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This Week

NEWS ................. 6

New candidates join 2022 governor race

BUSINESS ......... 14 Barros and Pepsi partner to raise money for pediatric cancer fund

FEATURES ........ 21 Scottsdale artist Cindy Lopatynski makes old jewelry new again

OPINION ......................8 BUSINESS ................. 14 FEATURES ................ 19 YOUTH ...................... 29 CLASSIFIEDS ............ 30 Zone I

Serving the communities of Anthem, Desert Hills, Norterra, Sonoran Foothills, Stetson Valley, Tramonto, New River, Desert Ridge and North Phoenix

Anthem Area Edition

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Wednesday, June 23, 2021

J. Pierce brightens the world with his art BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

Pierce sits on the sofa of his Gilbert home donning black pants, a playful Lolo’s Chicken and Waffles T-shirt he designed and colorful shoes that pop. The cream-colored walls are bare, which is surprising for the prolific artist who has sold his Keith Haring-like artwork to likes of rapper Rick Ross and the Arizona Coyotes president and chief executive officer Xavier Gutierrez.

see PIERCE page 5

Inspired Keith Haring, Dr. Suess and Picasso, the proliﬁc artist moved to Anthem at 18 and stayed in the Valley, moving to Gilbert in 2008. (Submitted photo)

Phoenix budget funds mayor’s priorities BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

he Phoenix City Council approved the 2021-22 budget that includes funds for a new mental health response program, public safety reform and heat mitigation. The innovative plans contained in the budget align with Mayor Kate Gallego’s priorities. Those priorities include: • Dramatic expansion of mental health response • Climate action and heat readiness

• Business resilience and recovery • Affordable housing and prevention of homelessness • Continued COVID-19 response and relief. “Each of these issues speaks directly to the quality of life in Phoenix,” Gallego said. “Improving and expanding the way we respond to mental health crises is essential, so people get the help they need. We must protect our environment and climate so our families can live and grow. Likewise, every individual and family deserve a safe, comfortable place to live. We will continue our work to restore

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see BUDGET page 4

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An edition of the East Valley Tribune The Foothills Focus is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout the North Valley. To find out where you can pick up a copy of The Foothills Focus, please visit www.thefoothillsfocus.com CONTACT INFORMATION Main number: 623-465-5808 | Fax: 623-465-1363 Circulation: 480-898-5641 Publisher: Steve T. Strickbine Vice President: Michael Hiatt Associate Publisher: Eric Twohey | 480-898-5634 | erict@thefoothillsfocus.com

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

BUDGET from page 1

Program (CAP). This civilian-only mental health response program is part of a larger slate of reforms intended to increase public safety accountability, responsiveness, transparency and trust. The number of crisis response units will increase to a total of 10, while establishing nine new behavioral health units in areas that experience the highest concentration

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Climate action and heat readiness Addressing climate change and the rising temperatures is critical to ensuring the vitality of Phoenix. Gallego ensured the budget addressed these issues head-on by proposing the first Office of Heat Response and

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Mitigation, which includes tree and shade administration; solar energy inspection program; greenhouse gas emissions inventories; updated tree inventory and database; cool corridors program and tree and shade master plan.

Business resilience and recovery Another of Gallego’s priorities is to help the recovery of small businesses that were ravaged by the pandemic. The budget funds a variety of initiatives that will provide services for small business including help in finding, training and retaining employees. Affordable housing and homelessness With home prices increasing and many still feeling the effects of pandemic-related job losses, issues of homelessness and affordable housing have never been felt more sharply, Gallego said. Mayor and city council recently approved the Homeless Strategies Plan to increase and improve affordable housing units, leverage federal funding and work with community partners to provide direct aid to the community. With today’s increase in funding of an additional $2.8 million and four new staff positions, the city will move another step closer achieving its goal to decrease homelessness and increase affordable housing. The budget for fiscal year 2021-22 takes effect on July 1.

2021

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PIERCE from page 1

“Anytime I put up artwork, I always end up selling it,” Pierce said with a shrug. He’s working on T-shirts for Monroe’s Hot Chicken, which is owned by Lolo’s. Pierce is one of Arizona’s best-kept secrets. Besides his work for Ross and Gutierrez, Pierce designed T-shirts for Samuel Jackson, and artwork for former professional baseball player Howie Kendrick, who lives in Phoenix. Pierce’s work, particularly for Jackson, led to mentions on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” “It was cool when Jimmy Kimmel gave me a shout out,” Pierce said with his trademark wide smile. “He said I was an Arizona artist. There are always California artists, New York or Miami artists, Chicago artists. It’s cool to represent Arizona. “It’s been awesome, man. I originally started out doing art walks, like the Chandler Art Walk, and selling my paintings for $20 or $40. Now I’m seeing my artwork sell for hundreds and thousands.”

