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INSIDE

This Week

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

U.S. Marine Chuck Hale is stronger because he served

FEATURES ........ 17 Scottsdale’s Javier Soto debuts at ABC15

FEATURES ........ 18 Dr. Gasser changes lives 1 smile at a time

OPINION.................... 10 FEATURES................. 16 CLASSIFIEDS............. 22 Zone I

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

Anthem Area Edition

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

County sheriff talks traffic, staffing, school safety BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

aricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone discussed residents’ concerns about traffic violations and school safety and gave a brief update on the state of the organization at a June 10 meeting. Traffic is a frustration in every city across the country, but it’s more than that for some Anthem residents. At a previous Anthem Public Safety meeting, residents voiced not only their frustration but fear for their lives due to reckless driving in the area. Several said the problem has gotten worse and nothing seems to be done about it. A few of those same residents attended the June 10 meeting to bring their issues directly to Penzone, who said he is aware of the increasing issue. “As our population continues to boom, that means there’s more cars on the roadways and more folks are driving a little bit aggressively or

selfishly, and then we’re all in harm’s way and there’s jeopardy on the roadways, which is not acceptable,” Penzone said. “As we grow, we want to kind of set a standard and expectation that if you drive in our community, we expect you to drive safely. We expect you to care for those around you and be thoughtful.” One way the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is helping enforce that expectation is through a new motor squad. Penzone said five or six motorcycles have been purchased and deputies are currently undergoing comprehensive training specifically to handle traffic issues. He said the team will be up and running by the holidays and there will be a full force next year. “Whenever we have traffic issues anywhere in the county, I can assign that team to go there and do some positive enforcement, educate folks and read citations when appropriate,” Penzone said.

see SAFETY page 6

Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone has been with the Phoenix Police Department for 21 years. (Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office/Submitted)

Program offers new way to support Veterans Memorial

BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

he Anthem Way Foundation is implementing a new legacy giving program for those who want to continue supporting the Anthem Veterans Memorial after they have died. Elizabeth Turner, Anthem Veterans Memorial programming director, said while there has always been multiple ways to donate to the memo-

rial, there has never been a program that allowed people to continue to support the programs by leaving the memorial in their estate plans and will. The new program will allow people to do that. “We have actually had requests for this in the past and have people who are interested,” she said. “We have donors that have been with us now since 2011 and they contribute annually. I think the memorial has become so much a part

of people’s lives in Anthem and even outside of Anthem that they want to continue to support it any way they can.” For those interested in naming the Anthem Veterans Memorial in their will, trust, beneficiary designation form or other estate planning documents, Turner said they should reach out to their attorney and provide the legacy giving pro-

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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 ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising: 480-348-0343 Classifieds/Inside Sales: Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@timeslocalmedia.com TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@timeslocalmedia.com Steve Insalaco | 480-898-5635 | sinsalaco@timeslocalmedia.com Advertising Office Manager: Tricia Simpson | 480-898-5624 tsimpson@timeslocalmedia.com Director of National Advertising Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@timeslocalmedia.com NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | 480-898-5631 christina@timeslocalmedia.com Design: Nathalie Proulx | nproulx@timeslocalmedia.com Production Coordinator: Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@timeslocalmedia.com Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 customercare@timeslocalmedia.com

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 22, 2022

VETERANS from page 1

gram information and ensure educational programming is noted. The educational programming of the memorial includes support of the Memorial Day ceremony held by the Daisy Mountain Veterans and the Veterans Day ceremony. “It also supports all of the educational programs that take place at the memorial throughout the year,” Turner added. “We conduct classes there, we have classroom visits from elementary school up to middle school, and we bring veterans into classrooms.” School children and various clubs have benefited from classes at the Anthem Veterans Memorial regarding topics like military history, honoring veterans, the memorial’s history and symbolism, the math behind the memorial, Pearl Harbor Day and POW/ MIA Day. It also funds the Jim Martin STEM Scholarship to eligible graduating seniors who plan to study science, technology, engineering or mathematics. More than just education, though, the programming allows for special ceremonies and events to be held at the memorial for no cost. “We waive permits for people who are veterans who are having a special event there,” Turner said. “If you have a military promotion ceremony, which we have had many times at the memorial, we waive the fees. We waive the fees for Celebration of Life ceremonies that are held there. So, in

order to keep the programming throughout the whole year, we have to cover our costs.” The Anthem Veterans Memorial in Community Park is dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of the U.S. armed forces. The memorial was dedicated Nov. 11, 2011, and was designated as an Arizona Historic Landmark site six months later. It was The Legacy Giving Program allows people to leave the Anthem Vetalso awarded the proj- erans Memorial in their estate plans or will so that they can continue giving after they’re gone. (Anthem Community Council/Submitted) ect of the year award by the Arizona Chapter of the American Public Works Association charitable, scientific, literary and education and the best engineering and environmen- purposes.” It continues to raise funds for this tal consulting project by American Consult- mission. Other ways to donate to the Anthem Vetering Engineers Companies. The memorial features five pillars that ans Memorial include purchasing a veteran represent the five branches of the U.S. mili- paver that will be inscribed and laid in the tary serving together. The key feature of the Circle of Honor at the memorial; donating to memorial is the solar spotlight that shines cover the cost of a paver for a veteran who on the glass mosaic of the Great Seal of the otherwise may not be able to afford one; a United States at exactly 11:11 a.m. each Vet- general donation to support the educational erans Day, Nov. 11. Surrounding the pillars programs; or sponsoring the Veterans Day are brick pavers inscribed with the names of ceremony. U.S. servicemen and women. The Anthem Way Foundation, a nonprofInfo it organization, was founded in 2011 for onlineatanthem.com/visitors/veterans_memorial “providing services and raising funds for

