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ECRWSS Carrier Route PreSorted Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 371 Cave Creek, AZ
Reward offered after javelinas unlawfully shot PAGE
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INSIDE
This Week
NEWS.................. 3
Tierra Madre Horse & Human Sanctuary names CEO
NEWS.................. 1 Kiwanis luncheon to cover scams and how to avoid them
OPINION............. 7 ‘Get acquainted’ exercise was like ‘The Twilight Zone’
OPINION.......................7 FEATURES................. 12 CALENDAR................ 14 CLASSIFIEDS............. 18 Zone 2
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Serving the communities of Cave Creek and Carefree
Cave Creek - Carefree Area Edition
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Wednesday, June 8, 2022
City honors Phoenix police officer killed on duty
and overturn. Officer New was taken to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.” Police reports state that the driver of the other vehicle had a blood alcohol content of 0.223 at the time of the crash, nearly three times the legal limit of 0.08. New, assigned to the Black Mountain Precinct, was 27 years old and had only been on the force for two years. He left behind a wife, mother, brother and grandmother. Kristen Whetstone, New’s widow, said the officer loved what he did and did it regardless of the risks. “I honestly think that if he knew the price, he would still do it. He would still go to work every day,” Whetstone said. “He knew it was a possibility,
BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer
O
ne year after Phoenix Police Officer Ginarro New was killed on duty as a result of a traffic collision with a drunken driver, the police department hosted a short ceremony to unveil a historical marker in his honor. The sign reads, “Police Officer Ginarro New End of Watch May 31, 2021.” It is located at the southwest corner of Cave Creek Road and Greenway Road, where he was hit. “On May 31, 2021, Officer New was on patrol,” Sgt. Vincent Cole with the Public Affairs Bureau said about the incident. “Around 10:30 p.m. his vehicle was struck by an impaired driver that failed to stop for a red light. The force of the impact caused the patrol car to strike a brick wall
Officer Ginarro New had been on the force for two years and was 27 years old when he was killed on duty as a result of a collision with an impaired driver. (Phoenix Police Department/Sub-
see OFFICER page 4
mitted)
Ruth Johnson teaches ‘what scammers don’t want you to know’ BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer
S
cammers have tried to trap Ruth Johnson dozens of times, so many times that she learned their tricks. So, she created Scams and Me, a company through which she shares her personal experiences to help others avoid being scammed. “I try to educate and protect the public with my public speaking presentations on what scammers don’t want you to know,” she said. “I’ve been working with scammers since 2013. I have multiple stories to tell,
experiences with them, and I know exactly what they do.” A Valley resident, Johnson will speak at the Kiwanis luncheon meeting at noon Wednesday, June 15, at Harold’s Cave Creek Corral. She will discuss her stories, current scams, what she has learned, and how others can protect themselves. It’s fair to say she has learned quite a bit, as she has worked with the Canadian Border Patrol, Canadian police, FBI and several U.S. police departments throughout her experiences. Johnson says the first time she was scammed was in 2013, when she respond-
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ed to an ad in a newspaper for a personal assistant. She got the job and said she immediately got an email from the employer that said he was in Iraq and needed help. Ultimately, the scammer wanted her to open a bank account for them. Since then, Johnson said she has gone through 20 to 30 attempted — and a few successful — scams. They’ve tried LinkedIn, Facebook and dating sites. These weren’t phone calls about a car warranty or saving an Egyptian prince; these were actual peo-
see SCAM page 4
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Tierra Madre Horse & Human Sanctuary names CEO BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer
T
he Tierra Madre Horse & Human Sanctuary named Alexis Ferri, a long-time partner, the organization’s first chief executive officer effective June 1. “In the 13 years that Alexis has been involved with Tierra Madre, she’s proven, over and over again, that she understands our horses and their needs; the fundraising aspects of the business; how to attract and retain our volunteer corps; and much, much more,” said Jim Gath, who founded the sanctuary in 2005. “She’s developed some of our most important programs and, as our one-time executive director, is returning to the ranch in the role that I believe she was born for.” Tierra Madre, located in Cave Creek, serves as a forever home to 28 neglected, abused, injured or abandoned horses that had nowhere else to go. “When (the horses) walk in the gates, we tell them they only have one job, which is to live the happiest life that a horse could ever imagine,” Ferri said. More than taking care of the horses, though, she said the sanctuary creates a circle of healing, where they heal the horses and, in turn, the horses help heal the humans. Tierra Madre partners with Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center to provide horsemanship training and healing for kids with special needs. It also has several programs for the community, like Horsemanship 101, I Hear You Horse, Arena Group Experiences and Equine Experiential Coaching. The classes not only teach how to handle a horse but promote a deeper appreciation and connection to the animals. Ferri said just about anyone who comes through the organization’s gates has had some kind of healing experience from being around the horses — including herself. In fact, she credits the horses and the sanctuary with saving her life. Ferri first came to Tierra Madre as a volunteer when she was 17. As a senior in high school, she was required to do 100 hours of community service in order
Alexis Ferri is now the CEO of Tierra Madre Horse & Human Sanctuary, with full support and high praises from the organization’s founder, Jim Gath. (Tierra Madre Horse & Human Sanctuary/Submitted) to graduate and wanted to do something with horses. “By the end of that first day, I knew I was never going to leave,” she said. “I saw all these horses who had been abused — like me, I’m a survivor of abuse — or injured or unwanted and they had all been through hell, but they still loved their lives and they were happy. I thought to myself, if these horses can do that, then so can I.” Since starting out as a volunteer, Ferri said she has served in just about every possible role, from ranch manager to event planner and stepping in as “poop scooper” every now and then. Now, as CEO, Ferri said her biggest focus will be on building community partnerships and developing programs. She also wants to continue to focus on advocating against horse slaughter, which she said is a much bigger problem than most people realize. The type of horses Tierra Madre takes in are the same kind that end up going to slaughterhouses, which Ferri said is a symptom of a larger problem of overpopulation and lack of regulation for owners. “But the most important responsibility that I will have is ensuring the health and happiness of every single one of these horses,” she said. “That’s the foundation of everything.”
