AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

Conservancy, Edge may soon get round one ruling

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

After a year of back-and-forth arguments mostly on paper, a homeowners group may soon get a decision on whether it can press for a permanent ban on housing on the Club West Golf Course.

Judge Timothy Thompson has set Dec. 2 for 30 minutes of argument on course owner The Edge’s motion to dismiss the request for a ban filed by the Club West Conservancy almost a year ago.

If Thompson grants The Edge’s request, The Conservancy and attorney Francis Slavin will have to decide whether to appeal the decision.

Lakes lawyer rebuts request for $2M sanction

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

The lawyer for the owner of Ahwatu kee Lakes Golf Course accused the plaintiffs in their long lawsuit against the company of seeking “an un justified windfall” by asking a judge to impose a $2 million sanction on it.

Attorney Daniel Maynard, representing ALCR, made the accusation in a lengthy rebuttal to attorney Tim Barnes’ request before Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Melissa Julian – the fourth judge assigned to a case that Lakes home owners Linda Swain and Eileen Breslin filed in 2014 over the 18-hole executive course’s closure a year earlier by Wilson Gee and the other Bixby Village partners.

Barnes cited a laundry list of items that he alleged were not completed when ALCR reopened the Lakes course.

That list included the absence of a full clubhouse, damaged concrete cart paths, restrooms in disrepair, tunnel walls covered by graffiti, “lake beds un

cleaned unsealed or abandoned,” and a bridge that was “generously, shoddy work that reflects a ‘workmanship be damned’ attitude.”

All those items meant, Barnes said, that Gee failed to meet the specifics of a 2021 order directing him to reopen the course for full operation by Sept. 1, 2022, and have the reconstruction completed by the previous day.

But Maynard said Barnes’ “vitriolic at tack on Wilson Gee…is overstated.”

He said that while irrigation for the course may have been turned off by Bixby Village, Gee’s original company, the site had been owned by two other companies before ALCR reacquired it after The True Life Companies walked away from a ten tative $9 million deal to buy it.

“So when the plaintiffs argue that Bix by turned off the water for eight years, that is not accurate,” Maynard wrote. “Bixby turned off the water when it closed the Golf Course, but others kept

If he denies it, either Thompson or another Maricopa County Superior Court judge will then hear evidence related to the Conser vancy’s assertions that many people bought homes in Club West because Shea Homes and the builder that preceded it promised that a

Worth leaping over

Amy Lia, 12, had lots to leap in joy over last Saturday, as did the others who attended the resurrected Fes tival Of Lights Kickoff Party. For a look at scenes from the event, see page 24. (David Minton/AFN Staff Pho tographer)

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Liv Ahwatukee, Urban Air building sold in separate deals

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

Amajor player in the Valley’s net work of independent-assisted liv ing communities has gotten out of that industry to focus solely on traditional multifamily complexes.

Liv Communities sold four Liv Genera tions senior complexes in Ahwatukee, Gil bert, Phoenix and Scottsdale to Clearwa ter Living of Newport Beach, California, in a $255 million transaction earlier this month, according to Valley real estate tracker vizzda.com.

Meanwhile, a California computer scien tist who opened Central California’s first cashier-less convenience store has pur chased the building housing Urban Air Ad venture, which opened four years ago at 48th Street and Ray Road, for $4.2 million.

Aamir A Farooqui of Visalia paid $4.15 for the 22,436-square foot building that was constructed in 1990, according to vizzda.com.

The purchase includes an existing lease that expires in 2027 with two five-year renewal options, according to Urban Air’s advertisements. Urban Air had been ask ing $5.2 million for the building.

Farooqui made big news in California in 2019 when he opened a 1,800 squarefoot, fully-automated convenience store, similar to Amazon Go.

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Based in Sacramento, Farooqui said at the time his new concept store was the first of its kind in California’s Central Val ley. An automated convenience store re lies on computers and robots. Amazon calls it “just walk out shopping.” Access is provided via a code given ”members,” who can shop between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., ac cording to planning documents submitted to the City of Visalia.

There was no formal announcement of Liv Generation’s sale or Clearwater’s entry into the Valley’s senior care/living community scene. Calls to Clearwater were not returned.

Scott Brooks, CEO of Liv Communities,

50th Street complex rendering released

The co-developer of the proposed 471-unit apartment complex on 50th Street between Ray Road and Chan dler Boulevard in Ahwatukee last week re leased its first rendering of the project.

PB Bell, which with Everest Holdings is seeking a rezoning from the city to allow for multifamily development on a 14-acre site that now hosts a two-building office complex at 15210 S. 50th St., released the image as it prepares for a possible first ap pearance before the Ahwatukee Foothills Village Planning Committee that is tenta tively set for Dec. 19.

The city Planning Department has not yet announced a meeting of the panel, which has been forced to cancel several meetings this year because of the lack of a quorum.

But the developers said at a neighbor hood meeting on the project they hoped to make the standard informational pre sentation in December to the VPC in prep aration for a vote on a formal recommen dation in January.

After that, the project would go to the city Planning Commission for a vote in February and – if it recommends approval – would then go before Phoenix City Coun cil in March, according to the developers’ timetable.

During an online meeting with a few neighbors earlier this month, attorney Manjula M. Vaz and PB Bell Principal R. Chapin Bell detailed their plans for what they called “highly amenitized” apart

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said his company “continues to advance its mission of helping people live fuller lives by providing hospitality-focused res idential communities for people of vary ing ages and stages of life.

“As we exit the traditional senior living space, in addition to continuing to grow our conventional Liv multifamily portfo lio of communities, we are enthusiastic about exploring a new offering, Liv+, fo cused on active 55+ adults,” he said in a prepared statement after this newspaper inquired about the deal.

“As for our Liv Generations portfolio, we are excited about Clearwater Living taking over as stewards for those out

ments aimed at high-earning single pro fessionals and couples.

Bell said the complex would be no dif ferent from the complexes he has devel oped in the Valley over 42 years that house more than 20,000 apartments.

“We focus all our developments on really high quality, highly amenitized commu nities in markets that really have a need for housing,” he said, adding they include “high quality fitness centers, dog parks, business centers for the residents, resortstyle pools” for “high quality residents that really want to live here.”

Plans submitted by Everest Holdings in dicate the two four-story buildings, which will be about 48 feet high, will be around the pool and clubhouse.

standing communities and residents,” Brooks continued. “We believe Clearwa ter holds the same commitment to cre ating a vibrant and high-quality place to live and work and will help those com munities flourish for years to come.”

The four properties have been rebrand ed as Clearwater facilities.

The properties involved in the transac tion included, according to vizzda data:

A 141-unit complex comprising two buildings built in 2016 on 7 acres on S. 50th Street near Chandler Boulevard, Ahwatukee.

A 122-unit, two-building complex built in 2013 on 5 acres in Gilbert’s Agritopia community.

A four-building, 181-unit complex on 14

In all there would be four clusters of buildings “with ample resident parking and guest parking,” Bell said, “with lots of beau tiful access drive aisles” that would “mini mize any walking that needs to be done.”

Bell said outdoor amenities will include a dog park, a multipurpose lot with barbe cue areas, a fire pit and a tot lot.

The buildings “are designed to envision a timeless modern architectural style for the community,” he added, “through a mix ture of extra materials that includes faux wood siding, stone veneer, brick veneer and each of these materials compliments the modern design which you’ve seem put there a lot lately.”

Neighbors who participated in the meet ing expressed concern about the project’s

acres that opened last year at Scottsdale Road and the Loop 101.

A single building with 110 units built four years ago on four acres at Scottsdale and Pinnacle Peak roads.

A source said Liv Communities felt that its senior communities – which of fer a range of living options from inde pendent to assisted living to memory care – would be better served if they were under the umbrella of a larger pro vider that had more negotiating power for supplies and services.

Liv does have a traditional apartment complex adjacent to its former senior living complex in Ahwatukee and at one time boasted that it was designed so that younger tenants and residents of its other

impact on heavily congested Ray Road between 48th Street and the interstate – especially because of the impact of a warehouse development practically next to the proposed multifamily project that planners said could generate up to 1,800 vehicle trips a day.

Those warehouse trips likely would in volve trucks heading north on 50th to Ray Road to get to I-10, – developers have said.

But the developers of the apartment proj ect said their traffic studies indicated that daily trips generated by their development would likely total 223 trips in the morning rush hour and 220 trips during the evening rush hour. They also said apartment com plexes traditionally generate fewer trips than office or commercial developments. 

facility could mingle.

Clearwater Senior Living offers the same senior living options, including short-term stays, and has six complexes in California and one in Nevada in addition to its newly acquired Valley sites, according to the com pany’s website. It also is in the process of building a seventh facility in California.

The company has said it is expanding its footprint in the west and partnered in 2017 with The Wolff Company to run its 18 senior living complexes across seven western states.

Clearwater CEO Tony Ferro on his web site states the company is committed to “providing high-quality retirement living and exceptional services for seniors and their families.” 

The complex would comprise two four-story buildings about 48 feet high at the center of the development and four three-story buildings around pe rimeter. (Courtesy of P.B. Bell)

KEVIN ROBINSON

SAM STONE

Robinson, Stone appear heading for Council runoff

Ahwatukee and other City Coun cil District 6 voters will have to cast ballots again on March 14 to determine who will succeed termed-out city Councilman Sal DiCiccio, judging by unofficial results from the Nov. 8 General Election.

DiCiccio’s term does not expire until April, and in the meantime his former chief of Staff, Sam Stone, and former city Assis tant Police Chief Kevin Robinson likely will be entering the second phase of their cam paign, unofficial election results show.

Robinson, who had the endorsement of the city’s Democratic establishment that included Mayor Kate Gallego and four of her predecessors, and Stone topped the field of eight candidates vying for the council seat.

Unofficial results showed that Robinson garnered 20% of the vote, or 12,062 of the 89,593 ballots cast in the election.

Stone, a Central Phoenix political con sultant, and his 17% of the vote edged two longtime Ahwatukee residents and business owners, Moses Sanchez and Joan Greene, who both got 16% of the vote.

The margin of the vote among the three candidates vying for second place was close. Stone got 10,539 votes; Sanchez, 10,089 and Greene, 10,022. They far outdistanced the four other contenders, none of whom got more than 7,546 votes.

The Phoenix City Clerk’s office said a re count would only be needed if the top two vote getters were within a .5% margin and also noted it was still awaiting final results from the county.

Robinson is an Ahwatukee resident, al though his residency was challenged in

September by Sanchez, who contended that he leased his home in September 2021 just to qualify for the council race.

Robinson and his wife, a physician, own a house in Scottsdale, but Robinson testified in court that his wife needed to live closer to Mayo Medical Center, where she works.

He also produced documentation, in cluding his voter ID and driver’s license, showing he lived at the Ahwatukee house.

A judge rejected Sanchez’s challenge.

During a forum in September sponsored by the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce, Robinson and Stone drew sharp contrasts in their approach to coun cil and governing.

Robinson cited his 38-year career with Phoenix Police and said his early years on the force were spent at South Mountain Precinct at a time when Ahwatukee was in the initial stages of its development.

He said he not only helped developing patrol areas in Ahwatukee but had come to learn the community well by building relationships with various community leaders and groups. He pledged to con tinue doing the same if elected.

Stone criticized the other candidates for offering “a ton of platitudes and not a lot of details about how they’re going to do these things.” He also said he would chal lenge the established way of doing busi ness in City Hall, stating “most of what the City of Phoenix does happens in the dark.”

Robinson by far amassed the most mon ey in the race, which in all generated more than $1.2 million in contributions to all eight candidates combined.

Robinson raised more than $468,000 – and spent more than two thirds of that – while Stone garnered about $90,000, spending about $75,000. 

Five years ago this month, the Club West Golf Course had been restored to a lush land scape by an Ahwatukee man who had agreed to buy it but ended up losing the site back to then-owner Wilson Gee when he fell behind paying city water bills that totaled more than $160,000. (AFN file photo)

WEST from page 1

championship golf course would be part of the community.

Though Shea Homes is part of the Con servancy’s legal action, the homebuilder has tried to get out of the case, saying it has no agreement with The Edge and no interest in the golf course because it already gave the owners the declarant rights to it.

The Conservancy also asserts that sales agreements both Shea and UDC Homes guarantees the site will be maintained as a golf course.