MCSO revives motorcycle unit after grant BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

he Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office received a grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) to improve overall safety on public roads and highways by means of a new MCSO motorcycle unit. This grant is in the amount of approximately $167,000 and will help deputies in traffic collision investigations, DUI enforcement and aggressive driving enforcement, among other traffic enforcement. The funds, which were granted by GOHS via Prop 207, will be used to procure five motorcycle units. “Although it’s been 13 years since the

Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office had a motorcycle unit, it is one of the most effective tools in promoting traffic safety,” Sheriff Paul Penzone said. “The areas we patrol have expressed many times the concern of hazardous behavior in the roadways. Our hope is that by bringing the motor unit back, we can focus on traffic safety through positive and specific traffic enforcement. Our gratitude to GOHS for their investment in our agency and our community.” Motorcycle units, which have not been utilized by the MCSO since 2008 due to the lack of funding and staffing, will also support deputies in Valleywide task forces. These DUI task forces are important

in reducing injury-involved and fatal collisions. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to conducting DUI and traffic enforcement throughout the year. In addition, MCSO will support and attend special DUI task force events from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, and during major holidays throughout the remainder of the fiscal year. In 2020, grants provided by GOHS helped fund multiple task force force operations, zero-tolerance Click it or Ticket, and aggressive driver operations. MCSO is grateful for the partnership it has with GOHS in combating impaired drivers and keeping the roadways safe.

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NEWS

SAFETY from page 1

“So there will be a more aggressive traffic enforcement team whose sole focus is to remind people that we have to be safe on the roadway.” Traffic in Anthem in particular can be a bit complicated, however. Part of this is because the area is divided between MCSO and the Phoenix Police Department. Further, incidents that occur in the Anthem Country Club property are on private property with privately maintained roads. This means there are a limited number of situations where MCSO can get involved, such as a hit and run, DUI or accident involving injuries. Incidents like street racing, however, are usually not within the country club property and should be handled by MCSO. Penzone said he is aware of the growing issue and that law enforcement is trying to get out in front of it. However, the drivers flee the scene when police show up, which poses a complicated public safety issue. “The challenge is that when they take off, they’re willing to run from us and we have to make a calculated decision,” he said. “Are we going to chase this vehicle for the traffic violation and maybe jeopardize the safety of the

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 22, 2022

drivers on the roadway or do we find other ways to effectively address it?” Although it is a complicated issue, Penzone said the police department is working on implementing a few effective strategies, such as becoming familiar with and increasing police presence at popular street racing areas. The biggest asset will be an increased use of technology, where cameras can capture licenses and drivers committing criminal offenses so those people can be tracked down and have their license suspended or be issued a fine. Penzone admitted that part of the problem is just not being able to be everywhere at once. And, while there will never be enough officers to lay eyes on all of Maricopa County at once, staffing shortages of late have heightened those issues. “I don’t even want to invoke the “C” word, but we know what the last two and a half years have done to impact our entire community. Not just the tragic loss of life, but how it has adversely impacted so many professions where folks choose alternative ways to make a living. Filling vacancies in all different professions and industries has become very trying.” At capacity, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has about 3,500 employees. To put

things in perspective, Penzone mentioned that the office has about 2,200 slots just for detention officers but currently has about 400 vacancies just in that position. With an increase in staffing shortages as well as violent crime, Penzone said the department is taking measures to ensure the well-being of its officers. One of the ways it has done that is through the wellness division, which was started two years ago but it is ramping up now. “The wellness division is solely focused on serving the needs of the men and women in the organization, whether it is stressors due to the job or stressors due to personal things that occurred, your personal life, health, fitness, financial challenges or special needs,” Penzone said. “We want to make sure our employees have the support they need to be successful. So we try to create an environment where our focus is first and foremost on how we care for our own so that they can care for the community.” At the meeting, Penzone also discussed school safety in light of the recent school shooting in Texas. He said the department has made it a priority to find interventions before there is a critical threat.

“We have two different perspectives,” Penzone said. “One, how do we create a safer environment at school but not make them penitentiaries? And two, how do we do a better job of addressing issues of violence, mental health, drugs, violence, whatever it may be, but those who have intentions to harm our families and our children? How do we more readily identify them, get firearms out of their hands and then prosecute them when appropriate, because they’ve already taken actions to do harm?” A $2 million fund from the state will allow technology such as panic alarms and cameras to be implemented in schools. Penzone said this is a great first step, but spreading $2 million across hundreds of schools in the county doesn’t go very far. He said discussions have taken place and will continue to take place to try to come up with creative solutions and mitigation strategies. Penzone has been with the Phoenix Police Department for 21 years. He has striven to ensure the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is committed to ethical, effective and impactful law enforcement and public safety as well as developing and maintaining programs and initiatives that promote partnerships and trust within the community.

