AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS, JULY 27, 2022 by Times Media Group

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NEWS ................................. 3 Club West legal fight finally goes before a judge.

NEWS...................................9 Federal law regulating robocalls missing many.

COMMUNITY............24 100+ Women Who Care aid homeless young people.

Ahwatukee tattoo studio a leader in ink designs.

BUSINESS...................28

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

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Plenty of cash fuels LD12 primary campaigns BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

Primary Election Day showdown next Tuesday will likely settle the race between two Ahwatukee Republicans for the Senate nomination as well as a five-way contest among five Democrats for two House nominations in Legislative District 12.

While most of the attention will be on the high-profile races in the top tiers of the Republican ballot, there’s enough suspense on the LD 12 ballots to hold the interest of both parties. Those results also will point to even more suspense in November, as the latest campaign financial statements indicate that Republicans are pulling out all stops to puncture the allblue delegation representing Ahwatukee and

parts of Chandler, Mesa and Tempe. The most recent filings with the Arizona Secretary of State show unopposed House Republican candidates Terry Roe, a soon-tobe termed out Chandler City Council member and former cop, and Chandler CPA James Chaston raised $199,764 and are going into

see ELECTION page 16

Kyrene’s driver shortage Fleet of foot means longer walks to buses BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

cores of parents in Kyrene School District were surprised last week when they were notified their children’s school bus stops have been moved as much as a mile and a half to two miles from their homes. With the first day of the new school year beginning tomorrow, July 28, the district’s announcement last week left some parents worrying about their kids walking that distance in the summer heat, others scrambling to figure out other means of getting their kids to school and still others bemoaning on social media the state of school funding in Arizona. Citing a nationwide shortage of school bus drivers, the district on July 18 told parents the adjusted stops “help ensure on-time bus transportation before and after school.” That means, it said, some elementary students will be hiking a mile and a half to a

stop if they can’t catch a ride while some of their middle-school counterparts will be walking two miles. “These new walk boundaries put Kyrene in line with other East Valley districts, but we want you to know that any decision that impacts students and families is not made lightly,” district email told parents, adding Kyrene “is doing everything in our power to address the challenges of this driver shortage.” Social media exploded with a variety of reactions to the announcement. “Are you kidding!!!,” posted Ahwatukee parent Amber Cicchillo, whose son has Type 1 diabetes. “4 miles a day in 115 heat with type 1 and dragging his little sister(which is what I envision) …that will be fun.” Cicchillo added she was grateful she or her husband Nathan can usually drive their kids, but added “it was so nice when they could take the bus” – a stop around the corner from their home.

see BUSES page 8

Larissa Blanchard, an Ahwatukee native and resident, is currently preparing for her senior track season in a journey that started at St. John Bosco in Ahwatukee, then went to Seton Catholic Prep in Chandler and has ended at Perry High School in Gilbert, where she hopes to help the Pumas repeat as state champions. To read her story, see page 34 (Dave Minton/AFN Staff Photographer)

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

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

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The Club West Golf Course has been barren since spring 2018 and has been the subject of two protracted legal fights, first between the Club West homeowners association and the Club West Conservancy and now between the Conservancy versus Shea Homes and The Edge. (AFN file photo)

Club West suit gets first hearing in court BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

awyers for Shea Homes and Club West Golf course owner The Edge asked a Superior Court judge on Monday to dismiss a homeowners group’s request to forbid construction of homes on the withered 18hole site forever. While the defendants told Judge Timothy Thomason that plaintiff Club West Conservancy is seeking an order against a plan that doesn‘t exist, the homeowners’ attorney accused them of creating a smokescreen by insisting the suit was invalid because the Conservancy’s members are not identified. As for the judge – who is taking the issue under advisement and has 60 days to issue an initial ruling – Thomason said the case at this point appears to hinge on whether there is an issue that is justiciable, or legally viable for judicial review. “I’m not sure there needs to be a plan in order for there to be a justiciable controversy,” Thomason said. “There does seem to be a real disagreement between the sides here about whether or not property has to be used as a golf course. I guess my question is: isn’t that enough to at least create a justiciable controversy?” The 45-minute hearing was the first courtroom airing of a legal action the Conservancy filed in December over the future of the long-dormant golf course. The Conservancy wants to the court to permanently ban The Edge from selling any land to Shea or making any other deal for housing construction. But The Edge and Shea say the court should dismiss the suit, stating that the Conservancy has no legal standing to “interfere with private agreements” related to the site’s use and that it “fails to allege an actual” controversy anyway. The Conservancy comprises a group of some Club

see WEST page 5

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

WEST from page 3

West homeowners who have opposed any effort to build homes on the course since spring 2020. It formed after The Edge had rolled out a plan in January 2020 to restore the course and build a new clubhouse, financing the renovation through the sale of three parcels to another homebuilder that long ago dropped out of the discussion. Shea Homes holds the declarant rights to the site, though one of the Conservancy’s arguments alleges that Shea failed to properly register as the declarant when it bought out UDC Homes, the first homebuilder in Club West. But the main thrust of the Conservancy’s lawsuit – which includeds two dozen pages of references to legal documents, newspaper ads and marketing materials – is a contention that the golf course was an integral part of the sales pitch used by Shea to lure homebuyers. That sales pitch was the same used by Club West’s initial developer, UDC Homes, which eventually was acquired by Shea. “Foothills Club West was developed, marketed and sold by UDC-Foothills Limited Partnership as a golf course community with an 18-hole championship golf course at the heart of the community,” Conservancy attorney Francis Slavin wrote, quoting a 1990 newspaper announcement that said: “The 6,883-yard, par-72 championship golf course and the 20,000 square-foot clubhouse will be the focal point of a 1,447acre master planned community that will include 25 residential communities.” Another story said: “The biggest draw for Club West residents is the view of the mountains and the golf course views. Every home has at least one window on the changing panorama, and many homes back right up to the greens.” Slavin also contends that the golf course CC&Rs are referenced in home sales contracts to assure buyers they could trust that the site would always be used only for golf after 2008. That contract language is pivotal to the Conservancy’s contention that Shea Homes never legally acquired the golf course declarant rights from UDC. “The only potential remaining right, if any, of the declarant under the Golf Course CC&Rs was the right to enforce the use restriction…that was written into the Foothills Club West homeowners’ purchase

contracts,” Slavin wrote, adding: “Through their purchase of lots and homes within the Foothills Club West master-planned community, each purchaser acquired the right, among others, to enforce the ‘use restriction’ to restrict the golf course property for golf course uses.” A lawyer for Shea Homes on Monday told Thomason that the homebuilder has no interest in developing any portion of the Club West Golf Course. “Shea no longer owns this property,” attorney Shannon Cohen said. “It has no interest in the property. It has no plans to develop the property or ability to develop the property.” Edge attorney Cindy Albracht-Crogan told the judge that to even have standing in court, the Conservancy must “allege a distinct and particular injury and right.” “Their whole damage claim is based on a 2020 development proposal with Taylor Morrison. They’re not even in the game anymore. There is no plan. There is no development plan. Shea is not a buyer of the property anymore, either. “There was literally no development plan. And so I do not understand how the (Conservancy) members could ever at this stage of the game, say that they’re going to be harmed by a development plan that does not exist.” “Controversy has to be based on the presence in duping facts, and there just are none,” Albracht-Cogan added. “There is no development plan for residential construction, that they can say that they’ve been harmed by.” Albracht-Cogan also ripped the failure of the Conservancy suit to identify specific homeowners, contending their anonymity made it impossible to determine who even would be potentially harmed if there was a development plan. Slavin argued, “My clients are homeowners. They live on that course.” “I think it’s very difficult for The Edge to be here today, showing you straight faced that there’s absolutely no justiciable controversy when they themselves have acknowledged this in a court filing,” Slavin told the judge, asserting the golf-only restrictions in the sales agreements gave any homeowner in Club West the right to seek a permanent ban on homebuilding on the site. “The homeowners entered into a purchase contract, they incorporated the

see WEST page 6

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use restrictions,” he argued. “They clearly have standing because they have purchased property within this community.” If the judge refuses to dismiss the case, that only marks the first step in what

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could be a years-long legal battle reminiscent of the seven-year fight by homeowners in Ahwatukee Lakes. He or another judge would then have to schedule hearings and possibly a trial on the Conservancy’s request for a homebuilding ban. 

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entral Phoenix resident Kellen Wilson is running for Phoenix City Council in the Nov. 8 election and Murphy Bannerman is not. The Ahwatukee Foothills News inadvertently left Wilson’s name out in a roundup of candidates and included Bannerman’s name. She describes herself as having been active representing employees in the restaurant and hospitality industry. She worked in retail, food service and volunteered for non-profits and charity organizations. Among her priorities is first responder response times, supporting small

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BUSES from page 1

Another parent chimed in that 2 miles “is pretty far for walking - especially with the crazy heavy backpacks, the heat and any other items they bring to and from school.” While one parent predicted the relocated stops mean lines at those locations will be longer, another said she’s warned her son she’ll drop him off as close as possible to the campus without getting stuck in the long morning drop-off lines while the heat is on but that “once the heat isn’t so bad, he’s walking... I walked a lot more than that getting from home to school,” the mom added. Some comments railed against inadequate state funding while still others reminded parents that districts are not under any obligation to provide bus service. “There hasn’t been bus service for public schools in So. Cal for at least 15 years,” one mom wrote. “And it really impacts the traffic in the neighborhoods. Not to mention the problems from narcissistic parents who think it is ok to run down crossing guards or park illegally because they don’t want to walk.” Still others were mindful of the combination of factors that have created the Great Resignation’s labor shortages in so many sectors of the economy and said it was bound to impact school children. And that’s what district communications Executive Director Erin Helm said has come to roost in Kyrene after the district has spent months trying to fill vacant bus driver positions. “It’s exclusively about the driver shortage,” Helm said, adding the moves have nothing to do with trying to economize on fuel in the face of soaring gas prices. With 67 drivers needed to man 131 routes through Ahwatukee, northern Chandler and parts of Tempe, the district is short 18 drivers, she said. That means about 20% of those 131 routes needed to be rearranged, forcing the district to move bus stops, she said. Helm said about 30% of the district’s approximate 15,000 students use school buses and that the route adjustments are impacting about 500 of them. However, she estimated the changes in walk boundaries affect only 200. “There are certain circumstances where a student with special needs is required to have transportation and this change does not impact those students,” she added. “It also does not impact students who

are experiencing homelessness; we are mandated to provide transportation for those students and all of that mandated transportation is totally unaffected. These changes are only impacting the general education population – which is the trend. The transportation we provide is important to us, but it’s a privilege and not mandated from the state.” The most recent annual report by the state Auditor General shows that in the 2020-21 school year, Kyrene’s transportation spending has declined by 2.7% since 2016 and dipped .3% from 2019-20. The audit said the district spent an average $288 per student on bus service in 2020-21 – far lower than either the $311 per student spent by districts its size and the average $369 for all districts in Arizona. In a move to entice more drivers to come on board, the Kyrene Governing Board raised by $2 an hour the pay for drivers, bringing their hourly wage to $20. And unlike some other districts, drivers can take another parttime support job with Kyrene so that if their weekly hours total at least 30, they are eligible for the district’s medical, dental and life insurance plans. On top of that, they qualify to contribute to the state pension system. The district has contracted with two outside vendors to supplement bus service at a total cost of as much as $500,000 for the year. Those vendors pay their drivers $25 an hour, but there are no benefits and no chance of ever qualifying for a state pension. Helm said those vendors also are struggling to find drivers and the district did not know if they’d be able to offer much help, at least initially. But Helm noted there are a lot of advantages to sign up as a Kyrene driver. “If you think about the state retirement system and how it’s one of the best in the country, and the medical and dental and vision and all life insurance and all the other benefits we offer, if you can work for Kyrene for 30 hours per week at $20 per hour and get all of those benefits – it’s more valuable than working for $25 an hour,” she said – especially since private vendors don’t guarantee any of their drivers’ weekly hours on the job. Kyrene has aggressively been advertising for drivers for more than a year, using

see BUSES page 9

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

BUSES from page 8

billboards on I-10, social media platforms and newspaper ads. Still, despite those campaigns and the attractive wage and benefit options – which include free training to qualify applicants for the required commercial driving license – the district still can’t find the bodies to get behind the wheel of its buses. Though Helm said the district would reconsider readjusting the routes if it fills those empty slots, she also expressed no small degree of frustration.