Gath will continue to be involved but said he feels it’s time to step back and be able to play with his horses instead of working for them. More than that,
though, he said he has full confidence in Ferri and believes she will lead the sanctuary to bigger and better things. “I’m not going anywhere, physically. After all, I live here. But, after 17 years, I think it’s time to spend more of my time just being here, without the responsibilities of running the operation, and there’s nobody else I would trust to grab the reins other than Alexis,” Gath said. “I’ve brought Tierra Madre just about as far as I can, but the opportunities for growth out there are abounding. And I know that Alexis will take us far beyond where we are right now. It’s a new day for Tierra Madre.” Looking to the future, Ferri said she hopes to have new programs available by the fall and is excited to announce the sanctuary will host a fall festival in mid-October. She added that guests are welcome 365 mornings out of the year — they just need to make an appointment online — and the sanctuary is always in need of volunteers.
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NEWS
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but if somehow we knew and he got told this is what the outcome would be, he’d still put on the uniform. It was that important to him.” Others shared this sentiment. Sgt. James Byrd, who was New’s recruit training officer at the academy, talked about in a statement New’s desire to help others. “He walked (into the academy) immediately with this gigantic, just gigantic, wish to be a police officer and help people,” Byrd said. “So, I think that watching that transformation over the three or four months I got to see it was just amazing.” At the ceremony unveiling New’s “End of Watch” sign, Phoenix police officers from his precinct and squad were joined
The city of Phoenix honored Officer Ginarro New, who was killed in the line of duty, with a historical marker in a ceremony on May 31. (Allison Brown/Staff)
SCAM from page 1
ple she got to know over the course of time who gained her trust. “I am well educated, and people look at me like, ‘Why would you do something like that?’ But they build trust with you,” she explained. “It’s a mind-control thing where they can gaslight you. They become your friend and you trust them and then things come up. They make it sound like everyday occurrences, and you want to help them.” The anonymity of social media makes it a breeding ground for potential scams. She recommends being careful about posting personal information online and to be wary of comments, messages or requests from anyone unfamiliar. “I can even post a recipe on Facebook and all of these idiots comment saying, ‘Oh, you’ve got a wonderful smile. I’d like to get to know you.’ That is a scammer trying to work you, trying to get you started,” she said. Even offline, she warns that scammers use technology to try to get information. According to Johnson, when people get calls where no one talks on the other end, a lot of times that is a scammer trying to connect to the phone number and use it. Other tips include being wary of things like cryptocurrency and gift cards, too. With bitcoin, for example, a transaction can be traced, but not the wallet or who
Ruth Johnson will speak about her experiences and how people can protect themselves from scams at a Kiwanis meeting Wednesday, June 15, at Harold’s Corral in Cave Creek. (David Minton/ Staff Photographer)
owns it. As for gift cards, Johnson said people can scan the barcode without buying the card and then have access to whatever money is loaded onto the card when bought in store. These scams don’t just trick individuals either. Johnson said scams happen to businesses, banks, restaurants and companies, too. It happens all over, all the time, and she said if someone hasn’t been scammed yet, then they will be. In fact, Johnson said if anyone needs
by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, councilmembers, Executive Police Chief Michael Kurtenbach and other executive staff members. New’s widow, mother, grandmother and family friends were also at the ceremony. The ceremony was opened by a prayer from Phoenix Police Chaplain Bob Fesmire, who spoke of New’s service and sacrifice, followed by a short statement from Cole. New’s family, friends and squad members were invited to pull down the covering over the sign to reveal it. The family was also given a small replica of the sign. “This marker will serve as a reminder of the sacrifice Officer New made in service of the citizens of the city of Phoenix,” Cole said at the ceremony. convincing of how prevalent scams can be, just look at the numbers. The FBI reported $2.4 billion lost to scammers in 2021. She said it has become her passion to try to make a dent in that number so that others don’t have to go through what she did. Instead of getting caught up in being embarrassed about the scams or afraid of who still has her personal information, she is fighting back. One way people can help prevent scams is by filing a police or FBI report if they have been scammed. “The FBI has a cybercrime unit and each FBI location, including the one here in Phoenix, you can go on their websites and find the report called IC3,” Johnson said. “Do that report, and that way they can start tracking these people. If we don’t report it, they win.” In addition to her public speaking presentations, Johnson is also in the process of writing a book about her experiences titled “Cyber Karma.”
Ruth Johnson Kiwanis Luncheon
Noon Wednesday, June 15 Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek kiwaniscarefree.org
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NEWS
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AZGFD offers reward after unlawful shooting of 2 javelinas BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF
1720 E DEER VALLEY RD., #104
T
he Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is seeking information about the recent shooting of two javelinas in the Cave Creek/Carefree area. On May 20, multiple concerned citizens reported sightings of two javelinas with arrows embedded in their bodies, one with an arrow through its back leg and the other with an arrow through the top of its head. AZGFD officers responded immediately, and they were able to successfully capture and transport the javelinas to a local wildlife rehabilitation facility for treatment. Unfortunately, neither of the animals survived. Evidence, including arrows, blood samples and DNA, was collected at the scene. AZGFD is also soliciting additional information as part of a thorough law enforcement investigation.
