Gilbert Sun News 080722 by Times Media Group

Higley disçusses virtual status

Water use concerns raised

PAGE 8

PAGE 7

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

INSIDE

This Week

NEWS...................... 11 Rivulon wants to add 325 apartments.

COMMUNITY........ 20 Wheelchair-bound Gilbert man seeks help.

Couple opens vinyl record store in Gilbert. COMMUNITY.......................................20 BUSINESS.............................................24 SPORTS..................................................28 GETOUT..................................................31 CLASSIFIEDS.......................................34

Sunday, August 7, 2022

3 of 4 Council races appear resolved BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

hree of the four contested Gilbert Town Council seats in last week’s Primary Election appear to have avoided a run-off in November while the fourth seat remains a possible November ballot item. Unofficial results showed incumbent Yung Koprowski and political newcomers Chuck Bongiovanni and Jim garnered the requisite vote percentages to take a seat on Council in January while Bill Spence and Bobbi Buchli likely will head to a run-off Nov. 8. Incumbent Scott September fell to the middle of the pack while Michael Clark, Bus Obayomi and Mario Chicas never gained any ground after Tuesday night’s initial results put them in the bottom three slots of the nine-way race.

Chuck Bongiovanni

Yung Koprowski

Jim Torgeson

Koprowski, who led the field of nine hopefuls with 13.7% of the vote, said, “I believe my background and experience as an entrepreneur and civil engineer appealed to voters. “Voters told me that they appreciated my

focus on infrastructure issues, including transportation safety and water resources.” This was Koprowski’s first election as she was appointed to the council in 2020.

But that combined debt pales in comparison to the staggering $3.4 billion the City of Phoenix owes – which accounts for nearly half the $8.84 billion of the unfunded liability in the retirement system that existed at the close of the 2021-22 fiscal year on June 30. For the entire system, including county and state corrections officers’ retirement plans and the plan for judges and elected officials, that number was $10.9 billion. Still, the state Legislature – together with county, municipalities and fire districts – eliminated $2.85 billion of unfunded pension debt last fiscal year. “I think it’s great,” said PSPRS Administrator Mike Townsend, who has been in the job since November 2019.

“This system has been underfunded for so long and those lingering unfunded liabilities just ended up costing taxpayers more and more money over time,” he said, calling the government employers’ additional paydowns “a huge move.” “I think also it speaks well to the staff that we’ve put in place and the changes we’ve made,” he added, referring to both his agency’s investment strategies and other internal moves as well as the vibrancy of Wall Street prior to its current woes. Although the final results of PSPRS’ investments for the 2021-22 fiscal year won’t be known for a few months, its success in the 2020-21 fiscal year drew kudos in the

see ELECTIONS page 6

Cities bite big into public safety pension debt BY PAUL MARYNIAK GSN Executive Editor

BUSINESS............. 24

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

ast Valley municipalities in the last fiscal year took advantage of unanticipated general fund revenue increases to make big additional payments on their debt to pensions earned by thousands of retired police officers and firefighters. But Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler and Scottsdale still have a long way to go before they erase their huge unfunded liabilities. Those five municipalities still owe a total $1.4 billion for pensions covering 955 retired firefighters, 1,471 retired cops and hundreds more firefighters and officers who are covered by Arizona’s Public Safety Personnel Retirement System, records show.

see PENSIONS page 17

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

California company buys Gilbert complex for $91M GSN NEWS STAFF

California luxury apartment complex management-investment company that just entered the Arizona market 15 months ago bought a Gilbert complex for $91 million two weeks ago. Los Angeles-based Decron Properties bought the 261-unit The Wyatt in the 1200 block of S. Gilbert Road from Thompson Thrift, Valley real estate tracker vizzda.com reported last week. The property comprises six three-story buildings totaling 231,834 square feet that were just completed on 9.76 acres. The sale price broke down to $421,296 per unit, or $383 per square foot, vizzda said. Rent ranges from $1,600 a month for a one-bedroom unit to more than $2,400 a month for three bedrooms. Residents in the gated complex also have access to a 5,500-square-foot clubhouse, resort-style pool, sundeck with

cabanas and a state-of-the-art fitness center. There also is a pavilion near a fireplace, a recessed firepit and poolside grills. The purchase marked Decron Properties’ quick advance into the Arizona market that began in May 2021 with the purchase of the 2-year-old Broadstone Rio Solado in Tempe for $96.2 million. Decron owns close to 8,600 apartment units throughout California and Washington State and plans to acquire 1,000 units in the market over the next 12 to 24 months, company CEO David Nagel said in published reports. “With its strong population growth, growing job opportunities and affordable cost of living, the Phoenix MSA checks all the boxes when it comes to demand drivers we look for in a new market,” Nagel said. “The market has a rent-to-income ratio of 20 percent, as compared to a market like Los Angeles where it’s roughly 35 percent or higher,” he said. “That

Newly completed The Wyatt on S. Gilbert Road sold two weeks ago for $92 million. (Special

to GSN)

heightened level of affordability was one of several key factors that we value in entering this market.” The company now owns complexes in

Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe and Chandler as well as The Wyatt.

see DECRON page 18

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

Panel has mixed reaction to townhome-cottage plan BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

developer is proposing a rental complex of 72 townhomes and 66 cottages on 16.2 acres near the southeast corner of Val Vista Drive and Warner Road in Gilbert. The land is currently half in town limits and half in Maricopa County with annexation, General Plan amendment and rezoning cases simultaneously making their way through the approval process, according to planner Noah Schumerth. A public hearing on the annexation is scheduled for the Aug. 23 Town Council meeting before New Village Homes can begin collecting signatures on the petition, said Schumerth. He anticipated the annexation to go for council approval sometime in November or December. Schumerth presented the gated 138unit Highland Park project at the Aug. 3 study session for input on the design from the Planning Commission, which also acts as the Design Review Board. “They’ve worked through a lot of constraints with the project to make sure everything works together,” Schumerth said. “So, planning staff is really pleased with the outcome of a lot of those changes that have been made to the site design.” Schumerth said he presented the design review case early to the commissioners due to the pending annexation case and to give the developer more flexibility. “With multi-family projects, it’s important to give you a look at it as soon as possible to get feedback on these larger projects,” he said. “Doing the design review study session up front just allows the applicant to have the most flexibility in going forward with a multi-family project.” The project, which would be built in a single phase, proposes townhomes on the northern half of the site and the cottages on the southern half. A Union Pacific railroad track runs along the eastern boundary. The one-story cottages would be a mix of two- and three-bedroom residences, each with a one-car garage and

The 72 townhomes in the proposed Highland Park development would have two bedrooms, a two-car garage and 1,300 square feet of living space. (Town of Gilbert) driveway space for two additional vehicles. They would range in size between 900 square feet and 1,300 square feet and each would have private open space surrounded by a block wall. The developer proposes five floor plans for the cottages with 14 distinct elevation and color palettes. The propose designs allude to traditional styles such as American Farmhouse, Mediterranean Cottage, Cape Code, Craftsman, and American Bungalow, according to the developer. The two-story townhomes would have two bedrooms and two-car garages and 1,300 square feet of living space. Each townhome designed in a farmhouse style would include a private open space with a low block wall. Val Vista Drive is proposed as the primary access to the development with a secondary fire emergency access located at the northwest corner of the site on the Val Vista Drive frontage. Shared amenities include a clubhouse, pool and dog park. Between all the units and guest parking areas, the development would have 400 parking spaces. Vice Chairman Noah Mundt said he liked the open space proposed at the entry but was concerned it might possibly come at the expense of open space within the complex that would break up

the massing of the units. He added that he was glad to see no units placed along the railroad tracks and he didn’t want the unit count to detract from the design and quality of the layout. Schumerth said that in the rezoning case, the developer is asking for a deviation to have less public open space in exchange for increasing the private open space for the cottages and townhomes. Commissioner William Fay said the townhome design looked fine with him but he had an issue with the cottages. “I think the description of cottages is a little bit generous,” Fay said. “One man’s cottage is another man’s trailer home. We got some developments like this in the East Valley. Some of them look like very little, almost like tiny homes. Some of them look like run-down trailer parks.” Fay said even though the cottages had enough variations, he was concerned with their aesthetics. “I think that this (project) fits really well into a very strange, triangular-shaped piece right by a railroad,” Mundt said. “I think they’ve done a pretty good job with the elevations. I don’t have any real problems with the articulations.

see HIGHLAND page 19

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

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NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

EV clinic warns of back-to-school stress ack-to-school is a time of stress and anxiety for kids of all ages and this often leads to an increase in adolescent and teen suicides, according to a licensed clinical social worker at Evolve Counseling and Behavioral Health with offices in Phoenix and Gilbert. According to the CDC, the suicide rate among 10 to 14-year-olds has more than doubled since 2007. A freshman girl at Chaparral High School in Scottsdale took her life with a drug overdose over the last weekend of July and was removed from life support

Aug. 1. “Suicide is the third leading cause of death for school-aged children over the age of 10, and the second leading cause, behind accidents, for those over 15,” said Evolve social worker Michael Klinkner. “While children are resilient, the last few years have been very trying. Between the global pandemic, increase in school shootings and the continued negative impact of social media, times are challenging for kids and their parents who aren’t equipped to handle this continued level of crisis.” A spokeswoman for Evolve said a study by the American Psychological

Association revealed that teenagers are the most stressed and anxious people in the U.S. Klinkner and his team at Evolve Counseling are offering parents an opportunity to increase the tools in their parenting toolbox through a five-week workshop called Parenting Evolved. The program consists of five 90-minute weekly group classes where trained counselors provide an understanding of various parenting styles, changes in the brain during development, tangible ways to strengthen the parent-child relationship as well as effective methods to increase compliance and successfully modify behaviors. Klinkner gives some tips and advice

about how to best support students as they transition back into the classroom: communicate openly and honestly; become engaged in school activities and help with homework; volunteer at school and with sporting activities and hobbies; communicate regularly with teachers, administrators and coaches about your child’s wellbeing and emotional needs; encourage your child to make healthy decisions; spend quality time with your child to increase bonding. For more information about the Parenting Evolved workshops: evolvecounselingaz.com. Its Gilbert office is at 1206 E. Warner Road.

