Highland runner makes history
Cat feeder pleads guilty
PAGE 16
PAGE 3
An edition of the East Valley Tribune
INSIDE
This Week
NEWS................................ 4 End of quarantine led to rush on Gilbert parks.
COMMUNITY..........12 Higley High student slates drive for Native Americans.
BUSINESS..................15 Trampoline Park hopping for joy.
COMMUNITY........................................12 BUSINESS..............................................15 SPORTS....................................... 16 PUZZLE....................................... 19
CLASSIFIED..........................................20
FREE ($1 OUTSIDE OF GILBERT) | GilbertSunNews.com
Sunday, June 14, 2020
Most GPS teachers, parents want campuses reopened BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor
A
n overwhelming number of parents and teachers favor students returning to Gilbert Public Schools’ classrooms in the fall despite the lingering threat of COVID-19, according to district surveys. The district’s task force will take the feedback into consideration as it develops a reopening plan that is expected to be presented to the Governing Board June 30. “We’re very impressed with the responses that we received,” said Barbara Newman, executive director of teaching and learning at the Governing Board’s work study, last week. “We know obviously it’s so important we listen to our community with regards to
making some decisions and that really goes along with what our guiding principles are.” Surveys were emailed to district employees May 31 and to parents on June 1. Of the 4,398 employees who received the survey, 77.76 percent or 3,420 responded, according to Dawn Antestenis, district communications and marketing director in her presentation. Of the 41,000 parents who received a survey, there were 22,405 responses received. Parents were asked to complete one survey per student in their household. The teacher survey showed 53.4 percent of respondents worked at an elementary school, 11.8 percent at a junior high and 24.3 percent at a high school. The rest worked in a district building.
Nearly 2,000 of the employee respondents wanted students to attend school in person full time, followed by fewer than a 1,000 who favored a combination of in-person and online learning, according to the survey. The least favorite option for employees was online instruction. The survey also gauged employees’ with returning to campuses and offices: 30 percent said they had no concern, 45 percent were moderately concerned and 25 percent were very concerned. They were given eight measures to rank for the district to take as part of returning to work, such as mandatory masks for all staff and re-arranged shared-work areas and
see SCHOOL page 8
As GPS ponders reopening, athletes roll
BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor
W
hile Gilbert Public Schools ponders reopening campuses, its football teams aren’t waiting. They’re entering the second phase of a return-to-play plan that was among the first rolled out in the Valley. Two weeks after starting summer workouts, teams across the district this week will enter that plan’s second Players on the Gilbert High School football team practiced at Discovery Park this past week, running phase by practicing in larger hills before the team transitions into the second phase of the district’s return-to-play plan. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff) groups and sharing equipment on a limited basis. that means having the ability to throw For all five high school football programs, the ball around for the first time in three
months. “It allows us to just be out on the field,” Gilbert High football coach Derek Zellner said. “It’s important for us to be able to touch the ball and maybe pass it around a little bit to start seeing who can do what. It’s kind of like being reacclimated to those movements.” Like most programs, Zellner helped navigate his team carefully through the first phase of the plan, which called for no more than 30 players at a time and group sized limited to 10 or less. They were unable to share
see FOOTBALL page 7
2
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 14, 2020 PAID ADVERTISEMENT
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN WARNING! Our clinic is taking every precaution and we follow strict CDC guidelines to ensure that our patients, clinic and staff are SAFE! 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!
Fig. 2
NOTE: Once you have sustained 95% nerve loss, there is likely nothing that we can do for you. 3) How much treatment will your condition require?
Aspen Medical will do a chronic pain and neuropathy severity examination to determine the extent of the nerve damage as a public service to you and/or your family and friends. This neuropathy/ pain severity examination will consist of a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and a detailed analysis of the findings of your neuropathy.
The treatment that is provided at Aspen Medical has three main goals.
3) Decrease brain-based pain The treatment to increase blood flow, stimulate small nerve fibers and get you back to health is our new $50,000.00 SANEXAS UNIT!
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
Call For Details
WE ARE IN T HIS
TOGETHER
Voted Best Senior Living Facility in Mesa!
1) Increase blood flow 2) Stimulate and increase small fiber nerves
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.
*Receive One Month Free
Aspen Medical will be offering this chronic pain and neuropathy severity examination from now until June 30, 2020. Call 480274-3157 to make an appointment to determine if your chronic pain and peripheral neuropathy can be successfully treated. Due to our very busy office schedule, we are limiting this FREE consultation offer to the first 15 callers. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER ANOTHER MINUTE, CALL Call 480-274-3157 … NOW! We are extremely busy and if your call goes to our voicemail, please leave a message and we will get back to you asap.
480-274-3157 1425 S. Greenfield Rd., Ste. 101 Mesa, AZ 85206
Canyon Winds Independent Living 2851 N Boulder Canyon Mesa, AZ 85207
480.948.0700
Canyon Winds Assisted Living & Memory Care 7311 E Oasis Street Mesa, AZ 85207
480.948.0600
Or Visit Us At: www.canyonwindsretirement.com
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 14, 2020
An edition of the East Valley Tribune Gilbert Sun News is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Gilbert.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Main number: 480-898-6500 | Advertising: 480-898-5624 Circulation service: 480-898-5641 Publisher:
Steve T. Strickbine
Vice President:
Michael Hiatt
ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT
Display Advertising:
480-898-6309
Classifieds/Inside Sales:
Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@timespublications.com TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@timespublications.com Steve Insalaco |480-898-5635 | sinsalaco@timespublications.com Advertising Office Manager:
Lori Dionisio | 480-898-6309 | ldionisio@evtrib.com Advertising Sales Executive:
Jane Meyer | 480-898-5633 | jane@timespublications.com NEWS DEPARTMENT
Executive Editor:
Paul Maryniak | 480-898-5647 | pmaryniak@timespublications.com Managing Editor:
Cecilia Chan | 480-898-5613 |cchan@timespublications.com Reporters:
Jim Walsh | 480-898-5639 | jwalsh@timespublications.com Kevin Reagan | 480-898-5638 | kreagan@timespublications.com Get Out Editor:
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | 480-898-5631 christina@timespublications.com Photographer:
Pablo Robles | probles@timespublications.com Design:
Christy Byerly | cbyerly@timespublications.com Production Coordinator:
Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@timespublications.com Circulation Director:
Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@evtrib.com Sports Editor: Zach Alvira | 480-898-5630 | zalvira@timespublications.com Gilbert Sun News is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, and for subscription information, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@ azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegatedmedia.com.
The content of any advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. Gilbert Sun News assumes no responsibility for the claims of any advertisement. © 2020 Strickbine Publishing, Inc.
NEWS
3
Gilbert man’s criminal case for feeding cats resolved BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor
M
ore than a year and over $12,000 in attorney fees later, a Gilbert man has agreed to a settlement after running afoul of the town’s ban on feeding feral cats on a public right-of-way. Gilbert, which adopted the moniker “Kindness, USA,” is the only municipality in the state with such a law. “I did not intent to feed on the right-ofway and I didn’t know I was on the public right-of-way,” Paul Rodriguez told the Gilbert Sun News. “As soon as this happened, I changed locations. I’m not going to be on a public right-of-way again.” Rodriguez last Tuesday pled guilty to the “unlawful feeding of wild and feral animals, a class 1 misdemeanor,” according to municipal court Judge James Dunham. Rodriguez’s original court date was scheduled for last June but it’s been postponed at least four times, noted Dunham, who refused to again continue what he called an “old case.” Dunham also commented that he sympathized with Rodriguez’s feeding of the cats but advised him do so without breaking the law. Under the diversion plea agreement, the conviction will not go on Rodriguez’s record and will be dismissed if he completes an ethics-based, decision-making class by Dec. 9. He also must pay a $150 screening fee and not return to the feeding site. Rodriguez was arrested May 11, 2019 by Gilbert police who accused him of lying about getting permission from a property owner to feed cats on a downtown vacant lot near Ash Street and Washington Avenue. That charge and two others were dismissed under the plea agreement. Rodriguez was originally facing one charge but as his case got continued, the town tacked on additional charges. Rodriguez, who was fingerprinted and photographed at the police station after his arrest, had already been cited twice for violating the ban, paying a $100 and then a $259 fine. The investment counselor’s first citation came in October 2018, five months after Town Council passed the ordinance outlawing the feeding of homeless cats on
Demonstrators have occasionally come to Town Council meetings to protest the feral cat feeding ban. (GSN file photo)
town-owned property like parks and on public rights-of-way. At the time, Rodriguez and other volunteer cat feeders said they were caught unaware of the newly minted law that was unanimously passed without comment or a staff presentation earlier in May. The town later said it adopted the feeding ban to address issues stemming from cat food left out on town property and rights-of-way, which were remedied at taxpayers’ expense. There have been at least two other residents who’s been warned by police for breaking the ban but Rodriguez is the only one so far the town has prosecuted. Feeding free-roaming outdoor cats is what Rodriguez and other volunteer self-described carers do under a management program known as trap, neuter and release or TNR. TNR entails trapping feral cats They are then sterilized and returned back to their colony, which dies off through natural attrition, cat advocates say. Essential to the program’s success is regular feeding of the cats subsequent to their return to prevent them from roaming elsewhere in search of food. If they leave, it creates a vacuum effect and other feral cats will move into that vicinity, defeating the purpose of stabilizing a cat population in a specific area. The TNR program is the most humane and effective way to stabilize and help
reduce outdoor feral cat populations through natural attrition, according to Arizona Humane Society. Other surrounding Valley municipalities such as Chandler and Mesa support the program. Since the law’s passage, Rodriguez and others last year attempted to persuade the Council to change the policy by attending meetings with signs and speaking with no success. Other volunteers met with town officials in an effort to find a compromise that would allow for TNR but that also was unsuccessful. Although the town doesn’t prevent TNR, officials have said putting food in the traps on public property would constitute a violation. What Rodriguez and his wife have spent in attorney fees pales in comparison to what he’s shelled out over a decade of taking care of the town’s feral cat population, their food and veterinary bills. “Next month it will be 14 years,” he said. “We probably invested $100,000 in the 14 years.” Rodriguez agreed it’s been an arduous legal journey since his arrest. “Thirteen months minus two days,” he said the day after his court hearing. “This has gone on so long.” But, he said he will still stay active in animal welfare and has only one regret. “I regret not know where the public right of way was,” he said.
