The Foothills Focus - Zone 2 - 11.17.2021 by Times Media Group

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TheFoothillsFocus.com

INSIDE

This Week

Cave Creek - Carefree Area Edition

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

FEATURES ........ 16 Hidden in the Hills cover artist photographer Jon Linton

YOUTH ............. 20 Falcons basketball team looks to overcome inexperience

OPINION ................... 10 BUSINESS ................. 14 FEATURES ................ 15 YOUTH ...................... 20 CLASSIFIEDS ............ 22 2

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Cave Creek council tackles hot items BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

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Serving the communities of Cave Creek and Carefree

he Cave Creek Town Council discussed and unanimously approved six exception requests to the subdivision ordinance as well as further funding for Rounds Consulting Group to examine financial options for fire protection — items that have been hotly disputed by the town.

Fire financing Cave Creek is moving forward to implement its own fire protection services. The town now has 15 firefighters and a

station that the town will officially take over in January. While citizens agree with the need for the services, the long-term financing of this has been a subject of contention between the town and staff for months. In a recent town council meeting, a detailed financial plan with different options was presented by Jim Rounds, president of Rounds Consulting Group. The town staff ’s option involves implementing a small property tax and a small increase in the sales tax. During the meeting, there were more than two and a half hours of discussion and public comments, with the majority strongly opposed to a

property tax. Some attendees suggested alternate financial options and others said more details were needed to make a firm decision. Town Manager Carrie Dyrek said in response to the suggestions and public input, the municipality is looking to provide funds for a second phase of analysis by Rounds Consulting Group. This phase will consider the suggestions and oppositions in correlation with a detailed review of the town’s expenses and revenue to create a firmer financial plan.

hills South when it merged with the North league in 2017. Doug Creamer, a parent on the board at that time, said with the merger, it became clear that something was wrong. “A couple of the guys noticed that garbage wasn’t getting picked up at the Little League fields, the Porta Potties weren’t being cleaned like they normally were,” Creamer said. “So, it just started to lend itself to questions. Scott seemed like he knew what was going on, but he was very vague when it came to the ac-

counting.” Creamer said he was suspicious, and said he initially thought the issue was “incompetence.” Then, Steiner reported the league’s balance at a board meeting in September 2018, and Creamer said that is when the alarm really went off. He said the numbers didn’t add up, and decided to run against Steiner for president. He was elected toward the end of 2018, at which point he found out they

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Ex-Little League president set for sentencing BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

ormer president of the Cactus Foothills South Little League, Scott Steiner, is set to be sentenced Jan. 10 for his role in stealing more than $126,000 from the nonprofit. The theft took place between 2015 and 2018. An investigation started in late 2018, but the process was stalled by COVID-19. Steiner was president of Cactus Foot-

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NEWS

An edition of the East Valley Tribune The Foothills Focus is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout the North Valley. To find out where you can pick up a copy of The Foothills Focus, please visit www.thefoothillsfocus.com CONTACT INFORMATION Main number: 623-465-5808 | Fax: 623-465-1363 Circulation: 480-898-5641 Publisher: Steve T. Strickbine Vice President: Michael Hiatt Associate Publisher: Eric Twohey | 480-898-5634 | erict@thefoothillsfocus.com ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising: 623-465-5808 Classifieds/Inside Sales: Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@timespublications.com TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@timespublications.com Steve Insalaco | 480-898-5635 | sinsalaco@timespublications.com Advertising Office Manager: Lori Dionisio | 480-898-6309 | ldionisio@timespublications.com Director of National Advertising Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@thefoothillsfocus.com NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | 480-898-5631 christina@timespublications.com Photographer: Pablo Robles | probles@timespublications.com Design: Nathalie Proulx | nproulx@timespublications.com Production Coordinator: Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@timespublications.com Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@evtrib.com Proud member of :

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

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COUNCIL �� 1

“The scope of the assignment is to produce a 10- and 20-year forecast of the town’s sales tax revenues, property tax revenues, redirected utility general fund revenue, and expenditures solely related to the fire and medical service proposal,” Rounds Consulting Group said in its proposal letter to the town. The council unanimously authorized the scope of services for Round Consulting Group for a second phase of analysis for an amount not to exceed $39,985. Dyrek said the group should have results to present to the council for consideration by the end of November. “I am very proud that we have brought him in,” said Councilmember Kathryn Royer. “It’s a direct result of listening to our constituents. We have spent this money, and it’s a lot of money, and it’s directly because our constituents asked for this kind of expertise. So, we listened and we did our job.”