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“It’s just part of the Great Resignation,” she said. “The same thing happens in some districts with teachers when they have a shortage and they can feel it in their classrooms. Knock on wood, Kyrene has managed to stay ahead of the curve on that. “But the bus drivers caught up to us as much as other districts. I know some districts last year had to discontinue service others had to consolidate routes significantly. We’re hoping that all of these changes combined will keep us from having to make any further drastic moves.” 

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cording to RoboKiller, a spam-blocking tech company. To experts, this is no surprise at all. “The bad guys are going to find another way to try and get us,” said Teresa Murray, director of the consumer watchdog office for the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. The report released this week by the ArizonaPIRG Education Fund said the number of spam robocalls in the U.S. fell 47% over the last year, from about 2.1 billion a month to 1.1 billion, citing data from YouMail, a robocall blocking firm that tracks robocall traffic. Murray attributes the drop to a sharp uptick in the number of voice providers that have installed STIR/SHAKEN, an FCCrequired technology that lets consumers see whether a call is legitimate or not. While the program got off to a relatively slow start, with 536 companies using it

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

Petition drive begins to scuttle school vouchers BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

pponents have launched a petition drive to stall – then kill – the implementation of the most comprehensive system of private and parochial school vouchers in the nation. Gov. Doug Ducey earlier this month signed the measure, saying, “Our kids will no longer be locked in under-performing schools. “Every family in Arizona should have access to a high-quality education with dedicated teachers,” he continued. “This is truly a win for all K-12 students.” And the governor has said the law, which will allow any of the 1.1 million children in public schools to get what are called “empowerment scholarship accounts,” will make Arizona the “gold standard for educational freedom.” Ducey’s blessing was never in doubt. He has signed every voucher expansion bill that has come to his desk since becoming governor in 2015.

ed with this nonsense,” she told Capitol But it’s not the last word. Beth Lewis, executive director of Save Media Services. What started out in 2011 as a program Our Schools Arizona, said signature gathering is underway to force the measure to provide an alternative to public school onto the November 2024 – which would for students with disabilities and special put the voucher needs has grown system on hold unas supporters have til at least 2025. succeeded in addEvery family in Arizona The organization ing more and more should have access to of teachers and categories. education groups current a high-quality education with The has until Sept. 23 law now provides dedicated teachers, this is to gather at least vouchers which truly a win for all 118,823 valid sigtypically are in K-12 students. natures on petithe range of about tions which would $7,000 to children keep the new law from foster homes, from taking effect until the next general military families, living on tribal reservaelection. And given that date would be too tions and attending schools rated D or F. late to put the issue on the November balAbout 11,775 students currently get lot, that effectively would put the whole such vouchers. program on hold until at least November The law that Ducey signed would 2024. remove all the restrictions so any of the Lewis said, though, what’s needed is a 1.1 million students in public schools more permanent solution. could get public funding to attend a pri“Arizona voters are absolutely exhaust- vate or parochial school. Parents who

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home school also would be in line for those funds. Lewis said the referendum drive should come as no surprise. Lawmakers approved a large expansion in 2017. Her organizations got the signatures to put that plan on hold until the 2018 election when voters quashed the legislation by a margin of 2-1. House Majority Leader Ben Toma, RPeoria, the architect of this year’s plan, said what happened in 2018 is irrelevant. He said some voucher supporters actually voted against that earlier plan specifically because it did not actually make all students eligible for vouchers. Instead, to get the votes, supporters had to agree to a cap of about 30,000 vouchers by 2021, a cap that would remain in place unless and until lawmakers decided otherwise. More to the point, Toma said had the measure been approved, it would have been frozen in law. That’s because the Voter Protection Act in the Arizona Con-

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see VOUCHERS page 22

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

Ducey’s no-mask withholding of TU, Kyrene funds rejected BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

ov. Doug Ducey cannot deny COVID relief dollars to schools that impose mask mandates or give vouchers to parents so they can remove their children from those schools, a federal judge concluded last week. That ruling by Judge Steven Logan secures $2.8 million in relief for Tempe Union High School District and $5.2 million for Kyrene School District that was withheld for those reasons in an order by Ducey last September. Inexplicably, both districts got the money anyway after applying for the funds. But it is unclear if Logan’s ruling prevents the governor from trying to withhold any other funding to make up for the mysterious bureaucratic move that benefitted Kyrene and Tempe Union or demanding the funds’ return. Logan rejected the governor’s argument that there is nothing in federal law that requires him to spend money from the American Rescue Plan Act only in ways that the federal agency and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen say conform with ways the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control say will fight the virus. And the judge had no more sympathy for the governor’s argument that the rules the Treasury wrote for use of the dollars exceeded the agency’s authority. In a January letter, Kathleen Victorino, the deputy chief compliance officer of the U.S. Treasury Office of Recovery Programs, warned that it is illegal for Ducey to dole out the cash Arizona is getting from the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund only to public schools that do not mandate that students and staff wear face coverings. Victorino said if Ducey did not rescind his policies the state faced having to forfeit the cash. The letter led Ducey to take the preemptive action of filing suit to block any funds from being withheld -- the lawsuit that Logan decided in favor of Yellen and the Treasury. But Ducey press aide C.J. Karamargin said Arizona actually received its second payment of ARPA cash of about $2.1 billion last month.

There was no immediate comment from the federal agency about its earlier decision to send the dollars to Arizona anyway, about the new court ruling – and whether it would now seek reimbursement. Karamargin said the governor’s staff was still studying the decision and had no comment. The fight started in 2021 when the Republican-controlled legislature voted to bar schools from imposing mask mandates. That law was subsequently overturned by the Arizona Supreme Court which concluded it had been improperly enacted by being lumped into a single piece of legislation with unrelated issues. As a result, some districts kept their masking requirements in place. What Ducey sought to do was replace that now-voided law with a financial carrot of those federal ARPA dollars. The first cash came from a program that divided up $163 million among Arizona school districts and charter schools that had received less than $1,800 per student under prior COVID relief programs. The governor said those schools that require the use of face coverings during instruction hours would not get a share of that cash. Ducey also set aside another $10 million in grants to parents whose schools continue to require masks. Those funds, up to $7,000 per child, can be used for everything from online tutoring and child care to tuition to attend private and parochial schools. Any family below 350% of the federal poverty level – about $92,750 a year for a family of four – is eligible. Ducey contended that the federal statute allocating the funds permits states to use the money “to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 or its negative economic impacts.” Anni Foster, the governor’s legal counsel, said that gives states broad latitude and that Treasury impermissibly elevated public health issues over all others. Logan, however, said that “narrow” reading of just those words ignores the larger underlying purpose of the entire law: protect public health. And he said it’s

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

Kyrene, TU raise pay amid labor shortages AFN NEWS STAFF

mployees in both Kyrene and Tempe Union school districts are starting the new school year with fatter paychecks after their governing boards approved wage and salary increases. Like other districts, those increases not only reflect the boards’ desire to treat their employees fairly but they also play a strategic role in keeping Kyrene and Tempe Union competitive with other districts at a time when many are scrambling to fill numerous teaching and other job vacancies. Buoyed by additional state funding, Kyrene Governing Board last week approved a 4% pay hike for all teachers and administrators and a $2-an-hour increase for support staff such as bus drivers and classroom aides. On top of a 3% salary increase the board approved several months ago along with a 65-cent-an-hour hike for people on the low end of the pay scale,

the new increases translate to as much as a 10% increase in pay for some employees, the district said in a release. “This past year has been one of the most challenging years for recruiting and retaining educational support professionals,” said Superintendent Laura Toenjes. “We know people want to work for school districts…But we also know people are providing for families and need to earn a livable wage, so this increase will make our compensation package more competitive, not only with other educational organizations but with the private sector as well.” Prior to the board vote, member Michelle Fahy said, “We have all received a variety of messages from different employees in all employee groups. And I’ve personally heard stories of 40% rental increases of families and staff who have to move out of their neighborhoods because they can no longer afford to live in the Kyrene boundaries, could no longer afford to send their children to Kyrene

schools, are having trouble with those just daily essentials.” Both school districts and their governing boards have made compensation a high priority and are being aided by an unexpected boost in state funding that the Legislature approved in June. “The additional funding from the State allows Kyrene to do something we have been wanting to do for some time, which is to lift up the salary schedules for our entire support staff,” said Chief Financial Officer Chris Herrmann. “Each year, Kyrene raises the pay for a number of entry-level employees, to keep up with mandatory minimum wage increases,” he added in the district release. “This new increase will ensure Kyrene employees continue to earn starting wages well above the minimum wage while providing additional compensation to offset the impact caused by inflation.” Still, despite the raises, Kyrene said it is still struggling to fill teacher vacancies amid a state- and nationwide shortage

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brought on partly by a surge in retirements during the pandemic. “For the first time in years, Kyrene is heading into a new school year still seeking middle school teachers and resource teachers,” the district said. 

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

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NEWS

ELECTION from page 1

the fall campaign with a combined total of $110,444, according to their latest campaign finance filings.. Chaston’s fundraising included $76,000 in loans from himself to his campaign while Roe opened his own wallet to loan his own campaign $5,000. Chaston’s personal loans gave him the second-largest campaign war chest so far, only behind lone Democratic Senate candidate Mitzi Epstein, who is giving up her House seat to replace Ahwatukee state Sen. Sean Bowie. Epstein reported collecting $148,372 so far and spending $26,401 and none of the funds she raised have been loans. The Tempe Democrat reported a balance of $121,971 – far more than the combined funds raised by Republican businessman David Richardson and Realtor Suzanne Sharer. Sharer reported collecting $19,326 and Richardson $31,527 and spending $12,799 and $24,031, respectively. The total Richardson that reported raising includes over $22,000 in personal loans from himself. Ajlan AJ Kurdoglu leads the race for cash among the five Democratic candidates for two House seats in LD 12. Kurdoglu reported raising $122,260, though $70,000 of that came from his previous campaign to unseat Republican state Sen. J.D. Mesnard in 2020 during what became one of the most expense legislative races that year in Arizona. Played out in a district that represents south Chandler, Sun Lakes and part of Gilbert, that race saw both Mesnard and Kurdoglu raise more than $1 million each, with hundreds of thousands of dollars going to both candidates from out-of-state individuals and political action committees. A Chandler resident who owns a furniture store, Kurdoglu reported spending $66,220 – more than his four Democratic rivals – and a balance of $56,039. The two other Democrats in the fiveway race who have garnered significant campaign cash are both Ahwatukee residents. Attorney and election law specialist Paul Weich reported $56,530 in fundraising and spending $49,073. Stacey Travers, a scientist, raised $46,497 and spent $15,298, according to their latest financial filings. Of the money she reported raising, $20,000 were loans. Retired City of Phoenix humans services

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

program director Patty Contreras, also of Ahwatukee, reported raising $36,188 and spending $26,447. The distant fifth place is held by Sam Huang, who quit his Chandler City Council seat before his first term expired to run in the Republican primary for Congress in 2020. He reported $9,290, including a $5,000 loan whose source is not listed in any of his filings, and spending $11,677. Here is a look at some of the larger contributors and expenses reported by each candidate in filings covering the period between April 1 and July 16.