“Help from the public will play a critical role in making an arrest in this case,” said Debra Groves, wildlife manager. “This is not the act of a hunter. This was a criminal act by someone who deliberately broke the law, and the department does not condone this kind of blatant disregard for the laws that govern the ethical and legal take of wildlife. “It is important for anyone with information to come forward, and help Game and Fish bring those responsible to justice.” Anyone with information about this case can call the AZGFD’s Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-352-0700 and refer to case No. 22-001167. Callers’ identities will remain confidential and can remain anonymous upon request. A reward of up to $1,500 for information that leads to an arrest in this case has been made available through AZGFD’s Operation Game Thief program.
Catalyst, Convener, Champion
OPINION
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‘Get acquainted’ exercise was like ‘The Twilight Zone’ BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist
R
od Serling must have written this scene, the congressman thought to himself. He and an aide sat in the rooftop suite of a downtown hotel, in serious disrepair. The worn, early ’60s decor only added to the sensation of life inside a “Twilight Zone” episode, compounded outdoors by the monsoonal conditions of a mid-August afternoon. The threatening storm clouds were more like Miami than Phoenix, but the changing hues aloft put to rest any notion that this was occurring in black and white. Seated across the room were visitors from the East — the Far East — though the delegation had come to Arizona from the consulate general of China in
Los Angeles. Ostensibly, this was a “get acquainted” exercise, but the congressman understood that the visitors had come as part of a “charm offensive” by the Chinese. Sadly, for his foreign visitors, the congressman saw nothing charming in the Chinese presentation. While he was inclined to give them “an A for effort,” even their intended overture of hospitality was ham-handed. Rather than call room service and prearrange a beverage service for all in attendance, a junior member of the delegation hurriedly brewed coffee in the small, hotel-issued device in the suite. The young diplomat’s hasty decision to pour the hot beverage into highball glasses only added to the ill-fitting atmosphere of the encounter. So, with steaming hot coffee served in glasses
better suited for happy hour, the senior Chinese official began his happy talk. “China desires friendship with the United States,” the consular officer said. “And there is no better way to encourage friendship between our two nations than to build on the trade policy already in place. If the United States Congress extends ‘normal trade relations’ with our nation, it will add to the prosperity and security of both our peoples.” The congressman offered a response couched in diplomatic niceties, but clearly stating his concerns: “Welcome to Arizona; you honor us with your visit. Thanks also for stating your desire for friendship between our nations. In that spirit, let us speak to each other candidly, as friends. Your kind words notwithstanding, it is very difficult to reconcile those comments with some troubling remarks recently made by one of your
READERS’ VIEWPOINTS
senior military officers. Specifically, it was Lt. Gen. Xiong Guangkai who said of our nation and our people, ‘…you care a lot more about Los Angeles than Taipei.’ How are we to interpret that, other than as a direct threat?” The senior Chinese diplomat had a
see ZONE page 8
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The best-qualified candidates Editor: Dedicated people with multiple years of pertinent experience and proven track records of success. These are the people we all need to serve as mayor and Carefree town councilmembers. In recent years, major projects, such as consolidating water service for all Carefree residents within the Carefree Water Company, have been completed or are nearing completion. These have made progress only through the experience and dedication of members of the town council and staff. They have acquired experience over years of service to the town, working tirelessly to develop solutions tailored
to fit the needs and desires of Carefree residents and to be affordable within existing spending limitations. Working with me, the town councilmembers driving these successful efforts have been Vice Mayor John Crane and Councilmembers Cheryl Kroyer, Tony Geiger, Stephen Hatcher, Vince D’Aliesio and Michael Johnson. Sheila Amoroso has also made significant contributions over the past year as a leader of the fire/safety committee. Without this experience and dedication of the town councilmembers, many of the recent major projects would not have moved forward to completion. Visit carefree.org, the town’s website, for detailed plans, including the costs,
for every functional area. Solid, tailored and cost-effective solutions, reflecting resident involvement and input at every step along the way. The continued successful operation of Carefree flows directly from this organized approach. In contrast, a few people with little or no involvement in town or community activities since moving to Carefree a few years ago have recently surfaced to run for Carefree mayor and town councilmembers. They are unprepared for this challenge because they offer no hint that they even know what the most relevant issues facing Carefree are. Instead, rather than putting forth a platform of initiatives they believe would strengthen Carefree, they criticize the work of the
Carefree Town Council, town residents and outside experts who are working on these projects. If these people who recently moved to Carefree were elected, Carefree residents will suffer from their inexperience and lack of preparation. I will vote for John Crane to be the mayor of Carefree starting with the next term, and the current motivated and proven town councilmembers listed above. I urge Carefree residents to carefully consider the likely consequences of their vote, and do likewise. Les Peterson Carefree mayor
see LETTERS page 9
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OPINION
ZONE from Page 7
ready response: “Congressman, perhaps you have had the experience of being misquoted in the press. I believe that was the case with Gen. Xiong in this instance.” “Besides,” he continued, “because we are headquartered in Los Angeles, I can assure you that my colleagues and I have considerable personal interest in
THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 8, 2022
that great city!” Despite the diplomat’s effort at deflection through humor, the conversation did nothing to change the congressman’s mind. When the question of extending “normal trade relations” with communist China came before the full House, he voted no. Fast-forward through two decades
How to get a letter published 250 N. Litchfield Road, Suite 100, Goodyear, AZ 85338, Email: christina@timeslocalmedia.com The Foothills Focus welcomes letters that express readers’ opinion on current topics. Letters must include the writer’s full name, address (including city) and telephone number. The Foothills Focus will print the writer’s name and city of residence only. Letters without the requisite identifying information will not be published. Letters are published in the order received, and they are subject to editing. The Foothills Focus will not publish consumer complaints, form letters, clippings from other publications or poetry. Letters’ authors, not the Foothills Focus, are responsible for the “facts” presented in letters.
