The Foothills Focus 121422 Zone 1

Biden visits TSMC amid huge industry boom

BY SUMMER AGUIRRE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

President Joe Biden visited Arizona for the first time as president on Dec. 6 for a ceremony celebrating the first piece of equipment added to the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. microchip facility in North Phoenix.

The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) also revealed plans to construct a second semiconductor fabrication facility (fab) on-site, which will more than triple its total investment in Arizona from $12 billion to $40 billion. This is the largest Foreign Direct Investment in the state and one of the largest in U.S. history.

As the semiconductor manufacturing industry is experiencing a boom, the president high-

Bond proposal favors public safety and infrastructure

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Foothills Focus Staff Writer

Stating Phoenix confronts $1.2 billion in unfunded needs, the city administration is hoping voters will let it borrow $500 million that it concedes will cover far less than half of that amount.

In a lengthy memo to council that was scheduled to be discussed in a hearing Dec. 13, City

Manager Jeff Barton recommends that just over a quarter of the $500 million go to public safety and about 16% for streets and storm drainage.

The proposal also calls for 10% of the borrowed funds, or about $50.4 million, to go to arts and culture programs – with $21.6 million of that earmarked for a new Latino Cultural Center and $14 million for the Valley Youth Theater.

Barton said that after a study of the city’s capital needs, staff divided the total into $647 million

of “prioritized capital needs” representing the most urgent needs identified by staff while offering balance among the city’s service categories.

The remaining $505 million in projects were “determined to be less urgent” or “better suited for deferral to a future bond program.”

The administration is recommending nine specific park projects whose cost totals $62.5 mil-

President Joe Biden visited Arizona for a ceremony celebrating the completion of the Taiwanese Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) microchip facility in Anthem. TSMC also announced its plans to construct a second semiconductor fabrication facility. (Courtesy of TSMC, Brodeur Partners)

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lighted how TSMC’s investments are a product of his mission to improve the nation’s economy.

“What I’m most excited about is people are starting to feel a sense of optimism as they see the impact of the achievements in their own lives,” Biden said.

“It’s going to accelerate in the months ahead, as part of the broad story about the economy we’re building that works for everyone. As we build a stronger supply chain, our allies and partners are pulling alongside us, as well. That’s why what we’re doing here in Arizona matters across the country and around the world.”

TSMC’s first fab, which broke ground 11 months after the May 2020 construction announcement, will begin production of 4 nanometer (nm) chips in 2024. These are more technologically innovative chips than were originally proposed at the location. By 2026, the second fab is slated to produce advanced 3nm chips.

Together, the completed facilities will manufacture over 600,000 wafers per year, with an estimated end-product value of more than $40 billion. They will be the most technologically advanced chips produced in the United States.

In alignment with its commitment to sustainable manufacturing, TSMC also revealed its plan for an on-site industrial water reclamation plant. Once finished, the plant will

allow for the campus to achieve “near-zero liquid discharge.”

To mark the importance of the ceremony, the president was joined by executives from TSMC’s supplier and customer bases, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, TSMC founder Morris Chang, Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang. TSMC’s CEO C.C. Wei was also present.

Other dignitaries in attendance were Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, Gov.-elect Katie Hobbs, Gov. Doug Ducey, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, and U.S. Reps. Ruben Gallego, Raúl M. Grijalva, Tom O’Halleran and Greg Stanton.

Economic impact

During his remarks, Biden explained how TSMC’s new Valley investments play a role in his strategy to address economic and national security concerns.

Challenges that have been present for decades, such as collapsing infrastructure, manufacturing going overseas and stagnant wages, were only made worse by the pandemic.

A release stated that two years ago, Phoenix had an unemployment rate of 6.5%, over 9,000 residents filing for bankruptcy and roughly one in six small businesses permanently closing.

To grow the economy “from the bottom up and middle out,” as the president said, his plan of action is to create jobs, revitalize

manufacturing, strengthen supply chains and give families “more breathing room.”

Since his plan’s implementation, Phoenix’s unemployment rate has dropped to 3.2% while Arizona’s overall economy increased by 6.3% in 2021 — the most in 16 years.

The completion of TSMC’s facilities is expected to expand this improvement.

“I can sum up the effect on the community in a single word, and that word is ‘jobs.’ TSMC is already employing close to 10,000 construction workers. Nearly 4,500 people will work at the fab once it is online,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego.

Within the next five years, she said that the technology ecosystem is projected to create up to 80,000 jobs, with much of that demand met by local residents.

Investments attract global customers, partners

Biden said he believes the U.S. can once again lead the world in manufacturing. His plan in tandem with TSMC’s presence in Arizona will generate interest in other companies investing in the state.

The White House reported that based on analyses from a major investment bank and leading economists, the Biden Economic Plan could produce around $3.5 trillion in public and private investment over the next decade.

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TSMC’s first facility will begin production of four nanometer (nm) chips in 2024, which are more technologically innovative chips than were originally proposed at the location. The second fab is slated to produce advanced 3nm chips by 2026. (Office of the Arizona Governor Doug Ducey/Submitted)

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This makes Phoenix and Arizona more attractive locations to companies around the world for investment and expansion, contributing to the creation of well-compensated jobs vital to supply chains.

As the world’s leading manufacturer of advanced semiconductors, TSMC supports a network of customers and suppliers across the globe. Its chips are utilized in products from microwaves to F-35 fighter jets, and are pivotal to the functioning of supply chains as shortages drive up prices.