Subdivision exception requests A preliminary plat for the Hidden Canyon housing development requesting six exceptions from the subdivision ordinance has been strongly opposed by town members since early September when the issue was brought to the planning commission. The exception requests are regarding street dimensions, flag lots, street block length, cul-de-sac dimensions and private streets. Those in opposition to the requests said they had concerns about fire safety, privatization and losing Cave Creek’s natural land and mountain views. Many also suggested that granting these exceptions would create a slippery slope for future developers. However, Planning Director Luke Kautzman and members of the council said the applicant can put more homes in, taking up more of the land, without requiring any exceptions. Based on the zoning and current regulations, without requesting any exceptions, the applicant could develop 63 lots, have the required 80-foot right

of way and no dedicated open space. But, the exceptions are being requested to limit how much of the land is disturbed. By having private streets, flag lots and a narrower right of way, there is less road on the mountain. In fact, Kautzman said the development of this property has been looked at and discussed by the town and applicant for years. The town engineer and town fire official have looked over the plans and agreed that the streets are in accordance with fire regulations and safety standards. Kautzman said he has seen several iterations of the proposed plat, and this is the best option. “This is the first time that I can recall all members of staff, all department heads actually sitting down and going through these and making sure that the town was getting the best development for this land, given the underlying zoning, given the general plan land, use entitlement, given their cap, allocate their certificate of assured water, supply allocation — all of the above,” he said. There isn’t a question of whether or not the land will be developed; the council cannot forbid them to build. The land is privately owned and, therefore, they have the right to develop it, just as everyone else’s homes were done. “We all live in a house that, at one time, someone looked over raw land and said, ‘That’s beautiful, I hope someone never builds on it.’ This is privately owned land. They’re allowed to build on it,” said Councilman Paul Diefenderfer. Councilman Thomas McGuire agreed that he would rather not see any development, but said that is unrealistic. The best they can do is make sure it is developed in a way that best suits the town and has as limited an impact as possible. The council unanimously voted to approve each exception request, as well as the entire preliminary plat. This is not a final approval, however. The applicant must now submit infrastructure improvement plans and further details to be reviewed by the council.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 17, 2021

LITTLE LEAGUE �� 1

were bankrupt. “It was bad. It was very bad. Let’s just say it was a number that I will always remember for the rest of my life,” Creamer said. “At that point, I knew it was fraud. It was one of those things where the banker was like, ‘I’ve never seen it this bad in my entire life, someone being as blatant as this.’” Tax documents show the league had a net income of more than $20,000 in 2015. In 2016, the year Steiner became president, the league had a deficit of more than $10,000, and over $20,000 the following year. Creamer said the bank statements blatantly showed the problem. He said it took six months to a year of his presidency to cover the debts. He said he ensured the kids were never affected. Current league president, Chad Forbes, said they have taken substantial steps to protect the finances. He said the board has outlined poli-

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cies for cash handling and managing and focused on putting the kids first. “We responded by doing two things. The first was building governance and controls,” Forbes said. “The second was really focusing on making sure that we were delivering on the expectations of the community, increasing what spending we could on capital improvements for the kids. The fields were in better shape, they had a better experience and we really wanted to focus on putting high quality products on the field.” The Cactus Foothills Little League serves between 400 to 600 kids each year, with the majority of the umpires, coaches and board members being parent volunteers. Forbes said the crime was a shock because the perpetrator was someone so close to the system. They tried to combat that by making visible improvements to assure parents, businesses and community members that their money was not going anywhere else. Travis Flowers, marketing chair on

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the board and parent of a child in the league, said the teams have done remarkably well throughout all of this. “Our softball program alone has won two state titles and went to two different regional programs,” Flowers said. “Then last year we even went to the little league world series with our girls’ softball program. So, while this certainly looks negative, the community has rallied around these kids.” Flowers emphasized that while the

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news is just breaking regarding the plea deal, this is something that the league has been dealing with and working through is forjust years Thanksgiving a now. He said he did not want this news to defew days away. from Butjoining there’s ter kids or families the program. still time to provide a “We’re just thrilled as a community hearty meal and more that we can put closure to this chapto neighbor. ter, aashomeless it’s an ugly one. It’s unfortunate,” Forbes said. “But we’re really focused on making sure the community wins at the end of the day.”

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NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 17, 2021

Ridgetop Al Beadle home listed for $1.995 M BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

ridgetop home designed by renowned architect Al Beadle on nearly 4 acres has been listed by Bob Pfeiffer and Sandy Esmay, agents affiliated with the Scottsdale Carefree office of Coldwell Banker Realty, for $1.995 million. Located at 38205 N. Sombrero Road in Carefree, the nearly 3,280-square-foot residence has two bedrooms, an office and three bathrooms. “This private home offers seamless integration from the contemporary interior to the outdoor spaces capturing breathtaking panoramic views of the gorgeous Sonoran Desert, Continental Mountain range, Pinnacle Peak and Valley lights,” Pfeiffer said. Showcasing a long, gated paver drive, this classic home encompasses a great room with fireplace, glass walls, dining area and living room with access to balco-

A ridgetop home designed by renowned architect Al Beadle on nearly 4 acres in Carefree listed by Coldwell Banker Realty for $1.995 million. (Photos by Quick Pix) ny. With white countertops and cabinets, the bright kitchen features professional appliances, including Subzero, Miele, a gas cooktop and double wine fridge. All bedrooms have high-end built-ins with plentiful space. Outdoor areas have Bromic heating systems allowing for both

seasonal entertaining and year-round enjoyment. An additional art studio provides endless possibilities. To view the home, contact Bob Pfeiffer at 480-766-0509 or bob.pfeiffer@azmoves.com or Sandy Esmay at 602-5740585 or sandy.esmay@azmoves.com.

