AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS, JUNE 29, 2022 by Times Media Group

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Phoenix preparing $500M bond package ask BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

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he City of Phoenix has begun creating a $500 million bond package it will put before voters in November 2023 to fund a variety of construction and renovation projects that have yet to be identified. The package is the city’s first general obligation bond package since 2006, when voters approved an $878.5 million bond program that brought to $4.6 billion the total amount

of such bond issues voters have approved over the last 65 years. Since 2016, City Manager Jeffrey Barton told City Council at a hearing earlier this month, “Our population and the demand for city services – like public safety, library, parks, and streets, to name a few, have greatly intensified. “As a best practice, a well-oiled and wellpositioned city should have a recurring bond program every five to seven years,” Barton said. “It’s been long a dream of mine since my days in Budget and Research to restore the city

back to a place where we had that reoccurring bond programs every five to seven years. And I’m excited to be here today to present to you with a plan that gets us just there.” Barton said the city is positioned to have a recurring bond program in that five-to-sevenyear time frame “that can fit within the existing footprint of the existing tax rate.” City Chief Financial Officer Denise Olsen said that based on a variety of scenarios she

see BONDS page 4

Ahwatukee native Cole Tucker living his dream

P. 27 NEW EATERY

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PRIDE RUNS DEEP

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BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI AFN Staff Writer

hwatukee native Cole Tucker has been waiting 26 years for his dream to come true. That dream? To play in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. On June 5, the Snakes claimed Tucker off waivers and optioned him to the Reno Aces of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. “It’s really exciting,” said Tucker, calling from Sacramento where the Renos were playing the River Cats. “I grew up a diehard D-backs fan. I was growing up in Ahwatukee in 2001 when the D-backs won the World Series. “The D-backs were a part of my young, impressionable life. It’s a dream come true to be employed by them.” His girlfriend, actress Vanessa Hudgens, expressed her excitement via social media. “Let’s go babyyy. A great day indeed,” she posted. In a much-circulated quote, Ben Cherington,

see COLE page 16

Mountain Pointe alumnus and Ahwatukee native Cole Tucker is now part of the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. (Courtesy of the Arizona Diamondbacks)

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

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Ahwatukee residents will have a bit of a drive to see fireworks for Independence Day, like this scene from WestWorld of Scottsdale. (AFN file photo)

Be prepared for a drive to see Fourth fireworks AFN NEWS STAFF

ix years have passed since Ahwatukee residents could take a short drive – or walk – to Pecos Park to watch a fireworks show on July 4 that was preceded by an afternoon of fun, music and games. Financial stresses – including the abrupt withdrawal from the event of a key sponsor that has never been identified – prompted the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce to cancel the event. Even if the sponsor had not pulled out at the last minute, the event would have likely been canceled because construction of the South Mountain Freeway had begun, eliminating the staging area for the fireworks. For a few years after that 2016 cancellation, Ahwatukee residents could at least hop over to Tempe, Rawhide Western Town & Events Center or Chandler. Then the pandemic shut those down. This year, Ahwatukee residents who crave a fireworks show to cap their Independence Day celebration will have to travel farther. Chandler, Tempe and even the City of Phoenix have canceled their fireworks shows. And neither Rawhide nor, apparently, the Arizona Grand, have scheduled any. The big reason is the same that frustrates shoppers in even routine trips to the store: supply chain disruptions. The City of Phoenix issued a news release bemoaning the cancellation. “Unfortunately, much like many other municipalities, Phoenix has been affected by the ongoing supply chain issues. The City’s contractor was unable to secure fireworks for the events,” said Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Marty Whitfield. Jason Colt, owner of Santan Fireworks, whose Avondale company is the largest fireworks retailer in Arizona, said it all started in 2020 when – you guessed it

see FIREWORKS page 5

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

BOND from page 1

and her team examined, the bond package would have no impact on the secondary property tax rate – the primary funding mechanism for repaying the bonds. She produced an actual 2021 property tax bill with a limited property value of $119,000 – which she said “represents an average home value for the City of Phoenix.” That bill showed that the city’s property levy totaled $252.62 – including a primary tax of $155.59 and a secondary tax of $97.03. While the total amount of property taxes owned came to $1,431.84, “the City of Phoenix portion of that bill only makes up 14%,” Olsen noted, because the total also includes levies by school districts, the county and other taxing authorities. “It’s important to note that a lot of people will call us and say ‘why did my property tax bill go up?’” Olsen said. “And oftentimes it’s not because of the city of Phoenix portion of that bill. It could be other taxing jurisdictions. It could also be that their limited property value has increased.” Olsen said that because Phoenix has a high bond rating, the city would spend a peak annual repayment of $155 million for the new bond package. That’s higher than the $54 million annual debt service the city forecasts on outstanding bond debt starting in 2028, she said,

City officials prepared this chart to show how its proposed $500 million bond package would not affect the secondary property tax rate, which provides the revenue to pay off bonds. (City of Phoenix)

adding the city can afford it without raising taxes.. But she also warned, “We also want to be really careful” about any new facilities that are built as a result of the new bond. “Our intent in building a new GO bond program is that it is affordable and that it limits the impact to our property taxpayers,” she said. “That means no increase to our current total property tax rate … or

This is another way the city presented its conclusion as to why the property taxrate would not increase if votes in November 2023 approved their $500 million bond request. (City of Phoenix)

our current secondary property tax rate.” The basic bond proposal was created with the help of a citizen Fiscal Capacity Committee as well as an executive committee of administration officials. It won the approval from all council members except Sal DiCiccio and Thomas Waring. DiCiccio gave no explanation for his vote and Waring said that he did not want to vote because the specific proj-

ects have not been itemized. “For me the most important thing is what’s actually in it,” he said, acknowledging the administration’s assurances that it had estimated the city’s future tax base growth conservatively. “We’re voting to do it but we don’t know what’s actually in it,” Waring said. Barton replied, “I ask for a little bit of trust and faith in me. At the end of the day, I go back to my roots: I’m an auditor and I’m going to hold people accountable and hold us accountable. “And throughout this process, we will be engaging with the executive committee and the individual subcommittees so that they fully understand why we’re sizing this the way that we’re sizing it,” Barton said. Waring also warned, “I’m certainly not suggesting we don’t have needs, but if we spend less on public safety and a lot more on some other stuff, that may also catch my eye.” And he signaled what is likely to be one of the major issues confronting council before the bond package is finally approved: whose district gets what. “When you really look at it,” Waring said, his district residents “don’t always get as much of the capital stuff as other parts of the city, whether it’s tennis courts, that kind of stuff. Or we have newer police stations, so they’re not going to get fixed but

see BOND page 24

The city administration and a citizens committee made these conclusions after studying the city’s future growth and the impact of a $500 million bond issue. (City of Phoenix)

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

FIREWORKS from page 3

– COVID-19 slammed into the world stage. “It’s a domino effect that started when COVID happened in 2020,” said Jason Colt, owner of Santan Fireworks, whose Avondale company is the largest fireworks retailer in Arizona. According to Colt, here are the issues:  All the manufacturing is based in Shanghai, China and factories started to get behind because of the pandemic, being forced to close and having a shortage of workers.  All the shipping out of Shanghai is controlled by one man and importer and exporters must stay on his good side to get their goods onto a ship and on their way to the U.S.  The port in Long Beach had the same worker shortages other industries are facing, so it has led to a lot of goods sitting in the port for weeks before they ship out.  The backlog has made it hard for the U.S. train system to keep up and many containers filled with fireworks sit and wait for an available train spot.  At the same time there’s been all these issues in supply, consumer demand has seen an increase of more than 300%. “People getting bored,” Colt said. “People not having anything to do and just deciding they want to blow fireworks off.” The supply chain issues have also led to price hikes. Colt said that he used to pay $10,000 to get a container shipped to him from Shanghai and have it delivered to Goodyear. Now, he pays more than $31,000 and it’s only delivered to Long Beach. He has to pay another $6,000 to get it to Arizona. He said his retail business will be fine this year, because he ordered his supply more than a year ago. He has more than 50 locations set up around the state. All aerial fireworks are illegal for residents to set off in the state. The organizations that have a license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms can set them off as part of shows. Of course, that will probably not stop some people. The only type of fireworks that are legal for residents to set off in Arizona are ground based. Put all those factors together, and many cities are having to plan Fourth of July parties that don’t include fireworks. Ahwatukee residents in search of a professionally run fireworks show have two immediate options Monday in the Eats

Valley and, of course, the option of heading down to Chase Field and take in a ballgame before the traditional climax of Independence Day festivities. The City of Mesa is sponsoring fireworks, a car show, stunt show and other festivities for free at its Convention Center, 263 N. Center St., from 6-10 p.m. July 4 with fireworks starting at 9:05 p.m. More details are at mesaz.gov. For those who don’t mind a drive, Gilbert also is host to a free family-friendly event starting at 5:30 p.m. at Gilbert Regional Park, 3005 E. Queen Creek Road, with aerial entertainment, music by the Tom Petty Ultimate Experience and the Ultimate Bon Jovi and fireworks. While it’s free, a parking pass on park grounds costs $11; otherwise, prepare for a bit of hike since nearby street parking fills up fast. More details are at gilbertaz.gov. Even farther east, Schnepf Fams, 24810 S. Rittenhouse Rd., Queen Creek, is charging $30 a carload (wrists bands for unlimited amusement rides are extra) for an evening that begins at 4 p.m. and includes games, craft vendors, music and fireworks. More details are at schnepffarms.com Fireworks shows also are available for those who want to head north to WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. Tickets start at $15 for a even that begins at 5 p.m. and includes the America’s Got Talent Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show, performances by characters from the Disney film “Encanto,” family games and climaxing with one fop the state’s largest fireworks shows. Also in Scottsdale, both the W Hotel and Fairmont Scottsdale Princess plan to light up the night skies. Chase Field will host fireworks right after the Diamondbacks play the San Francisco Giants. For those looking for a public celebration and don’t mind missing fireworks, Chandler’s free All-American Bash will run 7-9:30 p.m. in AJ Chandler Park downtown. Two Independence Day celebrations – one with fireworks and one with an unusual substitute – will actually occur July 3. Starting at 6 p.m. July 3, Tempe Beach Park will be the scene of a free event with kids activities, food and beverage for purchase and at 8:30 p.m. “Red White and Flume,” which the city describes as 12 floating flower-shaped flumes that will be shooting into the sky over the lake, cho-

see FIREWORKS page 8

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

Lawmakers take new steps on state’s water problem BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

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tate lawmakers lined up the votes last Friday to look for long-term sources of new water for Arizona – but only after they concluded they need to do something more. And soon. With only token dissent, both the House and Senate agreed on the last day of the 2022 legislative session to empower a revamped Water Infrastructure Finance Agency to come up with and fund new ways to deal with the fact that the amount of water being used in the state is more than what is currently available. Given a drought of historic proportions, predictions are that it’s only going to get worse. But several legislators from both parties said the grandiose plan originally proposed by Gov. Doug Ducey, including desalinating water from the Sea of Cortez, fails to recognize that the problems Arizona faces are more immediate than projects that could take a decade and carry an enormous price tag. They agreed to go along, however, when an extra $200 million in funding was added at the last minute. Those dollars are reserved for more immediate relief including reducing water consumption, increasing efficiency and various water-saving projects for rainwater harvesting and removal of turf to promoting “gray water’’ systems that use what comes out of bathtubs, showers and washing machines to water lawns rather than wind up going into the sewer system. Sen. Lisa Otondo, D-Yuma, one of the architects of the deal, said thinking more short-term is “essential at this point in Arizona.’’ What’s behind all this is the realization that the drought contingency plan adopted by Arizona in 2019 is not going to save Arizona. The idea was for Arizona and other states to reduce their use of Colorado River water in a bid to stabilize the level of Lake Mead. Only thing is the lake has continued to drop amid hotter and dryer weather. And while the state has followed up with what

could be considered some stop-gap solutions, like acquiring water from the tribes that have a higher claim on water from the Colorado and Gila rivers, it was realized that there just isn’t going to be enough to go around, especially if farming, which consumes 70% of the water in Arizona, is going to continue. So Ducey unveiled a grand plan to have the state invest $1 billion over three years to find new sources of water which, by definition, had to come from somewhere outside the state. And he proposed establishing a new state agency to acquire those rights, build the infrastructure and own the water. The idea of a new agency proved to be a non-starter among lawmakers reticent to create another bureaucracy. Instead they have settled on revamping the existing Water Infrastructure Finance Agency. And, after Democrats complained that the leadership would all be chosen by Republicans they were given some input. But that still left the fact that the lion’s share of the cash was still earmarked for big projects with long timelines. Rep. Andres Cano, D-Tucson, said that won’t do. “Arizona is facing a water crisis,’’ he said. “Temperatures are rising, wildfires are raging and water supplies are drying up,’’ Cano said. “We need to learn to live with less.’’ And doing nothing, he said, is not an option. “We are out of time and out of chances,’’ Cano said. So legislative negotiators found that extra $200 million that could go to something more immediate, with an emphasis on conservation and the kind of research and projects that can make what little Arizona has go farther. “And here’s the best part,’’ he said. “These dollars can be used as soon as this bill becomes law, not in 20 years, not in 30 years, now.’’ Rep. Gail Griffin, R-Hereford, said that includes recharging the state’s often-depleting aquifers. “Ninety five percent of the rain we get evaporates before it can get into the ground,’’ she said.

see WATER page 7

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

WATER from page 6

Still, lawmakers acknowledged, they have to be thinking not just short-term water needs but finding a sustainable -- and permanent -- source. And it has to come from outside of the state. “If I have a water right and you have a water right and we sell it to a third party, it kind of moves around, we trade paper, said Rep. Neal Carter, R-San Tan Valley. “It doesn’t create new water.’’ And Carter said while there should be conservation efforts, he’s not sure how much more can be saved. “Arizona does pretty well with conserving water,’’ he said. “We’re using less water now than in prior decades.’’ What that means, Carter said, is the state has to find new sources. “Augmentation is needed,’’ agreed Rep. Sarah Liguori, D-Phoenix. But she said there’s a more immediate need. “Desalination is years and years out,’’ Liguori said. “In two years we could be facing the ultimate need of immediate water.’’ Senate President Karen Fann, RPrescott, called enactment of SB 1740 with just one negative vote in the House and Senate nothing short of “amazing.’’

