Gilbert Sun News 0410 by Times Media Group

GPS ups pay raises

Fire districts sound alarm

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An edition of the East Valley Tribune

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Sunday, April 10, 2022

The race is on: Campaign 2022 begins 9 will vie for four Gilbert Faces are familiar, but Council seats LD numbers aren’t

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INSIDE

This Week

BUSINESS................20 Home price spiral likely to continue.

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

ine candidates, including two incumbents, are stepping into the Aug. 2 primary race for four Council seats, according to nomination papers filed last week. Vice Mayor Aimee Yentes, who gave birth to two children during her first term, is not running for re-election nor is Councilman Laurin Hendrix, who is aiming for a state House seat in District 14. Hoping for a return to the dais are Councilwoman Yung Koprowski and Councilman Scott September, who were both appointed. A couple of familiar faces from past elections are jumping in, including Bus Obayomi, who ran in 2020; Jim Torgeson, who ran in 2016; and Bill Spence, who was appointed in March 2020 and

see ELECTIONS page 8

Gilbert Fire’s dog is the state’s first

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

or the most part, the faces are familiar but the legislative districts are different for Gilbert voters in this year’s races. The newly redrawn boundaries have shifted to districts 13 and 14 from the previous 17 and 12, respectively. Redistricting occurs every decade with the national census. The seats are for two years and there’s a term limit of four consecutive terms. In the Aug. 2 primary, Republican Sen. J.D. Mesnard is running for his third senate term in District 13, which also includes Chandler and Sun Lakes as well as part of Gilbert. Mesnard faces no opposition in the primary. Two Democrats, however, are vying for the spot to challenge him

see LEG RACES page 9

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

SPORTS...................... 24 Mesquite’s Barrett making an impact.

COMMUNITY........................................17 BUSINESS.............................................20 SPORTS..................................................24 PUZZLE..................................................26 CLASSIFIEDS.......................................29

he call came in that a car had drove into a lake at the El Dorado Golf community near McQueen and Guadalupe roads. At the scene, two Gilbert firefighters atop a ladder truck were trying to determine how to rescue the unconscious driver when the car began to sink. The two firefighters dove 10 feet from the ladder’s basket into the water and successfully pulled out the driver. A Gilbert police officer also had jumped into the lake.

see QUINN page 6

The Gilbert Fire Department’s therapy dog, an 8-month-old English Springer Spaniel named Quinn, is the first of its kind in Arizona. (David Minton/GSN Staff Photographer)

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NEWS

Supreme Court rejects Gilbert bond challenge BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

he Town of Gilbert is back on target to begin selling its first batch of the $515-million transportation bond this month now that a legal holdup is gone. The Arizona Supreme Court last week denied hearing a case that sought to invalidate the November election but until that action, the bond was in limbo. “We are grateful for the Arizona Supreme Court’s quick decision that allows us to stay on track with our original timeline,” spokeswoman Jennifer Harrison said. “We are excited to move forward in this process and utilize these voter-approved bonds to provide critical infrastructure improvements for the community.” She said that Council will consider authorizing the sale of bonds at Tuesday’s meeting. Once approved, plans are to begin marketing bonds on Wednesday with the goal of selling the bonds the week of April 18, Harrison said. Resident Jim Torgeson sued last year to void the election because he claimed the Town targeted his anti-bond signs and removed them, which swayed the

outcome – the measured passed by 164 votes. Torgeson lost at trial and the appellate court wouldn’t hear his case so he filed for review with the Arizona Supreme Court in December. The higher court issued its ruling last Tuesday. Torgeson, who is running in the Aug. 2 primary for one of four open Council seats, referred questions to his attorney. “It’s very disappointing that the Court refused to review this matter,” said attorney Tim LaSota, who represented Torgeson. “We fear that the Court’s failure to allow a path for relief will lead to more instances of government illegally clamping down on free speech. “If the only potential consequence for free speech violations is money damages then anything government has to pay can simply be put on the tab of the taxpayers.” Town staff in the financial retreat in March told the Council if the court didn’t take action soon, there was the risk of higher interest rates for Gilbert, which planned on selling $200 million in the first issuance. Shortly after the retreat, the Town filed a motion with the state supreme court asking it to expedite its decision on Torgeson’s case, which was granted.

At the retreat, Finance Director Kelly Pfost said the feds are expected to raise interest rates five to seven times this year to help rein in inflation and each quarter-percent hike would mean an additional $6 million in interest on the $200 million that the Town will have to pay. Plans are to close on the $200-million sale in May and have money in hand to fund transportation projects, Pfost had said. Projects to be funded by the bond are meant to improve safety and reduce congestion on the roadways. Priority projects include connecting Ocotillo Road with a bridge that spans over Regional Park, building out the fiber optic network, reconstructing Guadalupe Road and designing and building new trail crossings. Also, top on the list is constructing the Vaughn Ventilator, a low-speed roadway project that is expected to help relieve congestion downtown. It was vital for the still-growing Town to see the bond pass in November. In the last two decades, Gilbert voters have approved four different transportation-related bonds totaling $363 million – all spent. The last transportation bond approved was in 2007 for $174 million.

and a light rail transit center and the other between Scottsdale Fashion Square and Chandler Fashion Center. She and other officials briefed business leaders on the region’s transportation plan at a Chandler Chamber of Commerce event. “The purpose of the route is more about connecting Chandler, Scottsdale and Tempe residents with downtown Tempe/ASU and downtown Scottsdale, along with a connection to either mall at the north/south end and the Chandler Fashion Center,” said Chandler planner Jason Crampton. “The route will provide a faster connection to light rail and other regional bus lines in the area.” That route would travel mostly on Rural and Scottsdale roads.

Another high priority is addressing the rush-hour bottleneck on the Loop 101 between U.S. 60 and the Red Mountain Freeway. A key to addressing all those priorities is voters passing an extension to Prop 400, a half-cent sales tax dedicated to addressing the region’s transportation needs. It will likely be included on this year’s ballot in November, although at this newspaper’s deadline, both chambers in the Legislature were considering a bill to put the tax on renewal on this year’s ballot. The current tax expires in 2025. Thomas said a lot of infrastructure has been built in East Valley since the

Freeway bottlenecks top MAG transit goals BY KEN SAIN GSN Staff Writer

ddressing bottlenecks on the Santan and Loop 101 freeways and adding two rapid bus routes are among the transportation priorities in Chandler for county officials. Audra Koester Thomas, the transportation planning program manager for the Maricopa Association of Governments, said every project on its list is important, but that expanding the number of lanes on the Santan Loop 202 Freeway between the Loop 101 and I-10 as the most important. Two rapid-bus routes are planned. One would go up Arizona Avenue through the heart of downtown Chandler to Mesa

see TRANSIT page 4

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | APRIL 10, 2022

Neighbors rap housing plan’s smaller lot sizes BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

proposal to add an extra single-family home for a total of 13 houses on vacant agricultural land northwest of Lindsay Road and Galveston Street is too dense, say nearby neighbors. Applicant Upfront Planning nonetheless garnered support from the Planning Commission last Wednesday with its request to rezone the 12.19 acres to smaller lot sizes of 35,000 square feet from the currently zoned 45,000 square feet for an infill project dubbed Gilbert 13. “I actually have an acre and quarter piece of property there,” said Ryan Boehme. one fo three critics who opposed the proposal. “That’s why we

The proposed site for iGilbert 13 would have smaller lot sizes. (Town of Gilbert)

TRANSIT from page 3

1980s and it has helped fuel the growth of Chandler to become Arizona’s fourth largest city. “That half-cent sales tax is what delivered this network that you see here,” Thomas said, saying there are other projects in the works that will impact Chandler commuters. “Finishing up the HOV lane, here out east of Chandler, around the Santan, so completing that freeway network,” she said. “Build out of the SR 24 (Gateway Freeway) and the southeast network.” The Arizona Department of Transportation two weeks ago opened another four-lane stretch of SR 24 to help access Bell Bank Park in Mesa as well as some residential areas. The mile-long section is an interim four-lane roadway between Ellsworth and Williams Field roads and was completed several months ahead of schedule as part of a partnership between ADOT, Mesa and Legacy Sports USA, which operates Bell Bank Park. The new sports and entertainment complex is southeast of the new intersection connecting SR 24 and Williams Field Road. Drivers are now able to access the eastbound side of the new SR 24 section via ramps from the Santan Freeway). Ac-

This map showed the new segment of SR 24 that opened two weeks ago, giving south Chandler residents quicker access to the mammoth Bell Bank Park sports complex in east Mesa. (ADOT) cess from Ellsworth Road will be available by next week when crews open new on- and off-ramps on the east side of the SR 24/Ellsworth interchange. The new section is part of ADOT’s $77 million project to build SR 24 as a divided four-lane roadway between Ellsworth Road in Mesa and Ironwood Drive in Pinal County. The entire five-mile-long project is scheduled for completion later this year.

Thomas said there’s not a lot more that can be done for U.S. 60 because the freeway’s footprint is maxed out. However, she said they will look at it to see if there are things that can be done to improve the flow of traffic. MAG officials asked community leaders for their transit wish list for the coming decades. The estimated cost for all of those more than 1,400 projects is $90 billion. They have worked up a plan that

moved to Gilbert, to have acreage and going down from that is taking away the values of what we have at this time. “Gilbert has been the type of place we wanted to live because it’s where we can spread out and we have the setbacks and the distancing we need to have for the safety.” Boehme said his biggest concern involved the entrance into the proposed subdivision. “Basically, if they build the roadway to be the 50 feet they showed and proposed to us in the letters that they’ve sent us, that’s going to put it very close” to his property, said Boehme, whose home sits adjacent to the entryway. “They can’t encroach on my property. I’m concerned

see HOMES page 15

will be able to meet the region’s transportation needs through 2050 if voters approve the half-cent sales tax for another 25 years. That $36 billion plan includes: • 367 new freeway/highway miles; • 186 new HOV lane miles; • 1,300 new or improved arterial lane miles; • 45 new or improved traffic interchanges; • 12 new dedicated HOV lanes or system interchange DHOV ramps; • Nearly 12 miles of new light rail; • Nearly 37 miles of bus rapid transit; • Nearly 7 miles of new streetcar tracks; Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke said there have been more than 400 completed transportation projects done in Chandler because of the half-cent sales tax. “All corners of our city have benefited from Prop. 400 funding,” Hartke said. “With the north and west Chandler getting the majority of Chandler’s bus services, while arterial funding in the Southeast Chandler, allowing the city to bring all of the streets up to modern standards, and accommodate the traffic demands in the growing parts of our city.”