The Edge – comprising four men who bought the course from Wilson Gee for $750,000 in 2019 – has attacked the le gitimacy of the Conservancy to even bring an action against it.

Earlier this year, Thompson agreed with its argument that the Conservancy had failed to show it had standing because it listed no homeowners who would be harmed by home construction on any part of the 165-acre course.

But he also refused to dismiss the case, stating that the Conservancy should amend its complaint to address The Edge’s assertions and that he was not con vinced by the owner’s argument that the Conservancy had no standing to sue in the first place.

The Conservancy returned with an amended complaint that listed 50 home owners.

Earlier this month, Slavin renewed his

request that Thompson “deny the Edge’s repeated attempt to dismiss Plaintiff’s complaint on standing grounds because Club West Conservancy has more than met its burden at the pleading stage.”

He reiterated the Conservancy’s con tention that “the Golf Course Declaration imposed a use restriction providing that the property ‘shall be used exclusively as a golf course’” and that it “expressly states that its covenants and restrictions are imposed for purposes of ‘enhancing and protecting the value’ of the adjacent Foothills Club West subdivision.”

“Club West’s members are entitled to enforce the use restriction on the golf course as implied beneficiaries under the Golf Course Declaration, the master de velopment plan, and/or the Addendum to UDC’s purchase contracts,” he also wrote.

Slavin also said many of the arguments The Edge has raised were “premature” and that the Conservancy deserves a hear ing on its allegations.

He also said that the Conservancy rep resents homeowners – which The Edge challenges – and that it is “more efficient” for the court to hear its case instead of an untold number of actions brought by indi vidual homeowners who feel they would be harmed by home construction.

The Edge initially had an agreement to sell three parcels totaling about 52 acres to homebuilder Taylor Morrison in early 2020 for the construction of about 162

single-story and two-story homes.

The builder pulled out of the deal when some of the community’s 2,700 home owners balked at the plan.

Since then, The Edge has not fully dis closed its plans for the barren site.

It has invited homeowners to pro vide suggestions on what they’d like the site turned into and at one point indi cated a park with a number of amenities was an option.

But The Edge did not publicly discuss how that plan would be financed or how the issue of irrigating the site would be resolved.

Gee closed the course in 2016, saying he could no longer afford the cost of city potable water – the only apparent source of irrigation.

While The Edge has argued that the Conservancy must show how each home owner is adversely affected by any use of the site other than for golf, Slavin says Arizona law only requires that the Conser vancy demonstrate the impact on just one

homeowner.

“The cases the Edge cites show that that an organization fails on the first prong of associational standing only if Club West cannot show any member with an inter est,” he wrote.

He said his client “is not seeking a dec laration that it has any legal title or own ership in the Edge’s property. Rather, it seeks a declaration that the use restric tion recorded against the Edge’s property, which directly affects the use and enjoy ment of Club West members’ adjacent properties, is valid and enforceable.”

Slavin also argues that the Conservan cy’s legal action represents all homeown ers, not just the approximate 370 who had premium lot prices to own lots adjacent to the course.

He said the Conservancy “alleges that the master planned community nature of the Foothills Club West development, in cluding its platting and marketing as a golf course community, gives all owners in the subdivision the right to enforce the use re striction on the golf course. This is a com munal claim, not an individual one.” 

This is how Ahwatukee Lakes looked in August before overseeding was done. The course has become greener since then. (AFN file photo)

LAKESfrom page 1

it off for years.”

Maynard also challenged Barnes’ as sertion that his clients and their neigh bors have seen the value of their homes decline and have suffered a loss in the quality of life during the course’s closure.

“Plaintiffs never sued for the loss of value to homes in the neighborhood nor is there any credible evidence that ‘the occupants had invested life savings to ensure a secure retirement in a cohesive neighborhood’ and that their values cas caded south,” Maynard argued.

Maynard also slammed Barnes’ as sertion that by draining the lakes, Gee “killed hundreds of trees.”

“The lakes were drained to keep them from becoming an attractive nuisance that children could drown in and to keep them from becoming breeding ground for insects and mosquitos,” May nard wrote.

Maynard also insisted that his clients have complied with the original 2018 order that they reopen the course.

Superior Court Judge John Hannah is sued that ruling in June 2018 and Gee and his partners spent two years appeal ing it not only to the Arizona Supreme Court but also to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Maynard said Hannah noted that “nei ther the plaintiffs nor other Benefit Per sons are entitled to enter upon or use the Property for any purpose, including playing golf.

“Thus the Benefit Persons (other homeowners) only get the benefit of a golf course being built and opened on

the Property,” Maynard wrote. “They do not have the right to use the Golf Course, go on the Property or dictate how the Golf Course is built or run.”

“The question is whether ALCR com plied with the order to do what was nec essary to open the Golf Course by August 31, 2022, and the answer is yes,” he said.

Maynard advanced two key issues to justify that answer.

The first is the request by special mas ter who was appointed by the court to oversee the final months of the golf course’s restoration.

The special master, Mark Woodward, got permission from the third judge in the case to delay the opening until midOctober to give the overseeded rye grass a chance to grow and the underlying Bermuda grass to get stronger.

Maynard also cites the covenants, con ditions, and restrictions governing the golf course.

The CC&Rs state that the owner and any successors have “the right to rede sign or reconfigure the golf courses at the Property or remove, modify, alter, relocate, replace, expand, abandon, de molish, cease the use of or rebuild any of the improvements or facilities related to the use of the Property for golf courses, all at the discretion of the then-owner of the Property.”

“Thus, there is nothing in the CC&Rs that requires this to be a public golf course; it could be private, and access or membership restricted. The CC&Rs and Judge Hannah’s Court order only require

that golf course be built and operated,” Maynard asserted.

He also cited passages from Hannah’s 2018 ruling that said while Gee and his partners can’t use the site for any other purpose but golf, the CC&Rs “do not re quire the property owner to restore the Golf Course as it existed in May 2013.”

“Judge Hannah stated that compliance must be with the 1992 CC&Rs which states nothing about how many lakes, sand traps, trees, or plants, are required on the Golf Course,” Maynard wrote, adding that he and his clients kept Barnes apprised of the reconstruction throughout the process.

Maynard also told the judge that most defects Barnes cited have been correct ed or are in the process of remediation and that “steps are being taken and will be taken to keep the lakes algae free and pristine.”

He said the judge need not hold a hear ing on Barnes’ complaint and instead suggested she confer with Woodward because “he was in charge and ALCR fol lowed his orders and suggestions.” 

Historic District – Willo

Remarkably remodeled home WITH DETACHED GUEST HOUSE AND BASEMENT! 2,038 square foot with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Kitchen boasts custom - finish charcoal gray Shaker cabinetry with antique gold hardware, quartz counter tops, 36” farmhouse sink, an 11 foot island with breakfast bar seating, and a commercial appliance package including a 36” gas range. Open kitchen family room floor plan! Gas fireplace in the family room. Commercial grade framed windows and exteriors doors. New plumbing, new electrical wiring and new drywall. LED lighting throughout. 2022 HVAC units. Commercial grade water resistant LVP flooring throughout. New solid core interior doors. The master suite has a large walk in closet, double sinks, an enormous walk in shower and a stand alone bathtub. All three bathrooms have 4’ x 2’ polished porcelain tile flooring and shower surrounds, custom glass door shower

Bridges at Ocotillo

ASU making stadium less stressful for football fans

BY AAYUSH GUPTA Cronkite News

Colorful skies, mountain views and a sea of maroon and gold shirts pro vide a picturesque backdrop for Ari zona State football games.

Yet, despite the scenic atmosphere, ASU fans in recent years have expressed dis appointment with the overall game day experience. A 2017 survey of more than 500 fans by Cronkite News revealed that 71.5 percent were dissatisfied with the atmosphere.

implementing a new point-of-sale system, going cashless and adding additional por table beverage stations.

“We don’t have all the data yet, but all indications show that the lines are shorter and going faster,” Meitin said. “So we’ll do that survey again here at the end of the year and see what we need to focus on for next year.”

“I think with the stadium being refur bished and redone, it’s a lot better atmo sphere than it was. There’s more walking space,” said Doug Tammaro, senior as sociate athletic director, media relations.

Mountain Park Ranch

Listed for $475,000

Move in ready 1,594 sf 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home with north / south exposure! 2014 roof with 12 year warranty, 2015 Milgard windows including the sliding glass door to the back patio, and 2015 Therma - Tru front door. 2018 water heater. Motor on the 15 seer HVAC unit was replaced in 2020. Kitchen has a large eat – in dining area with bay window, breakfast bar and pantry. All appliances convey including the refrigerator and front load washer / dryer. The spacious great room has soaring vaulted ceilings and a cozy wood – burning fireplace with brick surrounds. Enormous storage closet under stairwell. Wood blinds and ceiling fans throughout. Ceiling fan in the secondary bedroom, that is currently being used as an office, was installed in 2022. Large master suite! Walk in closet in the master suite. Master bathroom has dual sinks and a walk in shower with a 2022 glass door enclosure. Both secondary bedrooms have gorgeous views of South Mountain! Pool size back yard! Low maintenance desert landscape in front and back. Slab in back pre-wired for a hot tub. Large side yard with storage shed. 2.5 car garage with work bench and built in cabinets.

Sun River

Listed for $825,000

Beautifully updated 4,247 sf home with 5 bedrooms, office, finished basement and four full bathrooms! Nearly a ¼ acre with a north facing back yard. One bedroom and one bathroom downstairs. Kitchen boasts rich, dark finish cabinetry, 2022 Quartz counter tops, center island, pantry, large eat-in casual dining area. All flooring replaced in November 2021; wood look vinyl plank flooring throughout with upgraded carpet in bedrooms and on staircase. 2021 baseboards throughout. 2022 interior and exterior paint. Master suite has a large walk in closet, dual sinks, separate walk in shower and Roman soaking tub. Large secondary bedrooms; one of the secondary bedrooms upstairs is enormous and would also make a great game room. All secondary bedroom closets have Classy Closet build outs. The large laundry room, with overhead cabinets for extra storage, is also built out as a mud room. The private back yard setting has a covered patio in addition to the elevated patio area off the kitchen, a large grass area, extensive hardscape, fire pit, and a sparkling pebble tec pool.

Scottdale Springs – Old Town

Now, five years later, those concerns continue to be addressed with improved stadium access and better pregame and in-game festivities as the school hopes to lure fans despite a 3-7 record and a head coaching change. Average home atten dance in 2022 is 43,787, 81% of its capac ity of 53,599. In 2021, ASU ranked 39th overall in attendance among Division I Schools with 47,248 fans per game.

“It’s definitely better,” said Jordan Wells, 28, who said he has come to ASU foot ball games with his family for years. “The concourses are better. I just wish we had a tailgate environment like some other Power 5 schools.”

Following each season, the team sends a survey to fans about the game day experi ence, said Mike Meitin, ASU’s senior asso ciate athletic director of ticketing.

Meitin is one of the figures responsible for the improvements seen at Sun Devil Stadium, where ASU will host Oregon State Saturday, but work remains in three key areas, fans say: the on-field product; pregame, in-game and post-game experi ences; and kickoff times.

When fans complained of long lines to enter the stadium in 2018, Meitin imple mented new metal detectors and a digital ticketing system that tripled the entrance speed into the stadium, he said.

“You already improved somebody’s game day because they don’t have to wor ry about getting stuck in a long line,” Mei tin said. “They can stay at their pregame party a little bit longer if they want to.”

Last year, many fans complained about long wait times in concession lines. Mei tin saw another opportunity for change,

“Sometimes you look and you see people, not in their seats, and sometimes those people are out on the concourse walking around, enjoying the concourse that we built for people to buy beer.”

Although these changes are decreasing fans’ stress levels during the game, Meitin is also working on improving the pregame experience at Sun Devil Stadium.

Recently, ASU football lost some park ing spaces surrounding Sun Devil Stadium due to the construction of Mullett Arena, a 5,000-seat facility designed to host ASU hockey, gymnastics and wrestling, and is also hosting the NHL’s Coyotes.

ASU began searching for innovative ways to use available space. It imple mented a new indoor-outdoor tailgate on the North Plaza of Desert Financial Arena to go along with the Coors Light tailgate at Desert Arboretum Park. Everything at the tailgate costs $4 and the site is fully equipped with air conditioning, bars and grills, outdoor games and televisions.