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 17, 2021

Big Bronco annual fall fundraiser for horse rescues BY CONNOR DZIAWURA Foothills Focus Staff Writer

aith Weinberg’s relationship with the Triple R and Arizona Equine horse rescue organizations has been going strong for around 17 years. At least that’s how long the owner of Cave Creek’s Big Bronco furniture and gift store said she has been fundraising for the two nonprofits. Weinberg will continue to support the two rescues at Big Bronco’s fall fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, and Saturday, Nov. 20, as well as 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21. In addition to it being a sale through which Big Bronco customers receive a 10% discount off purchases of $20 or more (excluding one-ofa-kind and custom orders), Triple R Horse Rescue and Arizona Equine Rescue will get a donation amount-

ing to 20% of sales. Ten percent of the donation will come directly from Big Bronco, while the remaining 10% will be matched by the Andy & Mary Weinberg Foundation. “I think, for me, being a horse lover — and obviously the store is Western — getting to know some of the people in the community that were volunteers and were working with the horse rescues, it just seemed like there was a need,” Weinberg recalled of her history of charity for the organizations. “I started doing fundraising for them when it was the LUV Shack, before it was even Triple R. And then Arizona Equine, Soleil (Dolce) and Carol (Hobson), who run that, were customers of mine, and so then we started chatting about what they do and how they do it,” she added. “So, I ended up doing both, you know, just helping out both, and it just kind of became an annual event

and we tied it in with our sale.” Last year, the store’s 20th year, Weinberg rebranded the annual Big Bronco anniversary sale and party as a fall fundraiser, scrapping the “party” aspect due to COVID-19. But just as the newly renamed event continues to be a sale for customers, Weinberg’s mission of supporting the two horse rescues remains. So far, she feels her fundraising has been “super successful.” Weinberg said she has been told that the donations are significant to helping the organizations continue. “Last year was spectacular for them,” Weinberg said of the beneficiaries. “It really helped them out a lot.” In fact, despite COVID-19, she said last year was the most successful one. She credits a donation from her brother’s foundation to helping. Based out of Portland, Oregon, Weinberg said the Andy & Mary Weinberg

Foundation is science oriented, so the equine cause is “kind of an unusual request.” But the foundation will continue to offer its support this year. And while the two horse rescues will only receive a portion of sales during the fundraiser, Weinberg said they will receive the full extent of the raffle money. She estimated raising close to $700 with the raffle last year. Raffle tickets will be sold all three days, with prizes coming from Big Bronco and local artisans. They include a canvas print by Rick Rowley, ceramics by Paulette Galop, a $150 gift certificate to the neighboring Holistic Hollow yoga studio, among other surprises. In addition to what Weinberg said is a “crazy fun year” with the Cave Creek Art Festival running concurrently nearby, Native American flute

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NEWS

HORSE RESCUE �� 7

artist Henry Molder will perform at the fall fundraiser from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Triple R will also be on-site from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day, with Arizona Equine stopping by between noon and 4 p.m. Sunday. Triple R plans to bring a mini horse or mini donkey, while an Arizona Equine draft horse is also slated to make an appearance.

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 17, 2021

“Great to bring little kids out,” Weinberg said. “They bring really user-friendly horses that the kids can pet, give a little hay to, and then they can meet the people … from the rescues and talk to them about their program, that kind of thing.” As for what customers will find, Big Bronco offers a variety of décor, clothing and gifts, from pottery, candles and home accessories to jewelry, leather handbags and cowboy hats,

not to mention furniture, according to its website. Customers who spend $100 or more during the fall fundraiser will receive a free gift, while supplies last. “What we’re doing is I found these fabulous horse head cowhide ornaments — you know, Christmas ornaments or something to hang in your car — and I’m going to be giving those away, until they run out, with every $100 purchase,” Weinberg said. A new unisex shirt design will also be premiered at the event, available in traditional T-shirt and three-quarter-sleeve raglan styles.

“I designed that,” Weinberg said of the shirt, which sports a photo of a pair of horses on a hill. “I’m using the brand-new local screenprinter up at Carefree called the Ink Spot.” While spending a “gorgeous day” hiking at Spur Cross, Weinberg saw some horses on a hill and took some “majestic” photos. That moment led to the new product, which also features the words “Rescue Me” in a Western font. “It’s kind of subtle, because it could be just a positive sign of anybody feeling like they need to be rescued.”

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OPINION

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Kitchen center islands are homes’ junkyard BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

ave you ever wondered, what is the real purpose of the kitchen’s center island? Ponder this question no more, dear readers, as I think I have found the answer. It is a place to collect, stack, put, place, spread, leave, toss and lose things! It is a trap for all things unrelated to cooking. Handy to have, stylish to look at, expensive to build and a must-have for all truly gour-

met chefs; these center islands could be the root of all evil. Perhaps I am overreacting a bit, because I know if my husband, Doug, has his way — which he usually does — the center island in our kitchen becomes his own private workstation. Objects that suspiciously look like tools and medical devices have made their way into my cooking space, not to mention papers and mail. This very vital cook-center has become a “man-center!”