One of the company’s major customers in Taiwan is Apple, which recently announced that it would purchase chips made in Arizona.

“I know that a company like Apple could only come from America — and we are as committed as ever to giving back to our great country,” Cook said at the ceremony. “We are going to continue to design and

accelerated its spending across the United States last year, increasing its commitment to $430 billion over five years.

“These investments will create thousands of American jobs in everything from silicon engineering to 5G technology, while supporting our work with more than 9,000 suppliers in all 50 states. And they reflect our unshakable belief in America’s future,” he said.

Arizona’s technology epicenter has also accumulated more than $1 billion in total investment from supplier companies to date, including Sunlit Chemical, Chang Chun, Kanto PPC, LYC Chemical, United Integrated Services and others. This will increase alongside TSMC’s growing presence in the state.

The passing of the federal CHIPS and Science Act in August this year is a significant factor to TSMC’s ability to expand and draw other related companies to the region.

According to Rep. Ruben Gallego’s office, the act provides $52.7 billion for semicon-

the act with numerous companies investing in the state.

Today, the United States is only producing 10% of global chips and manufacturing none of the world’s best chips despite the country’s dominance in chip technology research and design, which will change with the act’s effects.

During his remarks, Kelly lauded the president and Raimondo for their leadership contributions to ensure the act passed.

“Because this is exactly what we envisioned when we worked with Republicans and Democrats to pass and fund the CHIPS Act: getting companies like TSMC, and their suppliers, to expand their operations in the United States of America,” Kelly said. “Now, this facility will soon manufacture the most advanced microchips in the world, and it’s going to be done right here in our state.”

“For years, politicians have talked about bringing manufacturing and supply chains back to America. Well, we’re actually doing it,” he added. “That’s going to lower costs for Americans and strengthen our national security by ensuring that the most advanced chips do not need to cross an ocean to get here. Over the next few years, it’s also going

to create tens of thousands of new, high-paying jobs.”

Creating skilled job-ready employees

To ensure Valley workers are equipped with the skills and resources needed to capitalize upon opportunities transpiring from the semiconductor boom and his economic plan, Biden has been ensuring that services and funding are available as support.

A key component to strengthening and diversifying the workforce is expanding upon STEM education momentum and embracing the potential of local talent.

ASU is already playing an integral role in job training. Its Fulton School of Engineering is poised to provide a pool of potential employees from which TSMC can draw, as the school has over 30,000 students enrolled.

Not all employees will need to be Ph.D.-level engineers, as technicians will be in high demand, as well.

“When you look at the workforce needs in the semiconductor industry, they go all the way from degreed engineers to community college graduates to even individuals com-

ing out of trade schools,” said Kyle Squires, dean of ASU’s Fulton Schools, in a statement. “So, what matters is creating pathways for learners currently in those systems as well as existing workers to be ready for these jobs.”

Through Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Maricopa County Community College District is offering a “Route to Relief” program including specific training certifications in semiconductor fields.

To date, 18 classes have graduated with 197 individuals earning their National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Semiconductor Certifications. The program is expected

INFRASTRUCTURE

to grow when more people understand the long-lasting value of working in the semiconductor industry.

Additionally, there will be a number of jobs occurring in the coming years that will not require a four-year degree.

Kelly recalled meeting an unemployed mother of three who enrolled in the 10-day Quick Start Program at Estrella Mountain Community College. She was able to get an interview with a semiconductor manufacturer at the end of the program, and is now a technician in Arizona.

“Now that story, because of this plant and the ones that will follow, will be repeated here thousands and thousands of times. This is such a win for our state. For folks who

do not have a four-year degree, they will now be able to raise a family on that salary as a semiconductor manufacturing technician,” Kelly said.

“This is a win for the state of Arizona, for our universities and community colleges, but most importantly, for our global competitiveness.”

Thanks to legislation signed into law by the president, the city of Phoenix has also been able to invest funds for local workplace development programs, such as the Semiconductor Technician Bootcamp run in collaboration with two major semiconductor manufacturers in the region.

The city is providing further support with wraparound services, like childcare and

transportation or individuals whose careers were disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

With TSMC’s residence in Arizona, the acres of desert will soon be transformed into a global technology hub.

“It’s a special day to see this vision take shape,” said Ducey at the ceremony. “When TSMC set out to build its new high-tech fab, they had all 50 states to choose from. They chose Arizona because of our robust and growing talent pool, unbeatable business environment and unparalleled quality of life. As the U.S. semiconductor industry continues to advance in the years ahead, Arizona will be the engine powering its growth.”

from page 1

lion of the $64 million proposed for specific park projects with the remainder earmarked for “minor capital projects” citywide.

Overall, Barton is proposing to divvy up the $500 million this way:

• $132.5 million for public safety, with four new fire stations, the replacement of one police precinct and renovations to the property management warehouse and Maryville police precinct.

• $81.5 million for streets and storm drain replacement citywide, with about $27.4 million of that reserved for flood and drainage mitigation in Laveen and an area around Dobbins and Baseline roads called the Hohokam Drainage Program.

• $63 million for housing, human services and homelessness with $33.2 million earmarked for “affordable housing property preservation” and another $21.3 million set aside for housing development in the Edison-Eastlake community.

• $44.6 million for neighborhoods and city services, with more than two thirds of that going to three library projects, $10 million for making city facilities more handicap-accessible and $5 million for historical preservation programs.