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 22, 2022

A Marine, stronger because he served The Foothills Focus, in partnership with the Anthem Veterans Memorial, honors a loc al veteran each month. This is the fourth in a serie s of articles about local veterans who are commemorated at th e Anthem Veterans Memorial. This is the story of U.S. Marine Chuck Hale.

BY ELIZABETH TURNER Anthem Veterans Memorial

sk veterans why they joined the military, and the answers vary. Many came from military families and that is all they knew. Others seek adventure or discipline. A few entered in search of something, but not sure exactly what. Chuck Hale was one of the few. “The first 12 or so years of my life, I lived with my mother in Auburn, Washington,” he said. “I was a lost kid, no direction, no father figure. My grandfather had been in the Army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He came back with his own demons. He lived with PTS — which didn’t have a name there and seeking help in those days was a sign of weakness. Life was difficult for him; he was angry and abusive.” When he was 13, Hale moved to Phoenix with his mother after she remarried. Her new husband adopted him. “I still had no real purpose in my early life, no true direction,” Hale said. “I wasn’t great in school; I never got in trouble, but I never excelled either. We were away from our extended family, but my mother ensured the entire family stayed in touch. At the time, I never really paid attention. I always felt, even after moving and getting a father who loved me, that there was some dark cloud over me.” His grandfather died by suicide when

Hale was 20, so the family returned to Washington to attend his funeral. “I remember seeing my cousin who was just out of Marine boot camp at the funeral. No one forgets a young Marine in his dress blues,” Hale said. “I stood at the funeral mostly talking with my cousin and uncles. My three uncles enlisted in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. One was awarded two Purple Hearts; the second, with little respect for authority, was booted out; and the third ended up an officer in the Army. All three came home. “It was at that funeral, talking with these veterans, that I first learned of the brotherhood they shared. They all talked about the bonds they had with their Marine brothers from their service. “That was the first time I felt a sense of purpose. So, in 1991, I met with Sgt. Mullen, a recruiter in Phoenix and enlisted. It turns out I was the seventh male on my mother’s side who enlisted.” At that time, Hale was working as a night auditor at a hotel. “I hated math,” he said. “Based on my aptitude tests, the Marines offered me the same job. But, I was my recruiter’s dream enlistee; I wanted infantry. I wanted to fight.” He then understood his mother’s desire to have a close family. Hale contacted his uncles before departing for boot camp. Each gave him the same advice: “Lay low. Do what you are told. Keep your mouth shut. Be as quick as possible.” Hale admitted, “I must have inherited my one uncle’s lack of respect for authority. But, in talking with all my uncles, I learned that they were pushed to protect, to fight for those who couldn’t fight for themselves. To share in a unique camaraderie. I realized, then, I had never fought for myself.” Hale graduated boot camp and was set to lead the troops. “I felt immense pride the morning of our graduation, as I was to lead my brothers as their squad leader,” he said. “But that never happened because it rained. There was no parade. I reported to Camp Pendleton for combat training. I was ready to learn how to fight, to be an

infantry soldier. The dark cloud hovered as I was first assigned to battalion guard duty and as sergeant of the guards. Basically, we reported on racoons in the garbage cans.” His infantry training followed, as he was assigned as an infantry assault man. He trained with the M47Dragon, an American shoulder-fired, man-portable anti-tank guided missile system, and the shoulder launch multipurpose assault weapon (SHAW). He received orders to join the 2nd Battalion 9th Marines and was placed with his first infantry unit. There, he learned to fend for himself. “You have to have thick skin to handle your own there,” Hale said. “It is where everyone becomes a welloiled machine. We did what we were told.” For the next sixth months, Hale entered training on various ship assignments in the Pacific, first to the USS Tripoli (LPH10), an Iwo Jima-class amphibious assault ship, then to the USS Rushmore and the USS Juneau. “I was next on my way to Kuwait for the cease fire, but we were diverted to Somalia,” Hale said. “I had never heard of it, but I knew my infantry training would be expanded. My orders as a ‘dragon’ meant I was attached to a foot — mobile unit to provide more firepower. With my stature, I got the jobs that were needed, including carrying a 100-pound combat load. “I also had the misfortune of riding in on Amtracs. Amtracs are the amphibious floating vehicles that leave ships and maneuver through the water to land. They were horrific, wet from leaks, and smelled of diesel fuel and vomit.” In 2021, Amtrac operations at sea were curtailed after a training accident that killed eight Marines and one sailor. “After a few transfers across the world, I ended up in Mogadishu, Somalia,” Hale said. “It was Dec. 9, 1992, and a rather chaotic scene before the sun had even risen. President Bush ordered 1,800 U.S. Marines to begin a multinational effort to restore order in the country, called Oper-