4
NEWS
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 14, 2020
Town embraced reopened parks, board learns BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor
W
hen the town reopened its recreational amenities after pandemic restrictions, residents eagerly returned and the numbers show it. Phased reopening began in mid-May after the town had closed recreational facilities and programs in late March. “We stopped on a dime in March,” Parks and Recreation Manager John Kennedy said. “Once we got the thumbs up, we opened up on a tighter timeline. “People coming to the facilities are
Park personnel now follow numerous safety protocols, including masks. (Special to GSN)
glad to be back. It adds a bit of normalcy.” Kenney and other department staff last week gave an update of what’s been done to prepare for the reopening and how well it was doing at the Parks and Recreation Board meeting. The first to reopen were Freestone Recreation Center and McQueen Park Activity Center in mid-May. Attendance at the two locations started off with about 50-70 people a day to where it’s increased to 250-280 a day. Those numbers are before the depart-
see PARKS page 6
Sports courts coming soon to Regional Park BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor
P
ark and Recreation Director Robert Carmona said one of the most popular questions people ask is when will the sports courts at the Gilbert Regional Park open. The answer, Carmona told the Parks and Recreation Board last week, is mid- to late July. Gilbert is on Phase 1B of the planned 272-acre park, near Higley and Queen Creek roads. The town debuted the first 30-acre phase last September. Carmona said staff was now working on the opening plan but it will not be on the scale of the town’s openings last year of the regional park’s first phase or of Desert Sky Park. Phase 1B includes 16 pickleball courts, six tennis courts, two basketball courts, ramadas and restrooms. The remainder of the phase will open in early fall and includes a 7.5-acre community fishing lake, a 10-acre event lawn, an amphitheater, six volleyball courts, three ramadas and restrooms. Board member Paul Gonzales asked for the amphitheater’s size. Carmona said it was big enough to host a 150-member wedding party. Board member Marc Beasley asked
This photo shows the progress that has been on sports courts at the Gilbert Regional Park. (Town of Gilbert)
about naming rights for the park’s facilities such as the amphitheater. Carmona replied the town has a policy for that in place already. The Board also heard an update of weekend drive-in movies at Desert Sky Park that was launched May 22. The first weekend attracted 140 cars per movie but the department had to limit the number of vehicles to 100 for subsequent viewings because “not every (parking) space is great to view from,” Recreation Supervisor Denise Merdon said. Although the drive-in movies ended June 13, plans are to offer them again in the fall, Merdon said. The town also plans to offer its annual July 4 fireworks show, she said. But this time instead of holding it at Higley High School, the 6:30 p.m. event will be
at Crossroads Park, near Ray and Gilbert roads. The new location is more centrally located in town and more people can watch the fireworks from their homes instead of having to drive to it, according to Merdon, who added there would be less neighborhood issues and fewer police needed at the site. A d d i t i o n a l l y, there will be more parking available with SanTan Village mall, Top Golf and Main
Event nearby, Merdon said. She added the July 4 event will be “drivein style” with food trucks on site.
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 14, 2020
Poll links virus fears to political affiliation
BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services
H
ow scared Arizonans are of COVID-19 could depend on their political affiliation. A new statewide poll finds that just 32 percent of people who identify as Republicans say they are at least moderately concerned about the spread of the coronavirus in Arizona. That’s down a full 10 points from the same time last month and is 23 points less when concerns hit their peak in April. By contrast, 85 percent of Democrats say they are extremely or moderately concerned about how the virus is spreading in the state. And what’s more significant is that figure actually is three points higher than in April. Pollster Mike Noble of OH Predictive Insights said the numbers highlight what has become an increasingly partisan view of the risk of a disease that he said does not discriminate based on race, religious and party lines. Yet, he said, it shows the kind of
political polarization that appears to be surfacing on many other issues. The survey comes as state health officials said Wednesday there were 6,369 in-patient hospital beds in use, whether by COVID-19 patients or others. That amounts to a record 83 percent, the highest level since the pandemic began. Ducey press aide Patrick Ptak said hospitals remain under an executive order banning them from doing elective surgery. He acknowledged that hospitals have been conducting non-essential surgeries since the governor modified his directive in April. But Ptak said that permission always has been under the condition of being able to show not only bed capacity but also sufficient supplies of equipment like masks, gowns and gloves. And he said it is up to each hospital to curb elective procedures when they cannot meet the conditions. There were 1,274 of those beds in use by people with a positive or suspected COVID-19 diagnosis, the second highest figure since records were released.
ICU bed use by coronavirus patients at 413, with a record 846 patients seen in emergency rooms. Overall, the health department reported another 1,556 new cases, bringing the statewide total to 29,582. There also were 25 deaths, putting the tally at 1,095. Noble said the key to the partisan divide may bew the the messaging that comes from leaders of both parties. “For example, when you’re talking about the whole ‘fake news’ thing, when you’re looking among Republicans they’re the ones that probably believe that the most ,’’ he said. “Well, who’s talking about that?’’ Noble continued. “Trump. And he’s got a massive megaphone.’’ He said this partisan divide on COVID-19 is not just here in Arizona. Overall, Noble said, it has largely been the states with Democratic leaders that have imposed the greatest restrictions in efforts to curb the spread of the virus. By contrast, he said, states led by Republicans also are “health conscious, but, hey, we need to get the economy
Gilbert sailor serving his country
5
back on track.’’ Noble conducted the survey of 600 likely voters last week, about two weeks after Gov. Doug Ducey dissolved his stayat-home order and lifted closures for most businesses, albeit with recommendations on things like social distancing. But even at that point, he found that 49 percent of those asked still believed the state is acting too quickly in removing restrictions, versus 34 percent who contend the state is moving too slowly and is risking hurting the economy. Yet 19 percent of those questioned strongly approve of how Ducey is handling the COVID-19 situation, with another 40 percent saying they somewhat approve. Noble said that may change when he does his next survey the first week of July. He pointed out there has been extensive publicity in the past week about a spike in the number of cases as well as a sharp increase in people hospitalized. The survey consists of about 40 percent live calls and 60 percent automated responses and is considered to have a margin of error of 4.0 percent.
Aviation Support Equiment Technician 3rd Class Tyler Tafoya is a jack-of-all-trades aboard the USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier on the Atlantic Ocean, where he was spotted loading some ground transport, left, and tightening bolts on a tow bar of the Nimitz-class ship’s hangar bay. The Navy said Tafoya and his shipmates are part of a strike force prepared to help others in the event of a COVID-19 episode. (U.S. Navy)
6
NEWS
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 14, 2020
PARKS from page 4
Get them care, while still being careful.
Even in times like these, your child’s healthcare needs don’t stop. At Phoenix Children’s, we’re making it safer for you to see us, with telehealth appointments and enhanced precautions for in-person visits. Whether your child requires vaccines, an appointment with a specialist or a scheduled surgery, don’t let being careful stop you from getting your kids the care they need.
Vaccines. Scheduled surgeries. Specialist visits. Visit phoenixchildrens.org or call 602-933-KIDS to schedule an appointment.
ment began offering classes again last Monday at the two facilities, Kennedy pointed out. Despite reducing the number of classes to 86 percent, or 280, the department got enough sign-ups – 2,400 participants –to proceed, Kennedy said. Fewer classes allowed for more cleaning. “That’s a pretty high number,” he said. The department, which reopened all four public pools on Memorial Day weekend to 50 percent capacity, saw 1,890 kids enrolled for its aquatics programming that began last Monday, according to Rocky Brown, the department’s business manager. “The numbers are really good, all things considered,” Brown said. He said for the first time ever the department is offering family-swim blocks for up to six people and is offering more parent-involved swim classes where the instructor is not in the water. Brown said it usually takes the department three months to clean all the pools, get additional help such as lifeguards on board and do the programming but the crew worked nonstop to get the aquatics program up and running in three weeks. Brown added since May 18 when the department began accepting reservations and rentals again, there have been 268 permits generating $27,273 – which is pretty good considering this is generally a slower time of the year. He projected for the next three months 597 permits, which would bring in $93,155. Cactus Yards youth and adult tournaments also have resumed. The last two weekends in May saw 8,515 visitors and $23,905 in gate and tournament fees, according to Kennedy. “There’s a tournament booked every weekend through the end of 2020,” he said. Residents using recreation facilities and participating in programs are doing so at their own risk with physical distancing and CDC guidelines in place, according to staff. The town’s legal staff has drafted a COVID-19 waiver form for participants to sign, Kennedy said, adding the waiv-
er also applied to every single rentable item such as ramadas and fields. The department also has installed acrylic shields at the counters, have staff use masks when social distancing is not possible, put down floor stickers to ensure the 6-foot rule, require sports leagues and users such as musical groups to have a plan in place such as for social-distancing and upped the cleaning and sanitization protocols. Marshall MacFarlane, the parks and facilities manager, said the department also will be installing a bi-polar ionization and UV lights in the air systems of two buildings to see which works better. There are questions whether HVAC systems can play a role in the transmission of COVID-19. MacFarlane added either method will result in a 20 to 30 percent energy savings. Board Chairman Bob Ferron asked if the department had to turn anyone away. Brown said that safety “is on everyone’s mind…we didn’t have to adjust or give advice to anyone.” Councilman Bill Spence, the liaison to the board, applauded department staff for thinking out of the box, such as offering drive-in movies and for a “number of COVID-adjusted successes.” He said the coronavirus has allowed for new ideas to come into play that if continued for the next 12 months, Gilbert may end up better than preCOVID. “What is something you were told ‘no’ six months ago, may be bring it back,” said Spence, who encouraged them to come to him with their ideas. The board thanked the Parks and Recreation Department for its hard work, noting it had to close and reopen parks with little or no notice and had to deal with a week-long curfew. There were 64 pages, each containing three to five permits that had to be modified and adjusted for the curfew, according to Brown. “This is definitely like no other summer we’ve encountered,” Parks and Recreation Director Robert Carmona said.
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 14, 2020
Gilbert football coach Derek Zellner said the second phase will allow his team to be on the field for more footballrelated activities, including throwing the ball. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff)
FOOTBALL
from page 1
equipment, which meant no spotters in the weight room and only basic drills that allowed for maximum social distancing. Very little work actually replicated a regular-season practice. The Tigers primarily lifted light weight and did basic some drills on the track. But Zellner decided to change things up last week, having his players meet him at Discover Park in Gilbert to run hills. The team was split up into three groups and separated. One-by-one, they ran up the large hill 24 times. “We didn’t have a spring ball or the normal football workouts, so it’s nice to be able to get back with them and start building that chemistry again,” Gilbert linebacker Wyatt Zellner said. “We have seniors but we also have some young guys. So, to be able to get them up to speed with route concepts and everything will be nice.” The second phase will allow for players like Wyatt to be slightly more handson as the Tigers prepare for the 2020 season. What that season will look like has yet to be addressed, since it remains unclear if games will begin on schedule – and how social distancing might impact spectators. The ability to share equipment will allow some return to normalcy in terms of
NEWS
regular summer weightlifting programs, as well as allow for Wyatt’s younger brother, Cooper, to begin limited reps at running back. It also allows for the team to begin installing its playbook and new defensive scheme. Especially for transfers such as quarterback Gavin Goulette, Zellner said this will be an important step in their summer program. “We have a new defensive coordinator this year, so it’ll be important to start putting some of that in,” Zellner said. “It’s exciting, but you look at it and realize we have a lot to do in a short period of time. We have to make the most of every minute.” About four miles west of Gilbert’s campus, the defending 4A Conference champion Mesquite Wildcats are also looking forward to moving into the second phase of the return-to-play plan. Mesquite has spent the last two weeks working out Monday through Thursday for about an hour a day. Scott Hare, Mesquite’s head coach, has primarily kept his team out of the weight room due to a lack of space, although he opened it for a few players who do not have a gym membership or a personal trainer. “I’ve never in 20 years allowed guys not to workout with us in our weight
7
Members of the Gilbert football program ran 24 hills each at Discovery Park as part of their conditioning last week during summer camp. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff)
room but we just don’t have the space,” Hare said. “So, for the guys that don’t have an option outside of the program, I’ve opened it up for them if they feel comfortable going in there.” The second phase will allow players such as senior wideout Lavontae Trotter to gain chemistry with Ty Thompson after a junior year in which he primarily played defense. “It just allows us to do more team bonding,” Trotter said. “I was dying to get back into it. Right now, we are ahead of some other schools so we have to keep it going.” Andrew Morris, one of Mesquite’s doit-all players on both sides of the ball, said he’s enjoyed being able to get back with his teammates after a three-month hiatus. But he’s looking forward to diving into more football-specific drills rather than just running sprints. “No football player likes running,” Morris said. “It feels good to kind of get this over with now. I don’t think it’ll take us long to gain some of that chemistry back when we get the ball next week. But it’ll be nice to get back on track.” Highland junior quarterback Gage Dayley shared the same sentiment. “I just want to get my timing back down with receivers,” Dayley said. “We
had it in the winter before all of this happened but now lost three months. We just have to get it back.” Highland’s players spent the last two weeks working out in 30-minute intervals. They were widely separated by position groups and spent time in the weight room and out on the field for conditioning. But the second phase allows as many as 50 players to attend workouts while maintaining social distancing. Hawks coach Brock Farrel said it opens the door for more possibilities, though he continues to hold out hope the rising number of cases and hospitalizations in Arizona doesn’t cause any setbacks. “My fingers are crossed,” Farrel said. “I would hope it doesn’t have a major effect on high school sports, but we will have to see what happens. For now, I’m just focused on continuing to coach my guys and looking forward to being able to catch and throw.”