and five occupants of the White House. The congressman is now a columnist, but serious questions about U.S.-China relations remain. Of the five men who have occupied the Oval Office through those years, only Donald Trump remained skeptical of trade with China. The other four were pro-China trade, with one, Bill Clinton, “evolving.” Gov. Clinton campaigned as an opponent of trade with China, only to change his mind as president, and campaign finance records explain why. Financial contributions by Chinese citizens to the Clinton-Gore campaign in 1996 led to changes in U.S. campaign finance law but were of no legal consequence to President Clinton. Undaunted, the Chinese shifted their strategy. Instead of presidential campaigns, they concentrated on “princelings,” the children of prominent politicians, most notably Hunter Biden, who has been involved in questionable business dealings with Chinese entities. Something has certainly affected
Hunter’s dad, the current commander-in-chief. On a recent overseas trip to visit Asian allies, there was no stop in Taiwan, but Joe Biden brought the traveling White House Press Corps to a “full stop” when he said that the United States would intervene militarily if the Chinese attacked Taiwan. White House staffers immediately “walked back” his comments, but Ol’ Joe had taken “strategic ambiguity” to greater levels of contradiction and confusion. Or could that be the elder Biden was making his own “deflection play,” mindful of suspicions that he could be a blackmail target? Meantime, press accounts indicate China may soon move militarily against Taiwan — just as Russia invaded Ukraine earlier this year. Two communist nuclear powers going to war against their neighbors in 2022? What might happen next? It sounds like the plot of a “Twilight Zone” episode from 1962 — or, perhaps, if miscalculations continue, like “Twilight’s Last Gleaming.”
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OPINION
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LETTERS from page 7
Remember to vote
Editor: The Aug. 2 election is just around the corner. I would like to remind Carefree residents who are not at their Carefree home this summer but have asked for mail to be forwarded that the Carefree post office will not forward the Aug. 22 election ballot. Voters need to request a new ballot by calling the Maricopa County Elections Office. It’s necessary. That number is 602-506-1511; press “0” to speak to a representative. The elections office will send your ballot to your temporary mailing address if you make the request by July 22. The town hired the well-known election law firm of Coppersmith Brockelman months ago and has paid that firm a significant amount for services related to “initiatives” based on the memo line of the town’s checks. What are the “initiatives” the town has hired this firm to work on? Clearly it is not to support any of the initiatives. Has the town hired this law firm because they don’t want two two-year term limits passing? Two two-year term limits will reinstate the responsible term limits that Carefree voters previously voted in place. Despite having been approved by Carefree voters — not once, but twice — the current vice mayor (who now is running for mayor) went to court to defeat the clearly expressed will of Carefree voters. Through his legal maneuverings and the technical arguments raised by his lawyers, he personally succeeded in subverting the will of the people of Carefree. And this man wants to be our next mayor? Some current councilmembers (Hatcher and Kroyer) have made donations to support an alternative four-year staggered term limit initiative. This is supremely ironic because both of them were on the town council and did nothing to uphold the clearly expressed will of Carefree residents when Vice Mayor Crane went to court to overturn term limits. Benjamin Franklin summed up term
limits more than two centuries ago. “In free governments, the rulers are the servants, and the people their superiors. For the former to return among the latter does not degrade but promote them.” A limit of two two-year terms will result in new ideas, check the power of entrenched government, and bring fresh new faces like Peter Sample running for mayor, and council candidates Kathlina Lai, Sven Maric and Duke Vukotic. The open space/eminent domain initiative also on the ballot for Aug. 2 will give a voice and vote back to the people. It will prohibit the town from exercising eminent domain to seize private property that is dedicated open space/recreation under the current general plan unless approval by both a two-thirds vote of town councilmembers and a majority vote of Carefree residents has been obtained. Property designated open space/recreation and condemned between Jan. 1, 2021, and effective date must be offered for sale back to original owner at price paid plus interest. If not repurchased, the property may be developed with a supermajority council vote and voter ratification. I read an article recently that was written in January 1985 in the Los Angeles Times about Carefree. It had glowing praise for the town, its beauty and quiet, as well as the numerous unique shops and restaurants then in the town. The article mentioned how Carefree was growing even back then but still remained charming. “The way things are going, the town could get carried away and become another Scottsdale. That’d be a shame.” The article ended by asking what would they call Carefree then? “Careless, maybe?” Our vote matters Aug. 2 for our town. Maureen Benedetto Chair for Carefree Citizens for Responsible Government
Introducing candidate Vince D’Aliesio Editor: Carefree neighbors, I’ve been seeing a
lot of negativity posted in what has become standard practice in elections. I’m not here to bash anyone. I’d like to introduce myself and give you some background, as well as let you know where I stand on important issues in our community. I don’t need your email address in order for you to understand where I stand. I don’t need to tell you “you need to elect me to find out what I’ll do.” To me that is an insult to your intelligence. You are grown up enough to decide what you feel is best for our community. I’ll just lay out my beliefs and experience in advance for you to read and help you with your decision. If they align with yours, then great. The sky is not falling, and the sun will come out tomorrow. Fire safety is a topic that should be at the top of any list. Rural Metro is going away. Neighboring departments refuse to acknowledge Rural Metro as an automatic-aid recipient. What does that mean to us? It means that if there is a fire emergency, neighboring departments reserve the right to refuse service to us. We have three options: 1. Contract with Scottsdale. 2. Contract with Daisy Mountain. 3. Start our own fire department. We are working through all three options and will conduct public meetings where your opinion and voice will be important. All three will be more costly than what we do now, but what we have now is not sustainable. Consider the Cave Creek/Rancho Manana fires from two years ago that came dangerously close to our town. Imagine us not having automatic aid to help battle those fires; now you understand why this is so important to resolve. I have served on the council for four years and am seeking my third term. I found out that it took me nearly my whole first term to understand the nuances of town operations and get to know our staff and what it takes to work for you, our residents. You cannot have term limits in our town and expect to have a qualified pool of candidates each and every election. Four years ago, six candidates ran for six seats. Two years ago, our mayor ran unopposed. In both instances, there were members of council that would have “termed out” if we
