Ahwatukee Foothills News - 12.29.2021 by Times Media Group

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Wednesday, December 29, 2021

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Lakes Golf Course sports long-missing look BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

hwatukee Lakes residents are closing out the year with a sight they haven’t laid eyes on in eight years – grass on half of the 18-hole golf course. But owner Wilson Gee said his company, ALCR, couldn’t make good on its promise to have nine holes open for play by the end of November because city and state agencies have been dragging their heels on his permits for the mobile clubhouse bathroom. “We need a permit from the city and from the state,” Gee said. “Basically everything is built. I have no idea why the delay. We’ve been waiting just for the roof of the bathroom, which is not more than 20 square feet and we’re waiting three months.” Gee said he has no idea what’s causing the delay, though he suspects “somebody is doing something on purpose.” Still, he said, that delay hasn’t stopped crews from making sure that when he gets the permits, duffers can come out to play. That’s something that hasn’t happened since 2013, when Gee closed the 105-acre course because, he said, it hadn’t turned a profit in the whole time he and his partners owned it under the company named Bixby Village. Bixby bought the course in 2006. “Once we get that (permit), we’ll open the driving range imme- Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course is sporting something neighbors haven’t seen diately,” Gee said. “The practice putting green looks awfully good. since 2013: grass, which was planted in November and has taken root. The sight We’re still top dressing that a little bit. We’re in the cleanup stage two weeks ago stands in sharp contrast to what the course looked like when

the same drone photographer, Tom Sanfillipo of Inside Out Aerial in Ahwatusee LAKES page 9 kee, shot the photo below two years ago. (Tom Sanfilippo/InsideOut Aerial)

2021 in Ahwatukee: A year of change, controversy BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

hange and same-old, same-old. Controversy and jubilation. Promise and disappointment. Every year has all that and Ahwatukee had more than its share in 2021. Here’s a look back at some of the dominant themes of the year.

Golf courses

The year began with two of Ahwatukee’s four golf courses in a seemingly endless legal battle and deteriorated state. Now only one remains that way with no end in sight to litigation or its current barren state. Ahwatukee Lakes is on the verge of a comeback of sorts, though owner Wilson Gee and the lawyer for two homeowners suing him

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aren’t eye-to-eye on the state of that comeback. Meanwhile, just as one judge finally resolved an 18-month-long legal fight between the Club West Conservancy and the Foothills Club West Association board, a new one hit the community of about 2,600 homeowners as the Conservancy sued Shea Homes and course owner

see REVIEW page 3

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

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

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REVIEW from page 1

The Edge. The Conservancy aims to stop once and for all the possibility of any piece of the course being sold for homebuilding. It’s impossible to predict how long this new litigation will last but consider: the Lakes case started in 2014 and is still very much alive. The Conservancy’s first lawsuit, filed in March 2020, also became a lightning rod for the usually sleepy HOA board elections as four long-time board members – some who had been on the board for as long as 20 years – were ousted. A judge had ruled in the suit that the board improperly acquired the declarant rights to the 165-acre course. Mike Hinz, who had been board president and also was a long-time member, later resigned.

COVID-19

As 2021 saw not one but two variants of COVID-19 sweep through the nation, Ahwatukee has seen ebbs and flows in the virus. Right now, according to the latest data from the county health department, there is little difference from this time last year in virus metrics in Ahwatukee. All three ZIP codes showing between 327 and 269 new cases per 100,000 people and positive new test results ranging between 9.5 percent and 13. 4 percent. Those metrics are in the same category that prompted both Kyrene and Tempe Union school districts at this time last year to keep campuses closed, though neither has indicated they are thinking of that. One difference between now and then: we have two effective vaccines. Other county data released earlier this week shows that the percentage of all people in each of Ahwatukee’s three ZIP codes who have received at least one vaccine dose is at least 50 percent but it varies widely: 70 percent in 85045, 62.8 percent in 85044 and 53.8 percent in 85048. Among people ages 15 to 24, 85045 has the highest vaccination rate at 92.3 percent; 85044 has a 58 percent vaccinate rate in that age group and 85048 has 17.8 percent.

Masks

Mask mandates remained a divisive issue in the two school districts serving Ahwatukee and threaten to continue that way at least in Tempe Union next week since that district will continue its mandatory mask mandate while Kyrene, for now, is making masks optional. The districts' mask mandates proved to be costly because of a mask mandate ban that the Legislature eventually was found to have passed in violation of the state constitution. Despite that ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court, Gov. Doug Ducey showed no signs of relenting on withholding $5.2 million in pandemic relief funds from Kyrene and $2.8 million from Tempe Union. The Biden administration has threatened to take the

see REVIEW page 4

NEWS

REVIEW from page 3

funds away from Ducey and has asked him to explain his actions.

Home values

For Ahwatukee homeowners, 2021 brought an amazing surge in the value of their investment. AFN real estate columnist Allen Henderson reported that in the first 11 months of this year, the average price of an Ahwatukee home was $516,308 – up 23.9 percent over the same time period last year. On the other hand, buyers found increasing frustration. First-time buyers are all but priced out of the Ahwatukee market – and many other submarkets in the Valley, according to a wide variety of real estate experts. They’re saying first-timers may have to look for affordable housing as far away as Casa Grande.

Development

By far the biggest news in this category was Blandford Homes’ purchase of 373 acres of State Trust land along Chandler Boulevard between 19th and 27th avenues for a staggering $175.5 million. The land can sustain 1,050 homes and Blandford has indicated that prepping the site will take about two years. If all those homes were sold at the current average sale price of an Ahwatukee house, Blandford would reap $514,800,000 – minus land prep and impact fees that would likely cost a good chunk of that money, but certainly not enough to make it a losing investment. Meanwhile, another new kind of development appeared in Ahwatukee when a pair of Phoenix entrepreneurs bought the Quality Inn near 51st Street and Elliot Road with the intent of converting its 118 rooms into 110 apartments, mostly one-bedroom units price around $1,400 a month. Ahwatukee also could be on the doorstep of a mammoth sports-entertainment complex as the Gila River Indian Community and a Scottsdale developer announced plans to build a 3,000-acre set of attractions. The tribe did lose out on a chance to host the Arizona State Fair this year, but it is not out of the running to become a permanent home to an event that draws more than a million people.

Schools

There was more to public schools in Ahwatukee than face masks and closed class-

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

in November when voters by a 63-percent margin approved a seven-year renewal of the district’s override request. And the district expects to earn $100 million over the next 75 Blandford Homes put down a whopping $175.5 million for 373.5 acres of years after state trust land along Chandler Boulevard between 19th and 27th avenues, the board bringing the certainty of 1,050 new homes to Ahwatukee within a few years. a p p r o v e d (AFN file photo) leasing 28 acres of land it owns along I-10 to a derooms. Both Tempe Union and Kyrene veloper that will build office-warehouse were told by the same demographer that they are on a steady enrollment decline space. Both districts also have had to grapple because of several factors: lower birth with personnel issues in the form of unrates generally, home prices are forcing filled permanent jobs and the difficulty in young families with children to look elsefinding substitute teachers. where for a place to live and the districts overall are aging and older homeowners Traditions new and done are not willing to move. The Festival of Lights Committee made In addition, the issue of learning loss it official: That big post-Thanksgiving looms large as a result of months of online Kick-Off Party that drew thousands to the learning but it has rarely been addressed all-day event at Desert Foothills Park will in governing board meetings so far. never come back. Knocked out in 2020 by Meanwhile, finances have proven a knotthe pandemic, the committee said it had ty problem for Kyrene and Chief Financial become increasingly more expensive to Officer Chris Hermann indicated at several meetings that had it not been for three rounds of pandemicrelief funding, the district would have a tough time balancing its budget after taking a $6 million reduction in state reimbursement because of a projected The Biden administration’s use of a Holiday Inn Express near 50th Street e n r o l l m e n t and Chandler Boulevard in April to house Mexican immigrants awaiting loss of 1,210 a hearing on their amnesty requests brought out a weekly protest for several months for tighter border restrictions. The feds shared very little student. Kyrene did information about the hotel, which was leased by a Texas nonprofit with get some good an $86.9 million contract top shelter migrants in hotels and other places financial news throughout Arizona and Texas. (AFN file photo)

host the party – and fill hundreds of volunteer positions for set-up, tear-down and day-of-event operation. But while the Christmas lights along Chandler Boulevard also were in jeopardy, smart management by the Festival of Lights Committee, the generosity of the Foothills and Club West HOAs and an outpouring of financial support from businesses and individuals kept the lights burning this year and leave hope they will remain for years to come. Meanwhile, COVID in 2020 may have grounded Santa and his helicopter flight to Millie’s Hallmark the day after Thanksgiving but this year, the store brought them back for the 38th time. Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe high schools started a new tradition to go along with the Ahwatukee Bowl – itself one of Arizona’s most storied and longest high school football rivalries. Student councils at both schools started a competitive food drive to see which one could raise the most food for needy people. This year, the two teams met for the 25th time for what would be a tie-breaker in the series. Desert Vista won the game and Mountain Pointe won the food drive.

School resource officers

The Tempe Union Governing Board ramped up an effort to abolish school resource officers on campuses but then abruptly down-shifted on the move. Despite the opposition of all six high school principals, a number of students, seven former board members, the Tempe Police Department and a number of students, teachers and parents, the board in October voted 3-2 to terminate the SROs by the beginning of the 2022-23 school year. The vote – which also drew supporters among some parents, students and teachers – was partly a reflection of some board members’ harsh criticism of the Phoenix Police Department, which this year came under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department, and partly a reflection of some members’ sympathy for the argument that uniformed armed officers don’t belong on campuses and intimidate students of color. A month after the vote to abolish SROs, the board amended its resolution. Now it will study the issue of safety on campuses and consider all options – including SROs – and likely won’t arrive at a plan until the 2023-24 school year.

see REVIEW page 6

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

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REVIEW from page 4

Kyrene, which has SROs in its six middle schools, had escaped the controversy until this month, when board member Dr. Wanda Kolomyjec questioned whether they belong on campuses. While administrators told the board the roles of SROs on middle school campuses is vastly different and that in many instances they are “very beloved members of the community,” Kolomyjec and Michelle Fahy persisted in asking for a study of them.

Law and order

The May 2020 shooting death of Ryan Whitaker in the doorway of his Ahwatukee condo was resolved on several fronts. Phoenix City Council authorized the payment of $3 million to the family of Whitaker, who was shot twice in the back by Phoenix Officer Jeff Cooke. County Attorney Allister Adel ruled out charges against Cooke, saying both men “could have made BESTOF

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LEFT: After years of planning and fundraising, parishioners at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Ahwatukee broke ground for a new edifice that will be built around the existing big-box building. (AFN file photo)

decisions that would have avoided this terrible result.” Cooke was fired by the department but the Phoenix Civil Service Board – an independent agency – ordered him reinstated. Meanwhile, former Desert Gardens Montessori teacher Justin Walters was arrested on multiple counts for luring a 17-year-old student into a months-long sexual affair. He was fired by the school, released on bond and is awaiting trial. Awaiting a retrial is former Ahwatukee resident Jeffrey Martinson for the 2004 drug overdose death of his 5-year-old

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

Judge grants delay in Club West lawsuit AFN NEWS STAFF

he Club West Conservancy lawsuit against the golf course owner and Shea Homes appears likely to continue well into the new year. Both Shea and The Edge last week got permission from Superior Court Judge Margaret Mahoney for an extension on filing a response to the Conservancy’s allegations until Jan. 20 – well beyond the normal time given for civil suit defendants to file an initial reply to a complaint. Normally, defendants in Superior Court civil cases have 20 days to file an initial response. The Conservancy filed on Dec. 2. “The parties agree that defendants

may responsively plead on or before January 20, 2022,” Mahoney wrote in a brief order. “This date does not conflict with any other Court deadlines or hearings in this matter.” The next step likely would be an initial hearing in the case but a date for that may not be set until late next month. Meanwhile another member of the law firm representing The Edge – Cohen, Down & Quigley – filed her appearance in the case. Cindy Albracht-Crogan is rated as a Super Lawyer in business litigation. “Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement,” according

to its website, which boasts a “patented selection process” that “includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.” The Conservancy wants the judge to preclude Shea from changing the course’s Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions. Conservancy attorney Francis Slavin contends those CC&Rs “restricts the Golf Course Property to use as a golf course, driving range, recreational facilities related thereto, a golf pro shop and club house facility.” The suit also asks that The Edge “be permanently enjoined from taking any act in furtherance of developing the golf course property for residential or other non-golf course related purposes” and

asserts it is legally bound to use the site only for golf. The suit also says that Shea Homes signed sales contracts with homeowners that guarantee a golf course and that the homebuilder is contractually bound to keep that promise. And it contends that Shea Homes doesn’t even own the declarant rights to the golf course because it never signed an agreement to acquire them when it bought out the original developer of Club West. If a judge finds that particular argument has merit, it could render meaningless The Edge’s claim that Shea Homes has given it the declarant rights. Edge spokesman-partner Matt Shearer has declined comment. ■

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LAKES from page 1

now. … Everything’s been fine-tuned. So, we’re mowing it down. We’re reshaping the bunkers one more time, putting additional sand in and really getting it ready to play. “But I’m not gonna rush it,” he added. “I want to make sure it looks good.” The missing permit doesn’t legally prevent Gee from opening the nine holes now. “We don’t need a permit to open,” he said. “We have a business license ready to go. But I just want it to be a little bit nicer.” Nonetheless, Gee said he wants to open and “get some income coming in,” adding he has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to comply with Superior Court Judge Theodore Campagnolo’s November 2020 ruling that posed a total $3.5 million in penalties if he failed to meet three deadlines for complying with an earlier order by another judge to restore the course. Campagnolo ruled that ALCR must pay $500,000 if it has not finished design and other pre-construction work by June 2021, fork over another $1 million if construction has not started by Sept. 1, 2021, and cough up another $2 million if the course is not open a year from that date.