GOT NEWS?
Contact Cecilia Chan at 480-898-5613 or cchan@timespublications.com
8
NEWS
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 14, 2020
SCHOOL from page 1
reduced classroom size. The top picks were for health screening for students and employees. The theme from the employees’ comments included support for high-risk employees and those with health issues, concerns over shared offices and spaces, the need to support students with special needs and questions about what happens if a student or staffer tests positive COVID-19 case, according to Antestenis. For the learning model, 66.8 percent of parents picked sending their children to school full time with appropriate precautions in place, according to Antestenis. Another 25.4 percent of parents liked blended program of distance and inclass learning. Just 7.8 percent wanted all online instruction. Of the 22,405 respondents, 70.8 percent said their children ride a school bus. Of that number, 59 percent said they would still send their children to school in a bus while 32.6 percent were unsure and 8.4 Parents ranked daily health screenings for employees and students s their top concern to be addressed in order to send their children to school. Limiting the number of volunteers and visitors on campus also scored high with parents. Antestenis said the district received over 800 individual comments from parents, which included the need to balance safety precautions and student mental health, concerns over the number of students in a classroom at one time and the need to support students with special needs. Parents also stressed the need for the new school year to be as normal as possible. Newman, who heads the task force, said the intent is to return to campus full time with two other scenarios that could come into play – a hybrid model and remote learning. She indicated there will be increased costs for the district in the fall related to implementing the plan. The hybrid of remote and in-person learning would involve students attending campuses full time until there is a disruption either with their health or if the state were to order a closure, New-
Barbara Newman man said. She added that should the need arise for more online instruction, more teachers would be hired for or transferred to the Global Academy, the district’s online school. Newman also gave more detail on the task force’s 12 subcommittees, each of which is examining every issue related to reopening. The subcommittees are to present their individual plan for their area of focus to the task force. There are over 100 members working in the subcommittees tasked with looking at academics, remote learning, programs and extracurricular activities. For instance, the campus operational management subcommittee will focus on the process for using cafeterias and playgrounds and for cleaning, according to Newman. The Whole Child Supports subcommittee will look at issues such as mental health supports and how to re-engage students, some of whom didn’t participate in the fourth quarter learning when the district went to remote learning, Newman said. Board member Jill Humpherys asked what the extracurricular subcommittee was considering for band and choir, noting choir and singing have een cited as significant spreaders of the coronavirus. “They are very important for students,” Humpherys said. “I don’t want to
plications.” S u p e r i n te n d e n t Shane McCord acknowledged the other school districts in the Valley have already come out with their plans for the fall. “I am happy for them,” he said. “But we also take the approach of looking at every angle we possible can, making sure we had input from our staff as well as our parents to make the most Dawn Antestenis informed decisions as see kids miss out on choir or band. Those possible. As situations change related who are using their breath and their to COVID-19 throughout the weeks we voice, that’s going to be something we want to make sure our plan is concrete really need to work on and resolve espe- yet as fluid as possible moving forward.” In the East Valley, only Kyrene School cially if we consider wearing masks because you can’t play a band instrument District has formally unveiled a comwith a mask on and it’s maybe hard to plete reopening plan that includes a Digital Academy aimed at attracting famising as well.” Jared Ryan, director of community ed- lies from outside the district. The K-8 district has developed an onucation, said discussion of that issue has included the possibility of reducing the line curriculum for all grades that mirnumber of instruments shared between rors its brick-and-mortar program of groups and not using the same stands instruction and will involve specially trained teachers who will interact with among members of the groups. One issue of concern, he said, was the online students as actively as classroom storage of music equipment and how teachers interact with theirs. Students also would be able to interstudents would go and pick them up. act with each other in large and small Board member Lori Wood said she’s received emails from parents asking groups online just as students on camabout the possibility of reducing class pus can. In unveiling its reopening plan last sizes to comply with the social distancweek, board members and adminising guidelines. “We have studied that,” said Jason trators made clear that they would be Martin, executive director of Elementa- marketing their plan statewide, hoping ry Education who serves on the campus to boost its 13,000-pupil student popuOperational Management subcommit- lation. Meanwhile, Higley has released the tee. “Right now, from our perspective we are not proposing to do any of those broad contours of a reopening plan but it is unclear when a final one will be rethings. “We do know that the possibility of leased. Among neighboring districts, Mesa some students wanting to go with online Public Schools this week will begin virlearning that it could reduce the overtual meetings that parents, students and all population in the classroom,” Martin staffers can sign up for on the district’s added. “With that, as of right now that is not a consideration just because of see SCHOOL page 9 space, staffing and all of those other im-
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 14, 2020
SCHOOL from page 8
website to hear some of the major recommendations for reopening that have been made by 11 task forces. The district will then take input from those meetings and release a refined plan in July. Chandler Unified’s administration
presented its Governing Board last week with 80- pages of recommendations for reopening campuses but no final plan has been adopted. Tempe Union officials said their plan would be released at the end of the month.
Town looking for feedback on racism and police reform
last week approved a rezoning request to allow for commercial in a county island near 148th Street and Willis Road in Gilbert. The 9.8-acre site will be used for auto sales overflow parking for the dealerships, a car wash and other commercial uses associated with the San Tan Motorplex. The original zoning was rural-43 for single-family residential development. Staff stated the rezone and the uses associated with the Motorplex are appropriate concerning the land uses and automotive development to the east of the site. Edwin Lamoreaux, The Edwin and Linda Lamoreaux Family Trust/ELX LLC are the property owner and applicant.
Gilbert is hosting Listening Space, where residents can voice their concerns about racism and police reform with police, school districts representatives and town staff. Community members must register in order to sign up for a 25-minute time slot from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 16, or Thursday, June 18. The first meeting was held last Thursday. Both in-person and online appointments are available. In-person appointments are at Gilbert Community Center, 130 N. Oak St. Gilbert Community Center Deadline to register will be 5 p.m., the day of the event. Appointments must be made in advance and no walk-ins will be accommodated. To schedule an appointment, go to glbrt.is/Listen The community also can share their thoughts and feedback at glbrt.is/LLAA
Supervisors OKs rezone for county island in Gilbert Maricopa County Board of Supervisors
NEWS
A-1 Golf Carts SUN LAKES, AZ
Happy HappyDay Father’s ASK ABOUT Day Father’s THE NEW E-Z-GO ‘LITHIUM’ POWERED CART Father’s Day 2020 TXT
2020 RXV Lithium
Higley Air Force JROTC earns top honors
Higley’s Air Force JROTC unit received the Distinguished Unit with Merit Award, given to just the top 10 percent of units around the world. This award recognizes “units that have
see AROUND page 10
CALL US! WE HAVE REDUCED THE PRICE ON BATTERIES!
6 Passenger RXV
FINANCING AVAILABLE
When you purchase a NEW E-Z-GO!* ANSWERS TO PUZZLE AND SUDOKU on Page 19
9
Finance offers only available at participating E-Z-GO dealers. Approval, rates, applicable fees, and terms provided are based on credit worthiness. Offers only available in 50 U.S. states and District Columbia. Financing offers void where prohibited. Finance terms are also available for pre-owned E-Z-GO products. Please see your local E-Z-GO Authorized Dealer for details.
480.895.2000
www.A-1GolfCarts.com 25820 S. Arizona Ave. • Sun Lakes, AZ 85248
10
NEWS
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 14, 2020
Chandler unveils school reopening options
BY KEVIN REAGAN GSN Staff Writer
T
he Chandler Unified School District has provided a roadmap for how its campuses might operate in a post-pandemic environment when classes resume on July 22. Arizona’s third largest school district has not yet officially decided whether its 42 campuses will reopen again for the fall semester, but the plan released last week offers a glimpse into what students might expect if Chandler Unified allows for inperson instruction. Some highlights include: • Gyms, cafeterias and other large buildings on the district’s campuses would be rearranged to reduce proximity between pupils. • Students would be instructed to walk directly to their classrooms and not congregate in hallways or outdoor areas. • School assemblies would likely be prerecorded and broadcast virtually. The presence of parents and other visitors on campus would be minimized.
AROUND from page 9
performed well above and beyond normal expectations, and that have distinguished themselves through outstanding service to their school and community while meeting the Air Force JROTC citizen development mission for America,” according to the U.S. Air Force. JROTC is open to all students at Higley and Williams Field high schools. “Throughout the year, students learn about leadership, character development and teamwork,” district spokeswoman Michelle Reese said. Each school year class studies focus on a different topic, rotated on an annual basis. This year, students explored the “science of flight.” Students participate in physical education on a weekly basis. Uniform wear is required on a periodic basis. Students may choose to also take part in the unit’s drill team or color guard. Higley’s program is led by Col. David
• Buses would be wiped down and sanitized on a regular basis. • Teachers and students would have the option to wear face masks but only staff that regularly interacts with the public would be required to wear them. • Plexiglas shields are expected to be installed in school offices and CUSD has already ordered 700 cases of hand sanitizer and 2,800 dispensers to be stationed throughout every campus. • Some elective courses – like choir and band – might have to be discontinued due to an inability to maintain safe distances between students. Singing and wind instruments also have been identified by experts “super spreaders” of COVID-19. Assistant Superintendent Craig Gilbert said the district’s COVID-19 task force is still reviewing how electives can be safely taught during the upcoming school year and final decisions have not been made yet. The details listed in the district’s reopening plan are not permanent, he added, and are subject to change in the coming weeks.
