The Foothills Focus - Zone 2 - 02.24.2021 by Times Media Group

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This Week

NEWS................. 7

FEATURES .........18

Kathleen Sabol’s jewelry reflects the Sonoran Desert

YOUTH .............20

BC senior Kayla Clark basketball and music

OPINION.................... 11 BUSINESS.................. 13 FEATURES................. 15 YOUTH....................... 20 CLASSIFIEDS............. 21 2

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Cave Creek discusses fire protection plans BY SARAH DONAHUE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

Bradley James Tobias was well loved by Anthem residents

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he looming threat of the next possible wildland fire prompted the Cave Creek Town Council to discuss its plan for establishing emergency fire protection services to protect everyone’s safety. “Look at what we lost this last year,” Mayor Ernie Bunch said during the meeting. “This not a thing that we can afford to put our people through.” The council was presented with options and corresponding estimated costs and benefits during a town council meeting on Feb. 16. Jim Ford, city of Scottsdale deputy chief and fire marshal, led the presentation. Ford played a major role in the creation

of the Scottsdale Fire Department and has been working directly for the town “on loan” offering his expertise to help explore ways of establishing contemporary fire services for Cave Creek. The town approved an intergovernmental agreement with the city of Scottsdale in November which allowed Ford to offer his assistance in exchange for the town paying his current salary and benefits. Ford’s presentation was a “preliminary overview” of the findings of his investigations after speaking with many numerous fire districts about the town’s potential options. He mentioned how many of these surrounding fire districts have voiced major concerns about Cave Creek’s lack of established fire and emergency medical services.

Most councilmembers favored the option of the town contracting fire and emergency services from the Regional Automatic Aid System, which would provide the most extensive and reliable services. This was only a council discussion, however. No action was taken during this meeting. Around 30 other jurisdictions in the surrounding area participate in the automatic aid system, Ford said. This system ensures residents’ fire and medical emergencies are responded to as quickly as possible by having its computer dispatch system select whichever unit is in the closest proximity, regardless of what original jurisdiction it serves.

during a recent town council meeting. With that in mind, the town has considered how the new law will affect its residents and how it should be applied within its ordinances, she said. This prompted the discussion to amend the Carefree Town Code “to protect the health, safety, and welfare” of residents by only allowing dual-licensed medical dispensaries to sell recreational marijuana. If approved, this ordinance means recre-

ational marijuana dispensaries will not be a part of Carefree’s future, only marijuana dispensaries licensed to sell medical and recreational products. “We thought we need to do something,” Bridge-Denzak said while leading the presentation. “We don’t want to just wait and see what happens as licenses are approved by the Arizona Department of Health Services.”

see FIRE page 4

Carefree seeks to ban recreational dispensaries

BY SARAH DONAHUE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

hile 60% of Arizona’s voters approved Proposition 207 in November, Carefree’s voters were on the fence about the state allowing the recreational use, sale and possession of marijuana for anyone 21 and older. Carefree’s Proposition 207 voting results showed residents were “almost split 50/50,” said Planning Director Stacey Bridge-Denzak

see DISPENSARIES 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 24, 2021

FIRE from page 1

His presentation discussed the recent East Desert and Ocotillo fires, which devastated the town last year, damaging a significant number of residents’ homes, cars and barns. Crews from neighboring municipalities like Rural Metro Fire, Scottsdale Fire Department and Daisy Mountain Fire and Medical extinguished the flames and Cave Creek had to pay a six-figure bill to cover the expenses. However, Ford mentioned how these departments made it clear to the town their services are not paid for by the hour. Cave Creek’s current fire service model is limited. Only 40% to 50% of residents are part of Rural Metro Fire’s voluntary subscription model, which cannot sustain the needs of the entire town in the event of another major incident, Ford explained. The town was also presented with the option of requiring Rural Metro subscriptions from all residents and businesses or creating a master contract. However, Rural Metro Fire is a private company and is not part of the automatic aid system. Rural Metro Fire has mutual aid agreements with surrounding areas. Mutual aid allows participants to ask for help in the case of a major incident, however they’re able to say “no,” Ford explained. Keeping things exactly the same was a presented option too. However, Ford stated this is “unsustainable due to growth of the town and potential impact on surrounding communities.” Fire departments provide more than just fire services. Around 70% of Scottsdale Fire Department’s calls require medical assistance, which makes it “very difficult to service those calls when you have major incidents like this.” “That’s going to suck all the resources from the town and the surrounding areas.” Daisy Mountain Fire and Medical voiced this was a major concern for its department as well. Fire chief Brian To-

bin stated this in an interview with The Foothills Focus. The department stated to the town that unless Cave Creek took steps to implement its own fire and emergency services, Daisy Mountain won’t be able to respond to fires “in the same manner it did last year,” he said. “It would not be fair to our taxpayers to continue to supplement the town’s emergency response by the hour,” Tobin said. The automatic aid participants expressed to Cave Creek that it cannot put out a fire in another town that “doesn’t provide any of those protections to its citizens by choice.” “It was a concerning political dilemma,” Tobin said. “We were essentially obligated to help a neighbor in need, but at the same time, the concern was that our neighbor in need didn’t take care of themselves.” This concern from “all the fire agencies in the Valley” and “ultimately all the city and town managers” was expressed to the town though the voice of the Arizona League of Cities and Towns, Tobin said. Tobin said it’s also important for the town to take steps to implement fire safety services on a short-term and interim basis as this process of contracting automatic aid could take a long time. Ford explained what it will take for the town to successfully become a part of the automatic aid system. Contracting these services means Cave Creek assumes the “full responsibility” to cover the required revenue stream. Property taxes may be required in the future to pay the hefty cost that will come with contracting automatic aid services “as much as I hate to say it,” Bunch said. “I don’t think we can cover the whole thing no matter how many couch cushions we look under.” Contracting these services also means town must be “fully engaged” and responsible for fire and emergency service coverage with an existing automatic aid member, Ford explained. The town will also have to implement a two-page list of requirements to be an

eligible participant. Cave Creek must hire a staff of four to work as the town’s fire personnel, Ford said. This will be made up of two firefighters, an engineer to make sure all proper equipment arrives on the scene and a captain or “incident commander. It also requires things like attending meetings, acquiring and maintaining proper equipment as well as ensuring it is maintaining a symbiotic relationship with the other jurisdictions. “If any one of these requirements isn’t met, you can’t be invited into the automatic aid system.” Cave Creek must also be voted into the system by the automatic aid system’s current partners, Ford said. It’s up to the Central Arizona Life Safety Council to issue final approval. Other options also included potentially annexing into a pre-existing regional fire district or forming an entirely new fire district religion with the town of Carefree. Ford also presented the option of developing and installing a “stand-alone” town of Cave Creek fire department. Seeing the town doesn’t have the manpower, materials or experience to implement this, Town Manager Carrie Dyrek said it’s “just not an option.” Councilmember Robert Morris said he is “100% on board” for the option of the town contracting Automatic Aid services. However, he said he’s “not ready to jump to property tax.” Councilmember Paul Diefenderfer also voiced his support. “Cave Creek has grown up and we need to make grown up decisions,” Diefenderfer said. “I look at automatic aid as akin to having fire insurance on your house.” “Hopefully you’ll never need it, but if you need it and you don’t have it, you’re really screwed.” While nothing’s been decided yet, “We feel like they took significant steps forward towards serving the needs of the residents,” Tobin said. “We support the town of Cave Creek in any way that we can to help them get to their end result.” —Staff writer Sarah Donahue can be reached at sdonahue@timespublications.com