Business owner Bongiovanni came in second with 12.79% of the votes and said, “Well, I was not surprised by it. I had a good feeling I would be in the top four. “I think ChuckChats really helped. I talked to a lot of people and they were all very positive with me being out there personally to speak with them individually.” ChuckChats enabled residents to schedule a 15-minute phone conversation with Bongiovanni. That Bongiovanni refused campaign contributions and funded his race out of his own pocket likely also appealed to some voters. Torgeson, who ran unsuccessfully for council in 2016, captured 12.73%, putting him in the No. 3 spot. The sign shop owner said he was confident he won his seat but said on Thursday he was not ready to do a victory lap. “I want every vote to be counted before saying, ‘Yeah, I’m the guy,’” he said. “In reality, I am the guy.” That said, Torgeson believed what appealed to voters was his history of accountability. He pointed to the infamous Zinke land deal where the Town in 2009 overpaid a dairy farmer for two large parcels of land during the Great Recession. It was reported at the time that Gilbert failed to do a land appraisal but

but lost an election against Councilman Laurin Hendrix, received 11.65% of the votes. Newcomer and Realtor Bobbi Buchli, captured 10.87% of the votes. Coming in behind Buchli was Councilman Scott September, who got 10.64%. He Bill Spence Bobbi Buchli trailed Buchli by 313 votes. September also was appointed in Torgeson said that through a public records request, he was able to find the 2020 and was running in his first elecland appraisals, that called for a fraction tion. According to the pre-primary fiof what the Town paid out. He spoke at a nance reports, he raised the most money of all the candidates with over $53,000. council meeting about his findings. Chicas received 10.46% of the vote, “I was the guy who figured it out,” Torgeson said. “I held them account- followed by businessman Bus Obayomi with 9.06%. Obayomi also ran in 2020. able.” Business owner Michael Clark reHe said the people who cast their ballots for him wanted a council person ceived 7.71% and write-in candidate who was willing to ask questions and Garrett Glover came in with .21%, or demand a certain amount of account- 313 votes. The recent Arizona State University grad didn’t do any notable fundability. Because no other candidate received raising or campaigning. Gilbert voters also resolved a few a majority of the votes needed to claim the fourth seat, it’s down to the next two contests in Legislative Districts 13 and highest vote-getters – Bill Spence and 14. In the Democratic primary race for Bobbi Buchli. Retired Navy officer Spence, who the LD 13 Senate seat, Cynthia Hans was appointed in 2020 to the council garnered 64% of vote, beating Michael

Morris, with 36%. Hans will face incumbent unopposed Republican Sen. J.D. Mesnard in November. Among the five GOP candidates running for the two LD 13 House nominations, Liz Harris and Julie Willoughby appeared victorious with 31% and 23%, respectively. Their competitods included Ron Hardin, with 18%; Josh Askey, 14% and Don Maes, 14% . Harris and Willoughby will face Democrat Rep. Jennifer Pawlik, the only candidate her party fielded. In the LD 14 Senate Republican race, incumbent Sen. Warren Petersen was the sole candidate. In the GOP primary for the two House seats, incumbent Rep. Travis Grantham led with 42% of the vote, followed by Gilbert Councilman Laurin Hendrix with 32%; Suzanne Lunt, 13% and Natalie DiBernardo, 13%. Grantham and Hendrix will face Democrat Brandy Reese, who was her party’s only candidate. For the sole seat up for election on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 2 incumbent Tom Galvin, appointed in 2021, received 38% of the vote. District 2 includes Gilbert, Scottsdale and Mesa. Challengers Scottsdale resident Doug Little had 23%; Scottsdale resident Gail Golec, 22% and Gilbert resident Thayer Verschoor, 18%.

GSN NEWS STAFF

ELECTIONS from page 1

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

Gilbert eyeing new water-conservation measures BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

ilbert anticipates further water-saving measures next year that could include incentives for residents to convert to xeriscape and violation notices for excessive waste in response to the plummeting Colorado River water levels. Ongoing extreme drought and climate change are causing the river to drop to critically low levels, prompting the federal regulators to reduce allocations of drinking water in 2023 to Arizona and six other western states. “It is anticipated that the 2023 reductions could result in conditions that would warrant activating Stage 2 of the (Town’s) Water Supply Reduction Management Plan,” said spokeswoman Kelsey Perry. “Staff will update leadership as we learn more in August, as well as prepare community updates to share any anticipated impacts.” U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton told a U.S. Senate committee in June the federal government will impose new regulations if the seven Colorado Lower River Basin States fail to propose by Aug. 15 a plan to cut water use by 2 million to 4 million acre feet. Arizona currently consumes about 8 million acre feet of water per year from all sources. California, Arizona and Nevada used a total of about 7 million acre-feet of Colorado River water last year. An acre foot of water is about 326,000 gallons, or enough water to flood a regulation-size football field 1 foot deep. Regional water officials have been meeting behind closed doors since June to discuss how the states will divvy up their usage reduction strategies and any cuts would be shared by all Arizona municipalities. Gilbert in June activated the first of its four-stage management plan, which focuses on education efforts and calls on the public to voluntarily conserve while the Town increases its efforts to reduce municipal water use. The 21-page plan

Lake Mead’s water level is fast approaching “dead pool” status, meaning it can neither provide drinking water nor produce electricity. (Special to GSN) was updated in 2021. Perry said progressing onto Stage 2 will depend on how much the Central Arizona Project water delivery system will need to cut in order to meet the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Colorado River conservation efforts in 2023. Stage 2, which will need council approval for implementation, is triggered when the available renewable supplies to Gilbert exceed demand by 10%, Perry said. Conservation avenues in Stage 2 also could include removing turf from non-recreational areas in town, reducing the total area of over-seeded turf and encouraging customers to conduct water efficiency audits. Other East Valley municipalities that have entered Stage 1 of their management plans this year include Mesa and Chandler while Scottsdale and Mesa are contemplating moving beyond that. Scottsdale officials in July talked about the possibility of moving to Stage 2 and even Stage 3 later in August. Stage 2 or 3 could mean enforced water-use reductions through rate increases. Some Southern California communities already are imposing restrictions on landscape watering and are using steep fines and neighborhood patrols to enforce them. In Gilbert, Stage 3 is triggered when the summer peak daily projected de-

mand for drinking water is greater than or equal to 92% of the daily available supply of the upcoming year, according to the plan. When that stage is reached, actions could include limiting water used in

the construction of new developments or renovations, limiting the building of new water features such as those used for swimming or other recreational activities and limiting all water users on day and time for landscape watering. Also, a shortage surcharge could be implemented on water use. The final and critical stage occurs when the summer peak daily projected water demand is greater or equal to 99% of the daily physical supply available of the upcoming year. The course of action could include no construction water use unless approved by the Town’s public works director, install flow restrictors on residential properties with excessive water use, no lawn watering and restricting total residential water use to an efficiency-based allocation per household. Councilman Scott Anderson at a study session in May assured people

see WATER page 11

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

Higley board discusses virtual school’s future BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

ow enrollment at the 2-year-old Higley Virtual Academy prompted one school board member to recently ask when it might make sense to discontinue it. When Higley Unified School District launched the stand-alone K-12 school in 2021-22, it was one of the last in the East Valley to do so. Enrollment last week stood at 235 students, about the same as the previous school year. HUSD has over 13,000 students. “In regards to the K-6 and the numbers, they’re low as it goes,” Governing Board member Tiffany Shultz said at the July 20 meeting. “Is there a point where we look at it the numbers and it doesn’t make sense anymore for us to offer it to kids?” Superintendent Dr. Dawn Foley said families continue to choose the virtual academy and that the district was staffing it appropriately but “at some point, we will have to make the determination whether or not we would continue to do that. “These are still unique times. Some of these families continued with us and they want to continue with us and so we’re going to have to make that decision every year,” she added. “At this point the commitment was made to continue the momentum there and just staff it appropriately realizing that we’re making accommodation but the reality is that we have accommodated about as far as we can to make it make sense.” She said although the academy is providing quality and consistent learning, there comes a point when it’s not realistic to continue and the decision will need to be made. But the hope is to continue to provide the virtual learning academy for K-6 students like most of the surrounding

Higley Governing Board President Amy Kaylor, left, and member Tiffany Shultz discussed the virtual academy’s future at a July 20 meeting. (YouTube) school districts do, according to Foley. “But it does mean you staff it differently,” she said. “But in the event that we are ever in a position where we look at the staffing and say this doesn’t make sense to continue, our goal would be to make sure families are informed as far in advance as possible so that they can make decisions.” Board member Jill Wilson asked what the district was doing to get the word out about the virtual academy. “One of our focuses in our strategic plan is our marketing process,” Foley said. “We have been marketing, we’ve been advertising, we’ve been putting things in various modalities that we are advertising in but this is one of the things we’re going to continue to focus on, prioritize and bring more information to you about what that will look like and how we are doing that.” Board President Amy Kaylor noted that most of the district’s online learning “started during COVID so some families may not realize this is here to stay, that we have a virtual academy and online classes for our kids.” She said that guidance counselors

could suggest the academy to students trying to figure out their classes. “It may be like a scan code outside the counselor’s office like, ‘hey, if your class isn’t offered, scan here and see if it’s offered online,’” Wilson added. The discussion came about during a presentation updating the board about the accredited online alternative program housed at Power Ranch Elementary. Principal John Dolan noted the successes and challenges with the academy, which offers over 50 classes for secondary students. “The success with what we’ve seen, is more touches,” Dolan said. “My teachers feel they get the opportunity to touch more kids in a given day because of the fact that they can now say, ‘OK, I only need to see you two, three now or I can put you guys in a breakout room to do this and I can work on this.’ “So, that’s been a definitely a success for them. I also think that because of the way the model is parents have to be involved.” Some of the major challenges included students sometimes not coming to a

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meeting. “In a classroom I can walk over and tap a kid and say, ‘hey’ but you can’t tap the screen,” Dolan said, “So, it’s a call to the parents.” Another challenge was getting students to come in person to take certain tests. “We struggle with that and part of it was definitely some kids went online because of COVID,” Dolan said. “But as the year progressed we got them to realize that we need them to be here.” Foley said one thing that is not negotiable is a requirement for in-person standardized tests and that Dolan has worked hard with families to look for “alternative opportunities and in schedules and spaces and places to help them feel comfortable and confident about bringing their child in.” “You cannot be in the elementary model if you are not willing to bring your child to testing because state testing requires us to,” she added. Dolan said new at the elementary level for this school year is the opportunity for students to socialize with monthly Fun Fridays, which allows them on campus for physical education and teacher-led activities such as movies, game day and reading. “So, on those Fridays, it now becomes a live lesson with their teacher,” Dolan said. “Each month there’s going to be a different activity. We want these kids to come in so they have the opportunity to socialize because they’re at home all by themselves.” Students opting to stay at home also will get the same program online, he added. For secondary students, the academy is offering dual enrollment classes through Chandler Gilbert Community College. “If we can’t get enough kids, obviously we won’t have it but it’s kind of cool to say that we’re going to be able to offer that to kids,” Dolan said.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

