOTS in the Premier Lakewood Community! PEBBLETEC POOL and SPA in your own Oasis backyard! 4 bedrooms 3 baths with Lakewood Parks, Greenbelts & 2 Fishing Lakes, Playgrounds and More.

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

SOLD!

$175,000

On the Mountain! Phenomena Views of City Lights and Superstition Mountain. These Jack Nicklaus Spectacular Designed Golf Courses is Nestled in the Private Guard Gated Community, Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club. Gorgeous 44,000sqft Tuscan Clubhouse with all the Amenities Expected with Luxury Living Including, 2 Nicklaus Designed Golf Courses and Swim/ Tennis/Spa Facility. Membership sold separately

5 bedroom / 3 bath, 3,506 SqFt, Cul-de-sac location with huge backyard, sports court, built-in BBQ, mature shade trees, very private backing to wash. Good size bedrooms, master downstai5. Features a large office with balcony, plus office/loft with built-in bookcase and 3 full baths. Th� home is perfect for family gatherings and entertaining. Can be previewed with 24 hour notice and appointment only.

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

Donna Leeds

GRI, ABR

949.310.5673

Ahwatukee Retirement Community

$457,500

PENDING!

Home backs up the 8th Fairway of the Ahwatukee Country Club with great view of South Mountain. Close to Golf, Restaurants, Shopping, the I-10 and Medical Facilities. Sit on your extended covered patio and watch the sun set. Enjoy all the amenities of the Ahwatukee Recreation Center with a large outdoor pool, heated indoor saltwater pool, Sauna, Spa, Gym, woodworking shop and more!

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

Thunderbird Farms South

SOLD!

$775,000

Gorgeous property on a premium lot (1 of only 6) with an unobstructed view and access to the iconic Morrison Ranch Silos. Captivating Interior Showcases High Ceilings, Soothing Palette, Tile Flooring, & a Sizable Open Dining/Den/4th Bedroom/Living Room. The Kitchen boasts of granite counters, SS appliances, white cabinets with crown molding, recessed & pendant lighting, wall oven, a pantry, & a center island with a breakfast bar. Main bedroom features a lavish ensuite with Separate Tub & Shower granite dual vanities & a walk-in closet. Fantastic backyard with covered patio, sparkling blue pool, & blue Skies !!

�

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

Donna Leeds

lf"fl!

GRI, ABR

COMING SOON!

Location location! Conveniently located minutes from I-10, Ahwatukee country Club, park, shopping and dining. Bright open floorplan. New windows in 2015. Tile throughout. Large backyard with covered patio.

Geri Thompson 480-239-7589 thompson_geralyn@yahoo.com

Custom home on flat 3.3 acres with horse arena and room to roam. City water! Custom Santa Fe style 4 bedroom with tons of upgrades. Travertine tile galore, family room and other bedrooms also have tile. Kitchen has been upgraded with quartz counter tops, white cabinets and all stainless steel appliances convey. Custom doors and woodwork throughout home. Also, lots of tile work in bathrooms and other upgrades. Over $30,000 spent on upgraded doors and windows.

Carlos Martinez 480-751-8866 teammartinez11@gmail.com

lf"fl!

wwwBestAgentWUSA.com

Ahwatukee

SOLD!

$580,000

�

949.310.5673

wwwBestAgentWUSA.com

$360,000

Morrison Ranch

Chandler

Foothills Reserve

Welcome home to this meticulously maintained beautiful home. Located inside the gated Tuscany Community! Stunning appeal with 3 car garage, fountain, stone pathways, and delightful landscape. Come inside to discover the stunning high ceilings, beautiful stone floors, decorative columns, and formal fining with gorgeous light fixtures. Spacious great room with detailed fireplace, bar, and backyard access, ideal for entertaining. The kitchen boasts granite counters, custom built-in appliances, pantry, wood cabinets, Island w/breakfast bar. Resort-like backyard with covered patio, Built-in BBQ Sparkling pool w/waterfall, manicured landscape, and stone patio with built-in seats and outdoor fireplace, perfect for all your night gatherings.

Beautiful move-in-ready 4 bed, 2.5 bath. 3,002 sq ft. Upgraded kitchen with lots of counters! SS appliances, granite, upgraded cabinetry overlook a highly upgraded pool. Master bedroom deck has INCREDIBLE vistas East, incl. South Mountain. Formal living and dining rooms, upgraded paint and flooring are just part of the fun of this home. A new TESLA solar/ battery system saves tons of $$. Nearby NEW Phoenix city park for hiking and biking, easy access off the 202.

$1,299,000

Mike Foley 480-216-7878 mikefoley.homes@gmail.com

Link Paffenbarger 602-989-7221 linkpaff@gmail.com

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

better LENDERS better LOANS YOUR TRUSTED MORTGAGE SOURCE Your local community direct lender. We live and work in Ahwatukee, so we understand the local market! We know and love our community.

(602) 757-2171 www.erickinnemanloans.com 10429 South 51st St Ste 255 Phoenix, AZ 85044 NMLS # 212062 | AZ License #L0-0911709 LSM NMLS # 4474 | LSM AZ License # 090838

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

For men of all ages with urinary incontinence

The antidote for adult diaper anxiety. Patient-tested...

“Men’s Liberty is terric. I can keep doing what I want to do, without having to worry about running to the bathroom or changing my clothes. It’s a Godsend.” — John, Men’s Liberty user in Michigan

MEN’S LIBERTY Keeps you dry 24/7?

COVERED

Directs urine away from the skin? Reduces the risk of infections?

Try Men’s Liberty™ — the Medicare-covered healthier alternative that helps end embarrassment and fear of an “accident”. No guy ever plans for urinary incontinence. It’s degrading, uncomfortable and inconvenient. Regardless of the cause, chances are you (or a loved one) were told to wear adult diapers to manage the condition. But you soon discovered that the hassles of diapers disrupt everyday life: they’re unsanitary ... expensive ... and humiliating.

Now diapers don’t have to get in your way.

Men’s Liberty is the simple, non-invasive option for male urinary incontinence that helps keep you secure, dry and leak-free for up to 24 hours. Made of a safe, skin-friendly material called hydrocolloid, this patented external collection device easily attaches to the tip of a man’s anatomy. It softly stretches and exes as you move, directing urine away from the skin. Unlike diapers, Men’s Liberty effectively reduces the risk of skin and urinary tract infections. Best of all, it’s discreet, dependable and dignied.

Stop spending a fortune on adult diapers.

You could continue to shell out as much as $300 a month on diapers. Or you could switch to Men’s Liberty and pay little to no out-of-pocket cost** if you qualify for coverage by Medicare, most Medicaid plans, private insurance, workers compensation and VA/Tricare. This could save you thousands of dollars a year! 329780_10.5_x_10.5.indd 1

YES

Can be worn comfortably, cleanly and securely for up to 24 hours

Invisible under clothing? Little to no out-of-pocket cost?

YES

ADULT DIAPERS NO

Must be changed regularly when they ll up or overow — often every few hours

Completely external design collects uid into a discreet pouch — leak-free

Traps moisture which stays in contact with skin causing discomfort or infection

YES

More than 5 million High incidence of diaper rash, Men’s Liberty units have been sores, yeast infections used, with ZERO attributable and dermatitis UTIs or serious skin injuries

YES

Men’s Liberty is unnoticeable — only you know it’s there

Awkward diapers can be ill-tting, bulky and uncomfortable

YES

Covered by Medicare, most Adult diapers are not covered Medicaid plans, many private by Medicare, costing users insurance plans, workers up to $300 a month compensation and VA/Tricare

Live your life on your own terms — not in diapers! FREE INFORMATION. FREE BONUS OFFER.

Find out how to receive Men’s Liberty at little or no cost to you. Plus receive a FREE Bonus week’s supply with your order*.

100%

STAY DRY COMMITMENT

Call today at no obligation:

1-800-484-5259

www.MensLiberty.com/news

*30 days supply or more ** Standard co-pays and deductibles apply 4/26/22 3:04 PM

BUSINESS

Business AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Ahwatukee man bringing golf lessons to the Lakes BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

he things, not the people, that are close to Nathan Boone’s heart pretty much come down to where he lives: Ahwatukee, golf and the Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course. He was raised in Ahwatukee and has been playing golf since 1996. That was when he was about 7 years old and learned to play the game on Lakes Course. So it’s only natural that he is bringing a business of sorts to the Lakes. As an instructor with Arizona Junior Golf – a Paradise Valley-based duffers academy that offers year-round golf programs, individual instruction, after-school programs, summer camps, teams and tournament play for ages 5-19 – Boone is bringing his job back home. As a prelude to year-round junior golf instruction at the course once it fully

opens in September, Boone at the end of this month is leading Arizona Junior Golf’s foray into the slowly reviving, long-dormant 18-hold executive course with a few fun instructional programs for kids. He’ll be bringing three three-day summer camps offering a total nine hours of instruction 8:30-11:30 a.m. May 31-June 2, June 6-8 and June 13-15 for $169 per that offers a 1-6 instructor-student ratio; beginner/intermediate classes for ages 7-14 on Thursday mornings June 2-23 for $129. Registration is at arizonajuniorgolf.com. Those programs are a prelude to afterschool golf classes that Arizona Junior Golf will be holding at the Lakes on weekdays and Saturdays. The programs evolved from Boone’s discussions with Arizona Junior Golf founder Dale Balvin, a PGA professional and approved instructor with the Junior

see LAKES page 34

Ahwatukee resident Nathan Boone has had a long love affair with the Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course and he’s excited about teaching the game to youngsters starting with some summer camps there in a few weeks. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer)

Big go-kart venue likely in Southeast Valley BY KEN SAIN AFN Staff Writer

ndretti Indoor Karting & Games is racing toward opening a mega-entertainment venue along the San Tan Loop 202 Freeway opening next year. The Chandler Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of Andretti’s new facility at the southwest corner of the freeway and Cooper Road on April 20. The preliminary development plan next goes to Chandler City Council for approval, probably this month. The entertainment complex includes a three-level go-kart racing track, a “dark ride,” laser tag and a large gaming center. Chad Montgomery, the director of real estate and development for Andretti, said some games would likely include virtual reality headsets with omni-direc-

The proposed Andretti Indoor Karting & Games venue at Cooper Road and the Loop 202 is slated to open in summer 2023. (City of Chandler) tional treadmills. The plan also calls for private rooms

for parties and food and beverage areas when visitors need a break from the fun.