“We are continuing to have conversations as we move forward,” Gilbert said. Regardless of the plans CUSD is making to protect the health and wellness of its students, some parents have already expressed a wish to not send their children back to school next month. According to a recent survey of 19,100 families in the district, 8 percent said they don’t intend to have their child physically return to school. Another 27 percent said they were undecided and the remaining 65 percent plan to send their children back. Several parents indicated they probably wouldn’t send their child back if CUSD schools were to restrict or eliminate extracurricular activities. When asked if cutting sports and club activities would impact the parent’s choice, 52 percent of the survey’s respondents said they were “less likely” to have their child return. The reopening plan calls for recess activities that can be done independently – like an obstacle course. After-school clubs would be restricted to only those
that allow for social distancing between students under the district’s plan. Parents appeared to favor implementing protocols that called for regularly monitoring students and staff for symptoms of the COVID-19 virus. Sixty-one percent of survey respondents were “more likely” to send their child back to school if CUSD conducted daily temperature checks on its employees. The survey further showed 34 percent of respondents prefer having their child learn through a hybrid model of instruction, which would allow for both virtual and in-person teaching. Chandler Unified’s reopening plan offers a blueprint for how it could potentially offer hybrid model that had students attending school in-person a couple days per week. Schools would operate on a rotational schedule; one group of students attends school on Monday and Thursday, then another group attends Tuesday and Friday. Some district leaders worry how this
Vaughn and SMSgt. Danny Alltop. “Earning the Distinguished Unit Award with Merit is a direct reflection of the support we receive from the district, both high schools’ administrations, and the dedication to service, school, and community by every cadet in the program. We stress personal discipline and teamwork. This award represents the ultimate reward and validation,” Vaughn said. The honor can be bestowed only once every three years.
gram that is perfectly tailored to challenge gifted and high performing learners.” Kinderversity also offers academics aligned to each student’s level that “will challenge and stimulate the student’s love of learning,” she added. San Tan Charter School’s current self-contained gifted elementary classes for grades 1 through 6 will offer gifted instruction for approximately 150 learners, and the Power Campus’ Scholar’s Prep program for grades 7 through 12 will offer advanced instruction for approximately 100 learners. Students of any age who qualify for the gifted program will receive an individualized education that challenges them at their skill level, Tischer said. Dr. Kristofer Sippel, superintendent, said a fifth of the school’s students have been identified as gifted and are enrolled in the advanced program, which features
self-contained gifted classes. Teachers are trained to meet the specific needs of our gifted learners academically, socially and emotionally, Tischer added. Information: santancharterschool.com.
San Tan Charter to start ‘Kinderversity’ this year
The 8-year-old San Tan Charter School in Gilbert, is starting a new “Kinderversity” for 22 children. Michelle Tischer, academic achievement coordinator, said the program “offers an advanced kinder experience for students who are ready for a focused, complex and academically advanced pro-
see CUSD page 11
Gilbert student on university dean’s list
Ashlynn Sauter of Gilbert is one of 2,600 students who was named to Bradley University’s Dean’s List for the spring 2020 semester, it was announced. Sauter is a Biomedical Science Research and Development major. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, a student must achieve a minimum 3.5 grade point average for the semester on a 4.0 scale. Bradley University is a private university in Peoria, Illinois, offering 5,400 undergraduate and graduate students.
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 14, 2020
CUSD from page 10
NEWS
11
hybrid schedule could inadvertently create extra work for Chandler’s teachers. Lara Bruner, a member of the CUSD Governing Board and a teacher at Mountain Pointe High School, pointed out that teachers would have a limited number of hours during the week to juggle both classroom and online assignments. “When will teachers have time to create online curriculum in addition to preparing for in-person instruction?” Bruner asked at last week’s board meeting. Sara Wyffels, a Spanish teacher at Chandler High School, is also concerned about the workload of her colleagues. Teachers will need time to thoroughly prepare for a format that asks them provide instruction in two different modes, she said. “There’s a concern of possibly teachers getting overloaded with a combination of virtual learning and in-person learning,” Wyffels said. “I think that could burn a lot of people out.” Wyffels was part of a committee that helped the state Department of Education
draft its guidelines for reopening Arizona’s schools. The state guidelines were intentionally designed to allow individual districts to determine what works best for their community, she said. Whatever decision Chandler Unified decides to make, Wyffels hopes it will take into account the input given by the district’s teachers. When Chandler was forced to close its schools in March, Wyffels said it was stressful trying to quickly transfer curriculum over to an online format. “It was exhausting trying to keep up,” she added. “We basically had one week to sort of get everybody on board. It was really hard.” One issue the district has with its hybridteaching scenario involves uncertainty surrounding the state’s funding formula. Craig Gilbert said Arizona’s current rules don’t account for a split-model of education. If students were to learn remotely online a couple days per week, he said, it’s not clear whether the state will pay CUSD for teaching them on those days. “In order to get funding from the state,
students have to be attending the brickand-mortar school or an approved online (program) in order for the district to be funded,” Gilbert added. Morgan Dick, a spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Education, said school districts shouldn’t see their funding levels change in a hybrid format if they already have an online program approved by the state. The Arizona Board of Education must review and approve a district’s online program before it can be offered to students. CUSD is authorized to provide online programming for grades 5-12 and has recently applied to expand its program for all grade levels. Any funding formula changes would be contingent upon legislative action, Dick added, and the Department of Education is advocating for the state to be flexible in the upcoming the school year with it how disperses funding. That could be one of the issues the Legislature might address if the governor calls a special session to focus only on virus-related matters. So far, the governor has not indicated if and when he might
call a session. The Legislature ended its session early because of the pandemic. The district’s reopening plan further offers some guidance on how schools might function entirely online. Schools would develop a “master schedule” to block out when teachers are expected to teach, plan, grade, and hold office hours. The CUSD Counseling and Services would offer live video calls with students and put together a crisis-response team that can respond virtually to emergencies. Superintendent Camille Casteel said she hopes Chandler Unified will be able to invite students back on campus soon and provide them some sense of normalcy again. She highlighted how more than 60 percent of CUSD families have reported concerns they have about the socialemotional health of their children. That’s why it’s important to offer some face-to-face interaction for the district’s students, the superintendent said, because CUSD wants them to feel secure about the world again after so much recent turmoil.
BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services
rebuffing a question of whether he would consider re-imposing some of the restrictions he first put in place in March. “It’s not under discussion,’’ he said. “We’re going to continue our gradual and phased-in reopening. We will balance public health with public safety.’’ State Health Director Cara Christ said the measures that had previously been imposed were designed to ensure that Arizona had enough hospital capacity to deal with an outbreak. “We know that it’s in the community,’’ she said. “We are not going to be able to stop the spread and so, we can’t stop living as well.’’ Ducey acknowledged that his efforts have had a two-pronged approach. “This has always been about saving lives,’’ he said. And it’s also about livelihoods in the state of Arizona. “We’re going to do this in a balanced and responsible way for the people of
Arizona.’’ Christ separately acknowledged that there have been some “hot spots,’’ or places in the state where the virus has spread quicker than elsewhere. But Ducey rejected the possibility of giving city and county officials the options of imposing their own restrictions. “I believe that the government that is closest to the people is best – except in a global pandemic,’’ he said. “We want to have clarity and consistency for our citizens,’’ Ducey said. “And we want to reduce the confusion that’s happened across the state and across the country.’’ Ducey and Christ have repeatedly argued that Arizona has more confirmed cases of coronavirus than elsewhere because more people are getting tested. But statistics from Johns Hopkins University, updated Thursday morning, show that Arizona, at 13 percent average, has a higher rate of the tests
that come back positive than any other state. And the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University found the positive test rate for Wednesday, the most recent figures available, actually hit 24 percent. “We have noticed an increase in the percent positivity,’’ Christ said. “We do know there is community spread,’’ she continued. “We are going to be working at trying to bring that back down.’’ Part of that, Christ said, will be a “public health message.’’ What that message includes, she said, is encouraging people to wear a cloth face covering when they cannot “physically distance’’ from others and to make sure that they’re staying home when they’re feeling sick. And the governor said he does wear a mask in stores, and urges people to try and mask up whenever they are out in public.
Despite more virus cases, Ducey looking forward
G
ov. Doug Ducey said Thursday he does not intend to impose new restrictions on Arizonans – or even require them to wear masks – despite more people contracting COVID-19. In fact, look for him to move in the opposite direction even as he admitted during a briefing, “We’re seeing increasing cases.” That was underscored by figures from his own Department of Health Services showing a record 1,291 patients in Arizona hospitals. That doesn’t count another 429 in intensive-care beds filled by COVID-19 patients. The number of COVID-19 patients seen in the emergency room his 848, a record. Arizona has now logged 31,264 confirmed virus cases with 1,127 deaths, including 34 just Thursday alone. But the governor is undeterred,
COMMUNITY
Community
12
GilbertSunNews.com
|
@Gilber tSunNews
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 14, 2020
For more community news visit gilbertsunnews.com
/Gilber tSunNews
Higley High boosters mobilize to help stricken tribes ed access to medical care. The Navajo Nation, headquartered in Window Rock, in May laid claim to having the highest per capital level of COVID-19 cases in the country. Arizona has 21 federally recognized tribes. Jackson-Etnire said her 17-year-old son, who plays varsity football and will be a senior at Higley this year, told her there was a team requirement for a community service project, which couldn’t be met be-
cause everything was canceled. He suggested “maybe do a donation drive and help the people back home.” Jackson-Etnire, who is on the school’s football booster club, said she approached Higley head football Coach Eddy Zubey, who readily supported the idea. “And I went to the booster club and they all agreed and I asked the athletic director and he took it up a notch and involved all the boosters in Higley,” Jackson-Etnire said. Last week, the Navajo Nation reported a total of 269 deaths and 5,808 positive COVID-19 cases. The Navajo Nation’s reservation spreads into Apache, Navajo and Coconino counties in Arizona and parts of New Mexico and Utah. The 2010 U.S. Census
get with a girl when you are really close to her, that you just want to be with her day and night,” Henderson said. “It is also about how, when you are with that girl, she makes you feel at home, and home, to me, is feeling safe and sound.” Henderson has written parts of songs before but never got the chance to complete them. This time, his producer friend, Joel Brooks, who has set up a music recording studio at home, helped him. “He mixed it, put beats, and he helped me finish everything,” he said. “It’s really cool. I didn’t know how to put it all together and it was cool to kind of tell the story with the song.” Now Henderson is working on a music video to bring the song to life as well as some new songs for an extended record. “A couple of the songs will be about girls because I just feel that it’s the easiest topic to write about,” he said. “Also, I want to
write about high school: my football memories, and high school memories and how it ended with quarantine, like a memory song.” Now that he’s graduated, he’s unable to meet his friends, four years of playing football at school now a memory. “I miss my school friends; I got really close to a lot of them from football, playing football at Campo for four years of my life is some of the best moments ever,” he said. Henderson didn’t mind the unusual video format for his graduation, which included a hologram that made it seem like the was giving him his diploma. “I thought it was pretty cool. I know some people are mad about not having a day-long graduation. I didn’t really care. It didn’t bother me,” he said. Now, he’s looking to the future, stating,
BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor
H
igley High School’s booster clubs are poised to help with a donation drive benefiting the Navajo Nation, Hualapai Tribe and Hopi Tribe in northern Arizona. “My son said, ‘mom, people are dying, we have to do something,’” said Charlene Jackson-Etnire, who spearheaded the drive. “It’s something that impacts us, it involves our people.” Jackson-Etnire and her son Stephen Louis are members of the Navajo Nation while her husband is a member of the Hopi Tribe. She also is an attorney for the Hualapai Tribe. Native Americans are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 due to factors such as lack of running water and limit-
Stephen Louis, an incoming senior at Higley High, is holding a drive at the school parking lot next Saturday to collect badly needed supplies for virus-stricken Native American communities in Arizona. (Special to GSN)
see
DRIVE page 13
New Gilbert grad trades football for singing BY SRIANTHI PERERA GSN Contributor
N
ewly minted Campo Verde High School alumnus Nickolas Henderson has exchanged playing football with writing songs. It a natural transition as the 18-year-old Gilbert teen grew up singing around the house. “The thing that inspired me to write it was all my friends and family saying how I should start making music and now that we were in quarantine and I no longer had to train for football, I felt this was the best time in my life to start it,” Henderson said. He has uploaded his first completed song, “Day and Night,” to SoundCloud and YouTube. The first line of the chorus goes: “Girl if you wanna know, you make me feel at home.” “’Day and Night’ is about that feeling you
Campo Verde High Class of 2020 graduate Nickolas Henderson has exchanged football for singing and has released his first song. (Special to GSN)
see
GRAD page 14
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 14, 2020
HOW TO HELP
What: Higley Donation Drive When: 7 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, June 20 Where: Higley High School student parking lot, 4068 E. Pecos Road, Gilbert Supplies needed: Face masks, non-latex gloves, no-touch thermometers, goggles, rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizers, disinfecting wipes and sprays, cleaning supplies, liquid hand soap, shampoo, body wash, toothpaste and toothbrushes, razors, feminine hygiene, paper plates, toilet paper, tissues, canned food like beans, tuna, soup, rice, cereal, jerky, bottled water, Gatorade, coffee, baby supplies such as diapers, pull-ups, baby food, baby formula, baby wipes and dog and cat food.
