The Foothills Focus - Zone 2 - 02.10.2021 by Times Media Group

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Wednesday, February 10, 2021

The search continues for Michael Fazzari BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI AND SARA CASTRO Foothills Focus Staff

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idia Fazzari sobs as she recalls her son, Michael, a few days after his 20th birthday. Michael trusts everyone, and that may have led to his disappearance nearly two years ago. “If men on the streets asked him for a ride, he would give them one,” said Lidia, a Nogales native, in Spanish. “He didn’t think anyone could do any harm to him. He wanted to help people. When he saw someone who needed money, he’d give them money. He wanted to help; he wasn’t scared.” On Michael’s birthday, Feb. 1, the Phoenix Police Department, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and his family empha-

sized the need for answers. The 2019 Pinnacle High School graduate vanished on June 30, 2019, from the area of Cave Creek and Lone Mountain roads, where he was visiting friends in a gated community. Mere days after he disappeared, his four-wheel drive Ford Explorer was found abandoned in a remote area of Yavapai County. There have been no signs of him since. “It’s so hard because our lives changed for the ugly. For his birthday, we prepared his favorite food,” she said about Costco pizza, Buffalo hot wings and double chocolate cake. “It’s not just sad on his birthday, but every day. “We haven’t heard from him. We don’t know where he is, what they did to him. We don’t know anything. We feel desperate.”

see FAZZARI page 4

Michael Fazzari disappeared on June 30, 2019, when he was 18 years old. Feb. 1 was his 20th birthday. (Photo courtesy Mike Fazzari)

Phoenix installs ‘Medal of Honor Row’ memorial BY SARAH DONAHUE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

ecipients of the United States’ highest and most prestigious military decoration are being honored with Phoenix’s new memorial project. The Medal of Honor Row sign installation recognizes 37 Medal of Honor recipients with ties to Arizona. The project was completed in early January.

Blue rectangular signs with white stars line the desert landscapes along 2,600 feet of Pinnacle Peak Road. The installation is adjacent to the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. The Medal of Honor recipients’ names, the year they were awarded as well as the city or town they have ties to are printed in yellow lettering on each sign. Starting at Cave Creek Road and ending just before Black Mountain Boulevard, signs are posted every 100 feet. Around five crews from the Phoenix Street

Transportation Department installed the signs within a couple of days. The department also designed and fabricated the signs. The Phoenix Street Transportation Department also designed and fabricated the signs and will perform maintenance if needed. With this sign installation, people will “hopefully pause and reflect about the sacrifices made by these amazing individuals,” said District 2

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see HONOR page 5

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NEWS

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 ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising: 623-465-5808 Classifieds/Inside Sales: Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@timespublications.com TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@timespublications.com Steve Insalaco | 480-898-5635 | sinsalaco@timespublications.com Advertising Office Manager: Lori Dionisio | 480-898-6309 | ldionisio@timespublications.com Director of National Advertising Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@thefoothillsfocus.com NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | 480-898-5631 christina@timespublications.com Photographer: Pablo Robles | probles@timespublications.com Design: Nathalie Proulx | nproulx@timespublications.com Production Coordinator: Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@timespublications.com Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@evtrib.com Proud member of :

The Foothills Focus is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegratedmedia.com

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

FAZZARI from page 1

High hopes Just before Michael disappeared, he graduated from Pinnacle High. Employed by Jack in the Box, he enjoyed exercising and going to the gym in his free time — especially with his brother, Mikey Antonio. Mikey was looking forward to joining a gym with Michael. His goal was to become a firefighter and to start his own exercise clothing business. He frequently discussed this with his four siblings, who also include Antonio, Anna Maria Elena and Michelle Angela. “He had many goals and wanted to accomplish so much,” said Lidia, as the conversation increasingly grew difficult for her. “He wanted to become a firefighter because they exercise a lot and eat healthy — everything he liked. He was only 18 years old, so he had many goals, but none of them were accomplished since he went missing. Even until now that it has been two years, we still don’t know anything about him, what they did to him, how he is, where he is. Investigators only tell us that they are investigating and investigating, but we don’t know anything. Not knowing anything feels horrible. Life isn’t the same without my son. There are no celebrations or life here.” Many have told Lidia and her husband, Mike, that Michael obviously ran away. They do not accept that. “We weren’t bad parents,” Lidia said. “We wouldn’t have told him not to do stuff.” Mike called his son “the greatest guy you ever want to meet.” He was kind, considerate and happy-go-lucky — “just a hell of a nice guy.” Michael could be a bit too trusting at times, though. He once started a conversa-

tion with a homeless person at a gas station, while his friend, Fabian Serrano, was inside paying. “When his friend came out to pump the gas, he said, ‘Meet my new friend. We’re going to give him a ride,’” Mike recalled. “This guy got into Michael’s friend’s car and, mind you, he was full of tattoos and was rough looking. “Fabian was afraid and said, ‘What are you doing, Michael?’ Michael said not to worry about it. This guy took them up north on a desolate, dark road. They couldn’t see anything in the open field. All of a sudden, there were a bunch of other guys in the field and he said, ‘Drop me off here.’ “They were fine. Michael just didn’t believe in bad people. He thought everybody was going to be nice to everyone.” Serrano recalled the same about Michael. The two met in English class. Born in Ecuador, Serrano knew very little English when he moved to Arizona, but Michael embraced him anyway. “He is the type of kid who spoke to everyone; he was outgoing,” Serrano said about Michael. “I was the quiet kid. One day, the teacher got really mad at Michael because he kept talking to the girl next to him. They put me next to him. We became friends immediately. He was the outgoing kid. I was the quiet kid. “He’s like a brother to me. He overlooked what he saw.” When Michael went missing, Serrano said it was a shock to him as well as the Fazzaris. “I talked to him that morning,” the Paradise Valley Community College student said. “He texted me over Snapchat and asked me if I wanted to hang out that night. We never hung out that night, which is su-