Named after racing legend Mario Andretti, the company operates six venues in Florida, Georgia and Texas. This would be the first location in Arizona and, like the others, is billed as a family entertainment center. In addition to the three levels, the gokart track includes hairpin turns for the electric-motor karts. “[They can go] 35 miles per hour,” Montgomery said. “We’ll do like 150 arcade games, bowling lanes, laser tag, a number of virtual reality experiences.” On its website, the company states, “Experience the adrenaline rush of our electric go-kart races with instant acceleration as you put the pedal to the metal around hairpin turns, up and down elevation changes and long straightaways on our indoor climate-controlled tracks.”

see GO-KART page 34

BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

LAKES from page 33

Golf Association of Arizona who has a pretty simple philosophy about teaching golf to kids: “Always keep it simple and fun.” Boone said he had approached Balvin when Ahwatukee Lakes’ reconstruction began from the expanse of dirt and some debris that it had become after it was closed in 2013. “I mentioned to him how the Lakes was reopening and said it would be great to take our programming and bring it down there and he agreed,” Boone recalled. “He agreed and so we had a conversation with the (Lakes’) general manager. He agreed that we’re coaligned with what our vision is for the Lakes. We really want to bring junior golf forward and without being bias, I’d say we’re the best junior golf company the city has to offer.” As much as this is a business opportunity, though, it also opens a new avenue for Boone’s long love affair with the Lakes Course. Though no one in his immediate family played, Boone learned the game from members of his extended family. “Each year we actually had like a family reunion golf tournament,” he said of gatherings held in New York State. “I was never allowed to golf; I was just allowed to help out. And that kind of motivated me to start learning. So, when I’d get back from those tournaments, I was ready to play golf and the closest course

GO-KART from page 33

“Andretti’s racing simulators are the most advanced on the market and deliver big-time on thrills and heart-pounding excitement,” the company brags. “It’s so realistic that you actually feel the motion and vibrations of the car, experience the tension in the seatbelt, and hear the sounds of the race track.” With panoramic screens, the simulators “are the same kind that professional race car drivers use,” the company said,

Nathan Boone learned to play golf when he was about 7 on the Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer) was the Lakes.” His uncle Rick Wagner, a PGA professional, helped teach him along with another instructor whose name he has long forgotten. As time went on, he joined the practice squad while attending Mountain Pointe High School and went to the private Golf Academy of America, where he majored in golf course administration. He remembers that when he learned of the Lakes closure: “It was devastating to me.”

and its “full motion actuators” “give the feel of driving at high speeds.” Another attraction, called the 7D Xperience, offers “a 3D interactive movie experience with amazing special effects. Up to eight riders at a time compete for the highest score using laser blasters and battling on-screen enemies. You actually feel the earth-rumbling movement and wind,” the website states. Go-kart racing ranges in price from $23 for a single adult spin along the track on weekdays to a $55 three-race

“I had learned to love the game of golf in a summer program at the Lakes back in the 90’s and continued to play golf my entire life thus far. I even based one of my capstone projects in college on how I would personally handle the reopening of The Lakes,” he said. When the course’s restoration became a virtual certainty with a judge’s order that pretty much ended more than seven years of litigation by homeowners Linda Swain and Eileen Breslin to force owner ALCR to reopen, Boone saw an opportu-

package. Other attractions range in price from $11 for a 10-minute weekday laser tag experience to $30 to $35 for bowling for an hour with up to six people on one lane to a $90 VIP package that combines one race, six other attractions and a $10 game card. Patrons who posted reviews on travel sites gave various Andretti Indoor Karting Venues generally high marks. While some posts warned of sticker shock, the pricing apparently is no major obstacle: the Orlando, Florida, venue reportedly

HAVE BUSINESS NEWS?

nity. Boone said the fact that the Lakes is a short course makes it an ideal school for beginners. “For me the devastating part when it was closed was that it’s a really good place to grow the game,” he said. “To have Ahwatukee with no junior golf program, let alone a short course, I thought to myself ‘this is going to hurt the game.’ “I had so many good memories from spending time on that course,” he continued. “It was really upsetting to me that money trumps such a sport that realistically keeps kids on the right path. It helped me tremendously growing up by being on that course.” He recalled how as a high school junior he joined a men’s club team “and I remember the old guys being so upset that this young punk came in and he wins the championship. It was memories like that that left me devastated when it closed.” Boone couldn’t wait to get back on the reopened nine holes as the Lakes came slowly back to life. “It’s just such an amazing feeling,” he said. “It brings back so many memories.” And he‘s excited about bringing golf instruction back there. It’s exciting that I get to be teaching golf in the community that afforded me such amazing junior golf opportunities,” he said. “It will benefit the Lakes, myself and – most importantly – the Ahwatukee community.” ■

draws close to a half million guests a year. Florida developer Eddie Hamann opened the original Andretti Indoor Karting & Games in Roswell in 1999, naming it after his friend Mario Andretti, one of only two drivers to have won races in Formula One, IndyCar, the World Sportscar Championship and NASCAR. Montgomery said they expect Council to vote on the development plan in May and break ground in the third quarter of this year. He said if that happens, they expect to open in the summer of 2023. ■

SEND YOUR BUSINESS NEWS TO PMARYNIAK@ TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

3 major strategies to save you lots of tax BY HAROLD WONG AFN Guest Writer

e’ve just passed April 18, the date when 2021 personal tax returns were due. Here are three major strategies available in 2022 to taxpayers: Contribute to a tax-deferred retirement plan, such as an IRA or 401k, for those age 50 or older. In 2022, one can contribute a maximum of $7,000 to an IRA; $27,000 to a 401(k); $67,500 to your own SEP IRA or solo 401(k) if one adds both the employee and employer maximum contribution; and $17,000 to the simple IRA. The Defined Benefit Plan (DB) is not limited by an arbitrary annual contribution limit. Instead the limitation is the annual benefit from a DB plan when one retires and is $245,000 in 2022. One has to have a third-party administrator do an annual actuarial report to figure out your maximum annual contribution, based on your annual income and

age. My clients older than age 55 have been able to contribute over $200,000 per year to a DB plan. Caveat: As your tax-deferred retirement plan grows, it becomes a Ticking Tax Time Bomb. Is it time to consider a Roth IRA Conversion? Example: Over 30 years, you contribute $10,000 per year to your 401K, or a total $300,000. If you were in the 25% tax bracket, you saved a total of $75,000 in taxes. It is now worth $1.2 million. If you and your wife are killed in a car crash, the $1.2 million is 100% taxable as wage income. When your only child inherits this, assume a 40% tax bracket and $480,000 is paid in taxes. You will have paid 6.40 times the taxes you saved. Residential Rental Real Estate, such as Rental Homes or Apartments: The 1986 Tax Reform Act specified that depreciable life for residential rental real estate is 27.5 years and 31 years for all other types of real estate. The straight-line method of depreciation must be used. Example: You buy a starter house in

Thank you so much to our many Ahwatukee businesses who donated to the Ahwatukee Foothills Friends and Neighbors Charity Fundraiser on March 28, 2022, to raise money for Lost Our Home Pet Rescue. It was another successful event.

Chandler for $450,000. You allocate 20% ($90,000) to land which is not depreciable and $360,000 to the building. If you started renting the house in January, 2022, you would get $360,000/27.5 years = $13,092 of annual depreciation which is deductible on your 2022 tax return. If you started renting that house in October, 2022, you would only qualify for 3 months depreciation in 2022, or $3,273. If you were in a 25% tax bracket, that would save you only $818 of taxes in 2022. However, one’s total cash investment, even with a 75% mortgage, would probably be at least $120,000 cash counting closing costs but without any fix-up costs. Solar business equipment: The Energy Policy Act of 2005 defined solar business equipment as eligible for 5-year MACRS (accelerated) depreciation. However, if one is qualified as “material participation”, instead of being a “passive” investor, one can also take Section 179, which allows you to deduct 87% of the cost of equipment, even if “placed in service” at the end of 2022.