ation Restore Hope.” Somalia’s government was in turmoil for decades, complicated by severe droughts for years in the 1970s. By 1981, close to 2 million people there were homeless. Even with a peace accord in 1988, rival clans in Somalia continued fighting. That civil war killed 50,000 and another 300,000 died of starvation as the UN peacekeeping forces struggled to restore order. “I was with a team of four and a team of three to perform defense to bring needed equipment on shore,” Hale said. “We were defending against 400 to 500, but it was fairly quiet, and orders always changed. Just as that job was complete, we were sent to the end of an airfield to secure it for planes and supplies. There was a C5 cargo plane in route and we had four hours to clear the area without casualties. We just kept moving — always forward deployed. “Remember, it is the dry season there. Yet, that rain cloud followed me there. It poured, not just a little rain show, it was a monsoon-like rain that lasted for days; everything was soaked. It was the same dark cloud that just resurfaced over my life that never seemed to go away. “This tour was eye opening, as we were often in rural areas where the people were struggling to survive. We were sent to get food supplies to the people. To see the kids who were starving and covered in flies, with only a 25% chance of even making it to their 5th birthday, left lasting imprints in mind and soul. There are

see

MARINE page 9

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MARINE from page 7

times in my life here in the States where I just find it difficult to understand a child’s complaints over some trivial thing.” Soon, Hale was sent to Guam. “I remember landing and heading to a group who had been together for some time,” Hale said. “I was a little nervous, as I was the outsider, even with infantry experience. A very large sergeant emerged from the dark to greet me and to ensure I was squared away. That was my first surprise and my first realization that this was going to be good.” He said working with them was a learning experience, as each had a specialty. “I learned that the more you sweat in peacetime, the less you bleed in wartime,” Hale said. “I was reminded about the importance of teamwork, of that well-oiled machine, where all the parts worked together. We were a team, just like all the other teams in different situations I had seen in the years prior.” Hale was stateside after returning from Japan when he was asked to join a security force company in Iceland. He worked as a scout skier, a leader in cold weather equipment and operations. “My commanding officer recognized my background and skills and promoted me to assistant training chief, and I taught infantry tactics out of a duty station in Iceland, deploying to Norway and Greenland in cold weather — survival

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skills in minus 65-degree windchill. “After another assignment, I thought about reenlisting as had others, but I felt like I needed to be somewhere more grounded. By the end of my service, I had a lot of physical issues and mental issues, although I wasn’t ready to deal with those yet.” After a post office job, he went to ASU and earned an undergraduate degree in history and political science followed by a master’s degree in educational leadership from NAU. In 2012, Hale taught at Glendale Community College and worked with veteran students. His experience also includes a stint as assistant director of admissions at ASU, working largely with veteran recruitment. He is still employed with ASU, but with the College of Health Solutions. “I also continued the mental help I postponed,” said Hale, who has two daughters with his wife, Nichole. “That is always a work in progress.”

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Veterans in need of help can reach out to their doctor, minister, the Anthem VA Clinic, a friend, a family member or fellow veteran to get help. Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, press 1

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Anthem VA Services: 41810 N. Venture Drive, Building B, Anthem. Main number: 623-2492300. Mental Health Clinic: 928-776-6071

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 22, 2022

Opinion TheFoothillsFocus.com

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

We’re losing concentration from swimming in technology BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

hat do you have in common with a goldfish? Evidently, more than you could ever

imagine. Scientists now claim that the average adult’s attention span is eight seconds. A goldfish? Nine seconds. This has me thinking that some researchers (nuts) are having a swimmingly fine time getting grants to conduct studies that are so preposterous that only a goldfish would believe it! Well, I am not taking the

bait! Yes, dear readers, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, humans cannot seem to pay attention. OK, so we multitask, and then there is the fact that we have more content available to us on the internet than ever thought to be humanly possible. Just 25 years ago, we did not have Facebook, YouTube, Twitter or Google! The amount of “external stimulation” seems to make us focus less and become distracted more easily. Well, when the average adult checks their phones for calls, emails, Facebook and texts 150 times a day,

it’s no wonder a goldfish has a longer attention span! Yikes! It is a wonder we get anything done! I thought I would conduct my own experiment. I decided to go outside and trim my bushes for 10 minutes. Certainly, I can do this simple task. So I start clipping away. In doing so, I found a pair of gloves on the ground and picked them up to place on my husband’s workbench in the garage. There, in the midst of his clutter, I find my good tongs that belong in the kitchen! I take them inside to the kitchen sink and realize I have a coffee cup to rinse out. While doing

that, I heard the phone buzz and got a text that a colleague emailed me a contract. Then I checked my email. And so it goes. I happen to know first-hand about goldfish since I used to keep them in my horse troughs because they eat the algae. I do not think it is fair to compare a human (with our superior intelligence) to a fish that doesn’t have much brainpower! The scientists who conducted this research define “attention span” as the amount of concentrated time on one task

see BLUHM page 13

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 22, 2022

Mark Kelly risks losing his job in November BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