per weird. I don’t know if I forgot about it or if I didn’t pick up the phone. When I speak to my mom about this, she says it’s protection from God. I could have been with him. My mom says it could have been me and him. There wasn’t a night when we didn’t hang out.” Michael and Serrano were planning a drop-shipping business, an order fulfillment method that lets store owners sell directly to consumers without stocking inventory. Serrano dropped the idea when Michael disappeared. “For two weeks, I didn’t come home at all,” he added. “I was with his family to be there for them and trying to put the pieces together. I felt like I was watching a movie where they’re searching for people. You never think it could be you. “But I pushed all my emotions to the side. I was the one always getting Michael in check. He partied, but he was super charismatic with everyone. I was the super cautious one. I was taking care of everyone and keeping everyone safe.”

A mysterious drop-off point Sunday, June 30, 2019, was the last time Mike and Lidia saw their son. Michael worked the afternoon shift at Jack in the Box at North Cave Creek Road and North Tatum Boulevard. He left his job and visited his girlfriend at 40th Street and Bell Road. Just before 11 p.m., his girlfriend’s dad told Michael it was time for his daughters to go to sleep. Meanwhile, Michael’s family went to Buffalo Wild Wings. When Michael returned home, the house was empty, and he visited another set of friends. “We figure he felt alone, got out of his Jack in the Box uniform, put his street clothes on, took selfies and then left,” Mike said. When Michael didn’t come home, his parents incessantly texted him. The following day, when he still didn’t return, his parents were panicked even more. “If he didn’t answer his phone, he would get back to us and let us know he’s OK,” Mike recalled, sighing. “We knew he had to go to work. He’s responsible, as far as that went. When he didn’t show up, we figured we needed to notify the police.” Michael’s car was found on a rugged, desolate, narrow road, among jagged rocks, in rural Yavapai County. Mike thinks it

see FAZZARI page 6

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

HONOR from page 1

Phoenix City Councilmember Jim Waring, who assisted with the project’s execution. The Medal of Honor was created in the wake of the Civil War and is awarded to service members who risked their lives defending the United States in combat against armed opposition. Honorees in the Medal of Honor Row include Manuel Mendoza, the “Arizona Kid,” for his heroism during World War II; Buffalo Soldier Isaiah Mays, for his actions during a robbery in the Arizona Territory as well as William Alchesay, a White Mountain Apache leader, for “gallant conduct” during the Indian War, according to city information. The idea was brought to Waring’s attention by 82-year-old Phoenix resident, Archie Dicksion, who saw a similar installation in Washington state along U.S. Highway 101. “I thought that was an excellent idea and I thought it was something that perhaps we should do here in the state of Arizona,” Dicksion said. As 2019 was coming to an end, Dicksion said he contacted the state, county, city as well as Waring, asking for permission to undertake the project. Dicksion anticipated he would have to raise the funds via GoFundMe, nonprofits, local businesses and veterans organizations, he said. He said he was surprised when Waring offered to ask the city to fund the project and have the Phoenix Street Transportation Department execute its installation, he said. “That was not something that I would have anticipated,” Dicksion said. “I was just looking for permission to do it, but they stepped forward and did the work.” Dicksion was in the U.S. National Guard as well as the U.S. Army Reserve. His father fought in World War I and two of his broth-

ers as well as his sister fought in World War II. Two brothers of his also fought in the Korean War as well. “These are people that volunteered to go out and protect you and me,” Dicksion said about the Medal of Honor recipients. “Arizona should be proud of those individuals.” “I just felt that we need to do something to let these people know that we appreciate what they’re doing. And I think we need to do that not only as an individual, but I think we need to do that as a governmental agency.” When Dicksion brought the suggestion to Waring, he said he “loved the idea.” “I really appreciate Archie bringing this idea to my attention,” Waring said. “I wish I would’ve thought of it myself.” Waring said even though his office is “pretty frugal” and oftentimes under budget, “I thought that this was a good use of the money that we had.” The project cost between $7,500 and $8,000, which came from the District 2 reserve funds, according to Waring. The planning phase of the sign installation was “a little bit of a lengthy process,” Waring said. Much of the planning took place during the dark times of the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing face to face meetings from taking place. Had COVID-19 not interrupted things, the installation would have likely been finished by their original estimated completion date of Memorial Day. Dicksion originally had an artist design the signs and hoped they would be installed along both sides of Cave Creek Road for peak visibility. This location and the design were not feasible due to the city’s regulations on signage colors, design and location. While it’s “disappointing” that his ideas could not be implemented, he said he’s pleased that the project was completed, and