Everyone, no matter what depreciation method chosen, also gets the same 26% solar tax credit as your neighbor that bought a solar system for his personal house. If one bought $70,000 of solar business equipment and rented it out, total tax savings might be $35,000. For far less cash than buying a rental house, one gets far more tax savings. Free live seminars and lunch: 10 a.m. May 7 at Hyatt Place, 3535 W. Chandler Blvd. Chandler, free catered lunch at 12:15 p.m. Topic is “Roth IRA Conversions: TaxFree at Any Age!” At 10 a.m. June 11 at the Hyatt Place, the topic will be “Save $10,000 - $50,000 Tax in 2022” at 10 a.m.-12 noon followed by free catered lunch at 12:15 p.m. To RSVP for the seminar or schedule a free consultation: contact Dr. Harold Wong at 480-706-0177 or harold_wong@hotmail.com. His website is drharoldwong. com. Dr. Harold Wong earned his Ph.D. in economics at University of California/ Berkeley and has appeared on over 400 TV/radio programs.

Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

Elizabeth Estes 2323 South Hardy Drive, Tempe, Arizona 85282 • (602) 445-7387 (PETS)

THANK YOU, AHWATUKEE BUSINESSES 2022! ACE Hardware - Foothills

Dr. Euzarraga Dental Office

Native Grill & Wings

Ahwatukee Nail Spa

Fleming’s

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Biscuits on Elliott

Florencia Pizza

Original Burrito Company

Brunch Snob

Foothills Floral Gallery

Pei Wei

Buzzed Goat

Fred Astaire Dance Studio

Pomegranate Café

Caffe Boa

Fred’s Flowers

Randy Eller State Farm Agency

Cane’s Chicken Fingers

Fuchsia Spa

Rigatony’s

Carolyn Davis Designs

Garcia’s Tempe

Sandi King, Realtor

Changing Hands Bookstore, Tempe

Great Harvest Bread

Small Cakes

Chick-Fil-A Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers Cobblestone Auto Spa Dairy Queen

Hob Nob

Thai Chili

Madison Ave. Salon and Spa

Trader Joe’s

Millie’s Hallmark

Venice Nail

Mod Pizza

Vero’s

Modern Market

ZZeek’s Pizza

PRACTICING SINCE 1998

ESTATE PLANNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FAMILY LAW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . REAL ESTATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

............... ..........................

TRUST ADMINISTRATION PROBATE

Call for a Free Consultation 480.656.3733 | www.esteslawfirmaz.com 4435 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 200 | Phoenix 85048 | Located in Ahwatukee

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

Gift cards can be purchased in-store or online Spa Gift Cards

Send Her to Fuchsia Spa

Mother’s Day is May 8th

Purchase a $120 spa gift card for

Purchase a $200 spa gift card for

Save $21

Save $31

$99

$169

Fuchsia Spa San Tan Village

Fuchsia Spa Ahwatukee

3131 S Market St. #106 Gilbert, AZ 85295 480-626-4008

4025 E Chandler Blvd Suite 3 Phoenix, AZ 85048 480-534-7350

www.fuchsiaspa.com

Come discover...

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

Instant CASH offer for your home • No Showings • No Repairs • You pick your moving date • No Need for Appraisal • Free Move Included (Limited time only) We present your home to a large pool of cash buyers to get you the highest net offer!

Visit

REMAXCASH.COM

For a free, no obligation all cash offer

480-336-2900 Rod Hofeling

Broker, CRS CLHMS

SPORTS

Sports & Recreation 32

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook

www.ahwatukee.com

Thailee Jones hopes to be next pitching great BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

hailee Jones would often arrive at Akimel A-al Middle School in Ahwatukee well before the rest of her classmates. Often, it would be an hour or more before classes began as she and her father, Terry, left their home in Maricopa early so she could be dropped off while on his way to work. But to her, it was worth it. Akimel was where she wanted to be. It’s where current Desert Vista junior pitcher Jocelyn Briski, an Alabama commit, told her she should go when they first met on the softball field. Jones knew she wouldn’t play directly with Jocelyn due to the age difference, but she looked up to her. Briski, who from day one in club shined on the mound and has continued to do so for the Thunder, saw something in Jones. And it didn’t take long for others to see it, too. “She’s just incredible,” Akimel coach Barbara Mallory said. “We probably held her back because she’s so good that it’s almost … she’s steps ahead of everybody else. She is going to be amazing wherever she goes.” Jones first expressed to Terry her desire to pitch when she was 5 years old. It came as a bit of a surprise to her father that she wanted to jump so quickly to arguably one of the toughest positions in the game. But he obliged. She was a natural. Terry described a club game when she was younger where the opposing team was yelling from the dugout to distract her on the mound. But the second the ball left her hand, there was silence. “They were surprised by how hard she threw,” Terry said. “Knowing she plays up when she plays club ball and is striking out girls that are already juniors and senior in high school, it’s amazing for me to witness. Watching her, to me, it’s been

Akimel A-al Middle School pitcher Thailee Jones, right, has quickly become one of the top pitchers in the state and country for her age while playing for coach Barbara Mallory, left. Now, she hopes to continue her career while playing at a high level in high school. (Courtesy Barbara Mallory)

amazing. “It’s a dream as a parent to watch your kids be successful. She’s on that path.” Jones spent a year on Akimel’s junior varsity team before moving up to varsity in 7th grade. During that span, the team nearly went undefeated. This past sea-

son, they won their region with an undefeated record. Not only has Jones become one of the top pitchers in the country after she was recognized at an All-American camp, but she’s also become a role model, a friend and mentor to many of her teammates

The softball team at Akimel that won their league by going undefeated this season with Thailee Jones on the mound most games. (Courtesy Barbara Mallory)

both the same age and younger than her. Her power at the plate helped her lead the team in home runs this past season and she often would give pointers to teammates. Her presence in practice motivated the team. Her presence on the mound made her teammates’ jobs easier. “I just want to help them,” Jones said, “help them get better. (The last two years) were really fun. I got to meet new people and help a lot of people.” Jones has grown especially close with two of her teammates, Ava Briski and Jaymie Larney. Ava, the younger sister of Jocelyn, said she hopes Jones is able to attend Desert Vista with them next season. Currently, because they live in Maricopa, Terry said they are waiting to see whether she is able to enroll at the school. If she is, it will give her the opportunity to compete for a spot on the varsity roster and play a season with Jocelyn, her mentor. That would also be special for Ava, as it would be the only chance she gets to play with her older sister before she leaves for Alabama. But she hopes Jones is able to do it, too. “Thailee is a leader,” Ava said. “She helps us out a lot because she strikes everyone out. Hitting, she is a really good power hitter. I feel confident in every game because I know when she steps on that mound, she will do her job.” Attending and playing for Desert Vista will also be special for Larney, as she has two older sisters currently on the varsity roster. All of the girls hope to one day compete and win a state title together. While the Thunder may very well be on their way to doing that this season, they return most of the starters next year and have a chance to reload with young talent that will make them even more of a contender. But both Larney and Ava admit it

see THAILEE page 33

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

D’Backs pitcher a Gilbert-grown player BY JORDAN ROGERS AFN Staff Writer

tarting pitcher Zach Davies is entering his eighth season in Major League Baseball. Throughout his career, he has always played with National League clubs, so he regularly got the opportunity to return to the Valley. But this season, Davies plays for the team he learned to support while growing up in Gilbert. On March 24, the Diamondbacks and Davies agreed on a one-year, $1.75 million deal. “I’ve been in the National League for my entire Major League career, so I’ve gotten to play against the Diamondbacks every year,” Davies said. “I’ve gotten to come home pretty much every year, but extended time and playing with ‘Diamondbacks’ on my chest is special to me. I grew up here so I’m happy to be home and get at least one year here.” He was born in Puyallup, Washington, but moved to Gilbert in elementary school. Davies attended Mesquite High School and was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 26th round of the 2011 MLB Draft. Because he was born in the Seattle area, he grew up a Seattle Mariners fan, but found himself rooting for the Snakes as he grew up. “As time went on and I got to watch Diamondbacks games and go to games here in Phoenix, I started to like the team and watch them consistently,” Davies said. The contract he signed in the offseason is laden with incentives – meaning he can earn more money, depending upon his play this season. If all goes well, he could earn up to $4.5

THAILEE from page 32

wouldn’t be as special without Jones. Larney is her catcher, so the two have an unmatched level of chemistry. “It was one of the greatest feelings seeing a hitter have a ton of confidence

and give the team a chance to win,” he said. During the winter, Davies stayed ready to play during the offseason lockout. After taking his normal offseason break, he worked hard to get back into baseball shape and show that he would be ready to go the second a club came calling. When the D-backs called, he only had time to make two starts during Spring Training. He didn’t skip a beat because he stayed in shape during the offseason. “Everybody was on short time this spring,” Davies said. “I got a couple of games in and was on the mound prior to (Spring Training). I felt that I was ready to start the season; The Diamondbacks’ new pitcher grew up in Gilbert. (Courtesy AriI was ready to play. zona Diamondbacks) Everybody had a short spring so there are no excuses for million. Coming off a down year in 2021 with the me. “I was working out and doing my thing Chicago Cubs, Davies is more concerned with returning to form than he is earning until I signed. I prepared myself so when I got into camp, I was ready to throw to hitthe extra money. “Just coming off of a down year last year, ters and start my progression.” Though baseball is focusing on high spin that’s more of what I go out with is something to prove and get back to the old me rate and guys throwing in the upper 90s, and just be consistent and start games Davies is a pitcher who focuses on moveand then she shuts them down really quickly,” Larney said. “Especially when we get them on the rise (ball), they just walk off in shock. It’s one of the best feelings.” As the spring semester winds down, Jones said the feeling of leaving Akimel

is bittersweet. She took major strides as a pitcher during her time there. She grew close with her teammates, so much so that they have become her best friends on and off the field. But she’s looking forward to taking that next step in high school. She knows

Have an interesting sports story?