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 24, 2021

DISPENSARIES from page 1

“But at the same time, we want to be sure that we’re protecting our residents, we’re protecting our businesses, we’re protecting the values of what’s important to Carefree.” Recreational marijuana sales began shortly after the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) started approving dual licenses on Jan. 22. The first reading of this item took place on Feb. 2. No public comments were received at that time. Part of this proposed ordinance also prohibits the use, sale and possession of marijuana on town-owned or controlled property as well as public places. However, the Smart and Safe Arizona Act (SSAA) already forbids anyone from smoking marijuana on public grounds. The town wants to “preserve all of the public peace” as well as the health and safety of the community “but at the same time we don’t want to dismiss outright potential revenue implications,” Bridge-Denzak explained. There are no medical marijuana dispensaries in Carefree as of now. However, the town staff felt it was “important” to set regulations in place before the matter arises, she explained. “If we didn’t have anything, you could have a licensed recreational marijuana facility come in, and once they’re in, it’s hard to ask them to leave.” This ordinance was also designed to “prevent a spread of recreational marijuana establishments before state and local impacts are known and fully vetted and studied,” according to the information summary. Once the provisions and regulations are

in place, the town will be able to spend more time “studying other alternatives as it sees fit.” The proposed ordinance establishes penalties for potential violations “depending on the confines of Proposition 207,” it states. It also prohibits marijuana testing facilities in town. Amending the town code “doesn’t affect anybody’s private rights to consume marijuana as long as you’re over 21 years old,” Bridge-Denzak stated. Carefree will still allow adults to use and smoke marijuana in privately owned spaces. Arizona allows adults to purchase and possess up to an ounce of marijuana. Adults may also cultivate marijuana in their homes as well, she added. The state permits adults to grow up to six marijuana plants in their primary residence for personal use. The SSAA gives towns and cities “a lot of liberty” to regulate recreational marijuana, Bridge-Denzak explained. Jurisdictions have the power to prohibit it “outright completely” or allow anything in between, she added. The League of Arizona Cities and Towns developed an overall ordinance model that allows towns and cities to “pick and choose” what marijuana-related restrictions it wants to enact, she explained. The town of Gilbert and the city of Scottsdale have enacted similar regulations that prohibit marijuana establishments with the exception of dual-licensed medical marijuana dispensaries. Carefree’s provisions were modeled after the ordinance enacted by the town of Gilbert, Bridge-Denzak said. The town staff sees this ordinance as a “fair way to introduce recreational marijuana” sales, she said. The town will be

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able to amend it if deemed necessary, she added. The proposed ordinance contains an “emergency clause” which allows the town to put it in effect immediately given the fact that the proposition was approved last year. The original draft of the ordinance proposed additional regulation on marijuana deliveries to ensure that only state license-approved personnel from dual-licensed dispensaries facilitate marijuana delivery services. This is no longer part of the ordinance because it was deemed “too difficult” to

regulate as Carefree does not have its own law enforcement agency, Bridge-Denzak explained, adding the town has only one code enforcement officer. However, the state already prohibits marijuana delivery services unless it’s from a dual-licensed dispensary. ADHS will adopt more rules to permit and regulate deliveries within the next few years, the SSAA states. “I think we’ve reached a good compromise between what the proposition allows and how I think we want our town to operate,” Vice Mayor John Crane said after the presentation. The ordinance is an “excellent first step, particularly given that the town residents were split 50/50 on this one,” said Mayor Les Peterson. The second reading of this ordinance will likely take place during the next meeting on March 2. Peterson encouraged residents to email their opinions to Town Clerk Kandace French Contreras at kandace@carefree.org. —Staff writer Sarah Donahue can be reached at sdonahue@timespublications.com

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NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 24, 2021

Anthem deals with increased rates of vandalism BY SARAH DONAHUE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

nthem is known by many as a safe residential place with low rates of crime. However, the master-planned community has seen an uptick in punishable offenses. Over the last year, Anthem’s parks have

been the site of increased incidents involving vandalism, graffiti and property damage at the suspected hands of teenagers taking out their pandemic-related boredom. To combat the bad behavior, the Anthem Community Council Board of Directors approved the implementation of the “Resident & Guest Violation and Penalty Protocol” during a recent meeting.

This approved protocol is basically a guideline that allows the community to enforce its bylaws “consistently” when an offense occurs, executive director Terry Mullarkey said in an interview with The Foothills Focus. He hopes its implementation will help residents understand “it could get bad if they don’t take care of their kids or themselves,” he said. Mullarkey and Dave Fermoile, director of programs, introduced the measure which outlines different penalties based on the number of committed offenses. This protocol contains “nothing new,” he explained. The community’s bylaws were “just restated so that they’re more easily understood as levels of offenses.” The first offense comes with a verbal warning and a “note on account,” it states. A second offense results in removal from the facility or amenity as well as a corresponding incident report. If deemed necessary, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office will be contacted which can bring forth formal charges. For kids, a second offense will also result in a phone call home to parents. A third offense brings forth a $100 fine as well as suspension from all community programs, activities and facilities for a period of 30 to 60 days. A fourth offense can cause an extended suspension period as well as a significant number of fines. “It’s not like we want to do this, but if it’s causing vandalism to our parks, then it’s not fair for the rest of the residents. They have to pay for the repairs of one particular individual or one particular kid.” Anthem’s youth are not the only ones to blame. An unidentified Anthem man’s recent offense resulted in a call to MCSO as well as a 30-day suspension period, Mullarkey said, not wanting to go into further detail. The protocol draft was sent to the community’s official attorney who issued final approval. It was then formally published and presented to the public during the meeting. “The initial results have been good,” Mullarkey said. The council has seen a “significant improvement” since its staff started calling parents four months ago, Mullarkey said. “I don’t think that the parents realize what

