Gilbert Sun News 070322 by Times Media Group

Higley adjusts pandemic funds

$20M downtown building deal

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An edition of the East Valley Tribune

INSIDE

This Week

NEWS....................... 4 State yanks Gilbert group home’s license.

COMMUNITY......... 14 Jeep, dog inspire Gilbert author’s children’s book.

SPORTS..................25 Gilbert High seniors savor football bond. COMMUNITY....................................... 14 BUSINESS..............................................17 OPINION................................................ 19 SPORTS.................................................. 25 PUZZLE..................................................28 CLASSIFIEDS........................................31

FREE ($1 OUTSIDE OF GILBERT) | GilbertSunNews.com

Sunday, July 3, 2022

Voting begins in contentious council election Candidates make their campaign pitch. See Page 9. BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

esidents have until Tuesday, July 5, to register to vote in the Town Council race that could potentially change its political dynamics as four of the seven seats are up for grabs. The two council members who favor limited government and are often at odds with the rest of their peers are not seeking

re-election. Aimee Yentes is leaving public office and Laurin Hendrix has his eyes set on the state Legislature. The nine candidates competing for the four-year, nonpartisan jobs are incumbents Yung Koprowski and Scott September, joined by Chuck Bongiovanni, Bobbi Buchli, Mario Chicas, Michael Clark, Bus Obayomi, Bill Spence and Jim Torgeson. Also running in the Aug. 2 primary is write-in candidate Garrett Glover, who as an 18-year-old high school student in 2019 successfully got lemonade declared the state’s official drink. Glover declined to be interviewed on his bid for office. Koprowski and September were both ap-

Duggan taking reins of Gilbert Fire July 11 BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

fter a grueling interview process of five top candidates, Gilbert chose one of its own to lead the Town’s Fire and Rescue Department. Assistant Fire Chief Rob Duggan will take over the helm July 11 from Chief Jim Jobusch, who retires July 7. “Mayor, council, town manger’s office: thank you for the trust with this responsibility,” Duggan said. “I’m dedicated to continue the tradition and legacy of three previous fire chiefs in ensuring the safety

of our community and our citizens.” Duggan also thanked his wife, Sally, and other family members for their support throughout his 23-year career with the department, the last seven as assistant chief. Duggan, whose selection was approved by Council last week, will earn $188,000 a year. “You’ve been part of the fire family for a very long time and I look forward to working with you in this new role,” Mayor Brigette Peterson said. Dugan, who grew up in

see DUGGAN page 4

pointed by council. Spence also was appointed in March 2020 but lost his seat to Hendrix in a special election later that year. Unlike in the past, the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce did not come out and say who it endorsed. Instead it identified those who are pro-business by assigning them a letter grade. It handed Koprowski an A-plus; September, A; Spence, A; Bongiovanni, B; Obayomi, B; Clark, C; Torgeson, C; Chicas, C and Buchli, C. The West and Southeast Realtors of the Valley endorsed Koprowski, September,

see ELECTION page 8

No problem here

Unlike many of its East Valley neighbors, except Mesa, Gilbert will be treating residents and nonresidents alike to a full-fledged fireworks show at Gilbert Regional Park tomorrow. Many cities, including Chandler and Tempe as well as Phoenix, acted too late and fell afoul of a critical supply line disruption that forced them to cancel their fireworks show. For details, see page 6. (Town of Gilbert)

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

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NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

Burn survivors reach top of Africa’s highest mountain

GSN NEWS STAFF

ight Maricopa County burn survivors, including a former Gilbert man, successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, in six days. Team Courage Rising survivors included 11-year-old Isla Cook, 12-year-old Isabella McCune, Hailey Boyce, Phoenix Fire Capt. Susie Fawcett, Peoria teacher Christin Lipinski; renowned mommy blogger Stephanie Nielson and her husband, Christian, and Jason Nelson. Nelson, now a Mesa resident, suffered burns to 80% of his body when a natural gas explosion ignited in his Gilbert home. All eight people reached the 19,341-foot-tall summit on June 22 and returned home June 26. They had left the country on June 13. “Christian and I had to climb some pretty steep mountains in the burn center with some pretty amazing doctors, nurses, and staff by our sides keeping us alive and cheering us on,” Mesa resident Stephanie Nielson said in a news release. “Climbing Kilimanjaro with those same people, and other burn survivors, will bring us full circle in our recovery. This time we’re climbing a mountain that we can choose to climb, and we’ll be cheering each other on. We’re so excited to conquer this mountain and prove to the world that our scars can’t hold use back.”

The group also had a goal to raise money for the new Arizona Burn Center opening in late 2023 at Valleywise Health through the Valleywise Health Foundation. The 48-member group included support staff and Valleywise Health Foundation representatives, The trek, which was without incident, saw the group climb 6,000 feet and 7 miles on day one, followed by nearly 3,000 more feet and 3 miles on day two. To learn more, go to courage-rising.org and to donate, go to courage-rising.org/ donate. Valleywise Health Foundation is a Phoenix-based 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to providing financial support for critical patient and program needs at Arizona’s public teaching health system, Valleywise Health. Key funding areas include burn survivorship care, innovative behavioral health programs, and teaching tomorrow’s health care professionals. The Valleywise Health mission is to provide exceptional care, without exception, every patient, every time – regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. More than 70 percent of Valleywise Health’s patients are financially vulnerable. To learn more and donate, contact Kate Fassett kfassett@valleywisehealthfoundation.org or visit valleywisehealthfoundation.org.

One man’s opinion Edition #26

GILBERT

BEHIND the Scenes Council Election First a big thank you to Mayor Brigette Peterson for all of the time and effort she has put into her job. In spite of the great job she is doing she has a blind spot when it comes to the huge apartment housing problem we have! She appears to be in the pocket of developers! Remember, she took $6,000 from a local developer! With this in mind it is very important that we fill the council vacancies with people who do not owe the developers and will do right for our great town.

THEY ARE: Chuck Bongiovanni Yung Koprowski Michael Clark Bill Spence Scott September all are well qualified to be council members Others running are Jim Torgeson who sued the town over and over about the bond issue which cost the town tens of thousands in attorney fees & some say millions in interest on the bonds which equates to quality of life in Gilbert. Bobbi Buchli who also was against the bond issue. Mario Chicas and Bus Obayomi who will be also rans.

Burn survivors posed after they reached their goal of climbing Africa’s highest mountain to raise awareness of a fund drive to support Valleywise Health Foundation’s goal of opening the Arizona Burn Center. (Special to GSN)

George Dottl, Taxpayer

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

DUGGAN from page 1

State yanks Gilbert group home license

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Mayor Brigette Peterson congratulated incoming Gilbert Fire Chief Rob Duggan, left, who will replace retiring Fire Chief Jim Jobusch at the end of this week. (YouTube) Moon Valley, is a graduate of University of Arizona and recently received a master’s in Public Administration from Park University. He also holds the title of executive officer from the National Fire Academy and is a graduate of Gilbert Leadership. As assistant chief, he oversaw the department’s data and technology, employee wellness, fire resource, community risk reduction, fire prevention, and training divisions. In his new role, he’ll oversee a $46-million budget and command 273 employees, including 198 firefighters spread out across 11 fire stations. “Chief Duggan has dedicated his career to the Gilbert community and we’re looking forward to having him continue to serve in this new leadership role,” Town Manager Patrick Banger said in a released statement. Fifty-five people applied for the job in a nationwide recruitment. The four other top candidates were a division chief with the Orange County Fire Authority in Irvine, California, an assistant chief with Chandler Fire Department, an assistant chief with Fort Worth Fire Department in Texas and an executive assistant chief with Phoenix Fire. The five finalists participated in a threeday, multi-faceted interview process that included a broad range of perspectives representing public safety, community, nonprofit, business, emergency medical, town leadership, executive and employee viewpoints and priorities, the town said. The council at the meeting also recognized Jobusch, who has been chief for nine

of his 30 years of service with the Town. He was one of Gilbert’s first firefighters in 1992 and has a total of 40 years of public safety service under his belt. Peterson said that during Jobusch’s time as chief, he has watched the construction of the town’s last two fire houses, was instrumental in the design and creation of the Public Safety Training Facility, launched the town ambulance service and helped bring the 911 Memorial to the town. He and then-Fire Chief Collin DeWitt drove to New York in 2011 and picked up a beam from the North Tower and brought it back to Gilbert. “When I first came to Gilbert there was only one fire station,” Jobusch recalled. “Heritage District was not the Heritage District. Roads were two lanes, many of them dirt and it was mostly alfalfa fields or cotton fields. So, it’s changed a lot.” He also acknowledged the importance of his family’s support and that of his co-workers’ in a job that can be taxing. “There is something about the fire service where once you’re in, you are not only part of the family as co-workers but you’re part of the family with their families so you all become a big family,” he said. “Firefighters live together. They spend a third of their time living with their co-workers and so you know where the connections come from and why it’s so important to have that family. “It’s been my honor to not only be the fire chief in Gilbert for the last nine years but to be part of this community and be part of the department for 30 years.”

Gilbert group home that was the scene of a patient’s fatal beating by another patient in April 2021 is officially closed for business. Although Arizona Department of Health Services issued a notice of intent to rescind Tilda Manor’s license to operate back in July 2021, the doors were kept open while the company sought an appeal. After numerous postponements Tilda Manor finally dropped its appeal. “The Tilda Manor group home on Wildhorse Drive in Gilbert officially had its license revoked by the state,” Mayor Brigette Peterson announced near the end of the June 28 Town Council meeting. She said town staff met with ADHS regarding Tilda Manor and that “we spent a lot of time discussing how we as a town could support our residents.” Because Gilbert’s hands are tied as to where these licensed providers decide to locate, the police and fire departments are tracking the number of calls for service at these types of facilities and reporting problem homes to DHS, the regulatory agency. Chris Lineberry, whose home is 350 feet away from Tilda Manor, is glad to see it go. He’s appeared a number of times before council asking for help in closing the facility down. “I’m very, very happy to hear that the process has worked,” he said last week. “I’m saddened that it took this long and somebody getting hurt or murdered actually to bring about this change, and it’s my hope that Arizona Department of Public Health and those agencies will be more engaged in monitoring the care of individuals who are entrusted to a group home.” The case was settled after the parties

see TILDA page 6

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

CHUCK

Endorsed by YOU. Aug 2nd Primary approved by Chuck Bongiovanni & paid for by BeHeardGilbert.org

BONGIOVANNI RESULTS AS LONG AS HIS LAST NAME

BeHeardGilbert.org My campaign has always been about you. It's never been about me winning or losing; it's been about ensuring your voice gets heard. In a turbulent political environment, Gilbert citizens have trusted me enough to share their thoughts, suggestions, and concerns about a town we all love. For those I've had the honor to personally speak with on ChuckChats.com , I thank you for your trust, transparency and honesty. If we haven't spoken, I invite you to e perience a different kind of relationship with a potential elected official and schedule a call with me. GILBERT IS YOUR TOWN . Let's work together to make it the one you envisioned.