Living in the ‘hood’ As a child, Pierce split his time between California and Chicago after his parents separated. He attended high school and college in San Jose. In Chicago, he lived in the “hood,” as he calls it, where he learned to hustle and paint T-shirts for gangsters. “I never messed around in that (gang life), but I was always protected,” he said. “They liked me because I skateboarded and lived in the hood in Chicago. “But there would be barbecues every other day with my family. So, I would be in Chicago, going Downtown and being in the city. Then, living in San Jose, it had the whole Cali vibe.” He discovered penciling and sketching at age 15, when he was in foster care as his parents were going through “tough times,” he said. They went their own ways and Pierce spent two years in foster care. He, in turn, basically emancipated soon thereafter. “In high school, I started painting custom clothing — like painting on shoes, shirts and dress shirts,” Pierce said. “I’d wear it to school and all my friends asked where I found the stuff. It led to painting on canvases.”

walking around with my shirt and my name on it, it was so cool.” When the Arizona Coyotes hosted Hockey Fights Cancer night on April 19, he created a special sneaker for several players — Captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Jakob Chychrun, Clayton Keller and Jordan Oesterle — to share how cancer touched their lives. The shoes were auctioned to raise money for the Arizona Coyotes Foundation. The collaboration came about after Gutierrez’s wife contacted Pierce through Instagram. “She said they were looking for a painting for a wall J. Pierce’s t-shirts designed for Samuel Jackson led to mentions space,” he said. “They inviton “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” (Submitted Photo) ed me to their house.” Unfamiliar with GutierIn high school, he was inspired to start rez, Pierce asked what he did his own brand by LRG owner Jonas Bevac- for a living. He told Pierce he was the presqua, who died of natural causes in 2011. ident and chief executive officer. “He was one of the biggest streetwear brands,” he said. “I’d send him my art and show him. He emailed me and said to keep up the good work, keep doing my thing. He sent me free gear. That inspired me through those times in foster care.” He moved to Anthem at age 18 and worked at Outlet at Anthem stores like Docker’s, Quicksilver and Columbia Sportswear. Besides participating in the Chandler Art Walk, he was part of the jury. “I had a business partner who I was working with in Anthem,” Pierce said. “He was a business partner and investor who was going to help me get my brand and my art to the next level. Nothing really panned out and we parted ways.” He stayed in the Valley, however. He moved to Gilbert in 2008. Pierce has collaborated with a slew of local businesses, restaurants and organizations. He encourages his clients to share their art direction and he takes it from there. “We created a limited edition shirt that can be purchased at any of the Lolo’s Chicken and Waffles stores,” he said. “It’s pretty cool because I’ve never collaborated with a restaurant. And to see the staff

NEWS

“I thought, ‘Oh dang. That’s awesome,’” he said laughing. “I said I always wanted to do the Kachina logo in my style of art and collaborate with the Coyotes. “He said, ‘That’s why I wanted to talk to you.’ He connected me with the foundation.”

Inspired Inspired by the late Haring, Dr. Seuss and Picasso, Pierce said Arizona is the lead character. “I started doing Arizona landscapes because you see horses in oil paintings and things like that,” he said. “I wanted to create a new, fun look at Southwestern art. “I’ve done tons of portraits. I do a lot of cartoons based on pop culture and retro cartoons that we grew up watching, like Looney Tunes. Landscapes and skylines are big, too. I’m always trying to think of new stuff to paint, rather than just sticking to one.” Pierce grew up skateboarding and was entrenched in the culture and lifestyle. He attended skateboarding trade shows

see PIERCE page 7

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

Secretary of state, ex-TV anchor join governor race BY RITHWIK KALALE Cronkite News

andidates are lining up to become Arizona’s next governor in 2022, when Republican Doug Ducey terms out under state law. Two prominent women joined the race: Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, who has gained national prominence defending the state’s 2020 election, wants to be the Democratic candidate; and former news anchor Kari Lake, who resigned from Fox 10 in March, wants to represent the Republican Party. They joined Republican hopefuls Kimberly Yee and Karrin Taylor Robson, and Democrat Marco Lopez. While Republicans are running on former President Donald Trump’s policies, Hobbs is addressing unfounded allegations of fraud in the 2020 presidential election repeatedly pushed by Trump and many state Republicans. Hobbs has denounced the so-called

audit organized by Arizona state senators to review the 2020 presidential election ballots and told CNN she thinks “this whole thing is a joke.” “In 2020, against all odds, in the middle of a pandemic, we proved that democracy works,” Hobbs said in a video announcing her campaign. “It’s been my job and life’s work to make government work for the people of Arizona. That’s why I’m running.” Among gubernatorial candidates, Hobbs was at the top of the power rankings by OH Predictive Insights, a market research firm in Phoenix, even before officially announcing her candidacy. The rankings are based on an online survey of 935 registered Arizona voters conducted the first week of May. The survey presented respondents with 40 notable Arizonans to rate, regardless of whether they are actually running for office. In her campaign announcement, Hobbs noted her efforts to expand Medicaid for seniors and implement the Arizona Opioid Epidemic Act in 2018, which offered increased

access to treatment and opioid overdose countermeasures, such as Naloxone. As governor, Hobbs promised she would protect survivors of abuse, rebuild the postCOVID-19 economy, invest in health care and education and “ensure that your race, gender or ZIP code does not dictate your destiny.” Lake also recently announced her political ambitions. In her campaign video, Lake pledged to tackle homelessness, synthetic drug use, Arizona’s “out of control border” and other issues if elected. “I’ve earned the trust of Arizonans across our state by bringing the real story into your living room night after night,” she said, calling for an “Arizona First” approach to governance, mimicking Trump’s “America First” motto. “Arizona history suggests that Arizona voters look kindly on television broadcasters,” said Jason Rose, a political consultant who has worked for Ducey, former Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and former U.S. Rep. J.D. Hayworth.