Projects with 462 apartments move forward BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

wo apartment projects totaling 467 units are finally moving forward for the 3,000 acre master-planned Morrison Ranch community. The Planning Commission acting as the Design Review Board gave input at the Aug. 3 study session on the two projects. A developer is building 20 buildings containing 231 units on a 15.08-acre site east of the northeast corner of Higley and Warner roads. The property drew attention last year when the previous owner proposed increasing the density of the multifamily housing project to 320 units. Residents of Morrison Ranch’s Lakeview Trails neighborhood put up so much opposition that the developer sold the land in December to a private investment firm that agreed to retain the orig-

inal footprint. Each of the 20 proposed buildings will contain nine to 12 units with a mix of one, two and three bedrooms. Three color schemes are proposed. The units will have their own garages and all ground-floor units feature a front door and yard facing the street or open space. Amenities include a dog park, pool, clubhouse, pickleball and bocce courts, a park and ramada. The architectural style is proposed as farmhouse, which is consistent with the overall look of Morrison Ranch. Planner Ashlee MacDonald said staff felt it overused the board-and-batten siding, lacked enough window designs and needed more diversity of materials. The developer has since made revisions and “staff feels they are definitely heading in the right direction with some of these modifications,” MacDonald said. Commissioner Brian Andersen and Chairman Jan Simon felt the roof on one building was too high and overpowering

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but they liked the proposal. “Overall, it’s a nice project,” Andersen said. The other project, called Morrison Ranch II, proposes 31 buildings with 236 luxury apartments units on 16.7 acres at the southeastern corner of Elliot Road and Beebe Street. Andersen, an architect, recused himself from the discussion because he is the applicant. All the buildings will be two stories and include amenities such as a pool and clubhouse. The buildings will consist of two, eight and 16 units. “This is a Phase 2 of an existing development that is across the street on Elliott Road called Highland Groves,” planner Noah Schumerth said. “It is also around 220 units of multi-family residential.” Although the elevations are designed to be compatible with Highland Groves, there are some deviations such as replacing a desert-style elevation with Prairie-style elevation, according to

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Schumerth. Chairman Jan Simon said he didn’t care for one building’s color and boxy look. But he did like another design that he said looked a little bit more modern and “brings the development up a little bit. “I understand we are trying to mimic the north side of that and this is the second phase of that complex,” Simon said. “However, I think we have an opportunity to enhance this a little bit.” Commissioner David Blaser said he liked the site layout. “I think it’s pretty close to what’s occurring to the north,” he said. “I think it does a pretty good job of matching. I like the designs.” Commissioner Brian Johns said nothing on the site plan stuck out like a sore thumb for him. “I really support this project,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a good addition and tie in very well with the north side.”

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

WATER from page 7

not to panic that there won’t be water at the tap because 70% of the Town’s water portfolio was “still pretty strong.” Gilbert holds a diverse water portfolio, which in a typical year consists largely of SRP surface water at 37%; CAP, 33% and reclaimed water, 21%. The surplus is banked at recharge basins such as The Riparian Preserve. Ground water supply makes up roughly

4% of the Town’s portfolio. The town’s strategy is to acquire its water supplies before the demand occurs, which allows it to prepare for future shortages. Arizona also developed a diverse portfolio comprising 41% groundwater; 36% Colorado River; 18% in-state rivers and 5% reclaimed water, according to the state Department of Water

Resources. The Bureau of Reclamation last year for the first time declared a Tier 1 shortage on the Colorado River and instituted cuts that took effect in January. In Arizona, the impact fell largely on the shoulders of the CAP, which saw its normal supply reduced by 30%. CAP’s agricultural customers in Maricopa, Pinal and Pima counties took the brunt of

the reduction, but next year’s cut-backs will affect municipal/industrial and tribal water users. Ongoing water cuts could delay Gilbert’s timeline to reach build-out in about a decade. According to the management plan, the town is not prohibited from imposing a building moratorium should it reach that point.

Rivulon seeks 352-unit apartment project OK BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

he 280-acre Rivulon development – home to companies such as Deloitte, Isagenix International and Morgan Stanley - wants to add 352 apartment units. Owner Nationwide Realty Investors is seeking a rezone and minor General Plan amendment for high-density multi-family on 10.31acres near the southwest corner of Lindsay and Pecos roads. The site is located in the interior portion of the mixed-use project and is currently zoned business park. “I really don’t have a problem with this,” Chairman Jan Simon said at the Aug. 3 Planning Commission study session. “I think this area needs high density especially for the high-end employment corridor that we got there. “I would be curious to know what else in that area is already zoned for multi-family or high-density housing. Otherwise I wouldn’t have any issue with approving what they’re asking as long as we’re within code.” Rivulon wants to begin its next phase of development by focusing on premium multi-family housing, which would support existing and future uses on the site, according to the project applicant Withey Morris law firm. An attorney from that firm at a June

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Rivulon wants to add buildings with 325 apartments to its massive office complex in Gilbert. (Town of Gilbert) neighborhood meeting cited problems attracting office users to Rivulon. That statement was made while he presented a proposal to rezone 94 acres from business use to light industrial. Planner Ashlee MacDonald told the commission that the applicant a few years ago in proposing the Rivulon Lake office buildings submitted a master traffic impact study for the site that included a component for multifamily. Rivulon’s proposed multifamily housing would be five stories tall with 28 studios, 228 one-bedroom units, 82 two-bedroom units and 14 three-bedroom units. Amenities would include a pool, open courtyard and an indoor fitness area.

The apartments are required to have 536 parking spaces but the proposal calls for 485 parking spaces – 234 covered and 90 garages. To make up for the shortage, parking would be shared with the adjacent office building. According to MacDonald, the project emphasizes pedestrian connections such as shaded detached walkways along the street to other uses, including nearby offices and future retail within the Rivulon development. MacDonald said the applicant is asking for deviations that include increasing the building height to 65 feet from 55 feet. She said the area already allows for commercial buildings to be 90 feet tall but not multifamily.

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“The height request is consistent with what could be developed there in terms of having buildings higher than 55 feet,” MacDonald said. Commissioner Anthony Bianchi asked if the proposal was the only known residential request currently in Rivulon or are there more planned for the future. “This is the only that we know of at this time,” MacDonald responded. Bianchi said given the size and uniqueness of Rivulon he understood why the request was being made to add another use such as this. But, he said, he would like to hear more especially from the applicant why the location was chosen instead of a place closer to existing amenities unless there are more amenities coming near the selected site. Staff did not say when the proposal would return for formal action. Commissioner David Blaser recused himself from the discussion. According to staff, a virtual neighborhood meeting was held on the proposal on March 28 but no one from the public attended. Besides existing offices on the Rivulon site, other tenants include a Mercedes-Benz dealership, Esporta fitness facility, Valley Taproom and eateries, including Jersey Mike’s Subs, Sauce Pizza & Wine and Wildflower.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

Chandler church extends helping hand to refugees BY KEN SAIN GSN Staff Writer

or some refugees coming to the United States for a better life, a Chandler church is one of the first steps on that journey. The Grove, 2777 S. Gilbert Road, is one of five East Valley churches that host a welcome center for refugees seeking asylum. It is their first stop after turning themselves in at the Southern border and spending time in detention centers. “We give them welcome, because they don’t know where they’re going, and they’re scared,” said Magdalena Schwartz, pastor of Vineyard Church in Gilbert. The refugees are not in this country illegally. Because they have asked for asylum, they are free to move about in America pending the outcome of a hearing on their request. Schwartz has been organizing the East Valley effort to help refugees settle in the U.S. since 2018. “They think, ‘Oh, we’re going to another detention center … then they get surprised when they get here. And we give them welcome.” Earlier this month, 114 refugees, including more than 20 children, arrived at The Grove to begin their journey to wherever they will be staying as they await their court date for their asylum applications. It was the largest group to arrive in Chandler since the church started hosting refugees in February. Schwartz said all of the asylum-seekers have a place to go, and that is almost always outside of Chandler. People can apply for asylum in the United States if they have suffered persecution, or fear suffering persecution, due to race, religion, nationality, being a member in a particular social group, or for political opinions. They have to be physically in the U.S. to request asylum. Many of the refugees arriving in Chandler will take a bus to Sky Harbor Airport for a flight to stay with family elsewhere in the U.S. While they are in Chandler, they are given some comforts to start their new

Left: Pastor Magdalena Schwartz briefed volunteers about processing in asylum seekers from border crossings near Tucson and Yuma as they arrive at The Grove Church. Right: Asylum seekers from border crossings near Tucson and Yuma collect plastic bags with their personal effects, taken from them at the border, as they arrive at The Grove Church. (David Minton/Staff Photographer) tion list,” said Joe Agresti, a volunteer who coordinates the event for the church. He said they have been very generous. “I can take you inside and you wouldn’t believe how much we have,” Agresti said. “I often send boxes to Magdalena for her to use at other events.” Asylum seekers from border crossings near Tucson and Yuma arrived July 20 at The Grove Church in Chandler, A July 20 event where volunteers help get them food, showers, fresh clothing and help with the next steps in getting to their got emotional when sponsors around the country. (David Minton/Staff Photographer) some of the refulife, such as some new clothes, shoes, Chandler church currently welcoming gees were reunited with their famihats and purses. They are also returned refugees. Even though the refugees are ly members. The refugees also get a all their personal items, including shoe just passing through, Schwartz said she chance to call their family to help work laces, that were confiscated when they has heard some complaints because out the logistics of getting to their new surrendered to border officials. of the hot-button topic of illegal immi- home. Schwartz said before COVID shut There is also food, beverages and if grants. they are so inclined, a shower. “I do this because I’m a pastor,” down their refugee welcome program When Schwartz first started organiz- Schwartz said. “If people have a prob- in 2020, they had helped more than ing this effort four years ago she built a lem with this, they need to talk to the 100,000 people adjust to life in the U.S. while waiting for the outcome of their network of 14 churches that would host people in the government.” these events. When the COVID pandemThe Grove is not getting paid to pro- asylum hearings. “The government doesn’t give us any ic began, that network fell apart be- vide this service, and most of the donacause of social distancing. Now, she is tions it receives come from either mem- financial resources,” Schwartz said. in the process of rebuilding it with five bers of its congregation, or friends and “And nobody gives us money. We do this by faith, because we love Jesus.” churches taking part. family. Information: thegroveaz.com Schwartz said The Grove is the only “I just put out a call on our distribu-