On the south side of the arena, Meitin and the Sun Devils have partnered with RevelXP, a fan experience and hospitality company, to provide a tailgate rental ser vice. RevelXP sets up the tent, coolers, and TVs for tailgaters, so “you’re getting a much better experience because you don’t have to deal with any of the hassles,” Meitin said.

Interim coach Shaun Aguano has also had an impact on the changes. In an at tempt to get fans excited about ASU foot ball, Aguano brought back the Sun Devil Walk, which features players and coaches walking around the outside of Desert Fi

nancial so they can interact with fans en route to Sun Devil Stadium.

Before a recent game against the Wash ington Huskies, the Devil Walk was crowd ed with families cheering on the team.

Tim Moriarty, an ASU police officer for 23 years, said he is excited about the di rection of ASU football.

“Being on the inside here is new for me, so a lot of the stuff is new,” Moriarty said. “But over the years, I’ve seen the game day experience grow in numbers.”

Although changes to the game-day experience provide more entertain ment options, the on-field product also impacts how fans feel. From a head coaching change to a quarterback con troversy, the 2022 season has been a tumultuous one.

Many fans have left the stands at half time due to poor performances on the field. Riding a four-game losing streak, it

was no shock that ASU’s win over Wash ington on Oct. 8 was the lowest-attended game this season at 39,244.

Tammaro pointed to fall break, adding, “It was an afternoon kick, and we were 1-4.”

“Let’s be honest, people go to games when we are winning,” he said. “We had a fantastic atmosphere for Oregon in 2019, but sometimes people just aren’t coming to a game because of game time. Some people can’t make it at 1 p.m game time.”

The Pac-12 tries to avoid early season daytime kickoffs in Arizona because of the heat. However, in 2019, games against Or egon, USC and Arizona had an attendance of over 50,000 to provide a must-see at mosphere.

USC and Arizona tend to bring the most fans to the stadium, Tammaro said, and not having them on the home schedule this season will hurt overall attendance numbers. 

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

LA CASA DE JUANA DELIVERS A KNOCKOUT WITH ITS FRESH, AUTHENTIC AND MOUTHWATERING FOOD

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

Don’t hesitate to stop by the Ahwatukee location 3941 E. Chandler Blvd. (S/W corner Chandler & 40th St) to make your next reservation call 480-823-2834 www.juanashouse.com

Go Behind the Scenes

Even after the election, an entire community of your friends and neighbors continue working with the Maricopa County Elections Department to ensure it is secure, transparent and accurate. Get the facts and learn what happens to your ballot after it’s cast by visiting BeBallotReady.Vote.

Cardinals offer cheap thrills compared to other NFL cities

BY DERRIAN CARTER Cronkite News

Home bittersweet home.

Although State Farm Stadium has not been kind to the Arizona Cardinals, who have won once in their last 10 home games, it apparently treats its fans well.

Research by Sidelines sports technol ogy and digital media company lists the Cardinals first in the NFL for offered the most affordable fan experience. Calcu lations include the price of an average wholesale ticket, parking, a 16-ounce beer and a hot dog at stadiums for pre season and regular season games.

The report revealed the Cardinals are the cheapest NFL team to follow this sea son with an average consumer total of $117.46 per game. The Las Vegas Raiders were the costliest at $273.47.

“It was a pretty packed game, so I think the ticket price for what I got was rea sonable,” said Tucson native Mark Islas, who attended the Seattle Seahawks vs. Cardinals game on Nov. 6. “Their parking

pass was surprisingly cheap, and it was one that was relatively close to the sta dium. It’s pretty affordable.”

The Cardinals have disappointed fans this season with their 4-6 record and inconsistent play. The team sits third in the NFC West and has Cardinals general manager Steve Keim, coach Kliff Kings bury and quarterback Kyler Murray searching for answers.

“Hard Knocks In Season: The Arizona Cardinals” debuted Nov. 9 and has pro vided an inside look on how the team hopes to turn things around. Despite the underwhelming play, the 47th most valu able sports franchise in the world has continued to fill its stadium.

Chicago native and college student Ja nae Bradford attended her first Cardinals game in October when Arizona faced the New Orleans Saints.

Bradford and her friends arrived an hour before the game and walked through the pedestrian underpass with “Arizona” engraved on one side and “Car dinals” etched on the other, which leads to State Farm Stadium’s south entrance.

They entered the 2023 Super Bowl site to the sight of a red sea with black and gold sprinkled around.

“I knew it was going to be an over whelming experience just knowing how serious the fan base is,” Bradford said. “I didn’t want to put too much pressure on what the experience would be like. I just wanted to walk in and let the environ ment speak for itself.”

Bradford paid around $50 for 400-level tickets. Low ticket prices are one reason that the Cardinals have the NFL’s least

expensive experience for fans.

Arizona has the most affordable park ing tickets in the NFL ($20) and ranks fifth in lowest average ticket price ($84.83), fourth in hot dog price ($4.50) and ninth in beer cost ($8.13), according to the report.

“The fan experience and making mon ey has to have a meeting point in the middle, where both are important,” said Ryan Nicklin, who was the primary lead

Coyote fans must now await Tempe voters’ decision

BY DANNY KARMIN Cronkite News

Adevelopment that has lacked clar ity over the past six months gained a bit of traction last week.

The Tempe City Council voted unani mously to reserve May 16 as the referen dum date for a proposed $2.1 billion de velopment project that includes a hockey arena, hotels, apartments, retail stores, restaurants and a sportsbook.

For the Arizona Coyotes and the city, this is only step one of a prolonged process since negotiations moved forward with the City Council in June – but any sign of progress is a breath of fresh air for an or ganization in dire need of future stability.

“We have always remained incredibly confident that this is the right project, the right deal, and we are the right team to get this done,” Coyotes President and CEO Xavier Gutierrez said. “We’d like to stay in Tempe.

“As you all know, we are here in Mullet Arena. As someone that recently told me, it is the most fun you will ever have at an NHL game, it’s been electric – and it’s just a preview. We always saw (Mullett Arena) as a temporary solution. We have put forth what we believe is the most transforma tive and iconic project for this community.”

The Tempe City Council will host two public hearings in the upcoming weeks about the new proposal. On Nov. 22, the Coyotes and Gutierrez will present their project proposal, one week before the City

Council votes to send it to a public referen dum on the already reserved May 16 date.

For the Tempe City Council, it valued the public’s feedback and wants the city’s fu ture to be in the community’s hands.

“I’ve been on council now for 10 and a half years, and I’ve never had a project that’s actually had this much public inter est with this much public attention,” Tem pe Mayor Corey Woods said.

“We have a 46-acre contiguous piece of land, and it’s the last probably huge parcel in Tempe that project could happen on. And as I talked about, before, every other sports arena project in some way, shape or form has gone before the voters or in some element of it has.

“So our perspective was better to have an opportunity to have this on the bal lot in March or May, which is where we have our council elections. Reserving this date for the May 16 election is very con sistent with what we do for all of our city elections, and gives our residents a real chance to have a say.”

There is also the potential problem of litigation from Sky Harbor International Airport, the City of Phoenix, the Goldwater Institute or local citizen groups.

According to a PHNX Sports report, the airport has threatened litigation over the construction of multi-residence units that it says violate a 1994 intergovernmental agreement between the cities, but that agreement appears to make an exception

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

With a significant part of its fan base in the East Valley, the Coyotes want to build an enter tainment district on 46 acres on the northeast corner of Priest Drive and Rio Salado Parkway in Tempe. (Lumen Strategies Arizona)

for soundproofed apartments such as the ones that the Coyotes plan to build; a point which Coyotes attorney Nick Wood drove home at the council meeting in June.

“We have had many conversations with the airport as you all know, we presented several times with the Phoenix Airport Advisory Board,” Gutierrez said. “We again had been fully transparent about what our project looked like.

“And the fact that we from day one want ed to put a proposal together that would not only satisfy the intergovernmental agreement, but also the Federal Aviation Association, who truly is focused on the safety and soundness of the airport. What we have proposed, what we will be putting forth, very publicly now, we believe will not only satisfy everything that the FAA wants, but what truly is allowed under the IGA.”

With the vote in the hands of the people, it’s hard to predict the outcome if the proj ect goes to a referendum. If the project is denied, the Coyotes will undoubtedly be in a predicament regarding their future home.

One recent sports complex development in Berlin, Maryland, was recently under a referendum to be built but the majority

of voters did not give their support. Even with the rejection, the project in Maryland is still seeking an alternative for funding.

In the general election, 52.37% of vot ers were against Question A, which was meant to determine whether the Worces ter County Commissioners could bond the costs associated with a sports complex. There were 9,424 (52.37%) votes against the question and 8,572 (47.63%) in favor to the question.

“The referendum wasn’t on a sports com plex,” Joe Mitrecic, the commissioner and President of the Board of County Commis sioners in Worcester County, told the MD CoastDispatch. “The referendum was on the bond issue. As far as I’m concerned, the sports complex project continues on. We just have to find a different way to fund it.”

The Coyotes referendum is on the sports complex, but Maryland’s close vote is an encouraging to the organization.

“We’ve seen a glimpse of (hockey in Tempe),” Gutierrez said. “Now imagine if you have an opportunity to create this transformative sports and entertainment district over 46 acres. That to us would be the crowning jewel of what Tempe has en visioned itself to be right here in the heart of the Valley.” 

on the Sidelines study. “But you should definitely, as a company, be trying to keep your fans happy.”

Through five home games, the Cardi nals are averaging 63,626 fans a game this season, which is an increase of ap proximately 1,000 from last year. Arizo na’s home schedule features popular op ponents including the Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots, whose fans travel well.

“Some of the visiting teams have a very strong contingent of fans that will travel regardless where the team plays, espe cially if it is a desirable destination (and) a warm weather place like (Arizona),” Middle Tennessee State University mar keting professor Don Roy said. “It’s not a matter of the tickets being priced low because there’s (no) demand. It’s just turning out to be good value for the fans.”

When fans attend games, the Cardi nals’ low-cost concession prices can impact the consumer one of two ways, said T. Bettina Cornwell, the head of the marketing department at the University of Oregon.

“One way that ticket price influences

fan experience is through the lens of ‘price-perceived quality,’ (where) a fan attributes low prices to low quality and feels that they are experiencing a lower standard than those in markets that pay more,” Cornwell said via email. “This might result in a fan leaving before the end of the game if things are not going well for the team and adding to their own and (the) negative experience of others.

“Another (route) is to experience an af fordable ticket as a boon and have a feel ing of enjoyment and appreciation.”

Bradford spent at most $100 during the week seven matchup and appreciat ed the ticket and concessions cost to get a true Cardinals game experience.

“Being from Chicago and never going to a (Chicago) Bears game, I can only imagine how much a regular meal is in Chicago, New York and all those big cit ies,” Bradford said.

Arizona will host the Super Bowl for the fourth time in February. It is uncer tain if the Cardinals will make the play offs and try to be the third consecutive team to play and win the big game in its hometown, but management, coaches, players and fans hope for a turnround before it’s too late. 

Phoenix

Phoenix City Council last week unanimously approved a lease of about 10 acres at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport land to Phoenix Rising FC for construction of a temporary stadium.

The team gave no reason why it is leav ing the stadium it built just within the last 18 months on Gila River Indian Com munity land near Wild Horse Pass Resort and Casino.

The facility will be located at 3801 E. Washington St., Phoenix, next to Phoenix Park ‘n Swap and across from a Valley Metro light rail stop at 38th Street/Gate Way Community College.

“This move will allow us to immediate ly upgrade our gameday fan experience, which has always been our top priority,” said Phoenix Rising FC Governor Bill Kraus. “Accessibility to the site is excel lent and there will be opportunities to create partnerships with the small busi nesses at Phoenix Park ‘n Swap.”

relocating stadium to city

The lease calls for the team to pay $300,000 in rent the first year and total rent over the five-year agreement will be $1.5 million, according to city documents.

The team will “construct a temporary soccer stadium and associated facilities that may include concession stands, a portable sports book, and a practice fa cility,” those documents state.