Suzanne Sharer Among Sharer’s larger donations was $2,500 for Elijah Norton, founder and owner of Veritas Global Protection, a vehicle warranty company and a onetime Republican candidate for Congress in Arizona. Her only other four-figure donations were $1,000 each from Larry Cruz, a senior project manager for the Arizona Department of Education, and Ken Kotchnik, a Huntington Beach, California, resident who owns J&K Distributors. Her biggest expenses included $1,500 to Digital Revolution for newsletters and $500 to Ron Ludders, a video producer.

David Richardson Richardson’s largest contributions for the second quarter included $1,000 from Colorado investor Ted Flees; and $500 each from Phoenix political consultant Stan Barnes, Chandler retiree Erich Trefzger and Tempe Realtor Amanda Stewart. His biggest expenses included $1,848 for Apache Junction petition circulator Diane Burns, $3,476 to the Mesa Sign Shop, and $4,351 to Clear Channel Outdoor for billboards.

Ajlan Kurdoglu Besides the $70,000 transfer from his previous state senatorial campaign in 2020, Kurdoglu’s largest contributors included $2,000 to unemployed Tucson resident Bill Roe and $1,000 each from La Jolla, California, consultant Ali Kiran, Chino Hills, California, engineering company president Allen Cayir and California polymer scientist Ergun Kirlikovali.

His largest expenses included $1,000 to the state Democratic Party, $2,000 to Prickly Pear Consulting, $2,117 to the Washington, D.C., consulting group of Valsari LLC, $2,593 to Union Print Shop and $4,150 to New Blue Interactive of Washington, D.C., for advertising.

Paul Weich The largest contributions to Weich included $1,000 each from Ahwatukee retiree Paul Hopkins and Tucson retiree Ronald Kolker $1,934 in unspecified in-kind contributions from Ahwatukee business owner Dana Garcia. His biggest expenses included $31,826 to Berkeley, California-based Uplift for mailings.

Stacey Travers Stacey Travers’ largest contributions included $2,000 from Paradise Valley retiree Harry Papp, $1,500 from Vail, Arizona, retiree Pam Grissom, She also reported $1,000 from each of two PACs – Arizona List and the Arizona Education Association – and $20,000 in loans to her campaign that included $5,000 from herself and $15,000 from John Purdie, who is not further identified on her filing. Travers’ biggest expenses included $11,410 to Facebook and $9,704 to Looks Good Printing and Signs.

Patty Contreras Besides a contribution from herself of $3,500, Contreras’ largest donations included $2,000 from Vail retiree Pamela Grissom and $500 from the Arizona List PAC. She also reported a $10,000 loan from Ahwatukee massage therapist Angela Octave and $500 from herself. Her biggest expenses included $13,909 to Shutter Proof Marketing of Phoenix for consulting and advertising and $7,411 to Looks Good Printing and Signs. Sam Huang Huang listed no contributors but did list $3,760 in debts, most of it to BuildASign.com ($2,753). He also listed a $5,000 loan from

himself to his campaign.

Jim Chaston Besides his $76,000 in personal loans from himself to his campaign, Chaston’s largest contributions were $1,000 from unemployed Ahwatukee student Gavin Chaston, $1,450 from four other family members and $1,000 from Chandler Rangemasters Manager George Kimball. He also reported $500 from the Southwest Gaz AZPAC, and $350 from the Realtors of Arizona PAC His biggest expenses included $2,340 to Apache Junction signature collector Diane Burns, $2,084 to Mesa Sign Shop, and $3,659 to Shipley Strategies.

Terry Roe Among Roe’s donations were $1,500 in family loans of which $500 was from the campaign of former Chandler legislator Steve Yarbrough. Roe’s largest donations included $3,000 from Quantum Helicopters owner Neil Jones, $5,300 from Chandler retiree Ron Pratte, $5,300 each from Phoenix interior designer Debra Luke and Don Luke, president of a car dealership. He also reported receiving $1,500 each from Clarivate CEO Jerre Stead of Scottsdale and Wingspan owner James Moore of Chandler, $1,000 each from El Dorado Holdings Chairman Mike Ingram of Paradise Valley Nova Mortgage employee Jon Volpe of Tucson, and $1,040 from retired Chandler diner owner Skip Chase. Roe’s biggest expenses included $9,610 to Chris Tolino of the Tolino Group in Phoenix for website design and other services and $1,674 to Apache Junction signature collector Diane Burns. Mitzi Epstein The vast majority of contributions reported by Epstein were tiny amounts, often less than $100 and many under $10. Her largest contributions included $2,625 from Cupertino, California, consultant Tom Surrette; $3,888 from Palo Alto, California, landscaper designer Andrea Gara; $1,750 from Colorado

see ELECTIONS page 17

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

ELECTION from page 16

rancher John Powers; $1,100 from Sunnyvale, California designer Donna Leacock; $1,000 each from two unemployed California residents – Charles Mitter of Davis and Harold Endman of San Francisco. Epstein also reported donations from

ROBOCALLS from page 9

as of last June, the number has since increased to 1,932 phone service providers. While that has helped, Murray said, more still needs to be done. The report said 1,002 smaller providers have claimed an exemption from the STIR/SHAKEN requirement and another 3,062 have not installed it or are using their own technology that might not be as effective. “We don’t want to pretend like the robocall problem is going away because it’s definitely not,” she said. “Like I said even one robocall a day is way too many.” And people are still getting way too many. YouMail data shows that while overall robocalls have fluctuated over the past year, they have been largely unchanged. It said that robocalls nationally went from 4.2 billion in July 2021 to 4.3 billion in June 2022. “Robocalls are a real challenge for me right now,” said Stephan Viehweg, an Indiana resident who was visiting Washington this week. “We have two elders in our family that require extra medical care and so we have to take phone calls and when you have new providers, I don’t always know what the phone number is.” Viehweg said his phone is “getting better at telling me whether it’s spam,” but it is still “very frustrating for us.” YouMail said the number of robocalls to Arizona phones went from 82.6 million last July to 84.4 million in June, with all five area codes in the state seeing slight changes.

GOT NEWS?

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

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three PACs – $500 each from Arizona List and the Arizona Professional Firefighters and $1,000 from the Arizona Education Association. Her largest expenses included $2,000 to Tempe consultants Agave Strategy and $5,000 to the Arizona Democratic Party.  While robocalls have more or less flattened out under the new regulations, robotexts have exploded over the past year, because the FCC rules do not specifically regulate text messages, the PIRG report said. It’s more than just a nuisance: Those text messages can pose the same threat as the calls of harming consumers through scams. Those can include claims of fake auto warranties, medical or insurance records, package deliveries and more that attempt to steal consumers’ personal information or get them to hand over cash. “Every day you hear of cases where people have been scammed of hundreds and thousands of dollars,” Murray said. The FCC has partnered with more than 40 state and territorial attorneys general – including Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich – to combat robocalls and robotexts. Brnovich’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but Murray welcomed the partnerships. “By banding together, pooling their resources, they are not like each of them doing separate investigations about the same robocall operation they suspect is doing bad things,” said Murray. While the FCC has investigative power, states have more law enforcement authority. In the meantime, she said, consumers need to keep their guard up. “Scammers are after two things: money or your information,” Murray said. “A lot of smart people are educated and savvy. If they let their guard down they can fall victim to these scams.” 

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

Sextortion targets teenagers through the Valley BY JOSH ORTEGA AFN Staff Writer

growing crime problem across the country is hitting home throughout the Valley. The FBI Phoenix Field Office warned of an “increase in sextortion schemes targeting young boys.” Even relatively small communities in the Phoenix Metro region have not been spared. Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice said his department has seen 15 cases of “sextortion,” including eight cases of sexual exploitation of a minor. Victims range in age from 13 to 18, but most are under 15. “Parents need to talk their kids about how scary this is,” Brice said. “The mental and monetary issues that arise could be extensive and ongoing.” Sextortion falls under five different state statutes, including theft by extortion, sexual extortion, sexual exploitation of a minor, commercial sexual exploitation of a minor, and unlawful disclosure of images depicting states of nudity or specific sexual activities. The FBI said most cases begin when an adult contacts a minor online, such as via a game, app or social media account. The suspect poses as a young girl and exchanges direct messages with a young boy until they convince them to engage in sexually explicit activity via photo or video. The suspect will then use the photos or

videos against the victim and extort money to prevent releasing the material online. Brice said most of the time the suspects will ask for funds via Bitcoin but victims have used credit cards to make payments. He said one case reported approximately $10,000 charged between two credit cards. In 2021, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than 18,000 sextortion-related complaints, with losses topping $13.6 million. This number reflects all types of sextortion reported, not just this scheme. The results also can be tragic. In May, a 17-year-old San Jose, California, boy took his life after an encounter with a sextortionist. The victim’s mother said her son told the cybercriminal he could not pay the full amount, and the demand was ultimately lowered to a fraction of the original figure – $150. But after the boy paid the scammers from his college savings, “They kept demanding more and more and putting lots of continued pressure on him.” At the time, the mother knew none of what her son was experiencing. She learned the details after law enforcement investigators who reconstructed the events leading up to his death. Brice said it is “very difficult” to catch these criminals because of the sophisticated methodology. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have grown in popularity over the past several

years due to internet privacy concerns. VPNs allow data to remain private and encrypted over a public network and that makes tracing a suspect’s IP Address very difficult, law enforcement authorities said. The FBI and Queen Creek PD said they understand the embarrassment that victims have for engaging in this activity but to make the victimization stop, children typically have to come forward and tell someone. “The embarrassment children feel from the activity they were forced to engage in is what typically prevents them from coming forward,” FBI said in a statement. Officials said the main tactic to stop this crime is prevention and that starts with parents talking with their kids about the issue before it begins. Sean Kaul, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Phoenix field office, said disrupting these criminals is difficult but awareness, education and discussion with your children about their online safety. The FBI said the best advice to prevent this activity includes to be selective about what you share online, especially your personal information and passwords. If social media accounts are open to everyone, a predator may be able to figure out a lot of information about a family and/or children. Be wary of anyone you encounter for the first time online and block or ignore messages from strangers.