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Archie Dicksion, 82, stands before the Medal of Honor Row, a sign memorial in North Phoenix honoring 27 recipients with ties to Arizona. Dicksion brought the idea to District 2 Phoenix Councilmember Jim Waring after seeing a similar installation on the U.S. Highway 101 in Washington state. (Photo by Pablo Robles) that people will be able to see it each time they drive by. A kickoff ceremony was planned for Veterans Day with Medal of Honor recipients and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Waring said. An outdoor event was considered, but because the crowd would have skewed older and

more high risk for COVID-19, it didn’t make sense, he added “It was better to have these American heroes be recognized for their service rather than keep waiting for a time when we could do a sort of a grand opening,” Waring said. A ceremony to celebrate the sign installation and commemorate the honorees “will happen in the future” when COVID-19 gets to a calmer state and people can safely gather, he said. Waring said he appreciated the efforts made by city of Phoenix Management Assistant Sasha Perez. Her research and dedication to seeing the project through was “terrific” and “much appreciated by me,” Waring said. He also emphasized his gratitude for Dicksion being the project’s “driving force,’ saying “he really deserves the credits.” Dicksion expressed his feelings about seeing the sign installation’s completion. “I’m glad it happened but I don’t feel that I should be getting any kind of credit,” Dicksion said. “The people on those signs are the ones that are to be honored, they’re the ones

see HONOR page 8

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NEWS

FAZZARI from page 4

was driven there to throw off the police. It worked, he said. “They concentrated their search there,” Mike said. “When we went to help with search and rescue, we took 20 people on this treacherous road.” Helicopters, drones and cadaver dogs were used in the search. Search and rescue told the Fazzaris, “If your son, Michael, is out here, we’ll find him.”

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

“There was no way his car made it as far as it did,” Mike added. “It was dumped in a ditch, just abandoned with two flat tires. Michael would have fallen off the road. He barely made his first insurance payment.” The investigation continues Michael’s case is still an open case. “Michael’s case is open and active,” said Det. Stuart Somershoe with the Phoenix Police Department. “We believe there are persons with information out there who could

help resolve this case and bring resolution to his suffering family.” Mike said he still has hope. “It’s driving us crazy,” he said. “It’s just the unknown. We were just discussing it with

Michael’s best friend, Fabian. The unknown is good. You still have hope.” —Christina Fuoco-Karasinski can be reached at christina@timespublications.com

Tips sought

When Michael Fazzari disappeared on June 30, 2019, he was 18 years old; 5 feet, 10 inches tall; and weighed 155 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes, and his ears are pierced. Michael has two tattoos: one on his chest and another on his right forearm. Anyone with information is urged

to call the Phoenix Police Department at 602-262-6151, or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). Here is a video that the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children put together, featuring photos of Michael and voiced by his father: vimeo. com/507316745/ddc7e2f2d0.

Cave Creek to host green waste drop-off days BY TARA ALATORRE Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

he town of Cave Creek will be hosting two green waste drop-off events to support the community in creating defensible spaces on their properties. The first event will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Cave Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, 4300 E. Carefree Highway. After wildfires ripped through the town twice in 2020, which firefighters say was fueled by dry vegetation, the town is encouraging residents to be vigilant about clear-

ing their properties and managing invasive plants. “The town is looking to support the citizens in their effort to clean up their properties and enhance their defensible space,” said Mike Baxley, the Cave Creek building and fire safety official. “It is really imperative to clean within five feet of the property.” Baxley explained that defensible space is essentially different zones on a property that are designed to decrease fire behavior through strategic landscaping.

see GREEN WASTE page 10

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

Carefree’s Garden Seminars transition to e-newsletter BY SARAH DONAHUE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

s residents stay home to mitigate the pandemics spread, many have found themselves with extra time on their hands to work on their gardens. This is one of the many reasons why the Carefree Horticultural Seminar Committee transitioned the Desert Garden Seminar Series into an online newsletter, said Carefree Vice Mayor John Crane. “I’m really pleased that we’re able to move forward in a way that keeps us in contact with our participants who continue to be interested and passionate about desert gardening and landscaping,” said Master Gardener Pamela Slate, de facto chairwoman of Carefree Desert Gardens’ Horticultural Seminar Committee. Through its community service program, the volunteer-led committee has a mission of educating area residents about environmentally responsible water conserving horticulture in desert landscapes, she said.

Slate has been with the committee since its beginning. The monthly newsletter is made available to residents on the carefree.org website. Residents and participants can also be notified about the newsletters by subscribing to the Carefree Official Information Notification System (COINS). Each newsletter provides participants with scholarly articles as well as videos, which provide “a blend of the two” formats, Crane said. The first of four monthly newsletters was introduced to COINS subscribers on Jan. 22. This newsletter consists of scholarly articles related to tree care published by UA. The three articles in the newsletter provide information about pruning, planting guidelines and hiring a tree expert. The first newsletter also included two videos of well-known gardens: The Huntington Botanical Gardens and Santa Barbara’s Lotusland. The newsletters’ text adds insight as to why the committee decided to include the

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videos. “As most of our travel adventures have been curtailed, we thought it might be fun to do some armchair traveling and bring some of the world’s most beautiful gardens to you,” it read. The Desert Garden Seminar Series drew around 70 people to each two-and-a-half hour meeting, which was held in the Carefree Town Council Chamber. In the past, master gardeners and residents organized the seminars and invited an expert to speak at the meeting, Crane explained. The talks included a PowerPoint presentation and, sometimes, props, Slate said. Past events also featured plant raffles, which “always brings people in because it’s so much fun,” Slate said. “We have a lot of interest in the program within the community and neighboring communities,” Crane explained. “We wanted to bring some value to those people.” In late summer, the committee decided “we had no choice but to transition it for

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this year,” Slate said. Established in 2002, this would have been the Desert Garden Seminar’s 19th year. While the committee was disappointed, “everybody felt that it was in everyone’s best interest, not only the committee’s best interest but in the public’s best interest,” Slate said. She added the COVID-19 restrictions preventing large groups from gathering helped them make their final choice. “It was the only option that was feasible,” she said. “It was certainly disappointing having done it for so many years in a row, but it’s a great solution given the circumstances,” Crane said. The community has responded “favorably” to the seminar’s transition, Slate said. The committee has received some “nice” responses to the newsletters. She added, however, this is only temporary and will provide the committee with a