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

Scots returning games to Gilbert Regional Park

GSN NEWS STAFF

hoenix Scottish Games planners liked Gilbert Regional Park so much this year that they’ve already decided they want more. The Caledonian Society of Arizona announced recently they’re bringing Scotland back to the park March 3-5, thumbing their noses at Phoenix, where for decades they held the games at Steele Indian School Park. This year they held the games in Gilbert partly because Phoenix hadn’t completely lifted its pandemic restrictions for large gatherings. But they also expressed admiration for the 272-acre Regional Park’s expanse of green and its capacity to comfortably welcome the thousands of Valley residents with Scottish blood who enjoy the pipes and drums, Highland dances and games like boulder tossing and telephone-pole-sized log throwing. Town spokeswoman Jennifer Harrison said the permit for the games is still

an amphitheater concert showcasing the sights and sounds of Scotland underneath the Arizona desert sky.” But hosting the games isn’t a chump-change deal for Gilbert businesses or the town itself. Harrison said the town got The Twilight Tattoo opened this year’s Phoenix Scottish Games at $9,000 for rentGilbert Regional Parl. (GSN file photo) ing the park, $840 under review, adding, “There is no long- in refuse fees, $300 for rental permits, term agreement in place.” $1,175 for onsite town staff, and $192 But event promoters appear confident for inspections. they’ll pass. Along with that, games organizers “As you move from area to area within shelled out $8,000 to a third-party secuthe festival, you’ll be treated to a variety rity company. of live entertainment, interactive dis“Arizona has over 175,000 Scots,” the plays, and athletic events,” they said in a release. “Those in attendance can enjoy see SCOT page 15 PAID ADVERTORIAL

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made boozy for the over-21 set. The options are endless! At Majestic, we like to start the holiday gift-giving early! Now through August 31st, visit www.MajesticPHX. com/rentals to submit an event request form. Mention promo code GIFT in the Comments section of the form, and get $200 off any private event booked from December 1st to 14th. Don’t wait until the holidays to enjoy great deals at Majestic. Our $3 Wednesdays are still the talk of the town, where ticketed guests can enjoy bottomless popcorn, unlimited soda, a box of candy, an Icee, an entree size cheese pizza or a domestic draft for only $3 each. And now through October 18th, new release films at all Majestic locations are just $5 on Tuesdays. Tickets can be purchased at our Chandler, Gilbert or Tempe box office or online at MajesticPHX.com.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

‘223,000 square feet of opportunity’ open in Mesa

BY MARK MORAN GSN Staff Writer

f you happen to be out late one night and see a small airplane being towed down the two-lane portion of dusty pavement bisecting the remaining farmland near the intersection of Pecos and Sossaman roads in Mesa, don’t be alarmed. It’s just for an aviation class project on its way to the “Pathfinders,” students at the new American Leadership Academy high school at the recently barren intersection. At 223,000 square feet of classrooms, warehouse size work labs, collaborative learning areas and labyrinthine hallways, the cavernous school has the room for a plane and a lot more. “It’s amazing, right?” said Jim Kriznauski, assistant director of the campus, which is managed by Charter One, a management company that oversees other charter schools in Arizona as well. “What’s really exciting about it to me,” Kriznauski said, “is that it helps kids understand the relevance of school. “Within the same day, they’re going to be in an automotive shop, they’re going to be in an aviation area, and they are going to have to apply those skills,” he said. Charter One touts this as the first building in the state where students can get both their high school diploma and a technical certification in any one of these 10 fields, or “academies,” simultaneously.Other vocational-technical schools are separate programs and operate on their own. The school has room for 2,400 students, though so far, 400 are enrolled in one of the 10 academic tracts that are offered. From aviation and automotive technologies to cosmetology and health services and pretty much every vocational occupation in between, these are the fields in which Arizona has projected the highest job growth in the next decade, Kriznauski said. “223,000 square feet of opportunity is what it is,” said Principal Jeremy Klomp.

An automotive lab will allow students to get hands-on training for a mechanics certification. (Enrique Garcia/GSN Contributor)

The sprawling American Academy Leadership school offers students a chance to get their high school diploma and trade certification under one big roof. (Enrique Garcia/GSN Contrib-

utor)

“We took 10 of the top 15 and said ‘let’s build a program around those that will give kids opportunities.’” He noted that in addition to the $8,500 per student that the school will get from the state, “between six and 10” individuals on behalf of local companies have donated more – a lot more. “It’s a $60-million building, which is kind of a statement that it can be successful even

though it’s never been done,” Klomp said. “It’s a pretty big venture. Every industry we’ve got is crying for people.” Charter One CEO Bill Guttery said the $60 million came from private investors representing corporations who see the need for this type of campus. “We need to capture this talent while they are young. These upcoming technicians,” said Susan Morris, human re-

sources director for the company that owns a handful of Valley auto dealerships, including Porsche, Audio, Volvo and Subaru. They have donated industry standard tools on which students can become certified and employment ready jobs right out of high school. “Everyone needs a mechanic,” Klomp said. “Everyone is going to continue to need a mechanic forever.” Added Morris: “We have opportunities where they can come in at entry level, which opens the door for career advancement. If they are interested, and they are engaged and they are performing well, they will excel within the industry.” The automotive industry is just one area that is in desperate need of qualified employees, said Klomp. “There’s pilot shortages all over the place,” he explained. Within towing distance of the airport, Arizona State University’s Polytechnic campus and a burgeoning business corridor, the ALA campus is strategically close to potential employers for its graduates. There are cardboard yard signs near aircraft and maintenance hangars at the airport advertising open job positions. “If you own an aircraft or do any kind of maintenance, there is a six-month wait to get your annual inspection on your aircraft because of the shortage of aircraft technicians,” Klomp said. “So, kids will graduate with their aircraft mechanics license and go right into a $40-an-hour job, as an 18-yearold high school graduate. Not bad right? Translates to about $75,000 to $80,000 a year.” Students can also complete the ground school necessary to acquire a private pilot’s license as well as becoming an FAA certified drone pilot, Klomp said. In addition to the aircraft and automotive programs, the school’s other programs are drawing a lot of attention, too –like the cosmetician and aesthetician program.

see SCHOOL page 19

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

Chandler theater’s film series addresses youth crisis GSN NEWS STAFF

handler childhood and education advocate Katey McPherson is returning to Majestic Neighborhood Cinema Grill to host a series of film screenings and interactive panel discussions focused on trending parenting and family issues. The film series is part of the Helping Chandler Families Thrive program and is presented jointly by Majestic and Chandler Education Foundation. McPherson, a parent and educator, draws from her 25 years of experience working with students and families to bring valuable insight and guidance to community members of all ages navigating the complexities of today’s social environment. “To support the needs of families in our community, it’s critical to promote positive and candid discussions and share real stories and experiences,” said McPherson, who also serves as director of professional development for Bark for Schools, an artificial intelligence app that protects more than five million children nationwide. “It’s gratifying to partner with orga-

nizations like Majestic and Chandler Education Foundation who share my passion for investing time, energy and resources to benefit Chandler families.” The first installment of Helping Chandler Families Thrive will feature a screening of the documentary “Childhood 2.0” Aug. 24 at Majestic Chandler 9. The film highlights the challenges resulting from growing up in the digital age, with particular emphasis on topics like cyberbullying, online predators, suicidal ideation, and more. After the film, McPherson will lead an expert panel in an interactive discussion with event attendees. A portion of proceeds from the August event will benefit notMYkid, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides training and support programs focused on substance abuse, vaping, trauma, body image, mental health, internet safety, and other key issues. “Majestic is proud to debut Helping Chandler Families Thrive this month with highly respected partners like Kat-

rytelling to explore the issues, relationships and events that deeply affect our youth.” After the screening, experts in family advocacy and education will join McPherson for dialogue about the film and its themes. “Chandler Education Foundation is proud to work with Katey McPherson and Majestic Neighborhood Cinema Grill to bring leading-edge family and educational programming to Chandler,” said Jennifer Hewitt, the nonprofit’s executive director. “To truly strengthen our community, we must collaborate and find innovative ways to reach those in need, and this film series supports those objectives.” Tickets to the upcoming Helping Chandler Families Thrive film events are limited and on sale now at MajesticPHX. com. Majestic Chandler 9 is located at 4955 S. Arizona Ave in Chandler, on the northeast corner of Arizona Avenue and Chandler Heights Road.

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SCOT from page 13

Caledonia Society said. “Everywhere you look you can see deep ties between Arizona and Scotland. Douglas, Arizona, was named for a Canadian-Scotsman, and the Rose Tree Museum in Tombstone Arizona features a rose tree grown from a cutting shipped to a young Scottish bride from her family in Scotland in 1885.” The society, the largest Celtic organization in the state, promotes Scottish culture through art, education and athletics. and uses funds raised at the games for scholarships to aspiring and professional Highland athletes, musicians, and dancers and/or other individuals or organizations whose mission, project or program promotes Scottish heritage. Information:phoenixscottishgames. com.

ey McPherson and Chandler Education Foundation,” said Craig Paschich, CEO, Majestic Neighborhood Cinema Grill. We are proud to utilize our theaters in unique ways to make a lasting and positive impact on area families.” On Sept. 21, Majestic Chandler 9 will screen “My Ascension,” an autobiographical documentary about Emma Benoit, who survived a suicide attempt at age 16 which left her paralyzed. The film chronicles Benoit’s journey to inspire others to find hope through her painful experiences, as well as her efforts to bring a teen suicide prevention program to her home state of Louisiana. Benoit will attend the film event virtually and participate via Zoom in the post-film panel discussion with McPherson and other local experts. On Oct. 26 at Majestic Chandler 9. McPherson will host “The First Day,” a movie filmed at public and private high schools over the course of a year that “leverages the power of personal sto-

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

PENSION from page 1

Pensions & Investments annual 1,000 Largest Retirement Plans report. It said the combined PSPRS plan pension trust and defined contribution plan assets under Townsend’s management grew 44 percent to $16.1 billion in 2020-21, exceeding the percentage growth of all public pensions in the top 200 of the largest 1,000 U.S. retirement plans surveyed. Townsend said his agency’s success was more than just a matter of hiring new auditors, new actuaries, changing “a lot of the actuarial assumptions and the processes of how we’re managing the money.” It also was a matter of convincing the municipalities and other government employers about the efficacy of those changes and showing them options for whittling down their pension debt. “When you think about the decision makers, you’re talking about elected boards and councils around the state,” Townsend said. “They’re not pension people, obviously, and a lot of them are really not financial people. They need to get to a place where they can understand and understand what we’re doing.”