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | APRIL 10, 2022

QUINN from page 1

The driver survived, but the firefighters and cop faced a high-stress situation. “They were under water trying to get the victim up,” explained Fire Engineer Jodie Spargo, adding that every crew member at the incident that day was affected by the rescue. The department now has a new crew member to help relieve the stress that comes with the job – an 8-month-old English Springer Spaniel named Quinn. She’s the first fire therapy dog in Arizona, according to Spargo. Gilbert Police has had its own therapy dog Cora since 2019. “There’re plenty of studies talking about the benefits of therapy dogs,” Spargo said. “You see them in hospitals and they’re popular in California in stations.” The simple act of petting a dog releases hormones that can help elevate moods, lower anxiety and provide comfort, according to UCLA People-Animal Connection, which touts itself as one of the most comprehensive Animal-Assisted Therapy and Activity programs in the nation. “Many times, when there’s a rough call, my job is to visit with the crew,” Spargo said, adding that therapy dogs are shown to lower blood pressure. She also takes Quinn for station visits two to three times a week as a morale booster. Quinn has an accepting, calming effect, according to Assistant Fire Chief Rob Duggan. “Quinn is a force multiplier,” Duggan said. “People naturally are more opened up. It creates an environment people open up when they would not otherwise.” Animals can act as a catalyst in a therapy process by breaking the ice and reduce initial resistance that might accompany therapy, the UCLA program said. The desire to help others and serve the community drive people to a profession, where each day firefighters put their lives on the line battling fires and are often the first to arrive to traumatic incidents such as vehicle crashes and child drownings. All of that takes a toll.

Gilbert Fire Department Engineer Paramedic Jodi Spargo, who is assigned to Employee Wellness with Quinn, will help firefighters after difficult or traumatic calls. (David Minton/GSN

Staff Photographer)

A 2021 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that law enforcement officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty “because of the environments in which they work, their culture, and stress, both occupational and personal.” The Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance reported 97 firefighters nationwide died by suicide in 2020 and estimated that only about 40 percent of the suicides are reported. Because they operate in a crisis mode, firefighters tend to have higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, addiction problems and depression than the general population, studies say. Although English Springer Spaniels aren’t as popular a choice for therapy dogs such as labradors and golden retrievers, the department is using Quinn because she’s owned by Spargo, who pushed for the program. Spargo purchased Quinn in September from a private breeder in Minnesota before she got the green light from the department to test out her idea. The department also offers mental-health support from the Fire Peer Support Team, an in-house group trained in trauma and suicide ideation, which is

overseen by Spargo. The 30 members include firefighters, administration staff, two chaplains and two retirees – people who are chosen by their peers as someone they would feel comfortable talking with, Spargo said. Gilbert Fire has 273 employees, 198 sworn and 75 professional staffers spread across 11 fire stations. The pilot program will get evaluated in July, when a new fire chief is expected to come on board, said Spargo, who is training to be Quinn’s handler with free help from The Fletch Foundation. The nonprofit trains rescue dogs to work as search-and-service dogs or therapy dogs for veterans or people with disabilities. Quinn also is undergoing extensive training every day to earn her Canine Good Citizenship Certification from the Alliance for Therapy Dogs. One March afternoon, Quinn was tackling the course in the fenced-in K-9 training area at the Gilbert Public Safety Training Facility, learning basic commands, impulse control, recall and listening skills. “Up,” Spargo directed Quinn, who ran up an A-frame agility ramp. “Wait, stay,” she commanded as the dog obeyed.

“A lot is recall learning,” said Spargo, who teaches Quinn to make eye contact with her. “If she gets scared, she stares at me.” Spargo also is training Quinn to be comfortable around the loud noises that come from firetrucks’ sirens and air brakes. Luckily Quinn’s pretty much become accustomed to the sounds because Spargo began bringing her to the fire houses at 3 months old. “She has the aptitude,” Spargo said, noting that Quinn will work a room and generally gravitate to the person she senses is most in need of comforting. Quinn also has the attributes that lends itself to her role – super friendly and calm, Spargo said. But when her vest comes off she knows she is off the clock and can be a puppy again. “She’s a completely different dog,” Spargo said. “She’s rambunctious and gets into trouble a bit.” Spargo said where the program goes, if it’s approved, depends on what the department wants but she noted in some fire houses in California there is a therapy dog on each of the three shifts. “This is one of the examples of great innovation at the fire department,” Duggan said. “We like to have a crawl, walk, jog approach to it. The pilot is that first crawl, where we’ll figure out the kinks… before getting to the run phase.” Shortly after that incident where the car went into the community lake, the dozen first-responders at the scene gathered to “debrief,” according to Spargo. And with the additional of Quinn, hopefully, more firefighters will begin seeking “and getting better to work through some of the trauma they are carrying,” Spargo said. According to Fire Rescue 1, “the aversion to feeling vulnerability hinders many people from getting professional help.” The resource network for firefighters and fire departments said it typically took firefighters an extended period of time to overcome that reluctance and “sadly, many never get the help that they need and deserve.”

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | APRIL 10, 2022

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NEWS

Bill Spence

GILBERT SUN NEWS | APRIL 10, 2022

Bobbi Buchli

ELECTIONS from page 1

served eight months but lost to Hendrix in a special election for the remaining two years on the seat. Newcomers are Mario Chicas, Michael Clark and Bobbi Buchli. Koprowski, appointed in April 2020 and served one year as vice mayor, owns a transportation engineering firm. She’s married to a fellow engineer and has two elementary-age children. Her campaign platform includes ensuring a quality of life in Gilbert, supporting diverse employment and public safety. Prior to her position, she served as vice chair of the Citizens Transportation Task Force, which gave input on projects to be funded in a $515-million bond passed last November. September was on the Planning Commission before he was appointed to Council in April 2020. The married father of two sons works in the telecommunication industry. He touts his priorities as supporting public safety, ensuring the Town attracts jobs and economic development and reining in government spending and keeping taxes low. Both Koprowski and September served with Yentes on a council subcommittee tasked with coming up with recommendations on how to spend the Town’s share of federal pandemic relief monies. Spence, a retired Navy lieutenant commander and father of two, also is a big supporter of public safety and “build smartly” when it comes to infrastructure and roads, according to his campaign website. He also supports “strict fiscal

Bus Obayomi

Chuck Bongiovanni

Jim Torgeson

scrutiny” and opposes any increases to the secondary property tax rate. Spence also is campaigning on his opposition to more high-density multi-family housing in town. While in office, Spence was instrumental in the Council’s approval for Gilbert to sponsor the new USS Arizona submarine. Spence wasn’t the only one to include the hot topic issue of multi-family development in their campaign. Although apartment projects generally bring out public opposition, their proliferation is not as evasive as perceived. According to town planners, 3% of Gilbert’s total land use is zoned multifamily and that 11% of all residential development in town is multi-family – far less than its neighbors such as Mesa, where 48% of its housing is multifamily. Obayomi, a married father of three who is a business/management consultant, wants to reduce government waste and improve accountability “for all decisions and votes.” And, Obayomi says he’s going to fight to control the spread of apartment complexes in Gilbert. Torgeson, who owns a sign business, is no stranger to the inner workings of Town government, having served on the Planning commission and chaired the Redevelopment Commission. A fiscal conservative, the married father of two children wants transparency in how the town spends taxpayers’ money. He’s also a supporter of public safety, property rights and smart growth. Lately Torgeson’s been in the media spotlight for filing ethics violation com-

Mario Chicas

Michael Clark

plaints against the mayor and with his suit against the Town. He had accused Gilbert employees of removing his anti-bond signs, which he claimed resulted in successful passage of the $515-million transportation measure by 164 votes last November. After losing in the lower court, Torgeson filed an appeal with the state Supreme Court where the case was denied last week. Chicas, a former DEA agent who now works for an industrial-parts distributor, wants to maintain Gilbert’s quality of life, ensure public safety has the resources it needs for a growing community, and protect against government overreach. The married father with children also said he wants to make sure that the transportation bond is being spent wisely. Bongiovanni, a married father who founded his own business, advocates smart growth and affordable housing instead of luxury high-density apartments for the town’s workforce such as police, fire and teachers. He’s also wants to build community engagement with local government, where every voice is heard. Clark is a married father of two with concrete ideas of what he’d like to see done if elected. Some of his issues include maintaining zoning so that apartments don’t exceed 11% in Gilbert, develop programs for youth and adults looking to “transition into the much-needed trade industries,” and support the Town operating its own jail and installing a Police equestrian team. He’s also for transparency, more outreach to residents and the business community and improving business de-

Scott September

Yung Koprowski

velopment in the northwest corridor. Buchli, an associate broker and mother of adult children, said she supports growing small businesses and restoring town government to one that listens and put residents first. She also advocates responsible fiscal spending and support for public safety. And, she opposes “any more huge, high-density apartment complexes.” All of the seats are for four years each and come with an annual pay of $21,012. In order to win a seat in the nonpartisan primary, a candidate would need to get at least 461 votes, according to the Town’s election handbook. If there is no majority, the race continues to Nov. 8 for the General Election.

PETITION NUMBERS

The names of the candidates in the order they filed with the number of signatures they turned in. Candidates had to collect at least 1,000 signatures from registered voters living in Gilbert in order to get on the ballot. Bus Obayomi- 1,182 Yung Koprowski- 1,918 Mario Chicas- 1,496 Chuck Bongiovanni- 1,570 Bill Spence- 1,814 Scott September- 1,510 Michael Clark- 1,300 Bobbi Buchli- 1,372 Jim Torgeson- 1,561 Source: Gilbert Town Clerk

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NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | APRIL 10, 2022

Brandy Reese

Don Maes

LEG RACES from page 1

in November -– Michael Morris and Cynthia Hans. Married and the father of two, Mesnard lives in Chandler and was first elected to the state Senate in 2018 after serving eight years as a state representative. The small-business owner also teaches at Maricopa Community College and at Arizona State University. Among accomplishments he touts are helping to create jobs, supporting small businesses by cutting red tape and protecting health coverage for Arizonans with pre-existing conditions. Morris also is a Chandler resident and

Josh Askey

Laurin Hendrix

Natalie DiBernado

a Realtor. The former veteran, whose youngest child is in high school, has a campaign platform that includes improving education and health care, preserving voting rights and caring for the mentally ill. He also wants to help eliminate systemic racism, sexism, ageism, and LGBTQ discrimination. Hans, who indicated she was single without children, did not provide contact information on the Secretary of State website of candidates. Current District 12 Republican Sen. Warren Petersen, who has moved from

Ron Hardin

Suzanne Lunt

Gilbert to Queen Creek and is seeking a second term, is running unopposed in District 14. There are no Democrats in the race. Petersen, who works in the real estate industry and is a married dad of five, says that during his time in office he has sponsored bills that made it to the governor’s desk, including eliminating pensions for politicians, reducing unem-

ployment fraud and reducing red tap on foster parents and children. He also introduced the universal recognition for occupational licenses bill,