Besides the Latino Cultural Center and Valley Youth Theater, the remaining allotment for arts and culture includes $385,339 in “cultural facilities critical equipment replacements” citywide and improvements or expansion at the Children’s Museum, Phoenix Center for the Arts Theater, Phoenix Theatre Company and Arizona Jewish Historical Society.

$38 million for economic development and education, all going to three projects –$23.5 million, for the land acquisition along Rio Salado, $12 million for the ASU Health Technology Center and $2.5 million for the Spark Area.

$26 million for environment and sustainability, including $14 million in energy and water efficiency upgrades at city facilities, $7.7 million for “heat resiliency,” $3 million for brownfields redevelopment of city land and $1.3 million for electric vehicle charging stations.

Barton’s recommendations culminate the first phase of an effort that began in August when a special citizens committee took testimony from citizens and community leaders in 34 hearings about the needs they wanted to be included in the general obligation bond.

But before that wish list gets finalized for voter consideration in an election next November, council members will now begin jockeying for their own pet projects to be included in the list – more than likely at the expense of others already on there.

While no formalized timetable for council action is listed in Barton’s memo, he previously indicated that he hoped it would be taken by next month so that the city could begin crafting a months-long campaign to win voters’ acceptance of the spending plan.

He said the $500 million bond program “can likely be supported without any increase to the current secondary property tax rate of $0.8141 per $100 of net assessed valuation.”

“Peak debt service is not anticipated to

rise substantially beyond the status quo maximum annual debt service of $155 million, and a bond program of this magnitude is not expected to adversely impact the city’s bond ratings,” he said, adding Phoenix’s overall debt “would additionally remain below Constitutional debt limits.”

He also said the amount being sought by the city “is not expected to adversely impact the city’s bond ratings.”

Even though the citizens executive committee signed off on the projects being present to council, committee chair Sharon Harper told council in a letter that the panel also hoped that two other projects would get special consideration “if additional funding becomes available.”

They are $5.7 million for Symphony Hall improvements and $6.9 million to expand the Parsons Center for Health and Wellness.

Harper also underscored the difficulty the committee faced in winnowing that array of projects down to an amount city staff projected Phoenix taxpayers can afford.

“The total population of projects recommended by the GO Bond Subcommittees totaled $717 million, requiring difficult decisions to be made to arrive at our recommendations,” Harper wrote.

“The city manager recommended targets by subcommittee program area for our consideration to serve as a starting point for deliberations,” she continued.

“Determinants in development of each target included the ability of city staff to execute projects over the next five years, impacts to ongoing operating costs, and equitable distribution of projects throughout

the city. The committee considered these factors and feedback from residents in our decision making.”

Bond programs cannot be used to cover operating costs, such as salaries or facilities not owned by the city.

But improvements or expansions of city facilities covered by those bonds can increase operating costs down the road and the recommended projects submitted to council will result in a $26.8 million in operating and staff costs, according to Barton.

Those increased costs would be triggered mainly by the new fire stations and libraries, he said, and will be added to future General Fund budgets that already face the uncertainties created by inflation.

Barton also wrote that “it is not unusual” to ask for $500 million when Phoenix faces an estimated $647 million in “urgent needs.”

He noted that the 2006 voter-approved bond issue – the last time Phoenix went into the market for general obligation bonds –the city had identified $3.2 billion in needs but only wanted to borrow $878 million.

Similarly, the city in 2001 won approval for a $754 million bond issue it sought despite its estimate of $2.8 billion in identified needs.

But Barton said the city can seek subsequent bond issues every five years that total $500 million each.

“Financial models indicate routine bond programs of this magnitude will continue to be sustainable without any material increases to property tax rates, assuming no significant legislative or economic changes,” he wrote.

Anthem Activities Anthem Community Council activities schedule

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Programs and activities are available at the Community Center and Civic Building for all ages. Learn more and register online at onlineatanthem.com. Visit the “residents” tab, then click on “activity registration.” Most programs and classes are available to nonresidents for an additional fee. With questions, contact the Community Center at 623-879-3011.

•Dolphins Swim Team

Many levels to choose from Email Paul Root at proot@anthemcouncil.com for more information or to tryout

•Adult Master Swim

5 to 6 a.m. Monday to Thursday $35; Community Center

• Wednesdays or Thursdays

Dance classes; Wednesday and Thursday evenings starting in January $150; Community Center

•Senior Activities (50 years and older) Golden Go-Getters; 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays Mexican Train Game; 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Fridays Free; Civic Building ongoing

•Parents’ Night Out

6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, and Friday, Jan. 20 $20; Community Center

•Tennis Youth Tennis – Monday to Thursday options

Cardio Tennis is offered every Saturday morning; $10 drop-in fee

(18 years and older). Prices, times and dates vary; Community Center

•Anthem Tots Sports Ages: 3 to 6 January session; 9:15 to 11 a.m. Saturdays $80; Community Center

• Silver Buttons Child & Caregiver Music

Ages: 4 and younger Jan. 4 to April 26, 9 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays $220; drop-in fees offered, Community Center

•Youth Recreational League Sports

Volleyball, pickleball, indoor floor hockey, soccer and basketball

Ages: 5 to 13 Fall Sessions: $100 Community Center

•Phoenix Rising North Valley Soccer Skills Camps Ages: 5 to 14 Community Park

•Youth Camps Ages: 5 to 12 Multiple Dates Available $55; Community Center

The indoor fitness floor, basketball gym, and rock wall are open. Fitness classes are held throughout the week, including yoga, kickboxing, core, shallow and deep water (in the pool), and more. Personal training is available; contact the Community Center for details.