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had the current term-limit proposal in place. So, then what? No mayor? Only three or four councilmembers deciding policies for our town? Term limits limit the pool of qualified candidates. We have a term limit in place now; it’s called a vote. If you use it wisely, then the most-qualified candidates will be elected. We are in the midst of a 25-year drought. Water sustains our town. We, as a water company board (of which I serve), made difficult decisions in the best interests of all of our residents to ensure all of our residents would be served by the same high-quality water service. I’ve seen personally the uninspected fire hydrants half buried in the ground that were not part of our service area and poor coloration, brown water that was coming out of our residents’ sinks. I made the commitment when I ran in 2018 that we were going to do something about this issue, and it’s done. The transition should be complete by year’s end. In addition, we are adding $1.1 million of annual revenue (and the CAP allocation of the additional accounts) to help pay for this transition. Take a drive over Lake Mead sometime and you will understand why we have operated with a sense of urgency to complete this transition. Current customers served by Carefree water will also benefit from this transition, as important system infrastructure updates (piping) will be made throughout. Regarding eminent domain and the water storage tank being constructed on Tom Darlington, this was a carefully planned public process. Public meetings were held, and several sites were surveyed for the most ideal location to house this tank. Ultimately, it was determined that the location on Tom Darlington was found to be the best site, as it was in line with underground utility piping, and its elevation would help to service lower elevation properties on the west side of our town. This buried tank will not serve the northwest corner of Tom Darlington and Carefree Highway. Economic development keeps proper-
see LETTERS page 10
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OPINION
LETTERS from page 9
ty taxes at bay. The Hampton Inn (I encourage you to contact GM Todd Cooley and take a tour) is going to be an amazing anchor-tenant to our town core. It’s projected that in a conservative year, the Hampton will contribute $250,000 of direct tax revenue, and another $500,000 to $750,000 indirectly, to our town. In addition, it will bring in new people and new businesses. Our Downtown merchants eagerly await the Hampton to start operating. We rely on 3% sales tax to fund our town. Please, I encourage you to shop and eat in our town as often as you can. I can only give you my opinion of what I have directly experienced, while serving our town on our council, and tell you about the people I’ve served with. First, there is no “secret society.” Every meeting is transparent, with the exception of times that we have had to meet in executive session. Executive session is a necessary component of running an organization. There are things that cannot be disclosed publicly, due to the sensitive nature of those concerns. Second, most of the current councilmembers have been local residents over 20 years. My family moved to Phoenix when I was just 6 months old, in 1972. I am a lifelong Arizonan. Our current mayor graduated from Arcadia High School in Phoenix in the 1960s (and was a pretty good high school baseball player). Our current vice mayor built his home in Carefree over 30 years ago, and still lives in that same home. Other members of council have been in the desert foothills many years. We are all Arizonans and we are all passionate about Carefree. This is a community that is the envy of the country. We take our responsibility to our town very seriously. I am raising my children here, and when my wife and I are one day no lon-
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ger on this earth, our children will continue to have a home here, if they choose. We (our council) are all involved in the community outside of just attending a single council meeting each month. John Crane is heavily involved in organizing many of the conservation talks that you see on the town’s schedule, and he is also a long-term board member of the Desert Foothills Land Trust. When I wanted to learn more about serving our community, the first person who called me and met with me was John Crane. He’s always first whenever there is an event: first to show up and set up chairs, first to greet others, first to always be prepared. He’s also always the last one to leave an event after its ended. I’ve made passing comments to him periodically like: “Hey, John, let’s have coffee sometime.” I get a call the next day from John to schedule coffee. He is very passionate about this community and its residents. He is very selfless, putting others first. He is most qualified to be our next mayor, hands down. I’ve sat next to him every month for the past four years on the dais (except during the pandemic, as meetings were held virtually), and I see what he is like “behind the scenes.” He is the same person in public that he is away from the public. He will continue to serve our town exceptionally well. John is a very analytical thinker and will evaluate every side of a situation before speaking. He will make a great mayor. Cheryl Kroyer facilitated/organized the Carefree ambassador program, was involved with me on the committee to improve our signage in town, and is a familiar face to greet many newcomers to our community. Tony Geiger’s passion has been water quality. That is his background and how he made his living for many years — when he speaks on the topic, people have to listen. Mike Johnson has been heavily involved in finance his whole career and brought that knowledge to our annual budgetary process. Steve Hatcher is very knowledgeable on many town operations involving finance, as we sat on several panels recently addressing water, fire protection
and street maintenance. I’ve been impressed with his knowledge. His wife is president of our school board, so they have a definite stake in our community’s success. I also had a chance to meet new candidate Sheila Amoroso before she was a candidate. She helped to lead the public safety committee, examining the fire protection contract and making recommendations. Can you consider all of the above endorsements? I can tell you that I have worked with each, and I know what they can do first hand for the betterment of our town. Regarding our town’s finances, despite a pandemic and other financial market collapses of the past 10 to 15 years, town finances are now at their best in the history of our town. We have over $14 million in cash reserves. We are in great shape as a town and continue to get better. We have street projects, water and fire protection to work on, but we are going in the right direction, and much of that is due to stringent fiscal management by our amazing town staff and your council working together. Where does that leave me? I get asked if I’m running as part of a slate or with this person or that person. At the end of the day, six seats plus a mayoral position must be filled. I am a listener, I am a thinker, and I care about people before policy. How will things best benefit all of our residents? This is not a paid position, it’s not an ego boost. It’s a calling to serve. If we desire to serve for any reason other than helping our community, then this is not the right fit. In addition to being married to my best friend and having three amazing kids, I am entrenched in passion for anything to benefit the community. I serve on the Cave Creek Unified School District Strategic Planning Committee. I was president of the Cave Creek Museum during the organization’s most challenging year due to closures of the pandemic. I’m passionate about kids, our seniors, and any cause benefiting our veterans. I’ve been a council liaison for MCSO during events like bike week and other off-peak events, regularly collaborating with our local MCSO captain on safety
