east valley
Volume 2 Issue 03 Mesa, AZ
August 4, 2019
Study: 3 EV cities among 10 healthiest housing markets TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
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IN THE BIZ
esa, Chandler and Gilbert are among the 10 healthiest housing markets among American cities with a population of more than 200,000, according to a new study. Smart Asset, a technology company that provides personal finance advice online, ranked Chandler as having the fifth healthiest, ahead of seventh-placed Mesa and Gilbert, which was number 10 in the survey. “Homeowners in a healthy market should be able to easily sell their homes, with a relatively low risk of losing money,” Smart Asset said. To determine market health, the site analyzed stability, affordability, fluidity and risk of loss. It said it based its stability rate on the average number of years people own their homes and the percentage of homeowners with negative equity. “To measure risk, we used the percentage of homes that decreased in value. To determine housing market fluidity, we looked at data on the average time a for-sale home in each area spent on the market—the longer homes take to sell, the less fluid the market,” the study said. It based its affordability calculations on the monthly cost of owning a home as a percentage of household income. Affordability accounted for 40 percent of the healthiest markets index, while each of the other three factors accounted for 20 percent, Smart Asset said. The site said Buffalo, New York, had Public Notices ............... page 2 © Copyright, 2019 East Valley Tribune
the healthiest housing market. It was followed by Lincoln, Nebraska; Fremont, California; and Durham, California. The other cities in its top 10 were Colorado Springs, Colorado (6); Raliegh, North Carolina (8); and Glendale, Arizona (9). For Chandler, the site said owners live an average 11 years and one month in their homes versus a national average of 12 years and two months and an average 10 ½ years in Mesa and nine years/two months in Gilbert. Chandler had a higher percentage of homes that have decreased in value. At 5.1 percent, it was behind the 4 percent of Mesa houses that have lost value and a mere 2.8 percent in Gilbert. But all three cities were well below the 18.8 percent of homes that have decreased in value nationwide. Chandler homes stay on the market for (USPS 004-616) is published weekly
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65 days as opposed to 49 days in Mesa and 64 in Gilbert, according to the study. But all three East Valley cities had better averages than the national average 82 days on the market. Chandler picked up a few points over Mesa in terms of the average percentage of household income spend on homeownership—everything from mortgage and interest to maintenance. The study said Chandler homeowners spend an average 19.2 percent of their annual household income on home ownership as opposed to 20.1 percent in Mesa. However, Gilbert homeowners spend an average 19.4 percent of their income on their homes. Again, all homeowners in three East Valley cities do better than the national average of 21.1 percent, the study said. Subscriptions are $26 for 2 years, $14 for one year. Periodicals postage paid at Phoenix, AZ 85026.
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Racy outfits super-charge Chandler coffee shop BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE Tribune Contributor
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new coffee shop is perking up the Chandler area—and it’s not entirely because of the caffeine. Bottoms Up Espresso, on the northwest corner of Warner Road and Arizona Avenue, is serving joe as hot as the employees—who dress in lingerie and bikinis while creating playfully themed drinks. The company first flirted with the California market in 2011, but has turned up the heat to give locals a view of something other than prime Arizona sunsets at the state’s first location in Chandler. Manager Joni Johnson said that although Chandler may not seem like a prime spot to blend coffee and bare skin, the location is bursting at the seams with new and recurrent customers since opening in April. “We have a lot of construction workers in the area that come in when we open at four in the morning because this is the only place open to get coffee other than gas stations. No where else in this area opens that early,” Johnson said. “I think they just appreciate having good coffee, like a good cold brew before going out in the sun all day,” she added. Johnson said the cafe also sees a lot of traffic as people make their way off the freeway after work. Customers frequent the cafe on the weekends with their significant others and friends as well. Yet, no matter what time of the day customers stop at the shop to take in the view—a smile, good conversation and a show come with every cup. The Chandler location is the company’s only outlet with an indoor seating area where customers can play games or chat with the baristas. “You can literally come in here and talk to us for hours, we don’t mind. We have Wi-Fi, so people come and do homework and work or business too. We just want customers to relax and enjoy themselves and their drinks, and us too if they want,” said Johnson. But those headed through the drive-thru won’t be shorted on the views. A mirror in the back of the kitchen lets customers see the baristas’ outfit of the