BLUHMIN’

TOWN

A Santa-mental look at the holiday

BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

Do you believe in Santa Claus? Yes, of course you do. Who can honestly say that there is no Santa! So, as we approach Christmas, we still have many reasons to believe.

My uncle used to say that there are four stages of the “Santa Story.” First, you believe in Santa. Then you stop believing in Santa. Then you become Santa. Lastly, you end up looking like Santa. The big guy in a red suit is more than just some made-up token of gift-giving.

When people claim Christmas has become “too commercial,” they might point at Santa as the culprit. Hey, don’t blame him for the push, shove and chaos that surrounds Christmas shopping. We did that all by ourselves. Santa is the guy who gives that one meaningful gift per child, from a sleigh, on a wintry night, with nothing but true and good intentions. We all need a little Santa in our lives.

When children are told that Santa is coming, their parents have created one of the biggest faith-based magical stories of all time. Santa is an all-inclusive sort of guy. He may be regarded as a Christian

symbol of Christmas, but religion doesn’t matter to Santa. He gives willingly, freely, kindly and completely to kids throughout the world.

Santa has no lists of religious affiliations. Just believe and he will show up. A common thread in his mass appeal is that he lives to give, to bring joy through some small parcels, a few good toys, and unselfishness that is often lacking in a troubling world. When children throughout the course of time ask, “Is there really a Santa,” the answer has always been universally the same. “Yes, there is a Santa. He lives in the spirit of humanity, in each of us, exemplified by the essence of giving to others.”

No, we shouldn’t blame Santa for making Christmas too commercial. His legacy of thoughtful planning, undying devotion, exemplary work ethic and fondness for cookies should be the gold standard for what giving and sharing is all about.

There will be times in our lives when we are plagued by problems, illness and loss. We grow from wide-eyed children into skeptical teenagers to cynical adults. The way we see the world begins to change as we mature, experiencing many lumps and bumps along the way. We have big

worries and bigger problems. The world is a scary place. And then comes along Santa.

At times, the true meaning of the holidays seems to get lost. But take heart, there is a jolly man in a red suit who will show each of us that to give presents, laugh and sing carols, is to spread joy. The rich traditions of the holidays are all intertwined into a tapestry of sharing that extends throughout our lives. Santa sets the example to believe in the power of unbridled enthusiasm and unmatched anticipation. He also looks good in a red suit and loves cookies. A subtle remind-

er to wear a splash of red and eat lots of cookies during this Santa-mental season.

Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Have a story or a comment? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.

Sinema amnesty bill a not-so-merry ‘gift’ for America

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

Ex-FCC Chairman Newton H. Minow famously called television “a vast wasteland” in the early 1960s.

But during that decade, the networks consistently aired programs with a singular holiday theme during one special week in December and the practice continued through the rest of the 20th century.

Not just Christmas specials for the kids, featuring Charlie Brown, Rudolph and Frosty…nor those aimed more at an older demographic, with Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Perry Como.

Regularly scheduled prime time shows—regardless of genre—all featured one episode each year with a Christmas theme.

Not so with “The Invaders.”

Producer Quinn Martin’s science-fiction series about an alien race from outer space taking over Earth just didn’t

lend itself to silver bells, sleigh rides, or “chestnuts roasting on an open fire.”

But now, a long-form Christmas “reality series” may be in production.

The theme is not science fiction, but political science, and it’s airing on C-SPAN 2, the “home channel” of the United States Senate.

With apologies to the late Quinn Mar-

tin, call it “The New Invaders: A Christmas Gift.”

Starring in this production is our own Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (This was written before she changed to independent). Though her costume designer may hope otherwise, Sinema will probably not challenge Senate decorum by wearing a daringly-styled suit befitting a provocative “Santa’s Helper.”

But make no mistake: Arizona’s senior senator is actively involved as a “political provocateur.”

She has teamed up with a “co-star,” Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), and together they hope to turn “The World’s Greatest Deliberative Body” into a rapid-delivery gift fulfillment center.

Like a pair of overcaffeinated elves surrounded by empty Red Bull cans, they are hurriedly cobbling together controversial legislation that heretofore has been unable to clear the Senate.

In the spirit of Senators Past (and also “passed”), it’s another pass at amnesty

for illegal aliens.

And this time, amid the holiday rush and a rash of Republican Senate retirements, it could very well succeed.

Regular readers may recall that in April there was a prediction in this space of such an occurrence prior to the conclusion of this Congress. But of the quartet of Senators mentioned then, only Tillis remains. He’s now been joined by Sinema, who’s feeling political heat back home.

Leftist activists found their ardor cooling for Kyrsten when she opposed ending the filibuster.

With widespread speculation that Sinema could face a spirited challenge in the next Democratic primary, Kyrsten has opted to strut her thigh-high boots along a path once shuffled by the wing tips of Dennis DeConcini and the late John McCain.

In August, there was her “high stakes horse trading,” insisting on language in the wildly misnamed “Inflation Reduction Act” that shielded well-heeled investors from a “carried interest” tax increase.

The language was added, Sinema voted “aye,” and her advocacy carried another kind of interest from the investment community—one that bolstered her campaign war chest to the tune of $1.5 million.

It’s now time for Kyrsten to get back to her grassroots on the Left and lavish attention on a long-held priority.