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A woman emailed me to say that her exquisite granite center island is always piled high with kids’ papers and her family’s “stuff ” and she hasn’t seen the top of it in a few months. A builder told me that his wife wants him to “demolish” the center island in their kitchen because it just “attracts junk,” which, she claims, is mostly his. Hey, this sounds drastic. I have shown houses with gourmet kitchens that have beautiful natural stone surfaces adorned with a few strategically placed pieces of museum-quality pottery. Fresh cut flowers in an elegant vase, an open French cookbook, something exotic being prepared, a bottle of fine wine opened and half-empty standing next to the cook’s wine glass are about the only objects that can be seen on these elegant countertops. I have tried this. It lasts for one day. So, what am I to do with a pair of hemostats tossed into my silverware drawer? And how is it that my good knives end up in the garage? What is duct tape doing under my sink? The garage and kitchen are nothing more than blended workspaces!

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Yikes, I’m being invaded in my own house and if I’m not careful my kitchen will look like an ad for Tools Illustrated. A lady did email me to say that she found her husband’s electric drill “menacing” her pantry, with “drill bits lined up in a neat little row as if they had found a new resting place.” She said the garage is “spilling into her kitchen” and she’ll “fight to the end” before that happens. Hmmm. Sounds like a “space war” to me. Maybe just get a big box (to put all the stuff in) and a bottle of fine wine (to call a truce). As for the bigger battle? Let’s enjoy the beauty and functionality of our center islands and strive to keep the tools out of the kitchen and the utensils out of the garage. I have more to say on this topic, but wait, is that Doug walking into the garage with my good stainless tongs? I better run. Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Have a story or a comment? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.

OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 17, 2021

Mask mandate makes Las Vegas an even bigger zoo

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f you want to conduct an experiment in the sociology of pandemic behavior, try a quick jaunt to Las Vegas. Always a petri dish for freaks, Sin City has gotten stranger in these strange times since it continues to have a mask mandate for everyone, vaccinated or not, gathered indoors. That’s Vegas. They’ll take your money until you’re bankrupt. They’ll bring you free booze until your liver ceases to function. You can jump in the car and drive 70 miles to a legal brothel. But if you expose a nostril, the blackjack dealer immediately summons security. “Mask, sir! Mask!” has replaced “Come on, seven!” as the new soundtrack in every casino I wandered into last week. Given that I don’t gamble anymore, you can only imagine how much people-watching I did to pass the time. It was either that or go see Barry Manilow in residency at the Westgate. That ranks somewhere between a colonoscopy and an Arizona Coyotes game on my lousy pastime scale. These days, there are four kinds of people when it comes to mask-wearing: “Who Me?” Guy. Everywhere in every casino, there’s signs saying you must wear a mask. Another social cue: Literally everyone else in the building is wearing a mask. Yet “Who Me?” Guy somehow fails to pick up on this. Admonished, “Who Me?” Guy stares blankly, not unlike a house pet asked to do quantum physics. Then it clicks: Me. Face. Mask. “Who Me?” Guy digs deep into a pocket and, lo and behold, produces a crumpled mask, which he dons. Life as we know it resumes – until he splits a pair of tens and his fellow blackjack players maul him to death. Okay, I made that up. But it would be a helluva spectacle. “The Kvetcher.” Visiting from Boca, Mrs. Horowitz is as happy to wear a mask as she is to explain her compromised immune system. She has “the asthma” and rheumatoid arthritis, plus “my nephew, the doctor, doesn’t like how my blood sugar looks.” The mask is no fun – “it itches my face like

you wouldn’t believe” – but it’s necessary, because “we do this trip three times a year, and that I could not miss.” But: “Oh, this inflation. I remember when a shrimp cocktail was 99 cents and those shrimp were as big as your fist.” Now? “Meh! And they water down the cocktail sauce.” “The Outlaw Josie Whines.” Mask, schmask. They don’t wear masks back home. Masks are for wussies. The outlaw has done his research too, and he knows “this whole COVID thing is bull****!” He’ll wear a mask if they make him do it, but not until he lets everyone within 30 feet know it’s under protest. Masks are “because Biden, because Fauci, because the drug companies, because the liberals, because our Founding Fathers, because Let’s Go Brandon, because freedom...” Because go lick a doorknob, genius. Opposed on the political spectrum – yet equally annoying – is “The Virtuous One.” She hails from LA. Three things in life she will not do without: A Louis Vuitton bag large enough to conceal a body. Her Gucci mask. And her Resting Pelosi Face – the one that proclaims she is silently judging exactly how superior she is to you. “The Virtuous One” wears her mask everywhere: In the casino, outside in the valet line, in her Prius driving alone, in the shower, and tonight … In the front row at Barry Manilow. Certain things in life I will never understand, including why people pay to listen to Manilow sing “Mandy,” the rules to Pai Gow Poker, and why a thin strip of cloth can make grown adults behave like children.