“The capacity, look and feel of the club’s current stadium at Wild Horse Pass will be transferred to the new, more centrally located site in Phoenix during the offsea son,” the team said in an announcement. “Rising intends to host its 2023 home opener and season at the new site begin ning in March 2023.”

Kraus said the team hopes “to continue working with them to allow thousands of children and visiting professional soccer teams to use the beautiful soccer fields we developed together at Wild Horse Pass.”

The team moved to the Gila Riover Ini dan Community to improve the fan expe rience over that of its facility at Casino Arizona site at McClintock Drive and Red

Phoenix Rising FC opened their soccer complex at Wild Horse Pass in 2021 but have now decided to move to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport land. (Special to AFN)

Mountain Loop 202 Freeway.

When it announced the move two years ago, it said the new location would increase seating capacity, enable con struction on luxury suites and add addi tional training facilities.

City Councilman Sal DiCiccio praised Councilman Carlos Garcia and Mayor Kate Gallego for their work on the ar rangement.

Garcia said Phoenix Rising’s presence in Phoenix will “bring economic value to the city” as well as his district. 

GOT NEWS?

Contact Paul Maryniak at 480898-5647 or pmaryniak@ timeslocalmedia.com

Labor-starved building industry seeks young people to fill jobs

DAVID M. BROWN AFN Contributor

Gilbert High School seniors Mason Reading and Lucas Beals attended this year’s Arizona Construction Ca reer Days because they wanted to know more about the industry.

Clarissa Tonkin, a student at the East Valley Institute of Technology, was there because she hopes to take her construc tion training into a decorative arts career.

The three were among a record 4,428 Arizona students participating in the 21st-annual event, organized by the Phoenix-based Association for Construc tion Career Development and hosted by the Arizona National Guard in Papago Park in Phoenix.

Accompanied by 410 teachers, the students traveled from 80 schools in 11 counties for AZCCD, which promotes ca reer opportunities in – and dismisses stereotypes – about the high-paying con struction industry.

With the country investing heavily in infrastructure during the next few years, expect more emphasis on vocational training, said Stephen Cole, workforce development trainer for California-based Rosendin Electric, which has a regional Tempe office.

“I think the industry needs to incentiv ize young people to go into vocations the same way as recruiters and high school guidance counselors do for how many students go on to college,” he said.

Cole noted that the hourly base pay for a journeyman union wireman is $32.55 in the Valley, not including the insurance and pension that comes with the job.

At the same time, electricians in the mining industry are earning as much as $48,194 annually, according to the Ari zona Mining Association, while concrete ready-mix truck drivers bring in up to $72,000 per year, according to the Arizo na Rock Products Association.

The students had an opportunity to in teract with 76 exhibitors and potential

employers in Arizona.

For years, negative attitudes about skilled labor work have predominated as high schools and parents pushed young people into college as the only sure path to success.

At the event, however, students and professionals talked about career options without a high-cost – and often high-debt –college degree.

“AZCCD is the largest workforce develop ment event in the state, generating a new pipeline of skilled workers. Our focus is attracting high school students to the in dustry while educating their teachers and counselors to the vast opportunities and careers available to make a very good liv ing in construction,” said Rose Ann Caniza les, president of the nonprofit event.

“We are ‘Building Tomorrows Work force Today’ one student at a time.”

On site were general contractors, such as McCarthy Building Companies of Phoe nix and Chandler; specialty contractors, labor unions, regulatory and compliance firms such as the International Code Council and the Arizona Building Officials Association.

Also attending were representatives of the National Electrical Contractors Asso ciation, Associated General Contractors, Arizona chapter, and the National Asso ciation of Women in Construction.

“This event is a massive collaboration of prominent industry leaders, educators, legislators and our honored military part ners who engage in positive dialogue sup porting the creation of educational cur riculum and workforce development for Arizona students,” said Steve Trussell, ex ecutive director of the Arizona Rock Prod ucts Association and the Arizona Mining Association, lead sponsors of the event.

“It has grown into a premier event in the

state. Including this year’s group, more than 35,000 students have attended in its 21-year history.”

Stephen Cole, workforce development trainer for Rosendin, explained,” young people often aren’t aware of the oppor tunities, and this event is a phenomenal opportunity to meet and talk with people in the industry who have made successful lives in the trades.”

One example of this is the company’s CEO, Mike Greenawalt, a graduate of Sun nyslope High School in Phoenix who began his career as an electrician’s apprentice.

The employee-owned company is one of the country’s largest electrical contrac tors, employing 7,500-plus people, with annual revenues averaging $2 billion.

Current Valley projects include the $800-million Meta Data Center project in Mesa and the $20-billion Intel Chandler semiconductor manufacturing plant in Chandler.

At the career gathering, Rosendin em ployees demonstrated technologies such as computer modeling and augmented reality as well as guided students on basic electrical wiring, power and hand tools and helped them bend conduit pipes, which appeared in various shapes such as hearts and canes.

They also noted that Rosendin has partnered with Grand Canyon University in Glendale on a Pre-Apprenticeship for Electricians program

The one-semester course combines col lege-level classes with hands-on learning fully paid for 80 students by the company and a government grant.

For employees, Rosendin will contribute toward the $10,000 for the four-year ap

More than 4,000 area high school stu dents attended a career day presenta tion by the labor-starved construction industry. (Courtesy of Rosendin Electric)

prenticeship program offered by the Inter national Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

McCarthy has been participating all 21 years.

“We see the value of reaching stu dents to educate about careers in con struction,” said Amber Shepard, self-per form project manager for the company from its Chandler Innovation and Craft Workforce Center.

“At this event, they can see, feel and breathe construction,” she added, as asso ciates behind her are cacophonously dem onstrating nail driving.

In addition to her project work, Shepa rd visits local schools to promote careers in the trades.

“We do a good job as a company, but there’s always more opportunity to bring more folks in: project managers, superin tendents, carpenters. Let’s bring in every one,” said Shepard, whose father recently retired from McCarthy after 35 years in the industry, starting as a carpenter and advancing to superintendent.

“It’s a cool thing, construction,” she not ed. “It’s always evolving!”

At Rosendin, Charity Mell leads the Out

reach Team, visiting schools, where she talks about the industry and leads career fairs and talks about opportunities, in cluding for women who are significantly underrepresented in construction.

“A big focus for us is fighting the myth that you have to be the guy on the side of the road with the hard hat,” she said, noting

that the company sponsors the AGC’s Cul ture of Care and is dedicated to developing opportunities for women and minorities.

After moving to Florida, EVIT’s Tonkin, for example, plans to become a metal artist, using her pipe-bending and welding skills acquired at the school. Her dream business will produce flowers, dragons and other designs to decorate companies and homes, and she plans to blog about welding.

Gilbert High’s Reading and Beals are op timistic about their opportunities, the first in welding and the latter in engineering af ter continuing his education at ASU. “These jobs aren’t going to go away,” Reading said. “They are going to be around for a while.”

Nationwide workforce shortages have become the most prominent industry con cern. In October, construction added just 1,000 employees despite a high demand for labor, according to an analysis by the AGC, based in Arlington, Va.

At the same time, national hourly earn ing bumped to $35.27, a 5.6% year-overyear increase, exceeding the overall pri vate sector figure.

“The construction sector would likely have added more jobs in October if only firms could find people to bring on board,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s

chief executive officer in a prepared state ment with the analysis. “Labor market conditions are so tight, however, that the sector barely increased in size even as de mand remains strong for many types of construction projects.”

In Arizona, the industry needs about 1,000 electricians with the growth planned; other skilled tradesmen and –women will also be in greater demand, Cole explained.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there will be 80,000 new electrical jobs available every year until 2031.

“The pandemic sped up the ‘silver tsuna mi’ as baby boomers retired at a faster rate than they could be replaced,” he added.

He noted, too, that the construction in dustry must work on a glamour factor, to brand itself for millennials/Gen Z’ers. “We are connected to creativity. We build things,” Cole said, adding:

“It’s very rewarding in a way that work ing at the computer all day might not be. Some of our people take pictures of their work and share them on social media with others; they’re proud of what they’ve done. They can see what they are working on and come back years later and say, ‘I built that.’” 

EVIT student Nicole Leach learned some things about pipe bending during the career day program. (Courtesy of Rosendin Electric)

State adds 100K jobs but housing limits more growth

BY FERNANDA GALAN MARTINEZ Cronkite News

Arizona will have added more than 100,000 jobs by the end of the year, with 86,000 of them in metro Phoenix, economist Dennis L. Hoffman told Wednesday’s 59th annual ASU/PNC Bank Economic Forecast Luncheon.

Arizona continues to have a pro-growth economic setting with a competitive tax structure, but declining housing affordabil ity, inflation and interest rate hikes threat en to slow economic expansion, said Hoff man, director of the L. William Seidman Institute, which is part of Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business.

Although the state is still adding jobs, Hoffman urged those attending the down town Phoenix luncheon to take steps, such as emphasizing education, to bring more innovators and entrepreneurs to Arizona.

“I would like us to be more cognizant of the fact that young and innovative people can work and live anywhere in this coun try,” said Hoffman, who also is director of ASU’s Office of the University Economist. “We have to be attractive and welcoming to those folks.”

Hoffman was one of the economic experts who painted a fairly rosy outlook for Arizona against a backdrop of the na tion’s slowing economic growth and high inflation.

Christopher Waller, a member of the

Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors, said taming inflation remains the Fed’s top goal even if it means imposing shortterm economic pain.

Arizona has done well in national rank ings when it comes to the economy. For in stance, it ranked fifth in a recent survey by job-resources website CareerCloud when it comes to offering the strongest employ ment prospects. It trailed Florida, Wash ington, Delaware and Nevada. The survey also said Arizona offers employers a large and educated workforce.

Hoffman, pointing to census data, said Arizona remains the fourth fastest grow ing state in population growth and is among the top three destinations for do mestic movers. Panelists pointed out Ari zona has long touted its relatively low cost of living and has lower minimum wages than some other states.

The state’s minimum wage of $12.80 per hour is scheduled to increase to $13.85 starting Jan. 1.

Housing affordability, however, has declined because of rising home prices. Phoenix-area home prices are forecasted to increase 1.7% in the 12 months start ing in September, according to the most current S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Index.

“Housing is considerably less affordable here in Arizona than it was five years ago,” Hoffman said, adding that it’s especially hard on millennials and other younger home buyers.

Inflation an unwanted guest at holiday table

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

PHOENIX -- A war half way around the world is going to take a huge bite out of the wallets of Arizonans this Thanksgiving.

New figures from the Arizona Farm Bu reau Federation put the cost of a typical dinner for 10 at $71.88. That’s up near 45% from 2021 and higher than its ever been since the organization began doing the an nual surveys nearly three decades ago.

What’s causing much of that spike is the war in Ukraine, which has historically been a major world grain producer. The conflict and an on-again, off-again Russian blockade has tightened international sup plies and driven up prices.

That, in turn, affects everything from feed for turkeys to the stuff and ingredi ents for dinner rolls.

But it’s not just that.

The country experienced its first major outbreak of avian flu since 2015. And to prevent the spread, producers killed en tire flocks during the first half of the year

if just one bird gets sick, resulting in the loss of more than 47 million birds accord ing to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Julie Murphree, outreach director for the organization, said the National Turkey Fed eration figures that will affect supply by 2%.

“But even a 2% drop in supply contrib utes to higher turkey prices,’’ she said.

Indeed. Shoppers from the organization found the average price of a 16-pound tur key topped $32. That alone is 65% higher than the cost for the same bird a year ago.

And then there’s the rising cost of diesel fuel and labor that affects pretty much ev erything that has to be raised or harvested and taken to market.

“The cost to produce those items have increased exponentially,’’ said Stefanie Smallhouse, a cattle rancher, alfalfa and specialty crop farmer from Pima County. And she said that because of the “com plexities of our food system’’ the average farmer is generally not getting more mon ey for their products.

Even the cost of packaging materials is up.

All that, for example, adds up to that 14-ounce box of stuffing setting you back

$3.93. That’s $1.15 more than you would have paid last year.

Even vegetables, milk and cranberries are more dear this year than in the past.

What’s important to note in all this, however, is that the annual survey is based on the shelf price that federation shoppers found when they went to the store. More to the point, it does not include the sav ings that are available for customers who hold a grocer’s affinity card.