Of course, amnesty also has boosters who claim to be conservative, like Tillis. Namely, it’s the “anything for money” crowd willing to sacrifice our collective national security – and what’s left of any middle-class financial security – all the while shouting “It’s the free market at work!”

Nope. It’s a “market distortion” that floods the workplace with cheap labor and depresses wages for the law-abiding.

But Sinema’s sole focus is political, since the bill will bolster Joe Biden’s efforts to erase the southern border, and will result in millions of “cheap votes”

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BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

We grew up poor. I was the first son of married teenagers who lived in a three-room apartment in New York. My brother and I shared the bedroom and bunk beds until I was 12 and he was 9.

Our parents slept in the living room on a fold-out couch from Levitz. Our mother ironed patches over the knees of the jeans we bought at Sears not because that was the style, but because we couldn’t afford anything better.

Finally, about the time I hit my teenage years, we made it to lower middle class. I even got a couple pairs of Levi’s and Pro Keds as proof.

Fast forward 40-odd years. I’m not poor anymore. Yet I still find myself not trusting – or much liking – the rich. Maybe it’s envy.

Or maybe F. Scott Fitzgerald was correct in his story “The Rich Boy,” which begins, “Let me tell you about the very rich. They are different from you and me.’’

To which I’ll add, “in ways that can be annoying as hell.”

This is precisely why I’ve enjoyed watching Elon Musk, the world’s richest human, struggle as his latest toy –Twitter – falls apart around him. It’s also why I studiously avoid news coverage of the British Royal Family, especially Californians-come-lately Prince Harry and his wife, former TV actress Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.

Musk reminds me of a few fabulously wealthy folks I have worked for in my day job as a communications consultant.

A brilliant engineer who used his brain to make billions as the mind behind SpaceX and Tesla, Musk has confused his scientific genius and astonishing knack for making money with the ability to run the world’s most unruly social media cesspool.

Perhaps you’re familiar with the Peter Principle, a management concept that theorizes that workers rise in a hierar-

chy until they reach their level of incompetence – and there they stay.

Musk seems right about there with Twitter, doddering about as the self-proclaimed “chief Twit,” while his toy hemorrhages users, followers and cash.

Meanwhile, Musk’s every move – and his 10 kids, silly memes, and personal bottom line, currently estimated by Forbes at $185 billion – churn out daily headlines that I work hard to ignore. At least with Musk, there are indisputable accomplishments in the tech and business worlds.

The Royals? If they’ve done much since they lost that war to George Washington, John Adam and Thomas Jefferson, et al, 245 years ago, I must have missed it.

Prince Harry and Meghan seem especially loathsome, given that both whine constantly about problems that are so far beyond “first world,” they’re not even of this galaxy.

Yet somehow a good number of folks seem fascinated: Netflix is releasing a tell-all documentary on the pair as I write this, and Meghan’s podcast won a People’s Choice Award this week. People magazine – nope, not a subscriber – breathlessly reported on the couple “having a glamorous night out in New York City” this week in a story I passed on, along with

else Sus-

Honoring veterans throughout the year

BY ELIZABETH TURNER Foothills Focus Columnist

On Nov. 11, our nation honored our veterans, those who are currently serving our nation, those who served in the past, and those who were killed and missing in service to our nation. The nation also saluted veteran families for the sacrifices they have made for the veterans in their families.

On Nov. 11, thousands gathered at Anthem Veterans Memorial to honor, salute and support veterans. In the spirit of American patriotism and adorned in red, white and blue, flags waved as guests sang military branch songs, clapped in unison as the “Stars and Stripes” played, wiped a tear as those who were killed and remain missing in action were remembered, paid tribute to veterans who served on land and sea, in the air and space, watched as Vietnam War and Vietnam War-era veterans were given thanks on behalf of a grateful nation, and cheered as four F-35s from Luke Air Force Base roared over their heads.

Two weeks after Veterans Day, Americans shifted to the holiday season when families and friends gather. It is the season of sharing, to give thanks, to exchange gifts and to offer a toast for peace and goodwill.

It is the season when Air Force pilots fly researchers to Antarctica, the Space Force command monitors satellites and cyber threats.

It is the season when the men and women aboard U.S. Coast Guard cutters and Navy ships and submarines travel miles from our borders.

It is the season when U.S. Navy

HAYWORTH from Page 12

for the Left, helping Democrats achieve their dream of one-party political dominance.

Sinema and Tillis claim that their Amnesty is only for “Dreamers,” but it will

SEALS and Marines train and special operations continue in the dark of night.

It is the season when wreaths are laid across America at veteran cemeteries on the second Saturday of each December, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

It is the season when soldiers stand guard at embassies around the world, at the White House and over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

It is the season when most of the over 1.3 million men and women who serve the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard and National Guard here and abroad cannot be home to celebrate with their families and friends.

It is the season when many U.S. families hope to get a call or email or the chance to facetime or video chat with a loved one stationed at a U.S. military base in Africa, Japan, South Korea, Africa, Europe or another undisclosed location while supporting a mission abroad.

It is a season when fathers, mothers, wives, sons and daughters hold a seat at the table and toast their loved ones stationed away from them as military missions never stop, not even for the holidays.

While our nation made Veterans Day and Memorial Day national holidays to honor our veterans, this does not mean the men and women of the U.S. military and their families should not be remembered every other day of the year.

As we close 2022 and enter a new year, let us all take time every day to give thanks to our veterans, past and

present, for their service and sacrifice to our nation. Let us also give thanks to veteran families whose father, mother, brother, sister, grandmother, grandfather, son and daughter long for the days when the veteran in their lives will be home to celebrate the holidays, birthdays and anniversaries.