riple-digit temperatures reinforce the reality of a four-letter word widely employed in Arizona at this time of year. H-E-A-T. That warm feeling outside doesn’t necessarily prompt a good feeling inside, as both desert dwellers and politicians can attest. In fact, candidates for public office admit privately that it always seems hotter in even-numbered years. That’s because they know voters will render a verdict and select party nominees in the primaries that await in August. And no candidate feels the heat more than Arizona’s junior senator. No, Mark Kelly isn’t in danger of losing the Democrat nomination to keep his job, but he is in danger of losing that job altogether in the November general

election. One of his “references” is proving problematic. That would be the former senator who now finds himself at the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue. Joe Biden flew over Arizona in Air Force One recently, en route to California and a sit-down interview with exASU student-and-current-Democrat-activist-also-known-as-a-talk-show-host Jimmy Kimmel. Imagine Mark Kelly’s reaction when he heard Ol’ Joe say to the formerly funny-now-bitterly-partisan-late-night-emcee: “48 out of 50 senators vote with me 95% of the time!” The astronaut-turned-senator must have recalled his space shuttle simulators warning of imminent disaster — alarms sounding, malfunction lights flashing, and a brightly lit big red button: ABORT. For Kelly, the leader of his party was simply confirming what the National Republican Senatorial Committee has

been pointing out in TV ads. As you might expect, the NRSC is focusing exclusively on Kelly’s votes, discovering that Mark clings to Joe as closely as a shadow, supporting the Biden agenda fully 97% of the time. Forgive the energetic contingent of GOP candidates seeking to replace Mark Kelly if they all paraphrase a notable quote from NASA History: “Arizona, we have a problem!” And to Kelly, who is burning through a considerable chunk of campaign cash with ads of his own, claiming that he’s a “practical problem solver,” the basic challenge is clear. He is seeking a solution for his own survivability… politically speaking. What’s a worried junior senator to do? Previous columns have noted the need for Kelly to employ his astronaut training and execute a “course correction” to prevent an electoral crash and burn.

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Just as Earthbound explorers look to the North Star for navigational assistance, one of Kelly’s colleagues from the Northeast provides an instructive yet cautionary example. When Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) formally filed for re-election, she employed an imaginary tool — a rhetorical “file,” trying to metaphorically weaken the bars of the “Joe Biden Holding Cell” from which she, Mark Kelly and other embattled Democrats must escape. New Hampshire’s junior senator didn’t mention Biden by name, but she made clear what she thinks will separate her from the Biden Bunch. “What I’ve been pushing for is, among other things, suspending the gas tax. That helps put some more money in people’s pockets. I’m pushing the administration to support that. They haven’t yet, and that’s frustrating,” Hassan said.

see HAYWORTH page 13

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 22, 2022

Bumper stickers say too much about drivers BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

fter a few thousand miles this year spent driving Arizona’s interstates, I’ve come to a conclusion: There are two kinds of people left in this fine nation of ours. People who slap bumper stickers on their car. And normal people. As someone who belongs to the latter group, I’ve spent many a mile wondering (a) why anyone feels compelled to tell the driving public how strongly they feel about this or that politician, religious figure or college sports team and (b) why it seems that certain vehicles inevitably sport certain opinions. I mean, does Subaru apply the “Coexist” bumper sticker standard at the factory or is it an after-market option? Then there’s Leibowitz’s First Law of Vehicular Dynamics: the higher the lifted pickup truck, the greater

N O R T H A M E R I C A’ S

the likelihood of you coming eye level with an anti-Biden sticker or that old standby, “Don’t Blame Me. I Voted For Trump.” In 2017, a seller of cheap auto insurance commissioned a survey of more than 2,000 U.S. drivers and arrived at a total I don’t believe in the slightest: that 50% of men have bumper stickers on their vehicles versus 63% of women. The same survey put Arizona toward the lower end of likelihood to sport a bumper sticker by state, i.e, somewhere between 55% and 60% of drivers. Personally, my gut says the bumper sticker brigade is less than 20% of the population, with maybe half of those making some overt political statement. Of course, the survey above was completed in 2017. Ever since, America has been hurtling at an exponential clip toward blatant insanity. In my house, my parents raised us with a simple mantra I’ve mentioned

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before: “It’s one thing to be an idiot, but it’s another to open your mouth and prove it to everyone.” Bumper stickers fly in the face of that edict, which is surely the point. Once upon a time, we kept potentially controversial opinions to ourselves, because we didn’t know whom we might offend. Now? We adorn our bumpers precisely in the hopes of “owning the libs” or sparking a case of “MAGA Madness.” The nastier the saying, the prouder the driver. I’ve started keeping a list: “I Support Global Warming,” with an arrow directed toward the exhaust pipe of a massive Silverado. “My Other Ride Is Your Mom.” “I’m Anti-Trump Because I’m Anti-Stupid.” Then, not even a half hour later on a Range Rover speeding up the 17: “Does The Ass Make My SUV Look Big,” with a goofy mugshot of old Joe Biden. I’ve tried to imagine which cause circa 2022 would so motivate me that I’d feel compelled to advertise