And there are some deals to be had.

Fry’s, for example, is offering its own Kroger brand frozen turkeys for 79 cents a pound to shoppers who have the com pany’s VIP Card and who buy at least $25 worth of other groceries. That compares with the $2-a-pound average found by Farm Bureau shoppers.

And a brand-name Butterball turkey can be had for 99 cents a pound with the same requirements.

Bashas’ is offering Norbest turkeys for 79 cents with to its Thank You Card mem bers with a $25 purchase. And the chain’s Food City outlets has the same deal, though no card required.

The high cost of Thanksgiving

Item This year Last year

Self-basting 16 lb. turkey $32.02 $19.40

14-ounce stuffing mix $3.93 $2.78

Pumpkin pie mix (30 oz.) $5.11 $3.86

9-inch frozen pie shell (2) $5.08 $3.46

3 lb. fresh sweet potatoes $5.09 $4.26

Brown & serve rolls (12) $4.28 $3.14

Frozen peas (16 oz.) $2.27 $1.67

1 lb mixed celery & carrots $0.83 $0.70

1 gallon whole milk $3.34 $2.49

Fresh cranberries (12 oz.) $3.01 $2.54

Half pint whipping cream $2.79 $1.87

And Safeway and Albertsons, now owned by the same company, are match ing any deals at Fry’s or Bashas’.

The Farm Bureau did not do a survey this year for an all-organic dinner. 

WARNING!

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN TREATMENTS

NOT WORKING!!

Mesa, AZ – When it comes to chronic pain and/ or neuropathy, the most common doctor-prescribed treatment is drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin.

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

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

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

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

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

1. Finding the underlying cause

2. Determining the extent of the nerve damage (above 95% nerve loss is rarely treatable)

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

Aspen Medical in Mesa, AZ uses a state-of-the-art electric cell signaling systems worth $100,000.00.

Th is ground-breaking treatment is engineered to achieve the following, accompanied by advanced diagnostics and a basic skin biopsy to accurately analyze results:

1. Increases blood flow

2. Stimulates and strengthens small fiber nerves

3. Improves brain-based pain

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

It’s completely painless!

THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT THIS TREATMENT IS COVERED BY MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND MOST INSURANCES!!

The number of treatments required varies from patient to patient, and can only be determined following an in-depth neurological and vascular examination. As long as you have less than 95% nerve damage, there is hope!

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

Aspen Medical will be offering this free chronic pain and neuropathy severity evaluation will be available until October 31st, 2022. Call (480) 274 3157 to make an appointment

Due to our very busy office schedule, we are limiting this offer to the first 10 c allers Y OU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER ANOTHER MINUTE, CALL (480) 274 3157 NOW!!

We are extremely busy, so we are unavailable, please leave a voice message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Aspen Medical 4540 E Baseline Rd., Suite 119 Mesa AZ 85206

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

Effective neuropathy treatment relies on the following three factors:

Depending on your coverage, your peripheral neuropathy treatment could cost almost nothing – or be absolutely free.

Kicking off the holidays

The Festival of Lights Kickoff Party saw great weather and fun as it returned Saturday to Ahwatukee after a two-year absence. Among those who enjoyed themselves were: 1) Courtney and Ben Moore, who enjoyed some snacks with Jett, Teddy and Ian Hogue; 2) Karri and Angel Caro, who watch Ali, 7, and Xavier, 3, as they paint; 3) Carolers who sing to the crowd; 4) kids who rolled around in giant inflatable balls; 5) families that lined up for the row of bounce houses and inflatable slides; 6) Candy Nguyen, who helped finish 4-year-old Nora’s sand art as Owen, 5, showed his off.

by David Minton AFN Staff Photographer

Photos

www.ahwatukee.com

BY JUNE TESDALL AFN Guest Writer

Every day Ahwatukee Seniors enjoy the many services provided by the YMCA’s Outreach Program for Ah watukee Seniors, but did you know the Y OPAS program also offers volunteers a fun way to give back to our community?

This month, Y OPAS members and Ah watukee residents want to recognize one of the generous few who contributes time and energy to help independent seniors stay independent.

One of those talented volunteers is Bev Strom.

Strom has had an impressive career background which included working for IBM for many years. Even though she still works in her field, Strom has volunteered her time and talent to Y OPAS for more than 15 years.

“I love working with our clients and vol unteers. This program helps keep seniors

NEWS STAFF

An Ahwatukee author will be the special guest on a world -wide broadcast to discuss his latest book.

Dennis Lambert will appear live at 6 p.m. next Wednesday, Nov. 30, on EWTN, the Catholic Television Network.

“The show, hosted by Fr. Mitch Pacwa, is one of the networks flagship programs, so it is a real privilege to have received an in vitation to appear on it” said Lambert, who departed from novel writing to pen “For Real? Christ’s Presence in the Eucharist.”

The 182-page Liguori Publications pa perback aims “to radically change, affirm, or deepen your belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist,” according to the publisher.

Drawing mainly on the Bible, it explores what Lambert believes is evidence of

in their home and that is a great thing,” said Strom.

Currently, Strom serves as the bus trip navigator, providing fun shopping trips for a small group of seniors twice a month.

She also serves on the Advisory Council and provides a training ori entation for all new vol unteers.

She believes the volun teers are critical for com munity vitality, stating that for some situations, “the volunteer may be the only person the se nior sees.”

“The program offers [volunteers] a chance to make a difference in someone’s life imme diacy. Giving a senior a safe, pleasant ride to an appointment gives [me] a good feeling,” added Strom.

By volunteering with

see YOPAS page 26

Y OPAS not just for seniors but for volunteers, too Ahwatukee author on world-wide TV show

of the Catholic faith,” Lambert told AFN in an interview earlier this year.

“Sadly there are Catholics who misun derstand what it is and what our faith teaches about it. Of course, of all the beliefs and teachings of the Church, the Eucharist can and often is a dividing point between the Protestant and Catholic faiths.

Lambert said his latest book has been well-received.

The Boston Pilot, which serves the Dio cese of Boston, published a review that said “For Real” benefited for Lambert’s insights and research and called it “help ful for anyone who would gain a better un derstanding of Catholic beliefs about the Eucharist and holy Communion.

view of official church teachings,” the re view said.

Lambert and his wife are 22-year resi dents of Ahwatukee.

He is a deacon at Corpus Christi Parish in Ahwatukee and he and his wife play in the long running Ahwatukee group, the Lil’ Debbie Band.

Lambert wrote and published five years ago an award-winning novel called “The Table,” about a fictional table built by Je sus’ grandfather that is handed down over centuries and is discovered by a man dur ing a spiritual crisis and emotional loss.

Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist – the bread shared at communion during a mass.

“The Eucharist is the source and summit

His discussion of what both Old and New Testaments contribute to these be liefs is well done, as is his summary of the teachings of the early fathers of the Church on the topic at hand and his over

Though he still writes fiction and has completed two more novels, he felt a need to steer his literary attention to “the gracegiving gift that the Eucharist is.”

He can be reached at deacondenn islambert@gmail.com or dennislam bert-writer.com. 

Red-shirted Bev Strom also is the bus trip navigator, providing fun shopping trips for a small group of seniors twice a month. (Special to AFN)

Bev Strom is one of the talented volunteers who helps seniors in the YMCA’s Outreach Program for Ahwatukee Seniors, or Y OPAS. (Special to AFN)

AFN

DENNIS LAMBERT

Lionhearts reign

The Mountain Pointe High School Li onhearts Marching Band, hosts of this month’s 2022 Arizona Marching Band Association Division 1A champion ships, emerged as the 1A Champion.

The Lionhearts earned special recogni tion awards for highest score in music, marching, flagline and general effect, said band director Leo Werner. The 1A competition comprised 42 marching bands, each with groups of up to 49 members - the Lionhearts, at 38 mem bers strong, not only outscored the 1A Division, but also many of the bands in 2A and 3A. Though the Lionhearts’ competitive marching season has con cluded, they will continue to perform in support of the MPHS football team at home games. (Special to AFN)

YOPAS from page 25

Y OPAS, Strom can provide clients with the opportunity to get out of the house and socialize at regular luncheons and so cial events.

A new addition to the program is an arts and craft class that seniors can re ceive transportation to. At the most re cent class, clients made sun catchers for a fun project.

It’s opportunities like these that make

giving back to the community a great way to meet and make new friends in town.

“We could not function without our amazing volunteers,” said, Program Di rector Brenda Nichols. “Our volunteers provide many different types of service,

some provide transportation to medical appointments, some take our clients shop ping and some offer their time with friend ly visits, both in person and on the phone.

“Other volunteers work on various projects like the Y OPAS newsletter, small home repairs, writing articles for the newspaper, or setting up for the many so cial events Y OPAS offers. We even have a 91-year-old volunteer who moved out of state but continues to call all our clients age 85 and older and sing happy birthday to them on their special day,” she added.

In addition to engaging with clients, Y OPAS also provides opportunities for volunteers to meet and greet each other through monthly social events.

When you add it all up, the program is a win for everyone.

To learn how you can help seniors in our community, call the Y OPAS office at 602-212-6088, or visit our website at valleyymca.org/opas/ or our facebook page at facebook.com/ymcaOPAS

Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee needs help in mkaing group home foster kids merry

The Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee is again conducing a drive for Christmas gifts for children and teens in group foster homes. The children, mostly teens, often have no one ex cept each other and the club tries to add a bit of cheer with gifts.

Items they are seeking include stocking stuffers, such as $25 gift cards to Walmart, Amazon or AMC Theaters or $10 to $15 gift cards for fast food restaurants; clothing in men’s sizes such as jogging and pajama pants, gym shorts and graphic and colored T-shirts; and monetary donations.

There are multiple ways to help. First, go online to ah watukeekiwanis.org; second, send a check payable to the Ahwatukee Kiwanis in care of the club at PO Box 50596, PHX., AZ 85076.

There are also donation boxes at” Ahwatukee YMCA, 1030 E. Liberty Lane; Ahwatukee Swim Tennis and Activity Cen ter, 4700 E. Warner Road; Dr. E Dentistry, 4206 E. Chandler Blvd., Music Makers Workshop, 3233 E. Chandler Blvd., West USA Realty, 4505 E. Chandler Blvd., Clearwater Senior Living, 15815 S. 50th St.; and Mountain View Lutheran Church, 1002 S. 48th St.

Ahwatukee Skin & Laser partners with Armer Foundation on gift drive

Ahwatukee Skin & Laser is partnering with the Armer Foundation for Kids to provide new, unwrapped gifts to in fants and teens through November.

Items may be dropped off to 4425 E. Agave Road, Build ing #9 Suite #148 through Nov. 30. For their donation, par ticipants will receive $5 gift cards to be used towards retail purchases.

Teens ages 13-18 are in special need of gifts this year. For more information, call 480-704-7546 or email lindak@asl cares.com.

New 5K fun run benefits Festival of Lights, Foothills HOA on Dec. 10

A 5K fun run will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 10 to benefit the Foothills Association HOA’s support of the annual holiday lights display on Chandler Bouelvard.

The run will be chip-timed by Mangled Momentum but there are neither age groups nor awards.

The event is raising money for the HOA’s support of the lights. Registration fees are $45 for adults and $35 for children through Nov. 30 and registrants are entitled to along=sleeve event T-shirt if they meet the Nov. 28 deadline. Fees rise by $5 through Nov. 9 and $10 for same-day registration.

A VIP package with a finisher medal completed with LED light, fleece jacket and event socks is available for $60 until Nov. 28 and these items also can be purchased separately.

The route along Chandler Boulevard,. beginning and end ing at Desert Foothills Park, will have three themed stations along the way and cookies and hot chocolate will be served at the end of the run.

Sponsors include Kate’s Real Food, Illuminate You Fitness, The Holes Team Real Estate and LMNT Stay Salty. Additional sponsorship are available and interested parties can email info@mangledmomentum.com. For more details on the run and to register, go to millionlights5k.com.

Live Nativity returning to Ahwatukee this Christmas season with a camel

The free live Nativity that has become an annual staple in

the community at Christmastime is returning

Featuring live animals – including a camel – it will be out side the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 2955 East Frye Road, next to Desert Vista High School, 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 9.

An outdoor luminary path to tell the story of Jesus’ birth. Free hot cocoa is provided and free parking is at DV High.