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Though Gee said he beat those deadlines, that’s not how it looks to the lawyer for the two homeowners who have waged a seven-year legal battle to force the course’s reopening. Attorney Tim Barnes has asked Superior Court Judge Sarah Agne to find ALCR in violation of the first deadline. He said that ALCR never had a formal and detailed plan for the design and whatever plans it did have were never run past him and homeowners for review and approval. Gee has testified that such a plan was not necessary. He also has held to his promise in court to finish the first nine holes this year and delay a full reopening until later next year – possibly right around the time he has to under Campagnolo’s order. But Barnes wants Agne to levy a stiff penalty on ALCR that can be used to hire a professional golf course expert to oversee the Lakes’ reconstruction. He also has picked apart various aspects of the work that has – and hasn’t – been done to make his case against ALCR. Though attorneys for both sides filed written final arguments in the case by Thanksgiving, Agne as of two days ago had not issued a ruling. Gee said he can’t wait to reopen, ex-

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pounds of rye and Bermuda early enough. Still, even though the grass has come up high enough that it has to be mowed, the permit delay is frustrating Gee. “Right now,” he quipped, “we’re literally watching the grass grow.” ■

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plaining, “this year, I think the Phoenix area is going to be booming with golfers. There are indications we’re going to have a record year. So that will be good for the economy.” The fly in the ointment, however, is “we just have to find people to work,” he added. As the owner of two other courses in Ahwatukee and another in Maricopa, Gee said he feels the same manpower shortage that has affected many businesses throughout the Valley and the nation. “Nobody wants to work,” he complained, saying he has 30 openings and that the labor shortage has been particularly hard on his restaurant and kitchen staffing. That won’t be a barrier to reopening the Lakes because there will not be a permanent restaurant on the site, though Gee has said he might allow food trucks on or near the premises. The clubhouse will offer only a dressing area, pro shop and bathrooms, according to testimony during hearings before Agne last fall. As for the green on the Lakes, ALCR’s crews planted the grass in early November and that he’s happy with how it turned out. Though the price of grass seed has shot up this year, the company beat most of that increase by stockpiling hundreds of

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Beautiful upgraded home in Turtle Rock, with vaulted ceilings and an open ﬂoor plan The primary bedroom has a private exit to the patio, and enjoys an expansive bathroom with a newer walk in shower. Backyard has lots of shade and artiﬁ cial grass with plenty of room to garden and entertain. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1405 sqft

Pinal County Land - Two Parcels

Listed for $145,000 and $135,000

Beautiful views of the Superstition and Goldﬁ eld mountains from both of these 1.25 acre corner parcels. Fully paved access on both frontage streets. Access to Tonto National Forest, and under 30 minutes to Saguaro & Canyon Lakes! Ideal location to build a home!

Circle Mountain Land Listed for

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

Popular names for newborns have radically changed BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

o what makes parents who grew up with people named Jacob, Anthony and Daniel want to name their newborn boys Liam? Or choose Olivia for their baby girls even though women of child-bearing age are more likely to be familiar with Ashley, Samantha and Emma? Sometimes it’s literature or old-fashioned names, particularly for girls. The names for boys tend to be less volatile from year to year, with a perennial emphasis on those found in the Good Book. Think Old Testament prophets and figures like Daniel and Noah and New Testament disciples and saints like James and Sebastian. But why are there sudden shifts? Who knows? Consider: This year in Arizona the ninth most popular name for new boys was Ezekiel. Five years ago, it came in at 96; in 2011 it didn’t even crack the Top 100. Or, for girls, Gianna. Five years ago

it placed only No. 80. This year it rose to No. 12. But the bigger shock comes when looking back to when the new parents of today were being named by their parents. Or even when their parents – the current crop of grandparents – were choosing names for them. Some names withstand the test of time. Some 45 years ago, more Arizonans chose Michael for their new baby boy than any other. And while its popularity has waxed and waned over the years, it still is in the Top 20 this year. William was in the Top 20 as were more "traditional’’ names like David, Robert, Joseph, Matthew, Richard and Anthony. Even 20 years later, the list of the most popular names had not changed a lot, though there were some less traditional ones starting to sneak in, like Tyler, Austin and Brandon. And they didn’t last long, with nary a Tyler, Austin or Brandon anywhere in this year’s Top 100. Instead, after Liam, we get Noah, Mateo, Oliver and Sebastian rounding out the top

of the list. For girls, however, the situation is much more subject to change. Let’s start with this year’s crop of new grandparents. Back in 1976, their parents chose names for them like Jennifer, Melissa, Amy, Michele and Heather. None of those names even cracked the Top 100 this year in Arizona.

Want to talk more recent? Let’s talk about what happened when all those Jennifers, Melissas and all grew up? If they were having babies in 1996, they chose names like Ashley, Samantha, Emma, Mia and Emily for their newborn girls. And now? Of those, only Emma and Mia are still in the Top 10. And you won’t find an Ashley in the entire Top 100 list. ■

In 45 years, the names given newborns in Arizona has changed significantly, state records show. Here’s a comparison of the top 10 boys and top 10 girls names between 1976 and 2021. BOYS GIRLS 1976 2021 1976 2021 1. Michael Liam 1. Jennifer Olivia 2. Jason Noah 2. Melissa Emma 3. Christopher Mateo 3. Amy Sophia 4. David Oliver 4. Michelle Camila 5. Robert Sebastian 5. Heather Isabella 6. James Elijah 6. Jessica Mia 7. Daniel Benjamin 7. Lisa Charlotte 8. John Santiago 8. Angela Amelia 9. Brian Ezekiel 9. Stephanie Ava 10. Matthew Julian 10. Shannon Luna

Ahwatukee woman celebrates cancer remission AFN NEWS STAFF

his time last year, Sharon Rockmaker’s family and friends provided plenty of encouragement during her pancreas cancer treatment. Yet, the three words the Ahwatukee woman most needed to hear seemed so far away: “You’re in remission.” Now, the former elementary school music teacher isn’t only one of 60,000 Americans each year who learn they have pancreatic cancer, which has the highest mortality rate of all major types of the disease. She’s also one of the roughly 10% of patients to survive a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Her success has been due to a complex surgery called the Whipple procedure, which was performed by a Banner MD Anderson surgeon, at Banner Gateway Medical Center in Gilbert. During this procedure, a surgeon removes the head of the pancreas, the duodenum (a part of the small intestine), a portion of the bile duct, the gallbladder and associated lymph nodes. “It’s definitely a life-saving and life-im-

Sharon Rockmaker underwent a relatively new kind of surgery and is grateful that it helped put her pancreatic cancer in remission. (Special to AFN) proving procedure,” said Rockmaker, 53. “I’m as healthy as I’ve been in years, and I’m healthier in many ways than I was before the diagnosis, because I didn’t know I was walking around with cancer.” Typically, the surgery takes four hours to complete. Most patients stay in the hospital about five to fix days following the

Whipple procedure, also known as a pancreaticoduodenectomy. For most people, it takes about one to three months to fully return to a normal quality of life, said Dr. Michael Choti, surgical oncologist at Banner MD Anderson. This depends on factors such as age, underlying health issues and other types of treatment – such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy – which might be needed before or after the operation. Ultimately, patients should be able to eat normally and do anything after surgery they could do before. Not every patient diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is a candidate for this potentially curative surgery. Evaluation by a multidisciplinary team is important, along with careful imaging, and pathologic and molecular testing. Early diagnosis is important when possible. Symptoms include jaundiced skin and eyes, dark urine, and weight loss. An otherwise unexplainable onset of diabetes can also be an early warning sign. Since her surgery, Rockmaker has taken a vacation to Maui and celebrated her 25th wedding anniversary with her hus-

band, Jody. She can ride a bicycle, swim and she takes walks every day. She looks forward to spending the holiday season with family. Rockmaker’s treatment also required chemotherapy and radiation therapy. She’ll never forget finally hearing those hopeful words. “Dr. Choti said, ‘You’re in remission. You’re free to live your life now, to go back to doing the things you want to do,’” said Rockmaker. The Whipple procedure is performed by top surgeons at Banner MD Anderson at locations across Greater Phoenix. Banner MD Anderson offers focused disease-specific expertise in the medical, radiation and surgical management of the cancer patient; an evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach to patient care; access to clinical trials and new investigative therapies; state-of-the-art technology for the diagnosis, staging and treatment of all types of cancer; oncology expertise in supportive care services. Information: BannerMDAnderson.com. ■

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

Arizona tax cut can go on ballot, judge rules BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

rizona voters have the legal right to review and override the $1.9 billion tax cut plan that mainly benefits the wealthy approved earlier this year by the Republican-controlled legislature, a judge ruled Wednesday. In a 12-page ruling, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Katherine Cooper rejected arguments by the Arizona Free Enterprise Club that the constitutional right of voters to second-guess legislative decisions does not extend to matters involving funds. The judge acknowledged that there is no right to refer tax hikes to the ballot. That is because such a petition drive would deny government the ability to operate. But this case, Cooper said, is different. She said the referendum, if successful, actually would leave the state with more revenue than it needs. So, the outcome of the vote, Cooper noted, would not hamper government operations. Wednesday’s ruling is unlikely to be the last word. Referendum foes are likely

to appeal. And even if they lose that legal fight, their attorneys are preparing a backup plan to quash the referendum with arguments that, despite a finding to the contrary by the secretary of state, there are not enough valid signatures on the petitions. At the heart of the legal fight is the tax cut plan approved on a party-line vote and signed by Gov. Doug Ducey. Under current law, anyone with taxable income up to $26,500 a year pays a tax rate of 2.59%, with those figures doubled for married couples filing jointly. That rate increases in steps, to the point where taxable earnings on individuals above $159,000 are taxed at 4.5% SB 1828 would impose a single 2.5% tax rate on all incomes beginning in 2025. Legislative budget staffers peg the revenue loss at $1.9 billion a year. Ducey has repeatedly sought to portray the measure as providing a tax cut of about $300 a year for the “average Arizonan.’’ But an analysis of the package by legislative budget staffers put the savings for someone making between $25,000 and $30,000 a year at $11. That increases to

$96 for those in the $50,000 to $75,000 taxable income range. Bigger benefits kick in at higher income levels. Taxpayers with incomes of $250,000 to $500,000 would see an average $3,071 reduction in what they owe each year, according to the staff analysis. That increases to more than $7,300 annually for those earning from $500,000 to $1 million. Foes gathered more than the 118,823 valid signatures needed to hold up enactment until voters get the last word. That led to the bid by the Free Enterprise Club to quash a vote as illegal. Cooper disagreed, saying the framers of the Arizona Constitution said voters have “broad authority’’ to prevent adoption of any laws. “Referendum is a check on the legislative process to ensure that legislators do not simply serve the particular interests of a few people,’’ she wrote. “If a majority vote in favor of a referendum, then the matter referred is nullified and can only become a law if approved by the voters.’’ “It adjusts Arizona’s income tax rates, lowering them over time to a ‘flat tax,’’ the judge said.