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HONOR from page 5

who get the credit.” Dicksion would like to see the city undertake other memorial projects. “There are lots of people out doing great things and we need to do something to recognize these people, and to me, that’s what

SEMINAR from page 7

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way to continue educating its participants. In 2022, the committee expects to “pick up where we left off” and continue the seminar series. This seminar series was “originally conceived as the educational arm” of the Carefree Desert Gardens, Slate said. Since then, it became “very popular,” while still providing an educational resource. Participants are “very passionate about gardening and horticulture and living in the desert,” Crane said. “We just wanted to build upon that and maintain the mind share that we have with them.” The committee also saw the seminar’s continuation as a necessity because “peo-

this project was all about.” “A lot of sacrifices were made so that we can live in this great country,” Waring said. “I think that’s something that we should all pause and reflect on.” —Staff writer Sarah Donahue can be reached at sdonahue@timespublications.com

ple need to know about water conservation,” Slate said. It’s vital for people to know how to have a “beautiful landscape” and how to care for trees and vegetable gardens while being environmentally responsible and without using excess water, Slate said. “Part of living here is just enjoying the Sonoran Desert and being able to enjoy the plants that are all around us and making them do well,” Crane said. “When a Sonoran Desert is damaged, it takes a lifetime to recover. It’s so vulnerable. People need to respect it and take care of it.” —Staff writer Sarah Donahue can be reached at sdonahue@timespublications.com

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

Council OKs PetSuites despite noise concerns

BY SARAH DONAHUE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

rizona’s first PetSuites is coming to Cave Creek. The Cave Creek Town Council approved the PetSuites site plan and rezoning request during its Feb. 1 meeting. The 10,604-square-foot pet resort will be located on the northeast corner of Carefree Highway and 52nd Street. Residents will soon have the pet resort’s day care, boarding, training and grooming services for their cats and dogs right in their neighborhood. The approved site plan includes a small retail area with a variety of pet goods as well as an outdoor area where dogs can play in small pools under the cover of canopies and misters. However, many have said the PetSuites location is too close for comfort. “We shouldn’t underestimate the noise nuisance this will cause for the neighbors,” resident Julie Goldammer said in her public

comment during the meeting. The site plan passed in a close vote of 4-3. Mayor Ernie Bunch, Vice Mayor David Smith and councilmembers Ron Sova and Paul Diefenderfer voted in favor. Councilmembers Kathryn Royer, Robert Morris and Thomas McGuire voted “no.” The potential development of PetSuites has been a topic of major deliberation over the months. A number of neighbors issued public comments during the most recent meeting as well as in past meetings with concerns about noise from barking dogs as well as traffic congestion. Royer empathized with the residents’ concerns, saying “they have a right to their quiet enjoyment.” The second reading of the rezoning request was approved unanimously during the same meeting, which changes approximately 2 acres of vacant land within the Carefree Highway Specific Area Plan from desert rural to a commercial buffer zone. The rezoning request and site plan were submitted concurrently by Kimley-Horn on

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behalf of PetSuites. “We feel very strongly about the benefit that we will bring to the community and the ability to have quality care for the animals of the residents of Cave Creek,” said Bryan Moll from TM Crowley and Associates, an Indiana-based developer representing PetSuites during the meeting. Established in 2000, PetSuites has nearly 40 locations across the United States. Construction will likely start on the Cave Creek location next month, he said. While the council unanimously rejected the site plan during a Nov. 16 meeting after hearing residents’ concerns, it voted to reconsider during a Dec. 7 meeting if the developer could mitigate potential noise impacts. The amended site plan states that dogs’ outside time is restricted to the hours between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and the outdoor play area will be repositioned to the south of the building, providing an extra sound buffer between the residential area to the north, he said. The developers also commissioned a sound study by Mesa-based Acoustical Consulting

GREEN WASTE from page 6

When creating a defensible space, the immediate zone is a 5-foot radius around a home or structure that is cleared of all vegetation, dead plant matter, loose lumber and household debris. The intermediate zone is 5 to 30 feet from the farthest exterior part of the home where native grasses and plants should be trimmed to a maximum of height of four inches, trees should be spaced 18-feet apart if possible, and fire breaks should be integrated. The extended zone is 30 feet and beyond, and in this area homeowners should be mindful to not let flammable plant material accumulate and make a cleared space at the base of saguaros. “So, if we do have a fire then it lays down and does not burn,” Baxley said. “There were some prime examples during last year’s fires that properly had defensible space.” He said defensible space played a key role in saving some homes during the East Desert and Ocotillo fires. A big key in creating defensible space is managing invasive weeds such as stinknet and grasses that grow in abun-

Services, which found that the pet resort falls in line with the town’s noise ordinances. Sound studies will be conducted six months as well as a year after opening to see if additional sound mitigation is necessary, the council decided during the meeting. Residents and councilmembers were still not convinced. “I’ve heard nothing here tonight that convinces me that there will not be a nuisance generated by this facility,” Morris said. “It’s going to be a problem for the neighbors in that area and therefore a problem for the town. It’s not consistent with our overall vibe in Cave Creek.” Bunch took a moment after the vote to “editorialize” saying, “I do not like the use.” However, he said the time to have done something was when the town defined the uses allowed within a commercial buffer zoning. “We can’t foresee everything every time. And the folks who didn’t want this, I apologize.” —Staff writer Sarah Donahue can be reached at sdonahue@timespublications.com

dance after the rains and spread prolifically. “This would be a great time to get out and knock down any vegetation sprouting and apply pre-emergent,” he said. He added that town staff will come out to residents’ homes to help them determine how to clear the properties correctly for making a defensible space by calling town hall’s main line and setting up an appointment. Residents will be able to drop-off green cuttings only at the events such as weeds, leaves and branches, and there is no weight limit. Trailers with plant waste will be accepted as well, but participants are expected to unload their own debris in the designated area. Household and construction waste will not be accepted. Everyone will need to come prepared with proof of residency by either providing a utility bill, mail or drivers license. The next dropoff will be from 8 a.m. to noon March 20, at the same location. Residents can visit the town’s website at cavecreekaz.gov for more information about defensible space and the town’s fire restriction stages by going under the fire safety tab.