their kids are doing at the park.” Once parents receive a copy of their child’s incident report with corresponding photos of the offense, they usually sit down and have a conversation, “which is what we wanted them to do,” Mullarkey said. Most juvenile offenders stop the tomfoolery after the first phone call home. But then soon after, “some other group will get into trouble,” he added. “It tends to repeat itself.” The community’s maintenance personnel are “constantly” replacing and repairing various things in the park, Mullarkey said, mentioning damaged electrical outlets and overhead awnings. If someone is caught in the act, they will be expected to reimburse the cost of the damage, he said. The council has also taken other measures to mitigate potential offenses like hiring additional security as well as installing more security cameras and LED lights in problem areas. Public safety is “very near and dear to my heart,” he said, adding that Anthem is statistically one of the safest places he’s seen. “It’s not to say that we don’t have crime, but little crimes start little, and if left unattended, they grow into bigger crimes.” “Our goal here is just protecting Anthem.” During that same meeting, the board also approved a measure to adjust signage at several community parks to address the recent passage of Proposition 207 in November. The park’s sign already includes rules forbidding after-hour parking, unleashed pets, portable grills as well as alcohol. It also states, “No smoking,” however soon it will also say “or drug use” directly below. This change reflects the council’s “commitment to drug-free amenities,” official information states. The new signs will be installed within the next several weeks, according to Kristi Northcutt, senior director of community relations. The majority of the signs will simply replace existing signs that stand at the entrance of two Anthem Parks. Only one new sign will be installed. Three signs at Community Park will be changed out as well as one at Opportunity

see VANDALISM page 8

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 24, 2021

Celebration of life set for Bradley Tobias

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fter a years-long battle with a variety of interconnected medical conditions, Bradley James Tobias died at his parents’ home on Feb. 2 surrounded by family. He was 36. A fourth-generation Phoenician, Tobias was raised in North Phoenix and Cave Creek. He attended Brophy College Preparatory and, later, ASU, where he graduated with a degree in business and management. An avid environmentalist, Tobias began a course of independent study of sustainable energy and the still-embryonic market for solar paneling in residential neighborhoods. He began his career in solar sales with Green Fuel Technology, before being hired by Solar City. Savvily encouraging early adoption of renewable energy technology, Tobias rose to become one of the company’s top 5 residential sales representatives nationwide. Concentrating his work in his adopted home of Anthem, he left a permanent mark on the community, where Tobias’ solar panels can still be seen decorating roofs and generating power throughout nearly every neighborhood in the community. A lifelong animal lover, Tobias adopted his first rescued greyhound, Corrine, in 2010. A second rescue greyhound, Zoey, joined the pack in 2015. Tobias was gregarious and filled with a zest for life’s pleasures. His life changed permanently after he suffered a viral heart attack in late 2011. Given a grim and likely terminal diagnosis, Tobias fought his way through the illness, was discharged, and returned home to recuperate. However, the heart attack took a permanent toll, and the physical limitations of his ongoing and multiplying health conditions forced him to resign from Solar City in 2013. Never one for keeping still, Tobias started a specialty latex auto paint company, Liquid Wraps, in 2013. Due to worsening

Bradley James Tobias was well loved in the Anthem community. He passed away Feb. 2. (Special to the Foothills Focus)

health conditions, he was forced to close that business three years later. He moved back in with his parents in 2016. In his last five years, Tobias fed his voracious appetite for knowledge by becoming an endless tinkerer and amateur enthusiast for emergent technologies, guns, investing, politics and gardening. Unbeknownst to his family, he became a fixture of the Anthem Stuff online community, sharing jokes, knowledge, edgy humor and camaraderie with anyone open to conversation. While his mobility was significantly curtailed by his illness, he used online communities to stay active and engaged in the world around him. He formed strong friendships with others battling physical and mental illnesses, and any night owls looking for a connection. Sharp, funny, and generous of spirit, Tobias’ passion could drive you crazy or make you alive to a world of possibility, sometimes all at once. He was preceded in death by his grandfather Ned Mullan, and is survived by his parents, Louise and Andy Tobias; his brother and sister-in law, Ryan Tobias and Jenni Johns; and niece, Eleanor. A Celebration of Life will be held at Anthem Community Park on his birthday, at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 24, 2021

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 24, 2021

ADOT MVD offers consumers tips on selling, purchasing a used vehicle BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

hether you’re a prospective buyer or seller — or both — the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division wants consumers to know steps they can take to protect themselves when selling or purchasing a used vehicle. First, go to azmvdnow.gov and activate your AZ MVD Now account. Everything needed to complete a typical private-party sale of a vehicle can be completed there, even the transfer of a vehicle title via the convenient eTitle Transfer. Every person with an Arizona-issued driver license or vehicle registered in Arizona already has an account and more than 1.5 million accounts have been activated since the website launched last spring. If you’re a buyer, you’ll want to ensure that there are no surprises in the vehicle’s history. An unscrupulous

seller might tamper with the odometer, sell a stolen vehicle, attempt to cover up water or collision damage that wasn’t properly repaired, or not disclose a lien. ADOT offers a number of tools customers can use to gather information about a vehicle they’re interested in purchasing. While buyers do most of their legwork prior to purchase, the work for sellers in a private-party transaction comes after a price has been agreed upon. After receiving payment, a seller should sign-in to their account at AZ MVD Now and complete a “sold notice.” There is no cost to complete a sold notice, and it can protect the seller if the car sold is involved in a crash or crime, is ticketed or becomes abandoned, which carries a fine. Transferring the title comes next, and some titles can be transferred at AZ MVD Now via eTitle Transfer, saving a trip to an MVD office. A seller should be aware that if their vehi-

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VANDALISM From Page 6

Way Park. The additional new sign will be located at the entrance of Liberty Bell Park. While this wasn’t a big change, the board felt it was important to take that “extra little step to ensure that people understand that it’s not going to be allowed in our parks or amenities,” Northcutt said. She added that there haven’t been many instances of people smoking or drinking alcohol in the community’s parks. “We have the occasional smoker in the park,” she said, however adding that park patrol is trained to remind people that An-

remove the license plate. The seller might be eligible to receive credit for registration fees previously paid on the vehicle, too. Buying and selling a vehicle is a big purchase. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Take your time and consult the car-buying checklist to protect yourself. them’s parks are a “smoke-free amenity.” “Most people are compliant,” she said, adding that she doesn’t anticipate this being a major problem in the future. “There are no major issues, it’s just being a proactive community.” “It’s just like all of the other communities, this is a little bit new,” she said about Proposition 207. “We have to take it as it comes and see.” “We anticipate and hope that it will be a smooth process.” —Staff writer Sarah Donahue can be reached at sdonahue@timespublications.com

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NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 24, 2021