To our veterans and their families this season and every day of every season, thank you for your service and sacrifice. We honor you. We salute you. We support you.

Local organizations honoring veterans year-round Youth For Troops, Anthem meets 5:30 to 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month at the Outlets of Anthem, Suite 435, to put together care packages for deployed soldiers. The organization also makes sleeping mats for homeless veterans and participates in events honoring veterans. To volunteer or to donate, go to www.YouthForTroops.org.

Daisy Mountain Veterans works to aid veterans through the Veteran Vehicle Campaign, provide scholarships for students of veteran families and holiday food for needy families, aids the USMC Toys for Tots, provides veteran support, visits incarcerated veterans, organizes the Anthem Veterans Day parade and presents the Memorial Day ceremony at the Anthem Veterans Memorial, among other things. Go to DaisyMtnVets.org to donate or volunteer.

Anthem Veterans Memorial honors

LEIBOWITZ

sex-related.

be a nightmare to enforce.

Kyrsten’s Christmas gift to you? America as a “vast wasteland.”

Editor’s note: This column was written before Sen. Sinema announced last week that she has chanegd her registration to Independent.

from Page 14

Disliking the rich may not be a popular stance. Newspapers are full of “news” about bajillion-dollar home purchases, massive sports salaries, and profligate spending.

Personally, I find the rich uninteresting until precisely the moment they aren’t so rich anymore.

One story I did read this week was

all veterans, living and deceased, those who served in the past and those who serve today, through commemorative pavers and educational programming. Open to the public throughout the year, the AVM serves as place for quiet reflection and veteran honor. It hosts youth classes, teaching the importance of honoring veterans and about our military history. The Honor a Veteran program provides pavers for veterans who wish to be recognized but need assistance to do so. The AVM also hosts military promotion ceremonies, veteran celebration of life gatherings, special veteran honors and the annual Veterans Day ceremony. To volunteer or to donate, go to onlineatanthem. com/avm.

National organizations also sending letters and care packages

A Million Thanks Inc. has sent nearly 12 million letters to U.S. service members stationed overseas. Go to amillionthanks.org.

America’s Adopt a Soldier sends cards year-round to wounded soldiers and veterans in VA hospitals and homes. They also run Challenge America, in which you can sponsor care packages for soldiers stationed overseas. Go to americasadotpasoldier.org.

Operation Gratitude sends care packages to troops, new recruits, veterans, wounded soldiers and their caregivers to show appreciation for those that have served or are serving our nation. Go to operationgratitude.com.

about one of the wealthiest fellows in Arizona, Ernie Garcia III. Garcia’s personal bottom line dropped 98 percent this year as his company, Carvana, teeters near bankruptcy. Ernie the Third dropped from being worth about $7 billion to less than $120 million.

That I find fascinating. And sad.

Though now-multi-millionaire Ernie will probably make out just fine. Rich folks, I learned a long time ago, always do.

A gift that always fits

Let’s start this week’s article with a story from Peanuts’ comic strip.

Lucy decides that Linus (her little brother) must grow up and learn to live without his security blanket. So, when Linus falls asleep, she slips the blanket out of his hands, takes it outside and buries it. Linus wakes up and discovers his missing blanket; he panics and falls to the floor. Linus can’t catch his breath. He gasps and screams, “I’ve got to have that blanket. I can’t live without my blanket.”

Then, Snoopy sees Linus’ dilemma and rises to the occasion. With his trusty nose, he goes outside and sniffs out the blanket, digs it up and brings it back to Linus. Linus is so relieved. With one arm, he grabs the blanket, and with the other, he hugs Snoopy saying, “Oh, thank you, Snoopy. You have saved my life!” The last picture shows Snoopy lying on his back on top of the doghouse, looking content and thinking, “Every now and then, my existence is justified.”

I like that idea. Every now and then, our existence is justified, especially when we love others with sometimes sacrificial random acts of kindness and concern. Your kindness and concern are gifts that always fit.

Here is another story by an unknown author that illustrates that we exist for ourselves and others. It’s an excellent reminder by author James Moore for us this Christmas.

“Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz suffering from a rare and severe disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year-old brother, who had miraculously survived the same condition and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness.

The doctor explained the situation to her little brother and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, ‘Yes, I’ll do it if it will save her.’

“As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked, trembling, ‘Will I start to die right away?’ Being young, the little boy misunderstood the doctor; he

thought he would have to give his sister all his blood to save her.”

Christmas is God’s love reaching out to us even when we are far away from Him. Christmas, whether we like it or not, reminds us about God and His great concern for us. Just like that boy was willing to die for his sister, Immanuel, or God with us, was willing to die for us. He was ready to take away our diseased blood and give us his healthy blood.

Yes, we need Christmas to wake us up, bring us back, jog our memories and remind us of what life is all about. Let’s face it; there is some ‘Ebenezer Scrooge’ in all of us. Just like Ebenezer, we need to be converted from selfishness to love. The ability to love is more than enough evidence to justify our existence.

Author James Moore says Christmas does three things for us. First, Christmas reminds us that we need a savior. Second, Christmas reminds us that we have a savior. Third, Christmas reminds us that we can share a savior. Just think, every time we reach out to help others with the love of Christ, we are sharing the Savior. We love, in action, giving Christmas to those who need a little Christmas now. We are giving life to someone in need of a transfusion. The boy’s gift to his sister was a gift that always fits.