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Hot dog! Here’s a job for you BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

re you looking for a job? One that offers good pay, the freedom to travel, notoriety and doing something worthwhile? Oh, and those who have had this job claim that it is “life-changing” and opens many doors to future opportunities. To qualify, you must have a college degree, love people, be a good communicator and enjoy travel. No, it is not a government position, but does offer good benefits. And all the hot dogs you can eat. Oscar Mayer is hiring drivers for its famous Wienermobile hot dog car.

You know, the fabulous wiener vehicle that makes over 200 stops at various events across the country. Get your resumes ready, dear readers, because the one-year gig is coming up from June of this year till 2022. Interested? Read on. These drivers are considered “Hotdoggers” and are nobility to the Oscar Mayer “family.” But first, drivers must learn how to maneuver a 27-foot mobile hot dog through busy streets and attend a two-week intensive training program at Hot Dog High. Applicants must be cheery, perpetually happygo-lucky folks with positive attitudes. Have you ever sung the lyrics, “I wish I was an Os-

car Mayer wiener?” Then this might be your chance. If you cannot see yourself driving a Wienermobile around for a year, you might want to stay in the iconic travel trailer, as you can rent it for one night for a rate of $136. Americans consume 7 billion (yes “billion”) hot dogs every year over the summer months. It is not exactly “gourmet” food, but a staple for picnics, ballgames and summer gatherings. Even in quarantine, a pandemic will not stop our love for the one food that represents fun, street vendors, baseball and easy grilling. Still, if you are not thrilled about becoming a “Hotdogger,” then a sixmonth gig in Ireland (where no one eats hot dogs) might be up your alley. Great Blasket Island off the coast of Ireland is looking for two caretakers to manage its coffee shop and four guest cottages. You can live free in a cottage, must by “cheery” and greet guests, serving tea and coffee. There is no wi-

fi and electricity, plus you need to bring your own drinking water. Sounds like a dream to me! If you are interested, you won’t be alone, since last year over 42,000 people from all over the world applied. In other words, 2021 might be the year to change career paths! Yet, living on an island without a warm shower, no internet and no oven, does seem a bit harsh. Getting back to travel, one day soon, we will greet our suitcases again with open arms. We will get our passports ready, dust off our walking shoes and plan a new adventure. OK, so maybe Ireland for six months is too remote. But being a Hotdogger has potential. There are “wurst” jobs to hold and if you can cut the mustard, it could be fun. Imagine telling your friends, “I am leaving for a year in a Wienermobile. Be well until we meat again.” Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Have a comment or a story? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.

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No pride with state’s sixth ‘C’

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

n Arizona’s formative years — say before the Valley constructed an actual freeway system — the state’s economy and reputation rested on what early Arizonans called “the Five C’s.” Copper, cattle, cotton, citrus and climate were mainstays in these parts, and people were proud of it. Now it’s 2021 and while Arizona’s weather remains a huge deal, some of the other C’s are withering. Cattle, which once comprised half the Arizona economy, is down to a modest 5%. We also used to grow most of the world’s Pima cotton. Today? Arizona accounts for only about two percent of the global supply. Fear not, however. Arizona has an abundance of a new C I’d like to add to the mix — Crazies. I’ve been chronicling this state’s culture and newsmakers since 1995, and if

there’s one thing you can be sure of, it’s this: Whenever some big national story involving insane behavior erupts, Arizona will make news. Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber? Of course, he lived in a Kingman trailer park. Hani Hanjour, one of the 9/11 hijackers? Of course, he got flight training in Mesa. Sexual predator and Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein begets the #MeToo movement? Of course, he goes to sex addiction rehab in Wickenburg. And of course, when a bunch of morons stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, the idiot front and center — the 33-year-old shirtless “shaman” sporting buffalo horns, a fur headdress and red, white and blue face paint — had to hail from the Valley. You may have heard about Jake Angeli, “the QAnon Shaman” whose given name is Jacob Chansley. Once a student at Moon Valley High School, Angeli became a regular at politi-

cal protests in metro Phoenix over the past two years. He often carried a sign that said, “Q Sent Me” and spouted lots of conspiracy nonsense. An unemployed actor by trade, Angeli owns an online business called Star Seed Academy, where for $55.55 you can take a “Spiritual Self Defense Course” and learn how “How to Create Healing Plant Remedies for Illness & Gain Plant Spirit Allies.” I’m guessing someone has been a little too closely allied with magic mushrooms and weed for the last 15 years. Even addled, Angeli managed to become one of the faces of the Capitol raid, pictured at the dais in the Senate, using a bullhorn to lead his fellow Looney Tunes in prayer. Angeli even left a note for then-Vice President Mike Pence: “It’s only a matter of time. Justice is coming.” Speaking of justice, while Angeli awaits his day in court — he faces six felonies and

28 years in prison — he’s apparently been on a hunger strike. Who knew shamans only ate organic food? That’s how Angeli and his lawyer explained it to a federal judge during a Feb. 3 court hearing, demanding that the D.C. Department of Corrections adhere to Angeli’s dietary needs. Eating “nonorganic food,” Angeli’s lawyer argued, “which contains unnatural chemicals, would act as an ‘object intrusion’ onto his body and cause serious illness if he were to eat it.” Naturally — pun intended — Judge Royce Lamberth ruled in Angeli’s favor. So be it. Give the man his organic chow, stat. In a very Arizona twist to this tale, we ought to ship the hometown anti-hero one of his home state’s staple crops to help him gain back the 20 pounds Angeli claims to have lost. Few things are more organic than pecans and pistachios. A study last year by the UA detailed that these tasty crops now account for nearly $100 million in annual economic impact. That’s hardly a surprise. It’s Arizona. We grow nuts here.