Travis Grantham

Warren Petersen

which made Arizona the first state in the country to allow people to get an occupational license in Arizona if they currently hold a license from their state and meet certain criteria. The Republican House primary for the new District 14 promises to be competitive with incumbent Travis Grantham, Natalie DiBernardo, Gilbert Councilman Laurin Hendrix and Suzanne Lunt battling for their party’s nomination for the two open seats.

see LEG RACES page 10

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | APRIL 10, 2022

GPS adds another 1% to employee pay raises BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

ilbert Public Schools is increasing employee pay across the board by 3% for next fiscal year, one week after the Governing Board approved a 2% raise. The district is able to tack on another 1% following the Joint Legislative Budget Committee’s March 30 estimate that the Classroom Site Fund amount for next year will be $708 per student – enough for the pay bump, Superintendent Shane McCord told the board April 5. Board member Jill Humpherys said it was great that the district could approve the additional ongoing increase. President Lori Wood noted that a 1% increase costs the district about $3 million, which includes payroll benefits. She asked if $1 million to fund the hikes

LEG RACES from page 9

The other Republican currently serving in the old District 12 with Grantham is Rep. Jake Hoffman, who is now running for a Senate seat in District 15, which covers his home in Queen Creek. Grantham is a business owner and a lieutenant colonel and pilot with the Arizona Air National Guard. The Gilbert resident is married with two daughters and is seeking his fourth term. Businessman Hendrix is foregoing re-election on Town Council, instead looking to get back to the state Legislature, where he previously served in the House from 2008-10. DiBernardo, a mom and real estate agent living in Gilbert, said on social media she didn’t planned to run until she “found out there is a Democratic woman in our district collecting signatures and I am concerned that our current Republican candidates won’t win over here.” She says she is against mandates and pro “medical freedom and a big-birth rights advocate.” Lunt, who is married, is an instructional coach for an elementary school and former kindergarten teacher for Gilbert Public Schools. She also serves

GPS Governing Board members discussed employees. (YouTube) will come from the Classroom Site Fund, where is the rest of the funding coming from. “Keep in mind that we still have a very, very favorable budget balance forward in” the maintenance and operations fund, said Bonnie Betz, assistant superintendent of Business Services. “Also, remember that all employees are not funded out of maintenance and as an alternate on Gilbert’s Community Engagement Task Force, which is looking at addressing issues such as mental health and domestic abuse in town. The two winners in the primary will face off against Democrat Brandy Reese, who is unopposed in her party’s primary. Gilbert resident Reese, who is married with two children, is a forensic scientist. Her priorities include education, affordable health care and economic opportunity. She also wants to address inflation and the water shortage, according to her campaign website. In the new District 13, five Republicans are vying for the two House seats: Josh Askey, Ron Hardin, Liz Harris, Don Maes and Julie Willoughby, all Chandler residents. The former District 17 representatives currently are Republican Jeff Weninger, who is termed out and is running for state treasurer and Democrat Jennifer Pawlik. Askey, who is married and dad to three sons, ran unsuccessfully in 2018 for the Chandler Unified Governing Board election. He touts that his greatest treasure is his U.S. citizenship, having been adopted from Seoul, Korea at

ing, “Please reaffirm that you believe that moving in this direction is sustainable for at least the next two years if not three years.” Betz responded that she can confirm that the additional pay bump staff had recommended for all district the district is able to take that action. “Well, I’m excited that operations. So, nutrition services will we can recognize our staff and teachers bear their own percent increases, com- and all who work so hard for each of our munity ed will bear their own, federal students in this way,” Wood commented. In a work study before the meeting, grants will bear their own so that will decrease the load on the maintenance the board discussed GPS teacher pay and operations budget balance carry compared with that of other districts, forward. So, we feel very confident that though Betz cautioned against comparing them. we can very well afford the 1%.” Board member Charles Santa Cruz see RAISES page 12 wanted more assurance from staff, statage 5. A controller for a local real-estate developer, Askey said if elected he promised to work hard to preserve economic opportunities and fight for continued funding and increased opportunities for students, parents, teachers and schools. Hardin, a small-business owner, currently serves on the Chandler Transportation Commission Hardin’s priorities include fostering responsible economic development, maintaining transportation and infrastructure and providing high-quality education as his children all attended CUSD schools. Harris, who is married with three children, ran unsuccessfully for a House seat in the former District 17 in 2020. The real estate broker’s platform included fighting for election integrity legislation, protecting school choice and parental rights and supporting legislation to ensure a strong economy. Maes, a married dad to three young children, is a former Marine and works in the construction and development industry. His issues include support of pro-life legislation, protect the Second Amend-

ment, fund and support first responders. He also is a proponent of election integrity, border security and limited government. Willoughby, married with two young children and an ER trauma nurse, ran unsuccessfully for a House seat in the former District 17 in 2018. Her issues include school and education, voter integrity and access to health care. The top two voter getters to emerge from the primary will face incumbent Democrat Jennifer Pawlik in November as she seeks a third term. Pawlik, who is now in District 17, lives in Chandler and is a former elementary school teacher and currently teaches for Northern Arizona University’s College of Education at Chandler Gilbert Community College. She is married and the mother of two adult twin daughters. Pawlik says she is a passionate advocate for public education, protecting voter rights and the environment, especially the water. Her other priorities include preventing gun violence, encouraging workforce development and creating jobs.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | APRIL 10, 2022

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Mesa, AZ — The most common method your doctor will recommend to treat your chronic pain and/or neuropathy is with prescription drugs that may temporarily reduce your symptoms. These drugs have names such as Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin, and are primarily antidepressant or anti-seizure drugs. These drugs may cause you to feel uncomfortable and have a variety of harmful side effects. Chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and the most debilitating balance problems. This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet which causes the nerves to begin to degenerate due to lack of nutrient flow.

determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation. As long as you have not sustained at least 95% nerve damage there is hope!

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As you can see in Figure 2, as the blood vessels that surround the nerves become diseased they shrivel up which causes the nerves to not get the nutrients to continue to survive. When these nerves begin to “die” they cause you to have balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling, burning, and many additional symptoms. The main problem is that your doctor has told you to just live with the problem or try the drugs which you don’t like taking because they make you feel uncomfortable. There is now a facility right here in Mesa that offers you hope without taking those endless drugs with serious side effects. (See the special neuropathy severity examination at the end of this article) In order to effectively treat your neuropathy three factors must be determined. 1) What is the underlying cause? 2) How much nerve damage has been sustained.

In addition, we use a state-of-the-art diagnostics like the TM Flow diagnostic unit to accurately determine the increase in blood flow and a small skin biopsy to accurately determine the increase in small nerve fibers! The Sanexas electric cell signaling system delivers energy to the affected area of your body at varying wavelengths, including both low-frequency and middle-frequency signals. It also uses amplitude modulated (AM) and frequency modulated (FM) signaling. During a treatment session, the Sanexas system automatically changes to simultaneously deliver AM and FM electric cell signal energy. THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT SANEXAS IS COVERED BY MEDICARE AND MOST INSURANCE! Depending on your coverage, your treatment could be little to no cost to you! The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | APRIL 10, 2022

CUSD changes graduation venues to outdoors igh temperatures in Chandler on May 25 the past five years have hovered around 96 degrees – not exactly the weather you want to don a cap and gown in. But that’s what seniors in Chandler Unified high schools will be doing next month after Arizona State University hiked the rent for staging the ceremonies at Desert Financial Arena on its Tempe campus and the ceremonies were moved to seniors’ school campuses. Parents and others are fuming. “When I first got the email about how graduations were being changed from the nice, comfortable, air-conditioned ASU basketball court to being on the field, I was like every other parent, I was upset,” said Jason Olive, a member of the Chandler Unified School District Governing Board. “My mother and motherin-law are going to have to sit out in the

heat. “Unlike most other parents, I was able to pick up a phone and call somebody and ask about it. The reasons the change was made actually make sense.” Dr. Craig Gilbert, the district’s assistant superintendent of secondary education, said ASU wanted an additional $44,000 to host the ceremonies this year. “We met with the principals before break, we sat down with all of them,” said Frank Narducci, the district’s superintendent. “We felt the best thing was to bring them back to campuses, that we could control the outcomes of how we run them and how they were able to be organized.” Gilbert said one factor in moving graduations to high school campuses was ASU’s limit of a total of 10,000 tickets for the district that would have been managed by each school. The distrioct could exceed that limit, but doing so would cost an additional $1,300.

Those weren’t the only factors. Masks also loomed. “Mitigation requirements also weighed heavy on the decision,” Gilbert said. “This process starts the prior year regarding scheduling dates, but the contract does not come out until the spring. “Through all of the conversations with ASU, masks for students and parents were required and any changes may not occur until May. This mitigation is not currently required in CUSD and we did not feel it would be appropriate for our graduations.” Narducci said they faced restrictions because of litigation, and a limit on the number of tickets they could distribute, in addition to the added costs. He said they found out about these changes from ASU later than they anticipated. “We do apologize to families that feel they received information late,” Narducci said. Meanwhile, the Governing Board on March 30 approved funds for work

across the district. First, it plans to upgrade the public address capabilities in all district buildings for a little more than $500,000. Officials want to make the entire system compatible by using the same brand in all buildings. The board also agreed to spend a little more than $350,000 to remove and replace the asphalt at Chandler Traditional Academy Independence. Frank Fletcher, the associate superintendent for facilities, said it is long overdue. “This one definitely needs replacement,” Fletcher said. “There is no asphalt. A lot of rock, there’s a lot of fine particles, you really don’t see any sealer, you see the rock and the asphalt. This one is definitely beyond repair.” The board also okayed $237,000 to paint the metal canopies at Perry High School. Fletcher said all the metal doors

“Each school district is required to self-report this” Betz said. “There’s no data that verifies the average teacher salary. There is no definition of what a teacher is so we do not know which staff members are being included in each individual school district’s calculation for their average teacher salary.” And, she said, GPS gives out the base salary without any stipends or performance pay, unlike Chandler Unified. “Chandler includes pay-for-performance dollars in their average teacher report to the department of ed on their budget every year,” Betz said. “I know that Chandler’s pay for performances is over $5,000 per teacher, just to give you a perspective of the dollar amount.” Using fiscal year 2021 figures, Gilbert’s average teacher pay was $54,303 for base salary only while CUSD’s was $61,825 with the performance pay. Higley Unified School District’s reported average teacher pay for that same fiscal year was $59,212, which included supplemental, performance and longevity pay. “My point is it’s just really difficult,”