Holiday dance party at Cactus Jacks

Cactus Jacks is hosting its annual Holiday Dance Party on Dec. 2. Starting at 6:30 p.m ., there will be line dancing les sons and open dancing. Treats and raffles also are on tap.

Wear ugly sweaters or ones reflecting the holiday spirit.. There is a $5 cover. Cactus Jacks Bar & Grill is located at the southwest corner of 48th St. and Elliot Road, Ahwatukee.

Information: Carrie at cmcneish@cox.net or www.dance meetsfitness.net.

Sun Valley Church, Kyrene Foundation seek donors for Winter Wonderland

The Kyrene Foundation has launched an annual drive to help needy families have a merrier Chirstmas.

The foundation hopes to provide each designated fam ily with a co-branded Foundation and Landings Credit Union visa card for groceries for the Winter Wonderland efforts as well cards for gifts for each of the kids for Winter Won derland.

In addition, organizers are sorting through toys collected from the previous live event and will be distributing those as well at Winter Wonderland.

“We anticipate the need to be much larger this year,” foundation member Rick Richardson said.

People are asked to consider cash donations only as orga nizers are not collecting gift cards or items.

The foundation said its 2021 donation drive “was a great success due to a tremendous outpouring of generosity from our community and partners. The Kyrene Foundation, Sun Valley Church and the Kyrene District were able to ensure over 200 families and 700 children did not go without the simple joys of the holiday season.”

To donate, go to kyrenefoundation.org.

Armer Foundation launches toy and blood drives to help sick kids and families

The Armer Foundation for Kids – an Ahwatukee-based non-profit that helps families with children who have ex treme medical needs – is hosting its fourth annual holiday toy drive to benefit the Banner Cardon pediatric intensive care and oncology units.

It also has scheduled a blood drive 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 10 at 9830 S. 51st St., Ahwatukee.

The foundation is looking for Valley businesses that would host a donation bin and serve as a drop-off location for the unopened toys to bring smiles and hope to children battling for their lives.

“A brand-new toy can mean the world to a sick child and as parents who have been through this we know what a difference just one toy can make in a child’s life when they spend several weeks in hospital,” said Jennifer Armer, the foundation’s founder.

The foundation also is hoping for toy donations.

“It can be as big of a toy or as small as you can afford, but every little bit helps us give back to these children and their families. We just thank everyone for helping us spread some holiday cheer once again this year,” said Armer.

To sign up for a donation box, go toarmerfoundation.org or call 480.257.3254.

Other items the Armer Foundation will be collecting include: baby dolls, blankets, comfy socks, crayons, pajama pants, hair brush/comb, hair ties, coloring books, kids’ games and books, puzzles and stuffed animals.

Information: armerfoundation.org/toydrive.

Ahwatukee Women’s Social Club plans evening bash

The Ahwatukee Women’s Social Club, open to women 16 and up has scheduled Putting on the Ritz 6:30-10 p.m. Dec. 7 at Wild Horse Pass’ Palo Verde Ballroom, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd.

Women ages 16 and up are invited to “get dolled up” and meet other women from Ahwatukee to celebrate a hear of socializing.

The $100 tickets include hor’s d’ourves, entertainment, dinner buffet, raffles and dancing. Cocktail attire is optional and there will be a cash bar. Tickets are available at sendo matic.com/AWSCRITZ.

Ironwood Library offers free activities for all ages this month

Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee, pres ents a variety of programs for children, teens and adults. Un less otherwise noted, free tickets are required and available 30 minutes before programs’ start times at the library’s in formation desk.

For more information: phoenixpubliclibrary.org.

Babytimes

Babies ages birth to 23 months, accompanied by a favor ite adult, will enjoy songs, rhymes, books, and interactive fun. Tuesdays, 10:30-11:10 a.m. Space is limited to 12 families. There is no Babytime Nov. 29.

Toddlertimes

Toddlers ages 24-36 months, accompanied by a favorite adult, will enjoy songs, rhymes, books, and interactive fun. Thursdays, 10:30-11:10 a.m. Space is limited to 12 families. There is no Toddlertime today, Nov. 24.

Full STEAM ahead for kids

Children ages 5-11 can explore hands-on creative ways to design, experiment, and invent. Saturdays, 2-3 p.m., in this Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) program. Space is limited to 10 families. It will not be held today, Nov. 26.

Next Chapter Book Club

This inclusive community-based book club is designed for people ages 12+ with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have a desire to make friends, explore their community, and read (regardless of current reading ability). This weekly gathering is free and occurs every Wednes day, from 3-4 p.m. Registration required in the library or on line in the calendar section of the library’s website 

Constables least understood law enforcement agents

BY BRIDGET BELLAVIGNA AFN Guest Writer

Recently I discussed health and safety evictions as well as “exclusive use” evictions. This week I would like to pass along infor mation on constables and the public trust. Are Constables peace officers?

A constable who is duly elected or who is appointed by the board of supervisors has the authority of a peace officer only in the performance of the constable’s of ficial duties.

The term “constable” means different things in different jurisdictions. In some places it is a title or a rank in law enforce ment. In others, it refers to a specific as signment for certain law enforcement officers.

However, in Arizona, a constable is an officer of the county justice courts. Like

justices of the peace, constables are elect ed by the people of their local precincts to serve four-year terms.

Constables and their deputies are the executive enforcement branch of the county justice courts.

A common misconception about con stables is that they are a part of the county sheriff’s office.

While constables perform many of the same roles in justice courts that sheriffs do in superior courts, and occasionally they may provide assistance to one anoth er, the two offices are not related.

While constables are certified by the same board that certifies training for police and sheriffs, they do not perform many of the more traditional law enforce ment duties that police and sheriffs do, such as traffic enforcement or criminal investigations.

It is likely that, because they are not highly visible, constables are the least un

derstood branch of law enforcement in Arizona.

Perhaps the most common concern about constables is their qualifications. Constables wear badges but they generally do not wear uniforms or drive marked cars, so most people do not recognize them.

Due to the nature of their work, there can be some confusion among members of the public as to whether they really are qualified peace officers.

Although any registered voter may run for the office, some constables are former federal, state, county and/or local law en forcement officers. However, prior law en forcement experience is not required and law enforcement tactics are rarely needed in the work of the Kyrene constable.

Force itself is rarely needed in constable work. Instead, during my eight months on the job, I have relied on empathy and compassion to defuse potentially volatile situations.

Whether I am serving an eviction, sub poena or order of protection, I treat each individual with respect and dignity, know ing that they are dealing with an unimag inably stressful situation. This approach has made me an effective constable, and I look forward to serving our community for another four years.

Besides communication with property management, this piece of information is important and I shout it out in every col umn. Let me emphasize again! The most fundamental action you can take if you are faced with an eviction is turn in your keys. Move out.

You will still have a judgment and owe money but you will avoid an eviction on your record, which typically stays for seven years.

Bridget Bellavigna is the constable for the Kyrene Justice Court, which includes Ahwatukee. 

www.ahwatukee.com

Businesses hopeful as holiday shopping revs up

BY JOSH ORTEGA AND ALEX GALLAGHER Staff Writer

Slammed as much as their customers have been this year by inflation and supply line disruptions, Scottsdale and East Valley small business owners hope the Christmas shopping season will bring them a little cheer.

Buoying those hopes are reports like one earlier this month by Catherine Cul len, senior director of industry and con sumer insights for the National Retail Federation and NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz, who predict healthy holiday sales as consumer spending continues to reinforce economic activity.

“Almost regardless of what’s going on in the economy, consumers want to celebrate holidays,” Cullen said. “They want to give gifts to their loved ones, and they want to make this time of year feel special.”

But while Kleinhenz predicted holiday retail sales would grow by 6-8% this year, the federation noted that its research also shows “consumers are feeling the impact

of inflation in different ways.

“Higher-income consumers are plan ning to spend more than they did in 2021, while lower- to middle-income individu als are more cautious when setting bud

gets for the holiday season,” the federation said, echoing similar predictions by other experts.

Regan Amato, vice president and retail specialist for the global real estate invest

ment company Jones Lang Lasalle said, “Local performance and sales numbers among metro Phoenix restaurants, retail ers and most services are strong” and that the Valley is “in a very good position going into the holiday season, which tradition ally only further boosts sales.”

“In-store shopping has experienced something of a renaissance this year, beat ing online ordering for the top shopping method,” JLL’s annual holiday shopping survey said. “After two years of dealing with the pandemic by staying close to home, consumers are ready to get back to shopping in stores.”

Against this backdrop, area business owners are keeping their fingers crossed even though the pandemic gave way to continuing supply line disruptions, higher costs and staffing shortages.

“After everything opened back up again, we were charged around a 7% surcharge added to the delivery fee,” said Ana Wells, owner of urbAna in the Scottsdale Quar

Ferguson opens giant automated warehouse for the East Valley

BY KEN SAIN Tribune Staff Writer

Chandler is welcoming another busi ness heavyweight to the city after Ferguson, North America’s leading distributor of plumbing and HVAC sup plies, opened a new market distribution center on Queen Creek Road Nov. 15.

The facility is one of the ways the compa ny with 37,000 suppliers hopes to improve supply-chain slowdowns that have plagued companies since the pandemic began.

The Chandler location is the second such distribution center the company has opened as part of this new strategy, following the original in the Denver area. Eventually, the company hopes to have more than 30 of these centers.

The Chandler center adds 75 new jobs to the area and employs approximately

200 associates. The 365,000-square-foot facility distributes residential plumbing, lighting and appliances, commercial and industrial products to all of Arizona, New Mexico and West Texas.

“We’re looking at between 32 and 35 distribution centers,” said James Ogden, the Southwest director of branch opera tions for the company. “There’s a general rule, every NFL city should have a MDC.”

Chandler was the choice for the Phoenix market.

“As we went through this process to find land in the valley of Phoenix, we will call it, there were many site toured, many things worked out, and I can tell you we’re very happy and thrilled that we ended up in Chandler,” said Marty Young, the com pany’s Southwest District Manager. “It’s

Like many Scottsdale and East Valley retailers, the Bass Pro Shop in Mesa got an early jump on the holiday shopping season by bringing in Santa a week after Halloween. Jerry “Zippy” Gibbons donned jolly the traditional attire, delighting Kate, Emmet and Natalie Smith. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

An automated conveyor system moves blue product boxes through the new Ferguson Enterprises distribution center in south Chandler. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

ter. “I think the main driver of that was the cargo ships that were getting stuck and the delay on that.”

The surcharge has impacted longstanding businesses like The Paper Place in Old Town.

“I just had to go re-order our bags and that was a 20% increase,” said The Paper Place co-owner Betsy Hendricks. “I mean, 18 to 20% is almost the standard in every thing we’re buying and because of that, we had to increase the prices.”

Wells said she had to do the same, ex plaining, “My vendors are increasing their prices a little bit and because of that, we’ve had to raise our prices.”

Businesses across the East Valley re ported similar challenges.

Tiffany Shultz, who started Sip and Shop boutique store at the SanTan Village in Gilbert in November 2020, said inflation forced her to raise prices between 5% and 10% on various products such as wood.

Rebecca Hill, executive director of the Downtown Chandler Community Part nership, said businesses “do feel like the season has started a little bit slower, but I think it’s still too early to tell if it’s really the impact from inflation.”

“In some instances, there have been some delays for shipping for sure and I think ev erybody’s feeling the additional cost.”

Because of this, Hill said businesses have become more proactive in ordering prod ucts to sit on shelves this holiday season.

But many retailers also found ways to mitigate drastic cost increases.

Lacey Barta, who owns The Boutique in downtown Mesa said she has managed to circumvent significant wholesale cost in creases by “sourcing correctly,” resulting in only a 3% to 4% increases in her prices.

She said she carefully selects suppliers in both Arizona and across the country with an eye toward value.

“I haven’t had that huge of an issue,” Barta said of her product costs. “And it’s because we’re sourcing where we need to be sourcing.”

Labor shortages another issue

Though staffing shortages have been a consistent thorn in area businesses’ side for at least a year, owners find particular challenges as they beefed up their staff to support an expected influx of shoppers flooding into their doors during Black Fri day and Small Business Saturday as well

as most days from now until Christmas.