concerns in our community. I’ve been very involved with our holiday events, such as Christmas concerts and Hanukkah festivals, coordinating our livestreaming so that those that cannot attend in person can at least be present virtually. During my tenure with the museum, we worked with Carefree to rename the Sundial Plaza in honor of our most important living pioneer of our town, Gerry Jones. The boulder is from Gerry’s property (he hand-selected it and stood there for nearly 90 minutes with me as he made sure the crane operator placed it exactly the way he felt would show the best). The plaque on the boulder was donated by the museum, and Gerry wrote the inscription. Check it out the next time you are at the Sundial. I host a local Saturday radio show called the Varsity Sports Show, and it allows me to showcase all of the great things our young people are doing in our community. I also mentor student interns from high schools across the Valley, as well as college students from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at ASU, Scottsdale Community College, and the U of A. Give the show a listen sometime so you can hear the amazing young talent featured from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturdays on AM 1060 KDUS Arizona. I am a sports broadcaster and public address announcer for local high schools and ASU Sun Devil Athletics. I truly love the teamwork involved in sports and working with young people. I am also the proud owner of the first house built in Carefree (1959) and count the home’s builder, Gerry Jones, as a good friend of mine, along with his wife, Leslie, so preserving our town’s history and culture is very important to me as well. I love our town, as I’m sure any other candidate will tell you that they do. I’ve shared with you my concerns, my support and my transparency. I appreciate you taking the time out to read my story and am available to meet with you if you’d like. Please go to this link: https:// bit.ly/VinceDAliesio. Vince D’Aliesio VinceDaliesio@Carefree.org
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Hiking Fool Hollow Lake offers cooler temps in Show Low TOLD BY KUMA AND WRITTEN BY LORRAINE BOSSÉ-SMITH Foothills Focus Contributing Writer
A
lthough we have wonderful local options for hiking, when the warmer temps arrive, we try to head north in search of cooler weather. We’ve been over to eastern Arizona before but never spent much time in the town of Show Low. Mom and I went away together to enjoy some R&R. For us, that means adventures. Show Low is the largest city in the White Mountains and is one of the fastest-growing cities in northern Arizona. It got its name from a card game and translates to “Turn of Card.” Throughout town, you will see card images. Show Low is only three to three and a half hours from Phoenix. It would be a full-day trip but is doable. We opted, however, to stay at the Days Inn in Show Low. It is pet friendly and provides a real breakfast each morning at the Show Low Café. That meant I got bacon. One of the hikes we did while in Show Low was Fool Hollow Lake, located off Old Linden Road just about 15 minutes from town. You have two ways to get there depending upon where you start from, so we suggest you just use Google Maps. It’s easy. Here’s the link to the recreational area: azstateparks.com/ fool-hollow. To enter, you must pay $10 per vehicle over the weekend or $7 Monday to Thursday. Dogs are welcome on leash, and there is ample parking and human restrooms throughout. This is a 150-acre lake surrounded by pine and Juniper trees that got its name from Thomas Jefferson Adair, who moved to the area in 1885 to start a farm. Locals said, “Only a fool would try to farm that land,” and the name stuck. Besides hiking, you can go fishing,
Fool Hollow Lake is in Show Low. (Lorraine Bossé-Smith/Submitted) swimming, camping or picnicking. It’s a beautiful setting, and the day we went, we had it all to ourselves. Unlike Lynx Lake here in Prescott, the hiking trail does not go around the entire lake. We thought we read online that it did, but you must take two trails to see most of the lake. All hiking by the lake is easy to moderate, and the total is 3.5 miles. We recommend you drive to the upper part first. From the ranger station, follow signs to the boat ramp. Park by the restrooms and take the paved path until it ends. You can either call it good or take the dirt path just above the veranda there, and it takes you to the campground via the lake’s edge. It’s breathtaking! You are above the lake looking down and will enjoy all the rock formations on its edge. The trail here isn’t well marked — just keep following the lake and skirting the campground. We sat at one of the picnic ta-
bles and listened to all the geese. They were quite chatty! Turn around from the campground and head back the way you came. By the way, this looks like a fabulous campground! Many of the sites have incredible lake views. They are spread out well and have some privacy. Mom and I were bummed that we no longer have our camper trailer, although this is a long haul from Phoenix. Anyway, once back to your car, head toward the exit. Just before the exit is a parking lot on your right for the Fool Hollow Lake trail (it’s marked). This is a dirt lot and dirt path, but it is all very flat. You can go either left or right, but know both trails are out and back, meaning they do not connect. Again, no trails go completely around the lake, as it has too many fingers and arms to it. We went to the left because it seemed a little more scenic as the right goes past some lake houses. All up to you. You can
do just one direction or both. All in all, we were out about three hours, and our breakfast was spent. Mom thought we would drive toward Lakeside and found a quaint little place right off the 260 called The Bistro at Annie’s. Parking is limited, so we felt lucky to get a spot right by the door. Their outside patio is dog friendly with a lovely porch. The place is nicely decorated and has great customer service. Prices were reasonable, and should you go, you must try their quiche Lorraine and prickly pear iced tea. Hey, did they name that after my mom? She is French. Mom got me a side of bacon to eat. I was a happy boy! This was a full day and our favorite hike of the trip. You really can spend hours upon hours at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area, as there is so much to see and do. Enjoy life! My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, executive recruiter, business consultant, coach, fitness expert, and author of nine published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever. Enjoy my blog at https://bit.ly/ kuma0901 and follow me on Facebook @kumathedog or Instagram @kumaitothedog.