Carefree ‘Wedding Cake’ house fire ruled accidental

BY SARAH DONAHUE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

terial” from the renovations, Enriquez said. However, “The det’s uncertain what exactly caused the tective was unable to fire that ravaged through the icon- determine exactly how ic “Wedding Cake” house in Carefree the fire started and the earlier this month. However, the investi- cause is listed as undegation’s findings ruled out the potential termined,” he said. of foul play. Rural Metro Fire The cause of the fire was called acci- responded to the call dental, but it’s still under investigation, around 2 a.m. Feb. 2 according to Joaquin Enriquez, Maricopa and by the time re- By the time Rural Metro arrived at the iconic “Wedding Cake” County Sheriff’s Office public informa- sponders arrived on house, there had already been significant structural damage. (Photo by Pablo Robles) tion officer. the scene, the flames “What the detective is certain of is that had already caused the it was not an intentionally started fire,” second and third floors of the house to any injuries. Enriquez said. “We didn’t find anything collapse, Fire Chief John Kraetz said. However, he said this particular incithat would lead us to believe that it was “We have no idea when the fire actually dent was “one of the more difficult resarson.” started,” he said. “It had been burning for idential fires that I’ve been at in my 47The 6,000-square-foot house was va- some time before someone noticed.” year career.” cant at the time the fire occurred, as it It took a couple of hours to “knock The lavish home is nestled up high in was undergoing major renovations. the flames down” and around 10 hours the rocky landscape of Black Mountain The house had no electricity when Ru- to extinguish everything completely, overlooking the Hilton Boulders Resort ral Metro Fire arrived, and responders Kraetz said. Around 35 responders were and Spa near North Tom Darlington Road found an “abundance of flammable ma- part of the effort and no one sustained and East Carefree Highway. Rural Metro Fire shared photos of the burning house on its Facebook page after the fire was contained at 6:30 a.m. “Crews from Cave Creek and Carefree battled heavy flames, steep terrain, and challenging property design beating back flames,” a part of its text portion reads. The house was virtually inaccessible because of the steep driveway, which made it especially difficult to extinguish the flames, Kraetz said. Your Neighborhood This, combined with the significant structural collapse, caused responders to Realtors® serving all of extinguish the flames using a “defensive” Anthem and the North strategy, Kraetz said. Valley! Discover the possibilities! “I made it very clear to all the people operating on the fire ground, that it was what we call a defensive fire, which means we’re going to stay at a distance, pour water on it until it goes out and remain in safe positions.” The building collapsed further as they extinguished the flames with hoses from Dick 480.227.6578 the street, he said. dick@tetsellaz.com “Fortunately, the firemen were away Jill 480.203.9066 from those areas as the building started Jtetsell@gmail.com falling apart.” www.tetsellteam.com Kraetz described the damage, saying the house’s second and third floor were

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“completely gutted.” However, a decent portion of the first floor didn’t sustain a significant amount of fire damage, just “a ton” of water damage, he said. “It remained reasonably intact, which was amazing.” “The guys did a tremendous job,” Kraetz said. Responders worked for “hours and hours, not only putting the structure out but making sure that the surrounding desert and homes above it up on the hill weren’t affected by the fire,” he said. The European-villa-style house was designed and built by Gary Jones in 1986 and is a “one of a kind Carefree landmark,” according to Zillow. The three-tier, privately gated home features a large pool, double elevators, intricate coffered ceilings, a grand dining room as well as a “soaring” 25-foot dome ceiling, the realty website states. Edward and Karen Carmines purchased the house for $1.18 million in June 2019, according to information from the Maricopa County Assessor Eddie Cook. The owners began renovations before ever moving into the house, Kraetz said. “They described that they were about a month out from moving in when the fire occurred.” The Foothills Focus reached out to the homeowner Karen Carmines for an interview. She let out a sigh and said she did not wish to be interviewed. “It’s not a good time,” Carmines said. The house sustained tremendous damage from the fire. Its roof structure collapsed through multiple floors, Kraetz said. He described it as “basically just a large pit.” The house’s windows are shattered, and the flames burned through many of its intricate wall details, leaving marks of black ash. It’s unclear what exactly will happen to this iconic Carefree home, but as of now, the homeowners probably will not be moving in anytime soon. —Staff writer Sarah Donahue can be reached at sdonahue@timespublications.com

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Video calls aren’t so purrrfect BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

am not a cat! Well, not today anyway. But if I try hard enough to reset my Zoom feature on my computer (not at all sure how this is done) and get on a video call looking like a cat, it could be a purrfect way to attend a very important business meeting. Guess we could ask the Texas attorney Rod Ponton how it feels to be the first lawyer in history to show up at a court hearing appearing like a little white kitten. Oh yeah, the cognitive dissonance is real when you

are in a sober environment like a courtroom looking like Fluffy the Cat. So the Zoom call begins, and instead of seeing two lawyers and a judge, the participants are staring at a kitten, a lawyer and a judge. There is a moment of silence. Then the judge suggests that Ponton may have his filter turned on while the other lawyer leans in with his glasses on, admitting that he never had a case with a cat. When Ponton speaks the fun begins. He groans as he realizes that he is presenting in court as a small furry animal. The cat’s eyes dart madly back and forth and you can almost hear

his cry, “Help, I am trapped in the body of a digital kitten!” While the lawyer’s assistant is trying to turn off the filter, Ponton says bravely, “I am prepared to go forward with this case.” Guess it was meow or never! Then, for good measure, he adds (in a desperate tone), “I am not a cat.” The judge replies, “I can see that,” which of course is not true. This could have been the defendant taking over the lawyer’s Zoom, or possibly a teenager with a sense of humor! Perhaps it really was a lawyer cat waiting to be heard and seen! Conspiracy theories abound with the

idea that there really is a feline justice system where decisions would be swift. This case was all about a man in Texas trying to leave the country with contraband cash. A cat would argue, “Keep your paws off the dough.” This is not the first time a video call has gone haywire. A priest in Italy lives-

see BLUHM page 15

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OPINION

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Limbaugh loved to gin up hatred BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

n 1995, in a column for this newspaper, I made a serious error in judgment. Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia had died of a heart attack while in drug rehab and I wrote about it. Specifically, I wrote that lamentations about Garcia’s death were ill-advised because of the way he and his trippy band glorified drugs. Garcia was simply one more “dead doper.” Hundreds of calls and letters later, I learned a valuable lesson. Don’t speak ill of the dead. I have not since, but upon the death of Rush Limbaugh, it might be time to again cross that line. The talk radio titan died Feb. 17 at 70 after fighting lung cancer for a year. I’ve been composing this piece in my head ever since, because I’m determined to do something Limbaugh rarely did in his more than 30-year run on America’s na-

tional airwaves: Be fair to someone with whom I had many disagreements. Limbaugh was never much for fairness, nor for qualities I admire in people who dwell in the intersection between media and politics: Respect for others, grace, compassion. I’ve read a slew of Limbaugh appreciations in the past 24 hours. Most described Limbaugh as “fearless” and ever-willing “to say exactly what he was thinking.” If by that you mean making fun of Michael J. Fox for having Parkinson’s disease or referring to Chelsea Clinton, a teenager, as “the White House dog,” then yes, Limbaugh was willing to speak out. He was a master of outspokenness, enough to build an audience of 20 million Americans on 600 radio stations coast to coast. Rush invented modern talk radio, an invention that profited me personally. From 1999 to 2006, I hosted a talk radio program that ran opposite Limbaugh’s on the Valley’s largest news radio station.