Betz said. “We’re really comparing apples to oranges here. We just don’t know what the rationale is of what each individual school district was thinking when they populated their budget with this information.” Santa Cruz pointed out that GPS’s classification of teacher was quite different from other districts and asked if staff knew how the others defined teachers. Betz said she did not but she recently talked with someone from a peer district that included speech language pathologist and occupational therapists as classified personnel. GPS, on the other hand, classifies those workers as professional staff. She added that for the past four years, GPS has made it clear what it considers to be certified teachers, which includes academic coaches and instructional coaches. Wood asked if the performance pay and stipend were included in the average teacher pay, what would that figure look like. Finance Director Jackie Mattinen said

the average stipend and performance pay for certified staff was $3,300 in fiscal year 2021, bringing the pay that year up to $57,603. Wood added that the average pay is reflective of the retirement of long-time teachers with higher salaries. “We’ve seen that happen,” Wood said. “Maybe all other districts have, I don’t know but we definitely have and so that affects the average salary compared to when we hire new teachers. There’s a difference in that average salary.” She also noted that a new law will require districts to show the total compensation package that will help GPS “define what other benefits we have compared to other districts.” “It’s really important to us is to have really competitive salaries for all of our positions,” Wood said. “We’ve worked on that for the last couple years and are dedicated to that.” Santa Cruz said because the district website publicizes the base salary, perhaps it could also include the $3,300 average stipend amount and the general

benefits package dollar amount. “It does impact our recruitment/retention opportunities,” he said. “I want to mitigate that impact because the first glance is, ‘Well, I’m going to go to x rather than to Gilbert.” Wood asked if the district should change the way it reported out pay. McCord said staff could put together a graph that might show average teacher pay and another with the benefits. “I think our benefits are better than most surrounding districts when it comes to insurance,” he said. Humpherys suggested also adding in the average years of teaching in the district. Betz also said how many days a teacher is expected to work figures into the “same salary in comparison to all the other school districts in the surrounding areas.” McCord agreed, saying in some districts, teachers work five more days and are getting more money but their daily average salary is actually less than what they would probably earn in GPS.

BY KEN SAIN GSN Staff Writer

RAISES from page 10

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | APRIL 10, 2022

EV fire districts raising alarm on money woes BY SCOTT SHUMAKER GSN Staff Writer

ikers, boaters, horseback riders and even BASE jumpers get into dangerous situations in the national forest just outside Mesa and just like in the city, emergency responders rush to the scene to help. While the EMTs who fish people off ledges and shock hearts in the backcountry have the same qualifications as rescuers inside town limits, there’s often a subtle difference: the words “fire district” rather than “fire department” are emblazoned on their uniforms and vehicles. The distinction between a fire department and fire district is not obvious, but local firefighters say it means a lot for access to resources. Fire districts are special taxing districts formed by voters to add fire and medical service in places where none exists – often in unincorporated communities or smaller cities and towns. They are funded by secondary property taxes and governed by local boards of directors. Fire departments, on the other hand, are part of a city or town government, and are funded from city coffers. In recent years, city budgets have benefitted from robust sales tax revenue and generous aid packages connected to the pandemic. Bryan Jeffries, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona, said fire districts have been missing out on the boom times while dealing with extra burdens. In the midst of COVID, climate change and economic growth, costs and calls for service are increasing while fire districts’ revenue is staying comparatively flat, slowly pushing some fire districts to the brink, he said. “Fire districts are in a total crisis. We have myriads of our fire districts out there that are running dangerously low staffing levels, and those staffing levels make a dramatic difference on response times,” Jeffries said. About 2,500 of Arizona’s 7,500 professional firefighters work for the state’s

Members of Superstition Fire and Medical District Station 263 include, from left, Capt. John Walka, Brady Harmon, Sophie Boukatch and Rob McMinn. (David Minton/Tribune Staff Photog-

rapher)

154 fire districts. While smaller than the state’s municipal fire departments in terms of people and budgets, fire districts play an outsized role in responding to calls in rural areas where Arizonans go to play or travel. The Superstition Fire & Medical District, which covers 70 square miles east of Mesa and includes Canyon Lake, the Superstition Mountains and the U.S. 60 corridor, is feeling recent funding limitations. SFMD Chief John Whitney said his firefighters are “phenomenal,” but stunted budgets make it hard to hire and train firefighters and update facilities. “We have some facilities just in unacceptable shape in my opinion,” he said. Whitney previously served with the Scottsdale Fire Department, and he said the difference in resources between fire districts and municipal fire departments is “shocking.” “I would say the districts operate on the bare bones mentality” compared to municipal departments. “You miss out on a lot of the innovations of technology. It’s just a different context at the end of the day.” Jeffries blamed a combination of factors for what he views as today’s severe underfunding for Arizona’s fire districts. He noted that a referendum passed in 2012, Prop 117, capped increases in the taxable value of residential properties at

5% per year. The resolution passed when property values were still sitting near the bottom of a dip following the Great Recession, Jeffries said, so fire district revenue has been anemic even as real estate values have boomed and service calls increased. Adding salt to the wound, he added, COVID brought extra hardship to fire districts, but they didn’t get direct relief. “Our districts got slaughtered by COVID, and unlike cities, received no federal relief at all,” he said. Some fire districts have gone to county governments for help covering extra COVID expenses, but not every district has gotten it. Whitney said his district has not received help from Pinal County yet for the $900,000 extra the district spent to meet the demands of the pandemic. “It’s the death by a thousand paper cuts,” Whitney said of increased costs and stagnant revenue. “Even with the housing market the way it is, I’ve heard of districts that have had decreases in their net assessed value. … It’s just constantly struggling just to maintain with the growth.” Fire districts have a few levers to pull to compensate for budget strains, including raising their property tax rates up to 3.25% and requesting bond approval for capital improvements. But advocates say if assessed property

values stay low compared to a district’s demand for service, these measures provide limited help. After years of discouraging efforts to increase fire district funding, the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona wants to put a .1% state-wide sales tax to fund fire districts on the next ballot as an initiative. Jeffries estimated the tax increase, which would sunset after 20 years, would net $150 million to $200 million annually for fire districts. Jeffries said the PFFA, which represents firefighters in both departments and districts, is going to bat for the fire districts “because we all work together, (and) as firefighters we care about our citizens regardless of what city or county they reside in.” PFFA filed an initiative petition with the Arizona Secretary of State in October, but Jeffries said the group hopes the Legislature will vote to put the measure on the next November ballot. “Thresholds to get on the ballot are so high,” Jeffries said of the 237,000 signatures needed to put the Arizona Fire District Safety Act on the ballot. “That is a tough, tough number to get to.” But the legislative route is not easy, either. Legislators are “less likely to pass a tax measure in an election year,” he said, but “when it comes to public safety, we think that politics should be pushed aside.” The measure, currently championed by Glendale’s Sen. Paul Boyer (District-20), received a boost last month when it passed the Senate’s Committee on Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs. At the March 21 hearing, Aimee Yentes, vice president of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club and vice mayor of Gilbert, argued against the legislature putting the sales tax on the ballot. Among her reasons, Yentes said there would be no oversight over how fire districts spend the new sales tax revenue other than their local boards. She viewed that as bad financial management and a taxation without representation issue.

see FIREFIGHTERS page 16

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | APRIL 10, 2022

HOMES from page 4

about the width of the road that’s going to come in there to get the access.” Access would be provided via an easement that would connect to Lindsay Road through an existing shared driveway for one of the existing homes, according to the applicant. The easement would be dedicated to the town. Perry Kastanis, who lives about half a mile south east of the site, said the surrounding homes are on acre lots. “We bought in this area, as do my neighbors buy in this area, because of lot size,” he said. “We bought here for the space. We bought here for the lifestyle that is supported with it. There is no guarantee that this won’t be two-story or other higher properties in here.” Kastanis also raised concerns of setting precedence for future projects. “I am fervently asking you reject this idea,” he said. “We need to maintain the SF-43 size as it’s been the case for eons.” Planner Kristen Devine said a virtual neighborhood meeting was held June 14 attended by a few residents, who didn’t voice a lot of concerns but expressed the

desire for single-story homes only and for lots along the western portion of the project to be 43,000 square feet to provide a buffer with the existing homes there. “It’s important to note that originally the applicant did want 14 lots,” Devine said. “But due to the shape of the parcel, minimal lot dimension requirements, the access and the roadway requirements from both traffic and fire, 14 lots were just not working and they did drop a lot to create 13 conforming lots.” She said staff worked extensively with the applicant in three application meetings to configure the lots so that they would work in the space Commissioner William Fay noted that two-story homes were currently allowed in the current SF-43 zone by right and if the town were to deny the request to increase the density, two-story buildings could be built now. Devine said under both SF-45 and SF35 buildings are allowed to be as high as 35 feet tall. Commissioner Tyler Jones asked why

staffs supported the change in zoning. “In May of last year, the two lots just to the south of this vacant parcel were also rezoned to SF-35,” Devine said. “We tried to work out a layout with SF-43 and it just wasn’t working with costs for making money back. The SF-35 lots just seemed to work better with the layout. We don’t recommend that it goes any lower than that.” Jessica Sarkissian with Upfront Planning said the lots would be sold off as semi-custom individually and stressed that the proposal was for one more unit. She also said the request is compatible with the Town’s General Plan. “We did hammer it through several times trying to get things to work and then ended up reducing the zoning to get to the dedications,” Sarkissian said. “That’s basically where we are at.” Jones questioned if the proposal really fit the General Plan of zero-to-one dwelling unit per acre for the area. “We are at 1.05,” responded Sarkissian. Vice Chairman Noah Mundt said

too much time was being spent talking about the number of lots when that was not the issue at hand but rather the rezone. He said if the rezone was approved, the applicant would then present a site plan that would have the number of lots. Commissioners in general expressed support for the request. “As the applicant pointed out, they are only requesting one additional lot,” Commissioner Brian Andersen said. “I think this is a good area for an infill project. I think it fits in well with the surrounding area.” Jones, the sole dissenter in recommending approval to council, said he saw no justification for the rezone and that a majority of the surrounding properties are zoned SF-43.

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GRADUATION from page 12

at the school that opened in 2007 are currently peeling. He said they all need to be sandblasted and painted. In addition, all the door frames and windows need to be done. He said it is too big a project to do internally, so they are recommending hiring an outside company to do it.

GRADUATIONS

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FIREFIGHTERS from page 14

She also thought it was bad precedent to help fire districts create a new tax, and it might encourage other groups to try the same. Finally, she said the Legislature should reserve the power of taxation for legislators, rather than the voters of Arizona through direct elections. But most of the committee was sympathetic to the problem, with some legislators sharing personal stories of extremely long emergency response times in rural areas. The committee passed the resolution to add the Fire District Safety Act to the next initiative election with one member absent and another voting present, and the bill now heads to the Arizona House Rules Committee. For Jeffries, the extra penny on a $10 meal is a good investment. “Not having adequate staffing has a dramatic impact on mortality” in fire and medical responses, he said, noting that fire districts play a role in battling wildland fires, which are a growing hazard,” he said.