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 17, 2021

It’s about time for ‘fall back’

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

ou might regard this column as a form of bedtime story, just devoid of the opening words, “Once Upon a Time.” Instead, this concerns the way we keep time. The two words “fall back” were music to the ears of residents in 48 of our 50 states early on Sunday, Nov. 7. When clocks struck 2 a.m. in time zones across the USA, they were moved back an hour, to 1 a.m. — or, as most everyday folks did it, by setting their clocks back an hour when they went to bed Saturday evening. Consider it “chronological recompense,” restoring the hour of sleep that was taken last March, when the return of daylight saving time (DST) prompted a “spring forward.” Of course, those of us in Arizona didn’t lose any sleep over this. That’s because

the Grand Canyon State — like Hawaii — stays on standard time year-round. To out-of-state family, friends and business associates, “Arizona time” is usually explained in this fashion: “When you’re on daylight saving time we’re on ‘LA time.’ When you’re on standard time, we’re on ‘Denver Time.’ The only exception comes on the Navajo Nation, in the northeast region of the state; it goes to DST, too!” Whatever aggravation arises in offering the above explanation is rationalized away by recalling the absence of changing our clocks and altering sleep habits in Arizona…unless you find yourself visiting the Navajo Nation. What prompted Arizona to remain on standard time throughout the year? It’s tempting to tell a tale described as a combination of political intrigue and special interests. Actually, it’s a bit less sensational than that. When the 1966 Uniform Time Act was

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passed by Congress and signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, it ended the random way in which the states had been observing DST. The act stipulated that states must change to daylight saving time on a specified date or remain on standard time throughout the year. Arizona in 1966 differed greatly from Arizona today. With a less-populated state in the mid-sixties, there was more farming and ranching. With limited technology, there were fewer entertainment options. Accordingly, two of the most powerful lobbies were the Arizona Cotton Growers and the Association of Drive-In Theatre Operators. Simply stated, those agrarian and entertainment interests realized that starting movies around 9 p.m. in the summer months would impair farmhands’ ability to show up for work early in the morning. That argument prevailed in the state Legislature, and Arizona remained on standard time. Arizona’s Barry Goldwater may have challenged LBJ for the presidency in 1964, but the 1966 law which gave states the power to opt out of DST if they so desired proved — well, “timely.” The act was vindicated in another fashion by the Commonwealth of Virginia, according to the late Rep. Herb Bateman. In the mid-1990s, Rep. Bateman welcomed his GOP colleagues to Virginia’s First District for a Republican Retreat. Herb proudly called his district “America’s First District,” because it included Jamestown, site of the first permanent English settlement that eventually became the United States. Prior to serving in the U.S. House, Rep. Bateman spent a dozen years in the Virginia State Senate. Recalling lessons he learned in Richmond, Herb emphasized that arriving at a political decision, even

if controversial, was infinitely preferable to dithering and delay. What galvanized his outlook was the reticence of Virginia Legislators to deal with a dilemma that dogged the Commonwealth before Bateman ever ran for public office — deciding whether his home state would opt for daylight saving time. Not wishing to anger constituents, the House of Delegates and the State Senate left the DST decision to Virginia’s 95 counties. As a result, some counties adopted daylight saving time; others stayed on standard time; and a handful “compromised” by moving their clocks ahead by a half-hour! The Uniform Time Act of 1966 ensured that Virginia would have to decide, and the Old Dominion legislators finally did so, determining that the Commonwealth would find common ground through daylight saving time, putting an end to the “counterfeit compromise” of letting the counties decide. Today, 19 states have decided that they want a permanent time change, passing resolutions to provide for yearround daylight saving time. Arizona and Virginia are not among them. Could it be that we fear Bob Dylan’s old refrain? “The times…they are a-changin’.”

How to get a letter published

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

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 17, 2021

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BUSINESS

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 17, 2021

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Ribbon-cutting ceremony for Allstate agency The Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 9 for Allstate Insurance-Rebecca Niessink Agency. Allstate is one of the first major insurance companies to offer coverage to homeowners who host temporary renters through sites like Airbnb or HomeAway. Niessink’s agency is located at 29834 N. Cave Creek Road, Suite 132, in Cave Creek. For more information, call 480-4196071 or email rniessink@allstate. com. (Photo courtesy of the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce)

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 17, 2021

Features TheFoothillsFocus.com

@TheFoothills.Focus

FEATURES

For more features visit thefoothillsfocus.com

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Janey’s plans Thanksgiving Day fundraiser BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

aney’s Coffee Company & Bodega is hosting a Thanksgiving Day fundraiser for the Cave Creek Museum from 7 a.m. to noon Thursday, Nov. 25. Janey’s, which is located at 6602 E. Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek, will donate 50% of all nonalcoholic beverage proceeds on Thanksgiving Day to the museum. Residents and visitors are encouraged to patronize the popular restaurant to help keep history alive. Nonalcoholic beverages include flavored latte, fruit smoothie, iced chai,

iced dirty chai, iced coffee, iced latte, iced tea, Italian soda, javaccino, juices and sodas. Janey’s is one of the only Cave Creek locations to serve during Thanksgiving Day, according to owner Julian Corles. The 51-year-old museum’s mission is to preserve the artifacts of the prehistory, history, culture and legacy of the Cave Creek Mining District and the Cave Creek/Carefree foothills area through education, research, and interpretive exhibits. Open October through May, the Cave Creek Museum is located at 6140 E. Skyline Drive in Cave Creek.