Contact Zach Alvira at zalvira@timespublications.com and follow him on Twitter @ZachAlvira.

ment and command. He uses his baseball IQ on the mound to gain an advantage over hitters. He reads hitters’ swings and their approach to figure out how to pitch to them. “I’m more of a command and change of speeds guy,” Davies said. “I’m not a big stuff guy; never have been. I think what has helped me stay in this game for as long as I have is just the command and the baseball smarts of trying to think as the hitter and know what their approach is. I try to add stuff to the repertoire, but I know what got me here. I know what I’m successful at and those are my adjustments.” Davies plans to visit Mesquite High School every offseason to visit his former coaches who are still there. He throws on the field and works out where it all started. “It’s cool to go back there and workout with my old coaches that are still there,” he said. Entering the 2022 season for the Diamondbacks, Davies knew his role. “I’m here to be consistent and in the rotation every five days and compete to give the team a chance to win,” he said. “Just to bridge that gap between starting the game and closing the game with this bullpen.” For Davies, the walk-off home run on opening day was fun. He said believes this team is going to be competitive this season and he is looking forward to helping the team win games. “This team is young, but there’s a lot of talent on it,” Davies said. “There are a lot of competitive guys here and it just feels like everyone is trying to change the culture here and try and compete for a long time. There’s definitely a drive there and that is what starts winning baseball. ■ it won’t be easy. She knows there will be pressure to perform well, especially in front of college coaches. But she’s up for the challenge. “I’m excited to go,” Jones said. “I get to move up now. It will be better competition.” ■

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND

SERVING AHWATUKEE, MOUNTAIN PARK RANCH, LAKEWOOD, THE FOOTHILLS AND SURROUNDING AREAS

A welcoming community proclaiming the love of God and fostering a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through Scripture, Sacraments and Service.

Daily Mass | Mon-Sat • 8:15am Tuesday Mass | 6:00pm Saturday Mass | 4:00pm Sunday Mass 7:00, 8:30, 10:30am, 5:00pm

3550 E. Knox Rd., Phoenix AZ 85044

480.893.8770

www.corpuschristiphx.org * Sunday 8:30am Mass is live-streamed to our website, Facebook, and YouTube pages.

THIS WEEKEND

CAP & BAG GIVEAWAY

DBACKS.COM CARLOS R CASTRO ATTORNEY AT LAW Over 25 years of experience

• Auto Accidents/ Serious Injuries • Real Estate Matters • IRS Collections • Business Litigation • Free Initial Consultations • Hablamos Espanol Consulta Inicial Gratis

602-807-1500

CRCASTROLAW@MSN.COM

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

Thursday, May 12, 2022 • 7pm Arizona Federal Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona southmountaincc.edu/SPRING2022

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualiﬁed applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

GET OUT

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

@AhwatukeeFN @AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

K-pop fans building local communities BY CHARLOTTE CANADA GetOut Contributor

-pop fans are building their own communities, learning the language and even becoming business owners in Arizona. “The K-pop community in Arizona has completely exploded within the last couple of years,” explained Selma Hernández, a K-pop blogger. Hernández, 23, runs several social media accounts with her friend, Jacky Cruz, 23, posting information about K pop-related events and promote K pop-related businesses in Arizona. Their Instagram account, @azspecialtea, boasts over 1,200 followers. Hernández also runs her own Tiktok account, @sxlms, where she posts even more detailed information about K-pop events in Arizona. Kierra Sharman and Neelsha Parekh, students at Arizona State University taking Korean language courses, said that

Arizona K-pop Dance Crew holds workshops at J’s Martial Arts Performance Academy in Mesa. (Rina Okuma) they were partially inspired to study the language because they are K-pop fans.

Annett Gonzales, 44, opened her online Phoenix business, Euphoria K-pop Shop,

with her daughters in 2020 to sell various K pop-related goods. Gonzales said that she and her daughters are K-pop fans and have brought their business to local K-pop events and have formed international partnerships with Korean vendors. “One day we do hope to visit South Korea, so we can actually meet these people in-person because we’ve created such good partnerships over the last couple of years,” Gonzales said. K-pop fans are becoming activists too – and it might be because of skills they developed from fandom activities. In 2020, K-pop fans took partial credit for disrupting one of former President Trump’s campaign-trail rallies by registering for the rally and then not showing up. Fans have been vocal online about their support for social movements like Black Lives Matter, and K-pop idols and

see K-POP page 43

$5K stat grants help artists with their projects BY TROY HILL AND MONSERRAT APUD DE LA FUENTE Cronkite News

ozens of Arizona artists are expanding their creative horizons, thanks to thirty $5,000 research and development grants from the Arizona Commission on the Arts. The grants were for artists at any stage of their careers to help them experiment with techniques, create new works and more. To fund the grants, the commission partnered with nonprofits. Among them is Stephen Fairfield of Cochise County, 78, who is working on a sculpture that’s to be displayed in front of Avondale Fire Station 175. It’s a large outline of a heart made of twisted stainless steel plates with a quote from Cesar Chavez in English and Spanish: “Grant

me courage to serve others; for in service there is true life.” For the project, Fairfield needed a specialized plate roller that can bend steel plates, and that’s where the grant came in handy. With the roller, Fairfield already has assembled half the sculpture. Fairfield has a Ph.D. in biomedical research and was head of the manufacturing program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, but almost 20 years ago, he quit to pursue a career in sculpting. Grace Rolland-Redwood is a musician in Mesa who goes by Rising Sun Daughter and recently released her first EP, “I See Jane.” She applied for the grant so she could invest in new equipment and stay afloat while she took some time to focus on developing new skills and music. She used the $5,000 to upgrade her home studio and purchase a camera to incorpo-

Grace Rolland-Redwood plays guitar as she works on a song in her home studio in Mesa. (Troy Hill/

Cronkite News)

rate video into her music-writing process. “It opens up the avenue for expression,

see ARTISTS page 43

GET OUT

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

K-POP from page 42

groups participate in activism and charity work also. Girl group Blackpink has participated in various charity activities and its members were named goodwill ambassadors for the 26th U.N. Climate Change Conference. The charity and advocacy work that Kpop idols and groups do isn’t the only factor inspiring fans to act. UCLA Professor Kim Suk-young, author of numerous books including “K-pop Live: Fans, Idols, and Multimedia Performance,” attributes the political activity of K-pop fans partially to their demographic makeup. Kim said K-pop fans tend mostly to be young women, especially young women of color, so naturally they might be more sensitive to social issues involving race and gender. “I don’t think it’s the K-pop fandom per se that motivates them to be politically active, but I think they definitely might have learned the organizational skills — especially online, kind of mobilizing skills — from K-pop fandom, and are applying that to their political activism,” Kim said. Rina Okuma, 26, is the founder of Arizona K-pop Dance Crew (AKDC), a K-pop dance workshop that meets on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Okuma said that the

ARTISTS from page 42

when you have a certain tool,” said Rolland-Redwood, who has been performing music since she was 7. “An artist is only as good as his tools. That’s not always true, but you can make a bunch of stuff.” Rolland-Redwood sings and plays piano, guitar and cello. She also has played violin, viola, mandolin and banjo at times. She comes from a family of artists and musicians and considers the arts a deeply ingrained part of her identity. Sumana Sen Mandala, 49, is a Phoenix dancer and dance teacher of an Indian classical dance style called Bharata Nrityam. She has used the grant money for research and critique on her form of dancing to explore what it means for modern women. “I’ve been very interested in a feedback process that’s called the critical response process,” she said. “It’s a process that helps bring different perspectives. So I want to kind of use that process in the documentation by inviting people around me in the community and even outside to help me as I develop whatever this research is go-

“Last month we visited a couple boba stores and K-pop goods stores in Arizona and donated $100 per shop because we really appreciate what they do,” Okuma said. But K-pop fans face stigma both in the United States and South Korea. Kim said that K-pop fans are challenging the U.S. mainstream media’s portrayal of Asian men as emasculated, non-sexual beings, while also being up against historically sexist ideas that devalue women’s interests. There have been some instances of K-pop fans stalking idols, such as the alleged years-long harassment and stalking that Nayeon, a member of the girl group TWICE, has suffered from a fan who often goes by the username Josh1994 online. In South Korea, the opinions about the activism of foreign Arizona K-pop Dance Crew members are catching the K-pop fans and foreign K-pop wave of a new cultural phenomenon. (Rina Okuma) “gwang” fans, are mixed. Gwang majority of AKDC’s workshop attendees fans are K-pop super fans — “gwang’ literare young women. ally means “crazy.” Okuma said that AKDC has been increasBong Eun-jin, a 32-year-old film jouring its charitable activities recently. nalist from Iksan, said that she thinks that