it to the world at 75 miles per hour. It wouldn’t be political; there’s not a politician or political party in existence for which I’d risk my Kelley Blue Book resale value. The same goes for allegiance to sports franchises and dog breeds, and my stances on social issues like guns, abortion, gay rights and tolerance. It’s not that I don’t feel strongly about such things, because I do. But I feel with equal passion that I don’t want to be defined by five or six words on the back of my car, a pithy blasphemy that virtually every other occupant of the freeway will either hate or ignore completely. Bumper stickers today advertise our belonging to certain clubs, and I’ve never been much of a joiner. Though there is one bumper sticker I saw and thought about buying, because I agree with it wholeheartedly. “I Was Convinced By A Bumper Sticker,” goes the saying, “Said No One Ever.” Probably written by some driver’s really smart honor student.

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 22, 2022

BLUHM from Page 10

without being distracted. OK, but who is calling, texting or tweeting a fish? Of course they can concentrate! What else do they have to do? It does seem that we humans have a problem with “information overload.” When is the last time you sat down and watched a television program and did nothing else? There is a load of laundry to put in, dinner to prepare, emails to look at, mail to open. Imagine going back to enjoying quiet time and simple pleasures.

HAYWORTH from Page 11

But voters are even more frustrated and will likely view these “eleventh hour departures” from the Biden Agenda with considerable skepticism. We’ve been told that Mark Kelly is a “man of action.” Can he morph into a “man of acting”? Kelly may find himself following the apocryphal guidance of the wizened old talent agent who advised a

Turning off the phone. Living in the moment! Yet this may be difficult, since one scientist claims, “The technology genie is out of the bottle, and there is no going back.” Oh, and about those goldfish. Some people may fall hook, line and sinker for that “research” about a nine-second attention span. I have bigger fish to fry! Like trying to do one simple thing at a time! Until next week… happy concentrating. Judy Bluhm is a writer and local realtor. Have a comment or a story? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.

young client of the key to success. “Sincerity, kid… that’s the secret! Once you learn to fake that, you got it made!” There’s no doubting the fact that Mark Kelly sincerely wants to remain in the Senate, but unless he can convince Arizona voters of his independence from Joe Biden, he will face the unpleasantness of another four-letter word on Nov. 9. Getting B-E-A-T.

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Camping World acquires Anthem RV BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

amping World Holdings Inc. (“Camping World”), America’s Recreation Dealer, came to an agreement to acquire the operating dealership Anthem RV, located in New River, as well as a new site to be built in Surprise on June 14. The acquisition of Anthem RV is anticipated to close in July and will add to Camping World’s existing locations in Avondale, Mesa and Tucson and increase accessibility in the greater Phoenix area. “This acquisition is further acceleration of our growth strategy in 2022, by providing additional service and product excel-

lence to our growing customer base in the Southwest,” said Marcus Lemonis, CEO and chairman of Camping World. “For over 10 years, Anthem RV has been highly respected in Arizona, with a strong culture of serving customers top selection and service. We look at this acquisition as a unique opportunity to rapidly increase our presence in this top RV sales market.” Anthem RV, located at 44019 N. Black Canyon Highway, just off Interstate 17, will transition to the Camping World brand at closing. The SuperCenter will offer a wide range of new and used RVs from top manufacturers, in addition to a full assortment of RV

and outdoor products and accessories and the entire portfolio of Good Sam products and services. Camping World Holdings Inc. is headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Together with its subsidiaries, Camping World is America’s largest retailer of RVs and related products and services. Its vision is to build a long-term legacy business that makes RVing fun and easy, and its Camping World and Good Sam brands have been serving RV consumers since 1966. Camping World strives to build longterm value for customers, employees and shareholders by combining a unique and comprehensive assortment of RV products

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 22, 2022

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God helps master the green-eyed monster CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph Foothills Focus Columnist

ere’s an illustration that applies to every human being at some time or another. It’s called “Rowing a Boat that Goes Nowhere.” Some sailors had been drinking. It was late at night, and they wished to return to their ship. They arrived at the place where they had left their rowboat and threw in the oars. They rowed and rowed and seemed to make little progress. Finally, the soberest among them discovered that they had never loosened the boat’s bow rope from the pier. Just think. The sailors’ only obstacle to their desired end was a rope they tied earlier that evening and then forgot to untie. Similarly to these sailors, Painter Mariam Paré, who specializes in making paintings by mouth after suffering a spinal cord injury, was asked in her later years what she would write to herself if she were 20 years old. “If I could talk to myself 20 years ago, I would tell myself to focus on my strengths and not on my weaknesses; on the things I could do and not the things I couldn’t do; to strive to excel and hone those skills to the point of excellence. This was the best strategy to secure my future. I would tell myself that the only real obstacles you have are those you create for yourself.” In other words, remember to untie yourself from the dock of self-inflicted oversights and offenses, and most likely, life will transport you to a place of contentment. Let’s ask ourselves some revealing questions about our current emotional outlook. “Of whom am I critical? Is envy or jealousy the root of this criticism? To whom am I comparing myself?