PSPRS Administrator Mike Townsend is working to lighten the annual burden municipalities face in paying off millions of dollars in unfunded liability for police and firefighters pension plans. (Courtesy of PSPRS)

The agency’s moves increased the government employers’ trust in the system, which had been battered more than a decade ago by the Great Recession of 2007-08. The Legislature last fiscal year applied $1.15 billion to the state public safety and corrections officers’ pension debts. Maricopa County over the last two years has put an extra $10 million into its jail officers’ pension plan, which is only 56.7% funded with an unfunded liability of $283.7 million, PSPRS records show. Tempe led all cities in Arizona with its additional police and fire pension debt contributions –$341 million last year alone. Even so, both its police and its firefighter pension plans are only about 45% funded with a total unfunded liability of $341 million. Over the last two years, Scottsdale put down $41.1 million to reduce its unfunded liability to $191.1 million for its retired police and firefighters. Chandler did the same, shelling out an additional $37 million on a debt that now stands at

see PENSION page 18

East Valley pension debt Here’s a look at five East Valley municipalities’ current PSPRS pension debt, according to the agency’s data, and what the total in additional payments they made toward reducing their unfunded liability over the last two fiscal years. Phoenix is included for comparison. Chandler Fire: 73.7% of its pension plan is funded, leaving a debt of $1.5 million. The city’s additional payments have totaled $12.5 million. Currently thereare82 retirees with an average annual pension of $69,024.

average annual pension of $60,772.

collecting an average annual $57,874.

lecting an average annual $53,879.

Gilbert Police: 91.7% of its plan is funded, leaving a debt of $14.4 million. Additional payments totaled $13 million. There are 92 current retirees collecting an average annual $58,573.

Phoenix Fire: 43.4% of its plan is funded, leaving a debt of $1.2 billion. Additional payments totaled $21.2 million. There are 1,223 retires collecting an average $74,158 a year.

Scottsdale Police: 55.1% of its plan is funded, leaving a $167.8 million unfunded liability. Additional payments totaled $35.8 million

Chandler Police: 68.3 of its plan is funded, leaving a debt of $102.8 million. Additional payments totaled $24.5 million. There are currently 201 retirees with an average annual pension of $60,766.

Mesa Fire: 50.2% of its plan is funded, leaving a debt of $235.9 million. Additional payments totaled $7.6 million. There are 289 retirees collecting an average annual $67,443.

Phoenix Police: 41.4% of its plan is funded, leaving a debt of $2.2 billion. Additional payments totaled $44.5 million. There are 2,699 retirees collecting an average $69,371 a year.

Gilbert Fire: 90% of its plan is funded, leaving a debt of $12.6 million. Additional payments totaled $2 million. There are 30 retirees with an

Mesa Police: 47.9% of its plan is funded, leaving a debt of $422.7 million. Additional payments totaled $15.9 million. There are 660 retirees

Scottsdale Fire: 84.5% of its plan is funded, leaving a debt of $23.3 million. Additional payments totaled $5.3 million. There are 46 retirees col-

Tempe Fire: 44% of its plan is funded, leaving a debt of $121.9 million. Additional payments totaled $123 million. There are 150 retirees collecting an average $69,792 a year. Tempe Police: 45% of its plan is funded, leaving a debt of $215.7 million. Additional payments totaled $218 million. There are 290 retirees collecting an average annual $59,787.

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PENSION from page 17

$154.3 million. “Clearing this much unfunded pension debt off the books in a single year takes an incredible amount of resolve and initiative among employers throughout the state,” said Townsend. “It also takes faith in our commitment to protect members’ retirement benefits and to help employers and taxpayers save money.” The $2.85 billion in additional government employer contributions last fiscal year surpassed the $1.58 billion in additional payments made in 2020-21 and dwarfed the $120 million in extra payments made in 2019-20. The effort by local governments to pay down their unfunded pension liabilities isn’t just a matter of kindness for the

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

men and women who spent years putting their lives on the line day in and day out. It’s a legal obligation with genuine operational consequences that impact municipal spending decisions and capabilities for everything from supplies and infrastructure to payrolls. Former Phoenix City Manager Ed Zuercher outlined those consequences for his City Council in June 2021. At the time, he sought permission to borrow $1 billion at a fixed-interest rate to pay down part of the city’s total $5.4 billion pension debt – which includes other plans besides the $3.4 billion PSPRS debt. “This taxpayer burden must be balanced with being fiscally responsible and committed in providing pensions to retirees,” Zuercher told Council in a memo. He said the pension fund liabilities and costs already had “placed significant budgetary constraints on the City’s ability to provide employee wage and non-pension benefit increases, public

services and infrastructure maintenance.” And he noted that “while currently manageable, this pressure will continue into the foreseeable future. “Further, credit rating agencies and lenders place strong consideration on the funding plan and funding levels of the City’s pension systems when determining their view of the overall financial health of the City,” Zuercher said. Though several Phoenix Council members, including Mayor Kate Gallego, voiced support for Zeurcher’s proposal, it never came up for a vote. Now Phoenix – and all the other entities with unfunded liabilities – face the likelihood of even higher interest rates on their pension debt. But Townsend said his agency is working to help governments pay down their pension debt in a somewhat less burdensome manner, noting it will take years to eliminate that debt and voicing optimism that cities at some point in the future will have another opportunity to secure fixed-interest loans that will

make it easier to pay off their PSPRS obligations. He said PSPRS is recalculating their contribution rates “to get their payments down to something similar to debt financing where they’re on more of a level dollar amortization for those unfunded liabilities.” “They’re on a big way down,” he said. “They’re going to pay it down one way or the other and so we’re changing the system to help account for that. If they want to put additional cash up front, pay it down faster, it just makes it better for them.” “We’re kind of shifting the slope of the line because the contributions were planned to increase pretty significantly 10 to 15 years out into the future,” he continued. “By making these changes, we’re kind of shifting some of that cost to the short term. “So they’ll see some increased contribution rates over the next five years” but then it “will get it to where it’s more of a stable line going forward without the huge cost out in the future.”

According to its website, Dacron was started in the 1950s by a Polish immigrant and Holocaust survivor named Jack Nagel. He began building single family homes for US Army veterans and eventually built thousands of homes in Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties. “Eventually, the business transitioned to include multifamily residential apartments. Jack focused on West Hollywood and other budding areas of Los Angeles,” the company states on its website. “In the 1980s, while continuing to develop income properties, he expanded into retail and office properties. Not

content to merely work as a developer, Jack operated all of his completed projects together with his son, David, who joined him in 1981 following his graduation from New York University. “David, who also has an MBA from the University of Southern California, served in both the construction and property management divisions for the company.” The complex originally was called Watermark at Town Square when the site was rezoned by Gilbert Council in August 2019 from General Office to Multifamily Medium Residential, according to town records.

DECRON from page 3

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

The rental cottages in the project are all one-story. (Town of Gilbert)

HIGHLAND from page 4

“I think this is above and beyond what would be palatable in the area, so good job.” Other commissioners agreed. “I love the diversity of architecture,” Commissioner David Blaser said. “With these two very distinct products, I think they’ve done a really good job designing

it and having it be quite diverse. So I am in favor of the project. I think it’s great.” Commissioner Brian Johns said it was a tough infill site and the proposed project looked good. “It will kind of finish up that corner a little bit next to that railroad track,” he said.

“It’s our top program as far as enrollment,” said ALA assistant principal Tim Slade. “I think one of the reasons is that once they’re certified, ‘if I want to go on to college and do something else, I can cut hair at the same time. I am using it as a pathway while I go to school.’ That’s just smart.” Cosmetology commandeers an entire swath of the first floor. With 22 highly polished salon stations, replete with hair washing sinks, lots of mirrors, state of the art décor, and chairs for manicures and pedicures, students will take 300 hours of course work, then be allowed onto the “floor” to work in a salon that will be open to the public so students can accrue the 1,500 hours the state requires for certification. This would seem to be a particularly good school for students with special educational needs, according to Exceptional Student Services teachers. “Generally speaking, they are the most disadvantaged,” said ESS teacher Brittani Ivory. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to have something going into the world with something already under their belt. Statistically speaking, they are the ones who are technically destined to be the ones who do the worst or be forgotten. Most at risk,” Ivory said.”

A lot of what is happening at this ALA campus, Guttery said, is being promoted by Charter One as a way to change the narrative that attending a vocational tech school has historically implied. “A lot of votech schools are considered last chance schools or a school where you go if you just can’t make it in college. We wanted to blow that up,” Guttery said. “That’s not what we are. “We are a highly professional school that allows students to do what they really want to do. It serves the community because the community needs trades, bad. There is no expense to it. There is no debt. That’s where you’re really going to start someone out on the right foot,” he said. The students seem excited to get a head start. “It’s a great opportunity,” said 16year old Dallin Wakefield, an incoming junior who plans to enter both the construction management and culinary programs. “This school really gives those who graduate a leg up and gives them and lets them to into that field and actually work part-time or full-time and earn a salary,” he said. Added Klomp” “We are changing the paradigm that used to say college or career to a college and career ready. Our kids will be walking out, ready to go.”