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While our audience was larger than Limbaugh’s, his audience listened to him for hours on end. That was the secret to Rush’s huge ratings — his “dittoheads” stayed tuned endlessly, never tiring of him affirming their world view. For them it was like attending church and listening to the preacher’s gospel. “Barack the Magic Negro” must fail as president. “The NAACP should have riot rehearsal. They should get a liquor store and practice robberies.” As for immigrants, “let the unskilled jobs that take absolutely no knowledge whatsoever to do – let stupid and unskilled Mexicans do that work.” I could go on all day, quoting Rush “owning the libs” or demeaning the “feminazis.” Instead, let me draw a bombastic parallel Limbaugh himself would appreciate. The man was incredibly good at what he did, to the point where no one ever did the job better. It’s not easy to talk out loud for three hours a day and be consistently cogent, much less compelling to a huge audi-

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ence day after day. Limbaugh was a genius of the talk genre, better than anyone who has ever spoken into a hot mike. But that doesn’t make what he did worth doing. My Limbaughesque comparison: Ted Bundy was the greatest serial killer who ever lived. Florida executed him in 1989 and we’re still watching biopics documenting his murders. If ever we crowned a Ted Bundy of talk radio, El Rushbo would be the man. I agreed with Limbaugh on taxation, smaller government and the death penalty. He, too, referred to Jerry Garcia as a “dead doper.” Where I disagreed vehemently was with Limbaugh’s decades using his platform to gin up hatred, to make America more partisan, and to make Americans believe that anyone who disagreed with them was not wrong, but evil. Rest in peace, Rush — the very same peace you rarely granted to others with whom you disagreed.

BLUHM from page 14

treamed mass one morning while he was filtered as a boxer, a wizard and a wolf. The parishioners were confused and frightened, and some even thought God had intervened to give special meaning to the priest’s sermon. OK, it would be hard to watch mass while the priest is giving a hopeful message of love and acceptance while a boxer is beating the heck out of an opponent, then shapeshifting into a wizard advising to be “truthful and honest” in all relationships, and ending up as a wolf who says, “Trust me always.” Many folks were clutching their rosaries as they prayed, “Heavenly Father, help us.” Oh, gods of technology, be gentle with us. We are mere mortals trying to figure out how to use our devices. We, your weary masses, do not want to become a furry little beast when we are on a video call! That would be a cat-astrophy! Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local realtor. Have a story or a comment? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.

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Ralph Marchetta watches arena bounce into the 21st century BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

fter Ralph Marchetta graduated high school, he worked his way through ASU at Veterans Coliseum. He served as a parking attendant, a merchandise vendor and janitor. His life changed in 1992 when he was offered the chance to move with the Phoenix Suns to Downtown Phoenix. Thanks to that opportunity, he has witnessed the evolution of America West Arena to what is now known as Phoenix Suns Arena. The arena transformation began in 2020 as Project 201: PHX Reimagined, which brought the venue into the 21st

century with infrastructure and technology updates that elevated the fan experience. The $230 million renovation project happened thanks to a partnership between the Suns and the city of Phoenix. “It’s incredible from the standpoint that it is a completely new building inside in most ways,” said the Cave Creek resident. “Every seat in the building was replaced with brand new seats. There’s a new scoreboard. There’s a new sound system, two new LED rings, new club spaces and new concession stands. Probably, the most impressive thing is — I would say — the entry into the building. The pavilion entry has been dramatically

changed. It is pretty spectacular.” The pavilion, which once hid the seating area, is open for better crowd flow and with a view straight into the bowl. It’s alight with living room-quality video screens in the 7,000-square-foot space. Now that fans have returned to Phoenix Suns Arena, they can partake in Arizona’s biggest sports bar. “There’s a lot more space on the concourses,” Marchetta said. “It’s just a completely different venue.” Ralph Marchetta said Phoenix Suns Arena’s pavilion is striking, with the state’s largest sports bar and living room-quality video screens in the 7,000-square-foot space. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

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My career here worked out. I created my own program on the fly.” Marchetta went through his own transformation, as he’s now the senior vice president ticket operations and general manager, sports and entertainment services. As general manager, Marchetta oversees all operations of the Phoenix Suns Arena. In addition to servicing professional sports teams including the Suns and the Phoenix Mercury, he books all events at the arena. Marchetta has booked hundreds of concerts including Barbra Streisand, U2, Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones, Vicente Fernandez, Juan Gabriel and Andrea Bocelli. He said he has extensive relationships with Feld Entertainment (Disney on Ice and Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus), World Wrestling Entertainment and other family show and concert promoters. But his role goes beyond the arena. As a key asset to the community, Marchetta works with the leadership of the city of Phoenix, Phoenix City Council and Downtown Phoenix Partnership. In addition, he serves as a board member of the Phoenix Police Department Reserve Foundation. The organization has been great to work with, he said. “I’ve been really fortunate in terms of the people I’ve worked with,” Marchetta adds. “I love it and after a while, I thought, ‘Why would I go anywhere else?’ “I love the city. I love the organization. The people I work with are a really important part of it. I had great mentors along the way. I’m so excited. Opening the arena in ’92 and seeing this transformation is really incredible.”

We might be changing locations, but we aren’t to work from April 2019 to September We might be changing locations, going anywhere. You can expect the going anywhere. You can expect the samebut we aren’t 2019. With the COVID-19 pandemic, they started a month earlier on the front end. commited support, butsupport, with a newbut view. same committed with a new view. “We started in March and then we John Kovach,worked Agent right up until Dec. 1 and a little

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building this summer.” The players see new energy in the port, but with a new view. building, too, Marchetta said — especialNew Address as of August 3, 2020 ly thanks to the arena’s new lighting that gives the court a theater effect. That’s might be changing locations, but we aren’t going anywhere. You can expect the 3715 W Anthem Waywith Suite coupled the 112 new training facility at committed support, but with a new view. 44th Street and Camelback Road. Anthem AZ 85086 “The new lighting is very focused on We might be changing locations, but we aren’t going anywhere. You can expect the that court,” he said about Phoenix Suns same committed support, but with a new view. Arena. “It’s pretty dramatic. To be honest, everybody in the organization feels that buzz about the entire Downtown. We’ve got, what feels like, a new arena. We really think that adds to it. We might be changing locations, but we aren’t going anywhere. You can expect the “We’re thinking it would be fun to same committed support, but with a new view. move Downtown, in terms of having that urban lifestyle.”