The “history” Rose is referring to is Hayworth, who was a local sports reporter for the CBS affiliate in Phoenix before serving in Congress from 1995 to 2007, representing the East Valley. But there are different types of star power and name recognition when it comes to the ballot box in Arizona: Hayworth wasn’t able to unseat Sen. John McCain in the 2010 primary. Notably, in OH Predictive Insights’ power rankings, Jack McCain, son of former Sen. John McCain, followed Hobbs at second place on the list. He has not announced a run for any office. Lake resonates “with the base of a Republican Party still very much defined by former President Donald Trump,” published reports said, noting that she has recently attended events sponsored by groups who contend the 2020 election was stolen from Trump. Lake isn’t the only Republican to use an

see GOVERNOR page 7

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GOVERNOR from page 6

“Arizona First” tagline. Yee, who is state treasurer and the first Asian American to be elected to a statewide office in Arizona, promised to focus on border control and security in a campaign video released May 17. “Washington is simply not going to protect Arizona,” she said in the video, adding D.C. is “refusing to enforce the law, opening our state to drug cartels, violence and human traffickers.” Yee, who also praised Trump’s economic policies and attacked the “corrupt press and socialist ideals,” is ranked third in OH Predictive Insights’ power rankings. Lopez, former mayor of Nogales, announced his candidacy for governor in March, making him the first Democrat to enter the race. His campaign video primarily focused on rebuilding Arizona’s economy and criticizing policies implemented by Ducey, who was first elected in 2014. “State leaders failed us as coronavirus cost us lives and hammered our economy,” he said in the video. “Our Legislature is run

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by extremists promoting bizarre conspiracy theories instead of actually getting things done for you, the people.” Lopez promised more investment in education, more technology and manufacturing jobs and greater access to health care for Arizonans. Like Yee, Lopez mentioned growing up as a child of immigrants and small business owners. He also put emphasis on his work as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection chief of staff during the Obama administration. Robson, a member of the Arizona Board of Regents, also announced her candidacy for governor in mid-May, promising to fight the “radical Biden-Harris agenda.” In her campaign video, Robson pledged to travel the state and hear from Arizona communities about their needs. The Board of Regents oversees the three state universities of Arizona. Robson has served on the board since 2017. On the OH Predictive Insights power ranking, Robson came in 18th and Lopez came in 20th. - Cronkite News reporter Tina Giuliano contributed to this report.

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PIERCE from page 5

and hung out with the skateboarding community. He’s always tickled when new collectors discover his art. “There was this one dude who I worked for, he has 80 paintings throughout his house and just found out about my stuff,” he said. “He said, ‘Dude, I want to collect a lot of your stuff.’” Art is Pierce’s full-time job. If he isn’t painting murals, he’s working on product design logos, custom shoes and “anything art related.” “Other than that, I’m always busy painting, fulfilling orders and patterns,” he said. Pierce has plenty to be proud of, between his works for Jackson and Ross, as well as businesses and homes around the Valley. He’s still amazed by the way his art has traveled. He even had a clothing and shoe line in Wuhan, China, four years ago. “It’s huge,” he said of Ross, who purchased a painting of himself and custom art. “He’s a huge person and to have my art go into his house and the way he hung it up and everything is so awesome.

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“My other huge accomplishment was when Samuel Jackson shouted me out on ‘Jimmy Kimmel’ and then getting Jimmy Kimmel to follow me on Instagram. Being friends with Samuel Jackson has been a blessing.” Pierce and Jackson became acquainted two years ago when he, on a whim, reached out via Instagram to Jackson, who was filming overseas. “I hit him up late at night because he was in another country,” Pierce said. “It was morning for him, and he responded. I said, ‘Yo, can I send you some of my shirts to you?’ He responded with, ‘You had me at shirts, brother.’ Then he gave me his address and I thought, ‘Wow, this is sick, dude.’ Hard work and faith are the keys to whatever I do in life.” J. Pierce

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Easy and odd solutions to everyday problems BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

ooking for easy solutions to common household problems? There’s a whole world of uses for the stuff we keep in our cupboards. Did you know that you could immobilize flying insects with hairspray, repel fleas with salt and condition hair with mayonnaise? You can polish your leather boots with Endust, prevent car battery corrosion with chapstick and clean the toilet bowl with Coca-Cola.

Books have been written about using common ingredients for a multiple of purposes that will simplify our lives. I’m not convinced. How am I supposed to remember that whipped cream in the can is also a great hair conditioner, shaving cream and makeup remover? (I’ll ask my husband, Doug, to try whipped cream next time he shaves and see what he thinks.) Who would have guessed that charcoal briquettes could be used to deodorize your refrigerator? Or better yet, when one briquette is placed in

a toolbox, it prevents your tools from rusting! If you are barbecuing, tea can tenderize the meat and club soda can clean the grill. Eating outdoors? Don’t worry about ants. Just draw a chalkline around your table (ants never cross a chalk line) or throw some coffee around your patio. Ants hate coffee. Vinegar is the most versatile product of all. Buy a bottle and you might be set for life. The miracle liquid can actually dissolve warts, relieve arthritis, cure an upset stomach, stop itching, soothe a sore throat, cool sun-