The lake has gorgeous rock formations.
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FEATURES
THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 8, 2022
CAVE CREEK The Foothills Focus publishes on Wednesday. The weekly calendar — a listing of entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical performances, events for schools, churches, county parks and nonprofit groups — runs every issue. Events must be open to the public to be considered and generally must be held within the Foothills Focus coverage area. Events such as concerts and theatrical performances that fall outside the Foothills Focus circulation area will be considered because there are no concert halls or theater venues within our boundaries. Weekly calendar items print on a space-available basis. The only way to guarantee that an item will print is to purchase an advertisement. Submissions must reach our office by 4 p.m. Wednesday to be considered for the following Wednesday publication. Submissions must be in writing and may be emailed to Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, christina@ timespublications.com.
Craft N Chat MONDAYS Those who knit or crochet are invited to the Desert Foothills Library for Craft N Chat. New crafters and experienced ones are welcome to join. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., free, dfla.org
Free Couples Dance Lessons THURSDAYS Learn how to line dance to country music with significant others, friends or alone Thursdays in April. Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse, 6823 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 7 to 10 p.m., free, buffalochipsaloon.com
Yoga Fusion THURSDAYS Join Elizabeth Boisson in an intermediate-level course of Yoga Fusion at the Desert Foothills Library from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays. The class will start with breathing exercising and then go through different types of stretching movements and then into Vinyasa or the Flow yoga. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, noon to 1 p.m., $10 cash per class, dfla.org
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to the Farmers Market to sell goods like fresh, local, seasonal produce, herbs and flowers. They also sell local jams, jelly, honey and salsas. Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy Street, Carefree, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., free admission, carefree.org
Crafternoon: Unsupervised FRIDAYS Kids from the ages of 2 to 18 are given the opportunity to craft to their heart’s content in the Imagination Lab, working toward the art of their dreams. With no staff to act as supervision, all kids must be accompanied by an adult. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission, 480-488-2286, dfla.org
Oceans of Possibilities: Summer Reading Program TO AUG. 1 All summer, celebrate the gift of reading with the Desert Foothills Library. All ages are encouraged to register for events. This summer, the theme is “Oceans of Possibilities,” so expect plenty of ocean-related programs to help get your feet wet. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, 3:30 p.m., free admission, 480-488-2286, maricopacountyreads.org
All About Anime JUNE 15 Teenagers ages 13 to 18 can come by the teen room in the Desert Foothills Library and share their passion for anime and manga with like-minded peers. In addition, they can learn drawing in anime style. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, 3:30 p.m., free admission, 480-488-2286, dfla.org
Preschool Storytime JUNE 16 Take 4 to 6 year olds to the Desert Foothills Library for a full half-hour of storytime with Miss Heather. Join in afterward for craft or a fun activity based on the story, and help foster children’s love of books at an early age. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., free admission, 480-488-2286, dfla.org
Nutrition Over 50 JUNE 17 Figure out a plan to eat and live a healthy lifestyle over the age of 50. Discover healthy eating choices and ways to stay in shape, including the philosophy behind intermittent fasting and adult nutrition. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, noon, $10 admission, 602-721-7714, rockinvibs21@gmail. com
International Film Noir Series with Gary Zaro JUNE 17, JUNE 24 Inspired by the films of German expressionism and America’s pulp fiction novels, film noir thrived in the 1940s and 1950s. The June films are “Aventurera” and “Murderers Among Us.” Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, 2 p.m., free admission, reservations required, 480488-2286, dfla.org
Jubilate Music Classes STARTS JUNE 19 Join in-person music classes at the Desert Foothills Library, learning key skills about the violin, viola, cello, and choir singing. Classes are presented in an after-school format through the Jubilate Conservatory of Music. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, free tuition on Sundays, instruments not provided, 480993-6147, jubilateconservatoryofmusic.org
Cave Creek Legends JUNE 19 Join J. David Sloan and his band, the Cave Creek Legends, as they play at the Mountain View Pub. Join a local band and listen to traditional country rock ’n’ roll with good friends and good company. The Mountain View Pub, 7033 E Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 2 p.m., free admission, 480-575-7782, mountainviewpub.pub
Mom & Me Fit Family Boot Camp JUNE 20 Bring an exercise mat and your child to learn nutritious habits. Play a variety of games and join in on fitness activities designed for kids from infancy to 12 years old. Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, 34605 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 2:30 to 3:30
HAVE NEWS FOR FEATURES? Send your news to Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at 480-898-5631 or christina@timeslocalmedia.com
FEATURES
THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 8, 2022
Obituaries
623-535-8439 obits@timespublications.com Deadline: Thursday 5pm for next week
Dale Stevenson
Dale (Squeaky) R. Stevenson , 92, 49 year resident of Cave Creek , AZ, died May 13, 2022, at the Sherman House hospice of the valley, Phoenix, AZ. He was born March 1930, in Santa Paula, California, the son of late Harold (Hap) and Helen
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Stevenson. He was the oldest of two siblings. On August 19, 1970 he married Betty, who survives. He was a decorated veteran of the U.S. Army as a Truck Mechanic, 1948-1952, during the Korean War. Also, a proud member of the DAV and American Legion Post 34, Cave Creek, AZ. He is survived by his Brother and Sister-in-law Vernon and GaryAnn; son and daughter-in-law Bob and Nicki; daughter Debbie; son and daughter-in-law; Bill and Leslie; daughter and son-in-law Robin and Chris; son and daughter-in-law Chauncey and Stacey; grandchildren, Lonnie,Christine, Tim, Amber, Tobias, and Nathaniel. Great grandchildren, Chris, Taylor, and Remington. Dale was preceded in death by his parents and son, Tom. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on 2022-06-25 at American Legion post 34, 6272 East Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ, USA.