Stephen Fairfield’s statue, which was commissioned by Avondale, sits outside his home near St. David. (Troy Hill/Cronkite News) ing to be.” She wants to use the research to make this style and tradition of dancing fit with

her identity as an Indian American woman. Jisun Myung, 36, is a Valley theatrical artist, performer and director from South Korea who uses theater and food as tools to explore traditions and culture. Her latest work, a participatory performance called the “Miyeokguk Project,” leads the audience on a journey of tradition, food and women’s stories about reproduction. “I was curious to see other Korean women’s experiences and talk about how did they know they want kids or not as we discussed it over a bowl of miyeokguk,” Myung said. Miyeokguk is a seaweed soup that Koreans eat on their birthdays and after giving birth. The soup forms a strong connection between mothers and daughters, Myung said. Her motivation for the project is “annoyance of the cultural and family pressure to have children.” She plans to use the grant to expand her production of the project, including a larger production, venue and props for a more immersive experience. Stephanie Rose Figgins, 33, of Phoenix,

foreign K-pop fans can conflate Korean culture with K-pop, and that K-pop “gwang” fans can be a little bit scary. She also thinks the political activism of foreign K-pop fans is better than political indifference. Kim said that she thinks the overall perception of idol culture in South Korea is negative, especially among the older generation. “But also, I think there is a kind-of shifting trend of looking at idol fandom as social agents to give voice to voiceless people, and to the concerns of voiceless people,” Kim said. “When you see these K-pop fans celebrating the release of their idols’ albums, they usually donate to charity in the name of their idols. Those things are quite well received,” Kim said. But for now, K-pop fans in the U.S. will continue to make and participate in their own inclusive, supportive communities. “I love the online community because you begin to feel a sense of belonging. That’s the way I met my group of friends and will continue to meet more friends,” Hernández said. Gonzales said that her business doesn’t have a true primary demographic because “K-pop culture is so accepting of everyone.” Park Ji-min contributed to this story. ■

is a camera operator for documentaries and an independent filmmaker. Her Peruvian family inspired her to create the experimental documentary “Dreaming of Rosa,” which will explore connections between dreams and ancestral wisdom. “Having someone put their faith behind your project is a huge confidence boost, and I feel extremely grateful for it,” Figgins said. The grant is helping fund her trip to Peru for two months to do research and start initial filming. Figgins left April 7 for a village in the highlands of Peru called Caja Espiritu (Spiritual Box), where Figgins’ greatgrandmother, Rosa, was born and the ruins of her house remain. “I’m committed to the exploration of who I am and the constant unfolding of my ancestors with my own dream landscape,” Figgins said. “Most people don’t really remember their dreams, but it’s one of the oldest ways for us to know ourselves, to get direction, to heal, to become the best versions of ourselves, and so I’m just interested in exploring through film really how far dreams can take us.” ■

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

November 11th 8:15am Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School Bring your future kindergartener and they can get a taste of OLMC Kindergarten while you learn about the school and the program.

Educating mind, body and soul since 1945 Small Class Sizes Math and Reading Specialists Speech and Language Pathologist Sacrament Preparation Amazing Community Academic Excellence Newly Renovated Facility Modernized Classrooms Interactive Classroom Technology Safe and Secure Campus Playground Financial Assistance and Scholarships Available! RSVP at olmcschool.info or 480-967-5567

Trophies, Awards, Plaques, Promotional items and Gifts, On-site Engraving

ng i v r e S y l d u o Pr d the Valley an ver Beyond for o 30 years

10% off

any order over $100 with ad

3414 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018

602.955.0812 | 866-955-0812

www.hjpromosales.com | hjtrophy.com

GET OUT

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

King Crossword ACROSS 1 Knock 4 “The Thin Man” dog 8 Tabloid writing 12 Post-op area 13 Pace 14 Alike (Fr.) 15 Sushi fish 17 “Hi, sailor!” 18 “Burnt” crayon color 19 Melody 21 Ordinal suffix 22 Game fish 26 Looks intently 29 Chaps 30 Man-mouse link 31 Has bills 32 -- de deux 33 Mythical birds 34 Capote nickname 35 Stable diet? 36 Hill of “Moneyball” 37 Raw bar mollusk 39 Impose 40 Ms. Thurman 41 Tristan’s love 45 Tibia’s place 48 Saltwater fish 50 Mata -51 Hotel chain 52 Hot tub 53 Rhyming tributes 54 Lake bird 55 Fixed

With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Contributor

Your guests will say ‘Ohh La La’ to this French dish

I 33 35 36 38 39 42

Copter blade Skirt edge Singer Timberlake North African capital Steinway product Privation

43 44 45 46 47 49

Hoodwink Coup d’ -HBO rival Possessed Hot temper Comic Philips

Sudoku

DOWN 1 Eyeglass frames 2 Antioxidant berry 3 Brownish purple 4 Reps 5 Jazzy Vaughan 6 Dead heat 7 Country stores? 8 June birthstone 9 “This tastes awful!” 10 Asian language 11 Layer 16 Leg joints 20 Author Fleming 23 Earth orbiter 24 Killer whale 25 “One-L lama” poet 26 Attend 27 Wrong 28 Jupiter counterpart 29 Spring month 32 Sunshade

PUZZLES ANSWERS on page 46

t’s delectable. It’s ever-so satisfying and a fantastic meal for weeknight, date night or anytime. The inspiration for this French country chicken came from watching “Julie and Julia” this week, a movie I’ve seen many times before. But this time, watching the iconic television chef and the food blogger who cooked one of Julia Child’s meals every day for one year, made me go hunting through my recipe collection for some of my favorite French classics. This French Chicken with Vermouth Sauce would make both the professional chef and the home cook rock stars in the kitchen.

I taught this dish at one of my recent cooking classes at Sweet Basil Gourmetware and Cooking School in Scottsdale, and it was a joy to see the students sop up the succulent sauce with a piece of fresh crusty French bread. ■

Ingredients: • 2 TBSP butter • 4 lb. boneless chicken thighs • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1 medium onion, finely chopped • 1 medium carrot, finely chopped • ½ rib celery, finely chopped

• • •

Directions: 1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook it in the skillet on the skin side to brown it and to render the fat from the skin, about 15 minutes. Turn the chicken over and cook on the bone side for about 5 minutes. Remove and reserve the chicken. 2. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the fat from the pan. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and prosciutto or ham and sauté until the onion is browned and the vegetables are softened, 8 to 10 minutes. 3. Add the vermouth and chicken stock to the pan and stir to combine with vegetables. Put the chicken back into the pan. Bring the liquid to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer

the chicken in the sauce until cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes. 4. Make the rice. In a pot, add rice and fill with water just to one inch above the rice. Cook over medium heat with lid on. Do not remove lid or stir the rice during the cooking process. When rice is done, fluff it gently. 5. Remove the chicken from the pan, turn the heat to high and bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce the volume of liquid by half, about 5 minutes (or 6 to 7 minutes if you want a thicker sauce). 6. Add the cream, stir to combine, and return the chicken to the pan. Simmer until the chicken is coated and hot. Sprinkle with the chopped parsley. Serve over pasta or a bed of rice. ■

• • •

2 oz prosciutto or country ham, finely chopped ¾ cup Vermouth ¾ cup homemade or low-salt canned chicken stock 3 TBSP heavy cream, at room temperature Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 2 cups rice for serving with chicken

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 45

BE DEBT FREE IN 24–48 MONTHS! If you owe more than $10,000 incredit card or other debt, see how National Debt Relief can resolve your debt for a fraction of what you owe. Call today:

1-866-696-2697

NOW HIRING

INSIDE SALES TEAM PLAYER IN TEMPE Salary + Comission, Beneﬁts, Vacation and Sick Time Times Media Group is the largest publisher of community news in Arizona. With a complete digital advertising suite and over 300,000 copies a week – our reach is a must-have for local businesses, and we offer advertising solutions to ﬁt any business in any community! We are hiring inside advertising sales representatives to help with inbound and outbound sales. TMG has grown 500% in the past six years, and we expect this growth trajectory to continue. Come join us! Do you get excited when you sell? We get it - it’s exciting to sell! Do you have an interest in selling solutions and not just ads? If you are a fast learner, tech savvy and familiar with Google and other digital advertising solutions, you should contact us. If you want to learn how, we have you covered too! Will train. This is a full time job with the hours of 8:30-5pm Mon-Fri. in Tempe near the Broadway Curve. Need we say more? Contact us TODAY!

Please send your resume and cover letter to:

ACCREDITED BUSINESS

Elaine Cota, ecota@timespublications.com

BEFORE

AFTER

Is Your Pool In Need of a Makeover? We’re the Pool Resurfacing Experts!

Let us help you create the pool of your drea ms!

% OFF

Tile Cleaning Expires May 31, 2022

BRING IN A WATER SAMPLE FOR A FREE ANALYSIS

SEE STORE FOR DETAILS

Pool Resurfacing Experts Specializing in POOL SERVICE, MAINTENANCE & REPAIR

602-546-POOL (7665)

www.barefootpoolman.com Ahwatukee!

Ahwatukee!

EOE

BESTOF

2019

Thank you for voting us an Ahwatukee’s “Best Of” Pool Service Company 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021!

Ahwatukee Owned & Operated Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

WAREHOUSE ASSOCIATE

MLCo is a 93 year old family owned and operated business that provides a full array of services to the world’s leading airlines including the procurement, warehousing and distribution of the food and equipment used for inﬂight services. As a private business our focus is on our employees and customers making MLCo one of the best places to work in our industry.