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burn, repel bugs, clean windows, dentures and toilets. And that’s only a partial list of the wonders that can be accomplished with a little splash of vinegar. It can remove bumper stickers, prevent ice from forming on a windshield and cure hiccups. If you have a child who has gotten gum stuck in his hair, don’t worry. Just slap some peanut butter in the hair and voila, the gum can be combed right out. You can also spread some peanut butter on a mousetrap to use as bait. Mice love peanut butter. It’s a pretty mixed-up situation when you can brush your teeth with toothpaste, then use it to polish the silver, clean the piano keys and patch small holes in the walls. Have a bug problem? Sprinkle Tabasco sauce on your outdoor plants. Oh, and if you have a toothache, rub on lots of Tabasco. Your mouth will be “set on fire” and you won’t notice your tooth pain. One more thing, if you have bags under your eyes, just rub on Preparation H. It will take the bags away! And you can even slather it on your hair; it’s supposed to work great as a leave-in conditioner (just don’t pile it on). Looking for a cure from a hangover? Grab a can of WD40, or was it baking soda? Perhaps it was the peanut butter mixed with vinegar. OK, just use anything for everything and let me know how it all works out. Like to experiment? Be brave, but be very careful. Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Have a story or a comment? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

Feel like a victim? Don’t invite me to lunch BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

he argument began, as so many do, over words. A friend, male, late forties, Jewish, was detailing an anti-Semitic insult he’d suffered at the hands of a client. Then he wanted it to be my turn. “You must be the victim of discrimination like that all the time,” he asserted. My response? “I’ve never been the victim of anything in my life. Have I experienced anti-Semitic language, insults? Sure. A lot. But victimized? I don’t think so.” Our conversation descended into semantics and harshness over what constitutes victimhood. My friend argued that we’re all — all 7.6 billion Earthlings — victims of slights and people we may never admit or never know harmed us. I argued that his definition of victimization trivializes real injury. “If everyone’s a victim, then no one’s a victim,” was my final salvo. The server merciful-

ly delivered the check. “I’ve been to murder scenes. I’ve interviewed survivors of concentration camps and rape. I just don’t see a parallel between how they’ve been hurt and some idiot calling you a hebe.” It’s true that there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Mine probably cost me a friend. I thought about this exchange for days, about why being called a victim so lodged in my craw. I guess it’s because in America today, the prevalent narrative — one I reject with great force — is that we are a nation of victims and victimizers, the afflicted and the afflicting and I try every day to live my life as neither one. To consume news in 2021 is like reading an endless scroll of society’s victims. Violence, racism, income inequality, police brutality, bullying, ageism, sexual harassment, gender inequality, COVID-19, LGBTQ discrimination, kink shaming, sizeism and countless more stigmas and prejudices.

If I sound intolerant, cold or sarcastic — or like I’m “mansplaining” in a discriminatory huff — that’s not my intention. But lately I find myself experiencing an “empathy deficit,” the sense that my well of compassion might be running lower than Lake Mead on a blazing June afternoon. A confession: I do everything I can to empathize with victims in proportion to the injury done to them and the theft committed against them. I grieve the murdered dead. I want justice and greater compassion for all who suffer sexual assault or hate crimes. I loathe Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein for their criminal acts. I want police officers to seek out wrongdoers without seeing skin color. I donate to charity. And yes, I “hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,” and that we, one and all, possess “certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

I was raised to honor the Golden Rule. Or, as Jesus put it in Matthew 7, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” That’s an old-fashioned way of thinking, of course. Today, it’s insufficient to treat others as you hope to be treated. Instead, we’re asked to treat everyone exactly as they would like to be treated, or risk being branded a victimizer. Alternately, we are expected to empathize with anyone who has not been treated up to their own exacting standards. Don’t believe me? Check the scathing Yelp reviews authored by anyone who has ever been served a not-quite-medium-rare burger. There are victims in the world, and I do feel for them. But there are also people who seem to define themselves chiefly by the injuries they have suffered, every sickening insult, every deprivation, every last inequality. That is their prerogative, I suppose. But they probably shouldn’t invite the rest of us to lunch anytime soon.

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Through a dark class, confusedly BY JD HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

oe Biden and Vladimir Putin spent a midJune day in Geneva, talking to each other at a summit conference. NBC News headlined its preview of the event in this fashion: “Biden begins long, tense meeting with Putin.” Don’t believe it. NBC and the other alphabet networks, plus their cable cousins, along with The New York Times and The Washington Post, no longer disseminate news — they construct narratives. And in a world where the true news cycle would change by the nanosecond, the oldline press organs in the United States have remained remarkably consistent, especially over the last decade. Collectively, they spout varied narratives under this broad theme: Conservative principles are wrong and dangerous, while Leftist goals are somehow “forward thinking,” and to be embraced. You may be tempted to file that general theme under the heading, “Wrong is Right,” and you would be correct. But when it comes to the pre-summit headline from NBC, further analysis is in order. The National Broadcasting Company is better defined these days by the words “Never Believe Conservatives.” Accordingly, the pro-Biden press partisans wanted to project an image of the 46th president as the “tough guy in the aviator shades.” If only. Sadly, we saw a very different image of Joe Biden during the G-7 meetings, just prior to the Russian summit. The swagger was replaced with a shuffle. Confidence gave way to confusion. Statements of certainty became mumbled, incoherent mutterings. The “Leader of the Free World” had to be led by his wife. Joe Biden has cognitive problems, and the press has a real problem with credibility. Our international adversaries suffer no such delusions. Neither should we. Russian “President” (in reality, Neo-Soviet Dictator) Putin resembles the cat who ate the canary. He remembers the days of the old USSR, when he was a young KGB agent, and “old” was the operative term in Moscow. The Soviet Politburo was a gerontocracy. When President Reagan was asked why he had not