day while they make drinks to drool over. Espresso drinks like the popular Little Irish Girl with Irish cream and white chocolate and the Blonde Bombshell with toasted marshmallow, caramel and white chocolate are among the most popular on the menu. But the joint also serves energy drinks like The Big O, with strawberry and green apple, and the Screamer, which comes with blue raspberry, green apple and watermelon and basic smoothies that are popular among customers. For those looking for a snack, other than the girls, they can order a French toast bagel breakfast sandwich or the favored croissant breakfast sandwich. To jumpstart the week, on Mondays the girls wear “schoolgirl” outfits, typically complete with plaid miniskirts, stockings and pigtails. Tuesdays and Saturdays are both dedicated to red and black bikinis to represent the brand’s colors. Wednesdays lasso customers with a cowgirl theme which usually features ripped daisy duke shorts and tied plaid shirts to boot. Thursdays, Johnson said, are one of the shop’s busiest days during the week. A “fantasy” theme at the store means lingerie, and little of it. Johnson said some of the girls like to be the women of customers’ dreams by elevating the look with complete hair and makeup. Though most people look forward to a slow Sunday, baristas hype up the slower pace with a sports-inspired look with tied-up jerseys. “What’s nice about the outfit changes is that we’re the only place around here to do it. So, if you like the concept but don’t want to see a bunch of beautiful women in lingerie, you can come on Sunday and still have fun but we’ve toned it down a notch with sports-themed outfits,” said Johnson. Though toned down, the dress code keeps even the shop’s most casual days piping hot. Employees must have their midriff showing at all times, are strongly encouraged to wear makeup and keep their hair its natural color. The girls are not allowed to wear thongs or boy-shorts to work as all of the outfits must include cheeky-style underwear or swimwear.
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Johnson said with the girls’ natural features on display, a lot of people think the customer-base is mainly men. “We actually get more women here than men. We do get guys but sometimes they’re afraid to look at us or they’ll be nervous, but the women come in here just taking us in and telling us straight up they think we look good,” said Johnson, adding: “We know we have a lot on show, we know you come here to look at us and that’s okay. We put in all this effort so you will look at us.” Though, most of their male customers have no problem drinking the women up. One left a review that raved: “I came to get a cold brew but I wanted something slightly sweeter and they made my drink perfectly. The girls are beautiful, energetic, and have wonderful customer service. I would recommend this place to anyone who likes coffee period! Awesome place!” Another customer, said, “Great coffee, beautiful baristas, friendly atmosphere.” He couldn’t help noting as well that one barista in particular was “absolutely delicious.” While most that come to the store have only compliments to give, Johnson said not everyone in the community is as enthusiastic about the concept as others. “I check our reviews on Google and stuff and there was this lady who was just not loving this concept she was like, ‘I think it’s messed up that we have two bikini shops in this area, it’s just degrading to women,’” said Johnson. But Johnson is hardly flustered. “If we love it, we love it. I have no problem walking around like this and I’m sure none of them do,” she said. “None of us feel degraded at all. If they did they wouldn’t work here. We’re all comfortable in our skin and if anything its empowering. If you’ve got it, rock it. Rock what God gave you,” she added. Johnson said before making assumptions about the concept of the store to come in and experience the environment for one’s self. “We get people in all the time who had no idea what it was even though our logo has a girl with a bikini on it. They come in and they absolutely love it. You just never know,” she said.
AUGUST 4, 2019
AT&T call center brings 500 jobs to Mesa TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
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T&T says it has created 500 jobs at a new, state-of-the-art customer call center in Mesa. The 97,000-square-foot, $7.2 million facility is located within AT&T’s corporate campus at 1355 W. University Drive. “We’re proud that AT&T continues to grow and invest in Mesa,” said Mesa Mayor John Giles. “This new facility is a great endorsement of Mesa’s thriving economy and business-friendly environment.” The Mesa call center will support customers with multiple AT&T products and services. “It offers the latest technology and a fun, modern interior design with an Arizona theme,” a company spokesman said, adding that its Mesa campus also includes an auditorium, fitness center, recreational space and new outdoor landscaping. “This new call center offers a fantastic work environment equipped with the
Public Notice NOTICE
ANYONE KNOWING THE WHERE-ABOUTS OF SCOTT JOHNSTON OR ANY OF HIS HEIRS, PLEASE CONTACT THE LAW OFFICE OF AARON J. GREMILLION, LLC, AT 1295 HWY 75, SUN-SHINE LA, 70780 OR AT 225-289-4383. Published: East Valley Tribune, July 21, 28, Aug 4, 2019 / 22038