Starting pay is $16/hr plus eligible escalators Healthcare beneﬁts and 401K investment options offered Full-time and Summer Positions Available $1000 New Hire Bonus (After 90 day review) $1000 Referral Bonus (After 90 day review) MULTIPLE SHIFTS AVAILABLE: (WILL FILL SHIFTS AS NEEDED)

1st Shift: 4:00am-12:30pm Mon-Fri 2nd Shift: Mon – Fri, 1:00 – 9:30 pm OR Tues – Fri 1:00 – 9:30 pm, Sat 7:00 am – 3:30 pm

EOE

Please contact jobs@mlco.com for more information

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

Head Start Programs to Host Job Fair With Goal of Hiring Hundreds To Start New Jobs and Careers in Early Childhood Education

Head Start and Early Head Start programs — which serve children from six weeks to 5 years old free of charge through federal funding — are hosting a job fair on Saturday, May 7 to recruit new professionals to the field. Hundreds of positions are available at the job fair for both entry-level and experienced professionals. Head Start’s early learning efforts help children with or without special needs find their footing in academic environments. In addition to introducing fundamental skills relating

to language, math and literacy, among other areas, early learning efforts seek to help kids develop their life skills through instruction and interactive play. Head Start programs seek to ensure that all participants have access to the medical, dental and health services they need to succeed, function and thrive. All program participants enjoy access to health and development screenings, nutritious meals and snacks, and oral and metal health support, among related services. Founded In 1981, Southwest Human Development is a leader in early childhood development and education, serving more than 140,000 children and their families every year. Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated

to early childhood development, Southwest Human Development works with young children and their families during their child’s earliest years to have the greatest impact on their future success and development. The organization’s 40 programs and services focus on child development, mental health, Easterseals disabilities services, early literacy, Head Start, family support and child welfare. For more information visit www.swhd.org. Head Start Job Fair, Saturday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Desert Willow Conference Center, 4340 E. Cotton Boulevard, Suite 100, Phoenix, Arizona 85040 FOR MORE INFO: Visit www.azheadstart.org

TEACHER STARTING PAY:

$43,864 - $57,834 Fully Funded Employee Benefits 3200 Performance Pay APPLY TODAY!

Union Elementary School District 3834 S. 91st Ave. Tolleson, AZ 85353 623-478-5025 | www.unionesd.org

CALL TO ADVERTISE 480-898-6465

JOIN US TODAY!!

NOW HIRING

PHOENIX (April 25, 2022) — Early childhood programs throughout the Valley are giving people an opportunity to get a Head Start on a great new job — and a path to a career in this growing field.

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG LOCAL JOBS. LOCAL PEOPLE.

JOB SEEKERS

jobs.phoenix.org 480-898-6465

CALL TO ADVERTISE 480-898-6465

NOW HIRING

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG LOCAL JOBS. LOCAL PEOPLE.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT • In-Office Position • Health, Dental, Vision, Paid Vacations, Holidays, 401K and more • Full-Time Times Media Group is a digital and print media company operating in the Phoenix, Tucson, and Los Angeles markets. We have experienced significant growth in recent years due to our commitment to excellence when it comes to providing news to the communities we serve.

Why Work Here? Times Media Group offers a positive work environment, employee training, a talented team, and lots of professional growth opportunities. Times Media Group is a digital and print media company operating in the Phoenix, Tucson, and Los Angeles markets. We have experienced significant growth in recent years due to our commitment to excellence when it comes to providing news to the communities we serve.

Job Description We are seeking a highly organized, friendly, and outgoing individual who excels at making customers happy and keeping the office environment functioning. A good candidate will have strong computer and communication skills and an ability to build rapport and communicate with customers, usually by phone.

A Good Candidate Possesses • An energetic and upbeat attitude • A minimum of two years of office experience • The ability to work well on a team • An ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment • Exceptional organizational skills • A desire for hands-on professional growth experience If you are a hardworking and resourceful individual, please respond with your resume and a cover letter outlining why you believe your skill set and experience make you a good fit for this position. We are currently scheduling interviews for an immediate opening. EOE

Apply today, upload your resume: TimesLocalMedia.com

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG LOCAL JOBS. LOCAL PEOPLE.

BIG

CMC Steel Arizona is hiring immediately for multiple positions including machine operators, maintenance positions, and crane operators. We also have current openings for our Modern Steelmaker Program, a 12-month rotational technical training program that teaches you everything you need to know about sustainable steelmaking. If you’re ready to grow in your career, you’re ready to join CMC. Visit us online to apply today!

CALL TO ADVERTISE 480-898-6465

jobs.cmc.com

FIND YOUR JOB

Be a part of something

CALL TO ADVERTISE 480-898-6465

FIND YOUR JOB

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG LOCAL JOBS. LOCAL PEOPLE.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

HIRING EVENT

ONSITE INTERVIEWS

WHEN?

MAY 13, 2022 9AM TO 3PM

WHERE?

10501 N. REEMS RD. GLENDALE, AZ

WHO?

OPEN POSITIONS FORKLIFT OPERATOR MATERIAL HANDLER SYRUP ROOM BLENDER RAILCAR RECEIVER MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN SANITATION TECHNICIAN WASTE WATER TECHNICIAN FACILITIES TECHNICIAN MACHINE OPERATOR NIGHT SHIFT

NOT ONLY IS RAUCH ONE OF THE TOP FRUIT JUICE PRODUCERS IN EUROPE; WE ARE AN INDUSTRY LEADER FOR CONTRACT FILLING OF PREMIUM BEVERAGES, GOBALLY. RAUCH IS RECENTLY EXPANDED GEOGRAPHICALLY TO BETTER SERVE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT MARKETS ON THE PLANET, NORTH-AMERICA.

PLEASE APPLY AT WWW.RAUCH.CC/CAREER OR BRING RESUME

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

UP TO $ 3000 SIGNING BONUS!

TOP DOLLAR Based on your level of education and experience Medical Insurance - Your premiums fully paid with $1500 deductible from provider Truck Provided - You take the truck home You are paid from the time you turn it on until the time you get home. Vacation and Sick Leave - Earned from the day you start! LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED • ROC# 313262

TO APPLY: 623-932-1674 OR WWW.AIRNOWAC.COM

FIND YOUR JOB

EXPERIENCED TECHS • INSTALLERS & ENTRY LEVEL!

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG LOCAL JOBS. LOCAL PEOPLE.

NOW HIRING! SERVING MARICOPA COUNTY!

CALL TO ADVERTISE 480-898-6465

MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER

FIND YOUR JOB

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG LOCAL JOBS. LOCAL PEOPLE. CALL TO ADVERTISE 480-898-6465

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

• Experienced & Licensed • Will Have Exclusive Area • Top Commissions

Great Company Back Up to Help Loans Go Through

Looking For A Career Opportunity In A Rewarding Field?

EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE WANTED!

Call Jack, AZ Branch Manager • 520-458-2800

Cleaning Specialists Needed Valleywide! • Full/Part time • Willing to work around your schedule • OT in some areas • Permanent positions • Pay $13.50 - $17.00

• Must pass background check • Must be authorized to work in the U.S. • Must bring two forms of Identiﬁcation for E-verify purposes

Applications are being accepted Monday-Friday 9am-3:30pm If you have an interest in caring for others and want to make a difference in supporting individuals with disabilities, Arizona MENTOR may be right for you!

We Are Hiring For: Behavioral Health Technicians Direct Support Professional/Caregivers Why Join Our Team? • Competitive pay, benefits and growth opportunities • The opportunity to make a difference • Comprehensive rewards & benefits • Professional development • Supportive & collaborative teams • Innovative health & wellness options • Paid Training • Employee recognition programs

To apply, visit us at jobs.sevitahealth.com or call Marc Baker at 602-529-4775 or email marc.baker@sevitahealth.com

Apply at: 8930 N. 78th Ave., Peoria, AZ 85345

Call: 623-937-0000

Employment General Niagara Bottling, LLC seeks Sr. Manager of Systems Engineering in Chandler, AZ (& other US locations as needed) to lead design, architecture & execution of solutions for critical business tech apps. Requires domestic travel up to 50% of the time to other plant locations. Apply at www.jobpostingtoday.com Ref #66024 SVB Financial Group has openings for the following positions in Tempe, AZ. - Data Engineer II (781.539) Responsible for delivering data solutions that support all lines of business across the organization. - Senior Privacy Analyst (781.472) Responsible for providing comprehensive oversight, advisory& risk mgmt. svcs. to internal stakeholders w/in the bank. May telecommute. Mail in your resume to S.M. at Staffing Operations Team, Silicon Valley Bank, 80 E Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281. Must reference title and job#.

Ahwatukee Chandler Gilbert Glendale Mesa North Valley

Employment General Employment General Safeway, Inc. is hiring a Manager, Enterprise Business Intelligence in Phoenix, AZ. Domestic travel to HQ less than 10% of time. Must have legal right to work in U.S. Subj. to bckgrnd check. E.O.E. Email resume to TA.Perm.Project@ albertsons.com. Attn: S. Taylor

Need to hire some help?

Peoria Phoenix SanTan Scottsdale Queen Creek West Valley

CLASSIFIEDS.PHOENIX.ORG To Advertise Call: 480-898-6465 or email Class@TimesPublications.com

Real Estate for Sale

Announcements Obituaries have moved to the Community section of the paper!