Can I bear to hear others celebrated in my presence? What is the source of my criticism or the cause of my distaste for someone that seems unwarranted? Could it be that I am enviously going green?” Whether intentionally or unintentionally, almost everything and everyone we hear and see in media and social media is creating mass envy. Envy is like the green-eyed monster, which grows into jealousy and finally covetousness. Did you know that envy was the earthly cause of the crucifixion of Jesus? “And Pilate answered them, saying, ‘Do you want me to release the King of the Jews for you?’ For he knew that the chief priests had delivered Him up because of envy,” Mark 15:9-10. Envy is not your friend. Let’s get some wisdom about envy; what it is, why it is, and what envy morphs into if not revealed and mastered. According to the dictionary, envy is a feeling of discontent or resentful thoughts based on what someone else has. Envy strongly desires to have the same things someone else has. The thing desired could be a quality, a possession or an attribute that belongs to someone else, especially your perceived adversaries or idols. British philosopher Bertrand Russell said that envy is one of the most potent causes of unhappiness, which is two-fold. Envy makes people unhappy. The envious person wishes the other person would be just as miserable as they are. Psychologists suggest that there may be two types of envy. Malicious envy is a negative emotion that wants someone ruined because of what he has. This type of envy wants the “hero” to suffer. Benign envy is the positive motivational force that wants to aspire to be as good

and have as much as the “hero.” Unfortunately, we seem more attracted to destructive envy in today’s world. No matter the career field, if you see someone attaining favor and results that you intuitively know you could have also had — but didn’t take steps to get there — you get envious. Your feelings of inferiority, longing, resentment of circumstances, or wanting bad things for the person are caused by envy. If the monster of envy is not mastered, it morphs into jealousy. Jealousy is an emotion brought on by resentment against someone because of another person’s success, advantage, etc. Jealousy often consists of one or more emotions such as anger, resentment, inadequacy, helplessness or disgust. Jealousy is more toxic than envy. Jealousy can be either suspicious or reactive. That means a person can become jealous of another based on suspicions when there is no real reason to be jealous. If the monster of jealousy is not mastered, it morphs into covetousness. According to the dictionary, covet means to “desire something wrongfully without any regard for the rights of others.” To covet is to wish for another’s property and possessions. To covet something is not merely wishing for it but going after it, lusting for it, and working on getting it at any cost. A person can covet not only what belongs to others but covet what belongs to God. “Thou shall not covet” is unlike any of the Ten Commandments in the Bible. The other commandments focus on outward actions. Covetousness reflects and reveals the condition of one’s heart. With coveting, the heart of the problem is the problem of our heart. Here’s a quick comparison. Envy says, “I like what you have. I want what you have.” At best, envy says,

“Show me how to get it, too.” At worst, it morphs into jealousy. Jealousy says, “I want what you have, and until I have it, you shouldn’t have it either.” Covetousness says, “I want what you have. I am more worthy of it than you. So I’ll do what I must to get what you have, including taking it from you.” Here’s one final question. Can we let it go? Can we untether ourselves from the dock? Can we admit that in most cases, the only real obstacles we have are those we create for ourselves? Can we acknowledge that we need God’s help in slaying green-eyed monsters? If you can admit it, you’re on your way to quitting it. Ed Delph is a noted author of 10 books, as well as a pastor, teacher, former business owner and speaker. He has traveled extensively, having been to more than 100 countries. He is president of NationStrategy, a nonprofit organization involved in uplifting and transforming communities worldwide. For more information, see nationstrategy.com. He may be contacted at nationstrategy@cs.com.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 22, 2022

Scottsdale’s Javier Soto debuts at ABC15

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

torytelling drives new ABC15 anchor Javier Soto. In his 18-year career in Arizona, the Emmy Award-winning journalist has covered the Jodi Arias murder trial, the Yarnell Hill wildfire, Senate Bill 1070 and the major protests that followed, the contempt-ofcourt cases against former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, the Phoenix serial shooter, and the death of Sen. John McCain. “That’s why I got into the news business,” said Soto, a Scottsdale resident. “It’s never the same thing every day. You never know what to expect. The amazing storytelling is what drives me in telling the stories that sometimes are untold. “That’s what excites me: Those personal stories we share with the

public.” Partnered with Katie Raml, Soto debuted on ABC15’s 5 p.m. newscast on June 13 after spending nearly two decades at Arizona’s Family stations, channels 3 and 5. Soto replaces Steve Irvin, who retired in May after well-documented heart problems. “I have been friends with Javier for more than a decade,” Raml said. “He is deeply committed to this community. He represents the values of ABC15. I am energized to now work alongside him every day.” Soto graduated from California State University in Long Beach, starting his career as a producer at KTLA in Los Angeles. His first on-air position was at KPVI in Pocatello, Idaho, as a reporter/anchor. After two years, he accepted a job as the Northern Arizona bureau chief for KTVK. After taking over as the morning reporter on the station’s morning newscasts, he was

promoted to weekend anchor and then morning anchor before joining ABC15. “ABC15 has an amazing reputation in Arizona,” Soto said. “I am thrilled to be part of a station that values community-changing journalism. I cannot wait to get started.” Mitch Jacob, ABC15 news director, has long been impressed with Soto’s passion for storytelling. “He understands the needs of Arizona and will hit the ground running day one in the newsroom. Javier is a wonderful addition to ABC15,” he said. Being a journalist is challenging, in the light of “fake news” claims. Soto said he did not think the negative comments and finger pointing would snowball. He said he discussed the issue with TV news anchor Scott

see SOTO page 19

Javier Soto said he has a passion for storytelling and a desire for honesty. (ABC15/Submitted)