“Water is a difficult subject to work with,’’ she said. Still, not everyone was on board or willing to vote for the measure. “I applaud the work that’s been done,’’ said Rep. Mitzi Epstein, D-Tempe. But she said the state should not be spending $1 billion in a search for new water until it deals with the existing legal issues here. And that includes the laws on who is entitled to pump water from the ground. The problem is that, in about 80% of Arizona, there is no state regulation of groundwater pumping. “I disagree with the idea that the person with the most money can go to an aquifer, dig the deepest well, and take all the water away from everybody else who owns property around it,’’ Epstein said. Ducey is expected to sign the measure, as early as this week. “With the passage of this legislation, we are rising to one of the most consequential challenges of our time,’’ he said in a prepared statement. “We are securing Arizona’s water future,’’ the governor continued. “We’re protecting our water supply, strengthening our conservation strategies and ensuring that our future remains bright.” 

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New state budget becomes a boon for education BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

tate lawmakers adopted an $18 billion spending plan early June 23, rebuffing efforts by some Republicans to tear apart the deal. The vote came as Republican legislative leaders, unable to get votes from their own members, cut a deal with Democrats by offering millions more in funding for public education than the GOP and Republican Gov. Doug Ducey had proposed. That ensured there would be enough Democrats to offset the Republicans who found the spending proposal too high to support. House Speaker Rusty Bowers told Capitol Media Services the foes may have outsmarted themselves. The Mesa Republican said he made it clear to fellow party members that he needed every one of them to support the spending plan. That’s because the GOP has a one-vote edge in the House; an identical situation exists in the Senate. More to the point, Bowers said he told them that holding out only forces him and Senate President Karen Fann, R-Prescott, to go to the Democrats. He pointed out, though, that the Arizona Constitution gives the Legislature just one mandatory job: adopt a budget.

FIREWORKS from page 5

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reographed to patriotic music. And a more traditional pyrotechnics show will be part of the $15-per-person “Red, White and Choo Choo at McCormickStillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale. Ahwatukee is not devoid of big Independence Day celebrations. Mountain Park

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“And that’s what we’re doing,’’ Bowers said, saying he informed them that having to work with Democrats meant it would raise the price tag. The result is that the final budget will immediately add $526 million to base education funding for K-12 schools, an 8.8% increase. That’s $60 million more than the original package. As originally proposed, charter and district schools would equally divide up $60 million in what is classified as “additional assistance.’’ These are funds with certain flexibility on how they can be used. But Democrats said that was a non-starter, pointing out that would give far more cash on a per-student basis to charter schools which have only about a quarter of the students as traditional public schools. Now the formula is on a per-student basis, with a plan to nearly double the additional aid by the 2024-2025 school year. The final plan offers not just more basic state aid to public schools. It also provides an immediate $50 million infusion in “opportunity’’ funds, dollars earmarked to help students who come from low-income households Universities also will do better than what had been proposed – at least two

see BUDGET page 9

Ranch will be hosting its annual Children’s Fourth of July Parade 8-10:30 a.m. Monday starting at Foothills Baptist Church, 15450 S. 21st St. Kids with appropriately decorated wagons, bikes, tricycles and scooters will roll down East Thunderhill Place to Thunderhill Park, where a DJ, superslide, hotdogs and sno-cones will be served as prizes awarded for the best parade entries. 

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

BUDGET from page 8

of them. The original plan provided $41 million for the three schools. But there was a big concern that the University of Arizona was getting more than its fair share, given its enrollment. So the final deal provides an additional $54 million in one-time dollars for Arizona State University and $22 million for Northern Arizona University. The deal also scraps something some Republicans wanted but Democrats did not: an expansion of the ability of individuals to get dollar-for-dollar tax credits for donations to help students attend private and parochial schools. Those credits reduce the amount of funding available for all other state programs, including public education. In the 2020-2021 budget year, the most recent figures available, individuals and corporations took $250 million in credits. But it would still allow people to take those credits, though existing limits would remain. Republican foes of the budget did not give up without a fight. Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, R-Scottsdale,

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sought to cut the state’s 5.6-cent income tax rate by a penny. “This is important because we have no meaningful tax cuts in the budget,’’ she said. And Ugenti-Rita said the public, struggling with inflation and higher gasoline prices, needs relief. Fann said the state can’t afford a permanent tax cut of that size, with the plan instead including a $300 million in property tax cuts. She said while Arizona has a $5.3 billion surplus, only $1.3 billion of that is sustainable, meaning revenues that can be counted on year after year. And she said what the Scottsdale senator wanted would cost $1.5 billion annually. Ugenti-Rita rejected that contention. “It’s not accurate to say we can’t afford it,’’ she said. “It’s just that we spent it all,’’ Ugenti-Rita continued. “We put our priorities in pork instead of a tax cut.’’ She had no better luck with a proposal for a one-time rebate of $250 for individuals and $500 for couples, saying that could be done out of the one-time surplus. Fann said those dollars are being used for one-time priorities, like setting aside $1 billion over three years to find new

sources of water and paying off about $1 billion in debt in the state pension fund, a move Fann said would save the state about $100 million a year in interest payments. The opposition in the House by Republicans opposed to the plan was more muted, to the point where Rep. Jake Hoffman, RQueen Creek, didn’t even try to offer an amendment to cut some one-time funding from the state’s three universities. And Rep. Jacqueline Parker, R-Mesa, withdrew her amendment to slash proposed pay raises for state employees. “It like protects voters, cuts spending in government, and no one seems really interested in doing that right now,’’ she said. What the package also did is create the first truly bipartisan budget since the Republican-controlled legislature was forced to negotiate with Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano. And that hasn’t happened since 2008. Among the things the Democrats could not get removed is $335 million for a border fence. That’s above and beyond another $209 million for general border security which covers everything from aid to local sheriffs to $15 million to transport those who entered Arizona from other countries seeking asylum to other states.

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Ahwatukee Custom Estates

And one piece of the final package, set for a vote later Thursday, includes creation of a system to provide state funds to parents who can use these vouchers to send their children to private and parochial schools. Those vouchers essentially redirect the state aid for that student that would have gone to the public school. Separately, lawmakers adopted other Republican priorities, ranging from tax credits for companies that build facilities for making movies and TV shows to capping how much the state can keep in taxes from the expanded gaming approved last year. They also approved a measure to require a 60% approval rate for future ballot measures if they involve new taxes. By way of comparison, Proposition 208 which sought to impose an income tax surcharge on the most wealthy to increase state aid to schools, passed with a margin of less than 52%. As a constitutional amendment, however, it is itself subject to voter approval in November. But they rejected a proposal by Sen. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge, to allow students to get high school credits for everything from outside jobs to participating in organized sports. 

Summerhill Estates

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

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Fountain Hills

Listed for $1,300,000

Beautiful custom home on over an acre with a northeast facing backyard! This sprawling estate is surrounded by natural arroyo with breathtaking McDowell Mountain and Red Mountain views and city lights! Truly a rare find, this home has five bedrooms (one down) plus office plus a large guest quarters with its own entrance from the exterior. The guest quarters has a large family room, dining area, and a separate bedroom. Guest quarters is attached so it also makes a great bonus game/room. The kitchen boasts granite counter tops, a center island, pantry and an eat-in dining nook. Family room has a cozy wood burning fireplace and a large wet bar adjacent to it; a great set up for parties! The family room exits to the resort style backyard with an extended covered patio, sparkling heated pool and spa and a large grass area; perfect for families and entertaining! Large storage room in the garage. Enjoy the serenity of desert living while being just minutes from golf, restaurants and shopping!

Rio Rancho Estates Call for Pricing

2022 construction! Home has never ever been lived in! 1,703sf, 3 bedroom 2 bathroom single level home with open kitchen – great room floor plan. Split master floor plan! Kitchen boasts granite counter tops, large center island / breakfast bar, Whirlpool stainless steel appliances (gas cooking!) and pantry. Porcelain tile throughout with carpet in bedrooms only. Smart home technology. 14 seer HVAC unit. Large master suite with walk in closet, double sinks and walk in shower. Faux wood blinds throughout. North facing back yard! No neighbors immediately behind! Covered back patio and pool size back yard! Low maintenance desert front and backyard landscaping.

Rio Ranch Estates Call for Pricing

2022 construction! Home has never been lived in! 1,601sf, 3 bedroom 2 bathroom single level home with open kitchen – great room floor plan. Split master floor plan! Kitchen has granite counter tops, large center island / breakfast bar, Whirlpool stainless steel appliances (gas cooking!) and pantry. Porcelain tile throughout with carpet in bedrooms only. Smart home technology. 14 seer HVAC unit. Large master suite with walk in closet, double sinks and walk in shower. Faux wood blinds throughout. Oversized premium north facing back yard! No neighbors immediately behind! Covered back patio and pool size back yard! Low maintenance desert front and backyard landscaping.

Cactus Park

Listed for $430,000

Beautifully updated 1,700 sf home with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Corner lot and backs to a greenbelt! Kitchen boasts granite counter tops, large dining area and a cabinet pantry. All appliances convey including the refrigerator and front load washer & dryer! Kitchen opens to one of the family rooms. Second family room is downstairs. Tons of living space! Split master floor plan. Large master suite with a walk – in closet and granite vanity top. Secondary bedrooms are downstairs. Laminate wood flooring; no carpet in the home! Soaring vaulted ceilings! The pool – size back yard has a wood burning fireplace, built in BBQ and built in spa; perfect for families and entertaining! North / south exposure.

Circle Mountain Land 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.)

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Starting pay for federal wildland firefighters was $13 an hour until last year, when it was raised to $15 an hour. The Biden administration this week approved steep raises for federal firefighters, which officials called a step in the right direction while adding that more needs to be done. (Sgt. Jess Geffre/Army National Guard)

Those who fight wildfires get temporary pay hike BY MORGAN FISCHER Cronkite News

ASHINGTON – Advocates welcomed the announcement last week that pay for federal firefighters will increase by as much as $20,000 this year, what one official called a potentially “life-changing” step for the chronically underpaid crews. But they say more still needs to be done to attract and retain crews to the dangerous job of battling wildland blazes, as ever-larger fires rage and current firefighters leave for better-paying and safer work. They called the announcement by the White House, however, a step in the right direction. “I am very pleased to see that the Biden Administration got this decision right,” said a statement from Randy Erwin, president of the National Federation of Federal Employees, the union that represents the majority of federal wildland firefighters. “They did the right thing and implemented this pay increase nationwide and as fast as they could,” his statement said. “As a consequence, communities are going to be protected and lives are going to be saved.” The news comes as the West is suffer-

ing through a particularly bad fire season, with 11 wildfires currently burning in Arizona alone, according to InciWeb. The Pipeline Fire, which has been burning six miles north of Flagstaff since June 12, had burned 26,532 acres but was 70% contained last week. The nearby Haywire Fire had burned another 5,575 acres and was 50% contained. Rep. Tom O’Halleran, D-Sedona, who also represents Flagstaff, called the Pipeline Fire “one of the more forceful, powerful fires that I’ve ever seen.” He said there were 170 firefighters when he arrived on the day the Pipeline Fire was reported, and that more firefighters had arrived from California by that night, but that the response was limited in the beginning because firefighters were tied up in other fires. “I was amazed that we didn’t lose much more than occurred,” O’Halleran said of the damage from the Pipeline Fire. “We need more firefighters to come to these events or incidents, it is critically important.” Pipeline was not the first major fire to hit Arizona this year. The Tunnel Fire burned about 19,000 acres and forced the evacua-

see FIRE page 20

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

see COACH page 13

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

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Bill limiting race teaching falls flat in Legislature BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

rizona teachers will apparently not face new rules this coming school year on how they can teach about race and ethnicity because a Scottsdale Republican lawmaker was absent Friday on the last day of the legislative session. But Rep. Joseph Chaplik told Capitol Media Services that House leaders knew he would not be there on Friday. He said if they were interested in the fate of the measure they would have scheduled the necessary final vote on Wednesday or Thursday. “This is not on me,’’ he said. “They didn’t want to put it up for a vote.’’ House Majority Leader Ben Toma, however, said legislative rules required SB 1412 to get a final reading first in the chamber of origin, which was the Senate. That did not occur until Friday. But it remains unclear how much earlier, if at all, the Senate could have acted. Chaplik said he’s not buying the argument there was no way to advance the bill. “Leadership is so unorganized with planning and execution,’’ he said. And Sen. J.D. Meshard, R-Chandler, who sponsored the measure, said the whole thing has left him “frustrated.’’ The bottom line is that for the second year in a row, lawmakers have been unable to enact what has been labeled a restriction on “critical race theory.’’ SB 1412 sought to restrict what some have argued are lessons that promote hate or feelings of shame in students. Both the House and Senate had given previous approval on party-line votes. Only thing is, there were some last-minute changes needed to get final approval. And that meant there needed to be another roll-call vote in both chambers -- the vote that did not occur in the House because of Chaplik’s absence. That will force Mesnard to try again in 2023, assuming he is reelected and the Republicans maintain their control of both the House and Senate. The legislation has its roots in what has been a talking point by some Republicans on so-called “critical race theory,’’ based on the claim that majority students are be-