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Artist Nancy Christy-Moore uses bold color choices BY SHEA STANFIELD Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

uring this challenging time, artist Nancy Christy-Moore chooses to see the world in bright, bold colors. Her colors leap off the canvas demanding attention, as a thundering stamped of wild horses echo through a viewer’s space. Taking a quick glance around, it’s clear nothing has been disturbed. It is possible to experience this kind of implied kinetic energy? Christy-Moore shares vibrant images that haunt the senses and challenge the concept of reality. Christy-Moore grew up in Iowa and Indiana, where she learned to love the creative

process. Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri, became her steppingstone into the broader world of art. Subsequently, Christy-Moore continued her studies in commercial art at the American Academy of Art in Chicago and the Art Center School in Los Angeles. In the end, she did not pursue a career in commercial art, instead she married, had a child and didn’t return to her artistic roots until her late thirties. This time, Christy-Moore decided to build her career in the arts, starting with watercolor. However, watercolor just didn’t produce the expression of energy she was striving for. Christy-Moore moved to mixed media and abstract images, adding the excitement of texture, tangible shapes and eye-popping

“Hidden Spirits,” oil on canvas, by Nancy Christy-Moore. (Photo courtesy Nancy Christy-

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color to her larger-than-life canvases. During this time, Christy-Moore lived in Southern California and Kansas. She built a

loyal following for her work, which caught the attention of a number of local gallery owners. With their representation, various art events and venues were available to show Christy-Moore’s work on a broader scale. Gradually, teaching painting and composition techniques became part of Nancy’s artistic expression. She was soon offering adult education classes at community colleges and art centers as an outlet for her own creativity. Today, Christy-Moore works and teaches from her Surprise home studio. Her high-energy, vividly rendered mixed-media canvases create a bold statement.

see ARTIST page 19

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Social workers are essential — especially at HOV BY LIN SUE COONEY Director of Community Engagement Hospice of the Valley

on Haholy had given up on a motor scooter, because his insurance didn’t cover it. Only his Hospice of the Valley social worker Kim Boersema realized how sad that made him. The 70-year-old had endured a lot. He lost his wife and was struggling with serious illnesses that severely affected his mobility. Kim just knew a scooter would change his life. As soon as one was donated to one of our five White Dove Thrift Shoppes, she snatched it up. Hospice of the Valley picked up the tab and Kim surprised Ron with the gift of independence. Now, he takes his dog for walks (and rides), visits friends in his Glendale neighborhood and does his own grocery shopping. “I felt like a new person,” Ron exclaimed. It’s only fitting that the theme of 2021’s Social Work Month in March, is

“Social Workers are Essential.” At Hospice of the Valley, about 100 medical social workers assist patients, families and caregivers with sensitive end-of-life conversations and advance care planning; link them to social and community resources they didn’t know even existed; and provide emotional support at a most challenging time. “Living with a chronic or terminal illness brings a multitude of changes and stressors,” said Cheri Rednour, a Hospice of the Valley clinical resource social worker. “We understand how illness impacts all facets of someone’s life and we focus on meeting all those needs — emotional, physical, relational, spiritual, cultural and practical.” When the pandemic hit Arizona early last year, our social workers quickly adapted to provide telehealth support via phone, video or window visits to help family members see and hear their loved ones when health restrictions kept them apart.

“Many times, we were the lifeline for these family members who were not allowed into facilities,” Cheri said. “Our social workers would sit with a dying patient when their loved ones couldn’t be there. They exemplify resilience.” Social workers feel especially rewarded when they help fulfill their patients’ dreams. “There is a misperception that life pauses or stops when you come on hospice. It’s exactly the opposite. We want to bring life into the home,” said Erin Butler, a clinical resource social worker. When Erin learned that 103-year-old Tressie Jenning’s one life regret was never riding on a train, she cooked up a solution for her bed-bound hospice patient: a virtual ride on the light rail. Valley Metro created a video from Tressie’s point of view, as if she were buying a ticket, looking out the window and greeting passengers on the train. Tressie, her daughter and caregiver watched the adventure on Erin’s laptop. “It was

magical! Seeing Tressie smile was a gift to me,” Erin shared. Ron Davis was on cloud nine after his social worker, Andrea Toczek, set up a longed-for helicopter ride out of Mesa’s Falcon Field Airport, with help from DreamCatchers and Canyon State Aero. “I’m not used to people doing stuff like this for me,” he gushed, bashfully. “Andrea is great, nothing is impossible for her. I was just amazed!” “I love that we are encouraged to think outside the box and really do things that will make our patients happy and live out whatever time they have left in the way they would want,” Andrea said. Both Kim and Michelle Bales were family caregivers whose firsthand experiences inspired them to become medical social workers. “I am now in a position to help others like me when the needs are overwhelm-

see HOV page 22

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HOV from page 21

ing,” said Kim, a former teacher. “The experience is unique for each person, but the feeling of hope and support when a Hospice of the Valley care team came to my home was amazing. I think that feeling is universal to all of our patients.” Michelle specializes in dementia care. “I helped care for my father who had advanced dementia. I wish I knew then what I know now,” she said. She enjoys showing family caregivers how to communicate with their loved ones — using favorite foods, mechanical dogs and cats, music therapy, baby dolls and stimulating tactile objects. “When a connection occurs, we have nonverbal patients speaking, sad patients smiling, and families thrilled to have a new positive way to interact and create memories,” Michelle said. “I feel so fortunate to help people live well with dementia.” Social worker Pam Ruzi serves medically fragile children with life-limiting illnesses and witnesses the heartbreak of parents who often feel helpless. “I try

Hospice of the Valley social worker Michelle Bales’ patient, Janet Evans, adores her mechanical dog. (Photo courtesy Hospice of the Valley) to really listen and hear their needs so I can provide the best support possible.” One of her most gut-wrenching cases was a home birth years ago. Although the couple knew their baby boy would be born with medical complications, they expected him to be born alive. When he was stillborn, they were in a state of shock. “I did the baby’s handprints and

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Hospice of the Valley social worker Erin Butler worked with Valley Metro to help her patient, Tressie Jennings, ride a train — virtually. (Photo courtesy Hospice of the Valley)

footprints — I knew they wanted the memories. Then I spent time with their 12-year-old son, who was quite distraught, and I explored the parents’ wishes for end-of-life plans. That’s how I found out they wanted the baby baptized, so I asked our chaplain to come. I was also able to support the midwife, who had confided in me that this was her first stillborn,” Pam said.