Schedule a call today with Chuck at: www.ChuckChats.com

FOR GILBERT TOWN COUNCIL

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

Gilbert undaunted by fireworks supply hassles ilbert will light up the night skies with its annual July 4 celebration tomorrow while three Valley cities are foregoing firework shows for their Independence Day events. “This year, we anticipate 25,000-plus,” said Gilbert parks and recreation spokeswoman Eva Kirschbaum. The town has been hosting the celebration for six years and moved the event from Higley High School to the 272-acre Gilbert Regional Park in 2021 to accommodate the growing attendance that ballooned from 12,000 to over 25,000 people, according to Kirschbaum. Phoenix, Chandler and Tempe blamed supply-chain issues for derailing their pyrotechnic festivities. Tempe is holding a “flume show” on Tempe Town Lake tonight, July 3, while Chandler is holding a five-minute light show downtown tomorrow as part of a concert in lieu of fireworks. Gilbert was able to move forward because its vendor didn’t have the same problem securing what it needed to put on a show, according to Kirschbaum. “We’ve worked with them on several previous events,” she said. Gilbert is closing the entire regional park at 10 p.m., Sunday, July 3 to prepare

for the free event. Gates will re-open at 5 p.m. July 4 for the celebration with fireworks beginning at 9 p.m., weather permitting. Although the event is free, people can purchase VIP tickets for $25, which includes premier seating area near the stage, exclusive food and drink vendors, private restrooms and Gilbert swag. The musical acts include two tribute bands – Ultimate Tom Petty Experience performing 5:30-7 p.m., and Ultimate Bon Jovi, 7:30-9 p.m. The band Breakdown touts itself as the ultimate tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, while Scottsdale-based Ultimate Bon Jovi has been regularly playing in Valley venues. A variety of food, drink and dessert trucks also will be on site for the event, accepting cash or credit payments. Town officials suggest people bring extra water, seating such as chairs and blankets and bug spray. Items banned from the event include pets, glass containers, alcohol, canopies, camping tents, consumer and consumer fireworks. For those opting to celebrate the holiday on their own using fireworks, it’s only legal until to July 6 under state statute. Permissible fireworks include ground and handheld sparking devices, cone

fountains, illuminating torches and wire sparklers. Illegal fireworks include anything that rises into the air and explode or detonates in the air or fly above the ground such as firecrackers, bottle rockets and roman candles. Fireworks are allowed only on private property with adult supervision at all times. People also are advised not to wear loose clothing, never to set off fireworks near dry shrubs or grass and to keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby. No fireworks are allowed on public property, including all public parks, public rights-of-way and roads, according to Gilbert. People caught using fireworks outside the allowed dates or using illegal fireworks are subject to a $1,000 civil penalty. To report illegal firework use, call Gilbert Police at 480-503-6500. Because Gilbert Fire & Rescue have responded to house fires caused by improper disposal of fireworks, the department lists the following safety steps: • Soak used fireworks in a bucket for at least 24 hours • Double-wrap the soaked fireworks in plastic bags • Place the soaked, wrapped fireworks in the trash and not the recycling barrel • Keep your trash barrel out of the garage

and at least 3 feet away from any structures. Fireworks caused an estimated 19,500 fires around the country during 2018, according to the National Fire Protection Association’s annual report issued in 2021. These fires caused five civilian deaths, 46 civilian injuries and $105 million in direct property damage. The report also stated that fireworks were involved with an estimated 15,600 injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms in 2020, an increased from the 10,000 in 2019.

filed a motion to vacate because the appellant withdrew its appeal, according to the Arizona Office of Administrative Hearings. As a result, the judge returned the case to DHS and on June 8 issued an order vacating the hearing, the agency said. Christopher Lambeth, 37, is accused of first-degree murder in the slaying of Steven Howells, 49, on April 12. His case is making its way through the court system. This was not the first time Lambeth has been accused of murder. In 2005, he killed his grandparents in their Rillito home in Pima County and was later found guilty but insane. He was reportedly ordered to serve two concur-

rent life sentences at the Arizona State Hospital in Phoenix but over the years he was transitioned by the state to where he eventually ended up at Tilda Manor. The day after Howells’ slaying, state health investigators conducted an on-site investigation and eventually found 23 violations, including sloppy record-taking. They also determined that Tilda Manor provided false or misleading information to the health department, which put the home’s residents and employees at risk. Investigators stated that Tilda Manor implied it was approved to offer a higher degree of care than it was authorized for, which posed a risk to residents, staff and the community if residents were referred for services the facility was not

equipped to provide. The report stated that Tilda Manor failed to ensure that seven of the nine residents were within the facility’s scope of service. According to the 50-page investigation report, Tilda Manor fell short in a number of areas such as failing to ensure there were enough personnel with the qualifications, skills and knowledge to provide the services, failing to ensure that there were updated treatment plans for some of the residents, failing to maintain a medical record for each patient and failing to ensure residents received continuous protective oversight. The department stated the company’s repeated violations, the pattern of vio-

lations and the severity and number of violations justified the revocation. Tilda Manor received its license to treat up to 10 patients at the Wildhorse Drive location in 2006 from the state. The company has two other behavioral health locations in Gilbert and two in Mesa. It was unclear when Lambeth exactly took up residence at the co-ed home, a two-minute drive from San Tan Elementary School. The then-36-year-old had no prior encounters with Gilbert Police until April 12 of last year, when they responded to a disturbance call at the group home and found Howells on the floor in a pool of blood with head trauma.

BY GSN NEWS STAFF

TILDA from page 4

IF YOU GO

What: Gilbert 4th of July Celebration When: 5-9:30 p.m. Monday, July 4. Gates open at 5 p.m. Where: The amphitheater and event lawn at Gilbert Regional Park, 3005 E. Queen Creek Road. The event is free but an $11 parking pass is required to enter the park. Parking is not allowed in surrounding neighborhoods. For parking pass, go to https://grs-reservationserviceesb. lazparking.com/checkout/?l=140866&wk=7b248f49806c4da9a2866f211b0b14c2 For more information, go to https://www. gilbertaz.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/special-events-and-permits/gilbert-s-july-4th-celebratione.

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

Bill limiting race teaching falls flat in Legislature BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

rizona teachers will apparently not face new rules this coming school year on how they can teach about race and ethnicity because a Scottsdale Republican lawmaker was absent Friday on the last day of the legislative session. But Rep. Joseph Chaplik told Capitol Media Services that House leaders knew he would not be there on Friday. He said if they were interested in the fate of the measure they would have scheduled the necessary final vote on Wednesday or Thursday. “This is not on me,’’ he said. “They didn’t want to put it up for a vote.’’ House Majority Leader Ben Toma, however, said legislative rules required SB 1412 to get a final reading first in the chamber of origin, which was the Senate. That did not occur until Friday.

But it remains unclear how much earlier, if at all, the Senate could have acted. Chaplik said he’s not buying the argument there was no way to advance the bill. “Leadership is so unorganized with planning and execution,’’ he said. And Sen. J.D. Meshard, R-Chandler, who sponsored the measure, said the whole thing has left him “frustrated.’’ The bottom line is that for the second year in a row, lawmakers have been unable to enact what has been labeled a restriction on “critical race theory.’’ SB 1412 sought to restrict what some have argued are lessons that promote hate or feelings of shame in students. Both the House and Senate had given previous approval on party-line votes. Only thing is, there were some last-minute changes needed to get final approval. And that meant there needed to be another roll-call vote in both chambers -- the

Summer is wrapping up in the East Valley. It’s time to get classrooms ready, shop for supplies, and meet new instructors in anticipation of the school year. At Majestic Neighborhood Cinema Grill, we want to help our local educators start the year right. All local educators are invited to recline and relax in the cool comfort of Majestic’s state-of-the-art theaters. Best of all - it’s our treat! Starting July 15 through July 31, we’re introducing Free Tickets for Teachers. It’s our way of saying thanks to educators for supporting the youth of our community, all day, every day. And we’re not limiting this opportunity to just teachers. All local

see TEACHING page 12

VOTE

H RESIDENTS FIRST H FISCAL CONSERVATIVE H GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY H KEEP TAXES LOW/STOP OVERSPENDING

H OPPOSE COMMUTER RAIL H APARTMENTS LOW DENSITY/LOW HEIGHT H PRO- POLICE, FIRE, AMBULANCE

Bobbi Buchli for Gilbert Town Council

Web Site: www.bobbibuchli4gilbertcouncil.com EMail: votebobbi4gilbert@gmail.com Paid for by Vote Bobbi Buchli

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NEWS

ELECTION from page 1

Spence and Obayomi. Criteria used for the grades included past and current community leadership and engagement, experience managing complex budgets and willingness to work with the Chamber on polices and issues affecting the Town’s business climate. The incumbents’ voting records also factored into the ranking, according to the Chamber. Koprowski and Spence on their campaign websites noted they are endorsed by Gilbert Police and Fire. Koprowski, who was appointed in April 2020 and served one year as vice mayor, owns a transportation engineering firm. Her three top priories are maintaining quality of life by fixing aging infrastructure and planning new growth, supporting business prosperity with diverse

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

employment and higher education and backing public safety by ensuring police and fire have the tools, training and resources they need. September, who has a career background in the telecommunications industry, served on the Planning Commission before his April 2020 appointment to the council. September’s top priorities include protecting neighborhoods and families by ensuring the Town has strong and prepared first responders, keeping taxes low and reining in government spending and ensuring Gilbert is a top place for jobs and economic development. Bongiovanni, a successful entrepreneur who’s built two businesses, a national and an international franchise systems, touts fiscal accountability, responsible growth and quality of life.

He’s also big on hearing concerns from the public, setting up ChuckChats.com, where residents can schedule a 15-minute conversation to talk about the issues. Buchli, an associate broker, wants to bring back fiscal accountability because she doesn’t feel the current spending is in the best interest of the community; help small-business grow in town by listening to their concerns and support police and fire by giving them the resources they need. She also states that she is against mask mandates, pro-life and pro Second Amendment. Chicas, a former DEA agent who works as an account representative for an industrial parts distributor, lists among his priorities support of police and fire, protect residents against government overreach and ensure the $515-million

bond passed by voters in 2021 is spent conservatively. He also describes himself as pro life, pro Second Amendment and pro Constitution on his campaign website. For Obayomi, a small-business owner, this is his second shot at the council having previously run in 2020. His campaign platform includes strengthening the economy by keeping taxes and regulations low, attracting new businesses that bring high-paying jobs to Gilbert, keeping the community safe by funding police and fire and managing growth by addressing the growing concern with multi-family housing development. Spence, a retired Navy lieutenant commander, said he’s for responsible growth

see ELECTION page 9

VOTING FACTS

July 5 – Last day to register to vote in the Primary. go to servicearizona.com July 6 – Early voting begins July 22 – Last day to request an early ballot by mail July 29 – Early voting ends Aug. 2 – Primary Election Day Council candidates contact information:

Yung Koprowski Email: yungforgilbert@gmail.com Website: yungforgilbert.com

Chuck Bongiovanni Email: Chuck@beheardgilbert.org Website: chuck4gilbert.org/home

Michael Clark Mario Chicas Bobbi Buchli Email: Marioforgilbert@gmail.com Email: Michael@voteclark22.com Email: bobbibuchli@gmail.com Website: voteclark22.com Website: bobbibuchli4gilbertcouncil.com Website: https://marioforgilbert.com

Scott September Bus Obayomi Email: scott@scottseptember4gilbert.com Email: Busola.Obayomi@gmail.com Website: scottseptember4gilbert.com Website: voteobayomi.com Write-in Candidate Garrett Glover Email garrettglover21@gmail.com