ing taught to hate their own race or made to feel guilty about things those from their own race have done in the past. Critical race theory, however, is actually an academic concept usually taught and discussed at the college level, looking at issues of how racism occurs and how even current attitudes are based on historical practices. And despite politicians, including in Arizona, running for office with a promise to halt it in public schools, there are only scattered reports of anything close to that being taught here. Mesnard’s proposal never mentioned critical race theory. Instead, it spelled out rules about teaching certain things, like one race or ethnic group is “inherently morally or intellectually superior to another race or ethnic group.’’ It also mentioned lessons about whether an individual, by virtue or ethnicity is inherently racist or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously, as well as that any individual because of race or ethnicity “bears responsibility or blame for actions committed by other members of the same race or ethnic group.’’ That caused concern among Democrats who argued the measure effectively would whitewash the teaching of history to the point where students would be presented with facts but fail to understand the context. And Sen. Christine Marsh, D-Phoenix, said it even could result in teachers, fearing discipline for violating the law, will simply choose not to give certain lessons or even use certain books because it may cross the line and make students feel shame or guilt about their race or their ethnicity. “Are they so fragile that they can’t even have a conversation, learn about or read about racism in this country?’’ she asked. “This bill will stifle what kids read and learn even though few to no teachers are actually, actively going around trying to make any student feel bad about their race,’’ Marsh said. “And they are not so fragile that they can’t separate racism that they see in history and in contemporary society from their own identities.” Mesnard, however, said foes of the measure are ignoring what he says is the key

see TEACHING page 17

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

ASU turning campus into sustainability model BY EMMA VANDENEINDE Cronkite News

alm trees, bushes and succulents line Orange Mall in the heart of Arizona State University’s Tempe campus. Water trickles across rocks next to the walkways, which are studded with shaded spots for students to gather. Some noisy birds and a chorus of skateboards whizzing across the pavers break the silence. This mini oasis is a sustainable landscape in the desert that conserves water, improves the soil and lowers ambient temperatures. “You can create a very sustainable landscape without a lot of extra stuff,” said Norman Yatabe, the design manager for the Orange Mall Green Infrastructure Project. “It’s just making sure that you do it smartly and with a lot of thought.” From solar panels to water fixtures, building plans have adapted over the decades to promote sustainable practices. But that certification process has expanded to include outdoor environments, such as ASU’s Orange Mall. The mall – which skirts the north side of Memorial Union – used to be an asphalt road leading to parking garages. The only greenery comprised a few palo verde trees. But in 2018, ASU unpaved the parking lot road and put up a paradise. Yatabe worked with ASU’s maintenance team to build this space to preserve more of the natural environment. “The goal was to understand how they maintained the space and making sure that we were using materials and designs that were easily and readily maintained without a lot of effort in terms of manpower,” Yatabe said. The project was part of the Sustainable SITES Initiative, a collaboration among the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas and the United States Botanic Garden, according to the SITES website. Similar to LEED, the federal green building certification, SITES is like an outdoor report card that ranks how a space protects and restores the environment. Two-hundred points are possible, and the outdoor spaces can move up in the ranks if additional steps are taken to improve the space. Eighteen categories

Palm trees, bushes and succulents line the revamped Orange Mall in the heart of ASU’s Tempe campus. (Marion Brenner) are prerequisites, while 48 others are optional credits for certification. Orange Mall received Gold certification, which is 100 points. For SITES projects, it is important not just to build a sustainable space, but to be sustainable in the process. That’s why 99.9% of all the material used for the Orange Mall project was recycled or composted. Cindy Quinn, a sustainability consultant for Ecological Environments and the SITES project administrator for the Orange Mall project, said everything from sourcing products locally to restoring the soil is part of the sustainability transformation. “It starts with not wanting to destroy any kind of protected land or protected waterways,” Quinn said. “They want your soils to be restored to the soil that it would have been before we had human impact on our land to prevent erosion, to restore the native plants and the native animals that lived in the area. You know, kind of as close as we can get to the landscape that this area would have been before we destroyed it.” Consider the runnels carved into the ground on Orange Mall. The grooves are subtle, but they help collect storm runoff and channel it to foliage and plant beds, Yatabe said. “The plant material actually cleans the quality of the water,” he said, “so it removes all the pollutants that are falling, you know, either on the ground or dirt or

dust collected on the building rooftops.” Another water-conserving system involves brass pipes connected to the Student Pavilion. Acting as a condensate water feature, the pipes direct air-conditioning condensation to foliage below, saving an estimated 1,000 gallons of water for irrigation. According to a 2020 case study investigation by the Landscape Architecture Foundation, the additional shade from the palm trees along the mall has reduced ambient heat by as much as 24 degrees. The pavers built around the palms are also made out of solar-reflecting material. That helps students walking to class, as the old paved road used to get up to 130 degrees. ASU also is working to get SITES certification for the outdoor space at the Nelson Fine Arts Center. In addition to some shade structures that look like Pringles chips, the space has drainage systems that help the university conserve water. “We collect water from the rooftops and from the surrounding areas, and it eventually all gets channeled into this space,” Yatabe said. “The water flows through a couple of bioswales to help clean the water up before it actually hits the underground chambers where it is stored and then released into the ground below as groundwater recharge.” Above the underground bioswales sits an outdoor stage with lights that change color. Yatabe said the space is all about promoting sustainable practices while using the

space for multiple purposes, encouraging the community to interact with it. The SITES certification process has expanded worldwide since its creation in 2006, with some projects as far away as China and Chile. As of January, SITES had 250 registered and certified projects, representing about 1.18 billion gross square feet of outdoor space. In the Southwest, however, there aren’t many participants. The four corners states have just 10 registered projects, five of them in Arizona. Allison Colwell, the prime architect consultant in charge of the Orange Mall project, said several barriers, including money, make the certification process challenging. Organizations don’t have to get the SITES certification for their sustainability work. But Quinn said they are missing out. A certification approves the steps, she said, like seeing an organic label on your food. “It really doesn’t hold any meaning, but actually having the certification where you have a third party going in and certified organic has meaning to it,” Quinn said. “It conveys a message to everyone who interacts with that project that it really has met those sustainability goals.” “SITES was developed as much as an educational tool to really show the connection between healthy landscapes and a healthy community,” said Danielle Pieranunzi, SITES national director. “Land is an important component of the built environment,” Pieranunzi said, “And it has so many things that it’s already doing that’s invisible to us, like cleaning our air, cleaning our water, controlling flooding, protecting us from so many hazards and then just being beneficial to our health. … It’s urgent that we think about how we build our built environment because it has an effect on our health, on future generations.” It is also being used as an educational tool. Chingwen Cheng, a professor of landscape architecture at ASU, uses Orange Mall as a model to teach her students sustainability and evidence-based design. “We can use the Orange Mall as a good case, as a good example to learn from, especially in our harsh, hot-air-rich urban environment here,” Cheng said. “It’s something that everyone in the world can learn from how we do this.” 

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the general manager of Pittsburgh Pirates, said, “We like Cole a lot, personally. Sometimes you just run out of time, and I think in this case we just ran out of time. “We tried to give Cole as much opportunity as we could at the major-league level, and at some point, you’ve got to give it to other guys if the performance isn’t there. It doesn’t mean he won’t improve and perform in the future. “It doesn’t mean he’s not going to get another opportunity in the big leagues at some point, but we just felt like we’d given it as long as we could in this case and needed to give the opportunity to other guys.” The Mountain Pointe High School graduate was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round of the 2014 MLB draft. Subsequently, on June 12, 2014, he signed with the team and spent the year with the Gulf Coast League Pirates. The next two years he played for the West Virginia Power and was eventually promoted to the Bradenton Marauders. After stints with Altoona Curve and the Indianapolis Indians, Pittsburgh’s fifthbest prospect – according to MLB.com – joined the big leagues on April 20, 2019. He bowed that day versus the San Francisco Giants. In his third at bat, he hit a two-run homer over the center field wall at PNC Park. Tucker bounced between the big and minor leagues, eventually being designated for assignment on May 30. Tucker admitted he was hoping the Diamondbacks would sign him. He stayed positive despite being designated for assignment. “I was hopeful, when I got DFA’d by the Pittsburgh Pirates, that it would lead to something cool – and it definitely did,” Tucker said. “It’s a dream come true. The D-backs are a really good organization to be a part of it. I’m having fun with it. It feels like I have a new lease on life.” When players are designed for assignment, Tucker said, they wait for five to six days to see what happens—whether they return to the team or head to another team. Tucker was eating breakfast in the living room with his mom and dad when he received the call from the D-backs. “My mom was sitting right there,” he said. “My dad had left for about 10 seconds. He walked back in and saw the look on my face. It was really cool.”

The Pittsburgh Pirates put Cole Tucker on waivers, saying they “ran out of time” to watch him develop his pro-baseball skills. (Courtesy of the Arizona Diamondbacks)

“I played for the Pirates organization for the last eight years,” Tucker said. “Two (Major League) teams ago, I was on Mountain Pointe. It’s wild. There’s a whole new bunch of guys. I’m a people person and really enjoying it.” Tucker said that whether it’s the Reno Aces or the Arizona Diamondbacks, he brings effort, hustle, energy and excitement. “When the game happens, we’re at the mercy of the baseball and what it wants to do,” he said. “There definitely won’t be a shortage of effort and energy and desire. This has been my dream gig my whole life. I’m going to try to make the most of it. I’m just taking it day by day. Baseball has done so much for me. This is the perfect storm of all-things me.” When he’s not playing baseball, the Arcadia resident hits whiffle ball with his family, or practices in his parents’ backyard batting cage. He also chips golf balls on a putting green. “When I’m in Ahwatukee, I go back to being 12 years old again,” he said enthusiastically. “Ahwatukee is the best place in the world to grow up. It’s so much fun to be there. I’ll pop into Water and Ice in the Foothills. We’re always at Spinato’s (Pizzeria) or crushing all my favorite food spots. I play a lot of golf. I’m addicted to it. It’s bad.” 

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

Hygiene product shortages threaten low-income women BY CAMI PARRISH Cronkite News

he latest supply chain problem – a shortage of feminine care items – has prompted Arizona advocates to renew calls for “period equity” to ensure that menstrual products are accessible and affordable for all. These products are a necessity, advocates say, and lack of access can lead to disruptions at work or school, emotional stress, infections and potentially even death.

TEACHING from page 12

part of his legislation: It prohibits instruction that “promotes or advocates’’ for any of the concepts. “If, indeed, all of these things, the idea of promoting or advocating these things is offensive, and I believe, personally, contrary to American values, then you should be voting ‘yes,’” he said. And Mesnard said the legislation even spelled out that nothing in the legisla-

Worker shortages and manufacturing shutdowns brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with disruptions related to the war in Ukraine, have disrupted global supply chains, resulting in shortages of baby formula, popcorn and, now, tampons. Consumers have taken to social media to express frustration over empty shelves and possible price gouging. For example, a 36-count box of Tampax was listed last week for $17 on Amazon.com. A 50-count box of the same product cost $9.89 at an online drugstore – but was out of stock.

tion precludes identifying and discussing “historical movements, ideologies or instances of racial hatred or discrimination,’’ down to the point where it even lists things like slavery, Indian removal, the Holocaust and Japanese-American internment. “We were very clear about what is OK and what is not OK,’’ he said. But Sen. Martin Quezada, D-Glendale, said he feared that the legislation will effectively sanitize the teaching of his-

Bloomberg reports the price of tampons has risen almost 10% in the past year, and the price of pads has increased 8%. In a June 13 letter, U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, called on tampon manufacturers Procter & Gamble, Edgewell Personal Care and KimberlyClark to increase production and refrain from raising prices. “Access to menstrual products should be treated like every other essential good,” Hassan wrote. “At the beginning of the pandemic, price gouging of essentials like toilet paper, cleaning supplies and hand

tory to the point where students will not understand how and why certain things occurred. “We know that the teacher’s role in a classroom should be a lot more than simply telling facts, numbers and dates,’’ he said. “The teacher’s role in the classroom should be putting all of that information, all of the facts, all of the numbers, all the dates into context and teaching children how to think critically about all of those

sanitizer was rightly criticized as an exploitation of an emergency for financial gain. Menstrual products should receive that same consideration.” Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark and Edgewell did not respond to messages from Cronkite News, but in statements to CNET, P&G and Edgewell officials said they are working to increase production. A Kimberly-Clark spokesperson said the company wasn’t experiencing any shortages and that it plans to donate menstrual

see HYGIENE page 22

pieces of information,’’ Quezada continued. “When we don’t allow them and don’t teach them how to think critically, we narrow their world view.’’ Republican lawmakers adopted virtually identical language in 2021. Only thing is, they included it in one of their budget bills. That was voided when the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to include provisions that do not deal with state spending 

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

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tion of hundreds of households in the Flagstaff area in April, according to InciWeb. The raises announced this week are only for two years and are meant to be a bridge for the Biden administration and Congress as they work toward long-term reforms, the White House said. It’s the second raise in a year for federal firefighters, after the administration bumped minimum pay from $13 to $15 an hour last summer. In a statement, President Joe Biden called firefighters “some of the bravest men and women among us, and the backbones of our communities, protecting our homes, businesses, schools, and families from catastrophe.” Under the latest plan, federal wildland firefighters will get either a 50% increase in their current base salary or an extra $20,000 per year, whichever is less. The increase would be retroactive to October 2021. The plan also expands access to mental health support and creates more career pathways in wildland firefighting, the White House said in a statement. Funding for the $600 million package will come from the $1 trillion infrastructure bill passed last year. Administration

officials hope it will help in parts of the U.S. where fire crews are difficult to recruit and retain. Firefighters on the ground are often a mix of local, state, tribal and federal crews. An exact number of federal firefighters is hard to pin down, as they are divided between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Land Management. But all fire departments, local, state and federal, are struggling with “a serious recruitment problem,” said Bryan Jeffries, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona, who said recruitment is down dramatically in some areas. “People … in today’s workplace can make a lot of money doing things that are far less strenuous than being firefighters,” Jeffries said. That was echoed by Erwin, who said recruiting challenges can cause safety problems that threaten communities at risk of wildfire. “Firefighters simply could not make ends meet on the hopelessly low salaries offered at federal agencies, so jobs were becoming very difficult to fill,” Erwin said. Forest Service wildland firefighters who

started before May 21 should see a pay increase as early as the end of this month, said Forest Service spokesperson Wade Muehlhof in a statement. He said the service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are also working on long-term reforms and permanent pay solutions “so firefighters continue to be recognized and supported for the dangerous and critical work they do protecting communities and resources.” O’Halleran said last year’s $2-an-hour raise has already helped increase retention of firefighters and kept them working year-round. But he, like others, said more needs to be done because “firefighters, just like anybody else, they have to be paid a living wage and that wage has been below that.” “I’ve watched our firefighters, time and time again, go into harm’s way at way too low of a salary in the first place in extraordinary conditions of risk,” O’Halleran said. “I’m extremely happy to see this change made.”