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Gilbert native completes stint on historic ship GSN NEWS STAFF

Gilbert native has completed a three-year stint serving the Navy aboard a historic battleship. Master-at-Arms 1st Class Richard Hagerty got a farewell salute from officers and crew after completing his tour aboard USS Constitution on March 31. “I appreciate my time aboard USS Constitution,” said Hagerty. “The bonds I made with shipmates here are everlasting.” Hagerty, a 2005 graduate of Mesquite High School, has served in the Navy for 13 years. His previous duty stations include USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Naval Base Kitsap Harbor, Washington; Harbor Patrol Unit, Bahrain; and the Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific-Bangor Harbor Patrol

Master-at-Arms 1st Class Richard Hagerty got a farewell salute from officers and crew after completing his tour aboard USS Constitution. (US Navy)

Unit, Washington State. USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat, played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855. The ship earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the War of 1812, after British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship’s wooden hull. USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and captured or destroyed 33 enemy vessels. “Duty aboard USS Constitution is one of the Navy’s special programs, and all prospective crewmembers must meet a high standard of sustained excellence and interview to be selected for the assignment,” a Navy spokesman said.

see SAILOR page 19

EV Assistance League has big hopes for casino night BY SARAH AUFFRET GSN Staff Writer

embers of Assistance League of East Valley are gearing up for their annual fundraiser, “Rolling on the High Seas” Casino Night on April 30 at Oakwood Country Club in Sun Lakes. Their goal is not only to raise money for East Valley school children and families, but to bring in new members to the group, according to Marsha Calhoun of Chandler, chair for the event. “We are a small but mighty group of volunteers who have a major impact in the community,” she said. “We provided new school uniforms and clothes to over 10,000 children in six East Valley school districts last year, and we donated 4,500 assault survivor kits to hospitals, fire and police departments. We supplied

Getting revved up for their casino night are Assistance League fo East Valley members, from left, Carolyn Larsen, Marsha Calhoun and Sue Niesz. (Special to GSN)

clothes and food to homeless teens and provided 13 college scholarships last year. “We are passionate about what we do, and we have a great time together. The impact of what we do is so far-reaching, but we could do so much more if more people knew about us.” The league, which has no paid staff, raises funds through their upscale thrift shop at 2326 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler, as well as through grants and donations. Many members say working a shift at the thrift shop is one of their favorite activities, greeting regular shoppers who line up outside the door. The shop is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. “Rolling on the High Seas” Casino

see LEAGUE page 19

COMMUNITY

EV teen inventor gets national nod BY KEN SAIN GSN Staff Writer

risha Shroff may need to brush up on patent law if she keeps on inventing at the pace she’s currently on. The Hamilton High School freshman can already claim four inventions, including one that won a national award. Not bad for a 15-year-old. All of her inventions to date are to solve problems that she witnessed or heard about. NASA is having a problem with its rovers running out of power on Mars, Prisha has a solution for that. The family comes home from a trip to find its backyard flooded by the swimming pool, there’s a fix for that. Drones are running out of power after only about 10 minutes of flight, she’s got a plan for that. But the one she won the $10,000 national Broadcom Foundation Lemelson Award for Invention came after seeing a wildfire shut down a highway in Los Angeles. Her invention is an artificial intelligence program that predicts hotspots and then deploys a drone to spray fire retardant in an effort to stop wildfires before they start. “Some of my friends had to evacuate their homes,” Prisha said. “Houses were destroyed, and the air pollution at that time was so bad that we weren’t suppose to step outside. That really inspired me, we needed to make a change and prevent these wildfires.” Last month, Prisha was one of 100 students selected from around the country to attend the Disney Dreamers Academy at DisneyWorld in Florida. Prisha’s personal motto might explain where all this ambition is coming from: “To be curious, to dream big, and to never give up,” she said. “Don’t just hope it happens, you should strive to make it happen.”

Obituaries 480-898-6465 • obits@timespublications.com Deadline: Wednesday by 5pm for Sunday

Patricia Morison-Holmes

Our dear Patti passed away last fall after a brief battle with cancer. It was her wish that no public announcement be made at that time. She was a hard worker both in her studies (earning her BS & MS in psychology at NAU) and career. She worked for the Tempe Elementary School District and Flagstaff Unified School District as a school psychologist. She then worked as an administrative assistant at Killip Elementary School, MSI, and NAU's Communication Science and Disorders department. She enjoyed music, wine group, her book club, church group, cooking, her pets, and traveling. She always enjoyed bringing yummy treats into work for all to share. She is preceded in death by her husband Chuck Holmes, survived by her sister Celeste, brother-in-law Brian Holmes, numerous cousins..." and the most wonderful group of supportive fun and loving friends." In lieu of flowers one can donate to High Country Humane, 11665 N. US-89 Flagstaff, AZ, 86004 or Food for the Poor, 6401 Lyons Rd., Coconut Creek, FL, 33073. A celebration of life open house will be held from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm on May 14, 2022 at The Kilted Cat / Serendipity, 2640 W Kiltie Ln, Flagstaff, A Z , U S A . R S V P : p a m h 1 3 8 3 @g m a i l . c o m Sign the Guestbook at: obituaries.EastValleyTribune.com

Deadline for obituaries is Wednesday at 5pm for Sunday. All obituaries will be approved by our staff prior to being activated. Be aware there may be early deadlines around holidays.

Roberto Ramon Denogean

Roberto Ramon Denogean was born on August 31, 1960 and gained his Angel Wings on March 30, 2022. He was the youngest of eight children. He enjoyed everything outdoors including camping, gardening, fishing, etc. He loved all types of music and watching old westerns and tv shows such as MASH and Andy Griffin. Ramon is survived by his siblings, Angie Denogean, Minnie Denogean, Miguel/Cathi Denogean, Norma Campillo, Margie Real, Marcella Preciado and many nieces, nephews and godchildren. He was also known as Tata Mon to some of his nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Federico and Maria Denogean and brothers Freddie and David Denogean.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | APRIL 10, 2022

Geraldine Alice DeJohn

Geraldine originally of Muskegon Heights, Michigan peacefully transitioned to her eternal home on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Geri, as she was affectionately known, was born in the family home on Highland Avenue to Eleanor (Humphreys) and George Bringedahl. Geri loved the Lord and was a lifetime member at the Lutheran Church. Geri will be remembered for her fun and loving personality and for the many friendships she built. Geri joined the Cadet Nurse Corp at Henry Ford Hospital in 1944 during World War II. She graduated from Ford Nursing School in 1947. In June of 1949 Geri and Alvi DeJohn were married and lived in the Muskegon area for 14 years. They moved to Arizona with their 3 children in 1963. Geri earned her Bachelor’s in Nursing at NAU while working at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn. She retired from Scottsdale Healthcare after over 20 years of service. Geri loved to travel with friends and family. She especially loved her trips to Hawaii, Alaska, and Norway. She loved learning new things – rafting on the Colorado River, Skiing, Golfing. She enjoyed bible study, quilting, Tai Chi and had a lifelong love of playing bridge. Those left to cherish her memory include her children Sharon Miller, Diane Rogers, and Daniel DeJohn with wife Melanie Norton; her sister Carol Collier of Seaford, Virginia; her grandchildren Tricia Courchesne and husband Paul, Matthew Miller, Celeste Rogers, Jennifer Miller, Todd Rogers and wife Michelle, Keith Miller and Spencer DeJohn and wife Jessica; 10 greatgrandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and her many loved nieces, nephews and friends. Geri is preceded in death by her husband Alvi; her parents George and Eleanor; her brothers George and Dick Bringedahl; her sisters Eleanor Wachsmuth and Ruth Bringedahl; and her great-grandchild Travis Courchesne. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix, AZ 85014 – or - Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation, Attn: Memorial Giving Program, 2901 N. Central Avenue, Suite 160, Phoenix, AZ 85012. A memorial will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 739 W. Erie St. Chandler, Arizona 85225 on Monday, April 11, 2022 at 11:00AM. Condolences may be expressed at whitneymurphy funeralhome.com

GILBERT SUN NEWS | APRIL 10, 2022

LEAGUE from page 17

Night will combine cruise ship fun with live music, a silent auction, buffet dinner of herb crusted beef tenderloin and lemon butter chicken, and table games run by professional dealers. A $75 ticket will also entitle guests to a free champagne reception and $500 in casino play money. Michael Pollack of Michael A. Pollack Real Estate Investments is title sponsor for this year’s event. Pollack has been a longtime supporter of Assistance League of East Valley, providing muchneeded funding and other support. Two special auction items will be oneof-a-kind jewelry designed by Michael’s Creative Jewelry and tickets to a Keith Urban concert Sept. 8 at Footprint Center. This exceptional night will include

parking, a suite, and food. Other auction items include cooking lessons at Malee’s Thai Bistro, golf packages, jewelry, artwork, Gammage and Cardinals tickets, a wine tour at Page Springs Cellars, gift baskets and tickets to many other events. Doors open at 5 p.m. for the champagne reception, with dinner at 6 p.m. at Oakwood Country Club, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd., Sun Lakes. Reservations for the event are due by April 20 and are available online at assistanceleague.org/ east-valley/rolling-on-the-high-seascasino-night or by mail or in person at their thrift shop. For more information, contact Mary Louise Lansbarkis at 480-895-7938 or Marsha Calhoun at mcalhoun430@ yahoo.com.

The active-duty sailors stationed aboard USS Constitution normally provide free tours and offer public visitation to more than 600,000 people each year

as they support the ship’s mission of promoting the Navy’s history, maritime heritage, and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence.

SAILOR from page 17

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Valley home price increases likely for months BY PAUL MARYNIAK GSN Executive Editor

he Valley’s housing market appears to be becoming even more frustrating for homebuyers, judging by some of the recent reports by the leading analyst of home price trends in the Phoenix Metro region. In recent weeks, the Cromford Report said: • Building permits issued for apartments are soaring well above those issued for single-family homes; • Single-family homes on average sold for more than the list price in 28 of 29 Valley submarkets; • Phoenix for the 32nd consecutive month led the nation in year-overyear average home price increases in January; • The annual average price per-squarefoot last month continued to march toward a record $300 and already has hit a 20-year high of $289.76. • The portion of the Valley market in distress because of lagging mortgage payments is the smallest ever seen and “having absolutely no impact whatsoever on market pricing.” In looking at building permits pulled in February from Maricopa and Pinal county municipalities, Cromford said, “Multi-family permits are some 60% higher than the long-term typical count of 10,000 per year.” Currently, the annual rate is over 16,100. And while single-family permits for Maricopa and Pinal counties totaled 3,155 in February – the highest total since April 2021 – “it is not higher than the long-term typical rate since 1996,” it said. “We saw a collapse in permit counts in 2008 which recovered very slowly,” Cromford said. “The lull lasted until 2020. But typical monthly rates between

This home on South Portland Avenue in Gilbert recently sold for $2 million. The 5,249-square-foot, five-bedroom, six bath house was built in 2014 and boasted a number of luxury amenities – including a 19th century French spiral staircase that goes nowhere. (Special to GSN)

This 5,137-square-foot house on East Vermont Drive in Gilbert recently sold for $1.4 million. Built in 2013, the two-story, six-bedroom, 4 ½-bath house is adjacent to a creek and a lake and had been vacant for five years. (Special to GSN) 1996 and 2007 were around 3,000 and they have resumed at that level since 2020. “The overall picture is that multi-family permits are well above normal while single-family permits are at a normal level.”