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Cancer survivor turns to soap making to relax BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

ictoria Rak was diagnosed with ovarian cancer on Feb. 6, 2017, and, like most patients, she felt uncomfortable when she lost her body hair to chemotherapy. “I felt vulnerable almost,” Rak said. “It made me more of aware of what I was putting on my skin. I felt my skin was naked. I discovered a world of ingredients I did not want to put on my body.” So, the Cave Creek resident decided to make products herself—and Cheekiesoaps was born. “I started watching YouTube videos, read-

ing stories online and doing all this research,” she said. “I made artisan soap. I wanted it to be healthy. “I knew when I was going through chemotherapy that I wanted to live. Everything that is alive wants to live. So, I didn’t want any of the ingredients to be tested on animals. I did not want any animal ingredients in my products. It would defeat the purpose of what I was doing.” Rak said she was proud when her products were Leaping Bunny Certi�ied, the gold-standard in cruelty-free certi�ication for personal care and household product companies. It signi�ies that she never uses animal ingredients or animal testing. Another key to Cheekiesoaps is it moistur-

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Victoria Rak recently expanded her soap line to include lotions. (Photo courtesy Victoria Rak)

izes, Rak said. She adds butters to her products because the Arizona sun and heat can dry out the skin. “I literally could write my name in my skin,” she said about the dryness of her skin. “I added butters and I really did a lot of research on each individual ingredient. “I made a soap that’s really nice. My family asked me to make more. I have a 19-year-old daughter who loves it. That’s where Cheekiesoaps was born.” The word “cheekie” re�lects Rak’s heritage. “Cheeky” is British slang for playful and amusing. Rak hails from northern England, and has lived in the United States since 1984.

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Rak’s “day job” is as a commercial pet product photographer. A self-proclaimed “dog lover,” she made a natural clay soap for dogs, too. “I decided that I wanted my dogs to have the very best as well,” Rak said. “So, an all-around natural bar soap for dogs was born. It has been an incredible addition to the Cheekiesoaps brand. It’s extremely popular and I �ind it hard to keep it in stock, which makes me so happy. If you think human products have a lot of harmful ingredients, you should check out what’s in your dog products.” Through Instagram and emails, Rak was asked to make lotion, so she recently expanded her line to include that. The $20 moisturizing lotion comes in scents like sweet pea, cactus blossom, energy, white Christmas, cool citrus basil, berry vanilla, peach and pretty in pink. A lotion without scent—naked—is also available. She plans to launch bath bombs and body butters soon. “Everybody was asking if I could make lotion,” Rak said. “It sold out in two hours. I ended up making more lotion.”

Cheekiesoaps comes in scents like salted cactus blossom, salted maple and pecan, iced coffee, citrus basil, salted marzipan, ginger lime and watermelon. A lotion and soap without scent—naked—is also available. (Photo courtesy Victoria Rak)

Rak’s products are truly popular, as she has a 56% return rate. “I have a lot of very loyal customers,” she said. “I have some soap addicts and Cheekiesoap addicts. They have to have it when something new comes out. People give my products as gifts, which is incredibly humbling.” Rak’s Doberman Pinscher, Iso, played a part in her cancer journey. Iso usually visited her in the bathroom, sniffed her and made eye contact. Suddenly, Iso didn’t want to sit with her and she retreated to a living room corner. “I just thought it was really bizarre behavior,” said Rak, who has been photographing since 2004. “I’m good with dogs and animals. I can read them a little bit more than the average person. “I went to four doctors for my digestive issues, but I made this connection with my dog. I thought something was wrong.” She was diagnosed with gas pains, initially. One doctor even said her tumor was a “gas bubble.” Ovar-

ian cancer, Rak said, mimics digestive issues. Eventually, she was diagnosed correctly, but only during surgery. The 14-centimeter tumor was on her right ovary, which was attached to her left pelvis. She needed to undergo chemotherapy because the tumor was stage 1C—C because it ruptured. The soaps help her relax and feel good about herself after a harrowing cancer diagnosis. “It was rough for me for some time,” she said. “I think the soap helps me tap into my creativity. Having these people love my product so much and that they’re gifting it to other people is really, really sweet. “I’ve met so many soapers who are in it for the money. Of course, we all want to make money, but I feel like skin care is very important and we should all be able to afford it—no matter where they are in life. I want everybody to be able to have good, clean, healthy skin.” Cheekiesoaps

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Local Pop Co. brings dessert to the desert

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

lake Bigelow was visiting family in Texas, where a local popsicle company was based. It delivered pops and sold them at farmers markets. He did something simple. He brought dessert to the desert. “They’re super delicious popsicles,” said Heather Lackey, who works for the Gilbert-based business. “They’re not frozen, sugary ice popsicles that you can buy at the store. They’re cream based. They’re really gourmet. People call them boujee popsicles.” Local Pop Co. began selling its frozen treats in 2017 at the Gilbert Farmers Market on Saturdays and, as Lackey said, it “spiraled from there.” “His mission is a pop for everyone,” she said. “He wants to cater to adults, the inner child, families and kids. He started adding vegan, gluten free and dairy free, so we can truly have a pop for everyone.”