Bill Spence Email: Bill@Bill4Gilbert.com Website: bill4gilbert.com

Jim Torgeson Email: signkingaz@yahoo.com Website: jimtorgeson.com

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

ELECTION from page 8

and points to his council voting record opposing new high-density multifamily housing. He supports a well-trained, diverse and properly equipped police and fire forces and will oppose any attempt to institute a primary property tax or any increases to the secondary property tax. Torgeson, a small-business owner who ran unsuccessfully for council in 2016, said he’ll scrutinize and call for transparent and responsible town spending and thinks Gilbert lacks long-term planning, which he says would affect services and taxes. He also pledges to attract the resources needed to enable the Town to be competitive and on a sound fiscal footing. Torgeson, who’s chaired the Town’s Heritage District Redevelopment Commission, has no problem calling out Town Hall. He and others last year separately filed ethics violation complaints against Mayor Brigette Peterson, which a town-hired attorney found lacked merit, and sued the town to invalidate the transportation bond after employees removed his signs against the election ahead of early voting. Torgeson’s current endorsements include former Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett. State legislative races Gilbert voters also will see contested races for state Legislative Districts 13 and 14 seats. Two Democrats are vying for their party’s nomination for the District 13 Senate seat to challenge the sole Republican incumbent J.D. Mesnard in November -– Michael Morris and Cynthia Hans. Morris, a Realtor, supports improving education and health care, preserve voting rights, and properly care for the mentally ill. Hans touts water management, adequate school funding and keeping government out of healthcare. Five Republicans are vying for the two House nominations in District 13 – Josh Askey, Ron Hardin, Liz Harris, Don Maes and Julie Willoughby, all Chandler residents. A controller for a local real-estate

developer, Askey said if elected, he he promised to work hard to preserve economic opportunities and fight for continued funding and increased opportunities for students, parents, teachers and schools. Hardin, a small-business owner, currently serves on the City of Chandler Transportation Commission. His priorities include fostering responsible economic development, maintaining transportation and infrastructure and providing high-quality education as his children all attended CUSD schools. Harris is a real estate broker whose platform includes fighting for election integrity legislation, protecting school choice and parental rights and supporting legislation to ensure a strong economy. Maes, a former Marine who works in the construction and development industry, said his issues include support of pro-life legislation, protect the Second Amendment, fund and support first responders. He also is a proponent of election integrity, border security and limited government. Willoughby, an ER trauma nurse, said her issues school and education, voter integrity and access to health care. The two primary winners will face Democrat Jennifer Pawlik, who is unchallenged in her primary. For the LD 14 Senate, incumbent Warren Petersen is the only Republican. The two House seats, however, drew four Republican contenders: Incumbent Travis Grantham, Natalie DiBernardo, Gilbert Councilman Hendrix and Suzanne Lunt. Incumbent Jake Hoffman is running for a Senate seat in the newly drawn District 15. Grantham, a business owner and a lieutenant colonel and pilot with the Arizona Air National Guard, chairs the Regulatory Affairs Commission and is vice chair of the Commerce and the Land and Agriculture committees. Businessman Hendrix previously served in the House from 2008-10 and is running on a slate with fellow conservatives Petersen and Grantham. Hendrix said he’s agreed to run for the

Interest high in Gilbert’s school board races GSN NEWS STAFF

here is no primary election for school board candidates but interest is high in the seats open on the governing boards for the three main districts serving Gilbert. Thirteen people pulled statements of interest in the races for one twoyear seat and two four-year seats on the government board in Gilbert Public Schools, the fifth largest district in the state, seven have pulled papers in Higley Unified and nine have filed an interest in the Chandler Unified School District. Candidates must file petitions to appear on the Nov. 8 ballot by July 11. In GPS, incumbent Dr. Charles Santa Cruz is not running for re-election and incumbents William Parker, who was appointed, and Jill Humpherys have pulled statement of interests to run. Candidates have until July 11 to return their nomination petitions in order to get on the ballot. Besides Parker, four others have signaled their intent to run for the two-year seat – Jesse Brainard, Richard Young, Ronda Page and Robin

seat because “a lot of really important issues are dying because of tiny, one-vote margins.” His issues include keeping Critical Race Theory out of schools, keeping the economy on track and “stop left-wing ideas like cancel culture and turning Arizona into California.” Small-business owner DiBernardo said she wants to ensures “logical conservative values in the Legislature” and break down bureaucratic barriers. For her, the priorities include water, immigration, and education.

O’Connell. Seeking four-year terms are Humpherys, William Toon, Randall Behunin, Steven LeSueur, Chad Thompson, Trina Jonas, Colette Evans and Kevin Turnage. Jonas was one of nine people who submitted their names to the county superintendent of education for consideration of appointment to the board in 2021 to replace Reed Carr, who resigned. Parker was chosen instead. For Higley, seven have pulled papers for the two four-year seats, incumbent Jill Wilson, Roy Morales, Anna Van Hoek, Robert Lilienthal, Curt Vurpillat, Brooke Garrett and Amanda Wade. Amy Kaylor is not running for re-election. In Chandler Unified, where two seats are up for grabs, incumbent Lara Bruner is seeking a second term but incumbent Lindsay Love has opted not to run. Other potential Chandler candidates are Charlotte Golla, Nicole Eidson, Marilou Estes, Michael Flores, Martha Serrano, Crystal Markowski, Matt Young and Kurt Rohrs.”

Lunt, an instructional coach for an elementary school and former kindergarten teacher for Gilbert Public Schools, advocates more public school funding, supports election integrity and water conservation. A self-described moderate Republican, Lunt said she believes in being a good steward of taxpayers’ monies but that the state needs to invest more in children. The two winners in the primary will face off against Democrat Brandy Reese, who is unopposed for her party’s nomination.

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

Developer adjusts plans for Mill Creek project BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

developer last week presented a revised mixed-used project that now includes 274 apartments, down from the 308 proposed earlier this year, near Higley and Ray roads. Mill Creek Residential wants a General Plan amendment and rezone on a 15.39 -acre dirt infill lot taking it from shopping center use to general commercial and multi-family with medium density. “We’ve been at this now for nine months,” said Tyler Wilson with Mill Creek at the third neighborhood meeting held June 29. “We’re not trying to jam anything down people’s throats.” Wilson said the developer has held off filing a formal application with the town because it wanted to listen and get the community’s input. About a dozen residents attended the meeting at Williams Field High School, about 1.5 miles from the project site. The master-planned Lyon’s Gate community abuts the property on the west and south sides. Modera Gilbert proposes two three-story buildings with apartments and two four-story buildings along Ray Road with ground-floor retail and three stories above containing 63 residential units and 78 underground parking spaces. Residential parking spaces total 505. Wilson pointed out that even at four stories, the height would still be 10 feet shorter than the buildings at the mixeduse Epicenter at Agritopia across Ray Road. The residential buildings include one, two, three-bedroom units and one-bedroom dens, which provide a place for people to work from home. Rent is proposed to average over $2,000 a month, Wilson said, adding that the developer liked the site because it’s so near to the Loop 202 employment corridor, allowing people to live near their work. He said the residential units would appeal to a broad cross section from single folks who like to live in a mixed-use, ur-

The mixed-use Mill Creek development includes two three-story apartment buildings and two four-story buildings with retail on the ground floor and apartments on top. (Mill Creek Residential)

The apartment buildings’ height is 10 feet lower than the buildings in nearby Epicenter at Agritopia. (Mill Creek Residential)

ban environment to older demographics who want the vibrancy and families. The community would include a pocket park open to the public and amenities for the tenants such as a playground, open space and a clubhouse. An 8-foot tall fence, 3 feet of block and 5 feet of rod iron, is proposed to wrap around the two residential buildings at the south and most of the west side. “One thing with these types of multifamily developments is they represent a lifestyle choice,” zoning attorney Brennan Ray said. “People very consciously choose to live in these kinds of settings. “They’re OK with sacrificing backyards and maintenance to live in this type of development.” The plan presented in the February neighborhood meeting had the two residential buildings at four stories and the plan the developer presented in the October neighborhood meeting pitched putting in 80 townhomes and 197 apartments. The project’s commercial component has the potential to house 10 to 12 tenants in spaces averaging roughly 2,000 square feet, according to Wilson. A co-working site also is being programmed for the project. Wilson commented that the town planners “have been very, very tough on us,” sending back the first plan because they wanted to see a project with more connectivity, was more pedestrian friendly and had more amenities. Ray said the developer will seek devi-

ations, including a “slight tweak” to the density and modify the open space and building height. He said the multifamily medium density zoning is capped at 25 units per acre and the proposed residential units are at 26 units per acre. He also said the developer doesn’t plan to hold any more neighborhood meetings and plans to file an application soon. He didn’t have an exact timeline but is looking at the project going to a public hearing with the Planning Commission and then Town Council in the fourth quarter of this year. If approved, the project would be built in one phase and take two years to complete. Attendees voiced concerns, saying there are already too many apartments in Gilbert, the proposed residential units would bring in more traffic to the area, affect their property values and increase service calls for public safety. Former mayor turned lobbyist Jenn Daniels, on behalf of Mill Creek, said Gilbert Police actually did a study and found “there was not a high impact on calls for service” from multifamily dwellings and that they were proportionately the same as for single-family homes. Daniels also said that the town has always had multi-family comprise 6-10% of its housing stock but that number is now below 6%. There have been a number of studies by Harvard and MIT that showed apartments have no impact to single-family homes most of the time and incidents

where there were positive effects on property values, Ray said And, Wilson said, there is a major lack of housing. Ray also addressed a resident’s comment that the apartments would bring in 584 additional vehicles. It’s a common misconception that a one-bedroom unit would equate to two cars, he said. Instead traffic engineers look at the daily average vehicle trip during peak drive times to determine impact, he added. That said, the average daily trip for a shopping center would be 37% higher than the proposal on the table, according to Ray. He also explained why the current zoning on the site doesn’t work. He said with more people shopping online, brick-and-mortar retail is not in demand and cited a Maricopa Association of Governments presentation that predicted two-thirds of all purchases will be online. “This site is not viable for 15 acres of commercial,” Ray said. Wilson added that the land seller tried unsuccessfully for two to three years to attract retail and got interest from a gym but when the pandemic hit, it went away. The market’s not there for a big-box retailer or for a grocery store with a new Fry’s market southeast of the site, he said. Richard Adams left the meeting, not satisfied with the changes. “I’m still not happy with the project,” said Adams, who lives two streets from the site. He said the Epicenter is still under construction so the full impact on traffic is not yet known and unless he gets a letter from every big-box retailer that they aren’t interested in the site, he remained skeptical. He also believes that there will be a strong demand for a shopping center and a market on the 15 acres as there are apartments in the area being built and that the Fry’s near Recker and Williams Field roads is always packed with customers.