But the “normal level” means the region’s tight single-family home inventory remains a problem – and why Realtor.com warns of a continuing rise in prices. “Home prices continue to rise because

housing demand outpaces housing supply,” says Danielle Hale, chief economist of Realtor.com. “And the way the market balances that is by pushing prices up.” Added Cromford: “Demand has faded but only by a slight amount while supply remains extremely low and new listings are dropping further. The level of imbalance in the market remains enough to keep prices rising for many months to come, though we expect the third quarter to slow, due to the change in mix that almost always occurs during the hottest months.” Forbes magazine last week said don’t blame builders. “The median single-family house price in metro Phoenix increased $100,000 in 2021 and is continuing to increase crazy fast in 2022, according to Phoenix MLS data,” Forbes said. “Almost everyone agrees the main culprit for our skyrocketing house prices in Phoenix and the United States is the extremely low number of houses for sale. What we don’t agree on is what’s causing the low supply of houses for sale.” Instead, Forbes blames investors, “In the hottest real estate market in the country, Phoenix, the supply of single-family houses for sale would have been back to pre-COVID levels by the end of 2021 – except that investors bought a lot more houses in 2021 than they did before,” Forbes said. “One national, long-term, systemic cause is that real estate investors get huge tax breaks that live-in owners don’t get. Landlords naturally buy a lot more houses because of those tax breaks,” it contended, suggesting an end be put to those breaks. For now, Cromford foresees more of the same for housing prices in the Valley

see MARKET page 22

GILBERT SUN NEWS | APRIL 10, 2022

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As rents increase, eviction rates lower than 2019 GSN NEWS STAFF

victions in March in Maricopa County hit a 10-year high for March but the pace of those legal actions is still 9% behind pre-pandemic 2019. “There has been a gradual increase in eviction filings since the CDC Order expired last August,” said Scott Davis, public information director for the Maricopa County Justice Courts. “This is what the Maricopa County Justice Courts expected all along, despite dire predictions of a so-called ‘tsunami.’” Still, Davis said, the 4,700 eviction cases filed in March meant “this was the busiest March we’ve had in a decade.” A group of faculty and student researchers at Princeton University offered more analysis of eviction trends in the county in their blog, evictionlab.org. Confirming that “eviction filings in Maricopa County fell sharply in April 2020 and have remained below historical averages,” evictionlab.org reported last week that a fifth of all eviction filings since the pandemic began have involved just 10 buildings. Of those, eight are in Phoenix and one each are in Mesa and Cave Creek, it said. The eviction trends come at a time when rents continue to rise in the county at record rates. Rent.com reported that nationally, year-over-year in February, rents nationally had increased 7.8% for sin-

Year-over-year one-bedroom rent in Phoenix in February rose 8.2% – slightly lower than Tucson’s 9.2% increase in the same time period, according to rent.com. Rent.com attributed a significant part of spiraling rent increases to decreased supply, illustrated by the U.S. Census Bureau’s report that apartment vacancy rates by the end of last year have fallen to their lowest in 37 years. “Increasing rents, pandemic-related financial issues, rising inflation and a lack of rental options forced many renters to stay in their current homes,” it said. “A competitive housing market prevented other renters from becoming home buyers. Maricopa County Justice Courts spokesman Scott Davis said this chart shows eviction trends since That strained the apart2019, which is used as a baseline because it was the last full year when there were no pandemicrelated rental assistance programs. ment supply even more.” It also said the latest gle-family houses, 24.4% for one-bedFor one-bedroom apartments, rent. vacancy rate of 5.6% isn’t too far away room apartments and 21.8% for com said, Chandler and Mesa had the from the lowest rate in history – 5%, two-bedroom units. second-highest and 10th-highest per- which has occurred only in seven quarRent.com is run by redfin, a Seat- centage rent increases in the country, ters since the Census Bureau started le-based real estate brokerage. respectively. It reported a 50.8% tracking that rate in 1956. The overall annual increase in rent overall increase in Chandler and a For comparison, the highest vacancy between 2020 and 2021 in Arizona 30.6% hike in Mesa. Only Long Beach, rate in history nationally was 11.1%, was a staggering 49.4% for a one-bed- California, had a higher year-to-year which occurred in 2019 when the room unit and 45% for a two-bedroom increase in one-bedroom rent with Great Recession sparked widespread apartment, according to the website. foreclosures and empty houses 56.7%.

MARKET from page 20

for months to come: “The market is continuing to cool, though at a glacial pace which would take many years to reach balance.” Buttressing that observation was its look at the average square-foot price of $289 on March 15 – up 4.5% from a month earlier, it said. “The astonishing increase was even outside the upper bound of our 90% confidence interval,” Cromford stated. “The monthly average $/SF can often

vary by as much as 1% from day to day, but we clearly experienced a colossal increase in average price per square foot over the past month. In fact, pricing has increased 8.2% since the start of the year, equivalent to an annual rate of 39%.” Cromford predicted that square-foot price could hit $302 by next week. “If this forecast holds true,” it said, “then we will have seen prices increase by 9% in just two months – or an annual rate of 54%.”

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DJ Barrett making immediate impact for Mesquite BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor

J Barrett admittedly felt defeated through the first half of the spring baseball season. He was forced to sit through 20 games after his hardship was denied by the Arizona Interscholastic Association. So, the transfer from Hamilton could only sit back and support his new teammates at Mesquite while waiting for his opportunity to contribute on the field. That moment finally came Tuesday, March 29 against Seton Catholic. “Honestly, I was ecstatic,” Barrett said. “To come out here with a new family, I thought it was going to be a little less exciting. But it turned out to be one of the best games I’ve ever had. I love these guys. It was a special feeling.” In Barrett’s first game action he went 3 for 4 with two home runs and 5 RBI. His first home run came on his first appearance at the plate this season. He was never nervous for the at bat, or any of them for that matter. He always sings “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone when walking to the plate. It’s the song his mother used to always sing to him and has become his go-to to help him stay relaxed when at the plate. It worked for him yet again in Mesquite’s 16-5 win over Seton Catholic in his first game action of the season. Three days later, the Wildcats again defeated Seton Catholic in an extra-inning affair. “That song means family to me,” Barrett said. “We listen to it all the time now too in our cars, we’ll all sing it and vibe. But it’s one of those things that I can look back on and it has a lot of meaning.” Barrett said that first home run of the season was emotional for him. As he rounded the bases, he was met by senior infielder Kyree Gatewood, who he has played ball with since they were 2 or 3 years old. Gatewood is also a transfer from Ham-

Mesquite senior DJ Barrett spent the first half of the baseball season in the dugout cheering on his new team after transferring to Hamilton. He itched for the opportunity to finally play and when it came, he made the most of it with two home runs. (Dave Minton/GSN Staff)

ilton but didn’t have to sit out the season. Not only is Gatewood happy to be reunited with Barrett, but he’s also happy his friend managed to finally make the type of impact that will only make Mesquite better. “He’s only played two games so far, but he’s been electric,” Gatewood said. “It’s just awesome to see him out here. It’s always fun playing with him. He is a big energy person. If the dugout is quiet, he’s the one you’ll hear. “From a best friend view, it was hard seeing (half the season) get taken away from him. All he tells me about is how much he wants to be successful. After the Seton game I texted him and told him how proud I was of him.” Barrett said his transfer to Hamilton was fueled by a move out of the Chandler district. He also sought an opportunity to make the type of impact he did against Seton Catholic before the end of his high school career. His sophomore season was cut short due to the pandemic. As a junior, he played

He’s led the Wildcats to five state title games during his tenure. Of those appearances, they’ve won twice, with the most recent having come last season. Barrett and Gatewood already had a championship mindset when transferring to Mesquite. Now they aim to help the WildMesquite coach Jeff Holland said Barrett adds a spark to the cats repeat in any way lineup and on the mound. He said Barrett, along with his best they can. friend Kyree Gatewood who also transferred from Hamilton, “I made a bet with have brought a new sense of urgency to a program chasing a them,” Barrett said second straight title. (Dave Minton/GSN Staff) with a smile. “If we in nine games for the Huskies and made get a ring this year, I would have to shave five appearances at the plate. He also was my head and go to school the next day. It on the mound for 2.1 innings and record- would mean the absolute world (to win). We want it really bad this year. We’re goed a strikeout. In four innings so far this season for ing to work for it, that’s for sure.” Including tournament games, Mesquite Mesquite, he’s already recorded five strikeouts. Wildcats coach Jeff Holland is 14-8-1 on the season as of Wednesday, said his ability to also have big at bats April 6. Most of the Wildcats’ losses have will be key for the rest of the season. That come against opponents in high confercame from months of preparation for his ences, including those ranked in the top five or 10. first game. They’re currently third in the 4A Con“He’s the kind of guy that can come up to the plate and hit it out any time he ference rankings with only a handful of wants,” Holland said. “At the next level he games remaining over the course of the is going to go as a pitcher, but I told him next two weeks. They’re in position to seI would give him an opportunity to swing cure the region title and host at least two the bat. He’s really worked on his swing home playoff games later this month and from January until now. I’ve been really into May. But they know it won’t be easy. Mesquite has a target on its back this impressed.” Barrett and Gatewood were both wel- season. Every opponent the Wildcats face comed to the Mesquite program with want to knock off the defending champiopen arms. They have both played with on. But it’s up to some of their key players, and against some players at the club level including Barrett and Gatewood, to not allow that to happen. for years. “It’s all about grit, hard work and dedThey both said the overall mindset of the program is much like that of Hamilton, ication,” Barrett said. “We know what we where they were among as many as nine are fighting for. We know we have a target Division I commits and one of the best on our backs, and we want to keep that target. We want people to put their ace coaches in the state in Mike Woods. But Holland is among the best as well. against us. We like that.”

GILBERT SUN NEWS | APRIL 10, 2022

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Vote us Best OB/GYN in this year’s Best of Gilbert!

“Never been in an office where I felt so comfortable and so listened to. Thank you so much!”