Maybe we have concentrated so much on the gifts we give to one another that we have missed the gifts Christmas gives us, one of which is a justification for your existence. Your existence is evidence that you have something on Earth that only you can do. You are God’s workmanship for a purpose, and God doesn’t make ‘no’ junk.

Let’s finish with a poem by John Boyle O’Reilly who reveals to us a reason for our existence.

“What is ‘real’ good?” I asked in a mus-

ing mood. “Order,” said the law court. “Knowledge,” said the school. “Truth,” said the wise man. “Pleasure,” said the fool. “Affection,” said the maiden. “Beauty,” said the page. “Freedom,” said the dreamer. “Home,” said the sage. “Fame,” said the soldier. “Equity,” said the seer. But spoke my heart full, sadly, “The answer is not here.” Then within my bosom, softly this I heard; “Each heart holds the secret; ‘Kindness’ is the word!”

Just like that Christmas song says, give kindness to someone special this Christmas. Like Snoopy, I can see us all lying on the top of our doghouse, looking content and thinking, “Every now and then, my existence is justified.” Now, that’s a gift that is always appropriate, a gift that money can’t buy.

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.

CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph Foothills Focus Columnist

Judy Bluhm, Realtor®

David Arkenstone celebrates Christmas in the desert

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

David Arkenstone remembers waking up on Christmas morning as a child in Geneva, Illinois, playing in the snow, making snow angels and sledding. “Winter is beautiful — everything sparkles, the lights on the houses and the trees,” Arkenstone said.

“The world is not in the best shape right now. The Christmas season gives us a little hope; the spirit of it and the brotherhood. I love trying to be a part of that. We need healing in a lot of areas.”

David Arkenstone & Friends will bring A Winter’s Eve Concert to Yuma, Phoenix, Sedona and Tucson, Wednesday, Dec. 14, to Saturday Dec. 17.

Arkenstone’s A Winter’s Eve Concerts feature chart-topping favorites and surprises, including the debut of some of his neo-classical compositions featuring strings, flutes and percussion. Get a glimpse of the concert here: https://youtu.be/zihbfwuIm4g

“I’ve done a lot of Christmas wintery music and a lot of original songs that are inspired by winter,” he said.

“And then we do a bunch of songs that people will recognize with my own arrangement style. We have wintery sets to bring a mood to the people. There are four musicians with me — a violinist, a flutist, a cellist and percussionist. It’s a pretty cool combi-

nation. They really enhance the songs and there are moments when they individually shine.”

Arkenstone plays the keyboards, guitar and handpan, “which is kind of like a steel drum but the opposite side. If it bulked out, it would be a handpan. I got this one last year and I love using it,” he said.

Arkenstone has more than 60 albums to his credit, plus numerous film and game score compositions, and themes for NBC

(The Kentucky Derby, US Figure Skating, Premier League soccer and more).

The Windham Hill artist is working on a new album, tentatively called “Winterlude.” He’s also a penning an opera with his brother.

“We played in the summer in Arizona,” Arkenstone said. “I wasn’t planning on going back there but we had requests, and I couldn’t really pass that up. I go to the Grand Canyon as much as possible. I just love Arizona.”

A Winter’s Eve Concert with David Arkenstone & Friends

WHEN: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14

WHERE: Historic Yuma Theatre, 254 S. Main Street,Yuma

COST: Tickets start at $45 INFO: 928-373-5202, yumaaz.gov

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15

WHERE: Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix

COST: Tickets start at $49.50 INFO: 480-478-6000, mim.org

WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16

WHERE: Sedona Performing Arts Center, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona

COST: Tickets start at $30

INFO: https://bit.ly/DavidArkenstoneTix

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17

WHERE: Sea of Glass Center for the Arts, 330 E. Seventh Street, Tucson

COST: Tickets stat at $30 INFO: theseaofglass.org

Winter’s Eve Concert with David Arkenstone

Friends

Arizona

shows.

Folk-rock favs Ryanhood share the holiday spirit

BY JONATHAN FRAHM Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

Folk-rockers Ryanhood have made the most of the last few years.

Ryan David Green and Cameron Hood cultivated a dedicated Patreon family and released a new album while they were at it, all despite global happenstance.

Their dedication to positive artistic movements is blossoming into ambitious new work like Hood’s space rock opera, “Voyagers”, too — a collaboration with the Saguaro City Music Theatre in Tucson.

The Tucson duo is also delivering their electrifying live performance across the country again, with their latest Phoenix appearance set for the Musical Instrument Museum on Wednesday, Dec. 21.

During their second year with dual December showings at Tucson’s Club Congress, their first evening took on the overarching Ryanhood catalog. Their

second night was more specifically focused on their holiday and winter season portfolio.

Tight harmonies and stellar acoustic musicianship were guarantees for both nights. Now, the band’s Musical Instrument Museum offering is a best of both worlds, offering fans an opportunity to enjoy their recurring live holiday show and a few old favorites.

Active for nearly two decades — 2023 will mark Ryanhood’s 20th year — the band has long been known for their inspiring and electrifying musical performance. Their long-standing, celebrated portfolio spans seven non-holiday studio albums so far. So, when the duo decided to settle on delivering a Christmas-themed full-length in 2017, it was fair to ask: “Why Christmas?”

It turns out that the holiday season makes for a long time Ryanhood tradition, rooted in the early aughts.