Meet the artists & discover new art! Pick up your artist’s directory or go online to plan your free self-guided artist studio tour. Visit 45 studios featuring 191 artists in diverse mediums.

Nov. 19, 20, 21 + Nov. 26, 27, 28, 2021 Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 10am–5pm Cave Creek • Carefree •North Scottsdale 480.575.6624 • Hidden In The Hills.org Janey’s Coffee Company & Bodega offers nonalcoholic beverages like ﬂavored latte, fruit smoothie, iced chai, iced dirty chai, iced coffee, iced latte, iced tea, Italian soda, javaccino, juices and sodas. (Photo by Fran Booth)

Credits: (From top) ©2021 Jon Linton, Barrio Viejo, Photography ©2021 Sylvia Fugmann Brongo, Blaze, Clay ©2021 Cynthia Downs-Apodaca, Lapis Royalty Cuff, Jewelry ©2021 Linda Storey-London, Barely Able to Contain It, Oil

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FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 17, 2021

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on Linton likes to say he is an accidental photographer. While he had “fussed around with a camera in the past,” it wasn’t something he planned to do. Today he is an acclaimed photographer and activist who advocates for the homeless and other underserved populations. He is best known for his “I Have a Name” street photography series as well as his serene and stunning black and white landscape photography. He is also the featured artist for this year’s 25th annual Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour, taking place the last two weekends of November — November 19 to November 21 and November 26 to November 28. Coordinated by the nonprofit Sonoran Arts League, the free, self-guided tour features 191 artists at 45 private studios throughout the scenic Desert Foothills communities of Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale. Linton’s “Barrio Viejo” photograph of the front entrance of a colorful adobe home graces the cover of this year’s highly collectible four-color artist directory. Linton has been immersed in the art world for more than two decades. After graduating from Eastern Illinois University with a liberal arts degree in 1987, he went on to work for Ralph Lauren in New York City. A displaced Chicagoan, the former art magazine and book publisher has called Phoenix home for nearly three decades. Influenced by iconic photographers As the publisher of a prestigious art magazine, Linton was fortunate to meet renowned artists, many of whom became good friends. He began publishing coffee table books of their art, helping to secure their legacies in print. But Linton had his own artistic ambitions, and he began to spend more time

creating his own photographic body of work. “I’ve always been inspired by iconic black and white photographers, such as Ansel Adams” Linton said. “He was a pioneer whose photographs of the American West are still marveled at today. He was instrumental in advocating for ‘pure’ photography, and I’m a big believer in that approach. It’s a key reason I work primarily in black and white. I believe that in the absence of color, you see the truth that is left behind.” Linton is also inspired by the late Swiss photographer and documentary filmmaker Robert Frank. “Robert Frank traveled across the country in the mid-1950s and documented his experiences in a notable book, ‘The Americans,’” Linton said. “He photographed everything from buildings, cars, and people to societal injustices and inequities. His work was both poetic and raw. It was an honest view into American life during that time.” Magical mustangs at Monument Valley A chance meeting in Santa Fe with renowned photographer Ray Belcher was a pivotal point in Linton’s life and career. “I have always been a big fan of Ray’s work, and I mustered up the courage to show him some of my black and white photography,” Linton said. Linton presented his street photography, explaining that when a good friend who was in the grips of addiction succumbed to a relapse, he decided to use art as a way to honor his memory and give a voice to the homeless. When presenting his landscape photography, Linton shared how capturing the beauty of nature brings him inner peace. “My work as a street photographer is very important to me, but I need to find quiet places to center myself again from the pain I see on the streets,” Linton said.

see JON LINTON page 17

FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 17, 2021

JON LINTON

from page 16

he continues his humanitarian work as founder of the nonprofit organization, Let’s Be Better Humans, which encourages people to help those less fortunate than them. The nonprofit also delivers food and clothing to underserved communities in need.

As Belcher reviewed Linton’s landscape photography, he stopped at a photograph of wild mustangs at Monument Valley. “Ray told me that it was magical and that photographers could go a lifetime and never capture such an incredible moment in time. He told me that I was a talented photographer and that I needed to start showing my work,” he said. Linton was further encouraged by acclaimed Native American artist Fritz Scholder and Martha Pettigrew, one of the foremost Western contemporary sculptors. “Martha told me, ‘If you want to be an artist, then just do art,’” he recalls fondly. The chance conversation with Belcher was six years ago, and since then, Linton has exhibited his work at prestigious shows around Photographer Jon Linton is the cover artist for this year’s milethe country. In addition, stone Hidden in the Hills event. (Photo courtesy of Jon Linton)

Welcoming guests to Hidden in the Hills There were nearly 100 artist entries for the cover of the Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour artist directory, but Linton’s “Barrio Viejo” photograph stood out for its warm, welcoming imagery. “Jon’s photograph captured the sentiment of our 25th annual event beautifully,” said Jane Boggs, a gourd artist and studio host who serves as the event’s co-chair. “It’s been a challenging time for everyone, and we are eager to welcome