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supplies to the Alliance for Period Supplies, which distributes period products for free to those in need. Studies have documented the challenges many women face in affording period products. A 2021 study by researchers at George Mason University found that 1 in 10 college students struggled to afford period products. Black, Hispanic, immigrant and first-generation students reported the highest levels of what’s known as “period poverty.” Lack of access to supplies can result in missed classes and anxiety, research shows. There are also physical health risks: Products might be used longer than intended or consumers might turn to unhygienic substitutes. “We know that lack of access to period products impacts a menstruator’s ability to work, it impacts mental health, and especially their physical health,” said Deme-

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

tra Presley, executive director of Arizona nonprofit Go With the Flow. The group, founded in 2017, provides free period supplies to schools in Tucson and Phoenix to help low-income students. “Sometimes they expand the shelf life of the items that they do have access to,” Presley said. “If that happens, they’re at increased likelihood of UTIs, pelvic infections and things that can sometimes even be fatal, like toxic shock syndrome,” a rare condition related to overgrowth of bacteria. Dana Marlowe, founder and director of I Support the Girls, a Maryland-based nonprofit that works with manufacturers to donate period supplies to other nonprofits, said that despite hourly requests for supplies, her group can’t meet the need for tampons right now. Marlowe said one Scottsdale organization has reached out twice in the past week urgently requesting tampons for unhoused people, asylum-seekers and refugees in Arizona.

“It’s really hard as a nonprofit to walk into the warehouse, see the shelves are still bare, and know that we have to disappoint nonprofits and individuals, and we can’t get them products they need,” Marlowe said. Since 2020, she has seen a 60% decrease in the number of donated tampons her group has been able to distribute. In January, donations fell even more sharply. “What we donate is based on what we receive, so when we stopped receiving as many manufacturer donations, we thought this was coming,” Marlowe said. In recent years, efforts to fight period poverty have prompted some states to eliminate sales taxes on period products. Arizona remains one of two dozen states that still tax these items, according to the advocacy group Period Law. Several attempts to exempt tampons, pads, menstrual cups, disposable diapers and similar items from taxes have failed in the Arizona Legislature, including a 2022 bill sponsored by Rep. Daniel Hernandez,

D-Tucson. Jennifer Burns, senior director of government and media relations at the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers, said in a statement to Cronkite News that “the current supply shortages and inflation are increasing the cost and further limiting the access of some women to obtain products which are a necessity, not a luxury.” Procter & Gamble and Edgewell have blamed the shortage on the increased cost of plastic and cotton as well as COVID-19 outbreaks that slowed manufacturing in the U.S. and Canada. A P&G spokeswoman also told Time that tampon sales had skyrocketed following a popular ad campaign featuring comedian Amy Schumer. Hope Women’s Center, with several locations across Maricopa County, is a nonprofit helping vulnerable women and girls. CEO Tammy Abernethy said she hasn’t heard women talking about the shortage yet but added that the organization has a supply of tampons available .

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

Bill targets $125M in tax credits for movie industry

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

tate lawmakers have agreed to use the lure of millions of dollars in tax credits in hopes of bringing Hollywood to Arizona. But not everyone is sure they want the folks associated with the film and TV industry here. HB 2156, approved by both the House and Senate, would allow any production company to get up to $25 million when it uses an Arizona production facility or films a motion picture primarily in Arizona as long as it does all of the pre- and post-production activities in the state. And the legislation, now headed to Gov. Doug Ducey, would permit the state to give away up to $125 million a year. The idea, according to proponents, is to breathe new life into what was once a more thriving film industry that dates back at least as far the 1930s when John Ford saw Monument Valley and decided to film Stagecoach here with John Wayne. And the studios at Old Tucson were for

a long time the site for various westerns, ranging from The Lone Ranger to Three Amigos, before much of the facility was destroyed in a 1994 fire. But what’s happened more recently is that productions that are supposed to be portraying events in Arizona are actually being filmed elsewhere. Exhibit No. 1 for Rep. Richard Andrade, D-Phoenix, is the 2015 film Spare Parts. It was based on four students on a robotics team from Carl Hayden High School in Phoenix who built an award-winning robot with $800 and parts scavenged from old car, even competing against a team from MIT. Only thing, Andrade said, is it was filmed in New Mexico which, unlike Arizona, offers tax incentives. Rep. David Cook, R-Globe, said he has seen the same thing while watching movies and features on Netflix. “Those film production companies had scenes in Arizona presented in their series,’’ he said. “But guess what?’’ Cook continued. “They weren’t filmed here, they weren’t

spending their money here. They were doing it somewhere else as a facade of ‘this is Phoenix and in Arizona.’ ‘’ Rep. Shawnna Bolick, R-Phoenix, said she sees what is in HB 2156 as a violation of the Gift Clause provision of the Arizona Constitution. It prohibits governments from making donations or grants to any individual, association or corporation. Her objections, however, went beyond the financial and legal issues. “We don’t need another carve-out for specific industries to attract ‘woke’ Hollywood actors and studios to our state,’’ Bolick said. Rep. Jake Hoffman, R-Queen Creek, said, “They are sexualizing our children, they are degrading our culture, they are glorifying violence.” “Hollywood does not represent the people of Arizona,’’ Hoffman continued. “It is not the industry the people of Arizona want.’’ He acknowledged that the legislation prohibits credits for anything considers “obscene.’’ But Hoffman said that still is too broad, meaning even anti-American films could qualify. So could political productions.

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“Under this bill, if Hillary Clinton were to come here in 2024 and film a political commercial, she could qualify for a refundable tax credit,’’ Hoffman complained. But Rep. Teresa Martinez, R-Casa Grande, had a different take on all of this. “I don’t like woke Hollywood, I don’t like their ideals, I don’t like their ideology,’’ she said. “But what I do like? I like jobs.’’ The record on such credits in Arizona is not good. A 2009 report by state commerce officials said the 2008 credits designed to lure Hollywood producers to Arizona actually lost the state $6.3 million that year. According to that study, the productions given credits generated 317 full-time jobs in the industry. Another 413 jobs were created indirectly by Arizona spending by filmmakers. All totaled, the report said, that generated about $2.3 million in additional state and local taxes. But Arizona gave out more than $8.6 million in credits to get that benefit. Proponents of this new version say it is different with protections to ensure it does not lose money for the state. 

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you know, other places are. I would also like equity to encompass that as well.” Other council members also voiced the need for their constituents to have a voice in determining what projects get funded, complaining they were short-changed in previous bond packages and in annual city spending plans. Stating he wished the bond package could be even bigger, Councilman Carlos Garcia said “it’s going to be very important to have input and access to the committee” that will now be drafting the list of specific projects that would be financed by the bond. The bonds would be sold in 2024 and 2026 and the project list will be devised by a committee that will comprise subcommittees on arts and culture, economic development and education, environment and sustainability, housing, human services and homelessness, neighborhoods and city services, parks and recreation, public safety and streets and storm drainage. These committees will be taking citizen input at hearings between August and November. The dates of those hearings will be post-

ed on phoenix.gov beginning sometime next month. In addition, the city is preparing its own list of Phoenix’s capital needs that will be a starting point for those committees’ work. Council likely will vote on a final package in January, but then spend several months crafting messages for what likely will be an intense media campaign to win voter approval in November 2023. “There is an important job to be done over a fairly short period of time,” said city Budget and Research Director Amber Williamson. “The idea of the engagement in all different vehicles and languages to bring residents in, I think, is going to be really critical to the process as well. “I think it’s a difficult task, but I think it’s based on the hard work of the committee, going through the finances and making a recommendation so that we are able to say without raising taxes. This is an opportunity to really elevate other services and other opportunities.” 

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

A summer blast

A Saturday of fun and merriment greeted parents and kids who visited Mountain Park Church last Saturday for a festival sponsored by Arizona Mommies and East Valley Leading Ladies. 1) Verona Ong, 7, smashed a button to drop Calvin Kobashi, 12, in the dunk tank as Devun Smith and Debbie Wyman watched; 2) Kevin Vega got dunked too; 3) Virginia Marte watched as her 3-year-old daughter Angelique rode a unicorn in a kids play area; 4) 17-monthold Brayden Ott played with a robot; 5) Amy Looper helped as Emberly and Aiva Looper, 5 and 7, respectively, and 2-year-old Penny and 7-year-old Lyndon Garcia made bracelets. 6) Aiva then showed off her face paint. PHOTOS BY DAVID MINTON/AFN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

1 4

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

Community

@AhwatukeeFN |

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Gala will help Ahwatukee foundation help kids BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

hen Jennifer and Matt Armer founded the Ahwatukee-based nonprofit Armer Foundation for Kids in 2019 as “a small mom and pop foundation,” the couple never imagined the extraordinary effect they would have on the lives of so many children and their families in just three years. Since then, Armer Foundation for Kids has raised more than $776,793 for Valley families with children facing life-threatening and debilitating illnesses. For at least one child, a crew of volunteers - including some employees from Matt Armer’s company Armer Air – helped transform a first floor family room into a bedroom for a child who could no longer manage the stairs to their former bedroom. “When we first started I knew that we were going to help make a difference but I never imagined that we would be where

Jennifer Armer founded the Armer Foundation for Kids with her husband Matt in 2019. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer)

we are today,” said co-founder and CEO Jennifer Armer. “We’ve grown so much and been able to help so many. I have an amazing team

behind me and that makes all the difference,” she said while looking around at the buzz of shoppers in the Armer Foundation Thrift Store that opened in Octo-

ber 2020 at 9830 S. 51st St., Suite A128, Ahwatukee to further aid fundraising for children. “I’m looking forward to continuing to be able to grow and to continue helping families when and wherever we can,” Jennifer said. Their website, ArmerFoundation.org, includes photos and stories of “Armer Kids” who have been or are currently battling life-threatening illnesses like leukemia, liver cancer, brain tumors, cerebral palsy, Perthes disease, epilepsy and more. The Armer Foundation has helped numerous Ahwatukee families who suddenly found themselves facing catastrophic hospital stays for their children, and mountains of debt for the parents. The foundation stepped in and helped them in myriad and essential ways including assisting their families with co-pays, premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses.

Ahwatukee native’s project earns Gold Award BY JUSTIN LIGGIN AFN Contributor

rawing on her fascination for space, 18-year-old rising star Katie Prator seeks to educate students and inspire generations to learn about the cosmos through her custom educational lesson plans. “The first time I looked through a telescope, I remember being in awe at the vastness of the universe and wanting to know more about all the possibilities it has to offer,” said Katie. Growing up with her father, Michael Prator – who previously worked at the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory and was a system ambassador for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory – Katie was encouraged to reach for the stars

and to help others find a passion for the universe from a young age. “I would go to different events with him at the observatory and always knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps to try and help other kids find a passion for the universe,” she said. Her project website, exploretheskygold.com, contains lesson plans geared toward girls in grades K-5 with customized activities for individual, group and outdoor use. To create these lesson plans, Prator did extensive research and worked with experts at the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory to find the best topics for each group. “I’ve heard good reviews from others about my site and people are sharing with their friends and family,” she said. “This website has topics for each age

see ARMER page 28

level that should help kids start to understand the basics,” she explains on her site. “And going up each age group, it will continue to build on different concepts. The topics and lessons given are mainly just stepping blocks to help get the ball rolling. Whether or not you decide to continue learning more is up to you.” A Girl Scout since she was a Daisy in kindergarten, Katie’s hard work was all part of her earning a Gold Award – the highest honor as a Girl Scout. To earn this special award, Girl Scouts must identify and address a problem in their community and create a sustainable solution. “I have been a part of Girl Scouts my Ahwatukee native Katie Prator won Girl Scouting’s highest honor, the Gold Award, for her work in educating students about outer space. (Special to AFN)

see SCOUT page 28

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

ARMER from page 27

It has also indirectly impacted the lives of thousands of Valley children and their families through donations to hospitals throughout the Valley. Those donations, some bundled together in “Admit Bags,” have included gas cards, grocery cards, Uber cards, toys, toiletries and essentials for parents who suddenly find themselves at their children’s bedside, music equipment and more. “We believe a family’s main focus should be on the welfare and health of their child, not on medical bills or other financial burdens,” said Jennifer. “To alleviate this stress, we focus our efforts on the specific needs of each family we help through fundraisers, blood drives, various events, and community donations.” Even as co-founders Jennifer and Matt Armer and their daughter Rebecca McElyea, vice chair of the foundation, work to keep help available to families in need, they also rely on donations to help their current and future Armer Kids. Two upcoming events will help them continue their work. The Armer Foundation for Kids’ Third Annual Gala is set for August 6 at The Ashley Castle, 1300 Price Road in Chandler. Proceeds from the tickets, available online now at ArmerFoundation.org, benefit

SCOUT from page 27

whole life and have had so many opportunities to explore the world around me. Whether it was through art, music or STEM, Girl Scouts has given me so many great memories I will cherish for my whole life,” Katie said. Though she now resides in Hartford, Wisconsin, she originally began working on her project in Ahwatukee, where it has since blasted off and reached viewers across the country. “With my project being hosted online, it has allowed my work to be easily accessible by anyone. Overall, I hope all the resources I gathered will help people gain an interest in the world outside our own,” said Katie. Her project now has its sights set to expand to students and classrooms at her local YMCA as youth directors have begun making her lesson plans a part of their curriculum. She currently works as a full-time lifeguard at Tri County YMCA after recently graduating from