held a summit with the USSR during his first term, he responded, “My problem for the first few years was they kept dying on me.” Brezhnev. Andropov. Chernenko. Now, in the United States, there’s an aging Democrat Troika on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. Pelosi. Schumer. Biden. Of the three, the Senate Majority Leader is the “spring chicken,” at age 70; the House Speaker is the most senior at 81; and the president is 78. What’s Russian for “Now the shoe’s on the other foot?” Over a year ago, when he was a little more spry, candidate Biden challenged a Marine veteran who criticized his son’s unsavory associations to a push-up contest. During the one-day US-Russia summit, President Biden meekly pushed a list across the table to Putin — a list of 16 critical infrastructure targets “off limits” to Russian cybercriminals. So, can the internet thieves begin with No. 17 on the target list, or should Vlad have thanked Joe for helping Russia’s cyber warfare experts by doing their work for them — or both? Instead, Putin took the typical Russian approach: he simply denied any cyber connection. Back home, there’s no denying the curious paradox of President Biden: our chief executive, so confused during his trip abroad, leads an administration that is singularly focused on what it perceives as the top domestic threat. Attorney General Merrick Garland spelled it out during the “off day” between the G-7 meeting in England and the summit in Geneva. “In the FBI’s view, the top domestic extremist threat comes from racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists — specifically those who advocate for the superiority of the white race.” Got that? Never mind the more than 8,500 extremists of BLM and Antifa arrested during the riots last summer. They did billions of dollars in damage, but many made bail, courtesy of the Hollywood left and Democrat politicians, including Kamala Harris. So, rioters from the left are mere protestors. Protestors from the right are rioters, insurrectionists and, likely, white supremacists. Quite the narrative. Dark days ahead.

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Take a literary break during summer vacation BY SUPERVISOR BILL GATES, DISTRICT 3 Maricopa County Board of Supervisors

fter several months of being closed to in-person browsing due to COVID-19, I am happy to share with you that our county libraries recently entered into the next phase of reopening, and the full collection of stacks are available to browse in all 18 branches, including The North Valley Regional Library. Now that temperatures are starting to climb and students are beginning their summer break, there is no better way to beat the heat than visiting your local library to find your next book and getting lost in a great adventure. Maricopa County Library District is here to provide your next literary escape with Maricopa County Reads. Maricopa County Reads is an online summer reading program for all ages — children, teens and adults. This year’s theme is “Tails and Tales” encouraging readers to explore the many stories of the animal kingdom by reading, completing challenges, attending virtual events and participating in community experiences. The program runs from June 1 to Aug. 1, and participants can earn points to win prizes. I encourage you and your family to sign up at mariciopacountyreads.org or at your local

library. We all know that reading is fundamental for developing literacy skills, and it’s important to encourage children to read for 20 minutes a day to help build a strong lifelong reading habit. There’s no better way to help foster that lifelong love of reading than the Maricopa County Reads, the award-winning summer reading program provided by the Maricopa County Library District. The program’s primary goal is to interrupt the summer slide, the common term given to the learning loss experienced by children while transitioning between school years. The program’s secondary aim is to promote early literacy among pre-readers and their families during the summer months. The Maricopa County Reads online summer reading program began in the summer of 2013. It has continued to grow, and now hosts 65 public, tribal, and military base libraries within Maricopa County. More than 80,000 children, teens and adults participate in the program annually. I encourage you to incorporate The Maricopa County Reads program into your family’s summer tradition. Visit the library district’s website at mcldaz.org to check hours and other available services, such as virtual events and curbside pickup.

How to get a letter published E-mail: christina@timespublications.com

The Foothills Focus welcomes letters that express readers’ opinion on current topics. Letters must include the writer’s full name, address (including city) and telephone number. The Foothills Focus will print the writer’s name and city of residence only. Letters without the requisite identifying information will not be published. Letters are published in the order received, and they are subject to editing. The Foothills Focus will not publish consumer complaints, form letters, clippings from other publications or poetry. Letters’ authors, not the Foothills Focus, are responsible for the “facts” presented in letters.

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Barro’s, Pepsi partner for pediatric cancer fund BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

amily-owned Barro’s Pizza and Pepsi are teaming up for the sixth year this June to raise money for children and families affected by pediatric cancer. Until June 30, all Barro’s Pizza locations will donate proceeds, up to $40,000, from the sale of any lunch special to the nonprofit Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children. Locations include: 41722 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Suite 100, Anthem; and 30815 N. Cave Creek Road, Suite 132,

Cave Creek. “Our passion is helping our community,” said Bruce Barro, co-owner of Barro’s Pizza. “Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children is such an incredible organization, so each year we look forward to helping raise money for the families they support. These events are the very core of who we are as a family, and it makes everything we do worthwhile.” The Scottsdale-based foundation was founded in 2013 by Chrisie Funari after she lost her young daughter, Ava, to cancer. Funari traveled the country seeking the best treatments and care for her daughter. Knowing the struggle and the

toll it takes on the family, Funari started the organization to empower families by ensuring they have a secure place to live, access to medical treatment and continued support. “Barro’s Pizza is an important partner of Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children,” Funari said.