Though she’d like to add four more em ployees, Shultz said finding employees has remained difficult.

Shultz said she’s fielded about 50 appli cations recently but only three showed up for an interview.

“We have a good staff,” Shultz said. “But I’m always looking to hire more people be cause it has been difficult to find people.”

Barta also is relying on her core staff to push her through the holidays.

With two full-time employees and three part-time, Barta said she’s pre pared for the holiday shopping season but could use the extra help and would eventually like to expand.

“In the past few years, they’ve been great and consistently getting better, and were just growing,” Barta said. “Even though the economy might be a little scary right now, it doesn’t mean that we have to be scared about holidays or anything.”

On the other hand, Julie Judd who serves as the store leader for Altar’d State in Scott sdale Quarter said she was able to hire sev en new employees for the holiday season.

Back in stock

Area stores have begun to see products return to shelves.

“I think what we’re seeing this year is a lot of easing of the supply chain challenges that people had last year and the retailers have some inventory on their shelves this year, which is great,” said Scottsdale Quar ter marketing manager Christina Calhoun.

Barta said it wasn’t long after the 2021 Christmas shopping season that “we were already planning for next holiday because we know fresh what didn’t work, what did work.”

“With what is thrown at us, we pivot, and so we’ve got a lot of plans here for this holiday and we’re excited,” she said.

Added Calhoun, “One thing that we’re noticing that’s different this year is that ev eryone’s starting their holiday much earlier.

“A lot of stores began putting up their holiday displays immediately after Hal loween and I think the reason that we saw that was because everyone finally had that inventory in stock and they want to make sure they get it out on the shelves, so people had plenty of time to shop early,” she said.

Shultz said inflation does not seem to have impacted customer activity.

“We’ve still seen the same number of customers in the same volume that we’ve

seen in the past, despite having to raise prices due to the economy right now,” Shultz said.

Overall, Shultz said she saw a rebound in her sales ahead of last year with con sumers going out “ready to support local... We’re seeing that again this year, So far de spite inflation and the way the economy is, we’re ahead of where we were last year.”

Barta said the clothing store has also seen a gradual increase in sales, a sign of a return to normal.

“The pandemic just really made people want to get out and go shopping,” Barta said. “And so, it really kind of helped with that and growing ourselves.”

Area retailers also are ratcheting up their appeals to customers to think local when they start looking for gifts.

“I’m a big advocate of shopping small and the small businesses are what makes the heartbeat in the communities,” said Lisa Garber, owner of Galicia Fine Jewel ers in Scottsdale.

“We are the ones that people come to when they need donations here in the school, for charities or anything else. So, I always remind people – ever so kindly and ever so respectfully – to remember us not just when you want to ask for something.”

Despite the anxiety among business owners as they gear up for the holiday shopping season, many are still hoping for the traditional jolt it receives from the Black Friday rush as well as the next day, Small Business Saturday.

Judd says she and her team at Altar’d State are excited to open their doors for its first Black Friday sale.

“It’s our first year, so we’re excited,” Judd said. “Our plan is just to wow everyone with the fashion that we have over there and honestly, it’s the most fun day of the year for me. I’ll bring in candy canes and hand them out to everyone and I’ll be wearing a Santa hat.”

Merchants also are hoping that area municipalities’ special tree lighting cel ebrations will entice crowds to down town shops.

And the global tax and audit consulting brand Deloitte said retailers also can take heart in one fact.

“The bottom line is that despite the obstacles, consumers will likely find ways to make the holidays special,” it said. “And savvy retailers likely will be the ones who find ways to engage with evolving spending priorities to shine this holiday season.”

worked out wonderfully for us.”

A market distribution center includes both a retail store for consumers and a gi ant warehouse for contractors. The goal is to have whatever part anyone is looking for available for quick delivery.

Even at 385,000 square feet, the ware house turned out to be not big enough. That’s one of the problems with being one of the first ones built, company officials said. The next one to open will be in the Houston area.

“We finally figured out on Houston how to do it correctly, because although this one runs great, it was undersized before we ever moved in,” Ogden said. “So we outgrew it before it was ever built.”

Both Young and Ogden said they plan to expand their new center. Ogden said they own 10 acres of land behind the current warehouse and hope to build another 240,000 square feet as quickly as it can be approved and built.

To improve efficiency, Ferguson is re lying on robots to hunt down whatever customers need. The company dedicates a three-story area of the warehouse to a team of robots that scuttle about a honey comb like structure.

Whenever a box is opened for a part, the unsold products are put into a crate. The computer knows and tracks the exact location of that crate. When another cus tomer wants the same part, the robot goes over to where it’s located and gets it.

What if the crate they need is at the very bottom of that three-story structure?

“This is a test they did,” Ogden said. “And something on the very bottom is needed for a customer that’s standing at the counter, it takes about 12 and a half minutes to do.”

Ogden said that probably won’t happen often, because the slowest-moving prod ucts will naturally end up at the bottom over time.

“The robots work all day and night, sav ing on traditional warehouse costs and allowing us to fulfill orders quickly for

faster same-day product availability,” said Michael Jacons, Ferguson’s southwest vice president of supply chain. “The system also decreases manual handling of materials.”

In addition to the automation technol ogy, the facilities were built with efficiency at the forefront. Ferguson uses a special machine to make custom boxes based on the dimensions of each product to mini mize packaging waste.

Each building features LED motion detector lighting systems to conserve electricity.

There are 120 people employed in the warehouse area and another 100 or so in the front offices. Before moving to the MDC model, Ferguson relied on regional centers. The one that served the Phoenix area before this was located in Perris, Cali fornia, and relied on a 1.3-million square feet facility.

Ogden said the biggest factor caus ing supply chain issues in their industry wasn’t necessarily the short shutdowns caused by COVID-19. It was the shortage

of semiconductor chips.

“The microchip thing killed us,” he said. “Appliances, absolutely killed us. A lot of a lot of different things that you’re doing pumps with electronic controls, a lot of that stuff. It really was the microchips and that part is still bad. We’re still struggling through that.”

You don’t have to be a contractor or company to shop in the Ferguson retail store. It’s set up just like a home supply business. You will pay retail prices, but if you’re looking for a specific, hard-to-find part, it may be your best bet.

You just may have to wait 12 and a half minutes to get it.

But Allison Finerfrock, Ferguson gen eral manager of southwest district, noted: “Supplementing our workforce with the new technology allows distribution cen ters like ours to process more orders in a shorter amount of time. We are excited to better serve the contractor community with the products they need, when they need them.”

Sports & Recreation

Mountain Pointe advances to 6A quarterfinals

BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

All Mountain Pointe needed was a stop.

The Pride led Mountain Ridge 4235 with less than a minute on the clock. The visiting Mountain Lions faced a third down from the Mountain Pointe 32. Then the one thing Mountain Pointe couldn’t af ford to happen, happened.

Mountain Ridge senior quarterback Brendan Anderson connected with senior wideout Terrance Hall for a 32-yard score. The Mountain Lions then lined up for the go-ahead 2-point conversion that likely would’ve been to win the game. But line backer DJ Johnson and athlete Christian Clark made the stop.

It sent Mountain Pointe’s sideline into a frenzy. After recovering the onside kick, the real celebration ensued. The Pride’s 42-41 win over Mountain Ridge in the first round of the 6A playoffs was the first postseason victory for the program since 2018.

A major steppingstone for the program and momentum booster as the Pride ad vance to the quarterfinals.

“What was going through my mind is I’m trying to have practice tomorrow and not be at home watching college football,” Clark said. “I just, that was the biggest play of the season me and No. 18, DJ Johnson, had to make.

“It feels great. We’re trying to add many more though. We’re trying to win state.”

Mountain Pointe’s ability to hold off Mountain Ridge came after a tumultuous first half for the Pride.

They were penalized six times, most of which killed offensive drives or extended those for Mountain Ridge. While few, a costly turnover in the first half on a fourthdown try gave Mountain Ridge Momen tum to take an early lead.

But even with things not going their way, the Pride still kept it close.

Anderson connected Hall for the first

time on a 15-yard touchdown early in the first quarter. Mountain Pointe re sponded with a long drive of its own, which was capped off by a 13-yard pass from quarterback Chris Arviso to wide out Matty Braun.

The fumble on the fourth down try turned into points thanks to Anderson again, this time to tight end Conrad Curley. Anderson connected with Parker Halpine for his third touchdown of the first half the next series.

“They all stayed with it,” Lauer said. “Our goal was to eat. We’re Lions, we needed to eat this week.”

Mountain Pointe answered in the sec ond quarter to trim Mountain Ridge’s lead. Arviso threw his second touchdown pass of the night to Clark in the back of the end zone.

The Pride knew they had to come out in the second half and set the tone. And that’s exactly what they did.

Clark immediately found daylight and scored on an 85-yard run. After a Mountain Ridge punt, Arviso connected with wide

out Jayden Burnley for a 74-yard score. A fumble on the kick return by Mountain Ridge allowed Mountain Pointe to score again behind the legs of Jay’len Rushing.

In just 5 minutes, 18 seconds, the Pride went from down six points to up 15. It set the stage for a wild finish.

“That was our goal, we wanted to close things out,” Lauer said. “We feel we can slam the door with our run game. That was the goal.”

Anderson and the Mountain Lions fought back as he found Ryland Sands to trim Mountain Pointe’s lead. A fumble by the Pride gave Mountain Ridge life to tie the game at 35 on a Chris Ramos run.

Driving down the field, Mountain Pointe needed an answer and got it from Randle Parker in the form of a 35-yard run. An derson then led Mountain Ridge down the field for the pass to Hall and failed 2-point conversion that followed.

Anderson finished 34-of-43 for 376 yards and five touchdowns to four differ ent wideouts. Hall was his top target with 163 yards and two touchdowns.

Mountain Pointe had big showings from several players. Arviso was 23-of-32 for 282 yards and three touchdowns while Clark (118), Rushing (126) and Parker (48) combined for 292 yards on the ground.

But the biggest performance came from Burnley. The Senior had just four recep tions and 72 receiving yards entering Fri day’s playoff game. He finished with seven catches for 174 yards and a touchdown.

It was the best performance of his high school career.

“It was in my heart to stay out here. I didn’t want to go home, I didn’t feel like it was time,” Burnley said. “God gave me the opportunity to come out here mid-season, or even after mid-season, to come and get some work. He gave me the opportunity and I took it and wanted to run with it.

“Especially in playoffs where it really pays off.”

Mountain Pointe now prepares to face Casteel in the quarterfinal round of the playoffs. The last time the Pride played this deep into November, they faced Chan dler in the 2018 postseason.

The Pride lost that game to the Wolves, who went on to win the championship. They know Casteel presents a tough challenge. The Colts are led by star se nior quarterback Landon Jury and have athletes all over the field, including Jeremiah Newcombe.

But the energy from the win over Moun tain Ridge is something Lauer hopes will carry over. The players wanted a chance to practice Saturday instead of cleaning out their lockers.

They got that chance. Now, they must make the most of it come next Friday.

“Sometimes you don’t always get pay back for what you put in,” Lauer said. “This helps validate the program a little bit. There’s still so many things we want to do and accomplish within the program.

“We can’t be what we used to be but we’re nowhere near where we’re going to be … this just put another layer of foundation on the ground with what we’re doing.”

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Mountain Pointe junior linebackers Christian Clark and Demetrice “DJ” Johnson tackle Mountain Ridge senior quarterback Brendan Anderson to stop a two-point conversion in the first round of the 6A playoffs on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, in Ahwatukee. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

Santa in Ahwatukee kicks off regional events

BY ALEX GALLAGHER GetOut Staff Writer

Residents across the East Valley look ing for places get into a festive spirit have many events to choose from.

Starting this weekend, cities will be lighting up their downtown areas and even some neighborhoods will join he fun with boat parades.

In Ahwatukee, the big attraction is the arrival tomorrow, Nov. 25, of Santa and Mrs. Claus, thanks to Millie’s Hallmark in Ahwatukee Plaza, 5027 E. Elliot Road.

Millie’s for more than 30 years has host ed a helicopter arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus and a few elves.

Free entertainment and activities pre cede Santa’s arrival beginning at 9 a.m. They include a performance of the Ah watukee Nutcracker by the Studio 111 performers, elves that entertain with face painting and other fun stuff.,

Here’s a look at some of the regions highlights.