“People often wonder how I do this job, but truly, it’s an honor and a blessing to be in families’ homes at such difficult, emotional and private times. I learn more from them than I will ever be able to give back.” Lin Sue Cooney is director of community engagement at Hospice of the Valley. For information on services and programs, call 602-530-6900 or visit hov.org.

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Kathleen Sabol’s jewelry reflects the Sonoran Desert BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

athleen Sabol comes to the door of her parents’ Carefree Ranch home in North Scottsdale. The glamorous blonde is wearing subtle-yet-glistening jewelry — pieces she made herself. Sabol founded Mila + Stevie, a modern bohemian glam jewelry line she handcrafts herself. She mixes natural gemstones and metals to create dainty to statement pieces. The company is named after her fluffy golden retrievers — although Stevie was also inspired by Stevie Nicks — and it supports the ASPCA. “I always try to give back to the ASPCA and try to really get awareness out there about prevention of cruelty to animals,” she said. Creating jewelry for herself was, initially, a way of unwinding from her graduate school studies at the University of Florida. After graduation, she hoped to work for the FBI. “I was working on a master’s in political science,” she said. “I would be in class all day

studying very analytical material, but I’ve always been a very creative person. “I was seeking a creative outlet to do when I wasn’t studying. I had some things at home, so I started tinkering and I made jewelry.” She made a bracelet with agate wrapped in wire for herself. Everywhere she went, she received comments about her pieces. “I said they couldn’t buy it because a store didn’t exist,” she said with a laugh. “So, my dad said, ‘Hey, let’s try selling a couple and start a business.’ We started very small with just this one design and I had four colors. It’s slowly evolved into necklaces, earrings and bracelets.” High demand for her jewelry persuaded her to start Mila + Stevie Jewelry in 2016. When she graduated in 2018 from the University of Florida, she decided to do jewelry full time. One of the pieces Sabol frequently wears is the Olivia bracelet ($30), with a gold plate, an oval druzy stone and an adjustable toggle chain. “It’s my most popular style,” she said

Kathleen Sabol wears pieces from her Mila + Stevie collection. (Photo by Tim Sealy)

adding, the agate cellphone holder ($23) is the No. 2 item. “The bracelet has an adjustable toggle chain, so it fits so many different size wrists. It makes a great gift for women of all ages. “I have a lot of women who buy them as a best friend gift. They buy one for themselves and for their best friend. It’s the adult version of the best friend necklace.” Sabol is inspired by the “incredible beauty of the Sonoran Desert.” She finds her stones at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Shows and from suppliers in Brazil, the United States and India. “It’s so cool to be able to see all these gems and minerals and lapidary materials from all over the world,” Sabol said. “It’s a great way to be educated about those types of materials.” The COVID-19 pandemic has hurt her business. She pivoted from selling at events to her website, which was revamped over the summer. Fortunately, folks have also

see SABOL page 19

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SABOL from page 18

reached out to her for custom pieces, for life events like weddings. “It’s really cool because it because more than just a particular product,” she said. “I had a woman reach out to me during COVID. She said, ‘Oh, my granddaughter graduated from high school in May. I feel really bad that she couldn’t have a normal graduation.’ “So, we worked together, and I helped her pick out something. That was a really nice way to memorialize a very unique high school graduation experience.” Besides online, her pieces are found at Wild Holly Gallery in Carefree, Charmed Avenue and Why Hello! Modern Home in Scottsdale, and Rusty Shack in Cave Creek. Expressive Born in Los Angeles, Sabol was raised in Florida and Arizona. Sabol began expressing herself through music, writing, theater and art from an early age. She loves music, especially Nicks, Cher, Tina Turner, Bob Seger and Queen. Sabol started singing at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church in Scotts-

dale. She continued it with the Orlando Opera Company. “I started signing there in the fourth grade and just haven’t stopped,” she said of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. “I had a great music teacher there who really encouraged all of us to pursue music regardless of our levels.” Music was an organic choice for her, as she was surrounded by music growing up. Her father, Byron, plays the guitar and was a singer. Her mom, Joy, plays the piano and was a dancer when Sabol was younger. “I think music is an incredible artform that just gets into your bones,” Sabol said. “It’s so amazing. It just moves you in so many different ways and can recall memories and it’s so amazing.” Sabol’s mind is occupied with music and how to expand Mila + Stevie. She recently started creating and selling home accessories like agate coasters, which she calls “statement pieces.” Her hand-painted vases and pots are moving, too. She hopes to expand the staff beyond herself and her parents. She’s proud to have a family-run business, but her parents have encouraged her to “reach for the stars and

shoot for her goals.” “I would love to be able to build the brand nationally and internationally and then be able to hire people,” she said. “I want to create a jewelry brand that’s based here in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area that people recog-

ARTIST from page 15

“My paintings happen by creating chaos and bringing order to them. That’s my trademark style,” she said. Christy-Moore uses intuitive painting techniques, she calls her “inner painting,” drawing on her subconscious for ideas and imagery. She is a spontaneous painter, rather than planning ahead, as she was taught. Her paintings are built by layering, which encourages spontaneity and emotional engagement. With the use of strong colors, combined with energetic movement, she expresses a strong and compelling story. “I am always surprised by the images that evolve using this adventurous and somewhat less structured process,” Christy-Moore said. During the years, Christy-Moore has shown her work in more than 20 solo exhib-

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its, two of which were in Japan. Today, Christy-Moore is represented by Raku Gallery in Jerome (rakugallery.com) and Ground Floor Artists Gallery in Surprise (groundfloorartist.com). Her website, nchristy.com, holds many of her images. She welcomes inquiries about her workshops and demonstrations. They can be scheduled by contacting her by e-mail at nancy@nchristy.com or by phone at 623487-4031. She is also open to private studio workshops and classes that will provide patrons with personal attention for their optimal learning curve and their time schedule. Visits to her Surprise studio are welcomed and encouraged for a glimpse of her work in progress and to enjoy finished pieces. Also, for more information, watch her instructional videos on her YouTube channel.

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BC senior Kayla Clark basketball and music BY ETHAN GRENI Foothills Focus Staff Writer

inals, college applications and plans with friends are usually on the minds of high school seniors. Now imagine being that age, but instead, you have an offer to be a Division 1 athlete, and potentially, a budding music career ahead. Welcome to the world of Kayla Clark, a senior at Boulder Creek High School in Anthem. She’s committed to play basketball at Southern Utah University next year, and just released her first EP, “My World of Loneliness,” in January. It’s available on most streaming platforms.