The Foundation’s thrift store in Ahwatukee helps provide money for the foundation’s many efforts to help families saddled with huge medical challenges involving a child. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer)

families. The third annual gala opens at 5 p.m. and includes a three-course plated dinner, no-host bar and testimonials of family members expounding on what a difference the Armer Foundation meant to them and their children when they stepped up to help after unforeseen medical issues disrupted their lives. The evening also includes dancing and a silent auction, and features Good Morning Arizona anchor Tess Rafols, the mother of triplets, as emcee. “This night is always a special one for us. Not only is it our biggest fundraiser of

IForward: Wisconsin’s Online Charter School. “I want to help groups of all ages better understand the vast universe we live in,” she explained. “Especially during this pandemic, it can be hard to navigate and find the tools needed to explore more of this field. “Not knowing what sites to trust or having information that doesn’t make sense because experts mainly use them with a better knowledge of this field is something I want to help with. With this website, I want to help everyone find the activities and information appropriate for their age and interest group. As she looks ahead to college and her future career, Katie said her Gold Award project sparked new interest for her endeavors. “Right now, I am still exploring all the options that I have. I want to continue investigating and searching for what else is out there. This project helped me realize just how big my passion for STEM is,” she said.

the year but it’s also a great time for everyone to hear the inspirational stories of the families that have been helped over the years and shows the difference our fundraising dollars have made in the community,” said Jennifer “It’s always our goal to ensure that no child should see their family stressed due to a medical condition, and this evening helps us do just that.” An ongoing fundraiser is the Armer Foundation for Kids Charity Thrift Store launched two years ago at 9830 S. 51st St. Open Wednesday to Friday, 9 a.m to 4:30 p.m. and 9 a.m to 2 p.m. on Saturday, the

Charity Thrift Store is chock-a-block with clothing, household items and many miscellaneous items to attract treasure hunters and ‘thrifted outfits’ fans. Donations are accepted during business hours with all proceeds going to help local families with children battling extreme medical conditions. The Armer Foundation for Kids also holds blood drives for Armer Kids and other patients. Chandler’s Grove Church, 2777 S. Gilbert Road, is the site for the next one, scheduled for Saturday, July 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The need for blood donors is unending, said Armer. “Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood which is why the Armer Foundation is committed to helping our blood banks keep up with the ongoing demand by hosting blood drives in support of our Armer Kids and other patients,” she said. “We invite area residents to join us as often as they can, and help us save lives one donation at a time.”  How to help To purchase Gala tickets or to learn more about The Armer Foundation for Kids visit armerfoundation.org, visit the Armer Foundation for Kids Thrift Shop, or 480-257-3254.

Even with life-events challenging her ability to work on the project, her drive and dedication to educating others were the rocket fuel for her successful project. “Having graduated and working fulltime as I prepare for college and other moves, it was challenging to stay on top of a project requiring so much attention. However, remembering that my project can help other kids find their passion or even a new hobby is what kept me going,” she said. Katie’s project not only earned her a prestigious Gold Award, but it also allowed her to bring her childhood passion to students of all ages and make a lasting impact for years to come. “There are so many wonders of the world left to explore and I can’t wait to learn about them and see the future generations build on those ideas and dare to dream the once believed impossible,” she said. “I hope this project Katie Prator developed various teaching aids so helps inspire others to feel the same even young children could begin learning about the cosmos. (Special to AFN) way.” 

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

AROUND AHWATUKEE

Ahwatukee Kiwanis lists speakers at its meetings mornings

The Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club is always looking for new members and invites interested people to attend one of their weekly meetings at 7:30 a.m. Thursdays at Biscuits restaurant, 4623 E. Elliott Road in the Safeway plaza. People also are invited to hear the speakers. Speakers who will appear and the dates are: June 23, Anissa Gurrola, Janice’s Women’s Center; June 30, LD12 House candidate Jim Chastan; July 14, Stephanie Walsh, Arizona Children’s Association; July 28 Stacey Travers, LD 12 House candidate; Aug. 11, Amanda Nosbisch, One Small Step/Clothes Cabin; Aug 25 Kyle Ross, Kyrene Digital Academy principal.

Deadline nears for Gila River Indian Community grants to 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 selfexcluded 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.

Live amongst friends. Reserve your new home today!

Local American Legion Post 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 480326-4656. 

GOT NEWS?

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

Annual Fourth of July Children’s Parade at Mountain Park Ranch: The community of Mountain Park Ranch is again sponsoring a Children’s Fourth of July Parade. The Parade date is set for Monday, July 4, 2022. All families are invited to join in. Come celebrate with Mountain Park Ranch family and friends. We will be celebrating this historic day with a Parade and some fun and games for the entire community. The Parade begins at 8 am at the Foothills Baptist Church on Thunderhill Road and will follow Thunderhill east to the Park near Ray Road. The Phoenix Fire Department will be on hand to lead the kids down Thunderhill. Time will be approaching to start decorating your bikes, trikes, wagons, scooters and electric kiddy cars with red, white and blue streamers and ribbons. A family celebration will follow the Parade, at Thunderhill Park, and end around 10:30 a.m. The celebration will include a DJ, a superslide and other family activities. There will be sno-cones, hot dogs and drinks for the entire family. Best of all, there will be awards and prizes for best decorations and spirit. Bring your cameras! This is a great opportunity to show our community spirit, to meet neighbors, visit with friends and have a great time with the entire family. See you at the Parade and celebration. For more information please contact the MPRHOA office at 480.704.5000.

Independent couples can enjoy a care-free two bedroom, two bath home from $2900.

COMMUNITY

Obituaries

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

Dennis Joseph Wurtz 10/25/1958 06/05/2022 Dennis Joseph Wurtz, 63, was a caring and loving father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He passed away suddenly on June 5, 2022 at the age of 63. Born the fourth child of Earl &amp; Mary Anne Wurtz on October 25, 1958 in Omaha, NE. Denny was taken to the pediatrician before age 3 because he wasn’t talking. Needless to say, Denny figured it out. He was a great teller of stories. All of his stories were true; many actually happened. Denny graduated Omaha Creighton Prep High School in 1977, The University of Nebraska in 1982, and Pepperdine Law School in 1985. His legal and business career was largely in the personal injury sector. He married Paula Fosbinder of Fremont, NE in 1996. They owned Amore' Tans in Omaha, and a Blimpie Sandwich franchise. They sold their businesses and moved to Phoenix in 2000, where they settled in the Ahwatukee area. Denny’s greatest joy was being the parent of Andrew and Evyn. He was an active parent who engaged in mentoring them in sports, Boy Scouts, LGBTQIA support, and school. Not, surprisingly, Denny was often described as “giving” and “generous.” If he had something you needed, he delighted in the giving. (Admit it----you were a recipient.) He also gave us the funny side of life. He could get a laugh out of anyone, and he worked hard on it because it gave him joy. The mischievous glint in his eye told you he was coming up with a hilarious topper for a conversation, punctuated with his contagious crooked grin. Denny was preceded in death by his parents Earl J and Mary Ann Wurtz, sister Cate Marino, brother-in-law Paul Glaeser. He was survived by his children Andrew and Evyn; former wife Paula Fosbinder; two siblings, Tom Wurtz (Lisa) of Omaha, NE and Suzy Wurtz of Gibbon, MN, along with many relatives and friends who feel that this wellloved life-of-the-party was taken too soon. Denny will be honored at a Celebration of Life on July 15th, 2022 at Spinato's Pizzeria and Family Kitchen located at 5509 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014 2pm-4pm. In "Denny" fashion, his family will provide an open bar, four bartenders and plenty of food for all.

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BUSINESS

Business AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

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Dino’s Gyros & Crowned Egg scramble two concepts BY GERI KOEPPEL AFN Contributor

he owners of The Crowned Egg breakfast/lunch cafés in Chandler and Gilbert officially took over Dino’s Gyros, a popular fast-casual restaurant in Ahwatukee Foothills featuring Greek, Mexican and American dishes, on March 1. The new name combines Dino’s Gyros and The Crowned Egg, and the menu reflects a scramble of both concepts as well. Popular items such as the gyros, Greek salad, carne asada platter and beloved fried zucchini and onion rings are all still on the menu, even as the breakfast offerings have been expanded to reflect the new brand. The Crowned Egg is known for its Hatch chili specialties such as the green chili burrito, green chili skillet, huevos rancheros and chilaquiles. “We’re trying to assimilate our menu while keeping the classic favorites of this place around,” said Manny Linares, who owns the restaurant with business partner and brother-in-law Carlos Aguayo.

Manny Linares, left and business partner Carlos Aguayo took over Dino’s Gyros in Ahwatukee Foothills on March 1 and added the name The Crowned Egg to be consistent with their other two restaurants in Chandler and Gilbert. (Geri Koeppel/AFN Contributor)

have been improved. “We did away with frozen chicken tenders and we do them fresh here,” he said. “We bread them and fry them.” Although The Crowned Egg’s other locations only serve breakfast and lunch, the one in Ahwatukee, at 1319 E. Chandler Blvd. near Desert Foothills Parkway, is open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Sunday. Breakfast, however, is served all day. The restaurant, housed in an old Jackin-the-Box building, was formerly home to Eat Smart, which opened in 2019. Dino’s Gyros was the next to occupy the space, and the owner met Aguayo while shopping at Restaurant Depot. She mentioned she wanted to sell it, so he offered to buy it. The interior’s gleaming white tables, cherry-red vinyl chairs and fluorescent lights still recall a fast-food ambiance, but the new owners offer full table service from 7 a.m.–2:30 p.m. daily. Also, the Ahwatukee location is the only one with a drive-through, although the

He added that the New Mexican dishes and carnitas have been especially wellreceived in the Ahwatukee community.

Linares admitted some favorites were cut so they can keep costs low while maintaining the best quality, but some items

square foot. The new owner began as Nationwide Realty when the late founder Paul Ash left his career as an appliance salesman to become a real estate broker, according to the company’s history. Over the next two decades, the company focused on development and acquisition of multi-family, retail and commercial properties primarily in Arizona, New Mexico and California. It says that it “has become one of Southern Arizona’s leading community association managers led by certified and experienced professionals who bring modern expertise to each board served. The homeowner portal developed is state of the art.” The company serves as owner and principal in a wide variety of real estate in-

vestments ranging from HOAs to retail malls to industrial buildings in eight states. “With over a half century of success, the company’s outlook is as bright as ever and the principals of the company continue to achieve profits through our opportunistic approach to managing success for our clients and partners,” the company says A Tucson real estate company paid $3.7 million to buy the Equestrian Centre strip mall in Ahwatukee. (Special to AFN) on its website. 

see DINO page 32

Equestrian Centre in Ahwatukee sold for $3.7M AFN NEWS STAFF

he Equestrian Centre in Ahwatukee is now under new ownership after its Beverly Hills, California owner sold it two weeks ago week for $3.7 million. The popular 35-year-old strip mall, at 12020 S. Warner Elliot Loop, was purchased from Realtor Naomi Feldman by AWD Equestrian American and Paul Ash Management Company, both of Tucson, according to Valley real estate tracker vizzda.com. The 2.1-acre parcel includes just over 27,000 square feet of retail space in a single building and about 100 parking lot spaces, according to vizzda. It estimated the sale price to equal just over $137 a

BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

Clinic owners offer guide to weight loss AFN NEWS STAFF

he owners of an award-winning Ahwatukee weight loss clinic had a few tips on how people can lose weight and have a healthier lifestyle. Dan LeMoine and Dr. Noel Abood are founders of Re:Vitalize Weight Loss & Wellness Center, 15905 S. 46th St., which boasts of a program that helps people lose weight in a sustainable way without shots, drugs, prepackaged foods or surgery. Abood is a weight loss and lower lumbar decompression pioneer with more than 30 years in the field. After surviving a heart attack at age 49, he developed a wellness approach focused on personalized nutrition and metabolic health. He lost 30 pounds and gained a new perspective on sustainable health that became the premise for Re:Vitalize. LeMoine holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and two board certifications in nutrition. He and his wife, Danae, partnered with Abood to create the Re:vitalize program. “There are a number of basic things you can do to lose weight in order to enhance your health,” the said. “These include intermittent fasting, staying properly hydrated, and avoiding added sugars.” Here are some tips they provided: • Eat foods as close to their natural state as possible and keep processed foods to a minimum. “In general terms, if you’re buy-

DINOS from page 31

menu for that and takeout is smaller than the one for eating in. It seats 60 inside, and there are three patio tables that seat four each. Meal prices generally hover around $10-12. Linares and Aguayo initially went into business together with The Crowned Egg in Gilbert in April 2018 and then opened the Chandler location in August 2020. Both had long histories in the restaurant business: Linares worked at Red Lobster for 10 years, mostly in customer service. Aguayo, meanwhile, had experience in the kitchen with a variety of cuisines, including Greek, Italian, Chinese, Mexican and New Mexican. “So I knew a lot about the front of the house, he knew definitely a lot about the back of the house, and we merged our