The 10-employee, delivery-only company has four core �lavors that it offers all year — strawberries and cream, Oreos and cream, chocolate fudge and birthday cake. It has also sold a double-stuff fudge with Oreos and a root beer �loat. “Every couple of months we roll our seasonal ones,” she said. “We Heather Lackey, Blake Bigelow and Rick Solares are three of the 10 employees at Gilbert-based Local Pop Co., which sells had Christmas ones just for De- and delivers cream-based popsicles. (Photo by Pablo Robles) cember.” The popsicles are $3.99 a piece “They’re quite large popsicles,” she said. with an eight-pop minimum. A four-piece “They don’t become freezer burned. It tastes family pack is in the works. Local Pop Co. like ice cream on a stick. They’re creamy, delivers to ZIP codes in Ahwatukee, Apache dense and rich. They’re getting their value.” Junction, Avondale, Carefree, Cave Creek, Local Pop Co. offers sticks with special Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Glendale, messages—You’re Cute, Be Mine, Happy Gold Canyon, Laveen, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Birthday, Congratulations, I Love U, We Miss Peoria, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Rio Verde, U and Great Job. Scottsdale and Tempe. Delivery is free; same“We had girls order them for a bachelorday delivery if they’re ordered before 5 p.m. ette party,” she added. On Feb. 1, Local Pop Co. started a six-month —Executive Editor Christina Fuoco-Karasinski campaign to honor �irst responders with dis- can be reached counts. Teachers will follow later this year. at christina@timespublications.com

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‘Surprise!’ Silver anniversary dinner delights lovebirds BY LIN SUE COONEY Director of Community Engagement Hospice of the Valley

iz Hughes believes in everlasting love. In her partner Kent, she found someone who was truly devoted, who has been by her side for 25 years — for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer and, inevitably, in sickness and in health. When a global pandemic and Liz’s chronic lung disease threatened to cast a shadow over the octogenarians’ silver wedding anniversary, very special angels intervened. Liz’s social worker and nurse at Hospice of the Valley, Paula Rafael and Brenda Sine, connected with students from DreamCatchers at Grand Canyon University to plan a sur-

prise candlelit dinner. “When I think about what we do for our patients, it often revolves around helping them reach tomorrow in order to spend one more day comfortably with their loved ones,” Brenda said. “It’s an amazing feeling to be able to create a little bit of magic at the same time.” On their 25th anniversary, Kent took his Valentine for a drive while Paula, Brenda and three GCU students set a beautiful table and decorated the dining room with banners and balloons. Then they elegantly plated the food — Liz’s favorite: fried catfish from Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and a luscious cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes, all paired with a chilled bottle of wine. When the couple returned to their Phoenix mobile home,

Liz was floored. “Oh my!” she exclaimed. “No wonder Kent wouldn’t stop for cheeseburgers! It’s so thoughtful and caring of Hospice of the Valley and DreamCatchers to do this for us. I can’t believe how you all decorated the dining room.” GCU students Ebony Isagba, Jayden Liz Hughes, seated, was blown away by the Orr and Kitana Ford beamed with anniversary dinner planned secretly by her Hospice pride, knowing they helped create a of the Valley social worker and nurse, with help from beautiful evening for a couple who husband Kent and students from Grand Canyon no longer has the time to “postpone University’s chapter of DreamCatchers. (Photo courtesy Hospice of the Valley) their dreams.” The surprise also brought incredible joy to the hospice team who has cared for this Paula said. “We wanted this to be a memory “feisty” lady for nearly two years. they would treasure forever. We couldn’t be “Liz had no idea anything was planned,” happier for them.”

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Brazilian-born artist inspired by literature BY SHEA STANFIELD Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

“T

he elegance of simplicity, richness of experience, depth of feelings and the allure of uncompromising aesthetics” is the framework in which Scottsdale artist Bela Fidel develops her magnetically oil, encaustics and mixed-media work. Fidel’s abstract oils convey a rich personal artistic experience. They are simple and uncluttered. The creative interaction among the elements results in pleasing and startling aesthetics. “Much like a couple who has been together for a long time, their connection, though unspoken, is real and palpable,” Fidel said. Growing up in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where she was born, Fidel counts literature and music among her early influences, resulting in her college majors in English and Spanish literature. “At one point in the 1970s, I decided to

Bela Fidel at work in her Scottsdale studio. (Photo courtesy Bela Fidel)

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learn how to paint,” Fidel said. A longtime admirer of Rousseau, Dali and O’Keefe, she was fascinated with the surreal and abstract canvases of her contemporary masters. In the beginning, she honed her painting craft oils with subjects determined by the current instructor—still life, landscapes and portraits. She developed her art’s early foundations with a number of well-known Brazilian instructors. Soon, she branched out, turning toward a provocative group of modern artists like Motherwell, Diebenkorn and Hoffman for inspiration. Fidel continually pushed the boundaries of her work. To this day, she endlessly searches for her truest expression. Each painting leads to new discoveries, struggles with doubts and life lessons. During this process, Fidel pursues errands of truth. During this time, Fidel made her living as an executive secretary and translator, not expecting her painting to support

see ARTIST page 18

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her. After moving to the United

We might be changing locations, but we aren’t States, Fidel studied make-up artWe might be changing locations, going anywhere. You can expect the going anywhere. You can expect the samebut we aren’t istry in Los Angeles where she worked with student film projects commited support, butsupport, with a newbut view. same committed with a new view. the Los Angeles Film Institute. John Kovach,at Not Agent long after, she met her hus-

band. In 1993, he had a client in Bus: (623) 551-7900 Scottsdale who wanted him to MOVING! work on a seven-day project, so jkovach@amfam.com Fidel decided to go along. As they g locations, but we aren’t going anywhere. You can expect the