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

Higley adjusts pandemic fund spending plan BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

igley Unified School District made some slight adjustments such as increasing spending to support and retain staff for its last allotment of federal pandemic relief monies. The original plan for the use of ESSER III funds was based on input from stakeholders such as teachers and students and covers spending from fiscal years 2021 to 2024. Allowable uses of the funds include addressing students’ social emotional and mental health, academic needs and supporting staff as a component of recruitment and retention efforts. The district increased spending for staff support and retention by roughly 30 percent and dropped funding for learning loss initiatives by 29 percent, according to CFO Tyler Moore at the June 22 board meeting. The budgets for the other two allocations, school facility repairs and technology to support instruction, remain unchanged. “We received $7.8 million and 20 percent

of that was required to be spent in the learning-loss category so we are still maintaining that 20 percent with this adjustment,” Moore assured the Governing Board. He said the original estimate of $400,000 per each of the three fiscal years to address learning loss with free summer school for credit recovery and tutoring throughout the year was now estimated to cost $200,266 each year. Spending for additional counselors also went from $912,660 to $702,556. The intent was to add three counselors to address students’ social emotional health at nine elementary campuses and add one district lead counselor. After the grant funding ends, the district would then use its own money to fund the positions. Moore said the district was able to fill the district lead position but not the other three openings. “Coincidentally every single district is also trying to hire additional counselors with this funding source,” he explained. Mum Martens, Human Resources executive director, added, “It has been a struggle. We have a neighboring school district that’s

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much larger than ours and they’re looking at nine-plus counselors and their pool has been very difficult, too.” “Instead of hiring certified counselors we’re going to make them teachers on special assignments,” she explained. “They’re actually individuals that are working on the degrees so they’re certified teachers that are currently actively engaged in a curricular program to get their school counseling degree. They just have to show us they’re continually active in the program to continue to be renewed each year.” Board member Kristina Reese applauded staff for taking a creative approach, stating, “I think that’s awesome that we’re thinking outside the box, being that everyone’s hiring counselors.” The last category under learning loss saw an increase in spending to buy and implement a research-based phonics program, which increased to $223,353 from the original estimate of $213,642. Spending for teacher support and retention increased to $3.2 million from $3 million mostly due to COVID sick leave.

That expenditure for Fiscal Year 2022 went from the original budget of $30,000 to $674,831. “COVID leave kind of blew our budget out of the water,” Moore said. Martens said COVID leave increased drastically from December to February and hoped this upcoming school year is different. She noted many other school districts did not offer the leave. An unbudgeted expense resulted from a need to contract with a company to do cleaning at a cost of $414,283. “As you know we’ve had a difficulty hiring custodial staff, not only custodial staff but a lot of our support staff,” Moore said. “It was imperative that we kept our schools clean and sanitized,” Moore added. Board President Amy Kaylor said, “We can’t control that all of our teachers and families all got sick in January of this past year. \But I think we’ve done really well in doing what we said we were going to do with the money and then following through.”

NEWS

TEACHING from page 7

vote that did not occur in the House because of Chaplik’s absence. That will force Mesnard to try again in 2023, assuming he is reelected and the Republicans maintain their control of both the House and Senate. The legislation has its roots in what has been a talking point by some Republicans on so-called “critical race theory,’’ based on the claim that a majority of students are being taught to hate their own race or made to feel guilty about things those from their own race have done in the past. Critical race theory, however, is actually an academic concept usually taught and discussed at the college level, looking at issues of how racism occurs and how even current attitudes are based on historical practices. And despite politicians, including in Arizona, running for office with a promise to halt it in public schools, there are only scattered reports of anything close to that being taught here. Mesnard’s proposal never mentioned critical race theory. Instead, it spelled out rules about teaching certain things, like one race or ethnic group is “inherently morally or intellectually superior to another race or ethnic group.’’ It also mentioned lessons about whether an individual, by virtue or ethnicity is inherently racist or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously, as well as that any individual because of race or ethnicity “bears responsibility or blame for actions committed by other members of the same race or ethnic group.’’ That caused concern among Democrats who argued the measure effectively would whitewash the teaching of history to the point where students would be presented with facts but fail to understand the context. And Sen. Christine Marsh, D-Phoenix, said it even could result in teachers, fearing discipline for violating the law, will simply choose not to give certain lessons or even use certain books because it may cross the line and make students feel shame or guilt about their race or their ethnicity. “Are they so fragile that they can’t even have a conversation, learn about or read about racism in this country?’’ she asked.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

“This bill will stifle what kids read and learn even though few to no teachers are actually, actively going around trying to make any student feel bad about their race,’’ Marsh said. “And they are not so fragile that they can’t separate racism that they see in history and in contemporary society from their own identities.” Mesnard, however, said foes of the measure are ignoring what he says is the key part of his legislation: It prohibits instruction that “promotes or advocates’’ for any of the concepts. “If, indeed, all of these things, the idea of promoting or advocating these thing is offensive, and I believe, personally, contrary to American values, then you should be voting ‘yes,’ ‘’ he said. And Mesnard said the legislation even spelled out that nothing in the legislation precludes identifying and discussing “historical movements, ideologies or instances of racial hatred or discrimination,’’ down to the point where it even lists things like slavery, Indian removal, the Holocaust and Japanese-American internment. “We were very clear about what is OK and what is not OK,’’ he said. But Sen. Martin Quezada, D-Glendale, said he feared that the legislation will effectively sanitize the teaching of history to the point where students will not understand how and why certain things occurred. “We know that the teacher’s role in a classroom should be a lot more than simply telling facts, numbers and dates,’’ he said. “The teacher’s role in the classroom should be putting all of that information, all of the facts, all of the numbers, all the dates into context and teaching children how to think critically about all of those pieces of information,’’ Quezada continued. “When we don’t allow them and don’t teach them how to think critically, we narrow their world view.’’ Republican lawmakers adopted virtually identical language in 2021. Only thing is, they included it in one of their budget bills. That was voided when the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to include provisions that do not deal with state spending

Some citizens are not on board with commuter rail BY JOSH ORTEGA GSN Staff Writer

ith Gilbert council expected to decide in August whether to spend $288,760 for a study to look at locating transit centers in town, a few residents last week made it clear where they stand with commuter rail – a resounding no. “Frankly I think it’s a 100 percent, terrible, horrendous idea for our community,” said 15-year resident Anthony Accurso at the June 28 council meeting. “I realize this idea is still in its very early stages but the fact that you as a council are considering the study for the feasibly of the rail shows that you’re serious about this idea especially because of the fact that you are using taxpayer dollars in order to pay for this study. “I’m here to ask you to not spend a dime on anything towards the commuter rail whatsoever.” Jean Frakes, who moved to town in 1979, said she doesn’t want a train station near her home on Gilbert Road or anywhere and vowed to show up at every meeting to oppose it. “In my opinion, it’s going to increase crime,” said Genny Jones, a 25-year resident. “We don’t need it. If you ever noticed, our buses are empty and it’s going to raise our taxes. I think it’s just going to change the whole atmosphere of our beautiful town.” The residents also said they knew nothing about the town’s intentions until they attended a community forum rallying the public against the passenger rail. The forum was sponsored by the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, which advocates pro-growth and limited government policies. The nonprofit organization held a forum in Queen Creek on June 22 and in Gilbert a day later, which was hosted by Gilbert Vice Mayor Aimee Yentes, who’s also the vice president of the Arizona

Free Enterprise Club. At the Queen Creek event held at Heritage Academy Gateway, Yentes was joined by that Town’s Councilwoman Leah Martineau in telling the attendees why commuter rail was wrong. “With it is being talked about in Gilbert we know that Queen Creek will be next,” Martineau said. Martineau said no items regarding commuter rail will appear on upcoming Queen Creek Town Council agendas and Yentes said now is the time for concerned residents to act. “Stop the Commuter Rail” fliers were handed out that included contact information for each council member in Queen Creek and Gilbert and urged residents to voice their opposition. Yentes outlined six major reasons for why commuter rail is bad – it increases crime, increases taxes, requires massive subsidies, uses outdated technology and has falling ridership. “We’re convinced this is a really terrible idea for our community,” said Yentes, who brought up the same talking points at the April 26 council meeting where staff requested a contract award for a study to look at the feasibility of site locations in the downtown Heritage District and for preliminary site design of phases for a transit center in the Cooley Station community. The centers would not only serve as a hub for commuter rail and intercity rail but other modes of transportation such as bus, bicycle and rideshare. Yentes’ opposition prompted the council to table the discussion until August when they return from taking July off. “We’re spending our money on lobbyists that are therefore going to the state capitol and trying to get more of our tax dollars to go towards more of these types of things,” Martineau said. Martineau was appointed to the Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority Board of Directors at the be-

see COMMUTER page 13

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Gilbert resident Anthony Accurso told Town Council last week he did not want to see a dime of taxpayer money spent on a commuter rail study. (YouTube)

COMMUTER from page 12

ginning of the year. The RPTA Board has 19 members comprising elected officials appointed by their own mayor, councils and the county board of supervisors. Along with them, the Valley Metro Rail Board of Directors has four members of elected officials that help guide the agency by providing transportation leadership to best serve the region and their communities, according to its website. In 2018, Maricopa Association of Governments released the Regional Commuter Rail System Study Update that revises the results of the original study conducted in 2010. Commuter rail is not the same as light rail service, which focuses on shorter corridors and more frequent service throughout the day. Commuter rail corridors are typically longer than LRT lines, which traditionally are fewer than 20 miles in length, according to MAG. The study said commuter rail could share existing freight rail tracks in each corridor with a second track being constructed within the central portions of the system to accommodate both freight and passenger trains. The 2018 study proposed the possibility of a 61.4-mile “Estrella/San Tan Line” commuter rail route connecting Buckeye to Florence with 16 stops. Travel time along the entire route estimates one hour and 18 minutes. There are also plans for a 53.8-mile

“Grand/ Kyrene Line” from Wickenburg to Wild Horse Pass/I-10 with 14 stops. Travel time along the entire route estimates one hour and nine minutes. The study estimates that the Estrella/San Tan Line would have more than 10,000 daily passengers by 2040, with only 240 coming from Queen Creek. The study looked at two possible models of locomotives: Locomotive Hauled Coaches (LHC) and Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU). For example, the San Diego Coaster that connects downtown San Diego to Oceanside, California, utilizes an LHU. The Sonoma–Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) that connects Santa Rosa to downtown San Rafael, California utilizes a DMU. Capital costs for both line corridors, System Elements including Union Station and Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility, and 15 trainsets at approximately $2.5 billion. The light rail currently connecting Phoenix to Mesa has approximately 28 miles of track that has cost $2.1 billion to construct with average weekday ridership of 48,000, according to Valley Metro. Operation and maintenance for both lines costs depends on what model of locomotives will run on them but estimates are between $27 million and $42 million. GSN Managing Editor Cecilia Chan contributed to this report.

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.

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The treatment that is provided at Aspen Medical has three main goals. 1) Increase blood flow 2) Stimulate and increase small fiber nerves 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!

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

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

Aspen Medical will be offering this chronic pain and neuropathy severity examination from now until July 31, 2022. 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.