Be aware that people can pretend to be anything or anyone online, and videos and photos are not proof that a person is who they claim to be. Be suspicious if you meet someone on a game or app and they ask you to start talking to them on a different platform. The FBI said to encourage your children to report suspicious behavior to a trusted adult. They also said to remind children that once photos are sent on the Internet – through email or an app – that content is out there forever, and you can’t get it back. “If you send nude photos of juveniles over the internet, according to Arizona State Statute, that could be considered a crime,” Brice said. He said the ramifications from these crimes can remain for some time and reports two cases where the victims had suicidal ideations. The FBI said if you believe you or someone you know is the victim of sextortion, contact your local police department, do not delete anything before law enforcement is able to review it, tell law enforcement everything about the encounters you had online. It may be embarrassing, but it is necessary to find the offender. Contact your local FBI field office in Phoenix at 623-466-1999, FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) www.ic3.gov, or Nat’l Center for Missing and Exploited Children (1-800-the-lost or Cybertipline.org). 

candidate in the Aug. 2 primary, calling on local GOP members to “cease recognition” of him as a Republican and to cease supporting him in any future election. Giles could not be reached for comment. The state GOP censure resolution makes no mention of the congressional testimony by Bowers, who detailed former President Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election in what Bowers called a “tragic parody” that would have forced him to violate his oath of office. Instead, the two-page resolution cites a litany of issues where it said Bowers worked with Democrats on issues ranging from election reform to school funding to LGBTQ rights. As a result, the resolution said, Bowers

has “lost the confidence of a majority of Republican Party leaders” and it ended “any and all recognition and support of him as a member of” the party. Despite the stated justifications, most analysts said they have little doubt about what was behind the censure. “This is all part of a concentrated and coordinated effort to destabilize Bowers, particularly in retribution for speaking to the Jan. 6 committee,” said Paul Bentz, vice president of research at HighGround political consultants. The vote came just days before Trump and his former vice president, Mike Pence, were to appear at dueling rallies for competing GOP nominees for governor, further evidence of the widening rift within

the state party. “It’s the same thing you see nationwide,” said Barbara Norrander, a professor in the University of Arizona’s School of Government and Public Policy, about the divide among Arizona Republicans. Norrander said it reflects the split between “those who are still favoring the Trump mode of the Republican Party, which is more focused on ‘America first’ and some cultural issues, versus what you traditionally think of the Republican Party, as being conservative on economic issues.” State Sen. Paul Boyer, R-Glendale, who has often bucked the party in recent years, said the censure vote is “egregious and it’s

GOP censures Mesa lawmaker, Mayor Giles BY NEETISH BASNET Cronkite News

he Arizona Republican Party formally censured House Speaker Rusty Bowers July 19 as “unfit to serve” the party, less than one month after he testified to the committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. The move came as Bowers is locked in a primary election fight with former state Sen. David Farnsworth for the Republican nomination for the state Senate seat in Legislative District 10 covering part of east Mesa. Meanwhile, the LD 10 Republican Committee in Mesa censured Mayor John Giles for endorsing an unnamed Democratic

see BOWERS page 21

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

DUCEY from page 13

clear that the funds “may not be used for programs with conditions that undermine public health guidance, as such programs would exacerbate rather than mitigate the pandemic’s fiscal effects.” Put simply, Logan said, any program that has conditions that would promote the spread of the virus – in this case, encouraging schools to scrap mask requirements in exchange for more cash – by definition “prolongs the pandemic and its resulting fiscal effects” and therefore fails to mitigate either the health or the financial impacts of the virus. He also pointed out that Treasury said that federal dollars could not be used in ways that would “undermine efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 or discourage compliance with (CDC) recommendations and guidelines.” Foster also argued unsuccessfully that the governor’s use of the funds really does address the negative economic impact of COVID-19. She said that’s because it would mean less remote or hybrid learning which “disproportionately affected low-income and minority students.” “For parents who prioritize their child’s social, emotional, and mental health needs and believe a mask mandate would

adversely impact their child, the program offers these parents the freedom and funding to enroll their students in a different program absent a mask mandate,” Foster said. She dismissed any argument that the only way to stop the spread of virus is through masks, pointing out the state offers free testing for all residents. “Schools have every ability to encourage practices recommended by the CDC and students were not prohibited from doing so,” she wrote. Logan, however, wasn’t buying it. Nor did he accept some other contentions by Foster that the law and Treasury’s rules were flawed. For example, she acknowledged that Congress does have the power to impose conditions on how the states spend federal money. But Foster said that has to be done “unambiguously” to allow states to decide whether to accept the cash and the strings attached. In this case, though, she said there is nothing in the law authorizing the program that alerts states to the possibility that the funds might be rescinded based on the changing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control about how to prevent the spread of COVID. 

ridiculous.” He said it is little more than the party looking for ways to “try and go after” Bowers, who does not deserve the hostility from his own party. “If I was trying to destroy the Republican Party from the inside out, I would be doing exactly what Kelly Ward is doing,” he said. Bowers is the latest in a line of notable Republicans to be censured by the party during Ward’s tenure, after they showed opposition to Trump: Last year, the party censured Gov. Doug Ducey, former Sen. Jeff Flake and Cindy McCain, the widow of the late Sen. John McCain, who was himself censured in 2014. Flake and Cindy McCain both endorsed Joe Biden’s presidential bid, and Ducey denounced Trump’s claim of election fraud in Arizona. “I think her (Ward’s) sole focus is to appease the ego of one man,” Boyer said. “Her audience is an audience of one, and that is Donald Trump. That’s not what’s best for the state.” Bowers made headlines with his June

see BOWERS page 22

BOWERS from page 19

21 testimony to the House Select Committee to Investigate the Jan. 6 Attack on the Capitol. He told the panel that Trump and his allies started pressuring him to overturn the results shortly after the election, and the pressure continued through Jan. 6. Bowers said he kept demanding evidence of election fraud that Trump could not provide, and that interfering with the election without that evidence “is counter to my oath when I swore to the Constitution to uphold it.” “I do not want to be a winner by cheating, I will not play with laws I swore allegiance to,” he said in his testimony. Ducey and Pence are scheduled to rally for GOP gubernatorial candidate Karrin Taylor Robson on Friday, the same day that Trump will be in Arizona for Kari Lake, the Republican candidate for governor he has endorsed. Trump has endorsed several other Arizona Republicans, including Farnsworth. In his endorsement, Trump called Bow-

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VOUCHERS from page 12

stitution precludes lawmakers from repealing whatever has been enacted at the ballot and restricts alterations only to measures that “further the purpose” of the original bill. Lewis called Toma’s explanation of the failure of voucher expansion in 2018 “complete hogwash.” The lobbying of state lawmakers to approve the measure featured a parade of parents and children who said they are doing a lot better in private schools. The public campaign is likely to follow the same script. Lewis said that won’t work for a simple reason: Nothing in the referendum would take vouchers away from students who already get them. What the law would do is make more students eligible for the state dollars. And, more to the point, that would include students whose parents already pay to send their children to private schools. Estimates are that about 85,000 of these children would switch to state funding by the 2024-2025 school year at a cost of about $118 million a year. That does not bother supporters of the

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

plan, including the governor, who was already promoting the plan on Wednesday on KTAR, even before he signed it. “Everybody listening that has a child when this law goes into effect will have access to their taxpayer dollars to send their child to the school of their choice,” Ducey said. “We’re the No. 1 state for educational freedom,” he said. “Other states are going to be following us.” Lewis, however, rejected any argument that people who already send their children to private schools without a voucher effectively are being asked to pay not only for the service they are buying but the service they are not getting from the public schools. She said that’s the way democracy works. “We all pay into the system,” Lewis said. “Like because I don’t use the fire system this year, I’m lucky enough to not use firefighters, I should give that money back?” she continued. “That’s nonsense.” There is something else that could give voucher foes some ammunition. An early version of the legislation would have required that students in private and parochial schools using these vouchers of state funds to take some standardized

tests, similar to those already administered in public schools. The results, as in the case of public schools, would have been reported on an aggregate basis. That requirement was removed from the final version by Rep. Jake Hoffman, RQueen Creek, who said what’s happening at private schools is none of the government’s business. But voucher foes like Rep. Kelli Butler, D-Paradise Valley, said the fact that tax dollars will be flowing to those schools is precisely what gives the state an interest. “We will not know if students are using our tax dollars – $7,000 is the typical award – if they’re usig that money to learn anything,” she said during legislative debate. Ducey waited until the last possible day for him to act on legislation, cutting 10 days from the time that referendum backers have to get their signatures, as the deadline falls 90 days after the end of the session, regardless of when the governor acts. Lewis, however, said she’s not concerned. “We’re teachers,” she said. “We know how to plan behind the scenes and get ready.” 

BOWERS from page 21

ers a “weak and pathetic RINO who has blocked Election Integrity” and marshaled support for a “wonderful man” Farnsworth who he said will be “totally free and fair” for elections. Boyer said he expects the party to “do well in November, but not as well as we would have. I’m very worried about the future of the Republican Party long term, because we can’t keep this up.” While largely symbolic, analysts said the censure could hamper Bowers’ chances in the upcoming elections. “The Arizona Republican Party is looking to further wade deeply into that primary between Bowers and David Farnsworth,” Bentz said. “This censure gives them additional permission.” 

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100+ Women Who Care helps foundation BY KIM TARNOPOLSKI AFN Contributor

he statistics are both staggering and heartbreaking. Every night 1.3 million unsheltered youth are sleeping on the streets around our country. It is estimated that 5,000 unaccompanied youth die each year because of assault, illness, or suicide. Thankfully, the generosity of a local nonprofit is here to help. The Aris Foundation provides assistance to individuals, homeless or housed, who need care. They provide food, clothing, and hygiene items, but what really sets Aris apart is their passion to provide their clients a connection to the loving volunteers who care about their well-being. Their goal is not to change the individuals they help, but instead to “love them for who they are.” One of the individuals who received ser-

Celebrating the donation to the Aris Foundation by 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun are, from left, Stephanie Millner, Nick Baker, Katherine Katz, Katherine Kouvelas–Edick and Kim Tarnopolski. (Special to AFN) vices reflected, “They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.” A new sense of self-worth was provided to this individual and that’s what it took to

change their life. Many of those who have benefited from the generosity of Aris Foundation have mentioned that depression, challenges at

school, family conflict, and abuse have led them to where they are today. A strong support system with friends and family was not evident to them, and once they leave home, that feeling of alienation becomes stronger. Life on the street is difficult at best, and 63% of homeless youth experience physical violence or other victimization. Many of these children move on to become homeless adults. To care and provide for these individuals, Aris Foundation provides a warm meal every Tuesday evening, rain or shine, at Jaycee Park in Tempe at 5 p.m. Approximately 250 adults between the ages of 18 and 65 attend regularly. They also receive donated items and necessities, such as basic hygiene items, including soaps, shampoo, and toothpaste. Above all, these individuals receive kindness and companionship to help fulfill a

see ARIS page 25

Memory Café connects families on dementia journey BY LIN SUE FLOOD AFN Guest Writer

hen Tim Shaffer’s wife, Diana, was diagnosed with dementia, both their lives changed. In the blink of an eye, he became her caregiver. Suddenly, Tim was the one responsible for keeping her safe and meeting her daily needs. “I was looking for answers, trying to figure out why certain behaviors were occurring,” he confesses. “I was extremely frustrated and angry.” His anxiety lessened after he discovered the Memory Café at Hospice of the Valley’s new Dementia Care and Education Campus in Central Phoenix. Every Monday morning, Tim and 20 other caregivers meet to share their challenges, while in a nearby room, their loved

ones engage in fun activities like singing, dancing, painting and pet therapy with the help of specially trained staff. This unique support group is facilitated by Nicole Crothers, a Hospice of the Valley dementia educator. “One of the most difficult things about living with dementia is the isolation,” she explains. “Care partners not only lose their relationship with their loved one, but with friends who don’t understand what they’re going through. This is a place to connect with people who aren’t going

see MEMORY page 25

Laura Norris, left, learns dance steps from activities director Gail Higgenbotham at the Memory Café at Hospice of the Valley’s new Dementia Care and Education Campus in Central Phoenix. (Hospice of the Valley)

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

AROUND AHWATUKEE

Kyrene Resource Center seeks supplies for kids

The Kyrene Resource Center is collecting school supplies for needy kids in the district’s schools. Stuff the Bus donations can be dropped off on Thursdays from 2:30-5 p.m. at the center, 1330 E. Dava Drive, Tempe, next to Kyrene de los Ninos School. People with questions can call 480-541-4772. At this time, the center can only accept new food, hygiene, school supplies and gently used school clothes.

in the past with annual contributions – usually $50,000 and $25,000 respectively – the holiday effort requires the support of individuals, groups and businesses. There are several ways to help: people can make a donation at gofundme.com (search by “foothills festival of lights;” or they can send a check with :Foothills Holiday Lights Donation” in the memo field to Premier, attention Jatana Wylie, 3930 S. Alma School Road, Chandler AZ 85248. Information: cmcneish@cox.net or 480221-9090.