“When we were living in Boston, we wanted to come back to Tucson for the holidays and had a ‘Christmas at Congress’ show as our homecoming,” Green said.

“This eventually turned into a vision for a big holiday album and show at the Rialto, where we wanted to make it this sort of spectacular.

“We had set pieces that culminated into a living room set on stage that we’d walk over to and do a portion of the show there. It would feel close to a television special. It went by so well that people started to ask, ‘When’s the next holiday show?’”

Regarding the “On Christmas” album and their pursuit of holiday recordings, Hood stated, “It started with a song called ‘What Is Christmas?’ that became the ‘On Christmas’ album opener. It got local radio play here in Tucson all the time and still does, and even featured on ‘This American Life’. The thought grew from there. We asked each other, ‘Do we have more to say about Christmas?’”

Green added, “With that song, we’re asking the question — ‘What is Christmas to you?’ It’s pointing out how different Christmas is to everybody and what different people take from it. For some, it’s

a very reverent and religious holiday. For some people, it’s more about the youth and kids and family, or it’s just a complete festival of lights. For many of us, it’s all of those things and more. It makes this time of year really fascinating.”

“On Christmas” does well in establishing this vibe throughout its runtime. The ballad “Magnificat” pays homage to traditional hymns, while “Good News (On Christmas)” is familial and fun-loving.

The duo jam out on exciting instrumental covers of holiday classics, too, like “Sleigh Ride” and “Skating.” It’s a jovial collection of work that feels fit for the season.

Ryanhood also hones in on the eclectic dynamism of their overall catalog. Fans might expect to hear long-time classics like “Sickbed Symphony” and “I Didn’t Put Anything into Your Place” alongside new hits from their 2021 release, “Under the Leaves.”

They bring all of the instrumental and vocal moxie that won them the International Acoustic Music Award for “Best Group/Duo” to the stage. Their aim is to have fun with their long-time Arizona musical family while welcoming new fans to the fold with their virtuosic performance.

Reflecting on their last several years as a touring act, Ryanhood shares thoughts on their evolution.

“Back in the day, we had a full band with a bassist and a drummer that brought in this extra energy,” Hood said.

“We got this added musical boost, but we feel like our connection with our audience suffered. We looked back on when we were playing as just a duo, and we had this organic give-and-take with the audience that went away.

“It’s just weird. With the extra volume, a distance was created. In the intervening years, Ryan and I learned to tour again as a duo, but to make it more dynamic. We added in foot percussion with kickdrums and tambourines, we added in mandolin and ukulele and electric guitar every once in a while, and we learned how to build up all of that energy we had as a full band just between the two of us.”

A Winter’s Evening with Ryanhood

WHEN: 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 21

WHERE: Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix

COST: Tickets start at $23.50

INFO: 480-478-6000, mim.org

Award-winning Tucson duo Ryanhood is bringing fan favorites and seasonal tunes to the Musical Instrument Museum. (C. Elliott/Contributor)

TheFoothillsFocus.com

/TheFoothillsFocus

DVUSD report card is full of rewards

BY DR. CURTIS FINCH Deer Valley Unified School District Superintendent

Every generation tells a story that may begin something like this, “back when I was a kid….” Maybe you’ve heard, “we walked to school in 3 feet of snow, uphill, both ways.”

For some families, life was tougher in the past. Personally, growing up in rural Alaska, the weather and winter days were physically demanding but, surviving the 115-degree summer in Arizona is the same feat, just the opposite extreme!

One memorable event I recall as a kid involved my take-home report card and the potential economic windfall it created for me. Each respectable grade translated to coins, and by high school, the rewards soared to $1! Some quarters/semesters, I was excited to bring home my report card, and others, not so much. I did realize early on that hard work usually pays off in the end.

The Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) recently received its annual state report card, and it was great once again. Excelling academically at DVUSD is the new normal; our community expects #extraordinary performance, every year. Once again, 92% of our 40 schools proudly secured an A or B rating with 25 of those schools with the highest A-rating.

In a district of 33,000 students and 4,000 employees, such a feat is not easy. It takes the whole team and our community to reach and maintain such heights.

The good news is that DVUSD did really well on the state report card. The bad news is that the snap-

shot approach of a single-day state test never tells the whole story of DVUSD’s real successes.

What are the processes, systems, and teams that built this machine to be successful every year? One has to have a standard of excellence in all areas, not just academics to guide students to be life-long learners. What of daily attendance, enrollment, safety, graduation, and discipline rates? How about parental involvement, extra and co-curricular

opportunities for students to feel connected to school, and a sense of belonging for students and staff?

Our annual staff, community, and student surveys show these other variables are just as important to our community and also reflect DVUSD’s successes in these areas.

Proudly, DVUSD continues to accumulate major awards in a variety of areas year-round. This year, Forbes named DVUSD the Best Public School Mid-Size Employer in the Nation! We continue to win multiple athletic, fine arts, and Career and Technical Education Arizona State Titles every year — 50 state titles last year alone!

If there is an Arizona award, DVUSD will be in the running, every time. For example, our newly created K-12 Aspire Online Academy out-performed every hybrid learning environment in the state this year — No. 1!

Aspire received a B in its inaugural year with a growth score of 71.68, surpassing a dozen others, including two high-profile programs, ASU Prep (B: 65.01) and Primavera (D: 43.27).

DVUSD’s community, state and national report cards are full of rewards! DVUSD: It’s just better here.

Dr. Curtis Finch is the superintendent of DVUSD and can be reached at superintendent@dvusd.org

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