“It does not set aside any tax revenue of a certain sum for any specified purpose nor does it dictate how agencies use that revenue,’’ Cooper continued. “SB 1828 does not fall under the well-recognized definition of ‘appropriation.’ " Attorney Kory Langhofer, who represents tax cut foes, already has prepared a litany of what he contends are legal flaws with the petitions that could reduce the number of valid signatures. Among the allegations is that some paid circulators had not registered with the state as required or that they collected signatures before registering. These also are claims that some of the registration forms are missing required information like providing a full address. Any of those would disqualify all the signatures those circulators collected, possibly leaving the petition drive short of the 118,823 valid signatures necessary to force a public vote. Other claims include issues of handwriting irregularities and missing dates or addresses of those who have signed the petitions. ■

2nd ethics complaint filed against state AG BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

he Arizona Board of Regents is asking that Attorney General Mark Brnovich be investigated and disciplined by the state agency that regulates lawyers. In a complaint obtained by Capitol Media Services, board Chairman Larry Penley accused Brnovich, the legal counsel for the board and the universities, of actively criticizing and filing lawsuits against them. All that, Penley is telling the State Bar of Arizona, violates a series of rules that govern the ethical conduct of attorneys. That most immediately starts an in-

vestigation, which could result in anything from no action through a reprimand or even a suspension or revocation of his ability to practice law. And if those last options were the outcome, Brnovich would lose his job because the Arizona Constitution requires that the attorney general be a licensed attorney. The complaint actually was filed last year but remained sealed under State Bar rules. Brnovich disqualified himself earlier this month from arguing a case against the regents and Arizona State University based on the complaint. Penley’s complaint said, “Over the past two years, Brnovich has mounted a litigation and media campaign

against the board and Arizona’s public universities,’’ Penley wrote. “He has done so despite representing the Board of Regents and the universities in numerous pending lawsuits,’’ the complaint states. “And he has done so without seeking ABOR’s consent to the conflict and in fact over our repeated objections to his breach of his fundamental duty of loyalty.’’ There also were what Penley called “mocking comments’’ in emails sent to ASU President Michael Crow and insults like calling board members “gimmicky yobs’’ and “ivory tower cake eaters.’’ “Most recently, Mr. Brnovich has taken to radio and social media to demand, with no factual basis, that his own cli-

ents, ABOR and ASU, be held ‘accountable’ for their ‘reckless’ and ‘irresponsible’ handling of the COVID-19 pandemic,’’ Penley told the State Bar. “He has falsely claimed that he talked to ABOR before making these accusations,’’ Penley continued. “And he insists that ABOR is not his client with respect to COVID-19 matters, even though his office is charged by statute with representing ABOR in any pandemic-related tort, employment or other covered risk management claims.’’ A spokesman for Brnovich, who is running to be the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in 2022, said he is precluded from responding publicly to the State Bar complaint. ■

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

Hate crimes rose in latest year’s FBI data BY OLIVIA MUNSON Cronkite News

ate crimes in Arizona in 2020 were the highest reported since 2001 in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, according to new FBI statistics, but advocates and experts say many more hate crimes mostly likely were unreported. According to the FBI’s voluntary Uniform Crime Report, Arizona recorded 282 hate crimes in 2020, continuing an upward trend from 2019 and registering one of the highest in the past 30 years. Nationally, hate crimes increased to 8,263 in 2020 from 7,287 in 2019, according to the data. The rise in 2020 occurred alongside spikes in political and racial divisions in the United States, with deep conflicts over such issues as immigration, police mistreatment of people of color and COVID-19 pandemic. “When we demonize groups, unfortunately, what happens then is that some people take that as permission to go out and commit a hate crime,” said Jack McDevitt, director of the Institute for Race and Justice at Northeastern University. In another alarming trend, fewer police departments sent data on hate crimes to the FBI reporting system, or reported the number of crimes as zero, leading many to believe that the 2020 numbers are not a complete picture of the problem. Of the 125 law enforcement agencies in Arizona, only 81 sent in data to the FBI’s reporting system. The 2019 report used data from 92 agencies. In 2020, 15,138 of 18,625 law enforcement agencies across the country submitted data, compared with 15,772 of 18,674 in 2019. “The vast majority of agencies around the country … affirmatively report to the FBI that they had zero hate crimes in 2020,” said Michael Lieberman, senior policy counsel for the Southern Poverty Law Center. “Only 2,389 of the 15,138 reported one or more hate crimes, so obviously the numbers are incomplete.” The FBI defines a hate crime as “a committed criminal offense which is motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender’s bias(es) against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity.”

In Arizona, crimes motivated by race, ethnicity and ancestry made up the majority of hate crimes in 2020, accounting for 198 of the 282 incidents reported. Of the racially motivated hate crimes, Black Americans reported the most, accounting for 114 of the total 198. Crimes against Hispanics or Latinos was the second highest reported, with 31, followed by whites, with 29. Carlos Galindo-Elvira, director of community engagement and partnerships for Chicanos Por La Causa, called the data alarming and said “one hate crime is too many.” “Hate crimes are message crimes,” he said. “While there may be a victim or victims of the crime, it is a clear message to the rest of the community: ‘You are not wanted here,’ ‘We do not like your kind.’ That has to be terrifying for the individual, but also for the community at large.” Religious bias was the second most-frequent reason for hate crimes in Arizona, with 36 (13%). Marc Krell, associate regional director of the Anti-Defamation League of Arizona, said rhetoric from state and local political levels has heightened hate. In September, state Sen. Kelly Townsend, R-Mesa, likened COVID-19 vaccines to the Holocaust and tweeted an image of needles in the shape of a swastika. “This is an example of people having a platform,” Krell said. “When we see this kind of messaging coming out of elected officials, it is very troubling because it sets an example for people that this is OK.” Sexual orientation remained as the third most-frequent reason for hate crimes, with 33 in Arizona in 2020. Fourth was crimes against gay men,

with 25. Nationally, hate crimes against Asians increased to 279 in 2020, up from 161 in 2019. This comes in the wake of antiAsian rhetoric surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, including former President Donald Trump referring to the virus as “kung flu” and “Wuhan virus.” In Arizona, 4 hate crimes targeting Asians were reported in 2020, up from 1 in 2019. But these statistics show an incomplete picture of how many hate crimes occur in the country, advocates and experts say. “The extent of the undercount is hard to tell,” McDevitt said. In some cases, victims do not report. Lieberman said there are many reasons why people do not report, including fear of police, language barriers, documentation status and LGBTQ+ individuals who have not “come out” to family or colleagues. Galindo-Elvira said some victims may not recognize that the crime committed

against them was a hate crime. And in other cases, McDevitt said, hateful behavior occurs but isn’t considered a crime by law enforcement. “Sometimes we think of things that are hurtful, and we’d like to report those but they don’t qualify as crimes,” he said. Additionally, the FBI’s data collection system is voluntary, and an agency is counted even if it reports zero hate crimes. In 2020, Phoenix had the most reported hate crimes in the state, with 187, up from 151 in 2019. Glendale, Chandler and Gilbert reported several incidents each. “The safety of our community is the top priority for the Phoenix Police Department, and we have a team of detectives dedicated to investigating crimes motivated by bias,” police spokesperson Ann Justus said in an email. “We are aware of the UCR data, and we constantly evaluate crime trends in an effort to decrease the victimization of our community members.” To decrease hate crimes nationally and in Arizona, advocates and experts said, more needs to be done to educate the public and provide support to those who have been victimized. “Fear motivates people who are committing hate crimes,” Galindo-Elvira said, “but fear also holds people back from reporting.” Galindo-Elvira said Chicanos Por La Causa seeks to help victims by speaking out against hate and supporting victims in times of need. Local leaders and government officials throughout the state should speak out against hate and insist that it is not normalized, he said, “because when you’re silent, it gives an opportunity for believed permission.” “It’s incumbent upon all of us to shine a light against hate, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric to ensure that we have a society that embraces all and embraces diversity,” he said. McDevitt echoed similar sentiments, adding that “diversity in our communities makes us stronger, it doesn’t make us weaker.” “As a society, we have to understand that hate crimes can tear us apart,” he said. “If we don’t take them seriously and we don’t react to them positively, our communities are going to fall apart.” ■

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

NEWS

GOP gets advantage in Arizona redistricting BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

embers of the Independent Redistricting Commission voted Wednesday 3-2 to adopt maps that are likely to preserve the Republican edge in the Arizona Legislature for the rest of the decade. They did almost the same with rearranging Congressional districts earlier as they also gave renumbered both sets of districts. Starting in 2022., Ahwatukee is in LD 12, as the number 18 has been assigned to a different region. The 3-2 vote on the legislative districts came over the objections of Shereen Lerner and Derrick Watchman, the two Democrats on the panel. Erika Neuberg, who is a political independent and chairs the commission, sided with the two Republicans. Based on voter registration, the plan creates 13 likely “safe’’ districts for Republicans and 12 for Democrats. At least four of the other five have registration differences of only a few points – which Neuberg said makes them politi-

This map shows the new Legislative District 12, which will include Ahwatukee. The Redistricting Commission renumbered virtually all legislative and Congressional Districts during it works. (Special to AFN) cally competitive. munity and make the district more evenly Lerner, however, reads the available split politically. data, including results of prior elections, to But those were rejected by Neuberg, effectively give Republicans a 17-13 edge. who said that she would entertain only And that, she said, is unfair given that Re- minor alterations. publicans currently control just 16 of the Lerner’s frustrations, which she ex30 Senate seats and 31 of 60 House seats. pressed multiple times as the final legisShe made some efforts before the Dec. lative and congressional maps were being 22 vote to alter several lines in ways she crafted, finally boiled over when it became said would create more competitive dis- clear that Neuberg would side with Retricts. That included redrawing the lines publicans David Mehl and Douglas York. in north Phoenix in a way that she said She said that Neuberg has sided with Rewould better unite the Deer Valley com- publicans more often than not on changes

sought to the maps. Neuberg has not disputed that but said it has to do with a “fundamental difference that we have in terms of interpreting our constitutional mandate.’’ And that includes Neuberg’s argument that while the panel is required to create as many politically competitive districts as possible, that is only to the extent that it does not interfere with other guidelines like following political and geographic boundaries as well as what she interprets as “communities of interest.’’ That explanation didn’t wash with Lerner. She pointed specifically to how draft maps sought to create a legislative district that encompassed the Tucson suburban communities of Marana, Oro Valley and Casas Adobes. As crafted, that would have been a politically competitive district. And she said it kept the district within specific school districts, reflecting that requirement for honoring communities of interest. Lerner said there is evidence that Re-

see REDISTRICT page 18

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

REDISTRICT from page 17

publican Sen. Vince Leach, who lives in the southern Pinal Saddlebrooke subdivision and currently represents the area, was involved in behind-the-scenes lobbying to have the Southern Arizona Leadership Council propose – and the commission to adopt – the design of LD 17 to make it a safe Republican district. Political considerations were not unusual before 2000 when state lawmakers – and specifically, the majority party – crafted the decennial changes in the legislative and congressional lines. That year, however, voters created the Independent Redistricting Commission with the specific goal of trying to remove some of the political influence. It requires lines be drawn based on factors like equal population, honoring geographic and political boundaries, protecting communities of interest and creating as many competitive districts as possible to the extent that does not harm the other criteria. And the constitutional rules for its operation specifically say “the places of residence of incumbents or candidates shall not be identified or considered.’’ The moving of lines to accommodate candidates, Lerner said, gets added to what she said was a legally flawed process. “This map does not meet the constitutional criteria, one of which is the partisan bias,’’ she said. But Lerner stopped short of saying that the maps are subject to being challenged in court. “I have no idea,’’ she said. “That is not my purview.’’ Neuberg, for her part, said there’s a reason that so many of the districts have a Republican slant. And the reason, she said, is the federal Voting Rights Act which the commission is legally bound to follow. It forbids changes in election laws and district lines that dilute the ability of minority communities to elect candidates of their choice. And given the voting patterns of Hispanic and tribal communities, Neuberg said that required the commission to effectively pack those minority districts with Democrats. “When you honor the VRA and you take out what is a huge proportion of the Democratic population because it happens to align with those minority interests, we’re left with a state that is so disproportionately R-leaning,’’ she said. The Commission voted unanimously to

Erika Neuberg, who chairs the Independent Redistricting Commission, defended the decisions made so far by the panel against criticism by Democrat Shereen Lerner, right, that the congressional maps are purposely crafted to favor Republican candidates. (Howard

Fischer/Capitol Media Services)

approve new lines for congressional races through the 2030 election. The vote came despite comments from members from both political parties on how each believes the final maps are not what they wanted. But they said that as a compromise – and with two Republicans, two Democrats and a political independent – compromise was the only real option. Wednesday’s vote, however, may not be the last word. Attorney Marc Elias, who has filed election-related lawsuits across the country on behalf of Democrats, sent a Twitter message shortly before the vote saying he has been watching what is happening here. “I expect litigation if these illegal maps are enacted,’’ he wrote. On paper, using voter registration figures, the maps would create four “safe’’ congressional seats for Republicans and three for Democrats, with two that are considered competitive. But Democrat Commissioner Shereen Lerner said voter registration is only one indicator. She noted that an analysis of how residents of what would be Congressional District 6 voted in nine prior elections in 2018 and 2020 found that Republicans won six of those. That district stretches from midtown Tucson through Graham, Greenlee and most of Cochise county and up into Casa Grande. And even that, Lerner said, is misleading. Of the three that were listed as Democrat wins in CD 6, one was the 2020 U.S. Senate race where Mark Kelly beat Republican Martha McSally, but only by a margin of 50.5%. And the other was a bare win for Joe Biden who got just a hair over 50%.