‘H.O.L.I. Bowlers’ tournament to support orphanage

Ironwood Library offers some programs

Hands of Love International ministry, which evolved from a mission trip sponsored by Mountain Park Church in Ahwatukee, is holding a H.O.L.I. Bowlers Tournament to raise money for the construction of an orphanage in Honduras. The group has grown into an international rescue group that helps children who live in extreme poverty in both Honduras and Nicaragua. Charity The event will be 6-9 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Main Event, 8545 S. Emerald Drive, Tempe, and will feature a raffle, awards, food and fun. Registration is $500 for a team with a maximum six players and $100 for individuals. Registration: brenda@handsofloveinternational.org, 602-762-2245 or handsofloveinternational.org. People who can’t attend can directly contribute to the group at handsofloveinternational.org.

Festival of Lights seeks business, individual support

A group of residents and board members of the Foothills Community Association are fundraising for the annual display of lights in the medians of Chandler Boulevard between 24th Street and Desert Foothills Parkway. The annual cost of setting up and tearing down the display – along, of course, with the cost of electricity – exceeds $110,000 and even though both the Foothills and Club West homeowners associations have supported this

ARIS from page 24

basic need that each of us has. The Ahwatukee members of 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun donated $16,000 to Aris Foundation in May. This donation will give the gift of sight and fund their optical program that pro-

MEMORY from page 24

to judge you. Instead, when you say something, everyone in the room nods and says, ‘I get that.’” That connection helps Tim and other caregivers open up about their deepest fears and frustrations. Shelly Oliver says the Memory Café gives her hope that she will be able to provide loving care to her husband. “Little did I know I would ever be here. This program is helping us now, and for what’s ahead. We

Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd,, Ahwatukee, is offering regular and special programs. Unless otherwise noted, free tickets are required and available 30 minutes before programs’ start times at the library’s information desk. For more information: phoenixpubliclibrary.org. Babytimes Babies ages birth to 23 months, accompanied by a favorite adult, will enjoy songs, rhymes, books, and interactive fun every Tuesday, 10:30-11:10 a.m. Space is limited to 10 families. Toddlertimes Toddlers ages 24-36 months, accompanied by a favorite adult, will enjoy songs, rhymes, books, and interactive fun every Thursday, 10:30-11:10 a.m. Space is limited to 10 families. Full STEAM ahead for kids Children ages 5-11 explore hands-on creative ways to design, experiment, and invent every Saturday, 2:003:00 p.m., in this weekly Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) program. Space is limited to 10 families. Book Club Adult readers 18+ can meet up with fellow adventuresome bibliophiles to share their thoughts about each month’s selection the first Wednesday of each month, 5:00-5:45 p.m. On Aug. the discussion will be about Night Came with Many Stars by Simon Van Booy and on Sept. 7 The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe. vides an eye exam and two pairs of eyeglasses at no charge to the people they serve. If you’re interested in volunteering with Aris Foundation, you can learn more at ArisFoundation.com. 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun is a group of like-minded, passionate

know there’s support when we need it.” The support group is also open to professional caregivers like Nancy Valenzuela. “Just being here with people and hearing what they have to say about how they’re helping their spouses helps me with Millie,” she says. “Like using simpler words so I don’t overwhelm her when I’m explaining something.” As the session ends, participants say they feel “empowered” and “calmer,” knowing they can talk to others on the same journey. When they go to pick up their loved

Red Cross Blood Drive People ages 16 and over can give the gift of blood at the American Red Cross Blood Drive Aug. 22, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Appointments are recommended and can be made at redcrossblood.org. Select the “Donating Blood” option for an appointment. Walk-in donations are also welcome, as available. Masks are optional. Next Chapter Book Club This inclusive community-based book club is designed for people ages 12+ with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have a desire to make friends, explore their community, and read (regardless of current reading ability). This weekly gathering is free every Wednesday, beginning Sept. 7 from 3-4 p.m. Space is limited to eight participants. Online registration is required and available in the Calendar section of the library’s website. Backyard Gardening Using Master Gardener techniques, adults ages 18+ can learn the basics of gardening, watering, reading a planting calendar specifically for the Valley, and about additional desert landscaping resources. This info will be presented by local community & sustainability nonprofit organization Keep Phoenix Beautiful on 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Sept. 10.

Kyrene teacher named a top ten candidate

Rodney “Scott” Harnisch, a music teacher at Kyrene del Norte Dual Language Academy in Tempe has been named a top 10 candidate for the 2023 Arizona Teacher of the Year award by the Arizona Educational Foundation, one of the highest honors bestowed upon Arizona’s public school teachers. Harnisch has received the National Education Association Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence, which is granted to educators for their dedication to the profession, community, professional development, and attention to diversity and advocacy. He has also been the recipient of awards from the Arizona Education Association and multiple arts grants that benefit his students.

women who want to connect to one another and to their communities. The ladies are leveraging their resources so their quarterly gifts of $100 per member add up to a significant donation to a local charity. Since the chapter’s inception in 2015, the organization has donated over $910,000 to local nonprofits. The chapter

ones to head home, the scene is not what they expect — a roomful of people singing and dancing to Glen Campbell’s “Rhinestone Cowboy.” The smiles say it all. Not only is this a safe space for caregivers to share their hearts, it’s a safe place for their loved ones to experience joy. “We want people to know that if you have a diagnosis of dementia, you’re not alone,” Crothers says. “There are lots of ways to improve quality of life and we can do it together.”

“As I begin my 30th year in the Kyrene School District, I am incredibly grateful to have been named a top 10 finalist for Arizona’s Teacher of the Year,” Harnisch shared. “To be given this distinction is incredible, and I am truly honored to be the vessel to share stories of teachers in my district and state with others. I have had the privilege of teaching alongside some of the finest educators and as a result, they have contributed to this honor. Candidates will undergo a final review process that will narrow the field to five finalists who will be named “Ambassadors for Excellence.” An awards ceremony will take place on Oct. 15.

Ahwatukee Kiwanis lists speakers at its meetings

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: 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.

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. 

is comprised of three sister groups: East Valley, Ahwatukee, and Scottsdale. To learn more or attend their next giving circle on Aug. 16, visit 100wwcvalleyofthesun.org. The giving circle is held at Foothills Golf Club and begins at 6:30 p.m. 

The Memory Café support group meets at 10 a.m. Mondays at the Dementia Education and Care Campus, 3811 N. 44th Street, Phoenix. Ongoing education sessions for dementia care partners also are offered at 10 a.m. Thursdays.  To learn more or to register, call 602-767-8300 or email memorycafe@hov.org. Hospice of the Valley provides this support at no charge to families.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

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

www.copenhagenliving.com

BUSINESS

Business 28

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

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Mobile business cuts pets’ nails with care BY GERI KOEPPEL AFN Contributor

ike many pet owners, Greg McCambridge of Ahwatukee Foothills finds it time-consuming and a bit of a headache to take his two cats, Baby and Odin, to get their nails trimmed. But he’s not exactly comfortable clipping the claws on a squirming kitty himself because he’s afraid of hurting them. That’s why he books Angela Zimski’s mobile pet nail trim business. “She’s convenient,” McCambridge said. “She comes to the house and she’s done very quickly; she’s in and out.” “She’s super nice with the cats. She talks to them; she pets them. She builds a rapport with the clients and the cats.” Zimski, of North Phoenix, has built a steady customer base over the past two years solely in Ahwatukee doing pet nail

trim house calls, mainly on weekend mornings. “I try to tell everyone it saves you the hassle of getting the pet into the carrier, into the car, the car ride, sitting in the lobby—that’s all added stress for the pet, and it’s going to change their experience,” Zimski said. “It’s all about making the experience not traumatizing for the pet.” A veterinary technician with 12 years of experience, Zimski started the business during the pandemic when she was employed at a clinic in Ahwatukee. “I worked there for almost two years, and I developed quite the clientele with pet sitting,” she said. “When COVID hit, my petsitting clientele depleted,” and she saw a need growing, because it was difficult to get in to see vets and groomers. “I needed to supplement my income

see NAILS page 29

Angela Zimski trims Maya’s nails as owner Annaliese Hensel provides a head scratch.

(Geri Koeppel/AFN Contributor)

Ahwatukee tattoo studio draws clients from near, far BY GERI KOEPPEL AFN Contributor

attoos have come long way since the days of rudimentary butterflies and the like, and a studio in Ahwatukee Foothills has become renowned for creating original works of art instead of cookiecutter stencils on skin. DarkArt Tattoo Collective at 4923 E. Chandler Blvd., has seven artists, each with his or her own studio, who draw clients from all over the Valley and beyond. “All of our artists actually reside in different parts of Arizona,” said co-owner Mark Melanson of Queen Creek. “They typically bring all of their clientele here.” When asked what sets this shop apart, co-owner Allen Gregg of San Tan Valley said, “The trophies in our rooms. We go to some of the biggest conventions in

DarkArt Tattoo owners Allen Gregg and Mark Melanson have not only built a distinguished reputation for their Ahwatukee studio but have the awards to prove why. (Courtesy DarkArt Tattoo) the world.” Gregg, Melanson and the others attend major tattoo competitions in places like Los Angeles and Philadelphia as well as

local ones, racking up accolades for everything from best small color to best blackand-gray to best horror tattoo of the day. “Everyone here is unbelievably talent-

ed,” said Abby Danis, one of the shop’s artists and Gregg’s fiancée. DarkArt Tattoo Collective also has broken down the intimidation barrier, she added. The bright and expansive lobby feels more like an upscale salon, with plush Victorian-style sofas and chandeliers, and the studios are tidy and clean. “We have a very ardent desire to create a space for clients where they feel at home coming here and they feel comfortable,” Danis stated. “They can tell we all work together as a family and we want our clients to feel like they’re a part of that.” Angelo Lambrou said the shop has “a great environment.” “They make you feel welcome,” he said. “They go through the entire process of the setup in front of you; they open the nee-

see TATTOO page 29

BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

NAILS from page 28

because being a veterinary technician and a single mom wasn’t cutting it,” Zimski added. She started advertising on the Ahwatukee411 Facebook page under the name Angela Audrey, using her daughter’s name instead of her last name, and “it kind of just snowballed,” she said. Although she has since taken a job closer to home, Zimski still takes appointments, usually in two-hour blocks for the northern and southern areas of Ahwatukee on a Saturday or Sunday morning, depending on her schedule at her day job. She starts at 6 a.m. during the summer and lets clients know which block they’re in, and she keeps them posted with a more specific window once she maps her route. However, sometimes things come up at the last minute—her daughter gets sick, for instance—and she could have to reschedule. “I find people are more understanding when they know I am a single mom doing this outside of my 9-to-5,” she said. Despite the rising cost of gas, Zimski aims to remain affordable. She charges $20 for cats, $25 for exotic pets and $20

TATOO from page 28

dles in front of you; they make sure everything is nice, clean and sterile.” According to a 2019 poll of about 1,000 people by Ipsos, 30 percent of Americans have at least one tattoo, up from 21 percent in 2012. When Melanson started getting tattooed in his teens, he said, it was “more rebellious,” he noted. Now it’s mainstream, he said, and people from all walks of life get them. And, they’re doing larger, more intricate and more realistic work than ever. Though Gregg and Melanson said there are no big trends like in the past (think lower back and “tribal” tattoos), portraits—especially of a loved one who has passed—are always popular. So too are women-empowerment themes, such as a woman’s face on a superhero. Though the minimum cost at DarkArt Tattoo Collective is $100, most clients get entire back pieces or custom sleeves (where an entire arm is covered) that can take 40 to 60 hours. “Most of the people that come in to get tattooed, they’re sitting here for eight-plus hours at a time,” Melanson noted, adding

and up for dogs based on weight. “I just kind of go up in increments depending on how big the dog is because it takes a little bit longer,” she explained. “The cost is on par if you take them to a grooming facility,” McCambridge said. “One was charging $15 to $40 depending on how difficult the cat was.” Guinea pigs, rabbits, and birds’ wings are all in a day’s work as well. “I just trimmed a chicken’s wings last weekend,” Zimski said. The client said her chickens can “get in trouble” if their wings aren’t clipped so they can’t get flight. Despite clipping anywhere from eight to 12 pets each morning, Zimski has only been bitten once. “Animals, they’re unpredictable, and you have to pay attention to the signs that they’re being pushed past their breaking point,” she said. “There’s a lot of times where I’ve absolutely said, ‘I’m sorry I don’t think we’re going to be able to accomplish this today.’” However, she noted, she’s always happy to try, because many pets do better at home than in a facility. And, she added, many older clients or those with physical limitations have trouble getting their pets

into carriers and in and out of the car. Zimski said her love of animals started when she was 11 and her neighbor’s cat had kittens. “I had come home with a newborn kitten and my mom was very upset,” she said. Her mother made her take her allowance to the feed store to buy a bottle and formula. “I bottle fed her from a baby,” Zimski said. “She survived. I had her for a total of 21 years. She developed diabetes and asthma at the age of 19 and she survived another two years with proper medical management.” She continued: “That’s really what did it for me. That stuck with me throughout junior high Angela Zimski trims Dolly’s nails as owner Annaliese Hensel and high school. It felt like holds her. (Geri Koeppel/AFN Contributor) that nurturing was something I needed to To book a nail trim, call or text Zimski do in my life.” at 480- 438-1533. 