Public Notice CADENCE COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT MESA, ARIZONA CADENCE PARKWAY PHASE 3 INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS CADENCE PARKWAY AND CRISMON ROAD, MESA, AZ PROJECT NO. CA190 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received until August 22, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. All sealed bids will be received at Mesa City Plaza Building, Engineering Department at 20 East Main Street, 5th Floor, Mesa, Arizona; except for bids delivered 30 minutes prior to opening which will be received at the information desk, 1st floor, Main Lobby of the Mesa City Plaza Building. Any bid received after the time specified will be returned
latest tools designed to allow our people to focus on customers,” said Jamie Barton, AT&T executive vice president of sales and service centers. “The talent we’ve found in Mesa will help ensure customers receive the high level of service they expect,” he added. “Our employees are our number one asset when it comes to serving our customers well. It’s critical to invest in our team to enhance their work life and develop them professionally, so we’ve created a variety of programs for employees at this center and others in the U.S.,” he said. Its “Living Your Best Life” is an initiative designed for personal and professional growth, focused on financial, emotional, career and physical fitness. This year, center employees have had the opportunity to learn more about tax tips, stress management, developing a professional presence and look and other matters through training and discussions. Other employee benefits include a focused effort for job promotions in the centers, attendance flexibility and on-
without any consideration. A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. in the upper level Council Chambers at 57 E. First Street, Mesa, Arizona. There will not be a pre-bid review of the site. This contract shall be for furnishing all labor, materials, transportation and services for the construction and/or installation of the following work: Storm drain, concrete, paving, adjustments, signage, striping, street lights and land-scape for Cadence Parkway as outlined by the Improvement Plans for Cadence Park-way Phase 3 Infrastructure Plans. Excludes rough grading (by others) and dry utility mainline trench and conduit. The Engineer’s Estimate range is $1,500,000 – $2,000,000. For all technical, contract, bidrelated, or other questions, please contact Stephanie Gishey at stephanie.Gishey@mesaaz.gov. Contact with City Employees. All firms interested in this project (including the firm’s employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process. This policy is intended to create a level playing field for all
EAST VALLEY BUSINESS
site security and escorts, especially during evening hours. “The investment AT&T has made in this location proves that Mesa is a destination for companies to put down roots and grow their business,” said District 3 Councilmember Francisco Heredia. “This center is bringing a significant amount of jobs to the city and District 3, which is a big win for our community,” he said. The company concluded its ribbon cutting with a food-packing event for United Food Bank. AT&T has donated over $300,000 to local nonprofit organizations for food outreach programs. “We believe in the importance of investing our time and resources to help the communities where our employees live and work,” said Toni Morales Broberg, president of AT&T Arizona. “This call center and Believe Phoenix mark the beginning of a new chapter of our commitment to the Valley.” AT&T has more than 1,700 employees in Arizona.
potential firms, to assure that contract decisions are made in public, and to protect the integrity of the selection process. All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the authorized representative identified above. Contractors desiring to submit proposals may purchase sets of the Bid Documents from ARC Document Solutions, LLC, at https://order.earc.com/arcEOC/PWELL_Main. asp?mem=29. Click on “Go” for the Public Planroom to access plans. NOTE: In order to be placed on the Plan Holders List and to receive notifications and updates regarding this bid (such as addenda) during the bidding period, an order must be placed. The cost of each Bid Set will be no more than$26.00, which is non-refundable. Partial bid packages are not sold. You can view documents on-line (at no cost), order Bid Sets, and access the Plan Holders List on the website at the address listed above. Please verify print lead time prior to arriving for pick-up. For a list of locations nearest you, go to www.e-arc.com. Published: East Valley Tribune, July 28, Aug. 4, 2019 / 22161
Public Notice
IMPROVEMENTS Project No. LF0329STP
The City of Mesa is developing plans to upgrade the playground equipment at Stapley Park. The old playground equipment will be removed and replaced with new playground equipment along with new play area surfacing. The City of Mesa would like students and members of the neighboring community to share their input on which type of play features will be in the new playground. You are invited to attend a Public Meeting where City staff will be available to answer your questions. No formal presentation will be given. Date: Tuesday, August 13, 2019 Time: 6:00 pm to 7:00pm Location: Eagles Park Community Center-Room 118 828 E. Broadway Rd Mesa, AZ 85204 If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact Michele Arrollado, Lucy Lopez or Juanita Gonzales with the City of Mesa Engineering Public Relations Department at (480) 6443800. Published: East Valley Tribune, Aug 4, 11, 2019 / 22307
CITY OF MESA MESA, ARIZONA NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING STAPLEY PARK PLAYGROUND
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AUGUST 4, 2019
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