The situation is similar in CD 1, the other supposedly competitive district that encompasses parts of northeast Phoenix and Scottsdale. “This is not the map I would like,’’ Lerner said. And she said it is a deviation from the current political situation where Arizonans have elected Democrats to five of the nine congressional seats. Neuberg dismissed the current breakdown of the congressional delegation as irrelevant to the commission’s goals of crafting districts that represent communities of interest, geographic boundaries, federal voting rights laws and competitiveness, with the last factor allowed only to the extent it does not interfere with the others. “Maybe we see our constitutional responsibilities differently,’’ she said, saying it is not the role of the commission to start with a presumption of how many Democrats and Republicans Arizona should send to the U.S. House. While Lerner and fellow Democrat Derrick Watchman also voted for the plan as the best they thought they could get, it was panned by the Arizona Democratic Party. But the party’s harshest criticism was reserved for Erika Neuberg, who as the chair of the five-member panel, held the balance of power. “Despite having changed her registration from Republican to independent in 2016, it is now all too clear that Chair Neuberg is a partisan in sheep’s clothing,’’ the party statement reads. “She has been an active participant in the Republican commissioners’ efforts to achieve a warped congressional map so gerrymandered it might as well have been drawn by a Re-

publican legislature.’’ “No comment,’’ Neuberg responded. Some of the basis for the complaints by the Democrats has to do with how the panel crafted CD 6 -- and, specifically, how they divided Tucson between that district and already heavily Democratic CD 7 which runs all the way west to Yuma and then north into Phoenix western suburbs. Republican David Mehl led multiple efforts to move that line as far east as possible. He said that ensures that downtown Tucson is united with the University of Arizona community which he said runs out as far as Alvernon Way. As proof, he said that even UA President Robert Robbins lives east of the campus. That didn’t impress Lerner, saying that Michael Crow, president of Arizona State University, lives nowhere near the campus. “We’re not going to make a whole district around ASU,’’ she said. “Where the president lives is not a community of interest.’’ But Lerner saw something more sinister in moving those midtown voters – a presumably Democratic area – into CD 7, where Republicans already stand little chance of electing anyone to Congress. “When you made those changes in Tucson it was specifically packing (Congressional) District 7 with white, liberal voters and taking them out of District 6,’’ she complained. The map approved Wednesday setting the dividing line between CD 6 and CD 7 takes some interesting twists and turns. It starts at the Rillito River and turns south on Oracle Road, then east on Limberlost Drive, south on First Avenue, east on Fort Lowell Road, south on Country Club Road, east on Speedway, and south on Alvernon Way to Broadway. It then takes in the area between Broadway and Golf Links Road before turning back to Alvernon. Everything to the east is in CD 6, the one that, depending on whose calculus you use, is either politically competitive or leaning Republican. ■

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

Catalytic converter thefts soared this year BY DIANNIE CHAVEZ Cronkite News

ravis Robertson admits he doesn’t know much about cars – but he does know that a loud rumbling is not supposed to come from underneath them when they’re started. “It scared me,” Robertson said. “That’s an understatement, it was really scary, my car was dying.” Robertson, a senior at Arizona State University, was on his way to a Sun Devils football game on a Saturday morning in October when he realized he had become a victim of catalytic converter theft. He is hardly alone. Theft of catalytic converters – the part of a car’s exhaust system that changes toxic gases to less-harmful emissions – is surging across the country and in Arizona, with cases making a particularly sharp increase in 2021. According to an analysis by the public data website BeenVerified, reported thefts in Arizona have grown from 30 in 2019 to 142 in 2020 before skyrocketing to 1,501 through the end of September, a 956.4% increase from last year. That was second only to Colorado, which saw catalytic converter thefts jump 1,254% in the same period. Nationwide, there were 49,611 converter thefts through the first nine months of year, up 244% from 14,433 stolen through all of 2020. BeenVerified estimates that number will reach 70,000 by the end of the year. In terms of overall thefts, Arizona ranked sixth in the first nine months of this year, trailing only California, Texas, Washington, Minnesota and Colorado. David Glawe, president and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau, said in a pre-recorded interview that the rise in theft is due to the increased value in the metals contained in the converters. They contain valuable metals, such as platinum, palladium and rhodium. The bureau said recently that rhodium is valued at $13,100 per ounce, palladium at $1,975 per ounce and platinum at $1,011 per ounce. “Right now – due to the COVID-19 pandemic – the supply chain and the mining of these precious metals is difficult, which has caused the price to go up exponentially over the last year,” Glawe said. Federal regulations have effectively re-

quired catalytic converters on all cars for decades. If one is stolen, Glawe said, it can cost up to $2,000 to install a new one while thieves can get $150 to $200 per converter. Sgt. Ann Justus from the Phoenix Police Department said patrol officers are always on the lookout for criminal activity, including catalytic converter theft, but recommends people take steps to help prevent theft. “Get to know your neighbors, know who should be in the area and who shouldn’t be,” she said. “That way your neighbors are also looking out for their vehicles.” She encourages people to contact their local police department if they see suspicious activity in the neighborhood and recommends people park their cars in their home garage to prevent converter theft. For those who do not have a garage, she recommends parking in a well-lit area. Robertson, whose car was parked on the ground-floor level of his apartment’s parking garage on the day of the theft, acknowledges that it was “really not the most secure spot.” Since then, he has heard from friends and others who were also hit by converter thieves.

He suggests that people need to be aware of where they park if they do not want to become a victim of theft. “If you live in an apartment, be mindful of how secure it actually is,” Robertson said. “A lot of people think, ‘This will never happen to me,’ but I think they should be mindful because there’s always a chance that it will.” Among beenverified.com’s findings: Catalytic converter thefts more than tripled this year. By the end of September, we estimate there were 49,611 thefts nationwide – a 244% increase from all reported thefts of catalytic converters in 2020, a previous record year for these thefts. 2021 is on track to more than quadruple catalytic converter thefts. We estimate the number of thefts by year end will approach 70,000, compared to the 14,433 reported stolen in 2020. By comparison, only 3,389 thefts were reported in 2019, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). California, Texas and Washington are top states for theft. The top states for theft through Sept. 30 this year were California

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(14,112 thefts), Texas (6,105), Washington (3,379), Minnesota (2,025) and Colorado (1,840). Colorado, Arizona and Connecticut saw the biggest 2021 spike. The largest yearover-year increase are in Colorado (1,254%), Arizona (956%), Connecticut (807%), Texas (610%) and New Jersey (512%). Top states per 100,000 vehicles are Washington, Minnesota and Colorado. Washington state has averaged 117 catalytic converter thefts per 100,000 registered vehicles, followed by Minnesota (111), Colorado (107), Oregon (104) and California (96). Toyota, Honda and Lexus vehicles are top targets. The most popular cars by make and model targeted by catalytic converter thieves in 2020 were the Toyota Prius, Honda Element, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Tacoma and Honda Accord. ■

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

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Local man’s nonprofit helps African homeland BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

fter immigrating to the U.S. at age 19, earning a degree at Arizona State University and beginning his own American Dream, Victor Jakpor learned you can go home again. And, in his case, should. After 20 years in Ahwatukee working in finance, Jakpor returned to his hometown of Sapele, Nigeria, following the death of his mother in 2004. There, he experienced a strong desire to reconnect with his city of birth and to help the people, especially children who were underserved educationally. Like his parents, education is important to Jakpor. It was through the largesse of his

father that he came to the United States at age 19 to live with a cousin attending ASU. “My father said ‘I can help you get there, but I can’t support you when you’re there.’ I said, ‘Of course, that will work.’ Six months after I got here, he passed away and my whole life changed. I was just trying to survive while I pursued my goal to go to school.” Though enduring privation and working at several menial jobs, Jakpor persevered and graduated in 1992. “I like to tell people to just go after what you know you want,” he said. “Follow your dream.” While attending a 2006 hunger conference at his church, Mountain View Luther-

see AFRICA page 29

Mission Africa Board president Kimberly Steele is surrounded by children at the Oghwere Primary School, one of several Sapele, Nigeria, schools supported by the Ahwatukeebased nonprofit. (Special to AFN)

2 from Ahwatukee earn ASU degrees

Conflict and global security became her passion

Studies put him in thick of the fight against COVID-19

SPECIAL TO AFN

rowing up in Ahwatukee, Janna Tobin was aware of the local impact of Arizona State University but it wasn’t until she started applying to colleges that she realized its national and international impact. “I knew that ASU, being a massive public research institution, would have a plethora of opportunities no matter the direction I decided to go in once I got there,” said Tobin, who a few weeks ago earned her MA in global security and is nominated for the Marshall Scholarship – which provides full support for two years

see TOBIN page 28

JANNA TOBIN

hen the COVID-19 pandemic began, Nikhil Dave knew he had to do something to help. As part of his work in the Luminosity Lab at Arizona State University, Dave developed several projects to aid health care workers and prevent the spread of the disease – including one that won him and the rest of his team the $1 million XPRIZE Next-Gen Mask Challenge for designing a fog-free facemask. He also coordinated two programs to address personal protective equipment shortages in Arizona.

see DAVE page 28

NIKHIL DAVE

DECEMBER 29, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

Pageant was memorable for St. John Bosco community AFN NEWS STAFF

idway through its celebration of the 20th anniversary of its first school year, St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Ahwatukee re-imagined its traditional Christmas pageant with some special help – a new music teacher. Dr. Luis Rodriguez recently joined the staff and that gave Principal Jamie Bescak a chance to preside over an evening of hymns and Gospel readings by students, some of whom wore elaborate costumes as they portrayed the Three Kings, shepherds and other familiar people from the first Nativity. But it was also special in other ways for Bescak: As she’s in her first year as principal at the school where she has worked for seven years, this was her first Christmas pageant that she got to help arrange. And even though the pandemic has put a damper on many social events the school would normally have for parents, alumni and supporters, she made it so that several, hundred people could attend because she held it in the school’s ample courtyard – which was festively decorated by a deacon, the school PTO and members of the St. Benedict’s Knights of Columbus chapter. Prior pageants, when they were held, were in the church and the courtyard

Desert Pointe Garden Club looks to a new year, meeting Monday

Desert Pointe Garden Club hopes novice and veteran gardeners will join its next meeting at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3, at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center, 5001 E. Cheyenne Drive. Members will share their favorite houseplants and tips for growing success and there will be a presentation on making a Japanese moss ball called a kokedama. Later in the month, members will visit the Japanese Friendship Garden. Information: 480-759-4407 or visit Desert Pointe Garden Club – Arizona Federation of Garden Clubs. (azgardenclubs. com)

Annual Blankets and Bears Drive winding up this week

The Ahwatukee Women’s Golf Association’s 22nd annual Blankets & Bears Drive will be coming to a close Friday, Dec. 31. Since its inception in 1999, the drive has raised thousands of new blankets and new bears to be given to children in traumatic circumstances of all kinds.