Homes For Sale

Pete Meier Associate Broker CRS, GRI

602-690-3361

Call Classifieds Today!

480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG To advertise call: 480-898-6465

Merchandise

I’ve been SELLING AHWATUKEE SINCE 1973!

Call for a FREE Consultation!

Pets/Services/Livestock

While Your’ Away Services Pet, Home & Property Checks

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

I need

MORE HOUSES to sell!

Reasonable Rates Special Pricing on Extended Service

SOLD

Licensed/Bonded/Insured Ahwatukee Resident

Call Eleanor Today!

480.287.4897

EVERYBODY GRAB A FUTURE Team Member Full and Part Time

Peter Piper Pizza’s commitment to outstanding service starts with our employees. • Competitive benefits and rewards • Day, Evenings, Night positions • Flexible Management hours - go to school and work full-time • Opportunities for growth - we promote from within • Early paycheck access

McDowell and Miller Road • (480) 947-9901 Apply at: 7607 E. McDowell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

Located between Hayden Road and Scottsdale Road on the southwest corner of Miller Road.

Need More to Sell! Ca Call us for Consult

www.WhileYourAwayService.com

See MORE Ads Online!

$475,000 2BR 2BA Wonderful Ahwatukee retirement home on 17th Fairway and Green of Ahw Champ GC. Neutral colors, Fireplace, huge AZ room. Near shopping, Ahw Rec center with in/outdoor pools, pickleball & so much more!

SOLD

$485,000 $325,000 3br/2ba/2gar excellent location 48th & Cheyenne; 3br 2ba, 2cg, near $1M Ahw. Rec backing to lush greenbelt lot, Center w/ pool, activities, 2,294 sq ft his-and-hers home offices. Western décor. Mature pickle ball & so much more. landscaping. Near shopping Desertscape front/back, new and multi-million $ rec center, paint, freshened up, nice and single level in 55+ community. clean! Extra Lg back patio!

petemeier.com

Call for a FREE Home Value Analysis

www.Ahwatukee.com

“

SOLD

THE MAN WHO STOPS ADVERTISING TO SAVE MONEY IS THE MAN WHO STOPS THE CLOCK TO SAVE TIME. - UNKNOWN

“

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

480.898.6465

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

Business/Professional Services NEED A NOTARY? KT Mobile Notary "We Come to you" 24 Hour, Full Service, Same Day (480) 353-0700 Please call or text for appointment and pricing

Air Conditioning/Heating 40 Years Serving the Central Valley

FREE Service Call (with repair) • Second Opinion

40% OFF

Carpet Cleaning Carpet & Tile Cleaning • Water Damage Fire & Smoke Damage Mold Damage • Sewage Damage • 24/7 Rapid Response •

Free Estimates! Call Now

20pt tune up plus outdoor coil cleaning Reg. $116

480-725-7303

DO YOU OFFER Lessons & Tutoring? Children need your help! Place your ad today Contact us: class@times publications.com or Call 480-898-6465

SINCE 1982 ROC #C39-312643

www.BrewersAC.com

480-489-2688

elephant-water.com

Over 1,000 Five-Star Google Reviews ★★★★★

CONCRETE MASONRY Block Walls • Concrete • Pavers BBQ & Fireplaces • Stucco Cool Deck • Imitation Flagstone Call Garcia Cell 602-921-7900 Free Estimates

Not a licensed contractor

Small Jobs Welcome!

Block Fence * Gates

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

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship New 3-Ton 14 SEER AC Systems Only $5,995 INSTALLED! New Trane Air Conditioners NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 MONTHS!

Concrete & Masonry

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

HIRING? People are looking at the Classifieds Every day! Email Your Job Post to: class@times publications.com or Call

480-898-6465

Carpets, Tile & Grout, Upholstery, Pet Stain/Odor Treatment

Contractors

Residential/Commercial

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE East Valley/ Ahwatukee

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

Not a licensed contractor

Glass/Mirror

GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS

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

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

Electrical Services

C. READ & SON ELECTRIC Ahwatukee Resident

Family owned and proudly serving Ahwatukee for over 20 years. Powerful Truck Mounted Soft Hot Water Extractions.

Garage/Doors

 Electric Car Chargers for ALL your  Fans electrical needs  Lighting 41 years  Troubleshooting  And much more experience 2008 through 2021

www.extractioncleaning.com 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!

ROC #158440 Bond/Insured

480.460.5030

www.readelectricaz.com

480-940-6400

Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252

480-405-7588 Air Duct Cleaning

Air Duct Cleaning & Dryer Vents BY JOHN

★ 30+ Years HVAC Experience ★ Disinfected & Sanitized With Every Job

Residential Electrician

Drywall

Call Sean Haley 602-574-3354

JOSE DOMINGUEZ DRYWALL & PAINTING House Painting, Drywall, Intall Doors, Baseboards, Crown Molding Reliable, Dependable, Honest!

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

(480) 912-0881 – Licensed & Insured

QUICK RESPONSE TO YOUR CALL!

MORE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE! www.Ahwatukee.com

josedominguez0224@gmail.com

15 Years Experience • Free Estimates

480.266.4589 Not a licensed contractor.

ROC#277978 • Licensed/Bonded/Insured

• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •

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

ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932 Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Marks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical “No Job Too ✔Small Flooring Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Man!” Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Electrical Decks • Tile • More! 1999 e Sinc k Quality Wor Decks •Affo Tile • More! rdable, ✔ Plumbing 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 ✔ Drywall Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor “No Job GARAGE DOOR SPRINGS REPLACED ✔ Carpentry Too Small Marks the Spot for“No Licensed • Bonded • Insured Job Too ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small Man!” “No Job Too Man!” ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry

SERVICE | INSTALLATIONS | REPAIRS

Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More! ✔ Kitchens Since 1999 rk Wo y alit Qu e, abl Afford ✔ Bathrooms BSMALLMAN@Q.COM 2010, 2011 9 rk Since 199 2012, “No 2013, Job Too Affordable, Quality Wo And More! 2010, 2011 Small Man!” 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

623-853-3311 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

2012, 2013, 2014 Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor Ahwatukee / References ty Work Since 1999

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

Affordable, Quali ROC # 336907 Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor Bruce at 602.670.7038

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

ADD COLOR TO YOUR AD! Ask Us. Call Classifieds Today! 480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Flooring

Jaden Sydney Associates.com Visit our website! Landlord and Homeowner Property Services Repairs • Drywall • Painting • BINSR Items Plumbing • Electrical • HOA Compliance

AND so much more! Ahwatukee Resident

480.335.4180

Honest & Affordable Floor Covering A family founded business that specializes in tile,vinyl plank, laminate, hardwood & more!

10%OFF

ON INSTALL when you mention this ad

MALDONADO HOME REPAIR SERVICES 480.201.5013

THE HANDYMAN THAT HANDLES SMALL JOBS THAT OTHERS DECLINE ✔ Painting ✔ Gate Restoration ✔ Lighting ✔ Plumbing Repairs ✔ Replace Cracked ✔ Sheetrock Roof Tiles Texturing Repairs ✔ & MUCH MORE! *Not A Licensed Contractor

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465

5-Star Reviews on Google 20+ Years Experience Showers, back splash, fireplaces, baseboards & stairs Best Flooring Company in the valley now in Ahwatukee!

Irrigation

REMODEL CONTRACTOR

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

• Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service ARRANTY 5 -YEAR PART W

CASH OUT!

480-215-3373

480.654.5600

Home Improvement

azirrigation.com

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

No Job Too Small! Senior Discounts!

Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

class@times publications.com

Hauling

David Hernandez (602) 802 3600

K HOME SERVICES “For all your Home Exterior Needs”

Roger Kretz 480.233.0336

rogerkretz@yahoo.com 25+ Years of Customer Services

• Leaky Roof Repairs • Tile Repairs • Painting • Flat Roof Coating • Wood Repair • Doors & Windows

Irrigation

MD’S LANDSCAPING

Referred out of Ewing Irrigation Not a licensed contractor.

Call or Text 480-527-6274 honestandaffordableflooring.com Licensed, Bonded & Insured

• Yard Waste • Concrete Slab • Remodeling Debris • Old Tires

480.345.1800 ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

Let’s get your Watering System working again! System Checks • Drip Checks

480.295.2279 • Old Paint & Chems.

• 20+ Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty

Drip Systems Installed, Valves/Timer Repairs

FREE ESTIMATES! CALL 24 HOURS 25 Yrs Exp. I Do All My Own Work! Call Mark

• Furniture • Appliances • Mattresses • Televisions • Garage Clean-Out • Construction Debris

Sprinkler & Drip Systems Repairs • Modifications • Installs

Ahwatukee Resident, References Available, Insured

FREE ESTIMATES!

daveshomerepair@yahoo.com • Se Habla Español

Not a licensed contractor.

CALL DOUG

Home Improvement

NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

Garage/Doors

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

WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED!

Sell Your Stuff! Call Classifieds Today! 480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Landscape Design/Installation

JOSE’S LANDSCAPING

Specializing in Artificial • Front Yards Grass

• Synthetic Turf for your Home

• Back Yards • Golfing Greens

Call Today For A Quote

480-690-0081 Not a licensed contractor.