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COMMUNITY

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

For more community news visit gilbertsunnews.com GilbertSunNews.com

@Gilber tSunNews

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Dog and a jeep inspire Gilbert man’s children’s book BY SRIANTHI PERERA GSN Contributor

inkering with an old jeep while an excitable dog yaps at the feet may not lead to literary pursuits. Except in the case of Gilbert resident Chad Hanstedt. Recently, the aerospace engineer teamed with author Kathy Sparrow of San Diego to create a children’s book titled “Stanky & Cece: Break the Rules,” soon to be part of a series. The inaugural adventure story – suitable for ages 4 to 8 – came to Hanstedt, a jeep enthusiast, when he was working on his latest project: getting a jalopy up and running and also spick and span. Stanky is the name of Hanstedt’s 1988 Jeep Wrangler, named thus because of its unusual odor when purchased. Cece

Gilbert resident Chad Hanstedt teamed with author Kathy Sparrow to write a heartwarming children’s book revolving around a jeep and a dog. (Courtesy of Chad Hanstedt and

Kathy Sparrow.)

is a rescued pup with a lineage mostly of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Hanstedt’s 16-year-old daughter, Olivia, brought her home as a foster, but later the family adopted her permanently. Hanstedt became a single dad when his wife died of cancer nearly 17 years ago. “As a single dad, it was forefront in my mind to raise my daughter, Olivia, with what many would consider old-fashioned values, the kind we would watch as kids on ‘The Andy Griffith Show,’” he said. “It was kind of stewing in the back of my mind that I wanted to help other parents do the same. That’s how the story came to life.” In “Stanky & Cece: Break the Rules,” the best friends head out for a promising

see BOOK page 16

Program teaches 6th graders about college life BY KEN SAIN GSN Staff Writer

ollege can be an intimidating place when you’re young – say, as young as a child who is about to enter the sixth grade. The Destination College program hopes to change that and make college a place young students look forward to attending. “I was nervous to go into the college,” said Angel Hollomon, who will be a sixth grader at Shumway Leadership Academy in the fall. “But as soon as I went in to the college, I realized that it really wasn’t like as nerve racking as I thought it was actually very fun.” Destination College is a joint

project between Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Chandler Education Foundation and the Chandler Unified School District. The goal is to introduce sixthgrade students to the college experience with the hope it will inspire them to strive for a college education while removing some of that intimidation factor. “In the beginning, it’s like they don’t know what to expect,” said Danielle Harris, CUSD’s coordinator for the program. “But the more you ask him, the more you have discussions with them, the more they start to have these thoughts that just evolve in what their opportunities are.” The Destination College pro-

see PROGRAM page 15

Alex Jurado got his photo taken for his student ID as Cody Tanori waited for his turn as sixth-graders began the camp at Chandler–Gilbert Community College on June 6. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

Students Jose Sarinana, Kellen Johnson, and Keshawn Morgan laugh while joking about playing basketball with tour guide Connor Jobe while getting a tour of the Coyote Center at Chandler–Gilbert Community College. Bottom Left: Angel Hollomon is giddy with excitement after receiving a certificate of completion for participating in the Destination College program. (Ken Sains/Arizonan Staff)

COMMUNITY 15 Brendan "B" Nelson McGovern

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

Gilbert student to attend Obituaries international high school

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

GSN NEWS STAFF

shaan Marwaha of Gilbert has received a scholarship to continue his high school education at an international high school. The son of Divya and Raghu Marwaha, Ishaan recently completed his sophomore year at Arizona College Prep High School. He is among 59 U.S. students selected for the merit-based Davis Scholarships to attend UWC, an international high school with 18 campuses worldwide for students 16-19 years old. With a goal of trying “to unite cultures through education, thus creating a peaceful, sustainable world,” UWC has a student body that represents up to 90 countries at some campuses. Many students come from regions with conflict, the school said. UWC offers the International Baccalaureate, a two-year pre-university program that is the most widely recognized secondary school diploma in the world. Applicants for Davis Scholarships must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents

PROGRAM from page 14

gram has been taking place since 2006 but was halted during the pandemic. This was the first year the program restarted and all the students had to go through an application process to be accepted into the program. Students were given a choice of four electives to study during the two-week program. The math-inspired offering was Shark Tank, where they learned how to pitch a business. The science-based class was CSI Chandler, where a crime scene was set up and the students had to look for clues and use science to find the evidence. For the arts, the kids could choose Lights, Camera, Action. And the final choice was the Great Outdoors, where they learned water conservation skills. Alex Juardo, who attends Bologna Elementary, said they had to build a model of

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Ishaan Marwaha and be either 16 or 17 by Sept. 1 of the year they intend to enroll. Additional non-scholarship students may also be selected. These students will be offered partial or no financial support. Dec. 1 is the application deadline. Information: uwc-usa.org. a snow-capped mountain and then build a dam to keep the water from flooding the village below when the snow melts. It was part of a lesson about erosion. They also learned about water management, putting in pipes to lead the water to canals that could be used for drinking and irrigation. So did his dam hold? “It held until we put the pipe in,” he said. “Because when we had to take the dam off, … it started all going down.” Bryce Coleman was part of the Shark Tank lesson. She attends Shumway Leadership Academy. The business she started was a waterproof sticky note. She said they learned a lot about what it will take to attend college – including how expensive it is. The program gave

see PROGRAM page 16

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Need help writing an obituary? We have articles that will help guide you through the process. 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 - 5pm if you have questions. Visit: obituaries.EastValleyTribune.com

McGovern, 45 of Tempe, AZ / Kildeer, IL lost his 6-month battle with Leukemia on June 21, 2022. He leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his family and friends who were always entertained by his crazy antics, silly snapchats, sense of humor and even his "occasional" use of the "F-bomb". Brendan was born on October 16, 1976 to Frank McGovern and Becky McGovern (Nelson) in Park Ridge, Illinois. A perfect baby brother to his sister, Kirsten "Kiki" Cotton (McGovern). Brendan was employed by Rick Ferreira in various healthcare equipment companies since graduating from Arizona State University. Brendan met his soulmate and life partner, Donnie Gillespie in 2007. They shared a lifetime, cut way to short, of travel, biking, adventure and of course "fine-dining" and a special love, that will last forever. He was beloved by everyone who ever met him; A wonderful son, brother, partner, uncle and a best friend to many, including his "roomie forever" Nicolette Miller. No matter the circumstance, you'd always leave with a story of something funny/crazy Brendan did while you were with him. His travels took him on a worldwide tour including one of his favorite places, Cabo. Brendan loved adventure and was always up for a trip! He had a love for the ocean and enjoyed scuba diving. Brendan is survived by soulmate/partner, Donnie whom he loved deeply. He is also survived by his mother, Becky, his sister Kiki and brother-in-law Bill Cotton, niece Brianna Lescher and nephew Christopher Lescher, and his in-laws Don and Debbie Gillespie, Dan and Shelly Gillespie and nephews Tristan and Cole, David and Shelly (Gillespie) Fuller and nephews Drew and Max, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Brendan is now at peace, joining his father - Frank McGovern and his grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins who preceded him. There was a celebration of Brendan's life July 2, 2022 in Tempe, AZ and another in October in Kildeer, IL. If you wish to make a donation in honor of Brendan, please consider donating blood products, if you are able to help others or donating to St. Judes.

COMMUNITY

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

BOOK from page 14

adventure in nature. But one bad decision lands them in trouble and creates havoc for a family of rabbits. Eventually, the duo learns a valuable lesson about making good choices, apologizing for their mistakes and taking responsibility to fix what they destroyed. The moral of the story is that adventures can be fun and safe when rules are followed and the right decisions are made. The story encourages children to look for opportunities to make the right choices, affirms that everyone makes mistakes and teaches them that mistakes can be forgiven. Featuring engaging illustrations, the story can be read aloud for story time or enjoyed as an independent read. It can add to children’s enjoyment of animals, trucks and nature. Upon completing the first draft of the manuscript, Hanstedt reached out to Sparrow and they collaborated on the revisions. They hired James Koenig, also of Gilbert, to create the illustrations, who together with his colleague, Jacob Gray, brought the story to life.

has been a “literary midwife” for aspiring writers for more than two decades. “This was probably different because of the subject matter,” she added. “I smiled every time we saw a new, illustrated page. How could we not have fun with characters like Stanky and Cece?” Hanstedt said: “Our approach to working together was that it should be fun and entertaining, just like the book.” The book was launched in December 2021 and the response has been “fabulous” “Stanky & Cece: Break the Rules” is an adventure according to Hanstedt. The story set in nature. (Courtesy of Chad Hanstedt and Kathy marketing plan includes visits Sparrow.) to schools, bookstores and Jeep dealerships. The authors are developing the conSparrow and Hanstedt found the teamcept into a series, with at least six more work synergistic. “The collaboration process was prob- books envisioned. Book two is in producably the most fun I’ve had with any col- tion and plans call for its release later league. And I really love working with this year. Sparrow is a university professor, all of my authors,” said Sparrow, who writing coach and an author of many books, with the latest titled “The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout.” Hands-on creating is a major part of Hanstedt’s life; he often strums songs on 10 months) one of his guitars, adds to off-road vehi-

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them ideas on how to address that. I learned that you can get college credits in high school,” Bryce said. She was speaking of dual enrollment programs, where high school students can enroll in some CGCC classes and earn college credits without paying a tuition fee. “[We try to show them] what it looks like, as far as what type of tuition opportunities they have, whether it’s scholarships, or whether it’s discounted tuition, and how do they even apply for that or

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cles with custom car parts and fashions furniture with welding and metal fabrication equipment. Now, he adds authorship to his skills, which differs from everything else, including aerospace engineering. “Aerospace engineering is very process-oriented and standardized. We don’t want variation because we want every airplane to be the same. We want repeatability in the products. Otherwise, planes start falling out of the sky,” he said. “But when we write a book, we want something creative. We want something different,” he added. Hanstedt could have waited a while before tackling the writing project, but he decided against it. “In Corporate America, I heard all the time, ‘I’ll work on that when I retire’ or ‘I’ll do this when I retire,’” he said. “I said I’m going to do it now because everybody that I know who is retired is either dying or not working toward their goals. I felt a desire to do it sooner than later in life. “And it was also kind of one of those things where I thought ‘wouldn’t it be cool to have a published book’?” Details: Stanky & Cece: Break the Rules is published by A Writable Life Publishing and is priced at $11 softcover/$20 hardcover. Available in English and Spanish at amazon.com. know where to start?” Harris said. “So they got to have some exposure to that.” Aleema Coleman, Bryce’s sister and also attending Shumway, said she signed up for Shark Tank without really knowing what it was going to be about. “At first I thought there was about like sharks and stuff,” she said. “But I learned it was about growing a business, and I kind of want to do that one day. And I thought it was really interesting.” The students each received a certificate and a gift from the college at a Destination College graduation ceremony on June 16.

On the web

For more information about the Destination College program visit chandleredfoundation.org and search under “What We Do.”

BUSINESS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

GilbertSunNews.com

@Gilber tSunNews

/Gilber tSunNews

Downtown Gilbert retail-office building sells for $20M GSN NEWS STAFF

Montana company has bought a downtown Gilbert office building for $20 million. Storage Locker LLC of Bigfork last month closed the deal for The Collab at 325 N. Ash St. with a $7 million down payment, according to data reported by Valley real estate tracker Vizzda.com. Designed and built by LGE Design Build in 2019, The Collab is a nearly 43,000-square-foot, four-story building with retail and office space in the Heritage District. According to Creation, a Phoenix real estate and investment company, the building recently reached 100% occupancy. Eric Wichterman, Mike Cover, Steve Lindley and Alexandra Loye of Cushman

The Collab was built in 2019 and sold last week for $20 million to a Montana company. (Special to GSN)

New wine bistro opens in Gilbert

GSN NEWS STAFF

umble Bistro and Marketplace, which bills itself as a “charming neighborhood wine parlor with European bistro flair and global cuisine,” has opened at 1524 E. Williams Field Road in Gilbert. The restaurant is now serving lunch and dinner while the marketplace portion will feature “food items by local artisans,” once it opens this fall according to a release. “We’re beyond thrilled to open our new concept in one of the hottest communities in the East Valley,” said Jorge Gomez, chef and partner of Humble Bistro. “The freshly renovated space will feature the signature Humble Bistro charm. We look forward to welcoming the community in – not just for a meal but an experience.”