SCHOOL from page 14

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

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Wheelchair-bound Gilbert man grounded BY ASHLYN ROBINETTE GSN Contributor

ransportation, whether by foot or automobile, is often taken for granted. But for Eric Johnson, it’s literally a luxury he can’t afford. The 55-year-old Gilbert resident is asking the community to help him get a wheelchair-accessible van by donating to his GoFundMe. Bound to a wheelchair by muscular dystrophy, a degenerative disease that causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass, Johnson has steadily lost more and more mobility. He now is unable to stand, has lost hand function and has become sig-

Strapped to a wheelchair by a degenerative disease, Eric Johnson of Gilbert needs a wheelchair-accessible van to get back to volunteering and spending time with his family. (Gofundme.com)

nificantly ventilator-dependent. For the past five years, Johnson has rarely been able to leave his home — not because he didn’t want to, but because he couldn’t. “It got to the point where I couldn’t get in and out of my van anymore, and my wife couldn’t physically lift me,” the California-native said. Johnson needs a wheelchair-accessible van. Without a vehicle that can handle his wheelchair and equipment, his transportation is severely limited. Financially, he is unable to do this on his own. So, he is asking the community to help him get out and be an active

see WHEELCHAIR page 23

Gilbert MOMS Club North founder honored GSN NEWS STAFF

rizona’s early childhood agency, First Things First has recognized Kathy Alsop of Gilbert as the 2022 FTF Southeast Maricopa Region Champion for Young Children. The award is given to local champions who actively volunteer their time to raise public awareness of the importance of early childhood development and health. “Alsop is a strong advocate and ardent volunteer for early childhood awareness and sharing the importance of early childhood with families in the community,” First Things First said in a release. She is the founder and president of the MOMS Club Gilbert North – a local chapter of the International MOMS Club. After moving to Gilbert, she quickly connected with the FTF Southeast Mar-

Kathy Alsop of Gilbert was honored by First Things First for her work on behalf of families. (Special to GSN) icopa Region and started the MOMS Club Gilbert North chapter because of her passion to support young children and their families. “I choose to support young children

and families because we as a community must take care of our future generations,” Alsop said. “I firmly believe that it takes a village to raise a child,” she explained. “With the support and programs offered through First Things First, our families can find comfort in knowing our questions have answers and there is help when we need it. First Things First gives families the tools and knowledge to raise young children, and my mission is to make every family aware of those opportunities.” First Things First said, “Alsop enthusiastically volunteers her time to educate and empower parents and caregivers to feel confident in their important role as their child’s first teacher. “She’s always willing to share FTF educational materials paired with early childhood messages when supporting parents at her MOMS Club open houses and events.”

Alsop also distributes First Things First family guides so that parents and caregivers know about free programs available for families with young children. She keeps the agency’s materials in her trunk and shares the resources throughout the community. Alsop helps organize her MOMS Club monthly service projects. One project supported NICU families at Banner Children’s at Desert in Mesa. The club donated 70 welcome bags that included FTF-sponsored children’s books and bookmarks with the brain development information. She also regularly shares First Things First digital content on the MOMS Club Gilbert North Facebook page to connect parents with resources and support. “I’m motivated to support early childhood because I am a mother of young

see ALSOP page 23

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

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Audubon Society hosts Quilt cacti expert online

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

GSN NEWS STAFF

n Ahwatukee man who has studied, raised and rescued cacti in Arizona for most of his life will be the guest speaker at a free ZOOM discussion sponsored by the Desert Rivers Audubon Society at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9. People can sign up for the Zoom presentation by Cliff Fielding at desertriversaudubon.org, Wildlife that live in the Sonoran Desert are increasingly challenged to survive and thrive. Fielding will discuss: the effects on of the extended drought in Arizona, how the desert has recovered from the Bush fire of two years ago; a large volunteer group based in Tucson that saves cacti from developers; and a unique plant that grows on South Mountain. Society spokeswoman Elizabeth Farquhar of said, “Fielding became fascinated with cacti when he was a teenager. Today his home is a showcase of cacti from the Southwest and around the world. Part of his backyard is a nursery for plants he is raising from seed.” Desert Rivers is the local Audubon chapter in the East Valley and hosts expert speakers on the second Tuesday of every month. During the summer, its programs are only on Zoom but the group plans to resume in-person sessions in September that also will be available online.

Cliff Fielding of Ahwatukee will share his extensive knowledge of Arizona cacti during a Zoom presentation next Tuesday. (Special to GSN)

The mission of Desert Rivers Audubon Society is to educate and inspire our community to protect and preserve birds, wildlife and their habitats. From fall to spring the chapter sponsors monthly owl walks at the Arizona State University Polytechnic Campus in east Mesa, as well as family birdwalks in Gilbert’s Riparian Preserve and Chandler’s Veterans Oasis Park.

HD SOUTH will be selling $1 raffle tickets for this beautifully restored quilt through Sept. 15. (Special to GSN)

Mineral sale coming to Gilbert next month GSN NEWS STAFF

he 14th annual Gilbert Fine Mineral Sale takes place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 13 at the Gilbert Historical Society Museum, 10 S. Gilbert Road. Collectors will have the opportunity to see dealer’s newest acquisitions before

the Denver gem and mineral shows in September. “It is an opportunity for anyone interested in minerals and fossils to spend a few hours looking at the wide range of natural crystals and specimens Mother Nature has provided,” said Les Presmyk of De Natura.

Featured mineral dealers include De Natura (which is debuting 100 new specimens), Canyon Colors, CWS Fine Minerals, Headframe Minerals, Blue Sky Minerals, Shannon Family Minerals (debuting several new collections and freshly dug minerals), Collectors Stope and Lucky Muckers.

Entry is free and parking is available at the west parking lot of Gilbert Elementary School near Gilbert and Elliot roads intersection. Take the second driveway on Elliott Road, not the first. The event will include individually wrapped snacks, sodas and water for sale.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

WHEELCHAIR

from page 20

member of society again with whatever time he has left. “Just because you’re disabled, doesn’t mean you still can’t contribute to the community,” Johnson said. “You can still play a part.” Johnson wants to get back to doing what he loves most: volunteering. Though Johnson has been physically limited most of his life — he’d been on the operating table 29 times before the age of 6 — he has spent it in service to others. On top of being a committed and an involved father to his two children, Johnson participated in volunteer positions while he worked full time. “I would love to be able to volunteer again, even if it was only for a few hours,” he said. By the time he was 21, Johnson was trained in six computer languages. Up until moving to Arizona in 2001, he worked in California as an automation test engineer for several companies, including: Sony Electronics, SAIC, ODS Networks, Hewlett-Packard, Websense and Sempra. When he wasn’t working, he was volunteering. “I loved every minute of it,” he said. “If I could do it again, I would.” Johnson was an active participant in a children’s camp for over two decades, volunteering in outdoor education, leading discussions and more. He also worked for the San Diego County Red Cross Disaster Services, where he would be dispatched by the fire department via Red Cross to assist families displaced by disasters and provide them with food, shelter and clothing. He then became an American Red Cross governmental liaison officer, which required him to be on call 24/7 with responsibilities ranging from opening and running shelters, or assisting the police and fire department at the Incident Command Center. In Arizona, Johnson served as a state legislative liaison and volunteer hearing officer (judge) at the Maricopa County Justice Courts. In just nine years, he heard approximately 400 small claims cases. The list of volunteer positions and

COMMUNITY

ways in which Johnson has supported his community goes on and on. However, as Johnson’s muscular dystrophy advanced and his mobility consequently worsened, he was unable to continue these activities. A wheelchair-accessible van would allow Johnson to further make a difference in the lives of others. “Though he is severely weakened and physically limited, the zest to be active in life and to be around others is still very

strong,” wrote Johnson’s wife, Jacquetta, in their GoFundMe description. Besides volunteering, Johnson wants to do another thing that many of us take for granted — spend time with family. “I’d like to get out and go on a date with my wife,” he said. “I’d like to be able to go to dinner with my kids. I want to go do things with my kids again. They’ve done a lot of things with mom that dad hasn’t been able to.” Johnson has given his life to the com-

munity. This time, he’s asking the community to give a little back. “I want to be a part of the community again,” he said. “That’s what I enjoy. My whole life has been service. People tell me, ‘You’ve lived so many lives.’ And I’m so glad that I did.” To help Johnson afford a wheelchair-accessible van, donate at gofundme.com by searching with the words “wheelchair van freedom for Eric.”

children,” Alsop said. “When my first son turned two, I learned about First Things First, and early experiences shape how successful children are later in life. As I became aware of the programs and resources offered, I wanted to spread

the word. I will continue to advocate for our young children and promote awareness about FTF.” As Arizona’s early childhood agency, First Things First funds early learning, family support and children’s preven-

tive health services to help kids be successful once they enter kindergarten. Decisions about how those funds are spent are made by local councils staffed by community volunteers. To learn more, visit FirstThingsFirst.org.

ALSOP from page 20

GOT NEWS?

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

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Rockin’ couple shares music hysteria with Gilbert BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor

usic brought Malcolm and Jenn Michaels together and now they’re uniting the community with Rock this Town Records in Gilbert. The record store focuses on vinyl LPs and singles, but also sells cassette tapes and other music-related products. A guitar laden with a Union Jack flag is available for guests to play near a sofa. The Queen Creek residents met through an old-school Def Leppard fan mailing list in 1999. A Prescott resident, Jenn asked for the “Pyromania” release date and Malcolm answered from Minneapolis. They eventually met in the Twin Cities – just in time for a Def Leppard show in Duluth. “We didn’t know until after we booked the flight that Def Leppard was in town,” she says with a laugh. “It was fate.” He was obsessed or she was insane

Malcolm and Jenn Michaels opened Rock this Town Records in Gilbert to share their love of music. (Enrique Garcia/GSN Contributor)

— to loosely quote “Pyromania” — but it’s worked. They’ve been together ever since. And Malcolm has a photographic memory of their relationship, from the dates they met, highlights, lowlights and landing on Rock This Town’s opening. The celebration was May 27, the same day Def Leppard’s new album, “Diamond Star Halos,” hit stores. Jenn is considering hosting a meet up for others seeing Def Leppard at State Farm Stadium Aug. 25. Rock This Town Records has caused minor hysteria in Gilbert, with soundtracks becoming a popular product. “We’re so small so we alphabetize,” she said. “But I had to make a soundtrack section just because they’re dear to my heart. We’re definitely ’80s people. That’s what we know. That’s what we

see RECORDS page 26

Gilbert entrepreneur creates skin care line BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON GSN Contributor

iana J. Rieger has been on a quest for beautiful skin for herself and others since childhood. A Gilbert resident for more than a decade and Arizona resident since age 9, Rieger suffered and sought treatment for a variety of skin issues as life unfolded and became a licensed cosmetologist and esthetician to help others on their healthy skin journeys. “I decided I needed to get educated to first fix my damage and then do my best to help others get the treatment they need, not necessarily the latest thing they see on Instagram,” Rieger said. She has owned Love Skin Holistic

Med Spa in Tempe since 2015. “Love Skin specializes in integrative, alternative treatments, holistic wellness, and clean, effective options to treat the client inside and out,” Rieger explained. “In addition to skincare and aesthetics, we offer food sensitivity testing, nutritional supplements, and energy-based treatment options to avoid drugs and surgery.” More recently, Rieger launched her own skincare line called Love Skin Botanicals. “I decided to create my own skincare line after suffering from cystic acne, along with a bunch of other problems,” she said. “It took me years and a lot of practice

to create Love Skin Botanicals,” she explained of a line comprising plant-activated, medically advanced, natural, and organic products. “The ingredients are vegan, exclude petroleum products and artificial fragrances and are clinically tested by humans,” Rieger said. “Some of the surprising ingredients I work with include grape extract, wild mushroom, kiwi root, wild uncultivated shea butter, walnut powder, volcanic mud, and many others.” The line of skincare products is featured exclusively at Love Skin Holistic Med Spa, but products are also available to purchase online. With her Tempe-based spa growing in popularity, Rieger has plans for growth.