DarkArt Tattoo Collective’s artists work one-onone with clients to develop a unique artwork rather than copying from something they found online. Artist LEFT: Tattoo artist Joseph Parris created this full-calf work. RIGHT: Angelo Joseph ParLambrou has a whole-back tattoo with a Greek mythology theme inked by ris of AriMark Melanson, co-owner of DarkArt Tattoo Collective in Ahwatukee. (Courzona City tesy DarkArt Tattoo) said he is that most become repeat customers. skilled at covering tattoos that didn’t turn Lambrou hired Melanson to do a Greek out well, showing before-and-after photos mythology-inspired back tattoo, which is of a crude, poorly drawn design that he nearly done, as well a leg tattoo. “I went masked with an attractive, detailed floral through Mark’s Facebook profile and his bouquet. “I try to design stuff to camouportfolio, and I was blown away with his flage whatever it’s covering,” he said. artwork and contacted him,” he said. “This Unlike some unsavory shops, DarkArt is the only place I’ll ever go for tattoos.” refuses to tattoo anyone under the influ-

ence. “We all have families; all have kids,” Gregg said. “We have similar lifestyles to everyday workers. We don’t allow any drugs or drinking—none of that here.” “It destroys a community and puts a bad name on these owners who are trying to do the right thing or change the tattoo industry,” Melanson said. He added all the artists require clients to fill out a consent form noting medical concerns but they can work with those. There’s also a mental health aspect, Melanson said. “A lot of people use it as therapy,” he said. “It’s a release for them. Your head starts mellowing out…. People have said to me in the past, ‘It’s relaxing; it’s calming.’ They’re stressed out and it takes away all of that.” “Me, personally, I hate getting tattoos. It hurts and I don’t like it. But I like the aftermath.” 

DarkArt Tattoo Collective

4923 E. Chandler Blvd. (at S. 48th St.), Ste. 303, Ahwatukee. Hours: Noon to 8 p.m. daily Info: 480-572-1201; darkarttattoocollective@gmail.com

BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

Creative budgeting can help you fight inflation BY RACHEL CABALLERO AFN Guest Writer

his year has marked a troubling time where inflation rates have hit an all-time high. Millions of U.S. households are having a difficult time paying and catching up on bills as they are spending more money on expenses such as food, housing, medical care, and gas than ever before. Amid soaring prices, the majority of Americans define inflation as the biggest issue facing the country. Based on the results of a recent survey conducted by Pew Research Center, seven in 10 Americans view inflation as a very big problem for the country, followed by the affordability of healthcare (55%), and violent crime (54%). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual inflation rate in the

U.S. accelerated to 9.1% in June of 2022, the highest since November of 1981. Energy prices also rose 41.6% (the most since April 1980), boosted by gasoline with 59.9% (the largest increase since March 1980), a 13.7% increase in electricity (the largest increase since April 2006) and food costs surging 10.4% (the most since February 1981) With these troubling statistics in mind, it is important for people to create their own, personalized budget and understand the best methods to overcome the negative effects of this year’s inflation rates. There are a few creative steps you can take to ensure you stay within your budget. Before you head out to buy, do some research. Take time to price shop rather than buying items on a whim in a store or on the first website you visit. It can save you a ton of money in the long run and is likely to lead you to the best deal possible.

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Price shopping is a crucial step when trying to save money, as you never know which companies will be hosting sales. Being up to date with seasonal specials from your favorite brands will lead you to find excellent savings. Although it is important to be updated on these promotions, it can also be helpful to minimize the number of emails, notifications, or messages you receive from retailers and subscription services. Unsubscribing and deleting these forms of communication can help you curb the urge to spend. Another useful tip is to break up with food delivery platforms such as DoorDash, UberEats, and Instacart and remove them from your online devices because these apps are easily accessible and can promote habits of overspending. Instead, choose to shop wisely at grocery stores which will ultimately help your budget and save money on food costs.

Rachel Caballero is the community development manager at TruWest Credit Union, a Tempe institution that operates as a cooperative providing its members with financial services and a culture of caring. For more money saving tips visit truwest.org 

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Next, look at where you spend money frequently, such as that daily cup of coffee or daily lunches out. Cutting down on some of these expenses can help you save money and put it towards more valuable items. Review your budget on a regular basis and be on top of recurring expenses in order to know where you are spending your money, and potentially eliminate expenses you no longer need. Incorporating these money-saving habits into your life can assist you not only during difficult times when inflation rates are high, but throughout your entire life.

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WARNER RANCH 22 E. CAROLINE LANE in Warner Ranch

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SELLER MOTIVATED! $799,000 4 bedrooms + Loft. 3111 sqft, 3 car garage. Play Pool Large kitchen w/quartz counters, kitchen island & breakfast nook. Stainless steel appliances. Kitchen overlooks family room. New fixtures throughout. Slate tile floors downstairs & wood floors upstairs. Huge Loft area w/balcony to take in the preserve views. Front bedrooms w/excellent views of south mountain. Interior freshly painted. Professionally designed backyard w/ tiered planters, sparkling pool, fireplace entertaining space, built in BBQ & sink. Washer, dryer & fridge included. 2 newer a/c units.

BELOW MARKET VALUE Excellent Floor Plan! $479,900 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, 1794 sqft, 2 car garage, fully landscaped. Excellent floorplan in desirable Warner Ranch. This 3 bedroom 2 bath home is light bright and open. Cozy fireplace, vaulted ceilings, kitchen has upgraded corian counters. Instant equity here! Customize this home with your own choice of flooring and paint!! Similar homes pending at 550K+. www.searchaz.net

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in Mountain Park Ranch Turn-Key! $825,000 3 bedrooms + office, 2 baths, 2300 sqft, 3 car garage Turn-Key semi-custom home w/$250K+ custom upgrades including new exterior stone veneer, low maintenance turf in front yard & large grassy backyard, paved walks, & built in BBQ. Chef’s kitchen w/Alder wood kitchen cabinets, granite counters, stainless steel kitchen aid appliances & warming drawer, & built in spice racks. Kitchen overlooks family room & custom entertainment center. Travertine & cherry wood flooring throughout. Living & dining room w/venetian plaster accent walls & wood beams. Electronics rewired & upgraded w/CAT5e connections perfect for high bandwidth. 2019 HVAC & guest room w/its own mini-split. 3 car garage w/cabinets & coated floors.

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CNBC state rankings say a lot about the network BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist

his week we ponder the greatest mystery in the 110-year history of the Grand Canyon State. No, not how does a noxious fraud like Kari Lake lead the Republican gubernatorial field in 2022, according to multiple polls. I’m talking about Arizona’s other great mystery. Namely, if this state is such a wretched place to live – as proclaimed yet again recently by the folks at CNBC television – then why do so many people keep moving here? My hypothesis follows, but first we should delve into CNBC’s analysis, released last week. As the network tells it, “We put the states through an unprecedented 88 metrics in ten categories of competitiveness,” all to crown America’s best states for business and 10 worst states in which to live.

Disputes letter on shootings as reflecting media bias

If I may, the letter regarding questions raised by media perpetrated shootings is full of false information. First off, there are no military weapons available to the general public for purchase, none, zero. Secondly, there is no such thing as an assault rifle, as assault is an action, inapplicable to an inanimate object. If we are to address any issues with regards to mentally unstable people shooting innocent people, to include a percentage of police officers, we must look at the root cause, not the object used. Despite media attempts to incite fear and unrealistic reaction by picking select stories, being honest about the why is the first step.

On the positive side, Arizona ranked 34th for business. On the negative side, we’re dead last in states to call home. CNBC correspondent Scott Cohn’s Arizona write-up started off with a super clever, “It’s a dry heat” reference before knocking the state for having “some of the worst air quality in the nation,” which stresses our “poor health care system, short on hospital beds and staff.” In a nod at balance, Scotty touted Arizona’s “stunning natural beauty and topnotch cultural and recreational attractions.” However, “that comes at a stiff price in America’s worst state to live in.” I contacted Scott to discuss his hometown, the hippie dippie central California enclave of Santa Cruz. Just FYI, in Santa Cruz the average monthly rent on a studio apartment doubled over the last year to $2,500, according to the website Zumper. Santa Cruz’s violent crime rate is 31 percent higher than Arizona’s, according to the Best Places website, while the property crime rate is 12 percent higher. Of course, all the maiming and stealing

may be explained by Santa Cruz’s stratospheric cost of living – approximately double Arizona’s, according to Best Places. Sadly, Scott did not get back to me before my deadline. I hope he’s okay, living in such a hellhole. As far as the CNBC survey, I’m of two minds. One, let’s hope the 100,000 people planning a move to Arizona this year read it and stay home. All that migration is driving up the cost of housing and goods, plus hurting everything from traffic to air quality to the wait time between holes on one of Arizona’s 500 golf courses. Then there’s my other theory, which explains the mystery of Arizona being ranked so miserably, yet remaining so popular to new residents. It’s simple: While CNBC’s “unprecedented 88 metrics” sound impressive, their made-up criteria have zero to do with why people choose a home. Put simply, their analysis is all about the brain, crunching “empirical data,” while human beings choose homes with

the heart. When was the last time you asked someone, “Hey, what brought you to Arizona?” only to have them respond, “Well, I ranked my top choices on 88 metrics, like inclusiveness in state laws, including protections against discrimination of all kinds, as well as voting rights.” People move to Arizona for exactly six reasons. A job. Family. The weather. And also: the weather, the weather, the weather. Cable networks can say what they want, but Arizona apparently has the essential qualities people seek in a home. Humans are fickle that way, falling in love with places for the oddest reasons. It’s the same with TV channels. Maybe That’s why CNBC ranks 44th in the TV ratings, right behind Nick Jr, and with half the audience of The Game Show Network. I guess it’s tricky to outdraw Gene Rayburn and reruns of “Match Game” – even though Gene’s been dead since 1999. Apparently, fake state rankings aren’t doing the trick. 