“I Dream in Pink,” oil on canvas, Bela Fidel. (Photo courtesy Bela Fidel)

say, “The rest is history.” Established in Scottsdale since 1993, port, but with a new view. Fidel and3, teaches New Address as of works August 2020from her studio in the North Valley. She is inspired by Zen art, the New York School and life. might be changing locations, but we aren’t going anywhere. You can expect the 3715 W Anthem Way Suite 112 Fidel continually expands her self-excommitted support, but with a new view. pression in and through her work by Anthem AZ 85086 adding a variety of new techniques, We might be changing locations, but we aren’t going anywhere. You can expect the textures and aesthetic elements. She same committed support, but with a new view. describes her work as “pushing into the realm of abstract expressionism.” Fidel focuses on opening her work to the bigger and more expansive ideas. “Each painting takes me to roads travWe might be changing locations, but we aren’t going anywhere. You can expect the eled and unknown, offering opportunities same committed support, but with a new view. for both growth and humility,” Fidel said.

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O’Connor girls basketball looks to keep pace in 6A BY ERIC NEWMAN Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

ast year was nearly a Cinderella story for the Sandra Day O’Connor Eagles girls basketball team. O’Connor surprised much of 6A by going 23-4 and reaching the playoff quarterfinals last year before bowing out in its best season under coach Danny Soliman. Now the Eagles, who went 2-0 to start the season with five of last year’s top six scorers on the roster, hope to improve even further. The players on the current iteration of

YOUTH

O’Connor coach Danny Soliman calls a play in a recent game. (Photo by Eric Newman)

the Eagles have been looking toward this year as potentially their most successful since they were young. “This year we collectively thought it would be our year,” said senior guard Elle Walker, the team’s leading scorer. “We were looking forward to having this group altogether because we knew, if everyone was back, we could be really good.” Walker is part of a stellar two-player backcourt, along with senior Paris Atuahene. They are scoring threats from beyond the arc and in the paint,

see BASKETBALL page 20

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

BASKETBALL �� page 19

with the ability to run transition offense and make smart passes. Several talented forwards, such as rebound-leader junior Jocelyn Erickson, make cuts to the basket, allowing the guard duo to rack up assists. Others step in at a moment’s notice. With a shortened and uncertain offseason due to COVID-19, Soliman had plenty of concern — like every winter sports coach in 2021 — about getting the team prepared to play safely and effectively. However, his faith in his veterans’ offensive grasp was not on the list of worries. “It was a blessing to know that, after everything was cleared and ready to go, I had my core group back who knew exactly what I expect from them,” Soliman said. And, while the quick guards lead a speedy offense, they also are at the point of attack in a full-court press defense the Eagles can pull out in spurts. With Atuahene, Walker and the backcourt pressure the ball, while others

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Senior Paris Atuahene dribbles for Sandra Day O’Connor basketball. (Photo by Eric Newman)

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“This year we collectively thought it would be our year. We were looking forward to having this group altogether because we knew if everyone was back, we could be really good,” O’Connor senior Elle Walker said. (Photo by Eric Newman)

are tasked with jumping passing lanes and coming up with steals that can lead to fast break opportunities on offense. “It’s so much fun, especially when we can get up there and run teams down,” Walker said of the press. Still, despite the individual statistics and wins, the Eagles still consider themselves an underdog of sorts. Conference 6A stalwarts such as defending-champion Valley Vista and runner-up Hamilton both return talented rosters. They, and other solid teams, stand in the way of the Eagles’ hopeful run. But, with the current roster, Walker believes the Eagles are right there as well. A 70-55 loss to Perry in the quarterfinal was a bitter ending to what was until then a sweet season in 2020. Others questioning O’Connor’s abilities just fuels the fire. “A lot of people have underestimated us for so many years,” Walker said. “Then, last year it felt good to overcome some of that, even though we felt short of what we wanted. Now it’s about getting even more.”

YOUTH

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 10, 2021

Take a shot at shopping centers’ mini golf event BY SYDNEY FITE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

every use, and pencils are disposed of. The holes are safety spaced, and groups can socially distance while working their way through the course. Hauptman said they are determined to keep guests as safe as possible. Not only will the surfaces around the minigolf course be sanitized, but both shopping centers will frequently attend to seating areas, dining areas, door handles/ knobs, restrooms, trash cans and drinking fountains Every scorecard can be redeemed for prizes and deals to shops and eateries that are listed on the back. The courses’ operating hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays.

ith the Waste Management Phoenix Open and golf courses at limited capacity, it can be hard to scratch the golf itch that comes with warmer weather. Tempe Marketplace and Desert Ridge Marketplace stepped in to fill that void with Teed Up, a free, nine-hole, neon-lit course that is open until March 21. Its supplies equipment — clubs, balls, scorecards and pencils — are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The event is held at Tempe Marketplace near The District Stage and H&M. At North Phoenix’s Desert Ridge Marketplace, the course is by the AMC Theatre. Patrons are asked to keep their spaces clean, frequently wash and sanitize their hands, and wear masks inside stores and throughout the center. Masks will be enforced, and sanitization stations will be available for guests. “We want every guest to have fun, but safety is still our main concern, though,” said Katie Hauptman, marketing manager for Vestar, which owns the two shopping centers. “Everything is sanitized.” The neon-lit Teed Up golf course is visiting Desert Ridge Marketplace Clubs and balls and Tempe Marketplace through March 21. (Photo courtesy Vestar) are cleaned after

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