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

Landscape Design/Installation Irrigation Systems & Outdoor Lighting Fountain Repair C - Caring n, Landscape Desig pairs D - Dedicated stallation & Re In S - Service Maintenance.

LANDSCAPING

No Yard

• 9am - 6pm, Tuesday - Saturday. • You Pay Labor & Materials Only • FREE ESTIMATES • ROC#312942 • David R Smith Phone, Text or Email

480-580-4419

david@swo-of-artworks.com www.swo-of-artworks.com

Landscape/Maintenance

Arizona Specialty Landscape

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

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

PAINTING

Free Estimates 7 Days a Week! ROC# 186443 • BONDED

Call/Text 480.695-3639 Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control

High Quality Results TRIM TREES ALL TYPES GRAVEL - PAVERS SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

Starting @ $60/Month!

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

• Call or Text for a Free Quote

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

480-586-8445

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

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

480-730-1074

CALL US TODAY!

Bonded/Insured/Licensed • ROC #225923

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

LANDSCAPE SERVICES

WANT A GREEN LAWN?

Gravel Spreading & Removal • Initial Yard Clean Up • We Remove Concrete New Installations Irrigation & Drip Systems Storm Damage • Palm & Tree Trimming Tree Removal

WE ARE SPECIALISTS IN YARD CLEAN UP Responsible • 100% Guaranteed Call or text for a FREE ESTIMATE Ramón Rodriguez

Not a licensed contractor.

602.515.2767 Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online! Classifieds 480-898-6465

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Call for a FREE consultation and Estimate

Landscape/Maintenance

Jose Martinez

• Licensed, Bonded Insured for your protection.

The Possibilities are Endless

480-217-0407

Complete Clean Ups

• One Month Free Service

Serving the Valley for over 28 years

480-940-8196 theplugman.com

FREE FERTILIZER & SOIL AMENDMENT TREATMENT WITH CORE AERATION FERTILIZATION • SOIL AMENDMENTS • SOIL TESTING

Not a Licensed Contractor

Meetings/Events? Get Free notices in the Classifieds! Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

ROC 282663 * BONDED * INSURED YOUR LAWN EXPERT SINCE 1995

Painting

Interior & Exterior Residential/Commercial Free Estimates Drywall Repairs Senior Discounts References Available

— Call Jason —

(602) 502-1655

CONKLIN PAINTING Free Estimate & Color Consultation

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

480-888-5895 ConklinPainting.com

Painting

Lic/Bond/Ins ROC# 270450

East Valley PAINTERS

• High Quality Materials & Workmanship • Customer Satisfaction ee • Countless References Serving Ahwatuk Since 1987 • Free Estimates

602.625.0599

Voted #1 Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting

Suntechpaintingaz.com Family Owned In Best of Ahwatukee Year After Year

ROC #155380

10% OFF

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

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com Family Owned & Operated Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

Now Accepting all major credit cards

“We get your house looking top notch!” ★ Interior/Exterior Painting ★ Drywall Repair & Installation ★ Popcorn Ceiling Removal

★ Elastomaric Roof Coating ★ Epoxy Floors ★ Small Job Specialist

Scott Mewborn, Owner 480-818-1789 License #ROC 298736

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

Plumbing

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH!

Drain Cleaning Experts, water heaters, disposals, water & sewer lines repaired/replaced & remodels. Rapid Response. If water runs through it we do it! 602-663-8432

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

FREE Service Calls + FREE Estimates Water Heaters Installed - $999 Unclog Drains - $49

10% OFF

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

Pool Service / Repair

Plumbing

Painting

ROC#309706

$25 OFF

Filter Cleaning!

Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

Plumbing

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

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

Off 40work done

24/7

Inside & Out Leaks

Bonded

Toilets

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

480-785-6323

Juan Hernandez showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

$35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

We Repair or Install ROC # 272721

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER

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

704.5422

CPO#85-185793

Over 30 Years of Experience Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers!

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

480-446-7663

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

See MORE Ads Online!

Licensed • Bonded • Insured (480)

602-799-0147

Roofing

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR

PLUMBING

$95/month

Pool Service / Repair

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

Plumbing

Play Pools start at

Please recycle me. Not a licensed contractor

$35 off

Any Service

Owner Operated - 20 Years

Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet.

Water Heaters

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

MARK’S POOL SERVICE

Mark

Anything Plumbing Same Day Service

Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242

480-390-1212

Ask About Filter Cleaning Specials!

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor

www.ACP www.A CPpaintingllc.com paintingllc.com

Call Patti Cranson

with chemicals

*Any

Disposals

FREE Estimates!

www.barefootpoolman.com

480-405-7099

Veteran Owned

Serving Ahwatukee for 20+ Years

602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

• Interior & Exterior Painting • Professional Cabinet Refinishing • In-Home Color Consultations “Professional, Punctual & Clean”

The POO POOL OOL Girls Pool Service & Repair

See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook

1-Day Epoxy for Garages, Patios, Pool Decks & More!

Pool Service / Repair

Monthly Service & Repairs Available

All Water Purification Systems Voted #1 Plumber 3 Years In A Row OVER 1,000 5-STAR REVIEWS

www.Ahwatukee.com

10% OFF with this ad

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer! FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hirerooﬁng.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

Roofing

Roofing Not a licensed contractor

Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

ROC #152111

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs Complimentary & Honest Estimates LICENSED | BONDED | INSURED | ROC #269218

$1000 OFF when you show this ad *on qualifying complete roof replacements

Call our office today!

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

Serving All Types Clean, Prompt, Friendly and Professional Service of Roofing: FREE ESTIMATES • Tiles & Shingles • Installation • Repair • Re-Roofing

sunlandroofingllc@gmail.com

602-471-2346

Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

Place YOUR Business HERE! in the Service Directory

www.porterroofinginc.com 480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

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

Licensed, Bonded, Insured ROC152111

Classifieds: 480-898-6465

Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

u Th

e IN

Call

-EX D i ﬀe r e n c e

602-938-7575

for your FREE Roof Evaluation Today! www.InExRo

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465

Let Us Show Yo

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com

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

oﬁn

g.c o m

class@times publications.com

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

PHILLIPS

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

623-873-1626

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

Free Estimates Monday through Saturday Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

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

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

ALL YOU NEED IS A PU

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

SHARE WITH THE WORLD!

480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

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

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

Arizona’s Resort-Style Home Builder MASTER PLANNED CELEBRATED COMMUNITIES BY BLANDFORD HOMES

Award-winning Arizona builder for over 40 years. F BELL RD.

56TH ST.

Blandford Homes specializes in building master planned environments with a variety of amenities, parks, and charm. You’ll find the perfect community to fit your lifestyle. A STRATFORD NOW SELLING B C D E F G H

A Dramatic New Gated Community in Gilbert Vintage Collection • From the low $600’s • 480-895-2800 Craftsman Collection • From the mid $700’s • 480-988-2400 PALMA BRISA – In Ahwatukee Foothills NOW SELLING A Dramatic New Gated Community Vintage Collection • From the high $600’s • 480-641-1800 Craftsman Collection • From the low $800’s • 480-641-1800 BELMONT AT SOMERSET – Prime Gilbert Location CLOSEOUT Luxury estate homes and timeless architecture • From the low $1,000,000’s • 480-895-6300 MONTELUNA – Brand New Gated Community in the Foothills of Northeast Mesa NOW SELLING B McKellips Rd just east of the Red Mountain 202 Fwy • From the low $700’s RESERVE AT RED ROCK – New Upscale Resort Community in the Foothills of Northeast Mesa COMING IN 2022 Stunning views of Red Mountain • From the $600’s TALINN AT DESERT RIDGE – SALES BEGIN EARLY IN 2022 Spectacular location at Desert Ridge ESTATES AT MANDARIN GROVE – In the Citrus Groves of NE Mesa CLOSEOUT 11 luxury single-level estate homes with 3- to 6-car garages plus optional RV garages and carriage houses • From the mid $1,000,000’s • 480-750-3000 ESTATES AT HERMOSA RANCH – In the Citrus Groves of NE Mesa CLOSEOUT 12 single-level homes on extra large homesites with 5- to 6-car garages plus optional RV garages and carriage houses • From the mid $1,000,000’s • 480-750-3000

E H G

C GERMANN

BlandfordHomes.com Not all photos shown are representative of all communities. Terms and conditions subject to change without notice.

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 4, 2022

S Sa pr $ vi ing To In ng w st s ar a n M

tC A re tio n Ne d i th is w t U ad ni

40 Years

BESTOF

2021

Serving the Central Valley

® FREE INDOOR REME HALO Celebrating 40 Years IN-DUCT AIR PURIFIER*

Serving The Valley!

40% OFF 20pt tune up plus outdoor coil cleaning Reg. $116

• Reduces common allergens from pollen, mold dander & dust • Eliminates pet, cooking and musty odors • Reduces airborne and surface bacteria & viruses, such as MRSA, e-coli, and Norwalk 99+%, *With a qualified ac system purchase

YOUR HOMETOWN AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALIST

FREE www.BrewersAC.com SINCE 1982 ROC #C39-312643

480-725-7303

Service Call (with repair) Second Opinion A + Rating

We offer Big Savings and Great Financing!

Some restrictions apply. See website for additional information. Special rebates and financing offers are valid on qualifying equipment and pre-approved credit. Offers expire 12/31/2022.