“We are so grateful to have a local business like Barro’s Pizza understand and support our mission each and every year. The money donated will help cover expenses associated with a child’s cancer diagnosis, provide K9 therapy and counseling, birthday gifts, art classes and overall emotional and financial support to Arizona families. Barro’s Pizza and support from our community are an integral part of Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children and allows us to offer our programs free of charge to hundreds of Arizona families yearly.” Info: barrospizza.com or azcancerfoundation.org

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Bricks & Minifigs coming to North Valley BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

llen and Kat Blaz’s home is filled with Lego. The construction toys have so overrun Allen’s office that it looks like a playroom. So, it was a logical move for them to sign on to open a Bricks & Minifigs shop in the North Valley. Slated to open in early September, Bricks & Minifigs is expected to move into the Norterra area. The exact location will be announced soon. “My husband is really big into Lego,” Kat said. “When we were visiting my brother, Allen went to a Bricks & Minifigs in Albuquerque, and he thought it was really cool. Who knew there was a store you could go to that had retired and used sets, new sets and everything you need to collect Lego?” The couple and their two children

Allen and Kat Blaz, pictured with their kids Alec and Evie, plan to open a Bricks and Minifigs location in the Norterra area in early September. (Arizona Front Porch Project) have since visited the Bricks & Minifigs in Avondale. “In February, he approached me and

said, ‘What do you think?’” Kat recalled. “I said, ‘Let’s do it.’ I’ve always liked the idea of owning my own business. It’s something we’re both so passionate about.” Bricks & Minifigs was founded in 2009 as a one-stop shop for all-things Lego with a buy, sell, trade model. “You can sell or trade old Lego,” she said. “It’s nice for families whose home is very full to Lego to bring Lego to Bricks & Minifigs. They can negotiate with kids. ‘Take this in and get a new set.’ We’ll offer cash to buy Lego or we offer store credit.” The namesake of the store is the

collectible minifigures, the poseable characters that come in sets or in individual packets. The minifigures found in sets are sold individually at Bricks & Minifig stores. Bricks are available in bulk, too. “If you have a set and you’re missing one or two pieces of it, you can buy the pieces to complete it,” Kat said. “There are other stores out there that sell Lego or Mega Bloks. Ours is strictly a Lego storefront.” A horseback riding teacher, Kat is excited that her and Allen’s Bricks & Minifigs will have a birthday party space, something that is lacking in the Norterra area. “There’s a huge need for that and camps,” she said. “We are going to do both. We’ll have camps during the summer and possibly during the breaks, but birthday parties are a part of the store. “What’s really great is the Lego product itself. It’s creative and educational that attracts all ages and interests. It’s a common ground for people. It brings families together and gets kids off of screens, which is super important, especially during the pandemic. It’s something you never grow out of.” Bricks & Minifigs

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Creekside Lodge & Cabins is a hidden gem BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

estled between State Route 69 in Mayer and the seasonally running Big Bug Creek, Creekside Lodge & Cabins is a hidden gem. From its restaurant, The Cellar, to the views, it’s the total package for a weekend getaway. John Papuga is the third owner since Creekside Lodge & Cabins opened in 2000. New to the hospitality field, Papuga owned American Fire Equipment for 28 years, sold it in 2017 and invested in and overhauled Creekside Lodge & Cabins. “I retired for eight months,” he said

John Papuga became the third owner of Creekside Lodge & Cabins on Thanksgiving 2019, a few months shy of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Dave Karasinski)

with a laugh. “This has been a long time coming. I thought about owning an RV park, a bed and breakfast or a small resort. “Here, I just want people to have a good time, have great food and see fantastic events and relax here.” From the get-go, Creekside Lodge & Cabins has been a challenge. Papuga took ownership on Thanksgiving in 2019—just before the COVID-19 pandemic began. Papuga and his staff forged through it. He chalks up his success to having “pure heart and pure drive.” “We were able to make it through with live music, good food and the ability to

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CREEKSIDE From page 19

isolate,” Papuga added. “Plus, we had a lot of good marketing and employees.” Papuga used the pandemic to remodel the hotel resort. He described the lodge’s condition as poor before he bought it. “We had a three-year remodel plan,” he said. “When I saw what was happening (with COVID-19), we made adjustments to have more outside seating and to do a lot of renovations. “We went into high gear because there really wasn’t any business.” The Cellar opened in May 2020 and Papuga said that was gutsy. “I took a big chance opening a restaurant then,” he added. “I thought there wasn’t that much competition in the corridor. We went with high quality, and it seems to be paying off. We went with outside music entertainment to help guests and visitors feel comfortable and it seemed to help sell the place.” Papuga describes The Cellar as a red meat specialist with pork ribs ($17.99 to $27.99) and hand-cut steaks, like the 10-ounce top sirloin ($22.99) and