Parroting the same unfounded calls to limit an individual’s right to own weapons that are not connected to these incidents have been shown to not impact the criminal action of mentally unstable people intent on doing harm to innocent people. Two things were factual. For the media, regardless of source, the comment “if it bleeds, it leads” is a macabre truth regarding media and deserves a look at for the fact that it isn’t necessary to glorify these incidents which the media tends to do. They never put the perpetrator front and center, they put the object used, particularly when it’s a firearm. Two, more folks are actually killed by simple handguns than these media glorified “mass shootings.” Daily people are sadly killed by myriad of objects that could stand to be regulated way more

than firearms already are. To bring in a horrible shooting, again, pushed by media, to say there is systemic racism is shameful as well as finishing it with “even the Capitol fiasco no one was shot that many times” is icing on the cake of someone not seeing the bigger issue with regard to how we as a society move in positive, impactful ways to ensure the folks that decide to lay harm to their fellow citizens do not see it as an option. There are people that will listen, that will assist. We all could stand to learn about each other and communicate and educate locally as this has been shown to be not limited to one particular part of the country or one particular ethnicity, as such it cannot be fixed on a national scale. It starts at home, and in our communi-

ties. It starts with understanding the facts surrounding these incidents, not parroting what the media portrays. -Mark E Falco

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Cartels don’t put fentanyl in people’s mouths

How can we blame China, Mexico and the Cartels for our Fentanyl deaths; they don’t put the pill in the mouth of our youth. West Point cadets “inadvertently” took Fentanyl last spring break, our college kids and our teens are noted for taking fentanyl and dying but who is to blame? Maybe we should start looking at: our culture, our waning morals and our declining religious values. -Jane Emery

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

SPORTS

Sports & Recreation 34

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Larissa Blanchard ready for big senior track season BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

rowing up in Ahwatukee, Larissa Blanchard took to soccer as her primary sport. There were moments where she believed her skills on the field would help lead her to college. That was her goal as she went through elementary and middle school at St. John Bosco Catholic School in Ahwatukee. But that began to change in high school while attending nearby Seton Catholic. She joined the Sentinel track & field team as a sophomore to help

improve her speed for soccer. She didn’t realize she would quickly fall in love with the sport, specifically the hurdles. Now, as she prepares for her senior season at Perry High School in Gilbert, she is dead set on a career as a hurdler in college. “I think it was halfway through the track season my sophomore year,” Blanchard said. “I was like, ‘oh my gosh, this is really fun. I can actually do this.’ It is really an individual sport, and you don’t really have to rely on teammates to win. It was a lot more fun for me.” Blanchard enjoyed her time

at Seton Catholic. Deciding to transfer to Perry wasn’t an easy decision by any means. But most of the track coaching staff at Seton Catholic had decided to step away after the 2022 season. She had her choice of schools with Arizona being an open enrollment state. She contemplated Chandler, a powerhouse program that up until last season had won five straight state titles – excluding the canceled 2020 season – and 14 since 2006. But she decided on Perry, the team that dethroned the Wolves in May.

see LARISSA page 36

Larissa Blanchard, an Ahwatukee native and resident, is currently preparing for her senior track season at Perry High School in Gilbert where she hopes to help the Pumas repeat as state champions. (Dave Minton/AFN Staff)

Pride swim gearing up for season with camp BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

ona Nyheim-Canales feels her Mountain Pointe swim program is starting to turn the corner in her second year as head coach. She saw the program grow last season, thanks in large part to the leadership displayed by seniors in the program. Just this off-season she has heard rumors about the size of her roster increasing yet again, a promising sign for a program that had struggled in year’s past. But she feels this will be the year the Pride take the next step toward being competitive with bigger programs in the state. And it starts with the team’s camp beginning Aug. 1-3, a week before official practices begin for the season on Aug. 8. “We want to give them the opportunity to work on their skills,” Nyheim-Canales said. “I’m hoping we have a bigger team but if we don’t, we will continue to build with what we have.” The camp will provide an opportunity

Mountain Pointe swim coach Mona Nyheim-Canales is preparing to host a camp for Pride swimmers that will feature two Olympians and allow her to get a feel for the program before official practices begin Aug. 8. (AFN File Photo)

for Nyheim-Canales to get a feel for the new talent entering the Mountain Pointe swim program.

She’s confident in the ability of those who are returning from last year. But she wants to begin building a foundation for

the younger group that will lead to success as they grow older. The camp also provides an opportunity for new swimmers on the team to learn from begin learning from NyheimCanales, who has years of experience in the sport. She swam in college at the University of Arizona and had stints coaching at the collegiate level for several universities. She also coaches Pitchfork Aquatics, a local club that has produced high-level swimmers in recent years. Most notably, Kendall Dawson who competed at the Olympic Trials last year. Nyheim-Canales’ connections in swim have also led to some of her former swimmers return to help coach or simply speak with athletes. At the camp in August, Olympic Gold Medalist Cierra Runge and Olympic swimmer Jarod Arroyo will be in attendance to speak to the team. “These are two people who have been in the sport at the highest level for a long

see SWIM page 36

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

Ahwatukee PONY Baseball League gearing up for new season BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

afael de Luna III stumbled upon the PONY League two years ago while visiting Zzeeks Pizza in Ahwatukee having lunch with his family. A flyer advertising the league caught his eye. After some research he signed himself up as a coach alongside his son, Roman. The league offered a change of pace in the fall for Roman, who also plays soccer. It didn’t take long for both the de Luna’s to fall in love with all the league had to offer. That’s why when he was approached by board members to serve as the president of the league for the upcoming fall 2022 season, he took the challenge head on. Now, he’s preparing to welcome a slew of kids of several age groups to the league for the fall season. “I signed up to be a coach last year and I really had an amazing time,” de Luna said. “When I was approached about joining the board as president, I thought of it as

SPORTS

a good way to give back to my community and it’s something I’m passionate about.” PONY offers youth baseball players the opportunity to play year-round baseball at a fraction of the cost of club ball and without the travel. According to de Luna, several players in the league participate in Ahwatukee Little League during the spring and summer months then immediately make the jump over to PONY. The PONY League offers five different division separated by age group. PONY consists of 14 and under players. Bronco caters to the 12U group and Mustang to the 10U players. Pinto (8U) and Shetland (6U) use machines to pitch to players. Shetland also has a t-ball option. De Luna hopes to have as many as eight teams in some of the older age groups and six for the younger kids. He’s also begun working on interleague play with the Chandler PONY League to give players from both cities a chance to play at different fields during the week, separate from their typical Saturday games.

“We’re working on some possibilities to play some interleague games,” de Luna said. “We are trying to introduce interleague. We are just trying to figure out the The Ahwatukee PONY League, a fall youth baseball league, is preparing schedule. But that’s for its new season this fall. Registration is currently open through Aug. 6 with a skills evaluation session set to take place on Aug. 8-9. (Special the goal.” A unique aspect to AFN) of PONY League is the players’ ability through Tuesday, Aug. 9. to steal bases beginning at the 10U age There, kids will go through various drills group. Beginning at that age the league as including fielding groundballs, batting a whole begins to move toward a Major and more. De Luna said it helps coaches League style of play. of each team evaluate and identify players It gives players some variety and the they want to draft for their teams for the ability to improve their skills in different season. It also gives players who are exaspects of baseball. perienced for their age the opportunity to Registration for the PONY League is curjump up a division. rently open and will remain open through “It will be typical to any other tryout,” Aug. 6. Once registered, kids ages 8 and de Luna said. “We just kinda want to look older will compete in a two-day skills evaluation that will take place Monday, Aug. 8 see PONY page 37

schools and those programs.” The three-year partnership begins with the upcoming 2022-23 school year. As a result, the 5A, 6A and Open Division football championship games will be live on Arizona’s Family channels. It is the first time since 2015 football championship will be broadcasted on live television. Arizona’s Family will also broadcast all 5A, 6A and the new Open Division boys and girls basketball finals. The 5A and 6A baseball and softball championship games will also be live. Mountain Pointe head basketball coach Kaimarr Price, who led the Pride to two straight state championship games in 2020 and 2021, said it’s a big opportunity for the players. “This is a huge opportunity for these young student athletes to have the chance to play on live TV,” Price said in a text. “High school sports provide a unique experience which they will carry the memories of throughout life.” In previous years, Fox Sports Arizona, which later became Bally Sports Arizo-

na, recorded championship games and broadcasted them at a later date on a tape delay. Coaches from across the East Valley believe it is a good move by the AIA to help promote high school sports on a larger scale. “I think for the notoriety of what’s going on, promoting the sport in Arizona, that’s a positive,” Chandler head football coach Rick Garretson said. “It gives everybody the ability to not have to pay but still watch the kids play and support them. I think it’s definitely a positive step for the promotion of AZ football.” As part of the partnership, weekly stories on Arizona’s Family channel lineup and the ability to broadcast bracket release shows done for most sports throughout the school year. Since its inception in 2019, the Open Division football championship game has become one of the must-see events in Arizona high school sports. The firstever championship game between Saguaro and Chandler drew thousands to

AIA, AZ Family partner to broadcast select championships BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

he Arizona Interscholastic Association has partnered with Arizona’s Family to broadcast select high school championship games live on local channels beginning this season. The announcement comes after the AIA announced a three-year deal with local station, which broadcasts live on channels 3 and 5. The deal makes Arizona’s Family the “Exclusive Content Partner of the AIA,” a position previously held by Bally Sports Arizona. “We’re thrilled to have a partner in Arizona’s Family that is able to engage fans in a way that will provide a great deal of excitement around high school sports,” AIA Executive Director David Hines said. “The content fans will enjoy are more than just championship events. It’s also how the AIA impacts each school’s community. Now there will be many more opportunities to showcase the talent we have at our

Sun Devil Stadium. In recent years, baseball and softball championship games have nearly filled Farrington Stadium at ASU and Tempe Diablo. Basketball championships, since moved to Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum, have also drawn large crowds and that is only expected to grow with the addition of the Open Division for girls and boys this year. But one constant complaint from Arizona high school sports fans has always been the lack of a working livestream. Now, that problem will likely be solved with the AIA’s new partnership with Arizona’s Family. “Arizona’s Family has always been committed to serving our community,” Vice President and General Manager of Arizona’s Family Debbie Bush said in the press release. “We know that there are so many inspiring stories coming from the high school experience and this partnership with the AIA allows us to shine a light on all the good that is happening in our local communities.” 

SPORTS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

Flash Santoro impressing on world stage BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

lint “Flash” Santoro has become a track & field icon in Ahwatukee. He’s provided an outlet for adults of all ages to continue competing at a high level, often winning state and regional championships while medaling at national events, too. His club, the AZ Pacemakers, has set the standard for adult club track & field programs across the state and country. With each competition both locally and on a national level the club competes in, they bring home more hardware. Last July, nine runners from the club won championships in their respective events. Santoro was one of them. He’s been all across the country competing and representing Ahwatukee and Arizona. But in early July, he took his athletic ability to a national stage to compete in the World Masters Athletics Championships held in Finland. He finished 14th in the world in the men’s 45-49 age group 3000-meter steeplechase.