TO DONATE MONEY:
Navajo Nation; nndoh.org/donate.html Hopi Tribe; hopifoundation.org/hopi-emergencyassistance Hualapai Tribe; hualapai-nsn.gov/ Donations can be made to Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief at gf.me/u/x3jc2q.
DRIVE from page 12
counted 153,323 Navajo living on the Navajo Nation, which makes it the second largest tribe in the country. The Hualapai Tribe with 1,415 members in 2019, reported nine deaths and 94 positive COVID-19 cases as of June 4 and the Hopi Tribe reported 79 tribal members tested positive for the virus as of June 5. The tribe had 12,038 residents in 2019, according to the state health department. Jackson-Etnire said last week all three tribes are still on lockdown. The donation flier also notes the tribes are located in rural areas that are “considered food scarce,” where “people must travel distances to simply shop for groceries and household supplies.” The tribes, where the poverty rate is nearly double the rest of the country, also got hit by job and income loss stemming from the pandemic. Two of the tribes also are receiving help through a Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund, which has
served over 8,000 households in 81 of the 110 Navajo Chapters and seven of the 12 Hopi Villages, according to a news release. The fund has so far raised over $4.7 million – which brings approximately $100,000 worth of food, water and essential items to Navajo and Hopi communities each week with enough to continue providing direct relief for another 11 months. The primary objective of the Relief Fund is to flatten the curve on the Navajo Nation and the Hopi reservations, primarily through providing food and water to high risk, vulnerable and COVID-positive community members so they are able to stay home and practice social distancing. “Our all-volunteer leadership team remains steadfast and committed to diligently protecting the well-being and health of vulnerable Navajo and Hopi community members during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Relief Fund founder Ethel Branch.
COMMUNITY
“This effort has grown from a small crowdfunding campaign with a handful of volunteers shopping, sanitizing and making deliveries, to a massive region-wide effort with international attention in just 12 weeks,” Branch added. Jackson-Etnire said she preferred not to accept money donations and referred people to the tribes’ websites to donate instead. But if anyone wants to donate money at the event, she will take a check or money order made out to the individual tribe and have it delivered. “I have family out there,” Jackson-Etnire said. “They are on lockdown and it’s a very scary situation and I’ve not been up there since all of this started. It’s sad.”
GOT NEWS?
Contact Cecilia Chan at 480-898-5613 or cchan@timespublications.com
We are your ROOF SOLUTION! Did you know that you should have your underlayment replaced between 12 and 18 years to stop leaks before they happen?
Woman and Veteran Owned Best Value for Our Customers, Guaranteed! BBB Acredited 3 Generations of Roofing Knowledge and Experience Licensed, Bonded and Insured
Stop the leak Before it Happens!
Before
13
After
Call us Today for a FREE inspection! 480-256-2242
480-256-2242 • www.ccrarizona.com
COMMUNITY
14
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 14, 2020
Gilbert woman to be honored for her work with poor GSN NEWS STAFF
A
Gilbert resident who is the director of the Maricopa County Department of Human Services is one of six women slated to be honored for their leadership by the Arizona chapter of an international women’s organization. Susan Mendez will be honored by the ATHENA Valley of the Sun (AVOS) luncheon July 28 at the Clayton House in Scottsdale. Mendez, a native Arizonan whose Hispanic family traces its roots to the migrant worker community, worked for 23 years for the state Department of Economic Security and is being honored with the group’s Learn Constantly Award. She started as a caseworker helping food stamp clients and worked her way up to program developer and contract administrator. Mendez became a director for the Community Action Partnership in Arizona, explaining, “I think I can make the biggest impact addressing the causes of poverty
Susan Mendez by using my ability to identify areas where vulnerable populations really need help, either financial or infrastructure, and work to identify what that change needs to be and then pursue it aggressively.” Her fellow Arizona directors of Com-
DESIGN CENTER
munity Action “were her early mentors and taught her a lot about this work,” a spokeswoman for said, calling Mendez “a fighter or a contender, because when she pursues something, she’s not going to let it go.” “Sandra deftly keeps her fingers in state policy development, program development and legislative analysis,” the spokeswoman said. “However, writing a contract is not as impactful as watching a family become sustainable or watching a young person being able to go to college and break the generational cycle of poverty – that is what she finds exciting.” When asked if she had the opportunity to change the perception of others, she replied, “If I could change people’s perceptions of each other in relation to race, I could eradicate racism…. The social justice arena as it relates to poverty indicators are directly related to race. “So those two are working together. It’s the way that we perceive one another. Second, I could change people’s perception of vulnerable populations living in poverty. People living in poverty are not the problem, they’re the result of a problem.” “I know when something is not operating effectively or just wrong. I think the place where I can make the biggest impact is my ability to identify areas where vulnerable individuals really need help, ei-
ther financial or infrastructure and identify what that change needs to be and then pursue it aggressively,” Mendez added. “I just keep plugging away. I don’t take no for an answer. I know intuitively that we can do better; we can do more.” AVOS also will be presenting the ATHENA Award to Shelley Zalis, CEO of The Female Quotient, for advancing equality in the workplace. “Her work has changed the game for women by elevating feminine values in the workplace,” the group said. In addition, six young women East Valley high schools will be honored for the work they do in their communities and will be mentored by the HAIL award honorees. The 2020 Young ATHENAs are Anna-Grace Sellers, Alondra Macias, Tania Ramos, Chloe Kwa, Deeann Schettrer and Emma Cain. AVOS was launched in 2015 to help women achieve leadership potential through its mission to “Support, Develop and Honor” female leaders. Luncheon proceeds will help provide leadership programs and other support to area women and young women in East Valley high schools. Luncheon tickets are available at athenaaz.com. Information and sponsorships: info@athenaaz.com or call 602-2145988.
“I’m just ready to enjoy the new things in life.” In the fall, he plans to attend Mesa Community College and transfer to Arizona State University in two years. At school, his favorite subject was criminal justice, but in college he plans to study for a degree in finance. “My major will be finance because I love stocks and it is very interesting to me,” he said. Quarantining was easier to cope with because of his loving and supportive family and his pastimes such as running, skateboarding and teaching himself the guitar, he said. “I’m very close to my family. I hang out with my family all the time. They always motivated me, either when I was playing
football or making music,” he said. “They listen to my songs all the time, which is very cool.” That will help because there will be more songs in the air in the Henderson household as the teen creates his new melodies. “When I go for something, I just like to go a hundred percent. My mind’s very entrepreneurial. I think of business ideas and different ways to get stuff done. It works for music, too, because I think about marketing my songs,” he said. Currently, he offers giveaways for reposting Day and Night. “Hopefully, the song will take off and I can put more time towards that,” he said. Listen to Nick Henderson’s song at Hyperurl.co/nickdayandnight
GRAD from page 12
POOL MAINTEN A NCE SPECIA L! Try the BEST Pool Service in Ahwatukee!
FREE
*
FOR TWO WEEKS
*With one month commitment Exp. 6/30/2020
BRING IN A WAT ER S A MP L E O F R A FREE A N A LYSIS. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS
Pool Resurfacing Experts Specializing in pool service, maintenance & repair
602-546-POOL (7665)
1241 E. Chandler Blvd., Ste. 124,
www.barefootpoolman.com Ahwatukee!
Phoenix, AZ 85048
(SW corner of Desert Foothills Parkway & Chandler Blvd.)
Owned & Operated “Voted Best Pool Service” Ahwatukee Licensed, Bonded & Insured now in your neighborhood ROC# 272001
Business
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 14, 2020
GilbertSunNews.com
|
@Gilber tSunNews
BUSINESS
15
/Gilber tSunNews
Trampoline park owner jumps back into business BY MONIQUE SELEEN GSN Contributor
B
ill Kobylarek might not be bouncing for joy yet, but he’s a lot happier now that he’s back in business. Kobylarek co-owns the Gilbert franchise of Altitude Trampoline Park at Gilbert and Guadalupe roads. Almost exactly a year after he opened, he had to shut down as the state closed nonessential businesses as COVID-19 fears mounted. “We closed on March 23 and had to furlough our 29 employees,” said Kobylarek. “We were able to call them all back when we reopened and are trying to give them as many hours as possible but business has been slow.” Because of the closure, he not only lost regular traffic but also had to cancel several birthday parties and other events. Kobylarek got the idea to open Altitude after he, his wife and kids enjoyed trying out different trampoline parks throughout the Valley. “I always wished there was one closer,” Kobylarek said. “I started doing some research on different franchises and equipment manufacturers and began thinking of establishing a trampoline park in Gilbert.” Kobylarek started looking for the perfect spot to open the park and stumbled across a closing Big Lots store with 35,000 square feet. In July 2018, he began transforming the cavernous building into the indoor trampoline park, where people of all ages can bounce around on wall-to-wall trampolines, swing on a trapeze or balance on a log roll above a pit filled with thousands of foam cubes, practice their cartwheels and other gymnastic moves or engage in other physical feats where a soft landing is essential. He chose Altitude Trampoline Parks after meeting the franchise’s CEO. He
That commitment has taken on an even greater significance in the wake of the pandemic. “We’ve always prided ourselves on being a very clean space,” said Kobylarek. “But given the circumstances, we had to take it to another level.” During the weeks Altitude was were closed, the owners had to develop a plan for safely reopening under new conditions. Called C3 (Caring through Cleanliness and Certification), the program includes cleaning products that are consistent with Staff at the Altitude Trampolice Park in Gilbert wear masks and follow other safety Centers for Disease protocols now to ensure patrons are kept safe from COVID-19. (Special to GSN) Control and Prevention guidelines executed by trained and certified staff and audited by EcoSure, Altitude’s health and safety evaluation partner. The company ordered custombranded masks that all employees are required to The Altitude Trampoline Park in Gilbert offers a pit filled with foam cubes, all of wear during busiwhich are regularly sanitized. (Special to GSN) ness hours. was sold on the company’s commitment Seating within the facility was rearto maintaining clean facilities that ulti- ranged to observe social distancing by mately made him choose the company. keeping the furniture six feet apart.