The bistro-market occupies 5,000 square feet of space as well as a 1,500-square-foot patio. The market will also sell Humble pastas, pizza doughs and the popular chili honey. Also planned are a coffee bar, ice cream bar and wine store. “Guests can look forward to pastas and breads made in house as well as fresh, top-quality cheese and meats imported from Spain and Italy,” the release said. The menu includes the Gentleman Pizza with ricotta cheese and Italian sausage, the Humble Caesar salad and hand-crafted pasta dishes and cocktails like the frosé, Humble margarita and Humble red and white sangrias. “We like to call our taste profile ‘new world flavors,’ which has different cultural influences because we believe that’s how people eat now,” Gomez said

in an interview earlier this year. “We have a foundation in Italian cuisine with our pizza and fresh pastas but we also bring American, Spanish, French, Mexican ingredients and techniques to create that New American cuisine. It’s all based in nostalgic, craveable items.” There are currently two other Humble Bistros, in north Phoenix and Glendale. We like the feeling of a neighborhood bistro/café that’s been there for years and is your favorite little place with Old World influences, something that you might find in Barcelona, Paris, Tuscany, Chicago and New York.” Gomez has a long-standing love for preparing food. “It was always there. I just didn’t

see HUMBLE page 18

and Wakefield brokered the deal, Creation said. The sale represented a square-foot price of $469.88, according to vizzda. The Collab sale was one of several multi-million-dollar building and land transactions in Gilbert over the last few weeks, according to vizzda data. On June 21, Realty Income Corp., a commercial property management and investment company with offices in Phoenix and San Diego, bought Western Skies Village strip mall on Ray Road near Val Vista Drive for $9.44 million, vizzda reported. The property consists of four buildings built in 2014 on 2.5 acres and totaling over 14,600 square feet of retail space anchored by a nearly 4,700-square-foot

see COLLAB page 18

Corporate Jeff Jorge Gomez is co-owner of the Humble Bistro & Market that is slated to open next month at Val Vista Drive and Williams Field Road in Gilbert. (Special to GSN)

BUSINESS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

COLLAB from page 17

Helping kids

Circle K, a car wash, a gas station and a Discount Tire garage. A number of other medical and other businesses also rent space there. Vizzda said the sale price equaled $645 a square foot. About a week earlier, another Circle K at Power and Germann roads in Gilbert sold for $6 million. Vizzda reported that

the Circle K Corporation sold the store to IS Trails At Northpointe LLC in Nevada. On June 17, Hospice of the Valley paid $7.23 million for just over 11 acres of land on Woodside Court near the southwest corner of Greenfield and Pecos roads and east of the Mercy Gilbert Medical Center.

know it, but it took shape on the last year of high school when I really had to think what I was going to do as a career,” he said. He learned many secrets from his maternal grandmother, helping her in the

kitchen with tamales, tortillas and chocolates, all scratch made. His first job was at L’Olivier, a French restaurant in Mexico City, and, at 17, he continued his passion at the Culinary Institute of Mexico in Puebla.

HUMBLE from page 17

GOT NEWS?

Gilbert residents Leslie Rumsey, left, and Maria Valles recently volunteered at Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona with their Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa teammates, creating affirmation cards to be placed in the organization’s Bravery Bags. The cards will also be used in other ways to help children who have experienced abuse, neglect or homelessness. (Special to GSN)

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OPINION

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

Opinion GilbertSunNews.com

@Gilber tSunNews

For more opinions visit gilbertsunnews.com /Gilber tSunNews

Meet the 2022 Gilbert Town Council candidates To Our readers

The Gilbert Sun News invited the nine Town Council candidates to write two opinion pieces on a topic of their choice. This is the second set. The first set, published last month, is at gilbertsunnews.com along with the answers to our questionnaires. Candidates who do not appear here today either did not submit a column or missed our deadline. Today’s columns will also be published at gilbertsunnews.com, as will any late ones.

Bongiovanni: I listen to Buchli: I will speak in the people to understand them best interest of citizens BY CHUCK BONGIOVANNI Guest Writer

eing available to potential constituents is the focal point in my campaign for Gilbert Town Council. It’s important to know what is on their minds, what keeps them up at night, and how I could help. As a franchisor, I’ve learned that you need to know how people feel about issues that matter to them. That is why I began ChuckChats.com. ChuckChats gives me the honor of meet-

ing real people in Gilbert who usually wouldn’t reach out to a Town Council member or a candidate. When I started it, I thought 90% of my calls would be people complaining about things. I was dead wrong. Every caller took the risk of sharing their inner thoughts and concerns about what they saw and heard in their everyday lives in Gilbert. ChuckChats have opened discussions on the fear of more colossal apartments, widening of roads, dangers with kids riding golf carts on public streets, feral cat concerns, and many more topics.

see BONGIOVANNI page 22

BY BOBBI BUCHLI Guest Writer

“I

f you hand good people possibility, they do great things.” As your Gilbert Town Council candidate, I believe I am that good person who will do great things for you, your family, and your local business. As a Gilbert resident and businesswoman for more than 20 years, I seriously care about you and our town. I have no special interest ties, no union

affiliations. I am no way in the pocket of real estate developers or light rail proponents. I am just like you -– a Gilbert resident who wants our town to flourish. Consider these questions: Do you feel listened to as a Gilbert resident? Are your concerns valued by your current town council? Do you find yourself expressing yourself at town council meetings only to discover that a decision has already been made and your voice is virtually silent in the ears of our elected officials? As I knock on doors in our neighborhoods, talk to people at community ven-

see

Chicas: Independence Day is a time to be thankful BY MARIO CHICAS Guest Writer

uly 4th, 1776 - Independence Day. I enjoy American history and the formation of the country. You see, I was born in El Salvador and while it has its own history, there is none like American history. At least not in my book. The Revolutionary War (1775-1783) began when British troops and militia-

men were having some “skirmishes” and later that summer the British must have been thinking as Theoden (Lord of the Rings, the Two Towers) said, “so it begins.” The French and Indian War (17561763), the Stamp Act (1765), the Tea Act (1773), Boston Massacre of (1770) leading to the Boston Tea Party in 1773 where Bostonians altered their appearances to board British ships and dumped 342 chests of tea into the Boston Harbor – I mean who does that? Having known a few Bostonians in my life, the part they played in history and the

way they went about it, just makes sense! Fast forward to 1775 British soldiers marched to seize an arms cache and met resistance there and then the “shot heard round the world” was born and thus the start of the Revolutionary War. Moving along, on July 2, 1776 the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence. Two days later 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence drafted by none other than Thomas Jefferson. You don’t need a history lesson from me all of the dates and battles can be found all over the internet. Stop and think

BUCHLI page 21

about all of the struggles and battles that Washington and his men lost and more importantly won. The strokes of “luck” the colonists had throughout their battles with the British. Valley Forge, Washington and his men attacking on Christmas Eve! Seriously, Christmas! Here I am again giving you a history “lesson,” again, I told you I love American history! In all seriousness though, this Fourth of July when you are shopping for that cut of delicious meat or driving to get

see CHICAS page 23

OPINION

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

Clark: Gilbert’s heritage Koprowski: Transportation must have financial support from the eyes of an engineer BY MICHAEL CLARK Guest Writer

e have come to the part of the election where you, the voter, need to pare down your candidates to who you believe will represent you, your family, and businesses best. In your everyday life I would guess you live, associate, and work with individuals having an “in common” foundation. You will be assembling a Town Council who will need to find their “in common” foundation quickly. Your Town Council will come from unusual backgrounds or who have different life experiences tending to have different perspectives; when our group of dissimilar people work together, we

will be better able to solve problems than people who think alike or have the same experiences. The one important thing, every council member believes in serving the Town of Gilbert to the best of their ability. We need to be cautious of people wanting to be a council member for personal gain or serving a group that do not have your best interest at heart. All council members must be accountable. Voting records do not and will not lie. An especially important “in common” thing we share is our heritage and cultural heritage. The heritage of our building and artifacts must have the financial support from the new Town Council. Our cultural heritage is simply the humanity we all share being a resident of Gilbert. We all have something “in common” and that is we all share the pride in be-

see CLARK page 21

Obayomi: My priority is keeping Gilbert safe BY BUS OBAYOMI Guest Writer

eeping our community safe and providing support for our public safety personnel is my top

priority. In addition to being a great place to work and raise a family, people are moving to Gilbert because we consistently rank as one of the safest cities to live in Arizona. But we cannot rest on our laurels. We must continue doing all we can to support public safety. Why did I move to Gilbert? Because I have a young family and there is nothing more important to me than their safety. Looking back at my time as a teenager

living in New York, I quickly found out the impact poor public safety services could have on a community. I was in an unsafe neighborhood where we could not tell the difference between a gunshot and fireworks. How did my neighborhood end up like this? A total lack of support for public safety and years of incompetent leadership and failed policies. The Town of Gilbert is experiencing significant growth, so keeping our community safe as we continue to grow is critical. Since launching my campaign for Gilbert Town Council, I have spent a lot of time connecting with police and fire to understand how we can better support them. One issue that consistently came up is a shortage of personnel.

see OBAYOMI page 22

BY YUNG KOPROWSKI Guest Writer

s a transportation engineer, I have been planning and engineering roads and trails in Arizona for the past 15 years to make them more efficient and safer. Transportation engineers plan road signs, design traffic signals, and plan bikeways, trails, and sidewalks. I run a company that helps towns and cities plan new transportation systems. I also specialize in ways to make older systems better with technology and safety enhancements. With my knowledge and background. I bring a unique and valuable perspective to Town Council, where a large por-

tion of budget expenditures go towards roadway projects. As a citizen, I enjoy driving on smooth roads and traveling freely in a reasonable amount of time. I believe everyone in the community deserves safe and reliable transportation choices. My children are 9 and 7 years old. They enjoy being active and bicycling to school or the park. We had a close call with our family cycling across a major arterial intersection on a green signal. Just as we were entering the intersection to cross seven lanes, a driver in a large pickup truck wanted to make a left turn across our path. They were impatient and nearly turned across my son’s path. There was honking and yelling and it was one of the most uncomfortable experiences of my life.