~patient Christina

We have all female OB/GYN doctors, certified nurse practitioners, certified physican assistants, and certified nurse midwives.

3 East Valley Hospitals

We provide 24/7 call groups at three excellent hospitals: Mercy Gilbert, Chandler Regional, and Banner Gateway

www.valleywomenfor women.com Text or Call 480-782-0993

GET OUT

OR U F E T O

GILBERT SUN NEWS | APRIL 10, 2022

With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Contributor

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE 26

Take a dip with Muhammara for your Easter Brunch

ake it from the queen of snacking; this dip is to die for! As I was preparing to teach a Middle Eastern cooking class this week, I came across this hidden gem called Muhammara Dip, made with roasted red peppers and walnuts and served with pita chips and crudités. Oh, my! What a delicious and simple treat that will be perfect for your Easter Brunch or summer pool parties. It’s now one of my go-to dips and I hope it’ll be yours, too.

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Ingredients: 4-5 slices of bread (enough to make 1 cup of bread crumbs) 2 TBSP butter ½ tsp garlic salt ½ tsp black pepper 2 large red bell peppers 4 TBSP extra-virgin olive oil, divided ¼ lb (1 cup) shelled walnuts, toasted 1 garlic clove, roughly chopped 2½ TBSP tomato paste 2 TBSP pomegranate molasses 1 tsp red pepper flakes 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp salt ½ tsp cayenne pepper For dipping:

Assortment of sliced veggies like carrots, cucumbers, celery and Belgium endive Pita bread or pita chips Preheat a standard oven to 425 degrees. (If using an air-fryer oven, this step is not necessary.) Line a sheet pan with foil. In a bowl, combine bread cubes, 2 tablespoons melted butter, garlic salt and pepper. With a spoon or your hands, mix until well combined and bread cubes have absorbed the butter. Grease a large shallow skillet with cooking spray and place over medium high heat. Add the bread cubes and cook until toasted on all sides. Let cool slightly. Using a food processor, pulse bread to a fine crumb. Set aside. Brush the red peppers with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. For a conventional oven, roast the

red peppers on the lined sheet pan at 425 degrees for about 20 minutes or until charred on all sides. (In an air-fryer convection oven at 400 degrees, place the red peppers in the air fryer basket with the lined sheet pan below. Cook for about 10 minutes or until pepper are charred.) Remove from the oven and place the peppers in a bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap for 15 minutes. (This step makes the peppers easier to peel.) When cool enough to handle, peel the skin off the peppers, remove the seeds and slice the peppers into strips. In a food processor, combine the roasted red pepper strips with 3 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, walnuts, tomato paste, 1 cup of bread crumbs, pomegranate molasses, Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes, sugar, salt and cayenne. Blend into a smooth paste. Transfer to a serving bowl. When ready to serve, top the dip with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, and garnish with a little more walnuts and fresh parsley. Serve at room temperature or just slightly chilled with pita bread, pita chips or crudités. (Muhammara Dip can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week.) Serves 4

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JOBS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | APRIL 10, 2022

To Advertise Call:

480 898 6465

GET THE JOB

Do You Need a Résumé Writer?

Maybe you’ve struggled to get a call back, or have simply grown bored with your own life story. Maybe you got a peek at some of other candidate submissions on a potential employer’s desk, and found your résumé lacking. If so, hiring a professional writer might help energize your job search. It’s easy to let hours spent staring at a blank page turn into days. Or maybe you’ve started writing and can’t seem to edit everything down into a digestible document that sells your candidacy to its fullest potential. In either case, a new collaborator can have a huge impact. Here’s how to decide whether you need a résumé writer: WHAT THEY DO Professional writers can create a customized résumé that fits any new job search. You can secure their services via for-profit companies, but you may also find that your local junior college or university offers résumé writing for current students or alumni. If you hire someone, ask about

for success. Those details provide peace of mind, and that might also spark a few ideas of your own.

their Certified Professional Résumé Writer designation. CPRW-certified professionals have undergone an extensive training program that focuses on new trends in hiring, document formatting, personal brand management and technical writing — all key elements in creating a successful résumé for a competitive job market. RESEARCH YOUR OPTIONS Beyond those credentials, seek out recommendations from other satisfied clients — in particular those who work in your job sector. Check a potential writer’s LinkedIn page for positive reviews and endorsements. If you have someone in mind already, request this material from them directly — and be specific. You’re looking for concrete

information on how this potential search partner helped position others

LET’S GET STARTED Remember to talk price early on. Arrive with a budget number in mind, since only you know what you’re comfortable with allocating for this part of your search. As with any service, be wary of anyone who doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee should you be dissatisfied with the results. Next discuss your work history and personal goals, and how they fit in with the current market. A professional résumé writer may also be able to improve on any specific opinions you have about formatting or style.

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McDowell and Miller Road • (480) 947-9901 Apply at: 7607 E. McDowell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

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OR CONTACT OUR MANAGER AT SHAYES@VERNLEWIS.COM | 602-633-7481

GILBERT SUN NEWS | APRIL 10, 2022

BIG

CMC Steel Arizona makes the steel that builds America and we’re growing - building an innovative, state-of-the-art micro mill in Mesa!

Steelmaker Program, a 12-month rotational technical training program that teaches you everything you need to know about sustainable steelmaking. If you’re ready to grow in your career, you’re ready to join CMC. Visit us online to apply today!

jobs.cmc.com

JOBS

Ready for a challenge? We have current openings for our Modern

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Be a part of something

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | APRIL 10, 2022

To Advertise Call:

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ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT • In-Office Position • Health, Dental, Vision, Paid Vacations, Holidays, 401K and more • Full-Time Times Media Group is a digital and print media company operating in the Phoenix, Tucson, and Los Angeles markets. We have experienced significant growth in recent years due to our commitment to excellence when it comes to providing news to the communities we serve.

Apply today, upload your resume: TimesLocalMedia.com

GILBERT SUN NEWS | APRIL 10, 2022

Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Consulting, Senior Solution Specialist in Gilbert, AZ and various unanticipated Deloitte office locations and client sites nationally, to drive software testing and implementation services to help companies unlock the value of big technology investments, ranging from requirements to architecture, design to development, testing to deployment, and beyond as discrete services or comprehensive solutions in the insurance, financial services, healthcare, state and local government, telecom, and retail industries. 15% Travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL22FC0322GIL8291 in “Search jobs” field. EOE, including disability/veterans.

"Marketing Specialist. Duties: collect, analyze customer demographics; prep. campaigns for digital, print; analyze brand image, sales, web metrics. Reqs: HS, 1 yr exp. Salary: $35k annual. Mail resume to: MVB Title and Registration, 1300 S Watson Rd, A-107, Buckeye, AZ 85326

Senior Child Nutrition Specialist Mesa, AZ ISO Child Nutrition Specialist to travel throughout the US conducting audits on school nutritional programs. Must have either a masters degree in dietetics, nutrition, related field OR certification as Registered Dietician (RD), Certified Public Accountant CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) with a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, nutrition or related field. Must be willing to travel at least 1 week/month and be able to pass a comprehensive background check with fingerprints. Must be proficient with Office 365 and basic computer literacy. Must have experience with USDA Nutrition Programs. Apply with jneary@cnresource.com

Cleaning Specialists Needed Valleywide! • Full/Part time • Willing to work around your schedule • OT in some areas • Permanent positions • Pay $13.50 - $17.00

MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER

• Must pass background check • Must be authorized to work in the U.S. • Must bring two forms of Identiﬁcation for E-verify purposes

Apply at: 8930 N. 78th Ave., Peoria, AZ 85345

Call Jack, AZ Branch Manager • 520-458-2800

Call: 623-937-0000

Salary + Comission, Benefits, Vacation and Sick Time Times Media Group is the largest publisher of community news in Arizona. With a complete digital advertising suite and over 300,000 copies a week – our reach is a must-have for local businesses, and we offer advertising solutions to fit any business in any community! We are hiring inside advertising sales representatives to help with inbound and outbound sales. TMG has grown 500% in the past six years, and we expect this growth trajectory to continue. Come join us! Do you get excited when you sell? We get it - it’s exciting to sell! Do you have an interest in selling solutions and not just ads? If you are a fast learner, tech savvy and familiar with Google and other digital advertising solutions, you should contact us. If you want to learn how, we have you covered too! Will train. This is a full time job with the hours of 8:30-5pm Mon-Fri. in Tempe near the Broadway Curve.

Ahwatukee Chandler Gilbert Glendale Mesa North Valley Ocotillo Peoria Phoenix Scottsdale Tempe West Valley

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Need we say more? Contact us TODAY!

Please send your resume and cover letter to:

Elaine Cota, ecota@timespublications.com

EOE

To Advertise Call: 480-898-6465 or email Class@TimesPublications.com

JOBS

FIND YOUR PASSION

HIRING INSIDE SALES TEAM PLAYER IN TEMPE

Two decades later, Times Media Group publishes a growing collection of 30 titles, from hyper-local and state-wide magazines to award-winning newspapers and high-traffic websites. It also owns and operates AZ Integrated Media, a distribution and custom publishing company.

• Experienced & Licensed • Will Have Exclusive Area • Top Commissions

Great Company Back to Help Loans Go Through

Applications are being accepted Monday-Friday 9am-3:30pm

Times Media Group began in 1997 when founder Steve Strickbine left his job as a practicing CPA to pursue his dream of becoming a publishing entrepreneur. His first venture was Valley Times, an 8-page publication with a circulation of 5,000 that served the North Scottsdale community.

Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Consulting, Solution Specialist in Gilbert, Arizona & various unanticipated Deloitte office locations & client sites nationally to Provide software testing and implementation services to help companies unlock the value of technology investments, ranging from requirements to architecture, testing to deployment, and beyond as discrete services or comprehensive solutions in the insurance, financial services, healthcare, State and Local government, telecom, and retail industries. 15% travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL22FC0322GIL5398 in “Search jobs” field. EOE, including disability/veterans.

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Employment General

To Advertise Call:

480 898 6465

GILBERT SUN NEWS | APRIL 10, 2022

Employment General AMAZON.COM SERVICES LLC, an Amazon.com company - Tempe, Arizona: Software Development Manager: Own the design, architecture, development, testing, deployment, & delivery of large-scale, multi-tiered, distributed software applications, systems, platforms, services or technologies using Java, C++, service-oriented architecture, & distributed programming. Up to 15% domestic &/or international travel may be required. (AMZ6466). Multiple job openings. Apply online: www.amazon.jobs – search by AMZ6466. EOE.

Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Consulting, Solution Specialist in Gilbert, AZ & various unanticipated Deloitte office locations & client sites nationally to provide software development and implementation services to help companies unlock the value of technology investments, ranging from requirements to architecture, design to development, testing to deployment, and beyond as discrete services or comprehensive solutions. 15% travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL22FC0422GIL7335 in “Search jobs” field. EOE, including disability/veterans. Sr. Software Engineer for Recovery Database Network, Inc. (RDN) in Mesa, AZ. Req. Bachelor’s in Comp. Engr., Software Engr., Info. Sys., Info. Tech., Business Admin. Info. Sys., or related field & 5 yrs. exp. in software engr.; or Master’s in Comp. Engr., Software Engr., Info. Sys., Info. Tech., Business Admin. Info. Sys., or related field & 3 yrs. exp. in software engr. Must possess 2 yrs. exp. in the following: PHP, Java, & Javascript/HTML/CSS, Nginx or Apache; database exp. w/any 2 of the following: Mysql, PostgresSql, MSSql or other relational DB; Cloud services in either Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform; Microservice architecture, containerization, & virtualization; NoSQL platform such as Firebase, MongoDB, or DocumentDB; & Agile methodologies such as Scrum. RDN is a business unit of KAR Global. To apply, please visit https://www.karglobal.com/careers/, select Req. #R-242970. No agencies or phone calls please.

CALL CLASSIFIEDS

480-898-6465

We'll Get Your Phone to Ring! We Accept:

Ahwatukee Chandler Gilbert Glendale Mesa North Valley Ocotillo Peoria Phoenix Scottsdale Tempe West Valley

MetroPhoenixClassifieds com To Advertise Call: 480-898-6465 or email Class@TimesPublications.com Air Duct Cleaning

Announce

ments Meetings/Events

Air Duct Cleaning & Dryer Vents BY JOHN

Wanted to Buy

★ 30+ Years HVAC Experience

Diabetic Test Strips by the box, unused. Any type or brand. Will pay top dollar. Call Pat 480-323-8846

The Park at Copper Creek retirement home would like to invite you to a Visual Presentation honoring Earth Day. This presentation will be on display the month of April. 901 S. 94th St., Chandler

- WANTED GUITAR LESSONS I Would Like To Learn To Play Guitar. I Have Wooden Six-String Call 480-309-4548

First United Methodist Church of Mesa Chancel Choir Presents Director - Gavin Rittenhouse Good Friday, April 15 7:00PM 15 E. 1st Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210

Real Estate for Sale Manufactured Homes

THE LINKS ESTATES Why Rent The Lot When YOU CAN OWN THE LAND And Own Your New Home

Air Conditioning/Heating

★ Disinfected & Sanitized With Every Job

Family Owned & Operated

Three Phase Mechanical

(480) 912-0881 – Licensed & Insured

480-671-0833

Appliance Repairs

www.3phasemech.com Sales, Service & Installation

NO TRIP CHARGE • NOT COMMISSION BASED ACCREDITED BUSINESS

ROC# 247803 Bonded • Insured

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship New 3-Ton 14 SEER AC Systems Only $5,995 INSTALLED! New Trane Air Conditioners NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 MONTHS!

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Appliance Repair Now

If It’s Broken, We Can Fix It! • Same Day Service • On-Site Repairs • Servicing All Major Brands • Quality Guaranteed

We Also Buy, Sell & Trade Used Appliances Working or Not

480-659-1400 Licensed & Insured CHECK US OUT

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Cleaning Services

Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252

FROM THE UPPER 200’s

ASK US HOW YOUR $150k-180k CASH INVESTMENT AND OUR SENIOR LOAN PROGRAM ENABLES QUALIFIED 62+ SENIORS MAKING THE LINKS THEIR PRIMARY RESIDENCE HAVE NO MORTGAGE PAYMENT & NO LOT RENT AS LONG AS YOU LIVE IN HOME.

Gawthorp & Associates

4046 N Green St. • San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

602-402-2213

www.linksestates.net

480-405-7588 Sell Your Stuff! Call Classifieds Today! 480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

25 OFF

One Time Deep Cleaning or Move In/Out Cleaning

Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly recurring options available First time customers only. One time use. Mention this ad for the offer. Offer expires 5/31/2022.

License #000825-2018

480-550-8282

Monday-Friday 8am-5pm • Closed Weekends

www.twomaidsgilbert.com

GILBERT SUN NEWS | APRIL 10, 2022

Carpet Cleaning

Garage/Doors

Sell Your Car!

Landscape/Maintenance

Hauling

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE East Valley/ Ahwatukee

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

Your Ad Could Be Here!

Broken Springs Replaced Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610

Call Classifieds 623-535-8439

Not a licensed contractor

Electrical Services

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

• Furniture • Appliances • Mattresses • Televisions • Garage Clean-Out • Construction Debris

• Yard Waste • Concrete Slab • Remodeling Debris

• Panel Changes and Repairs • Installation of Ceiling Fans • Switches/Outlets • Home Remodel

Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured

ROC# 256752

Lowest Prices * 30 Yrs Exp Serving Entire Valley

Home Improvement

General Contracting, Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC118198

One Call, We Do It All! 602-339-4766 Owner Does All Work, All Honey-Do Lists

Glass/Mirror

GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS

Free Estimates with Pride & Prompt Service!

Family Owned with 50 years' EXPERIENCE. Shower and tub enclosures, Framed, Frameless or Custom Doors, We also install insulated glass, mirrored closet doors, window glass, mirrors, patio doors, glass table protectors. If it’s glass, we can help you. QUALITY SERVICE at Competitive Prices. FREE Estimates

WESLEY'S GLASS & MIRROR Call 480-306-5113 wesleysglass.com SERVICING THE ENTIRE VALLEY Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Painting • Flooring • Electrical Handyman Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Decks • Tile • More!

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST! Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs!

Drywall

Insured/Bonded Free Estimates

All Remodeling, Additions, Kitchen, Bath, Patio Covers, Garage, Sheds, Windows, Doors, Drywall & Roofing Repairs, Painting, All Plumbing, Electrical, Concrete, Block, Stucco, Stack Stone, All Flooring, Wood, Tile, Carpet, Welding, Gates, Fences, All Repairs.

Concrete & Masonry

602-789-6929 Roc #057163

Marks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical “No Job Too ✔Small Flooring Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Man!” Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Electrical Decks • Tile • More! Quality Work Since 1999 Decks •Affo Tile • More! rdable, ✔ Plumbing 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 ✔ Drywall Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor “No Job ✔ Carpentry Too Small Marks the Spot for“No Job Too ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small Man!” “No Job Too Man!” ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry

Roger Kretz 480.233.0336

rogerkretz@yahoo.com 25+ Years of Customer Services

“No Job Too Small Man!”

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

QUICK RESPONSE TO YOUR CALL! 15 Years Experience • Free Estimates

480.266.4589 josedominguez0224@gmail.com Not a licensed contractor.

Meetings/Events?

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

• Leaky Roof Repairs • Tile Repairs • Painting • Flat Roof Coating • Wood Repair • Doors & Windows

Irrigation

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

• Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service ARRANTY 5 -YEAR PART W

480.654.5600 azirrigation.com Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

S E R V I C E

L L C

Prepare for Spring Season! LANDSCAPING, TREES & MAINTENANCE

Tree Trimming • Tree Removal Stump Grinding Storm Damage • Bushes/Shrubs Yard Clean-up Commercial and Residential PMB 435 • 2733 N. Power Rd. • Suite 102 • Mesa dennis@allprotrees.com

Painting

HOME SERVICES “For all your Home Exterior Needs”

ALL Pro

T R E E

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Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More!

✔ Kitchens JOSE DOMINGUEZ rk Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Wo ✔ Bathrooms BSMALLMAN@Q.COM 2010, 2011 9 199 ce Sin rk 2012, 2013, DRYWALL & PAINTING Affordable, Quality Wo And More! 2010, 2011 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 2012, 2013, 2014 House Painting, Drywall, IntallResident/ Doors, References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor Ahwatukee / References Call Ahwatukee Bruce at 602.670.7038 References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor Bruce at 602.670.7038 Baseboards,Ahwatukee Crown Resident/ Molding Reliable, Dependable, Honest! Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Work

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932

Block Fence * Gates

CALL US TODAY!

• Old Tires

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •

Specializing in Controllers, Valves, Sprinklers, Landscape Lighting, P.V.C. & Poly Drip Systems

• Old Paint & Chems.

East Valley PAINTERS Voted #1 Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting

10% OFF

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality Free Estimates! Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

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www.eastvalleypainters.com Family Owned & Operated Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

Now Accepting all major credit cards

GILBERT SUN NEWS | APRIL 10, 2022

Car for Sale?

Plumbing Drain Cleaning Experts, water heaters, disposals, water & sewer lines repaired/replaced & remodels. Rapid Response. If water runs through it we do it! 602-663-8432

Advertise It Here!

Call 480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

HYDROJETTING

PHILLIPS

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

480-477-8842

SEWER CABLE COMPREHENSIVE, FULL-SERVICE PLUMBING COMPANY

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

BOOK ONLINE! STATE48DRAINS.COM

Painting

20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

PAINTING

ROC 3297740

Interior & Exterior Residential/Commercial Free Estimates Drywall Repairs Senior Discounts References Available

623-873-1626

Pool Service / Repair

Juan Hernandez

Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

(602) 502-1655

SPECIAL! $500 OFF COMPLETE REMODEL! 25 Years Experience • Dependable & Reliable

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Call Juan at

480-720-3840

HIRING?

Public Notices In accordance with Sec. 106 of the Programmatic Agreement, AT&T plans a Street Light Pole at 284 S EVERGREEN RD TEMPE, AZ 85281. Please direct comments to Gavin L. at 818-8984866 regarding site PHX72_042. 4/3/22 CNS-3570886# EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE

If One Needs a Job, They Look Every day! For a Quote email: class@times publications.com 480-898-6465

Roofing

Free Estimates Monday through Saturday

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

— Call Jason —

Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident Over 30 yrs. Experience

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

Not a licensed contractor.

Roofing

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

Roofing

Plumbing

ROC#309706

Plumbing

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH! FREE Service Calls + FREE Estimates Water Heaters Installed - $999 Unclog Drains - $49

10% OFF

All Water Purification Systems Voted #1 Plumber 3 Years In A Row OVER 1,000 5-STAR REVIEWS

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-405-7099

aOver 30 Years of Experience

aFamily Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers! Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING

10% Discount for Ahwatukee Residents 100% NO Leak Guarantee Re-Roof & Roofing Repairs Tile, Shingles & Flat Roof

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

Window Cleaning

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480-446-7663 FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hireroofing.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

Professional service since 1995

130 - One Story 170 - Two Story

$ Bonded & Insured

Includes in & out up to 30 Panes

SUN SCREENS CLEANED $3 EACH

480-584-1643

Attention to detail and tidy in your home.

Add a Background Color to Your Ad! Classifieds 480-898-6465

GILBERT SUN NEWS | APRIL 10, 2022