LEFT: Children portrayed people from the first Nativity, wearing costumes that have been used for years in past Christmas pageants at St. John Bosco Catholic Church. Mary was played by Elle Bescak and Joseph by Joseph Toscano-Ramos. Angels were Neil Doehman and Madelyn Opdahl. Shepherds were Emily Seidel, Jameson Meyers and Maryann Mendez, The kings were played by Seton Underwood, Dylan Snow and Lucas Mandarino and Emmalynne Garcia-Benne was the drummer. (Krissy Bileski/Special to AFN) proved to be a safe way for students and audience members alike to get together. “Gathering together as a community tonight is something we have all missed and dreamed about for quite a while,” she told the audience. “Our school is a very special place because of the strong bond we all share in wanting to provide a quality Catholic education that educates the whole child. Your children have worked so hard to give you this very special Christmas present and thank you for all you do for them every day.” Rodriguez, who previously worked at adjacent St. Benedict Catholic Church and a few other parishes, led the children in hymns and songs and students in kindergarten through sixth grade sang and portrayed manger scenes. The seventh and eighth graders read from Scripture between songs, led prayers and helped set

up and clean up. “Dr. Luis built it up where every grade level came back out, and by the last two songs, especially for the finale, the entire student body from kinder through sixth grade sang ‘Joy to the World,’” ABOVE: St. John Bosco Catholic School Principal Jamie Bescak and the Bescak said. school’s new music teacher, Dr. Luis Rodriguez, received bouquets from She said Rostudents during the school’s Christmas pageant. (Krissy Bileski/Special to AFN) driguez reimagined the entire pageant but that many our teachers, Karen Rizzo and Carrie Czpeople pitched in. erniski, always decorate with the wreaths. “Our PTO bought these lovely new It was decorated very lovely.” standing old lanterns…and then on two of All in all, Bescak said, “It was magical.” ■

Previous beneficiaries have included Phoenix Fire Station #38 and various other fire departments, Banner Children’s Hospital and the Child Crisis Center. New knitted, crocheted and fleece blankets of all kinds are needed. Crib size or smaller is preferred. Dolls and stuffed animals need to be new and should be soft and cuddly. The association said be sure they are the size a child can hold. Because of COVID-19, blankets and bears need to be small enough to fit into plastic bags approximately 15”x13.” Donations are being accepted at the dining room of the Ahwatukee Country Club, 12432 S. 48th St. Items will be placed under the ACC Christmas Tree and packaged and delivered. Staff at ACC is aware that there may be some “special deliveries.” Questions or to arrange another location for a delivery: text Joyce Blobner at 480-381-4195.

gram of Four Peaks Charities. Stevens holds a BA in communication from the University of Arizona and a masters of arts in speech and hearing sciences from Washington State University . She is a speech and language instructor for ASU Preparatory Academy in Phoenix and is currently pursuing a master of arts in literacy education from ASU and obtaining a certification in assistive technology from NAU. She plans to use the grant to implement a direct reading intervention program to support poor readers and students from low-income families. Her goals include providing every child a fair start in the basics of reading which will allow them confidence moving forward in life and leveling the playing field amongst peers.

AROUND AHWATUKEE

DV alumna receives $1K grant from Four Peaks Charities

Taylor Morris Stevens, a 2003 Desert Vista graduate, has received a $1,000 grant from Four Peaks for Teachers, a pro-

St. John Bosco coat project was a big success this month

Members of the St. John Bosco Catholic School Dad’s Club and PTO held their first annual Coats Project, “Breakfast to Burlington,” where they purchased coats for local children to make sure they stay warm this winter season.

In total, the two groups donated more than 150 coats to St. Vincent de Paul, which distributed the coats to local children in need.

Gala will support Janice’s Women’s Center

The two Ahwatukee women who are trying to raise $6 million to build a shelter called Janice’s Women’s Center are seeking sponsors for a gala to be held Feb. 12 at The Scottsdale Resort, 7700 E. McCormick Pkwy., Scottsdale. Sponsorships are available for individuals, businesses and organizations. Shante Saulsberry also is soliciting auction items. To learn more: info@janiceswomenscenter.com or 602-603-5211. ■

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TOBIN from page 22

of graduate study at any university in the United Kingdom. In 2019, Tobin graduated from ASU with degrees in political science and history. Upon receiving an email from the School of Politics and Global Studies highlighting the ASU Online Master of Arts in global security, she knew she found the right graduate program. “I was elated when I found the MAGS program because it focuses on my area of interest – conflict – and would allow for the flexibility I desired,” Tobin said. “I had a fantastic experience at ASU as an undergraduate, and I was ecstatic to be able to continue my education with the school!” Her biggest apprehension about an online program was the level of interaction she would experience compared to an in-person degree. However, Jeff Kubiak, a professor of practice at ASU and co-director of the master’s degree, invited Tobin to connect with him and other recently ad-

DAVE from page 22

“We essentially crowdsourced 3D printers across the state and brought them together on a single web-based software platform, which included clinics and medical centers that were experiencing shortages,” Dave said. “Healthcare providers would submit their PPE needs, and we would then outsource that production to the 3D printers, get the equipment sterilized and ship them out. We also developed special sterilization systems that would allow people to safely reuse N95 masks since those were in severe shortage. We wanted to help the community and do something to give back.” Graduating recently with a bachelor of science in innovation in society from the School for the Future of Innovation in Society in the College of Global Futures and a B.S. in neuroscience from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dave’s research focuses on innovation in life sciences. Working in the Velazquez Lab at the Biodesign Institute – something he’s been doing since high school – Dave also is studying Alzheimer’s disease. He recently published a new study that looks at the Rbbp7 protein in the brain and its link to the disease. “Alzheimer’s is truly such a complicated

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

mitted students over Zoom. “This meeting assuaged my fears and I am continuously surprised at how the MAGS program has made me feel connected not only to the MAGS community, but also to (the school) and ASU as a whole,” said Tobin. The lectures and events hosted by both the school and the Center on the Future of War, which many of the faculty are affiliates of, were especially beneficial according to Tobin. She shared that these events enhanced the learning that was happening in her courses. “The pairing of the lectures and diverse set of learning materials alone makes these courses high caliber, but the incredible accolades of the professors set this program apart.” The most memorable course that Tobin took was “Human Rights and Armed Conflict” taught by Lecturer Alicia Ellis and Professor of Practice Sarah Holewinski, which “examined the laws and principles guiding civilian protection in war, peacekeeping, challenges to aid efforts and

disease. I describe it as a web of strings, and all the strings are interconnected. When you pull one string, all the other strings come with it, and that’s why it’s so difficult to treat,” Dave said. With these findings, Dave and his team will continue to examine Rbbp7’s role in Alzheimer’s disease and determine its validity as a novel therapeutic target against Alzheimer’s disease, with the hope that one day it can be manipulated to either prevent or treat the disease.” Throughout all this research and projects, Dave has found that interdisciplinary work is needed to solve some of the most pressing issues. “In my work, there’s a drive and desire to work with teams across various disciplines. I realized how valuable it could be to collaborate with people from completely different backgrounds with different perspectives and bring them all together to work toward a single goal. That’s how you solve the big problems.” Dave is finishing up a two-year term as a student regent in the Arizona Board of Regents, representing students across the state and advocating for their interests. He is also part of Barrett, The Honors College and plans to graduate in the spring with a Master of Science in biology. After graduation, he wants to start his own companies in life sciences and hopes

many more ideas.” Tobin appreciated the professors’ expertise and the content covered in the course which linked both practitioner and academic perspectives. “We were tasked with writing a policy memo for our final essay, which was exciting to practice and helpful to those of us who may have professional aspirations in national government,” said Tobin of the course. “Every course has been incredibly engaging, and has presented a wide array of perspectives and scenarios,” she said. “I love that the content is interdisciplinary and highlights contemporary case studies.” She has been interested in the Marshall Scholarship since her freshman year at ASU due to the cultural diplomacy aspect it poses. As she was mapping out her plan leading up to the application deadline, she met Kyle Mox, associate dean of national scholarship advisement with the Office of National Scholarship Advisement, to get feedback on her essays.

to work at the intersection of academia and the public and private sectors. He is thankful for the tools and resources he gained at ASU that have helped him succeed and hopes others take advantage of those same opportunities. “I’m very grateful that I came to ASU. If you’re ever on the fence about attending, reach out to someone from the university to learn more. It’s a great place; there’s nowhere else like it.” He hadn’t been planning on going to ASU until he received the Flinn Scholarship in 2018. He met Mark Naufel, executive director of Luminosity Lab, an interdisciplinary research and development lab with students across every discipline at ASU. “The whole idea is to remove bureaucracy and red tape and just give people the opportunity to innovate and solve challenges they’re passionate about. Once I heard about this lab, I knew I had to go to ASU,” Dave said. He said Naufel and several other professors opened new worlds for him. “Mark Naufel showed me this way of thinking about systems as a whole. Ramon Velazquez, the director of the Velazquez Lab … taught me the importance of doing rigorous and thorough science and life beyond science. I also learned a lot about policy from Rachel Levinson, executive director of National

Mox “was incredibly helpful, not only in providing feedback for my essays, but helping me understand how to create a comprehensive application package that best reflects my background, interests, and experience,” Tobin said. Tobin said she was elated to hear she was a Marshall Scholar nominee. “It was a great feeling to know that my hard work had paid off and that ASU was proud to have me as a representative of the university for nomination to the Marshall Scholarship.” No matter what direction her career takes her, Tobin feels prepared thanks to the support of ASU both academically and professionally. For example, insgtructor Charles Ripley, through his professional career development course, helped Tobin examine career opportunities, develop her resume and offered interview advice. “Ultimately, being able to explore a variety of different disciplines and research opportunities paired with advice from professors has helped me to better understand how I can leverage my degrees.” ■

Research Initiatives for ASU.” He added that Sean Dudley, the chief research information officer at the Research Technology Office, “really instilled in me the importance of developing relationships and partnerships with people and organizations, not as a means to an end but rather as a bridge with constant communication in both directions.” Dave said there are two issues he would like to address if he had the money. “As a country, our scientific enterprise is not as efficient as it can be,” he said. “When I think about the drug development pipeline, there are inefficiencies in basic science, applied science on the regulatory side and inefficiencies in how companies take science and turn it into pharmaceutical and medical products. Spending money would have a huge return on investment.” “Secondly, there are more and more ways to collect biological data on someone’s health, whether that’s through a Fitbit, genetic testing services or interactions with medical care providers. But all of this information is disjointed and very siloed. Finding effective ways to aggregate that data together would be huge for health research and personalized medicine for patients. It would change how we give care, develop new treatments and think about health.” ■

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

AFRICA from page 22

an, Jakpor and the other attendees were presented with a question that would alter his life course: “If time and money wasn’t an issue, what would you do to make a difference?” “I said I wanted to help my people in Nigeria. When I told the facilitator my answer, she said, ‘There are three other people here who want to help in Africa – you need to get with them.’ We went back to Nigeria to do discovery, to see what needed done. It was overwhelming, and I thought, ‘Where do we start?’” Cheryl Jones, a fellow conference attendee, is now a Mission Africa board member. The following year, Jakpor established the nonprofit Mission Africa, which can be found online as MissionAfricaProject.org. The Ahwatukee-based nonprofit, now in its 14th year, continues to raise money to fund a growing list of ventures in Sapele – many of which have already seen success. Maintaining that a good education prepares the next generation to lead, helping schools in his hometown of Sapele, Nigeria, is one of the major project goals for Mission Africa. Many of those schools that Jakpor first encountered in his first forays to Sepela were in disrepair, from crumbling foundations to roofs falling off or gone. There were no toilets, few desks and benches, no textbooks or school supplies, no electricity. Many children who did attend were garbed in ill-fitting uniforms. It wasn’t the way it had been when Jakpor was growing up, and it touched his heart. “For a long time, schools were run by missionaries so that they had a lot of support to run the schools. Then the government took over the schools, and they couldn’t support them. Parents couldn’t afford to send their children to school,” he said. “Mission Africa now supports these schools by providing textbooks, teachers, teacher training and infrastructure like water wells and access to healthcare services.” Mission African estimates there are 59,000 children under the age of 14 in Sapele, half of whom do not attend school. Many are unable to afford the uniforms and fees levied to attend including the purchase of their school books. Jakpor emphasized that 100% of all donations to Mission Africa go to provide these services and others, including the establishment of Sapele’s Community Center, also known as the Dream Center,