John Papuga took the time during the pandemic to renovate the hotel resort from its former poor condition prior to his ownership. (Photo by Dave Karasinski) 12-ounce ribeye ($27.99). The entrees also include eight panko-breaded shrimp ($16.99), grilled chicken and marinated chicken ($13.99). The menu includes appetizers, salads, burgers, baskets, wings, pizza, sandwiches and hot dogs. On the more creative side is the Sedona wrap, a prime rib wrap with lettuce, tomato,

onion and horseradish rash. The hotel resort boasts private cabins with private porches overlooking Big Bug Creek. They house a king or two double beds. Each cabin comes with a microwave, Keurig coffeemaker, refrigerator, air conditioning, fireplace and cable TV. The lodge’s amenities include a restau-

rant, bar, game room and back patio. Pets are welcome in cabins nine to 15 at a charge of $25 per night, per pet. Activities are aplenty. The hotel resort is on 60 acres and the staff created hiking trails. “We had a group who came in, stayed the night and went to the Grand Canyon on side by sides,” Papuga said. It also offers wine tours, casino trips and visits to Prescott’s Whiskey Row. Creekside Lodge & Cabins is quickly picking up steam, Papuga said. “It’s becoming a quick destination, even for people from Sedona, Flagstaff and North Phoenix,” Papuga added. “It’s great for a one- or two-night getaway. They can stay here, eat here and have great entertainment.” Already, Papuga has learned a valuable lesson. “An innkeeper’s job is never done,” he said with a laugh. “Hospitality has earned my respect quickly.” Creekside Lodge & Cabins 11255 S. State Route 69, Mayer 928-632-0777, creekside-az.com

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Cindy Lopatynski: Making old new again BY SHEA STANFIELD Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

he question has been asked, “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” Wearing a crafted piece of Cindy Lopatynski’s jewelry will certainly make anyone stand out. The Scottsdale artist grew up in the small rural farming community of Arlington, Iowa. Her father owned the local Texaco gas station, and her mother was the general store’s proprietor. While working at the store, Lopatynski learned people skills at a very young age. However, it was her grandmother who helped her form her “out-of-the-box” style in design. Hours spent crafting puppets for puppet shows, creating bread dough

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“Ice Crystals,” necklace designed by Cindy Lopatynski. (Photo courtesy of Cindy Lopatynski)

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“Something Fishy,” by Cindy Lopatynski. (Photo courtesy of Cindy Lopatynski)

LOPATYNSKI From Page 21

sculptures and playing dress up with grandma’s vintage jewelry built a bright and imaginative world. By the time Lopatynski entered high school, she was designing her own wardrobe and studying science, as she was fascinated with the way things worked. Lopatynski earned a fashion management degree from Ellsworth College in Iowa Falls, Iowa. Soon after graduation, she launched what would be a 15-year retail sales career. She became a buyer for ladies’ and children’s clothing at large department stores. “My eyes were open to the fashion world on my various trips to New York City,” she said. During this time, she also taught fashion management courses at a local community college. Eventually, she set aside the lifestyle of travel and glitz so she could stay close to home and have a regular schedule. “I changed course to work in the insurance industry as an agent, eventually owning my own agency,” Lopatynski said. “I retired in 2012 and create my next act.” The seeds of how she relocated to Arizona were sown in 1992, accord-

ing to Lopatynski. “I came to Arizona on a vacation to visit a girlfriend and her husband,” she said. “I immediately fell in love with the state and its lifestyle. This prompted a move and I have loved living here ever since.” Lopatynski has created a jewelry studio in a spare room of her home. “I give credit to my incredibly supportive husband allowing me as much space as I need to expand, grow and create my designs and collections,” she said. Lopatynski described her process. “I love designing with beautiful, old vintage jewelry and giving it new life,” she said. “When I find a piece that catches my eye, I start to create with it, each piece is unique and inspired by what I find. I especially love customers that bring their pieces to me and ask me to create something from their family treasures.” Lopatynski is a member of the Sonoran Arts League and exhibits with them in a number of shows each year. She also is represented by Adelante Gallery in Spanish Village in Carefree, visit adelanteartgallery.com Lopatynski owns A Cin-D and sells her creations online at itsacind.com. For more information, email her at CindyL3@q.com.

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

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Comedian Lee is ‘tall, dark and pleasant’ BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

alifornia comedian Pete Lee loves the Grand Canyon State. He calls Scottsdale “the new Vegas.” He filmed his forthcoming Showtime special, “Tall, Dark and Pleasant,” at the Tempe Improv. Needless to say, he’s excited about playing CB Live at Desert Ridge Marketplace Thursday, June 24, to Sunday, June 27. “It’s very special to me,” said Lee, about the CB Live, Copper Blues, Tempe Improv and Stand Up Live family of venues. “It felt really emotional to tape a special in the pandemic. For them to take all the COVID precautions and get that ready, and for all the fans in Phoenix to come out to the Tempe Improv, I will always love Phoenix. I can’t wait to come back.” As a former Wisconsinite, Lee is pleased with the Midwestern contingent

in Arizona. Fallon,” and it result“There are a lot ed in him appearing of Wisconsin transon the show several plants down there,” times over the years. he said. “The sunLee made his fifth apshine is a factor, I’m pearance on “The Tosure. Every time I play night Show” in March. in the Phoenix area In 2008, Lee made it feels like an away his network TV degame for the Wisconbut performing on sin team. NBC’s “Last Comic “They come out in Standing,” finishing full force. I’m very as a semifinalist. That hands on. I like to same year, he made meet everyone after his TV acting debut on the show and say helthe CBS Soap Opera lo. So many artists tell “As the World Turns.” me they’ve sold VIP Pete Lee was the first standup comedian At the end of 2008, he tickets. I don’t do that. to get a standing ovation on “The Tonight shot his own ComeShow Starring Jimmy Fallon.” (Photo courtesy I just meet everyone.” of Pete Lee) dy Central half-hour Lee was the first special, which earned standup comedian to get a standing ova- him a cult following at comedy clubs, and tion on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy the opportunity to perform over the next

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10 years at 500 colleges across the country. July 9 will mark the debut of his one-hour special, “Tall, Dark and Pleasant,” on Showtime. Since he was in Tempe, Lee penned a new show is grinding it out on tour. “When you do a special, you have to write a new hour to tour with,” he said. “If people see that hour on TV, they want to come out and see new stuff. “It’s the opposite of music. They want to see your new stuff. I’ve been working really hard since the day after I taped my special on Feb. 25 to come up with a new hour. It’s banging.” Pete Lee

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

Purse Impressions’ fundraiser bene�its rehab patients BY ALEX GALLAGHER Foothills Focus Staff Writer

urse Impressions, a nonprofit organization that donates purses and bags to rehab graduates, will host its first Pop-Up Fundraiser on Saturday, June 26.