Re:Vitalize Weight Loss & Wellness Center founders Dr. Noel Abood, left, and Dan LeMoine of Ahwatukee recently last fall received Mindbody’s Visionary Award for “helping people live healthier, happier lives.” (AFN file photo) ing items that are not on the perimeter of the grocery store, it is processed in some way. Steer clear of those inner aisles as much as possible.” • Don’t over-stress your body with workouts. Workouts should invigorate not exhaust or stress the body. Over-training or obsessing about working out also causes an imbalance in the body, adding to stress and cortisol levels. Remember, balance is the key. • Get enough sleep. Research shows that proper sleep leads to less snacking on junk food, more weight loss during dieting, and efficient metabolism. • Weigh yourself every day using a scale that gives you more information than just

your weight. • Store junk foods in a closet or out ofthe-way place that’s hard to reach. Sometimes out-of-sight, out-of-mind works to keep you from reaching for these types of foods which are not healthy for you. • Make a large batch of salad and keep it stored in the refrigerator so you always have a quick salad on hand when you’re hungry. • To discourage overeating, use a medium-sized plate. Research that shows we eat less when we use smaller plates or dishes. • When you are going to a big event or a party, fill yourself up before you go with a large salad or some lean protein. This will

pandemic was challenging, Linares said, but “at the end of the day, we kept our heads down and went with the punches,” he noted. “Supply chain issues affected everybody. We try and just move past it. We try to find a solution to the problems we have. If we have to travel a certain distance to acquire something we know is going to bring Breakfast is served all day at Dino’s Gyros and Crowned Egg in a value to the experiAhwatukee. (The Crowned Egg) ence, we will.” ideas together,” Linares commented. For example, Linares explained, there is Opening two new locations during the a certain brand of coffee creamer people

prevent you from being hungry when they are being served unhealthy finger foods and hors d’oeuvres. • Hydration is important. Make the first liquid you drink each morning be plain water Keep yourself hydrated by keeping a full hydro flask on your person as you work or play. • If you are a fan of breakfast, choose foods that are not based on refined carbohydrates—eliminate most cereals, breads, and pastries. Yogurt, fruit, and other types of healthy foods are better for the first meal of the day. • Get some kind of movement every day. Even walk every day, preferably for at least an hour which you can break up through the day. • Keep a food journal that records how you feel, what you weigh, and how you sleep after you eat a certain kind of food. Note any stomach distress, episodes of fatigue, headaches, joint or muscle pain, as well as weight fluctuations. • Tap into the power of positivity each day. Spend a few minutes before bed writing in a gratitude journal, or take 60 seconds to sit in quiet reflection before you begin eating your meals. However you do it, find time every day to appreciate your efforts to take good care of your body, tune in to how good your body feels when you eat healthy foods. Information: FatLossPhoenix.com.

enjoy, and if they have to travel a few more miles to find it, they will. The duo came up with the name The Crowned Egg because they joked their eggs were so good, they were the king of eggs. They built their business on a simple formula of good food and good service. “We want to give people the best value we can,” Linares stated. 

If You Go...

What: The Crowned Egg and Dino’s Gyros Where: 1319 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee Hours: 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Sunday. Info: 480-673-9976; thecrownedeggaz.com

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OPINION

Opinion 34

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

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

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Frequent gas leaks put the public at risk

BY DIANE E. BROWN AND TONY DUTZIK AFN Guest Writers

ethane gas – known to many people as “natural gas” – is just about everywhere. Not only do many of us use it to cook our food or heat our water, but at any given moment, methane gas is traveling along thousands of miles of pipes across rural areas and through our neighborhoods. There’s a big problem with pipes that carry gas to our homes and businesses: They often leak. Gas leaks can occur anywhere from the transport of gas from the well, through the gathering and transmission pipelines that carry gas to storage facilities, and the distribution lines that carry gas to homes and

Foothills HOA wasting water on decorative ponds

It was very sad to hear the Foothills Community Association HOA Board at their June 22 meeting and the property management company representative declare that they are going to keep wasting millions of gallons of our precious water through evaporation in their decorative ponds no matter how bad the drought gets. They stated that the golf course can dry up and they don’t care as long as the ponds are full. Residents of the Foothills should know that they are pumping our drinking water into these ponds, as stated by their own property manager Matt Jacobs of Premier Property Management. It is important that this board create a plan immediately to stop this selfish waste and address the situation we face without our community vulnerable to drought.

businesses. A new Arizona PIRG Education Fund and Frontier Group report documents that gas pipeline incidents across the U.S. were serious enough to require reporting to the federal government at the equivalent of one every 40 hours from 2010 through nearly the end of 2021. Of the nearly 2,600 incidents reported between 2010 and 2021, 850 resulted in fires and 328 in an explosion. Those incidents killed 122 people and injured more than 600. The total costs to communities from items such as property damage, emergency services, and the value of intentionally and unintentionally released gas, totaled nearly $4 billion. The federally reported gas leaks represent just a fraction of the total. Some serious gas explosions that caused death or injury did not occur in the pipeline system. And despite substantial financial investments in recent years to prevent gas

leaks, the number of incidents has not significantly declined. While gas and utility companies may know about a leak, inefficient repairs and replacement jobs often take longer than expected, allowing gas to continue to leak for years at a time. To make matters worse, gas bills this year have soared to the highest level in over a decade and gas prices are projected to remain high for the foreseeable future with leaks undoubtedly continuing. Not long ago, the risk of gas leaks might have been seen as something we had to live with. But with recent improvements in technology, electric heat pumps for space heating and water heating and electric induction stoves for cooking are not only viable alternatives to methane gas but are often better. Induction stoves, for example, have recently fallen in price, improve air quality, and are far more efficient than gas stoves

– transferring up to 90% of energy consumed to the food versus 40% in the case of gas cooking. The bottom line is this: methane gas leaks continue to put public safety and health at risk. However, we shouldn’t need to rely on gas for cooking or heating, or for electricity generation. Electrification, coupled with the expansion of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, offers a cleaner, safer, and less expensive way to cool, heat, and light our homes and offices. Public policies should encourage a move in this direction.

If the property management company and the board are not interested in bringing our community together to fight this drought then we need change. The drought is real and we can’t have one group selfishly demand wasting millions of gallons of water a year on decorative ponds while others suffer. We must all work together to be successful when facing a problem as serious as this. Remember: They are using our drinking water for part of this million-gallon waste. Everyone must cut back together. -Michael Martin

issues that benefit all Arizonans. I was happy to drive down Chandler and Ray roads to see Paul’s signs on street corners next to other candidates. Candidates spend time and money putting up street signs to get name recognition. It is our American way. I was shocked that all of Paul’s campaign signs were gone two days later when I drove down the same roads. His campaign put up 15 more signs last Monday, and they were found slashed. I believe Paul is targeted because he is the most experienced and vocal candidate. He has the knowledge, expertise, and courage to stand up for the rights of all Arizonans. Paul has thought through many of the matters facing our state. He has carefully crafted his opinions based on his skill and understanding of the Arizona legislative branch of government. Paul does not just re-tweet the views of talking heads. He has been vocal on voting rights, pub-

lic education, and many issues that impact the lives of Arizonans and the welfare of all Americans. I believe he is perceived as a threat to other candidates because he is uniquely qualified. Removing and slashing signs is not the American way. All candidates have a right to free speech. Our elections should be open and fair at all stages, from inception to election day. Please check out Paul’s website and his Twitter feed and learn about Paul, his experience, and his values. He would make an outstanding member of the Arizona House of Representatives. -M. Lisa Scinto

Tony Dutzik is the associate director and senior policy analyst at Frontier Group and lead author of the report Methane Gas Leaks. Diane E. Brown is the Executive Director of the Arizona PIRG Education Fund, an organization that conducts research and education in the public interest. 

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Removing and slashing signs is not the American way

I am a friend and supporter of Paul Weich, a Democratic candidate for the House of Representatives in LD12. Paul is an election attorney and a knowledgeable, experienced, and outspoken advocate for

Political sign vandals show how bright they really aren’t

The article in the June 22 AFN about fools vandalizing political signs clearly points

see LETTERS page 35

OPINION

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

LETTERS from page 34

out that their acts of vandalism give the affected candidates more publicity than a sign ever could. Judy Wade and Bill Baker

Abortion is part of Republican officials’ Big Lie

Everyone now should be familiar with “the Big Lie.” It will definitely be in the history books. The Big Lie I am referring to is that the election was stolen for Joe Biden. There were 60 court rulings and many state audits, including Arizona’s, which brought up no facts that would overturn the election. Well, there is a second big lie. It is that the Republican Party is so concerned about saving lives that they will outlaw a woman’s right to choose whether she will be a parent or not. That is not why they want to end abortion, they want to end abortion to cater to the religious right to stay in office, to hold on to power. Also, they want to control women.

Why do I think these things? Because Republicans make it plainly evident that they do not care about human life, or they would pass common sense gun control laws. Mandatory wait times, minimum age of 21, background checks. They do not care about human life, or they would care more about 10-year-olds being gunned down than about the right to carry a weapon of war. Republicans say there is no evidence these measures will work, yet they will pass all sorts of laws to try and save embryos. Texas passed laws that abortion clinics had to have halls as wide as a hospital hallway, in an attempt to close clinics, because clinic hallways were narrower. So, they are not averse to using government to attempt to change some things, just not the gun problem. When I say Republicans, I am not referring to Republican voters, at least not most of them, but to Republicans in Congress. Somewhere around 80-90% of Americans believe an 18-year-old should not be able to buy a weapon of war, yet they will vote for Republicans because

they have always voted for Republicans. Why won’t the Republicans attempt to correct this ill? Because they are funded by the National Rifle Association and gun manufacturers. Profits and power appear to be more important than human life. Governor Abbott of Texas had a press conference where he blamed the problem of gun violence on mental health, but mental health problems occur in every society and culture. So that does not explain why we have four times as many people as Germany and 20 times as many mass shootings. What does explain the difference? The availability of weapons of war. ‘Liberals are coming for your guns’ is a large part of this gun control big lie. Outlawing guns has never been or will be on the table. Democrats just think that guns should be regulated like a car. You should have a license, you should be tested to see if you are competent, and there should be a title, just like a car. None of these things stop car accidents but they help decrease the carnage, and no one has ever contemplated taking our cars.

The religious right will vote for Republicans because they are against abortion. So, life is so precious that a small collection of cells in a female’s body has more rights than the female herself, and yet they will vote for a person who will allow the slaughter of actual school age children to continue. If you ban abortion and not military assault rifles, you lose the right to call yourself pro-life. Why else do I think that the Republicans do not care about the life of a woman but actually just want to control her? Well, because if they really cared about the embryos, they would try and stop it before it happens. How could you do that? Well, you could pass a law that says that every baby will be tested, and every father will need to raise that child if the mother can’t or won’t. No such laws have ever been contemplated. Men, you impregnate a woman and there will be consequences - but that has never even been hinted at. Vote for gun control, vote for choice, vote for women’s rights, vote Democrat. -Barry Smith

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

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Sports & Recreation AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

SPORTS

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Pride’s Price family cherishing moments on court BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

aimarr Price doesn’t hesitate when describing family gatherings during holidays or other special occasions. There are plenty of jokes, pickup basketball games and music trivia that he admits often end with people storming out of the room or accusing others of cheating. They are a close-knit group, one that spends a lot of time together. Most of that time spent with each other now comes inside of the Mountain Pointe gym. Kaimarr is preparing to enter his fourth year as the head basketball coach of the Pride. Two of his nephews, Aiden and Jayven, are about to play their final seasons of high school basketball for Mountain Pointe. His other nephew Amous, who the family calls “Moose,” is entering his sophomore year. Kaimarr said the Mountain Pointe basketball program has always been a family. That’s been passed down from coach to coach. But he and his nephews take it to another level, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. “I can’t ask for nothing more,” Price said. “It’s extra bonding time. You know, you know a lot of these kids for most of their lives. But with them, I literally remember holding as babies, changing diapers and stuff like that. To see their maturity and growth on and off the court all these years, it’s amazing.” Aiden and Jayven grew up playing basketball together. The cousins enjoyed their time on the court and when given the chance, carried it on to Mountain Pointe. Jayven learned the game from Kaimarr, as well as his parents and older brother Khalid, who graduated from Mountain Pointe in 2019. The three often joke around with each other about who is the better of the three. For now, Kaimarr thinks it’s Aiden based on his love for defense. Though Jayven as a point guard has shined. But he thinks Moose may end up being

Mountain Pointe’s basketball program takes the meaning of family to another level with head coach Kaimarr Price and his three nephews, Aiden, “left,” Amous, “middle,” and Jayven, “right,” sharing time on the court together. It’s something they all cherish. (Dave Minton/AFN Staff)

the best of the three due to his size, wisdom and overall athleticism. The thought of that doesn’t sit well with Aiden, as expected. But he is proud of his younger brother. And they all enjoy being able to share the court. “Every single day we think about how special it is to play with your brother, your

cousin and with your uncle as a coach,” Moose said. “It’s truly a great experience.” Moose didn’t start playing basketball until the sixth grade. Even then, with limited knowledge of the game, he stood out. But by the time he entered junior high, he was the best player on the floor. He continued to grow his game throughout those

Aiden, Amous, aka “Moose,” and Jayven said they are always joking with one another on and off the court. But they have one goal in mind: to win a championship before Aiden and Jayven graduate next spring. (Dave Minton/AFN Staff)

two years. As a freshman at Mountain Pointe, he made the varsity roster — the first of the Price boys to do that. Kaimarr, Jayven and Aiden know Moose has a bright future ahead of him on the court. But they all remain focused on the upcoming season. It will be the last time they all share the court together. They want to make it special. To do that requires finally getting over the hump and winning a state title. “It means a lot to me to be able to play with my little brother, my cousin and my uncle,” Aiden said. “But we want to go out on a bang. We now know what it takes to get to that stage. We just have to do a little bit more.” Kaimarr led the Pride to the state title game in his first year as head coach. It was there the Pride lost to Desert Vista. The next year with Aiden and Jayven moved up to varsity as sophomores, Mountain Pointe made yet another run to the title game. The Pride faced Sunnyslope and lost on a shot near the end of the game. Last season, Mountain Pointe was upset by Boulder Creek in the quarterfinals. Those losses still leave a sour taste in the mouth of the three players. They want redemption. “We can’t slack off or take anything for granted,” Jayven said. “We have to work and continue to work and do whatever it takes to get that banner. A winning banner.” They know doing that won’t be easy. They’ve all started putting in work in the weight room. As a team, Mountain Pointe has competed in several summer tournaments, including Section 7 and one this past weekend at Washington High School in Phoenix. Kaimarr believes behind every championship team is a good senior class that helped lead them there. That was the case in 2020 for the Pride with Jason Kimbrough and Zereoue Williams. That could also be the case this season with the 2023 class. Along with Jayven and Aiden, Mountain

see PRICE page 38

SPORTS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

PRICE from page 37

Pointe’s senior class consists of four-year starter Mark Brown, three-year starter Tru Washington, Marsai Mason, who transferred in last season, and Kevin Patton Jr., who transferred from Maricopa two weeks ago and is still in the process of attempting to become eligible the first game of the season. Mountain Pointe showed at Section 7 it was a lethal team at full strength. The Price boys add another dynamic to the

Pride’s talent. They know there is still plenty of work to be done this off-season. But they’re determined to make a run at the title. And if they win it, they said there may be mayhem when Kaimarr and his three nephews meet for a picture with the trophy. “That would create lifelong memories,” Aiden said. “We would be celebrating for months,” Moose added. “We are going to work to get there,” Jayven said. “We all want to see that.” 