Mission Africa board president Kimberly Steele, Victor Jakpor, founder of the Ahwatukeebased nonprofit and a 26-year Ahwatukee resident Victor Jakpor, congratulate a new graduate of their organic farming program in Sapele, Nigeria, Jakpor’s hometown. (Special to AFN) where the nonprofit provides literacy and healthcare training, and instructs adults on organic farming techniques. A sewing center has also been established where women can learn to sew and design clothing with the goal of becoming self-sustaining. “The community center is meant to be a gathering place for the people, and also for community leaders to come and discuss the challenges the community is facing. The meeting place also helps strengthen the personal connections,” explained Jakpor. “Most of Sapele’s children are malnourished, so we’re training mothers about nutrition and organic gardening for their families and to bring health to the community.” Jakpor, an insurance agent, who, with his wife and two sons, has made Ahwatukee his home for 26 years, travels to Nigeria twice yearly, often with a group of volunteers. Mission Africa Board president Kim Steele, CEO of the Arts Academy at Estrella Mountain, has been to Nigeria with Jakpor five times since joining in 2017. “Each time I return home, I’m looking to go back,” said Steele of the country that gained its independence from Great Britain in 1960. “Initially, I felt like a grain of sand on the beach, overwhelmed as to where to start. Through meetings and discussions with the community there, we’ve been

able to focus on specific needs. It has definitely changed my life,” admitted Steele. “It’s not all about what we can obtain in life, but the necessities, and being thankful for them.” From her initial trip to Sapele, the mother of four and grandmother to 12 was immediately drawn to the children. What she saw spurred her to improve their lives, starting with their schools. “For several years now we’ve supplied textbooks to Oghwere Primary School, and if it weren’t for Mission Africa, they would only learn what the teacher could write out on a chalkboard each day,” said Steele. “On distribution day, the books are given individually to each student. The students have appreciation written all over their faces when they’re able to hold their brand-new textbooks. My mind goes immediately to our students here in the US that just expect that textbooks will be there when school starts.” She said two years ago, working with another nonprofit in Nigeria, Mission Africa undertook a six-month pilot program for literacy in Sapele. That further inspired Steele. “Since then, I’ve become very aware that so many of the women are illiterate; they married very young and it’s expected that you have as many children as your husband wants you to have,” she said. “In June of 2022, we’re working with a group in Nigeria to offer literacy classes

throughout the community, to women and children. Some children don’t go to school for a variety of reasons; school fees, uniforms, shoes and simply the mother doesn’t see such a need when she didn’t go,” said Steele. “This is such a passion for me to be part of, to see the self-worth on their faces and being given the opportunity to have their world opened up,” she said, brightening. “The people of Nigeria have won my heart.” Steele said Mission Africa is working on a ‘Monthly Giving’ campaign that will help the nonprofit better budget funds for school maintenance, the community center training, and other programs and needed projects. She emphasized that $50 a month provides a year-long supply of textbooks and workbooks for 24 children; and a pledge of $100 a month is enough to “provide food to nourish thirty children for an entire year, elevating their overall wellness and preparing them to thrive educationally”. Jakpor said Mission Africa recently supplied a borehole to extract water for the school, adding a water tank that allows water to come from the tap, rather than have the teacher or students use a pump. Through donations, the nonprofit has installed four school wells and three toilets. On their website, MissionAfricaProject. org, a 17-minute video provides an overview of Nigeria – the world’s sixth largest producer of oil. The black gold of this oil-rich nation doesn’t trickle down to its impoverished population including that of Jakpor’s hometown of Sapele, population The video also captures a trip led by Jakpor who was accompanied by Steele and board member Jessica Lamartiniere, Jakpor’s sister Helen Jakpor of Chandler, and his cousin David Egboro. They are shown visiting a church, the city of Sapele’s one library with bare bookshelves and no electricity, and the schools, some still in disrepair, where the children’s faces glow when the group presents them with their new textbooks and supplies. Caring for the needs of the disenfranchised in Sapele is a part of Jakpor’s Christian tenets. “I’m a follower of Christ, and God wants us to reach out to the less privileged people in our communities. And when I look at my own community where I came from, I feel that’s a good place to start from,” he said. ■

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‘Undercover Billionaire’ sets up shop here BY ALEX GALLAGHER AFN Staff Writer

rant Cardone – the star of “Undercover Billionaire” on Discovery network as well as a bestselling author and speaker on leadership and other topics – has brought his company, Cardone Ventures, to Scottsdale. With a goal of helping businesses expand tenfold – or 10X as Cardone likes to call it – the office opened with a spectacular act of generosity as Cardone and Cardone Ventures Co-Founder/CEO Brandon Dawson donated 6,000 toys to various charities across Scottsdale and to victims of tornadoes that ravaged the Midwest. Together with an additional 4,000 toys coming from outside donors, the total value of the toys was $200,000. “The act of giving has stood the test of

Grant Cardone, dressed in the blue suit, was joined by members of the Greater Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce in cutting the ribbon to his new offices here. (Special to AFN) time,” Cardone said. “Men and women from all over the world and all religions believe in giving. It’s a gift to be able to give anything to anyone.”

Of the toys being donated across the country, $100,000 worth will stay in Arizona for the Scottsdale Firefighter’s Charities Association, Arizona Helping Hands, Fami-

ly Promise and Armer Foundation for Kids. The other half of the toys will be donated to young victims of the tornadoes. “I’m the vice-chairman of the American Academy of Hospitality Services on the east coast and we do toy drives every single year. Grant does toy drives every year in Miami with law enforcement, the fire department and the Grant Cardone Foundation,” Dawson said. “When we opened the offices here, we decided to start this toy drive where we kept $100,000 of toys here and we sent $100,000 worth of toys to the Midwest where the tornadoes hit. Whatever community we’re in, we like to support it.” Cardone Ventures has ambitions to draw businesses to the Phoenix Metropolitan area while creating nearly 150 jobs.

see CARDONE page 33

144 rental homes coming to historic EV farm TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

piece of the East Valley’s most famous farm is being set aside for homes. The Empire Group of Compani es of Scottsdale announced last week that it is developing 13 acres of Schnepf Farm in Queen Creek for a gated community of 144 rental homes that will be ready for leasing by late next year. The community, called The Village at Schnepf Farms, will be located on the northwest corner of Rittenhouse and Cloud roads. Owners of the farm since the 1960s, Mark and Carrie Schnepf were early pioneers in the “agro-tainment” sector, hosting the celebrated Pumpkin and Chili Park in October, a Peach Festival in May as well as weddings. Empire said it worked with the Schnepfs “to develop the vision for a build-for-rent community that in-

corporates the farm’s attributes and history.” The Scottsdale-based developer is a leader in mixed-use high-rise and build-for-rent projects in Arizona and a leader in a growing trend in new-home construction. As of 2021, build-to-rent properties make up only 5% of properties, but they are currently on the rise, according to Real Estate Magazine. It reported that 50,000 build-torent homes were constructed from September 2019 to September 2020 in contrast to a 40-year average of 31,000 annually. The website PropertyShark called build-to-rent a “turbocharged” trend, noting large institutional investors in the next 18 months are lining up to shell out $40 billion on constructing such homes. Empire itself has invested $1.9 billion in the build-to-rent market, according to published reports.

“Build-to-rent homes are created specifically to be professionally managed communities, often providing a residential experience with upscale amenities, much like a typical apartment complex that’s targeted at young professionals in urban areas,” PropertyShark said. Since the market crash of 2008, when the government provided big incentives for investors to buy up thousands of foreclosed properties, the return on rental homes has become an increasingly attractive investment that the pandemic has fueled because of its “speed and scale,” Property Shark said. “Since the onset of COVID, working from home has become normalized,” it noted. “As a result, millions of citydwellers have relocated to suburban areas, and coupled with record price growth, demand for single family

see SCHNEPT page 33

The Village at Schnepf Farms, a build-to-rent community of 144 homes, will be located at Rittenhouse and Cloud roads in Queen Creek. (Special to AFN)

BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

CARDONE from page 32

“One of the reasons we chose this town is because it is a symbol of people who have done unbelievable things,” Cardone said. “We plan to do 50 educational workshops a year here and this office will house 150 employees. We will also bring an additional 5,000 to 6,000 people to visit Scottsdale who have never visited Arizona before.” Founded in 2019, Cardone Ventures has caught the attention of thousands of business owners worldwide looking to maximize their potential. As their own business began to take off, it became clear to Cardone and Dawson that they needed to have a presence on the west coast in addition to their presence in Miami, Florida. To mark its foray into Scottsdale, Cardone Ventures do“I had been building a home nated 6,000 toys to local charities and to children ravhere for the last four years and I aged by the tornadoes that struck Kentucky and the have been officing out of here for Midwest earlier this month. Together with 4,000 toys training facilities,” Dawson said. from outside sources, the total value of the gift was over “When I partnered with Grant, $200,000. (Special to AFN) my wife and I had been thinking we were going to live in Scottsdale. The business owners from all over the globe to business between us has gotten so mas- Scottsdale. “I know we are going to run tens of thousive that we decided we needed a west sands of businesses through this town coast facility.” There was one aspect of Scottsdale that over the next year or two and create a massive presence here,” Dawson said. had the duo sold on the area. Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega believes “Grant has always had a west coast presence and after debating where to go, we that Cardone Ventures is a perfect fit for agreed this is the place to be because of the city and is evidence of all that Scottsthe people here,” Dawson said. “This is dale is. “Scottsdale is an amazing city because such a great epicenter on the west coast because of the work ethic, the talent that’s it’s an intersection of talent and investhere and the opportunity to recruit great ment,” Ortega said “People come from all people out of the university systems for us over the world to build a better city and contribute to our city in positive ways. is super important.” The two secured an office space off This is how we grow as a city and how we Scottsdale Road and Goldwater Boulevard grow as a vibrant community that’s full of with one-of-a-kind views of the city and positivity.” The first way that Cardone and Dawson came fully furnished, which was a bonus plan to help Scottsdale grow is by getting for Cardone. “Part of the 10X concept is the speed people back to work. “This is a real stand for us to come here, at which you can get something accomplished will determine how much success open up a big office with 150 employees you have in a marketplace,” he said. “The and make an expansion like this,” Cardone fact that we didn’t have to build this out or said. “We’re here to say that we’re going buy furniture allowed us to open and get back to work, we’re going to be in an office and we’re going to do what we can to get life right to work.” Cardone and Dawson plan to host 50 back to normal and people back to work.” events at the space this year – which the Information: cardoneventures.com predicted could attract up to thousands of

SCHNEPF from page 32

rentals is skyrocketing.” Empire said the Village at Schnepf Farms will comprise one-, two- and threestory homes with smart technology and private landscaped backyards. “Interior design and architecture will incorporate modern farmhouse elements to honor the history of the farm and its surrounding area,” it said. “For more than 50 years, Schnepf Farms has been hosting visitors almost daily for produce picking and its famous annual peach harvest. Residents of the Village at Schnepf farms will enjoy picking their own fresh produce, living within walking distance from the garden and the farm’s many other amenities and entertainment,” stated Shelby Duplessis, president of land development for Empire Group. In addition to walking paths and a neighborhood dog park, the community

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will feature a resort-style pool and clubhouse with a fully equipped fitness center. Other amenities include covered parking, electric car charging stations, a dog wash salon and barbecue and lawn game area. “Queen Creek is a rapidly growing area with limited options for renters. We expect the Village at Schnepf farms to appeal to employees of Schnepf Farms and people looking to move to the area. It’s situated in a beautiful setting and includes incredible community amenities,” added Richard Felker, founding partner of Empire Group. Village at Schnepf Farms marks the developer’s seventh build-for-rent community in Maricopa County in the past 18 months. Felker founded the Scottsdale-based company in the early 1970s. Under his direction, the company has built its reputation as a leading developer of Class A mixed-use high-rise projects and luxury build-for-rent communities throughout Arizona. ■

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HJCAC providing opportunity for football players current community college structure wasn’t interested in maintaining opportunities for those student athletes, didn’t mean that those opportunities had to go away,” Weiss said. “So, we did what we could to get creative to find a way that maintains those opportunities and continues for young peo-

The two of them planted the seed and have watched it grow into a conference that currently consists of five teams including the Maricopa Mustangs, Salt River Scorpions, Gila River Hawks, Papago Pumas and the Sonoran Sidewinders. They launched with four total teams across the East and West Valley and have since expanded all the way to Tucson to incorporate the Sidewinders into the fold. All five head coaches have not only led football teams in the past, but some have taken the junior college route themselves and have that unique perspective to instill in their players. Brandon Payne, head coach of the Papago Pumas, is just one of many coaches that has walked the junior college path and knows what it takes to make it to the next level. A Texas native, Payne started his playing career at Blinn Junior College in Brenham, Texas. As a dominant cornerback, he led the team in interceptions

challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player. It seemed out of reach until he meets his future wife, Brenda (Anna Paquin), and receives encouragement from his family, coaches and teammates. Warner attended college at the University of Northern Iowa and went un- Zachary Levi, who plays Kurt Warner in “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story” and the former Cardinals quarterback met on drafted. He tried out the set of the film. (Michael Kubeisy/Lionsgate) for the Green Bay Following that stint, Warner made his Packers but landed with the Arena Footway back to the NFL finding a home in ball League’s Iowa Barnstormers.

St. Louis with the Rams, where he would eventually lead the team to a Super Bowl. The American gambling company FanDuel offered fans the chance to meet Warner and Levi at WestWorld of Scottsdale in early December. “With the movie coming out with Kurt Warner, there is a lot of interest in that movie and it made a lot of sense to bring him along for this,” said Jeff Forvour, FanDuel marketing director. “He and Zach were more than happy to come down and do this with us, which was really cool.” Levi — who previously starred in “Shazam” and TV’s “Chuck” — called the Warner role remarkable. “I was watching his story go down in real time, back in ’99, 2000,” Levi said.