17 ••

collectors and art enthusiasts to our studios for what is sure to be a memorable, uplifting artist studio tour.” Hidden in the Hills co-chair and mixed media sculptor/studio host Joanie Wolter said the cover art selection is also significant because it is the first time a photographer’s work has been featured on the artist directory cover. “We had many strong entries, but ‘Barrio Viejo’ really stood out,” Wolter said.

see JON LINTON page 19

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FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 17, 2021

Joe Ray: Storytelling CA91:CBBBIC IINI AR'I IIARICl'I in many forms BY JORDAN HOUSTON Foothills Focus Staff Writer

NOVEMBER 19-20 'IOA11-El•11 6245 E. CAVE CREEK RD.

Native American Proverb is, “Tell me the facts, I’ll learn. Tell me the truth, I’ll believe. But tell me a story, and it will live in the heart forever.” Storytelling comes in many forms — graphic arts, painting, sculpting, writing — all mediums that Joe Ray weaves together while making an image. Born in San Louis, Sonora, Mexico, Ray moved to Poston, near Parker, on the Colorado River Indian Tribes Reservation when he was 3. Ray said his family and friends supported his artistic interests. “My high school art teacher, Claude Thorn, made a significant difference in my honing my direction in the arts and my life. “Mr. Thorn pushed me for four years in

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“Encajonado,” by Joe Ray. (Photo courtesy of Joe Ray)

high school, so I was able to win an art scholarship to college. He told me college would open doors, as well as, my eyes, he was right.” Ray earned a BFA in graphic design from ASU and experienced illustration, drawing, painting, sculpture and art history in the process. Once he graduated, he learned from other artists, which kicked his career into high gear. Ray chose a career in design and marketing, which led to his and his wife’s Maximo Branding in Scottsdale. Yes, a businessman, but Ray considers himself a creative entrepreneur. In addition to his marketing business, he keeps a home studio where he creates magnificently colorful monoprints. Monoprints are a form of printmaking that allows free-form images each time a

see JOE RAY page 19

FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 17, 2021

JOE RAY from page 18

print is pulled. Unlike printing the same image repeatedly as in block print or relief printing, monoprints create a diverse image. “I follow my intuition and imagination,” Ray said. “I journal and sketch a lot; much of it is observational as well as intuitive. I think about something, then work to bring it to life visually or with words. I love bold and passionate colors in the printing process, and my writings are in Spanish and

“Waiting,” by Joe Ray. (Photo courtesy of Joe Ray) English because I love the sounds of the languages.” Typically, Ray exhibits three or four times a year. This may include both solo and group shows he is invited to or juried into for participation.

JON LINTON

From Page 17

“It conveys a warm, welcoming message that resonated with us, and we’re thrilled that Jon will exhibit his new work during the tour this year.” This is Linton’s first year participating in Hidden in the Hills. The talented artist will exhibit and sell his work at painter Stuart Yankell’s Studio No. 24 in Cave Creek. “Barrio Viejo” is atypical for Linton, who primarily exhibits black and white photography. “I was reluctant to move away from black and white imagery. But ‘Barrio Viejo’ did not feel honest absent color, and its truth provides new horizons,” Linton said. Linton said he was surprised and humbled to be chosen as the cover artist

Ray also enjoys speaking to groups, talking about art, the influences of inspiration, and color choice. “I do enjoy crossing into other creative areas, such as writing, which I incorporate into my paintings and monoprints. I also enjoy the art of storytelling, which allows me to engage an audience with word pictures in a performance.” As if Ray is not busy enough, he is a longtime member of Xico, Arte y Cultura. Founded in 1975, the group is the premier cultural institution in Arizona serving Latino and indigenous artists. Ray does not have an etching press at home, so working in the open studio at Xico provides access to equipment and collaboration with other artists. Ray is a member of the Sonoran Arts League and will participate in the 2021 Hidden in the Hills Artists Studio Tour from Friday, Nov. 19 to Sunday, Nov. 21, and Friday, Nov. 26, to Sunday, Nov. 28. For information, visit sonoranartsleague.org. View his monoprints and paintings or contact him via his website, joeray.com. To inquire about creative design and marketing needs, visit maximobranding.com. for this year’s milestone Hidden in the Hills event. “I’m honored and also moved by having my work highlighted in such a prominent way,” he said. “By virtue of being selected as the Hidden in the Hills cover artist, I am already changing the trajectory of my career. I’m now inspired to expand my body of work to include additional imagery in color, and I’m looking forward to unveiling my new work during the artist studio tour.” Hidden in the Hills

WHEN: November 19 to November 21 and November 26 to November 28 WHERE: Throughout Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale COST: Free INFO: hiddeninthehills.org

19 ••

Joe Ray, shown here in his studio, will participate in Hidden in the Hills Artists Studio Tour. (Photo courtesy of Joe Ray)