LARISSA from page 34

The decision was also made easily with her father living in close proximity to the school. Her mother, Ann, still lives in Ahwatukee. Beyond her living situation, Blanchard identified what has and is currently still being built at Perry. It’s a school that has appeared in and won several state championships across several different sports. Track is now one of them. “I think this is going to be a huge switch from Division III to Division I,” Blanchard said. “Especially with coaching, at Seton there were coaches that coached multiple events. Here, it’ll be more one-on-one, which I’m excited for.” Despite being less than two years into her track career, Blanchard has already established herself as one of the better hurdlers in the state. In her first season she made it to the state track meet in five events. As a junior, she focused more on hurdles. She also competed last spring in the 100-meter dash. She knew heading into the state finals for the 100-meter hurdles Remy Romney

Clint “Flash” Santoro added yet another impressive milestone to his track & field career as he competed in the World Masters Athletics Championships held in Finland and placed 14th in the world in the men’s 45-49 3,000-meter steeplechase while battling a bout with shingles. (Lubo Novacek/Special to AFN)

“The feeling of representing the United States once again at the highest level of our sport kept me going, and I perse-

of American Leadership Academy – Queen Creek would be among her toughest competition. But in the final race she put on one of her best performances to win gold in Division III. “It was really cool for me,” Blanchard said. “I’ve only been doing it two seasons and I did against Remy Romney, who is a really good hurdler. My first thought was, ‘this is really happening.’” Blanchard’s impressive showing this past season helped her earn an invitation to the National Outdoor Championships in Oregon. She didn’t attend, mostly because she felt she wasn’t ready for that caliber of competition just yet. However, if invited next season, she plans to go. The state championship win, coupled with her natural ability, has also helped her get on the radar of some colleges. She has talked to some locally and has even toured Arizona State. So far, her options are open. But it appears that she will eventually follow in her mother’s path to becoming a Division I track athlete. Ann was a distance runner at Ole Miss in college. So, to see her daughter follow a similar path is

vered through the pain and discomfort to get myself out there and do it,” Santoro said.

meaningful. “For me, it would be like the legacy lives on,” Ann said. “My whole family, we want to see it. We don’t want her track meets and her athletic career to end after her senior year. We want to see how far she can go. “I think Larissa is going to be very competitive this year. I can’t wait to see her at the state championships next year.” Perry recently announced it had promoted former assistant Jeff Gurecki as its new head girls’ track coach. He is replacing Bryan Idleman, who stepped down to spend more time with family. Due to her transfer, Blanchard will have to sit out the first half of the spring season. But she plans to train with a club team with close ties to Perry this fall and winter. She is excited for the opportunity to compete for Perry as a senior and perhaps set new records for the Pumas. She hopes to leave a legacy that centers around going for goals, no matter how new they may be. “If you feel like you want to go do something, just go do it and see how far you can get,” Blanchard said. 

“I believe we had 332 athletes from the USA compete at the meet. I was the top finisher in the steeplechase for the United States and all of North America once again.” Santoro’s 14th place finish came with a bout with adversity. Just a week prior to the race taking place, he was diagnosed with shingles, a rare viral infection that causes a painful rash and blister-type lesions on various parts of one’s body. Santoro’s case occurred on the left side of his face. The virus comes from the same one that causes chicken pox. The virus remains dormant for years before it can flare up again in the form of shingles. The rash and blisters can cause intense pain that usually does not subside for weeks. “It was the slowest race of my entire 30 years of running the steeplechase, and two minutes slower than my top 9 finish at the World Championships in Màlaga, Spain 2018,” Santoro said. “It’s a time that I earned, though. This guy here did not jog, he did not falter, he did not

see FLASH page 37

SWIM from page 34

time,” Nyheim-Canales said. “When you see them, it shows that you can succeed no matter what. It’s just a matter of your mindset and what you want to do. That’s kind of the message between the two of them.” Nyheim-Canales said she has already seen tremendous improvement with those who are returning to the team this season. Many of them have competed with her this off-season at the club level. She isn’t one to have lofty expectations such as a state title right away for the program. She understands that it is still building. Right now, she is focused on camp and preparing them for, at the very least, a competitive season. “My expectations are whatever we can make,” Nyheim-Canales said. “The goal would be to get as many people to state as possible because it continues to build the program and the more visibility you get, the better it is for the program. “It’s exciting. We are helping build something for the kids.” 

SPORTS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

PONYfrom page 35

at and engage their skill level. If a player goes and tryouts and they have the skills to play in a division up, they have that opportunity to get drafted. “We also try to accommodate any requests for players to play with friends or family, stuff like that.” Official practices for the PONY League begin Aug. 15, with Opening Day less than a month later on Sept. 10. City of Phoenix fields will be utilized for practices and Kyrene fields – such as Akimel A-al Middle School – for games.

FLASHfrom page 36

mentally fall asleep or succumb to doubt. This guy here gave everything his body could give.” The impressive feat is the latest in Santoro’s long career in track & field. Just this past April he competed alongside girlfriend Carol Douglass at the Masters Indoor Track Nationals in New York. 3000-meter run in 10 minutes, 34.58 seconds and placed fifth overall in the mile

As the season approaches, de Luna grows more excited. This will be his first time running a league and he wants to make sure as many hiccups as possible are avoided. But most importantly, he hopes players that register get the most out of their PONY Baseball League experience. “I’m extremely excited but also very nervous because I’m doing something I’ve never done before,” de Luna said. “My main goal right now is to get Opening Day kicked off.” For more information on the PONY Baseball League, including the link to register, visit www.ponybaseballaz. com.  with a time of 5:11.48. Douglass, who runs and has recently taken up throwing events, placed fourth overall in the women’s ages 50-54 shot put with an 8.04-meter throw. Now home in Ahwatukee, Santoro said he is continuing to recover before taking on his next event. “I’m still feeling the lingering effects of the shingles virus, but I’ll be back and stronger in no time,” he said. “I’ve got plenty of great years left in these legs.”  No Appointment Necessary! No Appointment Necessary!

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miss.spotlesshousecleaning06@gmail.com Kitchen • Bedrooms • Bathrooms • Dusting Baseboards • Garage • Vacuuming

You name it, we clean it!

Free Estimates! • Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly

Phone: (602) 341-2530

Meetings/Events? Get Free notices in the Classi ieds! Submit to ecota@timeslocalmedia.com

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

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

Home Improvement

Handyman

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

HOME FOR RENT? Place it here!

REMODEL CONTRACTOR

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

81% of our readers, read the Classifieds!

Call Classifieds 480-898-6465

480-215-3373

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! Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Painting • Flooring • Electrical Ahwatukee Resident, References Available, Insured Plumbing • Drywall *Not• ACarpentry Licensed Contractor Decks • Tile • More!

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! ks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical Job Too ✔“No Water Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Small Man!” Heaters lumbing • 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

“No Job Too Small Man!”

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

✔ Carpentry Job Too Marks the Spot for“No ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small “No Job Too Man!” Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Tile Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More! ✔ Kitchens 9 199 ce Sin rk Wo y alit Qu ✔ Bathrooms rdable, BSMALLMAN@Q.COM 2010, 2011 9 Quality Work Since 199 2012,And 2013, “No JobMore! Too 2010, 2011

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 uce at 602.670.7038 2012, 2013, 2014 References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor atdent/602.670.7038 Ahwatukee / References

Small Man!” 2014

Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Work

rences/ Insured/ NotInsured a Licensed / NotCall aContractor Licensed BruceContractor at 602.670.7038

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

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!

Sprinkler & Drip Systems Repairs • Modifications • Installs

• Yard Waste • Concrete Slab • Remodeling Debris

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

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

David Hernandez (602) 802 3600

daveshomerepair@yahoo.com • Se Habla Español

Landscape/Maintenance

HOME SERVICES “For all your Home Exterior Needs”

Roger Kretz 480.233.0336

rogerkretz@yahoo.com 25+ Years of Customer Services

Irrigation Repair Services Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured

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

Irrigation

Hauling

• Old Paint & Chems.

The Possibilities are Endless

Bonded/Insured/Licensed • ROC #225923

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

480.654.5600 azirrigation.com Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

• Old Tires

MORE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE! www.Ahwatukee.com

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

• 20+ Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty

480.345.1800

CALL US TODAY!

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

WANT A GREEN LAWN?

ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

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

Serving the Valley for over 28 years

480-730-1074

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

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

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

WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED!

NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

CALL DOUG

Drip Systems Installed, Valves/Timer Repairs

Referred out of Ewing Irrigation Not a licensed contractor.

Not a licensed contractor.

HOME REPAIR SERVICES

MD’S LANDSCAPING

480.295.2279

Home Improvement

MALDONADO

Landscape Design/Installation

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

AND so much more! Ahwatukee Resident

480.335.4180

Irrigation

Landscape Design/Installation

JOSE’S LANDSCAPING

Specializing in Artificial • Front Yards Grass

• Synthetic Turf for your Home

• Back Yards • Golfing Greens

Call Today For A Quote

480-690-0081 Not a licensed contractor.

480-940-8196 theplugman.com

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

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG Post your open positions! 480-898-6465

or Email: class@TimesLocalMedia.com

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

Landscape/Maintenance

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

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

480-217-0407 Ramón Rodriguez

Not a Licensed Contractor

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

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

— Call Jason —

(602) 502-1655

CONKLIN PAINTING Free Estimate & Color Consultation

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

480-888-5895 ConklinPainting.com Lic/Bond/Ins ROC# 270450

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

Jose Martinez Not a licensed contractor.

602.515.2767 Arizona Specialty Landscape

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

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

Call/Text 480.695-3639 CALL CLASSIFIEDS

480-898-6465

We'll Get Your Phone to Ring! We Accept:

See MORE Ads Online! www.Ahwatukee.com

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

10% OFF

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

480-688-4770

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

Hello?

Painting

Now Accepting all major credit cards

Painting

I hear YOU have stuff to Sell! Sell your stuff in the Classifieds!

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

Call Me today! 480-898-6465 Or Email Me! class@times localmedia.com

CLASSIFIEDS WORK 480-898-6465

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

Painting

Veteran Owned

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

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

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

480-785-6323

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

ROC#309706

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

Painting

• High Quality Materials & Workmanship • Customer Satisfaction kee • Countless References Serving Ahwatu Since 1987 • Free Estimates

602.625.0599

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

ROC #155380

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

Plumbing

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH!

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

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

Pool Service / Repair

Plumbing

Painting

★ Elastomaric Roof Coating

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

10% OFF

★ Epoxy Floors ★ Small Job Specialist

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

Plumbing

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

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service Ahwatukee!

Ahwatukee!

BESTOF

2019

Place YOUR Business HERE!

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

Call for our 3 Month Trial Special!

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-405-7099

Classifieds: 480-898-6465

Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541

Monthly Service & Repairs Available 7 6 6 5

www.barefootpoolman.com See our Befores and Afters on Facebook Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC#272001

Juan Hernandez

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

24/7

Inside & Out Leaks

Bonded

Toilets

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

$35 off

480-898-6465

Any Service

Not a licensed contractor

Call us to place your ad online!

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

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

MARK’S POOL SERVICE Owner Operated - 20 Years

Plumbing

Play Pools start at

$95/month with chemicals

PLUMBING $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)

with this ad

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

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465

showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

Water Heaters

Disposals

10% OFF

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR

Anything Plumbing Same Day Service

MISSED THE DEADLINE?

480-446-7663

Pool Service / Repair

affinityplumber@gmail.com

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

Rooﬁng

Ask About Filter Cleaning Specials!

Mark

602-799-0147 CPO#85-185793

class@Times LocalMedia.com

PHILLIPS

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

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

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 2022

Rooﬁng

Rooﬁng Not a licensed contractor

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

LICENSED | BONDED | INSURED | ROC #269218

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

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

sunlandroofingllc@gmail.com

602-471-2346

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

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

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

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

480-706-1453

u Th

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

e IN

Call

-EX D i ﬀe r e n c e

Let Us Show Yo

CALL CLASSIFIEDS

480-898-6465

We'll Get Your Phone to Ring!

602-938-7575

for your FREE Roof Evaluation Today! www.InExRo

oﬁn

g.c o m

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

Rooﬁng Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

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

ROC #152111

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs Complimentary & Honest Estimates

Call our office today!

480-460-7602

FIND YOUR PASSION

Ask us about our discount for all Military and First Responders!

THE MOST READ PAPER in Ahwatukee!

www.porterroofinginc.com

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@timeslocalmedia.com

Licensed, Bonded, Insured ROC152111

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

It Only Takes Seconds to Drown. Always watch your child around water.

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JULY 27, 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

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER ARE HERE! $ We are offering 40 OFF REG. $119

our Brewer’s Deluxe 20 point Tune up

INDOOR REME HALO ® IN-DUCT AIR PURIFIER! Just in time for Haboob Season

Ask about our

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.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS, JULY 27, 2022

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