Have an interesting sports story? Contact Zach Alvira at zalvira@timespublications.com and follow him on Twitter @ZachAlvira.

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McIntyre’s wrestling journey slamming into Valley BY ZAKKARY BROG GetOut Staff Writer

rew McIntyre sat down during a family meeting when he was 6 and announced he was going to be the next WWE Superstar. “They shrugged it off,” recalled McIntyre, born Andrew McLean Galloway IV. “I stuck to the plan and never deviated from the plan. I just knew I was born to do it, even from a young age.” Since his 2003 debut, he has become one of the WWE’s biggest stars. He’s vanquished foes with his signature strike, the “Claymore Kick,” won multiple titles, and has become a fan favorite. He’ll come to town for “WWE Fri-

day Night SmackDown” on Friday, July 1, at the Footprint Center. McIntyre was lauded early on by WWE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Vince McMahon, who called the Scot a “future world heavyweight champion.” However, he never reached those heights. In 2014, he was released from WWE. It wasn’t what McIntyre wanted, but it was what he needed. “I needed that time away, 100%, to define myself not just as a performer, but as a man and grow up,” McIntyre says. “I came straight from school, straight to WWE. I was living with my parents at school telling me what to do. I’d never had a chance to really mature and grow up. I

was still very much in the student mindset and very immature in a lot of ways. I had to step outside the bubble to really get perspective.” He addressed his personal issues with the help of his wife, Kaitlyn Frohnapfel, while performing with other companies. McIntyre’s look evolved and his microphone prowess and ring skills improved. He returned to the WWE in 2017 as part of NXT. McIntyre finally reached the upper echelon of WWE talent, by defeating Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 36 at an empty WWE Performance Center in Orlando. Usually, the event is held in a stadium.

Drew McIntyre is living his dream in the WWE. (Special to GetOut)

see MCINTYRE page 41

Baseball, meet Guy and betting at Chase Field

BY DAVID RODISH Cronkite News

rizona Diamondbacks fans have a new sports gambling site and eatery to attend as Caesars Sportsbook has launched the Caesars Sportsbook at Chase Field. Located on 4th and Jefferson streets, the sportsbook is at a central location for downtown Phoenix and its sports venues. “It’s pretty convenient,” Caesars spokesperson and former ESPN host Kenny Mayne said. “You can throw a rock across the way and you’re at the game. You can get some good food before (a game). With Caesars and the Diamondbacks partnering up, (the sportsbook) is a cool spot.” The Caesars Sportsbook at Chase Field is the latest in a wave of sportsbooks opening around Arizona’s sports venues.

Several chefs reached out to the Arizona Diamondbacks for the partnership, but Dbacks CEO Derrick Hall said Guy Fieri was who they were looking for from the beginning. ( Jill Weisleder/Arizona Diamondbacks) Fanduel Sportsbook opened the Fan- duel Sportsbook at the Footprint Center

where the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury and Arizona Rattlers play home games after sports betting became legal in Arizona on September 9, 2021. The state will continue to add more sportsbooks at its sporting venues. In Fall 2023, TPC Scottsdale, the home of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, will open the DraftKings Sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale. Since legalization, Arizona has embraced sports betting. In March 2022, the state’s handle of $690.9 million was sixth nationally behind New York ($1.64 billion), New Jersey ($1.12 billion), Illinois ($971.3 million), Nevada ($863.3 million) and Pennsylvania ($714.97 million), BetArizona.com reported. Derrick Hall, the chief executive officer

see SPORTSBOOK page 43

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

Chandler Center lines up free summer concerts Cisco & the Racecars, Aug. 5

GETOUT STAFF

Clap and tap your toes to the bluegrass, folk and Americana of Cisco & the Racecars. Known for their energetic style, diverse arrangements and a unique blend of old and new, see why they are considered one of the premier bluegrass bands in the Southwest.

handler Center for the Arts has planned an electric series of free summer concerts Friday nights in July and August. All concerts are held at 7:30 p.m. and feature local artists. No ticket is required, but RSVP is requested with all seating done on a first come, first served basis. Attendees are invited to cool off with a soda, wine, beer, or the evening’s signature drink. Explore The Gallery at the Chandler Center for the Arts after-hours to see the latest exhibit and take advantage of exclusive flash ticket sale offers for upcoming performances. Information: chandlercenter.org/Summer2022 Here’s the lineup:

Brea Burns & The Boleros, July 15

Enjoy a night of classic country with a twist of rockabilly as front woman and songwriter Brea Burns’ well-craft-

MCINTYRE from page 40

“It felt incredible,’’ McIntyre said. “It wasn’t obviously how I had imagined when I was a kid. I had always imagined main-eventing WrestleMania, winning the WWE Championship, and tens of thousands of people screaming.” “We were living in the pandemic and there was literally nobody there. But at the same time, I was so proud to become champion, finally fulfill the prophecy of the ‘chosen one’ and be the one to step up during such unknown times for the company, and for the world, to be that leader.” McIntyre has become one of the “largerthan-life characters” he admired at age 6. Armed with a master’s degree in criminology from Glasgow Caledonian University, he still never lost sight of his real dream. “I literally gave all my free time to the dream,” McIntyre said. “Even just to learn to wrestle was a 24hour round trip I used to take when I was

Smokestack Lightning, Aug. 12

Brea Burn and the Boleros will offer a classic country music concert. (Special to GetOut) ed songs tell tales of cheating, heartache, honky tonks and everything in between. Put on your cowboy boots and vintage 50s wear, tease up your hair and join us for a swinging evening, minus the sawdust on the floor.

DREW MCINTYRE

15 years old. In my school holidays, I got three days off for Easter, I was away learning to wrestle. If I got the summer holiday off, I was away learning how to wrestle.” Now a WWE top star, McIntyre is excited to be at the forefront of its upcoming first

Gabriel Bey & Friends, July 22

Playing trumpet since 1960, Gabriel Bey has performed jazz all over the world. Join him and his band for an evening of smooth rhythms and laid-back grooves with music from Miles Davis, Kenny Garett, Roy Hargrove and even Prince.

major U.K. show since 2003, and the country’s first stadium event since 1992.” Leading up to “Clash at the Castle” is the Footprint Center show. McIntyre is looking forward to returning to the Valley. His first WrestleMania was in 2010 in Glendale. “I love Phoenix in general,” McIntyre said. “The weather is great, the people are great, the fans are great. In Phoenix, I always get my In-N-Out Burger which is always exciting. … Phoenix has always been great to me.” He also encourages people to come to the show and see what WWE has to offer. “For those that don’t know, this is the show to check out,” McIntyre said. “There’s something for literally everybody in WWE. It’s such a spectacle. Our motto is to put smiles on faces. It’s not just a catchy slogan. Let’s put a smile on your face no matter who you are or what age group you are. We’re a PG-rated show. There’s something for the youngest kid to the oldest adult or young at heart. As I like to say,

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

This powerhouse band from the Gila River community delivers both the gutwrenching pull of the blues and the restless beat of rock ‘n’ roll. With heart thumping tempos setting the stage, expressive strings and vocals tell stories of pain, triumph, loneliness and joy.

Guitarras Latinas, Aug. 19

Guitarras Latinas will take you on a musical journey through Latin America with beautiful flamenco guitar, spicy castanets, romantic vocals and dynamic percussion. No need for a passport for this cultural tour. Information: chandlercenter.org 

there’s something to captivate everybody. It’s not just for guys: 40% of our audience is female. Our females are represented so well on the show because they’re literally some of the best on our roster. “If you get yourself along to a WWE show, something is going to catch your attention: the superstars, the spectacle, the pyro, the storytelling, as over the top as it can be at times. It’s so much fun, you just have to see it live to get sold. So, get yourself along, because Drew McIntyre guarantees you’re going to love it.” 

If You Go...

What: “WWE Friday Night SmackDown” Where: Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix When: 4:45 p.m. Friday, July 1, Cost: Tickets start at $20 Info: 602-379-2000, footprintcenter.com

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

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PUZZLES ANSWERS on page 43

This rub will make the perfect BBQ addition

have no idea if it’s Kansas City, Carolina, Texas, Memphis or St. Louis style. All I know is that this dry rub is magic dust on a rib – just in time for your summer menus. It’s the perfect seasoning for a meaty slab of pork or beef ribs, finished off with just a light brushing of barbecue sauce. So let’s tackle cooking first. Slow and low. It’s the only way to keep those juices moistening the meat. For the rub, don’t overpower. Generally, whatever sticks to the slab should give you just the right amount of flavor. And because BBQ sauce is loaded with sugar or honey that can burn, save it for the last 10-15 minutes, and then just lightly coat it on the slab at the end of the cooking process. You want the flavor of the rub to come through. Now for the rub. It’s an incredibly simple formula I found in an old paperback cookbook called “Tasty Vittles.” This rub is the perfect combination of sweet,

spicy, hot and salty. You can add a slightly citrusy kick if you’re using something like a chili lime sea salt, or burn it up big time with various chili powders. I’ve been on a quest for a good basic rub that I can make ahead, keep it in a jar in the pantry, and shake out onto a slab whenever I’m craving ribs, and this is it! Start with the basic rub and then add your own special touches using some of your favorite herbs and spices, a little at a time, until you make it your own. Rub some ribs and reap the rewards this summer!.■

Rub ingredients: (Makes about 1 cup) • 1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed • 1/8 cup sweet paprika (do not use regular paprika) • 1/8 cup smoked paprika (do not use regular paprika) • 2 teaspoons onion powder Directions: In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder (not garlic salt) • ½ teaspoon dry mustard • ¼ teaspoon cumin • ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes • 1 tablespoon sea salt • 1 tablespoon black pepper mix with your hands or a fork, breaking up any lumps. Store in an airtight jar in the pantry or cupboard.

For the ribs: • 3 ½ pound slab of meaty ribs (I used pork back ribs)

• • •

Directions: Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with several sheets of tin foil. Brush oil lightly over top of ribs (meat side up). Sprinkle dry rub liberally over ribs and lightly pat. Bake for about 2 ½ to

3 hours or until thermometer reaches 180 degrees. Brush with one cup of barbecue sauce during last 10-15 minutes. Serve with remaining cup of barbecue sauce, warmed. 

2 tablespoons grape seed or vegetable oil 2 cups of your favorite BBQ Sauce, divided Homemade dry rub

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

SPORTSBOOKS from page 40

of the Diamondbacks, said the opening of his club’s facility wasn’t just about what it could do for baseball fans, but it “enhances the overall experience of any visit to Downtown Phoenix.” “Even if there’s nothing here at Chase Field, people will be here for the big events,” Hall said. “It’s exciting, it’s good for the economy and it’s good for Downtown Phoenix. Year round we will have an impact here and that’s great.” The sportsbook will house Guy Fieri’s Downtown Phoenix Kitchen + Bar at Caesars Sportsbook, the first restaurant in Arizona for the famous restaurateur and TV show host. The food menu will be more comprehensive than the other sportsbooks opening up locations in Arizona. One of those will be the DraftKings Sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with DraftKings to bring this one-of-a-kind experience to life,” said Scott Warfield, PGA Tour vice president of gaming. “Arizona has emerged as one of the leading sports betting markets. Customers will have an array of wagering options comparable to

those wagers currently available in Arizona on the DraftKings Online Sportsbook.” DraftKings is the official betting operator of the PGA Tour and the sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale will be the first of its kind. “What will differentiate this from other sportsbooks in Arizona is that it will be the only one on a golf course,” Warfield said. “The DraftKings Sportsbook will be an integral part of the TPC Scottsdale experience throughout the year, including at the WM Phoenix Open.” BetMGM is building its own sportsbook at State Farm Stadium and plans on having it completed in time for the 2022 NFL season. “For years we’ve had fans who’ve wanted legalized sports betting,” Hall said. “Where we benefit (from sports betting) is more engagement with the fans, it’s more interaction with the fans. As a result, it’s helped our attendance, it’s helped fans (in) knowing who the players on our roster are, and I think it’s been great overall in our interaction and engagement with our fans.” Caesars Sportsbook at Chase Field is the largest sportsbook in any arena or stadium in the United States.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

JOB SEEKERS

How to Practice Interviewing

Getting your résumé through the initial review phase is an accomplishment unto itself. But then you’ve got to nail the interview. As with so many other pursuits, practice makes perfect.

REFINE YOUR ANSWERS

Interviewing can be stressful, in particular if you’re worried about misspeaking. The good news is that there are often standard questions involved with these discussions, meaning you have an opportunity to refine your answers before going face-to-face with someone who will decide your employment fate. They’re likely to ask you about previous experience in the field, what brought you to this job opening, and things you’d like to accomplish were you to get the job. Determine what your answers will be in advance, and make sure you’re ready to put your best foot forward.