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YOUTH

Youth TheFoothillsFocus.com

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 17, 2021

For more Youth News visit thefoothillsfocus.com @TheFoothills.Focus

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Falcons look to overcome youth, inexperience BY DEREK MOSKAL Foothills Focus Staff Writer

he only problem with experience is that it takes so long to get it. Unfortunately, for the Cactus Shadow High School boys varsity basketball team, it hasn’t had much time. Last season, the team graduated seven seniors and all five of its starters. Head coach Zach Washut and his staff did the math and calculated that those five starters accounted for 93% of the team’s scoring. Returning this year are four varsity players, two of whom had somewhat decent playing time. “Varsity experience is lacking this year and that’s our biggest weakness,” Washut

said. Washut and his athletes spent the summer playing in tournaments to hone their skills. “The only way to get that experience is to get in there and do it. So, we tried getting them in games to build that experience up,” Washut said. For the first time in his 15-year career, Washut is seeing a freshman on his varsity team. Trey Chemin initially was named to JV, but Washut said he was persuaded to move him up. “The first tournament was definitely intimidating. I didn’t know what to expect, especially going against guys that big, like grown men,” Chemin said. “But then after the next few tournaments, they started me,

and I felt a little more comfortable in that position.” Experience is vital for the Falcons if they want to continue their streak of successful seasons. In his fifth year at Cactus Shadows, Washut has led the team to four postseasons, back-to-back region championships, three Elite 8 appearances, and the best single-season win/loss record in the program’s history at 23-4 in 2019. Despite the young team, the goals remain high. “So, our first goal is to defend the Nest and defend the region,” Washut said. “Our second goal is just to compete at the highest level that we possibly can. We want to compete and be the best versions of ourselves. And for the third goal, we want to break through

and get to the first final four in program history.” It seems like a lot of pressure, but senior guard Joey Liberio can handle it. “I would say our team is confident. We know our goals, we know what we have to do,” said Liberio, a returning varsity player. On the team since his sophomore year, Liberio is the captain for younger players like Chemin. The two have known each other since Liberio was in fourth grade when Chemin’s family moved into the house across the street. “Recently, he’s really taken me under his wing,” Chemin said. “He takes me to school

�ee FALCONS page 21

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YOUTH

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FALCONS from page 20

in the morning and takes me to practice early. So, I think that’s really helped me. If I do something wrong or mess up a play, he’ll kind of direct me and help me out.” The team’s first real tests are Thanksgiving tournaments in Paradise Valley and Mesa from Monday, Nov. 22, to Wednesday, Nov. 24. “We definitely expect to play well and compete. Everything we do, we play to win, but at the same time, I’m excited to see how they handle the first and second real game,” Washut said. Last year, the team played in front of limited crowds because of COVID-19. This fall, the stands will be packed and the student section, AKA the Nest, will be buzzing. Washut

Cactus Shadows High School’s Trey Chemin at basketball practice, Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at Cactus Shadows High School in Scottsdale, Arizona. (David Minton/Staff

Photographer)

Cactus Shadows High School’s Joey Liberio at basketball practice, Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at Cactus Shadows High School in Scottsdale, Arizona. (David Minton/Staff

Photographer)

admitted that it could be intimidating for the players who haven’t experienced it. Liberio said each player will react to the crowd differently. “I think that depends on the player — if they want to embrace it and if they like playing in front of a lot of people or are they just more of the shy type of player,” he said. Overall, the team’s success will come down to chemistry. This starts with the coach-player relationship and trickles down to the work among players. This is a pillar in Washut’s coaching style. “It is definitely a two-way street. It’s not a dictatorship where it’s my way or the highway,” he said. “We spend a lot of time with our guys asking them what they see, what they like and what they want to run and make sure we have buy-in and input from them.” Along with that, Liberio said that every player has a role on the team, and if everyone does their role, they will be successful. “I would say, just knowing our role and knowing what we have to do, because I think we can get stuff done, we just have to know our role and execute,” Liberio said. To create this chemistry, Washut emphasizes the power of community service.

“Freshman and seniors aren’t really talking so it’s just an opportunity to bond and communicate. At the end of the day, you want your kids to talk and have good relationships and build good character with each other,” he said. Like the plays on the court, the players are sold on the importance of community service. “It’s kind of like a bonding experience for the team,” Liberio said. “It definitely helps getting to know the guys which is kind of what we need for the young roster.” The team volunteers with food banks, pediatric cancer organizations and teacher appreciation events. On Nov. 15, they filled shoeboxes at Light of the Desert Church for those in underdeveloped countries. “It’s a cool opportunity for our guys to bond off the court and make an impact both locally and globally,” Washut said. “I think it’s a must. You want to make sure you’re involved with the community and give back. Life is definitely bigger than basketball and we are giving the kids a chance to see that.” On and off the court, the Falcons are aspiring to be a unified team to overcome the obstacle of inexperience, and they are confi-

dent it is working. “A lot of people aren’t expecting us to be anything great this year with how young we are, but I think we can definitely prove them wrong this year,” Liberio said.

Cactus Shadows High School’s Joey Liberio gets around head coach Zach Washut during drills at basketball practice, Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at Cactus Shadows High School in Scottsdale, Arizona. (David Minton/Staff

Photographer)

••

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