“I am seeing more and more people coming from Gilbert to my spa, so I am planning to open a second location in Gilbert in the next year,” she shared. Rieger said her main goal “is to educate my clients about what is actually happening to their skin based on their lifestyle and said her spa’s personalized treatment plans uses “cutting edge, alternative, energy-based skin care and holistic wellness options for people who want cleaner, more natural products, and services.” Through both her med spa and product line, Rieger hopes to give East Valley clients the best skincare experience possible.

see SKIN page 25

BUSINESS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

SKIN from page 24

“I started Love Skin Holistic Med Spa after having a bad experience at another facility while getting treatments for sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and acne scarring. They didn’t prepare me for the treatment, and I was unhappy with the result,” Rieger said. “For our clients, we promote looking like the best version of you at your current time in Gilbert entrepreneur Diana J. Rieger launched a natural skincare life.” product line to help East Valley residents to find their best skinA believer in giving care solutions. (Courtesy Love Skin Botanicals) back to the community, To learn more about the Love Skin BoRieger said Love Skin Holistic Med Spa is tanicals skincare line of products, visit a member of Local First AZ and regularly loveskinbotanicals.com. donates to the UMOM New Day Center. To learn more about Love Skin HolisThe spa also donates every spring to the Mesa Hohokam organization and tic Med Spa, located at 2034 E. Southern sponsor youth football and cheer pro- Ave., Tempe, visit loveskinmedspa.com. grams in Chandler and Gilbert.

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Phone and Internet Discounts Available to CenturyLink Customers The Arizona Corporation Commission designated CenturyLink as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier within its service area for universal service purposes. CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines are $18.47 per month and business services are $35.00 per month. Specific rates will be provided upon request. CenturyLink participates in the Lifeline program, which makes residential telephone or qualifying broadband service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligible customers may qualify for Lifeline discounts of $5.25/ month for voice or bundled voice service or $9.25/month for qualifying broadband or broadband bundles. Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits if they participate in certain additional federal eligibility programs. The Lifeline discount is available for only one telephone or qualifying broadband service per household, which can be either a wireline or wireless service. Broadband speeds must be at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload to qualify. CenturyLink also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible households with a discount on broadband service. The ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. For both programs, a household is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Services are not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in these programs. Consumers who willfully make false statements to obtain these discounts can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from these programs. If you live in a CenturyLink service area, visit https://www. centurylink.com/aboutus/community/community-development/ lifeline.html for additional information about applying for these programs or call 1-800-201-4099 with questions.

The spacious Rock this Town Record sells vinyl LPs and singles, cassette tapes and other music-related products. (Enrique Garcia/GSN Contributor)

RECORDS from page 24

love – rock music.” Malcolm jumpstarted his vinyl collection about five years ago, and since they opened the store, his ears have strayed beyond rock. “Now I listen to Kanye,” he said. “He’s somebody I would have never listened to back in the day. And Harry Styles. That new song is catchy as hell. It’s so good. We just like good music.” Malcolm says Jenn has more of an ear for modern music, which helps bring in a younger crowd. During a recent visit to Rock This Town Records, millennials were picking up records by the Beach Boys and Seals & Crofts. “I love the ‘70s,” he explained. “With all due respect to that generation, a lot of the artists are maybe starting to fall away because the audience and fanbase just isn’t there any longer.” Records in the $3 area fly off the shelves, she says, and customers are surprised about what they might find in there “We had a Yes record in there,” she said. “He asked if the record was really

only $3. When I said yes, he asked why. The truth is, we want to keep new and interesting stuff in here. “We want it to be different every time you come in.” And there’s no pretension at Rock This Town Records. “I’m not a snob about music,” she said. “If someone comes in looking for something and they like it, I will try to bring it in.” Malcolm added, “If you’re listening to music and it’s making you happy, go for it.”

Rock This Town Records 732 E. Warner Road, Gilbert 602-824-8484 rockthistownrecords.com Instagram: @rockthistownrecords

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

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Larissa Blanchard ready for big senior track season BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor

rowing up in Ahwatukee, Larissa Blanchard took to soccer as her primary sport. There were moments where she believed her skills on the field would help lead her to college. That was her goal as she went through elementary and middle school at St. John Bosco Catholic School in Ahwatukee. But that began to change in high school while attending nearby Seton Catholic. She joined the Sentinel track & field team as a sophomore to help improve her speed for soccer. She didn’t realize she would quickly fall in love with the sport, specifically the hurdles. Now, as she prepares for her senior season at Perry High School in Gilbert, she is dead set on a career as a hurdler in college. “I think it was halfway through the track season my sophomore year,” Blanchard said. “I was like, ‘oh my gosh, this is really fun. I can actually do this.’ It is really an individual sport, and you don’t really have to rely on teammates to win. It was a lot more fun for me.” Blanchard enjoyed her time at Seton Catholic. Deciding to transfer to Perry wasn’t an easy decision by any means. But most of the track coaching staff at Seton Catholic had decided to step away after the 2022 season. She had her choice of schools with Arizona being an open enrollment state. She contemplated Chandler, a powerhouse program that up until last season had won five straight state titles – excluding the canceled 2020 season – and 14 since 2006. But she decided on Perry, the team that dethroned the Wolves in May.

“I think this is going to be a huge switch from Division III to Division I,” Blanchard said. “Especially with coaching, at Seton there were coaches that coached multiple events. Here, it’ll be more one-on-one, which I’m excited for.” Despite being less than two years into her track career, Blanchard has already established herself as one of the better hurdlers in the state. In her first season she made it to the state track meet in five events. As a junior, she focused more on hurdles. She also competed last spring in the 100-meter dash. She knew heading into the state finals for the 100-meter hurdles Remy Romof American Larissa Blanchard, an Ahwatukee native and resident, is currently ney preparing for her senior track season at Perry High School in Leadership Academy Gilbert where she hopes to help the Pumas repeat as state – Queen Creek would champions. (Dave Minton/GSN Staff) be among her toughest competition. But in The decision was also made easily the final race she put on one of her best with her father living in close proximity performances to win gold in Division III. to the school. Her mother, Ann, still lives “It was really cool for me,” Blanchard in Ahwatukee. Beyond her living situa- said. “I’ve only been doing it two seasons tion, Blanchard identified what has and and I did against Remy Romney, who is is currently still being built at Perry. It’s a really good hurdler. My first thought a school that has appeared in and won was, ‘this is really happening.’” several state championships across sevBlanchard’s impressive showing this eral different sports. Track is now one of past season helped her earn an invitathem. tion to the National Outdoor Champi-

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onships in Oregon. She didn’t attend, mostly because she felt she wasn’t ready for that caliber of competition just yet. However, if invited next season, she plans to go. The state championship win, coupled with her natural ability, has also helped her get on the radar of some colleges. She has talked to some locally and has even toured Arizona State. So far, her options are open. But it appears that she will eventually follow in her mother’s path to becoming a Division I track athlete. Ann was a distance runner at Ole Miss in college. So, to see her daughter follow a similar path is meaningful. “For me, it would be like the legacy lives on,” Ann said. “My whole family, we want to see it. We don’t want her track meets and her athletic career to end after her senior year. We want to see how far she can go. “I think Larissa is going to be very competitive this year. I can’t wait to see her at the state championships next year.” Perry recently announced it had promoted former assistant Jeff Gurecki as its new head girls’ track coach. He is replacing Bryan Idleman, who stepped down to spend more time with family. Due to her transfer, Blanchard will have to sit out the first half of the spring season. But she plans to train with a club team with close ties to Perry this fall and winter. She is excited for the opportunity to compete for Perry as a senior and perhaps set new records for the Pumas. She hopes to leave a legacy that centers around going for goals, no matter how new they may be. “If you feel like you want to go do something, just go do it and see how far you can get,” Blanchard said.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

come experience the

essentials collection

The Essentials Collection by Copenhagen, a dynamic compilation of ever changing merchandise from current and new manufacturers around the world. Quality products of good design and exceptionally strong value offered every single day. No waiting for any special promotions! In fact, Essentials are so aggressively priced that these items are excluded from any other Copenhagen or manufacturer sponsored promotion. These specially priced items are only available in select finishes and quantities may be limited, so hurry in for best selection. Essentials... great design, excellent quality and exceptional value.

in-stock essentials are ready for deliver y!

With the unprecedented demand for quality home furnishings, we’ve all experienced supply chain issues of late. Yet Copenhagen has been building inventory of our Essentials Collection, assuring you of a great selection ready for delivery, here and now. Below, you’ll find examples from our Living Essentials, all of which are currently in stock and ready for delivery.

The Sigma chair is elegant, contemporary and perfect for any stylish interior. Available in leather in your choice of white, light grey, anthracite or brown.

The Tanya sectional by Incanto Italy is quality through and through. Luxurious top-grain leather everywhere and adjustable shoulder supports make this sectional exceptionally comfortable. Available in either grey or taupe and left or right configuration. $5180 $

3995

$1399 $

Our Tri bedroom. A truly unique statement of clean design. Beautifully angled grain in grey veneers, adds a touch of class, while black accents make for a modern and timeless look.

Night Stand $ Reg. $699 Queen bed $ Reg. $1415

549 1089

1075

Our Everett occasional table in natural walnut is all about quality and style. Fine details include rounded edges on a top which floats over a very attractive base and features two practical storage drawers. 47” x 24” x 16” h. mattress sold separately

$795

High chest and double dresser also available.