TRY A MOCK INTERVIEW

Your answers should be limited to a few sentences for each question so that the interview can proceed. Rehearsing alone is a good place to start, but nothing

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are looking for enthusiastic, collaborative candidates, in particular if you are going to be in a public-facing position or placed in a leadership role. Don’t disparage your last boss, or talk dismissively of previous tasks you’ve been charged with. Sometimes the difference between getting hired and getting overlooked is nothing more than having an upbeat point of view.

BE NIMBLE

beats personal interaction. Ask a friend to sit in for a mock interview, with a provided list of talking points. This will help you further refine your answers, as they ask follow up questions. You can also work on eye contact.

FOCUS ON ATTITUDE

There’s an old saying: “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Looking the part and meeting the job requirements won’t secure the job if you don’t have the right attitude. Job recruiters

There is more than one interviewing style, so it’s important to be nimble. Some hiring managers are interested in thoughtful, more detailed conversations, while others may be cut and dry. They’ll only ask a few general questions, then move on to the next person. The most successful candidates can “read the room,” quickly ascertaining what’s required. You’ll need to craft your answers according to these expectations in real time. No matter the interviewing style, remember to make your responses short and to the point. You can chat more after you’re hired. 

NOW HIRING

INSIDE SALES TEAM PLAYER IN TEMPE

LOVE YOUR COMMUNITY? LOVE TO WRITE? WE MAY HAVE THE PERFECT JOB FOR YOU!

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.

• Full-Time • Part-Time • Freelance

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!

If interested, email clips and your resume, along with a cover letter explaining why you are a good ﬁt, to

Please send your resume to:

careers@TimesLocalMedia.com

This paper has exciting opportunities for experienced news reporters and features writers. We are seeking strong writers and storytellers who excel at capturing the news and issues of a community.

EOE

Suzanne@TimesLocalMedia.com

EOE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG LOCAL JOBS. LOCAL PEOPLE.

Join Our

In Mesa!

immediately for overhead crane operators, maintenance mechanics, industrial electricians, entry-level positions and more! At CMC, we provide training and certifications that you need to excel in your role. If you’re ready to grow in your career, you’re ready

BENEFITS • Competitive pay for all positions • $3 shift differential for rotating shift work • Paid Vacation • Overtime opportunities

to join CMC in Mesa. Scan the QR code or visit us online to apply today!

CALL TO ADVERTISE 480-898-6465

jobs.cmc.com

NOW HIRING

TEAM CMC Steel Arizona is growing! We are hiring

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

Ahwatukee Chandler Gilbert Glendale Mesa North Valley Peoria Phoenix SanTan Scottsdale Queen Creek West Valley

CLASSIFIEDS.PHOENIX.ORG To Advertise Call: 480-898-6465 or email Class@TimesLocalMedia.com Employment Employment General NortonLifeLock Inc. has an opening for a Software Engineer in Tempe, Arizona. Duties include analyzing, designing, debugging and/or modifying software; or evaluating, developing, modifying and coding software programs to support programming needs. May telecommute from home. Contact: Send resume to Brett Goodman, Sr. Global Mobility Specialist, at jobads@nortonlifelock.com. Must reference job 1648.6958.

NortonLifeLock Inc. has an opening for a Software Engineer in Tempe, Arizona. Duties include analyzing, designing, debugging and/or modifying software; or evaluating, developing, modifying and coding software programs to support programming needs. May telecommute from home. Contact: Send resume to Brett Goodman, Sr. Global Mobility Specialist, at jobads@nortonlifelock.com. Must reference job 1648.2824. Health Services Advisory Group seeks Analyst II in Phoenix, AZ to contribute to cutting-edge analytic work that spans the broad spectrum of healthcare data projects. B.S. in stat, math, or related quant field (willing to accept foreign ed eqv) and 3 years of data analysis exp or, alt, a M.S. in stat, math or related quant field (willing to accept foreign ed eqv) and 1 year of exp as stated. Must also possess: SAS; relational DB; SQL; healthcare data; quantitative analysis; presenting analytic results to nonanalytical audiences; data vis tools, such as SAS, JMP or Excel; MS Office and SAS Cert. Apply by sending resume to drodriguez@hsag.com and ref this ad in cover letter.

Merchandise SHARE WITH THE WORLD!

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

Pets/Services/Livestock

Air Conditioning/Heating

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

480.287.4897

Sell Your Stuff! Call Classifieds Today! 480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Call Garcia Cell 602-921-7900 Free Estimates

Not a licensed contractor

Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252

480-405-7588 CALL CLASSIFIEDS

480-898-6465

We'll Get Your Phone to Ring!

Reasonable Rates

www.WhileYourAwayService.com

Call Classifieds 480-898-6465

Concrete & Masonry

Google Reviews ★★★★★

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

Call Eleanor Today!

81% of our readers, read the Classifieds!

CONCRETE MASONRY Block Walls • Concrete • Pavers PlumbSmart BBQ & Fireplaces • Stucco Over 1,000 Five-Star Plumbing Heating & Air Cool Deck • Imitation Flagstone

Pet, Home & Property Checks

Special Pricing on Extended Service

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

HOME FOR RENT? Place it here!

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

While Your’ Away Services

Licensed/Bonded/Insured Ahwatukee Resident

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

Business/Professional Services

Employment General

Air Duct Cleaning

Air Duct Cleaning & Dryer Vents

Small Jobs Welcome!

Block Fence * Gates

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

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

BY JOHN

★ 30+ Years HVAC Experience

See MORE Ads Online!

★ Disinfected & Sanitized With Every Job

(480) 912-0881 – Licensed & Insured

www.Ahwatukee.com

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

Electrical Services

Garage/Doors

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

• 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

Drywall

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

or Email: class@TimesLocalMedia.com

2008 through 2021

ROC #158440 Bond/Insured

www.readelectricaz.com

480-940-6400

GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS

GARAGE DOOR SPRINGS REPLACED Licensed • Bonded • Insured

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

10%OFF

623-853-3311 ROC # 336907

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

Handyman

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Marks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical ON INSTALL Job Too ✔“No Water Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry when you Small Man!” Heaters mention this ad Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Decks • Tile • More! ✔ Electrical Quality Work Since 1999 Decks •Affo Tile • More! rdable, 2010, 2011 ✔ Plumbing 2012, 2013, 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 ✔ Drywall

FREE ESTIMATES!

“No Job

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

✔ Carpentry 5-Star Reviews on Google Job Too Too Small Marks the Spot for“No ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small Man!” 20+ Years Experience “No Job Too Man!” Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Tile Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More! ✔ Kitchens Showers, back splash, fireplaces, 9 199 ce Sin rk Wo y alit Qu ✔ Bathrooms baseboards & stairsAffordable,y Work SinceBSMALLMAN@Q.COM 2010, 2011 1999 2012,And 2013, “No JobMore! Too Affordable, Qualit 2010, 2011 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Bruce Best Flooring Company Call in the valleyat 602.670.7038 2012, 2013, 2014Small Man!”

References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Call Ahwatukee BruceResident/ at 602.670.7038

2014 1999 Since

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

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

ROC#277978 • Licensed/Bonded/Insured

HOME REPAIR SERVICES

CALL DOUG

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! Ahwatukee Resident, References Available, Insured

*Not A Licensed Contractor

Hauling

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

• Old Paint & Chems.

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

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

SERVICE | INSTALLATIONS | REPAIRS

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Call Sean Haley 602-574-3354

MALDONADO

Garage/Doors

Ahwatukee Resident References , Quality Work Affor/dable now in Ahwatukee! Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ NotInsured a Licensed / Not aContractor Licensed Contractor

Residential Electrician

Handyman

Flooring

Honest & Affordable Floor Covering

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

Glass/Mirror

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

josedominguez0224@gmail.com

Ahwatukee Resident

480-215-3373

Not a licensed contractor

Post your open positions! 480-898-6465

480.266.4589

C. READ & SON ELECTRIC

Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610

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

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG

15 Years Experience • Free Estimates

Electrical Services

Broken Springs Replaced

REMODEL CONTRACTOR

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

QUICK RESPONSE TO YOUR CALL!

Not a licensed contractor.

East Valley/ Ahwatukee

Home Improvement

Repairs • Drywall • Painting • BINSR Items Plumbing • Electrical • HOA Compliance

AND so much more! Ahwatukee Resident

480.335.4180 Not a licensed contractor.

Home Improvement

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

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

No Job Too Small! Senior Discounts!

David Hernandez (602) 802 3600

NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

Contractors

daveshomerepair@yahoo.com • Se Habla Español

CLASSIFIEDS

Irrigation

MD’S LANDSCAPING Drip Systems Installed, Valves/Timer Repairs

Let’s get your Watering System working again! System Checks • Drip Checks FREE ESTIMATES! CALL 24 HOURS 25 Yrs Exp. I Do All My Own Work! Call Mark

480.295.2279 Referred out of Ewing Irrigation Not a licensed contractor.

WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED!

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

Landscape Design/Installation

Landscape/Maintenance

Painting

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

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

JOSE’S LANDSCAPING

Specializing in Artificial • Front Yards Grass

• Synthetic Turf for your Home

• Back Yards • Golfing Greens

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

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

Call Today For A Quote

CALL US TODAY!

480-690-0081 Not a licensed contractor.

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

“We get your house looking top notch!”

WANT A GREEN LAWN?

• Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service RANTY -YEAR PART WAR

480.654.5600 azirrigation.com Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

The Possibilities are Endless

Custom Design and Renovation turning old to new

Call for a FREE consultation and Estimate

Repairs • Modifications • Installs

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

★ Elastomaric Roof Coating ★ Epoxy Floors ★ Small Job Specialist

Scott Mewborn, Owner 480-818-1789

theplugman.com

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

Sprinkler & Drip Systems

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

480-940-8196 Serving the Valley for over 28 years

Not a licensed contractor

License #ROC 298736

FREE FERTILIZER & SOIL AMENDMENT TREATMENT WITH CORE AERATION FERTILIZATION • SOIL AMENDMENTS • SOIL TESTING ROC 282663 * BONDED * INSURED YOUR LAWN EXPERT SINCE 1995

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

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

— Call Jason —

(602) 502-1655

Jose Martinez

480-730-1074

Not a licensed contractor.

Bonded/Insured/Licensed • ROC #225923

602.515.2767 Landscape/Maintenance

Arizona Specialty Landscape

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

• 20+ Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty

480.345.1800 ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

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

Call/Text 480.695-3639 Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online! Classifieds 480-898-6465

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

1-Day Epoxy for Garages, Patios, Pool Decks & More! • Interior & Exterior Painting • Professional Cabinet Refinishing • In-Home Color Consultations “Professional, Punctual & Clean”

Veteran Owned

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

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

ROC#309706

www.ACP www.A CPpaintingllc.com paintingllc.com Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

480-785-6323

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

Painting

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

CONKLIN PAINTING Free Estimate & Color Consultation

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

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

10% OFF

Pool Service / Repair

Plumbing

East Valley PAINTERS #1

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

Watch for Garage Sales in Classifieds!

CASH OUT!

You will find them easy with their yellow background. Ahwatukee!

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality

www.eastvalleypainters.com Now Accepting all major credit cards

Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

BESTOF

Monthly Service & Repairs Available

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL

480-688-4770

Family Owned & Operated

Ahwatukee!

2019

Free Estimates • Home of the 10 Year Warranty!

Off 40work done *Any

7 6 6 5

www.barefootpoolman.com See our Befores and Afters on Facebook

480-888-5895

Plumbing

Lic/Bond/Ins ROC# 270450

Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541

Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC#272001

ConklinPainting.com

affinityplumber@gmail.com

602.625.0599

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

ROC #155380

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

Any Service

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

10% OFF

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

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

Bonded

Toilets

$35 off

Voted #1

Family Owned & Operated

Inside & Out Leaks

Now Accepting all major credit cards

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

with chemicals

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

Ask About Filter Cleaning Specials!

Mark

To place an ad please call: 480-898-6465 class@TimesLocal Media.com

Juan Hernandez

$95/month

24/7

Only $27.50 includes 1 week online

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

Play Pools start at

Water Heaters

Disposals

East Valley PAINTERS

Owner Operated - 20 Years

Anything Plumbing Same Day Service

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

Pool Service / Repair

MARK’S POOL SERVICE

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor

Not a licensed contractor

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

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

Call Juan at

602-799-0147

480-720-3840

CPO#85-185793

Not a licensed contractor.

Plumbing

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH! FREE Service Calls + FREE Estimates Water Heaters Installed - $999 Unclog Drains - $49

PLUMBING

10% OFF

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

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-405-7099

$35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

We Repair or Install ROC # 272721

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.5422

(480)

CLASSIFIEDS Roofing

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 2022

Roofing

Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

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

ROC #152111

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs

Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident

Complimentary & Honest Estimates LICENSED | BONDED | INSURED | ROC #269218

Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

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

Call our office today!

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

www.porterroofinginc.com 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 – ROC187561

See MORE Ads Online! www.Ahwatukee.com Over 30 Years of Experience Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers!

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

480-446-7663

10% OFF with this ad

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

Let Us Show Yo

Licensed, Bonded, Insured ROC152111

u Th

e IN

Call

602-938-7575

for your FREE Roof Evaluation Today! www.InExRo

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465

-EX D i ﬀe r e n c e

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com

oﬁn

class@Times LocalMedia.com

PHILLIPS

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

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

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Call us to place your ad online!

480-898-6465

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

g.c o m

480-446-7663

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

FIND YOUR PASSION

623-873-1626 Free Estimates Monday through Saturday Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

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

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 29, 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 | JUNE 29, 2022

Ce rv 4 leb in 0 ra g Ye ti Th a ng e rs Va lle y!

BESTOF

2021

40 Years Serving the Central Valley

HERE IS SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE FREE INDOOR REME HALO® IN-DUCT AIR PURIFIER* OUR 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS

We are offering $ 40 OFF

our Brewer’s Deluxe 20 point Tune up

REG. $119

• 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.