Chandler

Just south of Mesa, Dr. A.J. Chandler Park in downtown Chandler will glitter with a

magical candy land known as Sugarland. What began as a way to get cooped-up residents out of their homes and outside in a safe manner during the height of the pandemic has since become a tradition for Chandler residents, according to Down

town Chandler Community Partnership spokeswoman Jessica Walrath.

“Sugarland began in 2020 as a way to bring Christmas to Downtown since it seemed like everything was closing and there wasn’t going to be Christmas be

cause people couldn’t be around each oth er,” Walrath said. “It was born out of a way just to bring everybody together safely outside and with this interactive display.”

Since its humble beginnings two years ago, Sugarland is aiming to be bigger than ever this year.

“We are going to kick off Sugarland with a big reveal and then there are a ton of events planned for Saturday Nov. 26 –which is Small Business Saturday,” Walrath said. “We’re going to have street perform ers perform live music on the street for patrons as they stroll and shop locally in downtown Chandler or grab a bite to eat.”

This year’s display will include light-wrapped trees, a fruit roll-up slide, large gumdrops kids can climb on, and several other candy-themed interactive installations.

Chandler will light its Tumbleweed Christmas Tree at 8 p.m. Dec. 3 in down town’s A.J. Chandler Park. It will be pre ceded by family-friendly activities 4-6 p.m. and a parade at 6:45 p.m.

At 35-feet tall and 20-feet wide, the tree has nearly 1,000 tumbleweeds covered in

Chandler will light its traditional tumbleweed tree at A.J. Chandler Park downtown on Dec. 3. (Special to GetOut)

Downtown Mesa is transformed throughout December with its Merry Main Street décor and events. (Special to GetOut)

Santa’s arrival by helicopter in Ahwatukee Plaza, courtesy of Millie’s Hallmark store, kicks off weeks of holiday celebrations. (AFN file photo)

65 pounds of glistening glitter, 25 gallons of white paint and 20 gallons of fire retar dant. The tree is wrapped in more than 1,200 LED lights.

Known nationwide, the iconic tree has been featured on several Travel Channel shows and Saturday Night Live.

The Tumbleweed Tree debuted in 1957, making 2022 its 66th year.

Mesa

Continuing with a long-standing tradi tion, Downtown Mesa will start looking like something out of a Hallmark holiday movie.

Bright lights will be wrapped around light poles and festive decorations will glam up Downtown and Valley Metro’s light rail will be transformed into a Christ mas train.

And a massive four-story Christmas tree on Macdonald and an accompanying ice rink are among the big attractions all season long as part of the eighth annual “Merry Main Street” celebration.

“There’s been a long tradition of cel ebrating the holidays in downtown Mesa,” said Mesa Mayor John Giles. “When I was a kid growing up here, it was a big deal when the city would roll out decorations that would be hung on the light poles and downtown Main Street, so we have tried to rekindle that.”

An annual performance to kick off the holiday season that has Giles the most excited.

Giles is a star in the returning rendition of the play “The Man Who Killed Santa Claus” – which is based on the true sto ry of how merchants in Mesa during the Great Depression came up with the idea of pushing a dummy dressed as Santa Clause out of a plane and deploying a parachute.

The parachute failed to open, traumatiz ing hundreds of kids.

In an attempt to rectify the traumatizing blunder, former Mesa Tribune editor John McPhee donned the red coat and hat but the damage was done.

He was remembered from there on as “The Man Who Killed Santa Claus” and has since been immortalized with a play recreating the botched stunt.

“It’s a very funny, very true story about this tradition of downtown Mesa being the place to come to celebrate the holi days and we’ll have some great, talented professional actors reenacting the story,”

Giles said.

Tempe and Gilbert

No desert celebration of Christmas is complete without a boat parade and the East Valley hosts two of them.

At 7 p.m. Dec. 3, The Islands in Gilbert, located off Warner Road between Cooper and McQueen roads, will see scores of brightly colored boats cruising the com munity’s lakes.

A week later, form 4-9 p.m. Dec. 9 along Rio Salado near Tempe Town Lake, the an nual Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade is the centerpiece of a festival that includes food and other fun.

Scottsdale

Scottsdale plans to kick off its monthlong Scottsdazzle festivities with a tree lighting ceremony and holiday-tune singalong on Saturday, Nov. 26.

“We kick off the holidays with a huge, wonderful event called the ‘Sing-Along and Tree Lighting Ceremony that happens down with the Scottsdale waterfront,” said Karen Churchard, city director of tourism and events.

“It’s just very dazzling,” she said. “We have a full orchestra – MusicaNova – that performs and we have different local ce lebrities that sing and lead the attendees in song.”

After nearly a dozen classic holiday tunes, the fanfare will climax with the lighting of the 40-foot-tall Scottsdazzle

tree and three smaller trees atop the Mar shall Way Bridge.

Scottsdazzle’s a calendar is chock full of over 30 events counting down the days to Christmas Day, beginning with deals dur ing Small Business Saturday, a chance to meet Santa at the Old Town Farmers Mar ket, and wine cork crafting at the Holly Jolly Wine Cork.

“We want to showcase Old Town Scotts dale as the place to do your holiday shop ping, to do your holiday celebrations, and to come out and get in the mood,” Churchard said.

Here’s a guide to the region’s holiday events:

SCOTTSDALE

 Hidden in the Hills:

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25-Sunday, Nov. 27/ Where: See the website for a map Cost: Free Info: sonoranartsleague.com

 Scottsdale Quarter

When: Friday, Nov. 25: Dicken’s Carol ers 11 a.m., Mrs. Claus and Grinch 11 a.m. and LED Violinist 5 p.m. Where: The Quad at Scottsdale Quar ter, 15279 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale. Cost: Free Info: scottsdalequarter.com



Holiday Lights

When: 6-9:30 p.m. nightly starting Fri day, Nov. 25 to Friday, Dec. 30.

Where: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale Cost: $15 Info: therailroadpark.com

 Immersive Nutcracker: When: Saturday, Nov. 26, and Sunday, Nov. 27. Dec 1 through 31

Where: Lighthouse Artspace, 4301 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Cost: $30 Info: immersive-nutcracker.com/phoenix



Frosty Margarita and Taco Tour

When: 11 a.m. Thursdays through Sundays beginning Saturday, Nov. 26 through Dec 22.

Where: 7142 E. 1st St., Scottsdale Cost: $145 Info: joyridesaz.com/fiesta-margari ta-and-taco-tour/



Prancer’s Puzzle Rides

When: Saturday, Nov. 26 through Saturday, Dec. 31; Various times Where: various locations Cost: $79 Info: scottsdazzle.com/event/pranc ers-puzzle-rides-dec-31/

 Holiday Weekend Entertainment at Scottsdale Quarter

When: Saturday, Nov. 26: The Santa Social 2 p.m. and Holiday Movie in The Quad 6 p.m. Where: The Quad at Scottsdale Quarter, 15279 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.

Cost: Free Info: scottsdalequarter.com



Scottsdazzle

Holiday Lights Tour

When: 6:15 p.m. nightly from Satur day, Nov. 26 to Tuesday, Dec 27

Where: 7142 E. 1st Street, Scottsdale Cost: $125 per vehicle Info: joyridesaz.com

 Jake Shimabukuro:

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26 Where: Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. 2nd Street, Scottsdale.

Cost: Tickets start at $48 Info: scottsdalearts.org/events

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Scottsdale’s month-long holiday Scottsdazzle celebration will start making the city sparkle with a holiday sing-along and tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 26. (Special to GetOut)

Holly Jolly Wine Cork Crafting

When: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26 Where: 7134 E. Stetson Dr., B110, Scottsdale Cost: $40 Info: scottsdazzle.com/events

Scottsdazzle Sing-Along & Tree Lighting Ceremony

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26

Where: Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale Cost: Free Info: scottsdazzle.com/event/singalong-tree-lighting-ceremony

Meet Santa at the Market/Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market

When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26 Where: OldTown Scottsdale Farmers Market

Cost: Free Info: scottsdazzle.com

MESA

Arizona Lights in the Night:

When: Wednesday, Nov. 23 through Thursday, January 5

Where: Thompson Events Center, 1901 N. Alma School Road Mesa Cost: at $39.95 per vehicle Info: arizonalightsinthenight.com

Mesa Turkey Trot:

When: 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 24 Where: Red Mountain Park, 7745 E. Brown Road Mesa Cost: $15-$35 Info: mesaturkeytrot.com

Merry Main Street:

When: 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25

Where: 20 E. Main Street, Mesa Cost: Free Info: merrymainst.com

The Man Who Killed Santa Claus

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25 Where: One E. Main Street, Mesa Cost: $10 Info: mesaartscenter.com

CHANDLER

Tumbleweed Tree Lighting

When: 4-8:30 p.m. Dec. 3, Where: Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West, 3 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler Cost: Free

Sugarland

When: 5 p.m. to 10 pm. Saturday, Nov. 26 – Sunday, January 2

Where: Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West, 3 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler Cost: Free Info: downtownchandler.org/do/ sugarland

Ballet Etudes Nutcracker:

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, Satur

day, 7 p.m. Nov. 26, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26

Where: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave, Chandler Cost: $29-$31

Info: balletetudes.net/the-nutcracker

QUEEN CREEK



Queen Creek Extreme Bulls: When: 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, and Noon Saturday, Nov. 26

Where: Queen Creek Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre 20464 E. Riggs Road, Queen Creek. Cost: $20

Info: visitmesa.com/sports-planner/ queen-creek-xtremebulls/ 

Downtown Chandler will be transformed into a holiday candy land when Sugarland sweetens up the streets for the third year in a row. (Facebook)

With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Columnist

Cheesy Beefy Taco Dip a tasty holiday addition

It’s everything you would want in a party dip. The combination of a sharp cheddar and jalapeno pep per jack, a kick from the poblano pepper, sautéed onion and ground beef, diced tomatoes with chiles all stewing in your favorite taco sauce makes this Cheesy, Beefy Taco Dip a real contender for your holiday buffet table.

Add a platter of homemade flour and corn tortilla chips and let’s get this party started! I know that we’re always looking for great party foods this time of the year, especially for game days and holidays. This one will not disappoint. You can certainly choose to buy store bought chips, but there’s some thing really delicious about frying up some fresh tor tillas that are crispy, warm and salted. These chips and dip are a match made in south of the border heaven..

Ingredients for Dip:

• 1 pint button mushrooms, rough chopped

• 4 TBSP butter, divided

• 1 large sweet yellow onion, finely chopped

• 1 large poblano pepper, finely chopped

• 1 ½ lb. ground beef

• 1 TBSP olive oil

• 1 lb. Sharp cheddar, cubed or shredded

• ½ lb. pepper jack cheese, cubed or shredded

• 1 jar (16 ounces) taco sauce

• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green

Directions:

1. In a large skillet over high heat, add 2 table spoons of the butter and mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms are a deep golden brown. Set aside.

2. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 Table spoons of butter and onion. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, or until onions begin to cara melize. Add poblano chili and cook until chili has softened, about 5 minutes.

3. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and cook the beef until browned, about 5 minutes.

3. In a medium saucepot, add the cheeses, taco sauce, diced tomatoes or Rotel, olives, the cooked mushrooms, sautéed onion/poblano chile mixture and beef. Cook and stir over low heat until cheese

chiles or Rotel, drained

• 1 can (2-1/4 ounces) pitted black olives, drained and chopped fine

Ingredients for Chips:

• 1 package (8 count) corn tortillas, sliced in quarters

• 1 package (8count) flour tortillas

• 1 cup vegetable oil

• Salt for sprinkling on the chips

is melted. Turn heat to low or warm, and make the tortilla chips.

4. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

5. Stack the corn tortillas and cut into quarters or eights. Repeat with flour tortillas.

6. In a skillet, add one cup of vegetable oil and heat on high. When oil has reached 350 degrees, dip one slice of the corn or flour tortilla into the hot oil. If it sizzles, add remaining tortilla segments, trying not to overlap. (Work in batches if necessary, first the corn and then the flour tortillas.)

When golden brown, about 1 minute on each side, remove with spider or slotted spoon and let drain on a paper towel-lined sheet pan. Immedi ately sprinkle with salt. Serves 8-10. 