Purse Impressions is a 501 (c)(3) charity that was founded in 2019 and has donated around 2,100 purses to 11 rehabilitation centers. “This all began with an idea that my daughter had, and the charity started in her honor,” said Purse Impressions owner Patricia Brusha.

Patricia Brusha next to a picture of her daughter, Courtney Michaels, who died of alcohol abuse and is the reason she started her nonprofit. (Photo by Pablo Robles) Brusha’s daughter, Courtney, died of cirrhosis of the liver at age 28 in June 2019. “Courtney had been in and out of rehab a handful of times and whenever she would leave, she would call me and ask if I could bring her a purse or a tote so that people wouldn’t think that she was coming out of prison,” Brusha said. Before Courtney’s funeral, Brusha asked for purse donations instead of flowers so she could donate them to rehabilitation centers. She received 400 purses at the ceremony. “We wanted to do something that ac-

knowledged the patient’s accomplishment and allowed them to leave with dignity and hope,” Brusha said. Brusha has since partnered with Crossroads Inc. and Community Bridges, who have created a display of her bags for patients to choose from when they graduate. Brusha quickly found herself overwhelmed with purses, so she opened a boutique in October. “I started getting so many purses that it outgrew my house,” Brusha said. “So,

see PURSE page 28

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PURSE From page 24

instead of renting a storage space or a place to run the charity out of, I decided to open a boutique and sell some of the higher end purses to raise money for hygiene kits, feminine products and makeup to put in the purses.” Purse Impressions recently received donations from Shoebox Ministry, The Do Gooders of Cave Creek, the Cave Creek Rotary Club and United Healthcare through her purse drives. During the last year, Brusha has donated truckloads of purses filled with things to help graduates succeed. Each purse or backpack comes with a letter telling Courtney’s story as well as a note from Courtney that says, “Take 5 minutes. You can do it. You are loved. We care.” Brusha receives letters from patients who choose from her bags. “I’ve gotten a lot of letters of gratitude and the underlying statement of them all is that they didn’t know that someone cared about them,” Brusha said. “One gentleman even said that, ‘This backpack was going to save my life.’”

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Brusha is eager to donate more items, so she’s hosting a pop-up fundraiser with entertainment and refreshments on June 26. She will sell purses and take donations at her event. Those who donate a purse, backpack, hygiene items or jewelry will receive a free tote bag. Brusha does request that people donate new & gently used purses. Monetary donations can be made on Purse Impressions’ website. “We’re going to have designer brands,

evening purses, southwestern purses and some really unique ones,” Brusha said. “We want to make sure that people feel good about themselves, so we do prefer that purses are gently used and not marked up or dirty.” She is also looking for people who are willing to donate their time to help her with her day-to-day operations in the shop. “We’re always looking for volunteers as well to help with the pop-up shop or in the shop in general,” Brusha said. Purse Impressions Pop Up Fundraiser

WHEN: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 26 WHERE: The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale COST: Admission is free, but donations are encouraged INFO: purse-impressions.com

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

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STUDENT CHRONICLES Know a student doing something remarkable? Tell us about it! Email christina@timespublications.com. BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

Cameron Ninneman of Anthem was named to the dean’s list at The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for the spring 2021 term. Shelby Nichols-Vaughn of New River and Emily Hayden of Phoenix were named to the president’s list at The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. A total of 11,813 students enrolled during the spring 2021 term at the university made the dean’s list with academic records of 3.5 or

above (on a 4.0 scale), or the president’s list with academic records of 4.0. The UA dean’s and president’s lists recognize full-time undergraduate students. The lists do not apply to graduate students or to undergraduate students who take less than a full YOUTH course load. Phoenix students have been named to the dean’s list for the spring 2021 semester at Marquette University in Milwaukee. Scott Schlader is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in operations and supply chain management,

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while Katie Smith is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in accounting. To make the dean’s list, students must have earned at least 12 credits for the spring 2021 semester and have no disqualifying grades. The GPA threshold varies by college: for the College of Education and the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, undergraduate students must have at least a 3.7 to be named to the Dean’s List. The undergraduate GPA requirement is 3.5 for the following colleges: the Diederich College of Communication, the College of Business Administra-

tion, the College of Health Sciences, the Opus College of Engineering and the College of Nursing. All other programs have a 3.75 GPA minimum.

Meghan Lang of Phoenix was named to the St. Mary’s College dean’s list in Notre Dame, Indiana, for the spring 2021 semester. To earn this academic honor at Saint Mary’s, a student must achieve a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.6 on a 4.0 scale, have a minimum of 12 graded credit hours, no incompletes and no grades lower than a C.

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