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 22, 2022

Dr. Gasser changes lives 1 smile at a time BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

“G

ratifying” is a word Dr. Kevin Gasser frequently uses when he describes his den-

tal career. He’s spent 27 years in Arizona prac-

ticing dentistry and has since become a leader in providing the patented “all-on-four,” a full arch of teeth on just four implants. “Dental implants give patients who never thought they’d be able to eat, speak and smile in comfort again with a brand-new set of beautiful, nonre-

movable and functional implanted teeth,” he said. “Prior to the innovation of sophisticated technology, it would commonly take patients up to 18 months to get new teeth. This was because multiple dental implant procedures, complex bone grafting, and soft tissue management techniques were required for a patient to get a full set of new teeth. Now, with the latest medication protocol, superior parts and modern techniques, most patients can get a new smile in one day.” Gasser and his team are committed to creating life transformations for their patients by utilizing patient-specific dental implant solutions and by delivering the “best combination of quality, experience, comfort, care and price.” Just as important is listening to patients. “In my practice, there are no handoffs to other doctors or other facilities,” he said. “I personally take care of all our patients from initial diagnosis to end-oftreatment follow-up care. At Gasser Dental, we focus on an accelerated treatment plan that is time efficient yet respects science and nature.” While he’s proud of his sophisticated technology, Gasser stresses the importance of preventative care. But he and his staff do not judge patients for their dental conditions. “We cater to those who are afraid of dental treatment,” he added. “The time, costs and technology have never been better for smile restorations. When investigating dental implants, remember that experience, quality and protocol matters. “Because we are passionate about what we do at Gasser Dental, we are currently offering each new patient a free, no-obligation exam and free iCat scan to all who want to investigate new smile options.” Impressive resumé A graduate of West Virginia Univer-

sity with a doctor in dental surgery, Gasser has spent the ensuing decades of private practice keeping up on technology and practices. “I have dedicated myself to advanced education and have completed 1,500-plus hours of additional education and have graduated from a variety of schools and clinics: • The Malo Clinic in Lisbon, Portugal, under the tutelage of Dr. Paulo Malo, the man who developed the “all-onfour” dental implant technology. • The Misch International Implant Institute, which was founded by Dr. Carl Misch, an innovator in dental implantology. • The Las Vegas Dental Implant Institute. • The USC IV Sedation Certification Program. • The USC Advanced Bone Graft Program. • International Congress of Oral Implantology. • The Dale Carnegie Training Center. • The training allows Gasser to customize treatments for his patients. One consistent aspect is the use of quality materials. He uses premium implants by Noble Biocare; top-quality restoration materials that deliver the best combination of cosmetics, strength, biocompatibility and longevity; and evidence-based IV sedation and post-operative pain management protocols proven effective and safe for more than 25 years. “Dental implants are a means to an end,” he said. “A beautiful, functional, comfortable smile can radically improve your medical health, function and confidence. Gasser Dental has witnessed this life transformation for thousands of patients over the last 26 years.” Gasser Dental

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 22, 2022

SOTO

From Page 17

Pelley when he was in Phoenix accepting the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism. “I’ll never forget what he told me,” he said. “He said, ‘That alone should make you work harder. We need to get everybody grounded and back to the pillars of journalism to make sure we do it right — cross our Ts and dot our Is,’” Soto recalled. “If we stick to those pillars and continue doing what we’re supposed to do — double checking and getting it right — we’ll surpass this slogan and take journalism to the next level.” That said, with ABC15, Soto said he brings a passion for journalism and his efforts to “get it right.” “I think the love for the community is right up there at the top as well,” he said. “As a journalist, it’s not typical to stay in one place this long — especially just coming up through the ranks. I absolutely fell in love with

Arizona. This is the home to me and my wife for the rest of our lives.” When he’s not at the desk, Soto and his wife of eight years, Beatrice, enjoy exploring Arizona, supporting various causes and attending sports events. “We’re very involved in the community and various organization, especially when it comes to events,” he said. “I was fortunate to be part of many events as an emcee. I married a foodie. She’s constantly telling me about the new restaurants that are opening. After those restaurants, we have to stay in the gym to keep the weight off. It’s a vicious circle.” He said he loves what Arizona has to offer as much as Valley residents have embraced him. “They’ve always shown me love, and I hope that they know when I’m on TV or off TV, I do everything with a great passion,” Soto said. “I give them 100%, and I’m just me. At the end of the day, that’s all I can be, and I hope it resonates with people.”

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