Hand-sanitizing stations were placed throughout the building. Equipment and frequently touched objects such as chairs, games, tables, and door handles are constantly being wiped down and the foam pits are fluffed and sanitized twice a day using hospital grade sanitation. In addition to increased cleaning practices, the company also reduced its capacity from 500 to 150 jumpers in the building at a time. “It hasn’t been an issue yet,” said Kobylarek, adding, “While it’s limiting the amount of revenue we have coming in, if we space it out, we can still have the same capacity throughout the day, it just might not be as convenient for people.” Two weeks after its reopening, Altitude Gilbert also planned and hosted a free event for high school seniors as a way to give back to the many graduates who missed out on celebrating at their commencement ceremonies. The event included a free hour of jumping – with the option for the seniors to stay longer depending on capacity. The seniors had graduation cakes and the entire park to themselves, complete with dark lighting and music. With the summer months ahead and the company striving to gain back its business, Kobylarek said they plan to offer several specials and a variety of events including birthday party discounts, summer camp activities, Junior Jumpers time. He’s also working on creating a 4th of July event. “This is a park that is owned and run by families,” said Kobylarek. “We bring our kids in here and we look at all our customers as family. We wouldn’t put them in harm’s way. We are doing everything possible to make sure we have a safe environment for everyone.” Information: altitudegilbert.com, 480534-8684
Sports & Recreation 16
SPORTS
GilbertSunNews.com
@Gilber tSunNews
/Gilber tSunNews
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 14, 2020
Check us out and like Gilbert Sun News on Facebook and follow @GilbertSunNews on Twitter
Highland’s Daschbach runs into record books BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor
I
t took a moment for Highland senior Leo Daschbach to realize what he had accomplished as he crossed the finish line at Oak Ridge Hill High School in El Dorado Hills, Calif. Racing in an event called the Quarantine Clasico on May 23, Daschbach was one of nine competitors from the surrounding states invited to participate. His goal heading into the final race of his prep career was to finish the mile in under 4 minutes, a feat that had only been done by 10 male high school runners in history. When he crossed the finish line, the timer read 3 minutes, 59.54 seconds. “I sat down almost in disbelief,” Daschbach said. “I just wanted to kind of absorb what I had just done. I didn’t know I was going to run a sub-four until I actually did it. “It still hasn’t set in.” Daschbach’s time was the ninth fastest
Highland senior Leo Daschbach became just the 11th male high schooler to ever run a sub-four mile during a private event known as the Quarantine Clasico at Oak Ridge Hill High School in El Dorado Hills, Calif. On May 23. (Photo courtesy Leo Daschbach)
out of the 11 racers who had accomplished such a feat in history. It also became the fastest mile time in Arizona history during a lost season due to the coronavirus pan-
demic. Matt Strangio, a senior from Jesuit High School in Sacramento, Calif., began organizing the event in early May. Daschbach
was included in a group chat and asked if he would want to compete. He immediately accepted. Strangio lined up the officials, timers and was able to secure the track despite schools in California being closed due to the virus. “All I had to do was show up and race,” Daschbach said. Daschbach and his family arrived in California on May 22. On race day, he spent a majority of his time in his hotel room doing yoga, meditating and eating healthy meals. It was at this point his nerves began to kick in, something that is normal for him on race days. When he arrived at the track to warm up, there were no screaming fans. His friends who often watched him race at meets throughout the school year weren’t there. For the most part, it was just his immediate family and those for the rest of the competitors.
see LEO page 18
Higley High swimmer going the extra mile BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor
H
igley’s Keaton Jones went the extra mile to raise money for members of the Arizona community most vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19. Jones, alongside his Swim Neptune teammates Devin Esser, came up with the Going the Extra Mile Challenge to raise awareness and funds for the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in the state. The two, along with teammate Tal Spector, coach Joe Zemaitis and his brother, John Zemaitis, all swam 25 miles in 24 hours as part of the challenge. Two relay teams from Swim Neptune also completed it, along with Jones’ mother, Elizabeth, and
Higley swimmer Keaton Jones and his teammates and coaches from Swim Neptune swam 25 miles in 24 hours to raise money for PPE and other supplies to help fight the coronavirus pandemic in the state. (Photo courtesy
Keaton Jones)
younger sister, Ezmee, who also swam a relay. “My mom and I were going to do a running challenge where you run four miles every four hours until you hit 30 miles,” Jones said. “I was talking to Devin about it and (Joe Zemaitis) said he heard about a swimming challenge in California where they swam a mile every hour for 24 hours. “The idea kind of blew up from there.” A fundraiser was set up ahead of the event, which began on Saturday, June 6 and ended Sunday, June 7. All proceeds will be donated to retirement homes, assisted-living facilities and long-term care facilities across the state. Jones and the group jumped into the pool at Moon Valley Country Club in Phoenix at 10 a.m. Saturday to complete their
first mile – or roughly 71 laps – in the challenge. It took Jones just over 20 minutes on average to complete each mile in the pool. By the time the challenge had officially ended, he had spent 8 hours, 33 minutes and 19 seconds in the water. “It was me against sleep,” Jones said. “The physical part was hard, but I did not do well with not getting a lot of sleep. It was difficult to hop in a pool at 2 a.m.” Jones said he started to hit a wall around the 10-hour mark, nearly the midway point of the challenge. It was at that point even the little amount of sleep he would get between legs were barely enough to keep him going. Once he finished a mile, he would often
see SWIMMER page 18
17
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 14, 2020
Best Dentist at Affordable Prices!
Missing Teeth? Embarrassed to Smile? Tooth Pain? Loose Dentures? We Can Help, Call Us NOW!
SUPREME DENTURES starting at
EXPIRES 6-30-2020
$
999
PORCELAIN CROWNS from
$
IMPLANTS
699
from
$
799
each
After
BEST LAW FIRM IN THIS YEAR’S BEST OF GILBERT!
With Two Implants
from
EXPIRES 6-30-2020
$
3,999
FREE $ Exam & X-Rays 120
EXPIRES 6-30-2020
THANK YOU GILBERT FOR VOTING US
EXPIRES 6-30-2020
SNAP ON LOWER DENTURE
Before
Wilson-Goodman Law Group, PLLC
EXTRACTIONS
from
Best Law Firm
Best Place To Work
EXPIRES 6-30-2020
*All offers for New patients without insurance only.
We Accept Most Major Insurances • Interest FREE Financing with Low Monthly Payments Emergencies Welcome & Same Day Appointments Available
1722 E University, Mesa
(W of Gilbert on N side of University)
480.833.9942
www.TRUVALUEDENTAL.com
got skin?
Gilbert Office Gilbert Office 1760 E. Pecos Rd Ste. Gilbert Office 1760 E. Pecos Rd Ste. 315 Gilbert, AZ Rd 85295 1760 E. Pecos Ste. 315 Gilbert, AZ 85295 Phone: (480)503-9217 315 Gilbert, 85295 Phone:AZ (480)503-9217 Fax: (480)503-9219 Phone:Fax: (480)503-9217 (480)503-9219
www.wgandf-law.com www.wgandf-law.com
www.wgandf-law.com
Fax: (480)503-9219
Queen Creek Office Queen Creek Office 22035 Queen S. Ellsworth RdOffice Creek 22035 S. Ellsworth Rd Queen22035 Creek,S.AZ Ellsworth Queen Creek, AZ Rd 85142 Phone: Queen Creek, AZ 85142 Phone: (480)686-9400 Fax: 85142 Phone: Fax: (480)686-9400 (480)686-9452 (480)686-9452 Fax: (480)686-9400
(480)686-9452
Of Course! We all do. Let us keep yours the healthiest it can be!
Thank you for choosing us again Gilbert Office for 2019 as the Best Dermatologist. 1760 E. Pecos Rd Ste. Gilbert, AZ 85295 We are honored with315 your Phone: (480)503-9217 Fax: (480)503-9219 confidence in our office. Katherine Lim Quan, MD
Best Law Firm
www.wgandf-law.com
Jill McKenzie, MD
VALLEY SKIN CANCER SURGERY
480.214.0388 | vscsaz.com
480.821.8888 | evderm.com
1100 South Dobson Road, #223 • Chandler, AZ 85286 (The PRESIDIO, North Building, 2nd Floor)
Queen Creek Office 22035 S. Ellsworth R Queen Creek, AZ 85142 Phone: (480)686-9400 Fax: (480)686-9452
18
SPORTS
SWIMMER from page 16
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 14, 2020
apply a vitamin-C solution to his skin to combat the chlorine. He would also drink chocolate milk and other fluids for energy and protein, as well as eat meals whenever he could. Tents were set up for the individual families to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Jones had an air mattress inside where he would take periodic naps. While depleted of energy by the time the final hour came, Jones knew he was on the
final stretch. In hour 24, all participants stayed in the pool to swim an extra mile, capping off the challenge. “I was really proud of all of us and that we all finished,” Jones said. “There was never any doubt we wouldn’t, but there was a possibility. We all toughed it out.” Heading into his sophomore year at Higley, Jones has already become an accomplished swimmer. This past year, he broke the national age group record in the
200 backstroke. He also qualified for the Olympic Trials and won gold at the 2019 Jr. National Championships. He’s also a state-champion swimmer in Arizona and holds numerous records. Despite his accolades, Jones still believes completing this challenge was one of his top accomplishments. Though it did take a toll on him. He slept a majority of the hour-long drive home to Gilbert Sunday after the
challenge, only waking up to eat. He slept for another five hours, ate then slept for nearly 12 more. Waking up Monday, he said his body was the sorest it had ever been. But it was well worth it. As of Thursday, Jones and company had raised over $34,000. “This was a mental achievement for me,” Jones said. “Just the fact that I got through it, and it’s for a good cause, makes me feel good that I was able to complete it.”
Daschbach said it created an abnormal race atmosphere. But at the same time, it allowed him to stay calm and not have any distractions. As he approached the starting line, his nerves quickly turned into confidence and determination. “I usually always tell myself that the race is going to hurt but I’m going to push through it,” Daschbach said. “No matter what, I know that all I can do is my best. All I can hope is my best is enough to win the race or accomplish whatever goal I have.” Daschbach said he was disappointed when he learned his senior track season
had been canceled. He had hoped to run his final race with teammates. Daschbach won five individual state titles during his time as a Hawk and helped lead the Highland boys’ cross country team to the 2019 Division I state title. Last September, he ran the second fastest 5K ever in the U.S. at the 13th-annual Nike Desert Twilight in Casa Grande. Last spring, he helped the Highland relay team set a new record in the 4x800-meter relay. Once the 2020 season was canceled, he immediately divulged himself into grueling training sessions three times a week to
run a sub-four mile. Though, at the time, he aimed to accomplish such a feat while at the University of Washington competing on the track and field team next school year. But the Quarantine Clasico gave him the chance to cap off his illustrious high school career in fashion. “I just sort of took it and learned that you have to adapt,” Daschbach said of the canceled season. “I talked to my coach and just said that without competitions we could take the next few months to try and run sub-four. I wanted to do a couple solo time trials. I was fortunate enough to have
them throw that meet together.” While Daschbach’s name will forever be etched as one of the best distance runners in Arizona, he hopes he will be remembered at Highland for more. He said he hopes he made an impact on the Highland cross country and track and field programs, stating, “I think all of the seniors set the standard really high for what should be expected from the team. It’s all about hard work and consistency. You just have to commit to the sport and the team and the family atmosphere we have there.”