BY SAM STERN AFN Contributor

hen one hears the words, “junior college athletics,” they tend to underestimate the impact this transitional level of competition can have on a student athlete on and off the field. For the Hohokam Junior College Athletic Conference, commonly known as HJCAC, coaches have made it their utmost priority to sculpt their players into not only wellrounded athletes, but also respectable members of society. In 2019, the league was founded by former community college coaches, Doug Madoski and executive director, Steven Weiss. A year prior, the Maricopa Community Colleges decided to drop junior college football due to financial reasons stemming from the Arizona legislature eliminating state funding. After hearing the news, Madoski and Weiss hopped over to the drawing board and figured out a way to provide a collaborative experience that

Alec Horne, “left,” the associate head coach of the Salt River Scorpions, knows how crucial the Hohokam Junior College Athletic Conference is for players seeking opportunities to further their athletic careers. That’s why he has continued to coach in the league since its inception. (Courtesy Alec Horne) focused on academic and athletic growth. “We looked at it like, just because the

to offer an advancement ple’s academic future.”

Kurt Warner’s story on the silver screen BY JOSHUA WEISBLY AFN Staff Writer

or those who live in Arizona and bleed Cardinal red, there are a handful of names that are synonymous with the team. Former quarterback Kurt Warner is one of them. As of Christmas Day, audiences learn the Super Bowl winner’s backstory in the film “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story.” It takes a deep dive into Warner’s life before he joined the St. Louis Rams and the beginning of his NFL career. “American Underdog” tells the inspirational true story of Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from a stock boy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback. The film centers on Warner’s years of

see HJCAC page 36

see WARNER page 36

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

HJCAC from page 35

before going on to play at the University of New Mexico. Now, he’s hoping to help players have a similar path that he had. “This is my passion to see these guys grind because Juco football is one of the most grinding levels of football that you can coach,” Payne said. “My biggest reward and these guys biggest reward is to get them to the next level.” These players come from a variation of backgrounds, and each player’s reasoning for playing in the conference is vastly different. Some did not have the grades to play at a four-year university. Others struggled financially to compete at the next level without scholarships. A select few players are using the league as a segway from one university to the other. For former Salt River Scorpions quarterback Ty Perry, his path to the junior college league was unlike most players. As a 5-foot-10 quarterback out of high school, he was not recruited as highly as he expected. Perry was a consistent 4.0 student and looked at the Hohokam Conference as a perfect way to improve on his playing ability while also gaining more traction on the recruiting front. The pandemic fell right into his recruiting window, and the hope was to spend a year playing junior college football while

WARNER from page 35

“And I think, like most of the country or at least anyone in the country who was paying attention, I was so blown away and inspired by it.” Warner hadn’t previously met Levi, but he was curious as to how he would work out. “I don’t know anything about acting cause these guys do a great job, but you always feel like you want the person on the screen to be authentic,” Warner said. “You want people to see them and go, man, I really buy into that.” But it didn’t take long for worries to fade. “Once I got to know Zach, I thought he was going to do a great job with it because it’s true to who he is, on top of his great acting skills,” Warner said. “Without a doubt, I’m extremely happy with how it played out.”

The Papago Pumas, coached by Brandon Payne, are one of five teams in the HJCAC providing opportunities for players who may not have qualified out of high school, who may need more time to develop or are Division I bounce backs looking for their next opportunity. (Courtesy Liebrock Photography)

waiting on pins and needles for that opportunity to arise. Though that was not the exact path he envisioned, the experience was not just gratifying on the athletic side of things, but it gave him a new perspective on life. “For a kid like me, I think this is probably the greatest experience I’ve ever had just because I’m around kids I’ve never been around before,” Perry said. “I come from a nice part of Arizona. “There’s not anybody asking for money on the corner of my street, but I go out there to south Phoenix and I’m with kids from downtown Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. They’ve got some stories, like there’s kids on the team that have like some crazy things they have endured, but it’s just cool.”

Those who are hoping to see Warner don a Cardinals uniform in the movie will, unfortunately, be disappointed as the film stops during his time at the Rams. “The Cardinals’ years are in that second chapter, such a special chapter for me,” Warner said. “But, it just seems like this is the right time to stop this movie and where it’s going to inspire people and how it’s going to connect with people.” Levi made a quick joke about it. “The sequel, ‘American Underdog: Electric Boogaloo,’ is going to just blow people’s minds,” Levi said with a laugh referring to the 1984 breakdancing movie. “It’s going to be you (Warner) and Larry Fitzgerald breaking. You have no idea.” ■ Anna Paquin stars as Brenda Warner and Zachary Levi as Kurt Warner in “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story.” (Michael Kubeisy/Lionsgate)

When it comes to academics, grades and overall education it’s just as important as the players lacing up the cleats and going to battle on the field. Of course, a vast majority of these players are playing with hopes of reaching the next level. But building these student athletes into well-rounded contributors to society is key to their strategy. The league has made a deal with Snow College out of Ephraim, Utah. It provides the players with another opportunity to receive a low-cost education that ties into the payment to play. Even if players choose not to attend Snow, they still have eligibility to attend a local Maricopa Community College if they choose to go that route. Alec Horne, the associate head coach of

the Salt River Scorpions, knows how crucial the partnership is with Snow College, and having that backing of a school is a major part of the endless academic opportunities that these players are taking advantage of. “I’ve kind of seen how it’s evolved and getting that Snow College deal done was an amazing thing for the league,” Horne said. “The fact you have a school backing you with academic support is huge. We’ve had counselors come down here to get kids registered for their classes. We also had counselors come out here in the middle of the season to have one on one meetings with players and check in on their progress. “So, they’re making huge leaps and bounds to make this program successful.” The conference has blossomed into a well-oiled machine that has been able to recruit many student athletes. It has also allowed for maximum exposure by streaming games on The Varsity Sports Show. Horne said the positive impact on players has been rewarding for him and other coaches. “I wanted to help because I’ve coached players that maybe didn’t have the size or the grades, or they just weren’t ready maturity wise,” Horne said. “I like seeing the kids come in and then they leave being completely turned around and wanting to go back to where they’re from to encourage other people to join in and build a better community.” ■

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Disney On Ice skates into the Phoenix Footprint Center BY JORDAN HOUSTON GetOut Staff Writer

s the world heads into its second pandemic holiday season, it’s safe to say both children and adults could benefit from a little extra Disneyfilled cheer. Disney On Ice presented by Feld Entertainment is kicking off the New Year in Phoenix with seven fun-filled performances for its Dream Big tour. From Thursday, January 13, to Sunday, January 16, Disney’s best will skate into the Footprint Center, located at 201 E. Jefferson St., for showtimes ranging from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The show will feature Walt Disney favorites, including Minnie, Miguel, Moana, Elsa, Belle, Genie and more, while highlighting the magic and adventure of their tales through world-class figure skating. Disney On Ice veteran skater Frederic

Allain, a Canadian native, assures that Dream Big is guaranteed fun for “the whole family.” “We have ten Disney stories all mashed up into one show, and it includes classics like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty and goes all the way up to more modern stories like Moana and Frozen,” Allain, who plays Aladdin in Dream Big’s opening segment, tells Entertainer! Magazine. “There is really a little bit for everyone, whether you are the parents that have seen Disney since you were a child, or literally someone much younger that is now discovering all of these Disney stories.” “If you have a favorite character, it’s probably going to get showcased,” he adds. Audience members will have the chance to join Moana and Maui on an “actionpacked voyage to restore the stolen heart

see DISNEY ON ICE page 39

‘Dream Big’ features Disney favorites, including Mickey, Minnie, Miguel, Moana, Elsa, Belle, Genie, and more, while highlighting the magic of their tales through world-class figure skating. (Courtesy of Feld Entertainment )

Tempe band’s non-fungible tokens produce hit

BY JORDAN HOUSTON GetOut Staff Writer

urrently all the rage in the cryptocurrency realm, it’s no secret that non-fungible tokens are revolutionizing the way music sells – and a local rock band is tapping in. The Palomas, a Tempe-based five-piece, recently sold several singles as digital assets to raise funds for its latest hit Christmas single “Missing Mistletoe,” released via Spotify and iTunes on Dec. 3. The holiday tune, which has since amassed over 11,000 streams, was created with the help of Grammy-winning, multi-platinum producer Mikal Blue of One Republic. The group, known for its high-energy and genre-mashing grooves, partnered with Nifty Gateway to create crypto art through its music, according to guitarist Josh Browning, generating “a lot of cash” in a “relatively short amount of time.” “It feels great,” the guitarist tells Enter-

Palomas band members Joe Gonzalez, vocalist, Victor Sese, drummer, Josh Browning, guitarist, Dane Hess, bassist, and Sam Otterson, vocalist and guitarist. (Special to Get Out) tainer! Magazine. “It’s nice to see an actual return on our art.” In a span of roughly six hours, Browning says consumers purchased the band’s

NFTs at a rate which raised the same amount of revenue music streaming would pay for 4 million streams. The funds were then used to back “Missing Mistletoe” with

producer Michael Beck, who worked on the band’s previous singles “Cards” and “Brown.” “The response, in my eyes, was great. It was as good as a small-time local band could get,” Browning shares. “I am very happy about it. I think it’s a strong indicator of our ability to project ourselves in the future as we exponentially gain more followers and listeners.” A form of cryptocurrency, NFTs have taken the music and art worlds by storm. The digital assets, representing realworld objects, operate on a blockchain. Because it is a publicly accessible network, all NFT transaction details are transparent. However, NFTs can be used to hold assets like art and music instead of “money.” Computers used in NFT transactions “become part of the network,” and the subjective value of NFTs fluctuate in the same manner of stocks.

see PALOMAS page 39

GET OUT

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

DISNEY ON ICE from page 38

of Te Fiti,” as well as explore the Land of the Dead with Miguel from Disney Pixar’s Coco for an immersive celebration of Día de los Muertos on ice. Rapunzel will captivate viewers during her “hair-raising quest to see the floating lights,” while Frozen icons Anna, Elsa and Olaf hit the rink in a dramatic retelling of the sisterly love that saved the kingdom of Arendelle. “We always try to keep things fresh,” said Allain. “We’ve added newer stories to the show to make sure we’re up-to-date with today’s stuff.” Dream Big will also pay tribute to the strength, bravery and kindness of Disney’s original characters “that stole the hearts of millions” across TV screens over the last 90 years, such as Jasmine, Ariel, Aurora, Belle and Cinderella. For Aladdin aficionados, Allain said his opening segment as the “street urchin” is “super high energy” and engaging. “I get to run around the marketplace and there are guards chasing me because I’m a ‘street rat’ trying to steal food to help other people,” the former competitive ice dancer shares. “I eventually meet Princess Jasmine and go on a magic carpet ride and it’s a super romantic number with highrisk elements and beautiful costumes.” Feld Entertainment, a global leader in producing and presenting live family entertainment experiences, has entertained millions of families in more than 75 countries and on six continents, according to its website. Aside from Disney On Ice, its properties include Monster Jam, Monster Energy Supercross, Disney Live!, Marvel Universe LIVE!, Sesame Street Live!,

PALOMAS from page 38

“Say you had the original copy of the Mona Lisa. An argument people say is, ‘What is the difference from this (NFTs) and streaming a song on Spotify?’” Browning explains. “Well the equivalent is always like, ‘Well you could print a picture of the Mona Lisa off of Google images, but it doesn’t hold as much value because it’s readily available.’ NFTs are the digital version of this concept.” Since rebranding several years ago, the Palomas has dominated the local music scene with its new take on Rock & Roll. The musicians, who have known each other since elementary school, blend sounds of classic rock, blues, alterna-

Starring some of Disney’s all-time favorite characters from the last 90 years, ‘Dream Big’ is a fun-filled show for the whole family. (Courtesy of Feld Entertainment )

DreamWorks Trolls The Experience and Jurassic World Live Tour. On July 14, 2021, Disney On Ice celebrated its 40th anniversary, becoming one of Disney’s longest licensees. “We have skaters that come from so many backgrounds and so many countries,” Allain, who has been performing with Disney On Ice for 12 years, discloses. “We’re a very international cast and super diverse, but we all get together because we have this passion for skating and performing and that’s just rewarding on its own. I don’t feel like I’m working, it’s just something I love to do.”

tive rock and Latin influences to provide a fresh spin on the genre. In addition to Browning, Palomas is comprised of Joe Gonzalez, lead vocalist, Sam Otterson, colead vocalist and guitarist, Victor Sese, drummer, and Dane Hess, bassist. “The way I like to look at it is I consider us like a mosaic, an eclectic blending of all of the genres that each individual member is specifically very into,” Browning explains. “For myself, I’m into classic rock having grown up with older parents and that’s what I listen to. Some of the other members are into more punkish sounds, like Blink 182, or the more rhythmic Red Hot Chill Peppers rapperstyle of a modern twist with a traditional take on rock.”