“She might be president of the United States (someday), she’s a very bright girl,” YOUBoulder Creek assistant coach Nate said Townsend.TO “She BEis just a high-caliber, very bright, very personable young lady and she will do very well in whatever she decides to do.” Growing up in a family full of athletes and musicians, it comes as no surprise that Kayla has a love for both. “My dad played all different sports, he played baseball, golf, football, basketball,” Kayla said. “My mom played (basketball) in high school, and then I have an older brother, and he always played so I started playing because I just kind of wanted to be like him. “My whole family is (also) into music, my

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aunt was in choir for a long time, and then my uncle moved to LA to try to live out his music career. I play piano, I play guitar and I sing,” Kayla said. “We’ve always loved music, and as I grew up, my passion for it just kind of grew.” Kayla’s father, Aaron Clark, said that he thinks sports and music are “in the blood” for Kayla, with so many relatives being talented in both regards. “Both sides of our family have people with a musical background,” Aaron said. “A lot of (Kayla’s) academic prowess is mathematical and analytical. I think the music is a great creative outlet for her.” For now, Kayla’s primary focus is on basketball. She has averaged 8.9 points, 5.9 assists, 8 rebounds and 5.6 steals through the first nine games of her senior season. Boulder Creek coach Noah Barofski says Kayla’s on-court abilities are only a part of what makes her such a special player. “It’s really good when your best player is your hardest working player, and that’s who she is,” Barofski said. “She’s just been a role model for all the girls as to what work ethic really looks like. She’s talented and she has all the skills, but it’s really nice to have your best player be your hardest working player.” Aaron, who has been coaching basketball for 20 years, echoed Barofski’s sentiment that skills are only half the equation. “She has a lot of skills, but I would say her basketball IQ is her greatest asset,” Aaron said. “Unlike shooting, dribbling, gaining strength, it’s a hard thing to teach because it involves a lot of instinct.” “I think she is really special because she is such a leader on and off the court,” said Joelle Clark, Kayla’s mother. “Also, I love that she is one of the shortest players and yet gets in there and fights for rebounds. She plays much bigger than she really is.” After talking to several schools, including Harvard, Kayla said SUU was the obvious choice for her.

“(The SUU coaches) kept reaching out, they FaceTimed me, they really just made me feel comfortable in getting to know them,” Kayla said. “They’re so sweet, I’ve never met a program that has such a good culture, so it really made the decision easy for me.” “We let Kayla know that ultimately the decision was hers and hers alone,” Kayla’s parents said in a joint statement via email. “That being said, we were fairly involved in pointing out the pros and cons of each opportunity and doing our best to collect all the information we could for her so that she could make an informed decision. We are very pleased with her decision.” Boulder Creek sophomore Jenna Cass said she believes playing at SUU will help elevate Kayla’s game to new heights. “I see her doing really well (there), she has so much potential,” Cass said. “She’s really good already, and I feel like she takes coaching really well, she takes it all in and does what she does well. And with the higher-level teammates (in college), I feel like she could go far.” While she is excited to get started at SUU, Kayla knows the road ahead will be tougher. “(College basketball) is a lot more serious and it’s a lot more hours and dedication and time,” Kayla said. “So, I think, it’s not so much that I’ll miss (Boulder Creek), just that I don’t want to take it for granted while I’m still younger and in high school.” One thing she will miss from her time at Boulder Creek is competing against the best alongside her teammates, regardless of the outcome. “I would say any time we play Valley Vista. They’re a pretty solid team and I feel like every time (we play them), we’re just expected to go in there and get completely slammed.” Kayla said. “But we always give them a good game, and even though we end up losing, we come out of it feeling like we won, because

see KAYLA page 21

YOUTH

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KAYLA from page 20

we played higher than everybody else’s expectations.” For Barofski, losing Kayla means not only losing his best player, but a great basketball mind as well. “I love just talking basketball with her… We can chat and have conversations that I think are just different and unique,” Barofski said. “It has to do with her experience, but it also has to do with her knowledge of the game, (it’s) just really great to have that dialogue with her, so I’ve very much enjoyed that.” Townsend said despite Kayla’s business-like demeanor, he’ll miss the lighter moments between them. “She’s very serious, she hardly ever cracks

CLASSIFIEDS AND SERVICE DIRECTORY Employment General Kayla Clark’s nickname is “Sunshine” because the Boulder Creek basketball player lights up a room, according to assistant coach Nate Townsend. (Photo by Pablo Robles) a smile but when you get her, you got her,” Townsend said. “My nickname for her is ‘Sunshine,’ and it’s because she gets that smile on her face and it just lights up the room, but you have to work at it sometimes to get there.”

Registration open for DVUSD kindergarten BY MONICA ALLREAD Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

t’s hard to believe, but the time has arrived to register for kindergarten for the 2021-2022 school year. Luckily for local families, Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) offers a free full-day kindergarten program at all of their K-6 and K-8 schools. “DVUSD kindergarten classrooms are filled with caring, kind-hearted, and genuine certified teachers,” said Mirage Elementary kindergarten teacher Stephanie Salcido. “Teachers respect every student and provide a safe and caring space, embracing each uniqueness and the strengths that we all have as individuals.” These teachers are not only nurturing. They are fully certified in early childhood education. “That includes reading, math, science, social studies and writing for young children,” said Lisa Hoelzen, a Copper Creek Elementary School kindergarten teacher. “We know teaching is a constant work in progress. Parents can rest assured their kindergartner will receive the rigorous, highest standards of teaching anywhere. At the same time, we mindfully consider the developmental stage of each child. We create learning environments that are exciting, hands on and engaging.”

In Deer Valley, 92% of K-6 and K-8 schools are rated an A or B by the Arizona Department of Education. Teachers have helped their schools achieve these high ratings by nurturing the whole child. Parents sending students off to kindergarten for the first time often wonder what a day will be like for their little ones. “A full six-and-a-half hour day in the life of a kindergartner looks, sounds, and feels exciting, motivating, and engaging,” Hoelzen said. Salcido added, “A day in kindergarten is filled with love, compassion, empathy, understanding and curiosity. There is a constant willingness to explore, overcome and learn about the world around us.” To support learning, across Deer Valley schools, classrooms are packed with technology, including iPads for every student, smartboards, document cameras, Apple TVs, 3D printers, and more. Another way the DVUSD kindergarten program is unique is in providing special classes (art, music or PE) every day for kindergarten students. If your child is old enough to begin kindergarten next school year, you can join virtual and drive-thru kindergarten events in February and March. Parents will learn how to enroll a child in kindergarten, meet teachers and staff, hear how to help prepare a child for DVUSD’s #Extraordinary Kindergarten program, and more. For details, visit dvusd.org/kindergarten.

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• Includes Color Matched Tap • Remineralizes Water • High Efficiency 1 to 1 membrane

No Problem. That’s Easy For Us! Starting at:

• • • •

$4796*

Enjoy Endless/Instant Hot Water Adjust Using WiFi Connectivity Increase Gas Savings Little to No Maintenance

Call or Text to Schedule an Appointment

AIR

CONDITIONING

•

ELECTRICAL

•

PLUMBING

•

WATER

TREATMENT