LEO from page 16
SPORTS
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 14, 2020
JUNE 10, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
King Crossword King Crossword
55 Years Strong
ACROSS
1 5 8 12 13 14 15 16 18 20 21 23 24 28 31 32 34 35 37 39 41 42 45 49 51 52 53 54 55 56 57
Impale Father Waller or Domino Operatic solo Playwright Levin “Step --!” (“Hurry!”) Kindly bloke Make a mock-up of I before E except -Draw forth Doesn’t feel good Overly Kiss Winter forecast Debt notice Detroit team Payable Calm before the storm Vary a tone Winning hand’s winnings Cupola Notlikethis Random drawing? Count Require Right angles Knight’s title On the rocks Encounter Skirt terminus “Finding Nemo” character
PLUMBING We Repair or Install
Hi Everyone, Just a friendly reminder that if your toilet water supply has a thin white plastic nut, you should consider changing it to a steel braided, steel-tipped supply line. We have been seeing these plastic ones crack at the fitting and they can do a large amount of flood damage to your Matt Tobias General Manager house, especially if you’re not home when it happens. If you are unsure if yours should be changed, please give us a call. Thank you! — Matt
Ask Matt
Rates Are Low Now Is The Time To Buy 35 OFF and Refinance #
Call us today with your question!
00 $ Any Service Call Today!
36 38 40 42 43
Noisy swarmer Nikita’s successor -- Aviv Branch Wan
44 46 47 48 50
Morse morsel Retro art style Lecherous look Vortex Dead heat
AHWATUKEE’S
1 PLUMBER
Licensed • Bonded • Insured ROC # 272721
704.542 704.54 22
(480) (48
Sudoku
DOWN
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 17 19 22 24 25 26 27 29 30 33
Long story Not kosher “It -- Necessarily So” Flat-bottomed boat Deny “Exodus” hero Knighted woman Page numbers Big snake South American monkey Undo a dele Last (Abbr.) Small stream Remained upright Lubricant Old French coin Guilty Germ layer Result of three strikes Tiny Wrestling style
Pam Dienert (480) 396-1284 NMLS #1402635
Karen Werner (480) 396-1283 NMLS #188315
Call Karen or Pam or visit unisonbank.com to learn more. PUZZLEANSWERS ANSWERSon onpage page309 PUZZLE
1835 E. Pecos Road Gilbert, AZ 85295
19 35
20
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 14, 2020
Employment General SLK Holdings has openings for Software Engineers in Phoenix, AZ area. Reqs US Masters degree/foreign equiv, or Bach degree + 5 yrs experience w/ skills in SDLC/STLC/QA/Agile to analyze/dsgn/dev/implement/test systems & applics. Email your resume w/ ref no 2020-19 to slkcareers@gmail.com & ref EVT ad
Obituaries Marion Campbell
Marion Campbell was born in Pine Island, Minnesota in 1926. She was raised by Gilbert Burd and Marie House Burd, in Eyota, Minnesota with 7 brothers and sisters. Marion graduated from Eyota High School in 1943. She was very active volunteering in WWII in the postal service and ship repair. She was married to Jack Campbell and they raised four children, Rick, Debbie, Karen and Sandy. She has nine grand children, 14 great-grandchildren and a great, great grandchild. In the early 1950's they moved to California, where they planted their roots, and raised their children. Marion is preceded in death by her husband Jack Campbell and Karen Diane. She was an amazing woman, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be greatly missed by all.
Need help writing an obituary? We have articles that will help guide you through the process.
Virtuouspros has openings for Software Engineers in Phoenix, AZ. Reqs US Masters degree/foreign equiv or Bach + 5 yrs exp w/ skills in MS SQL/Oracle/J2EE/JSP/HTML/ Java to analyze/design/develop/ implement/test systems & apps. Email resume to Tanya at tanya@virtuouspros.com with ref no. 2020-19 & ref ad in EVT
SHARE WITH THE WORLD! Place a Birth, Anniversary, Wedding Announcement, In Memoriam, Obituary or any life event in this paper today! Call us for details.
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.
Call 480-898-6465 Mon-Fri 8:30-5 if you have questions. Visit: obituaries.EastValleyTribune.com
H E A D STO N E S
EVERLASTING MONUMENT Co.
class@timespublications.com or call 480-898-6465 OUR JOB BOARD HAS THE TALENT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR
“Memories cut in Stone” • MONUMENTS • GRANITE & BRONZE • CEMETERY LETTERING • CUSTOM DESIGNS
480-969-0788 75 W. Baseline Rd. Ste. A-8 Gilbert, AZ 85233
www.everlastingmonumentco.com info@everlastingmonument.phxcoxmail.com
Make your choice Everlasting
EASILY POST JOBS 480-898-6465 EMAIL: jobposting@evtrib.com JOBS.EASTVALLEYTRIBUNE.COM MORE INFO:
Employ ment
Employment General Principal Engineers sought by Carvana , LLC in Tempe, AZ. Actively participates in architecture definition, production selections, and application design. Apply at jobpostingtoday.com Ref# 82202.
Semiconductor Equipment Maintenance Tech III, Chandler, AZ. 7+ years of experience required on TEL Lithius Pro and Pro Z. Apply at https://msrfsr.word press.com/
Clairvoyant has openings for the following positions in Chandler, AZ area. Software Engineers reqs US Masters degree/foreign equiv or Bach degree + 5 yrs experience w/ skills in J2EE, Java, XML, SQL, and Unix to analyze/dsgn/dev/implement/test systems & applics. Sr. Programmer Analyst reqs US Bachelors/equiv (3 or 4 yr degree) in Commerce/BusAdm/ST EM field to analyze/resolve/test/report on IT related projects using skills in EMC/MS/SQL/Excel/ Java/C. Email your resume to jobs@clairvoyantsoft.c om with ref # 2020-19 for Software Eng; 2020-20 for Sr. Prog Analyst & ref EVT ad
Sell Your Stuff! Call Classifieds Today!
480.898.6465
CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM
Employment General TechMileage has openings for the following positions in Scottsdale, AZ area. Software Engineers reqs US Masters degree/foreign equiv or Bach degree + 5 yrs experience w/ skills in Java/Jscript/SOAP/CSS/ Clear Case to dsgn/dev/implement/test apps/systems. Sr. Programmer Analyst reqs US Bachelors/equiv (3 or 4 yr degree) in Commerce/BusAdm/STEM field to analyze/resolve/test/report on IT related projects using skills in EMC/MS/SQL/Excel/ Java/C. Email resume to careers@techmileage.co m with ref # 2020-19 for Software Eng; 2020-20 for Sr. Prog Analyst & ref EVT ad.
Employment General Sr Design Eng’r. Analog Devices, Chandler, AZ. Multiple positions avail. Prdct dvlpmt; ID tech risks, fixes, milestones; tech guidance; design/prdct flows; lab eval/debug; dsgn/verify circuits. MS+2 yrs exp. More info/apply: https://careers.analog.co m, click Search Jobs at top, enter 17926. EOE M/F/D/V Quadriplegic Seeks personal care attendant for weekday 11a-3p and some weekend shifts 11a-3p and other shifts throughout the week. 12-18 hours per week. Job involves running errands, care, transfers, fun errands, and feeding the client. Must be responsible and honest. Call Craig 480-966-2059 (leave a message, it's a land line) or email ernest99@ centurylink.net
Employment General Now hiring janitors for office cleaning in various valley locations. Please apply in person at ACE Building Maintenance 7020 N 55th Ave Glendale, AZ 85301. Se solita personal para limpieza de Oficina en varias localidades del valle. Favor de aplicar en persona a ACE Building Maintenance 7020 N 55th Ave Glendale, AZ 85301.
PROMOTERS WANTED!! AVG. PAY $19.48 - $27.33 Large Home Improvement Company Looking For People to Work at Chandler Fashion Center, Superstition Springs Mall, Arizona Mills & Arrowhead Locations, Sam's Club Gilbert & Chandler as well as Home Show Events to Schedule Appointments. Must be able to approach people. * GUARANTEED HOURLY PLUS COMMISSION (DEMO BONUS PLUS % of sale) * PAID TRAINING * PART TIME & FULL TIME * BENEFITS FOR FULL TIME * RETIREES & COLLEGE STUDENTS WELCOME
To Set Up Interview Call, National Trainer, Steve Bloechel 480-298-3688!
21
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 14, 2020
Gilbert Sun News
1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway #219 • Tempe, AZ 85282 480.898.6465 class@timespublications.com
Deadlines
Classifieds: Thursday 11am for Sunday Life Events: Thursday 10am for Sunday
The Place “To Find” Everything You Need | GilbertSunNews.com
Announcements Prayer Announcements O Holy St Jude! Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor for all who invoke you, special patron in time of need; to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart, and humbly beg you, to whom God has given such great power, to come to my assistance; help me now in my urgent need and grant my earnest petition. I will never forget thy graces and favors you obtain for me and I will do my utmost to spread devotion to you. Amen. St. Jude, pray for us and all who honor thee and invoke thy aid. (Say 3 Our Father's, 3 Hail Maryʼs, and 3 Glory Be’s after this.)
Employment General Now hiring temp sanitizing day porters for various valley locations. The available positions are full time and part time, starting at $15.00/hr. If interested please apply in person at ACE Building Maintenance 7020 N 55th Ave Glendale, AZ 85301 (623) 937-3727 Region Technologies has openings for the following positions in Phoenix, AZ and/or client sites throughout the US. Must be willing to travel/relocate. IT Engineer reqs US Masters/foreign equiv or bachelors + 5 yrs exp to design/dev/test systems/apps using Java/J2EE/CSS/Net/Database/Data Analysis/Mainframe/Testing technologies on Linux/Unix/Windows/HTML. IT Analyst reqs US Bachelors/equiv (3 or 4 yr degree) to test/maintain/monitor systems/programs using Hadoop/Bigdata/Tableau/SQL/Selenium/QA on Linux/Unix/Windows. Send resume to careers@regiontechnologies.com with ref # 2020-19 for IT Eng; 2020-21 for IT Analyst & ref EVT ad
Oooh, MORE ads online! Check Our Online Classifieds Too!
Merch
Apartments
Commerical/ Industrial/Retail
Garage Sales/ Bazaars
Crismon/Apache Trl Cottage Cozy 2br 1ba Bad Credit ok. $780 No Deposit. Water/trash incl'd (602) 339-1555
Outdoor commercial/personal Storage Yards for lease. Secure, gated 24 hour access, and much more. Call 480-926-5957 for details
andise
HUGE GARAGE / MOVING SALE Fri 6/12- Sat 6/13 8AM-12PM Fri 6/19- Sat 6/20 8AM-12PM Lots of Nice Clothes, Shoes, Handbags, Household Items. Kitchen Items. Nik-Naks, Must See For Yourself! 2 Weekends 6350 E Hermosa Vista Dr, Mesa Btwn Power / Recker West of 64th St
Wanted to Buy Cash 4 Diabetic Strips! Best Prices in Town. Sealed and Unexpired. 480-652-1317 Diabetic Test Strips by the box, unused. Any type or brand. Will pay top dollar. Call Pat 480-323-8846
Manufactured Homes BRAND NEW NEVER LIVED IN 2 BED / 2 BATH HOMES $58,900 Financing Available
Family Owned & Operated
Three Phase Mechanical
480-671-0833
www.3phasemech.com Sales, Service & Installation
NO TRIP CHARGE • NOT COMMISSION BASED
THE LINKS ESTATES
QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!
Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship 3-TonAC Units - only $3,995 16 SEER AC Units - now $5,995 We are a Trane dealer & NATE-Certified!