Although Disney On Ice was put on a brief pause during widespread COVID-19 lockdowns, Feld Entertainment emphasizes promoting Guest Wellness Enhancements “to help keep families safe at its live events.” Show venues, including Phoenix, will follow COVID health and safety standards in accordance with all federal, state and local guidelines, Feld Entertainment’s website reads. “After the COVID year where a lot of our shows were cancelled, we’re happy to be back and to get people outside of the house to have a moment with their family and have something special to bring home,” Allain expresses. Dream Big isn’t the first Disney gig under the ice dancer’s belt. Allain has also participated in Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After, Disney On Ice presents Princesses & Heroes, Disney On Ice presents The Wonderful World of Disney on Ice and Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove. A self-described Disney kid, Allain said his relationship with the entertainment giant has evolved since joining the Disney On Ice team in 2009. “I actually really did love Disney movies as a kid,” he shares. “It’s funny, touring with Disney On Ice, I kind of relearned all about the Disney movies as an adult. You see them in a totally different way – we’ll watch them to study how people move, how people act and their reactions because we want to portray all of their characters.” Allain, who competed in seven national ice dance championships and two international competitions representing Canada, recalls his passion for figure skating as a child – despite growing up in a hockeyobsessed country. At eight years old, Allain found his “ice”

After playing together off-and-on over the years, Palomas found its footing in 2019 when it won recording time as a finalist in Alice Cooper’s Proof is in the Pudding Competition. The group went on to record “Cards,” boasting over 13,000 streams on Spotify, and has performed at prominent valley venues such as Last Exit Live, Rebel Lounge and CB Live. Always eager for ways to evolve, Browning says he hopes the band’s latest success with “Missing Mistletoe” and NFTs is only just the beginning. Palomas currently has another single on “standby,” which is slated to be released this spring. “We want to connect with the audience in a vibrant way on stage – that’s our goal

legs after his dad built an ice rink for him and his sister in their backyard. “(Canada) is a big hockey country and I think my dad always wanted to push me to be a hockey player,” Allain remembers. “My sister and I would skate night and day and twirl around, so I begged to go to skating lessons. I got to join a learn-to-skate figure skating class and I fell in love.” With the support from his parents, Allain went on to compete with the junior national team as an ice dancer until his early 20’s, he explains. When the skater decided to retire from competing, an opportunity with Disney On Ice presented itself roughly two years later – and he hasn’t looked back since. “What I find really enjoyable about performing for Disney On Ice is seeing people’s faces – especially the kids,” Allain said. “A lot of them will come dressed up as their favorite character and when they see you perform, everyone feels like they’re in the story and that they’re a part of it. Any time I see somebody’s excited face, it brings joy to my performance and gives me energy.” Footprint Center guests looking to purchase Disney On Ice souvenirs can enjoy a new contactless shopping feature with touch-free payment and digital purchasing options, according to Disney On Ice. Attendees can also pre-order items prior to arriving at the venue. To purchase tickets for Disney On Ice presents Dream Big at the Phoenix Footprint Center, visit disneyonice.com/ dream-big/phoenix-az-footprint-center. To learn more about Disney On Ice and its varying shows, head over to disneyonice.com. ■

as a band overall,” the guitarist says. “As far as what’s next, we have plans to take on the biggest venues around Phoenix for the short term, and eventually graduate to a southwest tour maybe through California, Colorado and Nevada.” Tackling the short term, Palomas will be hitting the stage at the Tempe Marquee Theatre, located at 730 N. Mill Ave., at 6 p.m. Jan. 14, To purchase tickets, visit ticketmaster.com/marquee-theatre-ticketstempe/venue/204932. To stay-up-to date on Palomas’ upcoming performances, follow their socials at Paloma Live on Facebook and @palomaslive on Instagram. For more information, visit palomas.info/. ■

GET OUT

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

King Crossword ACROSS 1 Steal from 4 Highlander 8 Streamlet 12 Historic period 13 String 14 Tom Joad, for one 15 Bridgetown’s island 17 “It’s -- real!” 18 Intends 19 Tropical fruit 20 Jazz genre 22 Piece of work 24 Priests’ garments 25 “Excellent work!” 29 Espionage org. 30 Spectrum creator 31 Ms. Thurman 32 Wavering 34 Twain hero 35 Sharp tooth 36 Clearheaded 37 Cream-filled pastries 40 Arrive 41 Jai -42 Chocolatey frozen treat 46 Give up 47 Carry on 48 Citrus drink 49 Crystal gazer 50 Eye part 51 U.K. fliers

With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Contributor

Having company? Wow them with this treat

30 School orgs. 33 Not as certain 34 Seethe 36 Theater boxes 37 Campaign-funding gps. 38 Fonda’s beekeeper role

39 Lose color 40 406, in Roman numerals 42 Calendar abbr. 43 Eg. and Syr., once 44 Oklahoma city 45 Ump

Sudoku

DOWN 1 Civil War soldier 2 Man-mouse link 3 Whom Pilate pardoned 4 Rascal 5 Atlantic catches 6 Granada gold 7 QB stats 8 Hearty 9 Furniture brand 10 Actor Schreiber 11 Sultry Horne 16 Life stories 19 Site of Apra Harbor 20 “Coffee Cantata” composer 21 Writer Wiesel 22 Rubber gasket 23 Nuisance 25 Mom’s mom 26 Place to get a fruit smoothie 27 Hotel chain 28 Combo

PUZZLES ANSWERS on page 37

henever you’re planning on having company and want to serve something sweet and delightful, these little desserts are just perfect for the occasion. They are delicious, beautifully-presented miniature fruit pie that reflects my Italian heritage: Apple Pie Ravioli. After all, this is the time of year we do things a little more special, a little more glittery, a little more memorable. These Apple Pie Ravioli look like you’ve spent time at a culinary institute, but they’re actually quite simple, beginning with store-bought refrigerated pie dough. The filling is the same as in a delicious homemade apple Ingredients: 2 packages (4 wrapped rolls) refrigerated pie shells 6-8 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into pieces 1/2 cup brown sugar (or more if needed for sweetness) Directions: In a medium pot on low heat, cook apples, brown sugar, flour, butter, cinnamon and lemon juice until apples are softened, about 15 minutes. (Make sure you don’t over-cook apples so they turn to sauce.) When apples are cooked, roll out dough, one package at a time and cut into approximately 2 inch squares. Place about a tablespoon of apple mixture in

pie, and with some dough cutouts and a little sprinkle of decorative sugar, you have g o rg e o u s , individual mini pies that wow. Serve them up warm, or make ahead and freeze. Either way, they are fantastic! ■ 1/3 cup flour 4 tablespoons butter 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 large lemon, juiced 1 egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of milk, mix together Decorative sugar for sprinkling on top the center of one square of dough and cover with another square. pinch around the edges to seal. If you have a ravioli cutter or pastry wheel, run along the edges to finish. Brush lightly with egg mixture and sprinkle decorative sugar over top. Use leftover dough to make flowers, roses, or leaves. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until apple pie ravioli are golden brown. ■

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

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License #ROC 298736

East Valley PAINTERS Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years! Family Owned & Operated

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

10% OFF

Residential & Commercial Painting • Interior & Exterior • Professional Cabinet Reﬁnishing • Epoxy Floors & Concrete Coatings • In-Home Color Consultations “Professional, Punctual & Clean”

Veteran Owned

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

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com 480.898.6465

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

Scott Mewborn, Owner 480-818-1789

Painting

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

480-730-1074

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

ROC# 186443 • BONDED

Call for a FREE consultation and Estimate

Bonded/Insured/Licensed • ROC #225923

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

Free Estimates 7 Days a Week!

The Possibilities are Endless

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

Painting

25 years Experience & Insured

• Call or Text for a Free Quote

Serving the Valley for over 28 years

Landscape/Maintenance

Starting @ $60/Month!

• Licensed, Bonded Insured for your protection.

Family Owned & Operated Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

Now Accepting all major credit cards

www.ACPpaintingllc.com Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

(480) 785-6323

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

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

Pool Service / Repair

Plumbing

Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541

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

Painting

affinityplumber@gmail.com

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor

— Call Jason —

(602) 502-1655 SUN TECH

Water Heaters

24/7

Inside & Out Leaks

Bonded

Toilets

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

Disposals

PAINTING INC.

$35 off

Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior

Any Service

• High Quality Materials & Workmanship • Customer Satisfaction Free Est imates • Countless References • Carpentry Services Now Available Visit us at Suntechpaintingaz.com or view our video promo at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM5pbvpZJlg

602.625.0599 ROC #155380

CONKLIN PAINTING Free Estimate & Color Consultation

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

Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers! We have a “Spencer” on every job

$25 OFF

Filter Cleaning!

7 6 6 5

Need to hire some help?

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

www.barefootpoolman.com See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook

Call Classifieds Today!

480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

Plumbing AHWATUKEE SPECIAL $

Off 40work done *Any

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

10% OFF

Pool Service / Repair Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

ConklinPainting.com

480-405-7099

Lic/Bond/Ins ROC# 270450

Plumbing

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

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

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

PLUMBING $35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

ROC # 272721

480-446-7663

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

480-888-5895

We Repair or Install

and every step of the way.

602-546-POOL

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH!

Family Owned • Free Estimates

Rooﬁng

Monthly Service & Repairs Available

Anything Plumbing Same Day Service

Not a licensed contractor

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

MARK’S POOL SERVICE Owner Operated - 20 Years

Play Pools start at

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER

$85/month

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Ask About Filter Cleaning Specials!

704.5422

(480)

with chemicals

Mark

602-799-0147 CPO#85-185793

COMMERCIAL RESIDENTAL COMMERCIAL && RESIDENTIAL

We Got You Covered!

Specializing in New, Tile and Shingle Roofs • Repairs New Roofs, Repairs, Roof, & Coatings •FlatCoatings, Roof HotFlat Mopping Hot Mopping & Patching Patching •Total Rubber Roof Systems & Total Rubber Roof Systems

Same Day Service All Work Guaranteed

FREE Estimates SAME DAY SERVICE

602-551-2255 30 Years Experience ROC#288-123 • Licensed • Bonded • Insured

We Pay Your Insurance Deductible Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 288-123

Senior & Military Discounts

602-551-2255

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

Rooﬁng

Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

ROC #152111

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs Complimentary & Honest Estimates

Call our office today!

LICENSED | BONDED | INSURED | ROC #269218

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

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

Serving All Types Clean, Prompt, Friendly and Professional Service of Roofing: • • • •

FREE ESTIMATES

Tiles & Shingles sunlandroofingllc@gmail.com Installation Repair Re-Roofing

602-471-2346

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

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS

www.porterroofinginc.com

Flat and Foam Roof Experts! desertsandscontracting.com

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

480-706-1453

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

Please recycle me.

PHILLIPS

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

Let Us Show Yo

u Th

e IN

Call

-EX D i ﬀe r e n c e

for your FREE Roof Evaluation Today! oﬁn

g.c o m

Over 30 Years of Experience

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

480-446-7663

Free Estimates Monday through Saturday

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

AZROC #283571 | CONTRACTOR LIC. AZROC #312804 CLASS CR4 | FULLY INSURED

FREE ESTIMATES 602-736-3019

Sustainable/Chemical Free Residential/Commercial Paint Removal Screen Cleaning

Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers!

623-873-1626 Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

Commercial & Residential Family Owned & Operated

Window Cleaning

602-938-7575

www.InExRo

10% OFF COMPLETE UNDERLAYMENT

Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet.

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

THE MOST READ PAPER in Ahwatukee!

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@timespublications.com

10% OFF with this ad

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

FREE ESTIMATES

WINDOW MASTER

@windowmasteraz (602) 515-2828

Windowmasteraz.com • Windowmasteraz@gmail.com

Ahwatukee Based Family Owned and Operated Insured • Free Estimates

See our reviews and schedule at:

www.cousinswindowcleaning.com

480-330-2649

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

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 29, 2021

W Sa in $ vi te To In ng r w st s ar a n M

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

40 Years

BESTOF

2021

Serving the Central Valley

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

Serving The Valley!

40% OFF 16pt tune up plus outdoor coil cleaning Reg. $109

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

YOUR HOMETOWN AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALIST

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

480-725-7303

Service Call (with repair) Second Opinion A + Rating

We offer Big Savings and Great Financing!

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