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THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 8, 2022 | JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG
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June 14: 8am-12pm June 15: 1pm-5pm Join the company that produces the most sustainable beverage packaging in the world: Aluminum Cans.
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Join us at the Hampton Inn & Suites
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JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG LOCAL JOBS. LOCAL PEOPLE.
HIRING EVENT!
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CALL TO ADVERTISE 480-898-6465
FIND YOUR JOB
JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG LOCAL JOBS. LOCAL PEOPLE.
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Be a part of something CMC Steel Arizona is growing! We are hiring immediately for crane operations, maintenance
BIG BENEFITS
positions, machine operators and more!
• Competitive pay for all positions
We also are seeking recent college graduates for Core, our career path rotational program that
• $3 shift differential for rotating shift work
provides you with cross-training across CMC’s lines
• Paid Vacation
of business. Visit us online to apply today!
jobs.cmc.com
THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 8, 2022 | JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG
Monday – Friday schedule Paid Holidays and PTO after 90 days Positions Available:
This paper has exciting opportunities for experienced news reporters and features writers. We are seeking strong writers and storytellers who excel at capturing the news and issues of a community.
• Non-CDL and Class A CDL drivers (load/unload) • Warehouse and Installation Associates • Bookkeeper/Billing Associate/Accountant (Quickbooks Online) We are a drug free work environment
If interested, email clips and your resume, along with a cover letter explaining why you are a good fit, to
Suzanne@TimesLocalMedia.com
Full and part time positions available
EOE
Please apply by email Nicole Pellistri at nicole@awdaz.com or 602-272-6016
ONE TEAM! JOIN THE CCUSD TEAM TODAY!
JOB FAIR!
• communiTy educaTion • Food services • mainTenance/Grounds
• oT/pT • slp • TransporTaTion
Cave Creek Unified School District #94 33016 N 60th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85266 • www.ccusd93.org
CALL TO ADVERTISE 480-898-6465
• Teachers • counselors • classroom supporT
Join us! may 17Th 2:00-7:00 pm
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• Full-Time • Part-Time • Freelance
Starting pay dependent on position and experience
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JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG LOCAL JOBS. LOCAL PEOPLE.
LOVE YOUR COMMUNITY? LOVE TO WRITE? WE MAY HAVE THE PERFECT JOB FOR YOU!
AWD is a family owned and operated business that has been serving Arizona since 2005. We are a specialized interior installation service that caters to the commercial interior design industry. We provide receiving, inventory control, storage and delivery/installation services to our clients all over Arizona and other locations in the United States through our network of partners. Our focus is on making the customer experience efficient and complete, while providing a supportive work environment.
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CLASSIFIEDS
THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 8, 2022
Ahwatukee Chandler Gilbert Glendale Mesa North Valley Peoria Phoenix SanTan Scottsdale Queen Creek West Valley
CLASSIFIEDS.PHOENIX.ORG To Advertise Call: 480-898-6465 or email Class@TimesLocalMedia.com Meetings/Events Alanon meeting : New River Serenity Thursday nights 7P Desert Hills Comm Church, 34835 N. 7th St. 85086 newriverserenity.com
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VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED • ROC#300933 • BONDED & INSURED
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or email class@timeslocalmedia.com Announcements
Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252
602-805-0703
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Drywall
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Glass/Mirror • Custom Glass • Shower Doors & Enclosures • Window Glass Replacement • Custom Mirrors • Glass Table Tops & Shelves Come and visit our custom glass showroom behind the Dairy Queen in Cave Creek.
480-235-6101
www.aboveandbeyondglass.com ROC 233846 & ROC 236899
Irrigation ROC#215280
Irrigation
& Landscape est. 2002 ~ Anthem, Arizona
Install • Repair • Replace
www.TheFoothillsFocus.com
623-203-7717
Care
CLASSIFIEDS
THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 8, 2022
Irrigation
Landscape/Maintenance
DUKES EXCAVATING
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Serving Cave Creek for 40 years
Roofing
Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709
• Sprinkler Repair
JOE 480-703-6686
PREMIER LANDSCAPING & GARDENING
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515 E. Carefree Hwy, #44, Phoenix, AZ 85085 dukesexcavatinginc@gmail.com
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PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH!
ROC KA 302118 General Contractor JIM DUKES
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No Job Too Big or Small
602-330-6965
Residential & Commercial
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Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured
PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net
SHARE WITH THE WORLD! Place a Birth, Anniversary, Wedding Announcement, In Memoriam, Obituary or any life event in this paper today! Call us for details.
class@TimesLocalMedia.com or call 480-898-6465
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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 8, 2022