see KOPROWSKI page 21

September: Here are my priorities for Gilbert BY SCOTT SEPTEMBER Guest Writer

y name is Scott September. I am a husband, a father, businessman and am currently serving on the Gilbert Town Council. I have always had the heart and desire to serve in a civic capacity. I have served my family, my neighbors and my church, as well as Gilbert since 2019 as a planning commissioner and since 2020 as a councilmember. I am passionate about protecting our families and children which is why I serve on the board of CeCe’s Hope Center (cecescenter.org). CeCe’s is a nonprofit that provides wrap-around ser-

vices for young women rescued from trafficking. You likely have seen my signs with the words “Public Safety, Low Taxes, and Protecting our Neighborhoods”. These have been and will continue to be my priorities for Gilbert and I wanted to share what these priorities mean to me. Public safety. I strongly support the men and women who proudly serve Gilbert’s police and fire departments. Unlike other important Gilbert employees, they are sworn and have taken an oath to protect our residents and town. The daily dangers of performing these critical jobs are growing and cannot be overstated. In a time where there are calls to defund the police, I will always back the men and women of our police and fire departments and ensure they

see SEPTEMBER page 24

OPINION

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

Spence: I will represent you and your family well BY BILL SPENCE Guest Writer

he Primary Election is less than 30 days away! Still many of you haven’t decided which candidate has earned your vote. I am hoping that this article will point you to some of the best sources of detailed and unbiased information on each of the candidates. And I’m hoping that the information you find leads you to the determination that I will represent you and your family well. By now you have seen signs of all sizes and colors designed to catch your attention. (Personally, I’d love to see fewer political signs and I promise to remove the limited number that I have immediately following the election.) My signs have the link VoteSpence.com,

KOPROWSKI from page 20

I advocate for safe, multimodal transportation systems because it benefits children, reduces traffic congestion, and enhances our quality of life. As a policymaker, I am responsible for identifying and securing local, state, and federal transportation funding for Town projects. The Town Council sets the vision and policy for Town Staff to follow concerning the allocation of transportation resources, including the management and regulation of transportation activities. Gilbert turned 100 years old in 2020 and our community is aging while also continuing to grow. Gilbert currently has over 270,000 residents and is expected to grow to around 330,000 by 2030. Maintenance of existing roads, sidewalks, and street lights are funded using the state-level gas tax (Highway User Revenue Funds, or HURF) and vehicle license money. Gilbert also assesses a Roads System Development Fee to make

which will bring you directly to my campaign website, which is a great source of information about me. Many of my signs also include the logos for major endorsements. Some of my endorsements include: West and Southeast Realtors of the Valley (WeSERV) which represents over 26,000 Realtors in our region, Fire and Police, and an “A” grade from the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, which represents nearly 800 business that employ over 60,000 people. I am honored to have these endorsements and hope that they will serve as a solid third-party assessment of my ability to represent Gilbert’s interests. Some of you may have attended a neighborhood “Meet and Greet” or possibly had flyers sent to your house. I’ve met hundreds of residents by just being out and about in the community and in-

see SPENCE page 23

sure new developments pay their share of the impact to our roads. These funding sources are insufficient to cover any other transportation enhancements. To pay for other transportation improvements, most cities in the region have a dedicated transportation sales tax. Gilbert does not. Regional funding through Maricopa County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation is set to expire in 2025. The extension of this is set to go to voters in March 2023. If voters don’t extend it, transportation in Maricopa County will deteriorate and Arizona’s economy will suffer. Gilbert’s recent approval of General Obligation (GO) bonds for transportation and infrastructure improvements filled a critical funding gap. As a council member, I will continue to lend technical expertise to plan, sequence, and stretch these dollars in a manner that provides optimum value.

BUCHLI from page 19

ues, visit with business owners, and respond to voter phone calls and emails, I consistently receive the same response, “You have solidified my vote!” I am approachable, friendly, and genuine. I am honest and possess strong convictions. I am not afraid to voice my opinion nor am I afraid to vote no if the voices of my constituents and the research points to a result that would be detrimental to our citizens or the community. I will be here for you and I promise to listen intently and act upon great ideas and suggestions. I, like many residents, have grave concerns regarding Gilbert’s future. The bottom line is that there is little left of available land for high quality development. We must create and follow a thoughtful and serious plan to carefully address this challenge. This issue is a top priority for me and I

CLARK from page 20

ing a resident of the Town of Gilbert. I challenge all of you to visit HD South and see our heritage and see what our past cultural heritage was. I take this election very seriously! As your Town Council member, the Town of Gilbert will receive all of my talents to serve you well. The only way I can go from a candidate to a Council member is collecting your vote. So, I leave you with this poem and politely say, God Bless. voteclark22.com Voting Is A Mission By Cedric McClester To achieve your ambition Stop hoping and wishing Voting is a mission It’s like going fishing No fish will you find If you don’t cast your line So drop your remote And go out and vote Your candidate Might not win the debate But let me clearly state If you don’t participate Then you abdicate By not voting your choice You lose your voice And can never rejoice

will do all I can to ensure that the future of our beautiful town is carefully nurtured so we can sustain our quality of life for existing as well as new neighbors. I am a proud Gilbert resident and I will stand up and speak in the best interest of my town neighbors. I have watched Gilbert transition over the years from a sleepy farming community to a thriving and influential city. Gilbert is respected and admired but we also face growthinspired issues that must be addressed by town officials who listen. You deserve a strong council member with an honest, caring, and competent voice. But most of all you deserve a representative with a passion to serve with integrity. I’ll say it again. Integrity. I am that person and heartily thank you for your vote.

Democracy demands Having all hands Both critics and fans Despite their brands Being involved To get their problems solved Things tend to revolve So we’ll be absolved Voting is a right We could lose overnight Unless we unite Stop being uptight And stay engage in the fight For which people died Payed in blood or their hide To not be denied www. michael@voteclark22.com Call 602-510-6562 -Ask for your free yard sign.

HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? Send your letters to the editor, Paul Maryniak at pmaryniak@timeslocalmedia.com

OPINION

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

OBAYOMI from page 20

How will I support public safety as your Councilman? I will: Ensure our first responders have the tools and resources needed to keep Gilbert one of the safest cities in the state and country; Support our police officers and fight the “defund the police” movement;

Promote partnerships between law enforcement and the community; To retain and attract the best and brightest police officers and fire fighters, we need to be competitive with pay and benefits with surrounding cities and towns. This will ensure that we continue to be the gold standard for public safety

services in Arizona. Our residents deserve nothing less. The primary responsibility of our government is to provide high-quality public safety services to keep Gilbert residents safe, and that’s exactly what I will fight for. I’ve seen an unsafe neighborhood and

struggling community up close, and that’s why public safety must always remain a top priority. My name is Bus Obayomi and I’m a candidate for Gilbert Town Council and I hope to earn your vote. You can learn more about my priorities for Gilbert at VoteObayomi.com.

I had great calls with people with firm opinions, which were the polar opposite of mine. We did something unique for these days; we listened to each other – I mean really listened - and ended up seeing each other’s point of view. Every call was more than worth my time, and every call ended with the caller and myself entering into the vital realm of mutual understanding. A domain rarely reached these days in the world of pol-

itics. Whether you’re in business or politics, people not only want to be heard, they also want to know they were understood. Too often, governments may be perceived as steamrolling over the people’s will. Whether voting for mega apartments or using eminent domain to acquire land for projects, as a town, we need to work together with citizens to solve problems and resolve misunderstandings or down-

right disagreements. Every issue has a solution when finding one is your goal. Yes, Gilbert is growing. This may be a challenge for some people. However, in business, I’ve always found that communicating the “why” for a change or new direction is crucial in gaining understanding. Sharing the “why” of a policy is just as important than sharing the “what” or the “how.” However, to understand the “why,” one

must enter the realm of understanding – which begins with being heard. That’s why I started and will continue ChuckChats.com, that’s why my campaign is BeHeardGilbert.com, and that’s why I want to be your next Gilbert Town Council member. I want the people of Gilbert to be comfortable approaching me and voting for me on Aug. 2.

BONGIOVANNI from page 19

GOT NEWS?

Contact Cecilia Chan at 480-898-5613 or cchan@timeslocalmedia.com

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

SPENCE from page 21

troducing myself. Several of you may rely on a neighbor or an acquaintance to help determine who gets your vote. Regardless of how you decide your vote, remember that it is YOUR vote and YOUR VOTE MATTERS. We have fought hard for free and fair elections. I believe that voting is one of the most important duties that we have as Americans. With all this being said, I must point out what I feel is the best source of in-

formation for all of the candidates. The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce conducted an incredibly robust candidate evaluation for 2022. They hosted three “meet and greet” events for all candidates that were open to the public and were very well attended. Candidates were then required to submit detailed answers to a dozen written questions and provide video responses to eight more questions. Their questions covered nearly every major

another bag of ice or jumping from BBQ to BBQ - stop and admire the American flag. It’s surely to be draped all over Gilbert. Take heart how ferociously and viciously it was defended by Americans. Think of the sacrifices these men and women made to fight against a tyrannical government attempting to impose its will on them. God has given us this great country and great Town of Gilbert, let us be grateful

for the men and women in our Armed Forces that defend us against evil so that we may lay in bed with the blanket of freedom every night. Let us thank the men and women of Gilbert from the Police and Fire Departments and all first responders who keep us safe and help us in times of need. Let us not forget that some paid it all so that we could be here today a free people. God bless you this 4th of July and God bless the USA.

CHICAS from page 19

issue affecting our town. To say that the process was thorough would be an understatement. Simply stated – the candidate responses to the Chamber’s questions are the single best source of information about the candidates running in our local races. You don’t have to rely on the scores provided by the Chamber. Watch the videos and read the candidate responses yourself. I have provided the links here:

gilbertaz.com/gilbert-town-council-2022 or bit.ly/3ngnLVx. gilbertaz.com/uploads/Candidate-Evaluation-Report-Card.pdf. gilbertaz.com/uploads/2022-SCORING-MATRIX.pdf.

Again, I humbly ask for your vote on Aug. 2. Please visit my website at VoteSpence.com for more information and feel free to contact me with any other questions that you may have.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

SEPTEMBER

from page 20

have the resources they need to keep us safe. Low taxes. Keeping taxes low means keeping costs down by implementing policies that control spending. Here are some examples of the conservative financial policies that I have supported as a councilmember and will continue to promote. Unlike most other cities, Gilbert does not have a primary property tax, only a secondary property tax that can only be used to repay voter approved bond debt. Gilbert Town Council has lowered the secondary property tax rate twice since 2014 down to $.99 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2019. This year, council again voted to hold the tax rate at $.99 per $1,000. Gilbert’s annual zero-based-budgeting process starts every department’s budget review at zero and requires justification for the costs and needs of the next fiscal year’s budget. This allows strategic goals like lowering costs, and subsequently taxes, to be built into the budgeting process and further reduces spending by avoiding blanket increases based solely on a prior year’s budget. Often, departments must return unused funds. Recently, Gilbert created a sinking fund to move debt payments to the next

debt instead of retiring the payment. This accelerates the payment of debt and will help the Town pay off the University Building mortgage 17 years early and save taxpayers $15,000,000 dollars in interest. Protecting our neighborhoods. To me, this priority goes beyond strong, well equipped, public safety and first responders. This also refers to the careful planning of new development in our community, especially the development that borders our neighborhoods. Private property rights are the bedrock of our country, freedom and society. Property owners should have the freedom to develop their property. But we need to balance the rights of all property owners against diminution of value and quality of life concerns. We need to ensure a mix of business and residential uses that complement each other without compromising the beauty, value and safety of our neighborhoods. It has been my great honor to serve you on the Gilbert Town Council for the past two years and I am asking for your vote on August 2nd so that I can continue to serve. To learn more about me and my views on other important issues, please visit my website at scottseptember4gilbert.com.