900 5-Star Reviews FROM THE UPPER 100’S
40667 N Wedge Dr • San Tan Valley, AZ 85140
602-402-2213
www.linksestates.net
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
ROC# 247803 Bonded • Insured
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
Gawthorp & Associates Realty
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Air Conditioning/Heating
Manufactured Homes
ASK US HOW YOUR $105,000 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.
480-330-5117
Appliance Repairs
ACCREDITED BUSINESS
YOU CAN OWN THE LAND And Own Your New Home
Bob B AC, LLC
Licensed-Bonded-Insured
For Rent
Why Rent The Lot When
($50 Service Call* Waived with any repair)
ROC 318210
Real Estate
ALMA SCH & MAIN UTILITIES INCLUDED Bad Credit OK. No Deposit Close to Lightrail $650 (602) 339-1555
FREE Service Call (Over 40 Years Experience)
55+ Mobile Home Park in Great Chandler Loc. Call Kim 480-233-2035
Apartments
Air Conditioning/Heating
FREE Diagnostic w/Repair NO TRIP CHARGE! A+ Rated A/C Service
Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252
480-405-7588
ItsJustPlumbSmart.com
Cleaning Services
RESIDENTIAL & SMALL BUSINESS CLEANING SPECIALISTS SINCE 2007 Weekly, biweekly, tri-weekly, or monthly; same talented crew each visit Flexible, customized services to meet individual needs of each client GREEN eco-friendly products used to clean and sanitize Move-in/move-out and seasonal deep cleans Small, family-owned company with GUARANTEED high quality services Always dependable, excellent references, bonded, and insured
FreeFree estimates estimatesat at 480-802-1992 480-802-1992 or or dennis@simplygrandcleaningaz.com reed@simplygrandcleaningaz.com
22
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 14, 2020
Cleaning Services CLEANING SERVICE Bi-weekly, Monthly. Move-in, Move-out. Ten Years Exp. 602-459-2481
Classifieds 480-898-6465
Garage/Doors GARAGE DOOR SERVICE East Valley/ Ahwatukee
Broken Springs Replaced Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610
Not a licensed contractor
Concrete & Masonry
Block Fence * Gates
602-789-6929 Roc #057163 Lowest Prices * 30 Yrs Exp Serving Entire Valley
YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!
HOME REMODELING REPAIRS & CUSTOM INTERIOR PAINTING Move a wall; turn a door into a window. From small jobs and repairs to room additions, I do it all. Precision interior painting, carpentry, drywall, tile, windows, doors, skylights, electrical, fans, plumbing and more. All trades done by hands-on General Contractor. Friendly, artistic, intelligent, honest and affordable. 40 years' experience. Call Ron Wolfgang Office 480-820-8515 Cell 602-628-9653 Wolfgang Construction Inc. Licensed & Bonded ROC 124934
RETAINING WALL BLOCK FENCE PLANTER BBQ
FOUNDATION DRIVEWAY SIDEWALK PATIO
PAVER • CONCRETE REMOVAL • HARDSCAPE BONDED & INSURED • ROC#321648 SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! FREE ESTIMATES • 16 YEARS EXPERIENCE RESIDENTIAL CALL JOHN: 480.797.2985 COMMERCIAL
• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations
FIND THE BEST TALENT. EASILY POST JOBS.
General Contacting, Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC118198
One Call, We Do It All! 602-339-4766
ACTION CONTRACTING INC.
Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician
Specializing in Controllers, Valves, Sprinklers, Landscape Lighting, P.V.C. & Poly Drip Systems
Call Lance White
480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com
ROC# 256752 Insured/Bonded Free Estimates
ALL Pro
T R E E
S E R V I C E
L L C
Prepare for Monsoon 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
480-354-5802
WE DO IT ALL!
*Not a Licensed Contractor
Bath & Kitchen Remodels • Car-Port to Garage Conversion Drywall & Stucco Repairs • Plumbing • Electrical • Can Lights Windows • Doors • Cabinets • Painting • Block Fences Wrought Iron Gates • Remodeling • Additions • Patios Tenant Improvements
East Valley
480-833-7353 - Office 480-430-7737 - Cell A+
-S
IN
1 CE
97
8-
LIC/BONDED/INSURED Res/Comm’l ROC#218802
aaaActionContractingInc.com
Irrigation
2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014
Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor
Submit to ecota@timespublications.com
Irrigation Repair Services Inc.
Home Improvement
Free Estimates with Pride & Prompt Service!
2010, 2011 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2012, 2013, 2014 2014
Get Free notices in the Classifieds!
Ask me about FREE water testing!
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.
Work Quality le,Small 2010, 2011 Affordab Man!” ALL RESIDENTIAL & 2012, 2013, “No Job 2010, 2011 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 2012,92013, Too Small Man!” e 199 Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Sinc k COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Wor lity Qua 2014 le, References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Affordab CallAhwatukee BruceResident/ at 602.670.7038 BSMALLMAN@Q.COM Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not aBruce Licensed at Contractor Call 602.670.7038 Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932 Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Call Bruce at 602.670.7038
Meetings/Events?
Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC#317949
Owner Does All Work, All Honey-Do Lists
480-276-6600
Since 1999
520.508.1420
www.husbands2go.com
Most jobs also appear on Indeed.com
Marks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! Painting Flooring • Electrical Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY Marks the Spot for ALL Plumbing • Decks Drywall • Carpentry • Tile • More! Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Your Handyman Needs! Decks • Tile • More! Painting • Flooring • Electrical • Panel MarksChanges the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! • Drywall • Carpentry Plumbing Painting • Flooring • Electrical • Plumbing andPainting Repairs • Flooring • Electrical • Tile • More! Drywall Decks • Carpentry • Decks • Tile & More! • Installation of • Drywall • Carpentry Plumbing Decks • Tile • More! Ceiling Fans “No Job Too Too Man!” • Switches/Outlets “No JobSmall “No Job Too Small Man!” - Ahw Resident Since 1987 - • Home Remodel Small Man!”
Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured
All Estimates are Free • Call:
J BS. EASTVALLEY TRIBUNE.COM
- Free Estimates -
“No Job Too
• Electrical Repair • Plumbing Repair • Dry rot and termite damage repair
SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY
More info: 480-898-6465 or email jobposting@evtrib.com
• Painting • Plumbing • Carpentry • Drywall • Roofing • Block
rk Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Wo 1999 ce Sin rk Wo y alit Affordable, Qu
Landscape/Maintenance
GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES
COMPETITIVE PRICING AND EXPOSURE
REASONABLE HANDYMAN
MarksServices the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Electrical
Handyman
LLC
Handyman
DESERT ROCK
CONCRETE & MASONRY CONCRETE BLOCKWALL
OUR JOB BOARD HAS THE TALENT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR.
Home Improvement
• Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service
NTY
480.345.1800 ROC 304267 • Licenced & Bonded
MISSED THE DEADLINE?
5-YEAR WARRA
Call us to place your ad online!
azirrigation.com
480-898-6465
480.654.5600 Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 21671
23
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 14, 2020
Painting
Pool Service / Repair
Plumbing
Roofing
Juan Hernandez
Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair
HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE
480-477-8842
Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs
We Are State Licensed and Reliable!
Free Estimates • Senior Discounts
480-338-4011
ROC#309706
East Valley PAINTERS
PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!
COMPREHENSIVE DRAIN CLEANING, SEWER SCOPING, AND MINOR PLUMBING REPAIR SERVICE
FALL SPECIAL! $500 OFF COMPLETE REMODEL! 25 Years Experience • Dependable & Reliable
BOOK ONLINE! STATE48DRAINS.COM
Call Juan at
Over 30 yrs. Experience
480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.
Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099
Roofing
Public Notices
SEWER CABLE
20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED • BONDED & INSURED NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR
Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541 www.affinityplumbingaz.com
Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor
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!
480-688-4770
www.eastvalleypainters.com Family Owned & Operated
Now Accepting all major credit cards
Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131
Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet. Please recycle me. Pest Control
Our family would be proud to be your pest control solution.
24/7
Inside & Out Leaks
Bonded
Toilets
Insured
Faucets
Estimates Availabler
Your leaks stop here!
Disposals
$35 off
Any Service
ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®
Not a licensed contractor
New Roofs, Repairs, Coatings, Flat Roof, Hot Mopping & Patching & Total Rubber Roof Systems
FREE ESTIMATES & MONSOON SPECIALS
SAME DAY SERVICE 30 Years Experience References Available Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 286561
Senior & Military Discounts
480-280-0390 ADD COLOR TO YOUR AD!
AZ Shield Pest Control
(480) 257-4640 Rodent Control Mosquito Control (480) 255-4949 Scorpion Control azshieldpestcontrol.com Ant Control azshieldpestcontrol@gmail.com • Owner Operated
480-706-1453
In the Matter of the Adoption of A FEMALE CHILD, Born on October 29, 2008, by Steven Patrick Sabat, Petitioner.
Anything Plumbing Same Day Service Water Heaters
Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident
IN THE FAMILY COURT OF THE FIRST CIRCUIT STATE OF HAWAII FC-A NO.
affinityplumber@gmail.com
Voted #1
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
HYDROJETTING
Ask Us. Call Classifieds Today!
480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM
THE STATE OF HAWAII TO: DAVID ANDREW PROVOST, whose last known address is: 7726 Baseline Road #207, Mesa, Arizona 85209. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a petition for adoption of the above-identified child born to PRANA JETAMIA SABAT, formerly known as PRANA JETAMIA PROVOST, the child’s mother, has been filed in the Family Court, First Circuit, State of Hawaii. THE PETITION ALLEGES that your consent to the adoption of the above-named child by the Petitioner above-named is not required and may be dispensed with pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 578-2(c) as amended. A hearing on the Petition will be held on July 14, 2020 at 1:30p.m. at the Family Court located at the Kapolei Court Complex, 4675 Kapolei Parkway, Third Floor, Kapolei, HI 96707-3272. IF YOU FAIL to appear at the hearing on date and time and at the place noted above or if you fail to file a written response to the allegations reflected in the Petition for Adoption, further action may be taken including the granting of the adoption without further notice to you. Your written response should be addressed to the Presiding Judge, Family Court, First Circuit, Kapolei Court Complex, 4675 Kapolei Parkway, Kapolei, Hawaii 96707-3272. FAILURE TO OBEY this notice may result in an entry of a default and default judgment against you. YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the child, the adoptive parents and the natural parents have rights under H.R.S. Section 578-15 regarding confidentiality of adoption records after the child reaches age 18. DATED: Honolulu, Hawaii, May 26, 2020. Clerk of the above-entitled Court STEVEN PATRICK SABAT 4202 Lanakila Ave. Pearl City, HI 96782 Published: East Valley Tribune, June 7, 14, 21, 28, 2020 / 31012
TrueConnection TVG2006643-Tours_Ad 6/10/20 3:21 PM Page 1
24
Schedule Your No Contact, Personal Tour Today!
We invite you to experience what your life could look like at our community. At Verena at Gilbert, our residents are still enjoying the same signature lifestyle – with a socially distant twist. We are taking precautionary measures to help keep our residents safe, healthy, and entertained during this era of COVID19, and we don’t want you to miss out. We invite you to experience what your life could look like at our community.
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 14, 2020
Formerly The Aspens at Mariposa Point
Living Senior.
CALL TODAY TO LEARN MORE 480-899-8200 INDEPENDENT LIVING 1505 Willis Road • Gilbert, AZ 85297 4808998200 www.VerenaAtGilbert.com