Have something to say? Send your letters to the editor, to pmaryniak@timeslocalmedia.com

“Did your new hearing aids cost much?” inquired a friend. “Well,” said the new hearing aid user as she drew a deep breath.” my hearing loss cost me three friendships that I know of, a strained relationship with my husband, two grandchildren who think I don’t understand them, boredom at church, and lost interest in attending get-togethers.” After a reflective pause, she added: “Sure I invested some money to get these hearing aids... but it doesn’t compare with what it cost before I got them.”

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Gilbert seniors bond through youth football memories BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor

here’s a level of camaraderie that is established within every football program between players and coaches. Most of the time, that comes during the grueling off-season workouts, when teams spend hours together in the weight room, on the field, in 7 on 7 and big man tournaments and at camp – often a three-day or more retreat up north or in California for teams in the East Valley. They build relationships, many of which often last well beyond their high school years. There’s also a small percentage of players who build those relationships before high school in local youth leagues. But it can be rare – especially outside of small, rural towns – for them to remain together on the same team for several years after the fact. That’s what makes the relationship some se-

Gilbert coach Derek Zellner said this season will be emotional for him as he prepares to say goodbye to the players he has coached since they were 5 or 6 years old. He aims to make it special. (Jack Beasley/GSN Contributor)

From left: Ethan Greenberg, Noah Narain, Jacob Barnes, Carter Dickie and Cooper Zellner, along with Patrick Hechtle (not pictured), have all been playing with or against each other since youth football. Now seniors, that has fueled their team chemistry as they aim to reach the postseason this fall. (Jack Beasley/GSN Contributor) niors on the Gilbert football team have with each other unique. They grew up together. “We’ve been together for almost 12 years,” senior Carter Dickie said. “It’s been a good time. It’s been a long time. We’ve got some good team chemistry because of that.” Dickie, Cooper Zellner, Jacob Barnes, Ethan Greenberg and Patrick Hechtle all got their start with the Gilbert Dawgs youth football program. Together, they won state championships and went to nationals in Florida. As they grew closer and their time in youth ball with the Dawgs came to an end, they vowed to remain with one another in high school. Overall, it was an easy decision to make. Along with their own personal friendships, their families all grew close as well. To this day they still vacation with one another, the most recent an extended stay in San Diego after the Gilbert football team played in San Diego

State’s 7 on 7 tournament. There was also the lure of playing for their youth coach at Gilbert. Derek Zellner, Cooper’s dad, was hired in 2015 to take over the Gilbert football program. The kids adored him as a coach in youth ball and that made the transition to high school that much easier as freshmen. “We’ve been running the same plays since we were 8 years old,” Greenberg said. “So coming here was a no brainer. It’ll be weird not to play for him and to adjust to new plays when we go to college.” Every player can think back to what they all looked like when they were younger. Greenberg said there are times where he will compare photos from when they were kids to now and laugh. They pushed each other to be better in the weight room and on the field from their freshman year to now. Their tight-knit bond even extended to other Gilbert players in the 2023 class, in-

cluding players like Noah Narain who played against the five others in youth flag football when he was with Competitive Edge. Narain said he remembered them instantly when he walked into the Gilbert locker room for the first time. He was the cornerback they would often stay away from because of his ability to lock down one side of the field. “I think they beat me once,” said Narain, who remembers one of their games vividly when Dickie got the best of his teammate on the opposite side of the field. “As soon as he destroyed the other corner I had to move over. “It was competitive. But when I first saw them, I recognized them and figured we would become close.” Even as opponents growing up, they were always destined to be teammates. Narain lives across the street from Gilbert. Ever since he was young, he wanted to be a Tiger. When they were in eighth grade Zellner began to take notice of him. He isn’t the biggest corner and he isn’t the most vocal on or off the field, but he knew the position and how to play at a high level. He proved that in youth ball and has done the same at the high school level. Even as small rivals in youth flag football, the five players and Narain quickly became close friends at Gilbert. Now, they are preparing to play their final season together. It’s something that has started to cross all their minds. While sad, they aim to make the most of the time they have left as teammates. Ultimately, they aim to start turning Gilbert in a direction toward success. “I just want to make the playoffs and have a deep run,” Hechtle said. “I want this team to win. (Senior night) is something even our freshman coaches have

see GILBERT page 26

SPORTS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

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GILBERT from page 25

said will be tough for them because of this class. We’re all really close.” As emotional as senior night will be for everyone involved, the thought of watching this group graduate is something Zellner has avoided for the time being. He watched them grow. He watched them struggle and have triumph in their football careers and personal

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You might come to love stuffed grape leaves with this recipe

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’ve always sort of liked stuffed grape leave. But it wasn’t until this recipe that I now love them! What a difference a great recipe can make, right? Stuffed grape leaves, also known as Dolmas or Dolmades, can be a delightful appetizer or side dish to a wonderful Mediterranean or Middle Eastern menu. I found this dish to be really fun to make.The hardest part is taking the grape leaves out the jar! I have no idea how they stuff them in there, but have patience and take your time getting them out. After that, smooth sailing to a memorable meal!

Ingredients: 25-30 grape leaves, plus more to line the pan 1 pound ground pork 5 tablespoons rice, partially cooked and rinsed 1 large sweet onion, chopped fine 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 small bunch cilantro, chopped 10 large basil leaves, chopped 10 medium mint leaves, chopped 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 cup lemon juice 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups water (or more depending on the size of your pan) Directions: Carefully take grape leaves out of the jar, and rinse well. Remove stems. Set torn leaves aside to line the pan later. Partially cook rice by adding rice and 2/3 cups of water to a small pan. Bring to a boil and let simmer 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a sieve and rinse. Add butter and vegetable oil to a medium pan over medium high heat. When butter is melted add onion and cook, stirring, until translucent and just starting to brown, about 3 minutes. Let cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine pork, cooked onion, rice, chopped cilantro, basil, mint, cumin, salt, and pepper. On a clean working surface, place a grape leaf

smooth and shiny side down. Put about 2 tablespoons of the beef/rice mixture in the middle of the leave, closer to the stem. Fold the bottom part of the leaf, covering the filling. Then fold two sides over and roll the leaf up, burrito style, seam side down. Repeat with all the remaining leaves and filling. Line a large deep skillet with grape leaves. Place the dolmas close to each other in the grape leaves lined pan. (You can make two layers if needed.) Combine lemon juice, water and salt and pour into the skillet just to barely cover the dolmas. Place an inverted plate or a smaller lid on top of the dolmas to prevent them from floating and unwrapping. (This step is essential!) Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer for 60-75 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 15-30 minutes. Serves 12 (Note: You can find a Dolmas Spice Blend at any Middle Eastern Market which can replace the fresh herbs. If choosing this option, replace the fresh cilantro, basil and mint with one heaping tablespoon of dried Dolmas Spice Blend)

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Painting • Flooring • Electrical Place YOUR Handyman Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Business Decks • Tile • More! HERE! Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Marks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical Job Too ✔“No Water • Flooring • Electrical Call for Painting our Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Small Man!” Heaters Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Decks • Tile • More! 3 Month Trial ✔ Electrical Quality Work Since 1999 Decks •Affo Tile • More! rdable, 2010, 2011 Special! ✔ Plumbing 2012, 2013,

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 ✔ Drywall “No Job

2014

Classifieds: 480-898-6465

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Too Small Man!”

✔ Carpentry

Job Too Marks the Spot for“No ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small “No Job Too Man!” Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Tile Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More!

rk Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Wo 1999 rk SinceBSMALLMAN@Q.COM Wo y alit Qu e, abl ord Aff 2010, 2011

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Electrical Services 2012, 2013,

✔ Kitchens ✔ Bathrooms 2010, 2011 2012,And 2013, “No JobMore! Too

602.670.7038

2014 NotResident a Licensed Contractor Call Ahwatukee BruceResident/ at References/ Insured/ Ahwatukee References , Quality Work Since 1999 Affor/dable Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ NotInsured a Licensed / NotCall aContractor Licensed BruceContractor at 602.670.7038

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •

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

ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932 Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured

Small Man!” 2014

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Irrigation

Painting

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

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

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

480.654.5600

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

azirrigation.com

480-338-4011

Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

Hauling

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Call us to place your ad online!

480-898-6564 • Furniture • Appliances • Mattresses • Televisions • Garage Clean-Out • Construction Debris

• Old Paint & Chems. • Yard Waste • Concrete Slab • Remodeling Debris

FIND YOUR PASSION

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

K Roger Kretz 480.233.0336

rogerkretz@yahoo.com

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752 • Leaky Roof Repairs • Tile Repairs • Painting • Flat Roof Coating • Wood Repair • Doors & Windows

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

One Call, We Do It All! 602-339-4766

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

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

CALL US TODAY!

HOME SERVICES

25+ Years of Customer Services

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Home Improvement

“For all your Home Exterior Needs”

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

(602) 502-1655

• Old Tires

GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS

WESLEY'S GLASS & MIRROR Call 480-306-5113 wesleysglass.com SERVICING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

PAINTING

— Call Jason —

Landscape/Maintenance

Glass/Mirror

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

ROC#309706

Owner Does All Work, All Honey-Do Lists 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.

Free Estimates with Pride & Prompt Service!

Insured/Bonded Free Estimates

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

10% OFF

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality

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

Free Estimates! Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

480-688-4770

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

Now Accepting all major credit cards

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

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

Pool Service / Repair

Roofing

Car for Sale?

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

Advertise It Here!

Call 480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Quality Pool Service, That is Priceless! Weekly WeeklyServices Services

Netting • Brushing • Emptying Baskets Netting ● Brushing ● Emptying Baskets Equipment Check • Water Testing Equipment Check ● Water Testing

HYDROJETTING

480-477-8842

SEWER CABLE COMPREHENSIVE, FULL-SERVICE PLUMBING COMPANY

BOOK ONLINE! STATE48DRAINS.COM 20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED ROC 3297740

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

10% OFF

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

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-405-7099 Pool Service / Repair

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR

Other Services

Other Services Pump/Motor Repair & Replacement Pump/Motor Repair & Replacement Sand/Water Change • Repairs • Acid Wash Sand/Water Repairs ●&Acid Wash HandrailsChange • Filter ●Cleaning Repair ● Filter Cleaning & Repair PoolHandrails Tile Cleaning • Green Pool Clean Up PoolAngela Tile Cleaning ● GreenClark, Pool Clean UpClark Owners: Clark, Chelsea & Homer

480-489-0713 • lizardpools.com Owners: Angela Clark, Chelsea Clark, & Homer Clark

ROC

ROC 303766 303766 ● 480-489-0713

lizardpools.com Roofing

PHILLIPS

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

623-873-1626 Free Estimates Monday through Saturday Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

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

480-706-1453

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

Roofing

aOver 30 Years of Experience

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

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

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

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

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

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

Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet. Please recycle me.

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. class@timeslocalmedia.com or call 480-898-6465

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JULY 3, 2022

#1 Rated Shop in the East Valley

Se Habla Español

Vote for US!

Vote for us for Best auto repair! 2022 Your Trusted European Car Specialists BESTOF

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We at Huffs Automotive are specialists in:

• Mercedes Benz • Land Rover • BMW • Jaguar • Porsche • Audi • Volkswagen

Serving the East Valley since 2009! Family Owned and Operated

BESTOF

2021

VOTED #1

EAST VALLEY AUTO REPAIR

Call 95 N. Dobson Rd. • Chandler, AZ 85224 480-726-8900 • huffsautomotive.com AppFoor An intment! info@huffsautomotive.com