599 since

contemporary furniture & accessories

great design excellent quality exceptional value

PHOENIX 1701 E. Camelback 602-266-8060 SCOTTSDALE 15804 N. Scottsdale Rd. (South of Bell) 480-367-6401 GILBERT 2000 S. Santan Village Pkwy. 480-838-3080 HOURS: PHOENIX Mon-Sat: 9am-6pm, Sundays: Noon-5pm SCOTTSDALE & GILBERT Mon-Fri: 10am-7pm, Saturdays: 10am-6pm, Sundays: Noon-5pm Shop online at

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Please note: All products advertised are in stock at the time of this advertisement. Essentials items are at the lowest possible price and excluded from any other promotion. All items are subject to prior sale and quantities may be limited. Deliveries are made according to available time slots in your delivery area. Please see your nearest location for full details. Higher prices shown are for comparison purposes only and based upon what our market experience suggests an item should sell for. No sale may have occurred at these prices.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

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Mesa metal band excited about upcoming show and recording. “Every day I dream about it,” Rosenfeld said. “I keep thinking that this is going to be our bighe Mesa metal band Bury gest show to date.” The Darkness has been He said his game plan for the pretty busy these days. gig is to keep his head down and Band members – all Mounremember that feeling anxious tain View High School alumni is a good thing sometimes. – spent their free time between “Someone told me before, full-time jobs rehearsing record‘What you should do in those ing four new songs and working high-pressure moments when on the launch of a clothing brand you’re about to walk out to a — all of which the band plans to sold-out crowd is just put your unveil when it hits the stage at head down and go to work,” the Rebel Lounge on Aug. 12. Rosenfeld said. “They also told “It’s going to be our grand me it’s good to feel anxious beunveiling. We’ve been quiet in cause that means you’re doing terms of releases and everything something that you care about.” like that since April of 2021 but Although Rosenfeld is beamthe work has not stopped every ing with excitement about givsingle day,” said guitarist Marc ing Phoenix a taste of what the Rosenfeld. Mesa-based metal outfit is all “We’ve been working,” he said. “We’ve made insane con- Bassist Brandon Bentley, vocalist Jared Harper, drummer Devin Bowers and guitarist Marc Rosenfeld all attended about, he hopes that those in nections with local musicians Mountain View High School and are set to make their hometown debut with their band, Bury The Darkness, on attendance will share in his excitement. and we have been in the studio Aug. 12. (Hannah Left Wright Photo) “We want everyone in there every single weekend because we all work full-time jobs. Every day off to go back to that.” band is anxious to give fans a tease of its to just have a good time,” Rosenfeld said. “What we love about metal music is evhas been spent somehow working on the Because of this, the band sees its first upcoming four-song EP. band or the clothing brand.” hometown show as the time to go all-in It will include the upcoming single ti- eryone has their things going on, but The band also has cruised around the on its new music and clothing line. tled “Suffocate” – which Rosenfeld says is when you come in to see a concert, you’re Valley marketing itself the old-fashioned “Our brand-new clothing line Burned one of the bands heavier songs and could all there together for your love of music, all those problems get left at the door way by putting up posters and dropping Alive clothing is going to be announced at hit the airwaves as early as September. off physical tickets to fans for the Aug. 12 that show and we’re going to have three “’Suffocate’ is going to be our next sin- and you’re just immersed in the show for gig. different shirts on sale,” Rosenfeld said. gle and we have a music video that we however long it is.” Rosenfeld sees it all as a way to achieve “Just like the band, It’s a melting pot of just shot with Lance Gergar — a Phoehis and bassist Brandon Bentley’s lifelong things we like, like heavy culture, alterna- nix-based cinematographer,” Rosenfeld dreams. tive culture, music and streetwear with a said. “It’s going to be a really good metalWho: Dropout Kings with special guests: “We want to do this for our jobs,” added little splash of like, extreme sports as well core song that has everything fans like; Scythe Gang 666, Bury The Darkness, Brantley, who met Rosenfeld at Mountain — since I used to skateboard when I was heavy, intense verses, these nice clean Handsxfeet and Tragedy View and graduated from Arizona State younger.” choruses and a heavy break-down.” When: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12. University last year. “I went to college; In addition to launching a clothing line Rosenfeld has been counting down the Where: The Rebel Lounge, 2323 E Indian I worked that nine to five office job and that Rosenfeld and Brantley have been days until he can jump on stage and play School Road, Phoenix. hated my life. So, I’m just putting in all the working on since devising the idea over the songs that he and his band have deInfo: therebellounge.com work I can to make it where I never have breakfast on New Year’s Eve of 2021, the voted every second of free time writing BY ALEX GALLAGHER GetOut Staff

IF YOU GO

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King Crossword ACROSS 1 4 9 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 21 24

Witty one Brings in Rail Mess up Unconventional Quarterback Manning Airhead Heavy weight Verily Made finer, as flour Rope parts “Holy --!”

25 26 28 31 33 35

Prefix with gram or center Spasm Picture puzzle Towering “Eureka!” Nickelodeon’s “Explorer”

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Answers on page 33

Politico Stevenson Branch Klutz Village People hit Place of worship Thief Equal (Pref.) Terre Haute sch. Inflatable pool toy Prof’s degree Point of view Noon, on a sundial Blue

58 Portals 59 Moray, for one

DOWN 1 2

Entanglement “Entourage” character

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 16 20 21 22

Spike’s warning Actor De Niro Turkey is part of it -- glance Spectrum creator Soon-to-be grad Cartoon vamp Medicinal plant Peel Coloring agent Skedaddled Greek salad cheese Apple tablet

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Melville sailor Dance syllable Russian river Ump’s call Gentle soul Newspaper piece

got skin?

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Headache aid Fits together Where the action is Unruly group Tears

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Job-safety org. Literary rep Chopping tool Fish story Dogpatch adjective

Of Course! We all do. Let us keep yours the healthiest it can be!

Thank you for choosing us again for 2019 as the Best Dermatologist. We are honored with your confidence in our office. Katherine Lim Quan, MD

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ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE 32

GetOut Contributor

This pull-apart bread is sweet and savory

hat a delightful surprise! I’ve made plenty of pull-apart breads both sweet and savory, but this loaf with layers of fresh herbs and three cheeses tucked inside squares of homemade bread dough wins the day. When you bring it out of the oven and pull apart these rich, flavorful squares of buttery goodness, it’s a little slice of heaven. My only advice is not to make shortcuts and use storebought bread dough. This easy homemade dough will deliciously rise to the occasion! Ingredients: 1 TBSP dried yeast granules 2 tsp sugar 1 cup warm water 4 cups plain flour 1/2 TBSP salt 1/2 TBSP olive oil 1 garlic clove, crushed 1/3 cup chopped parsley 1/3 cup chopped basil 1/4 cup chopped rosemary leaves 2 TBSP butter, softened 1 cup parmesan, shredded 1 cup Mozzarella, shredded 1 cup, gruyere, shredded Directions: 1. Add 1 TBSP yeast and 2 tsp sugar to 1 cup warm water. Stir and let sit until yeast foams, about 10 minutes. 2. In a large bowl, add flour, salt, olive oil and yeast together. Add more water, a little at a time if too dry. With your hands, mix dough until it forms a ball. 3. Transfer to a floured surface and knead dough until smooth and elastic, about 6 minutes. (If necessary, add extra flour if it becomes too sticky and continue working dough.) 4. Return the dough to the bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and then a tea towel and keep warm until the mixture doubles in size, about 1 hour.

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5. When dough has risen, knock the dough back in the bowl and then take it out, cut it in half and roll each half out to a large rectangle about 20in x 10in, then trim the edges to straighten. 6. Spread the top of each rectangle with 1 TBSP softened butter then scatter the crushed garlic, herb mixture over the dough. Mix the three cheeses together in a bowl and spread evenly over both rectangles. 7. Cut each rectangle into ½ inch strips, to the height of your loaf tins, with a very sharp knife and lay the strips on top of each and cut the layered strips into squares the width of your tins. 8. Grease or line your loaf tins, and then stack the squares on top of each other, turn the stack on its side and place them into the tins (don’t worry if your dough doesn’t reach the edge of the tins, the dough will rise again with the final proof). Cover the tins in glad wrap and set aside for 30 minutes. 9. Bake at 375 degrees for 50 minutes and the tops are golden brown. 10. Remove from pan and let it rest for 10 minutes before removing from the tin and serving warm. Makes one large loaf.

480-857-1138 610 N. Alma School Rd., #38 • Chandler

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

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Never Stop Learning Continuing education can do more than improve your chances in landing the next job. It can make for a more rewarding life. GOING BACK TO SCHOOL Some fields actually require continuing education in order to remain employed. For others, however, these courses, classes and projects provide a pathway to better job opportunities. Hiring managers take the full breadth of your resume into account, and additional educational pursuits show a dedication to your field above and beyond every-day work obligations. When applying for some jobs, you may find that their pay bands are actually dictated by levels of education or other instructional achievements. If you’re not near a college that offers related coursework, be on the look out for seminars, training and certification courses, professional affiliations and workshop-presentation opportunities that can add depth to your resume. ONLINE OPPORTUNITIES There are a number of online learning opportunities that may bolster your candidacy. They’re particularly useful if you’re overburdened at your current job, since schedules are often flexible. For instance, the edX site sponsors

® ADOBE STOCK

free courses from top schools like Harvard and MIT. Other online educational platforms include Coursera and Skillshare. Each provides an opportunity to close the skills gap some candidates may face, or help them acquire the knowledge base to start a new career. If you feel like you are up-to-date with so-called “hard” skills, consider taking online courses in “soft” ones like leadership, communication, adaptability, conflict resolution, decision making, creativity, motivation, time management and

teamwork. Techniques learned there will lead to better outcomes outside of the office, too. AT-HOME EDUCATION Going to faraway conferences is a great way to network for your next job, while learning about your field’s newest techniques. Like college courses, however, they can be very expensive. What if you can’t afford to attend, either because of office responsibilities or sudden unemployment? That shouldn’t stop you from working on

professional development. Read as broadly as you can, going beyond general news into focused reports on the work you do. Whether that means subscribing to a professional newsletter or scrolling through the Harvard Business Review, you’ll be gaining valuable new information that could very well help you land the next job. Join related virtual communities, and network with people through professional sites like LinkedIn. These discussions are bound to spark fresh ideas.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG

• General Laborer

CMC Steel Arizona has proudly been making the steel that builds America since 2009.

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our new, state of the art micro mill from the

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Now Hiring in Mesa!

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

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Obituaries

H E A D STO N E S

EVERLASTING MONUMENT Co.

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480-969-0788 75 W. Baseline Rd. Ste. A-8 Gilbert, AZ 85233

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Make your choice Everlasting

Clarivate Analytics (US) LLC seeks IP Software Services Consultant in Chandler, AZ. Provide software implementation consulting services. Coordinate project mgmt activities including project planning, schedule mgmt; facilitate & plan project team meetings & communications. Telecommuting permitted. Applicants may apply https://www.jobpostingtoday.com/ Ref # 93800. Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Consulting, Senior Solution Specialist in Gilbert, AZ & various unanticipated Deloitte office locations & client sites nationally to Drive SAP software advisory and implementation services to help companies unlock the value of technology investments as discrete services or comprehensive solutions. 15% travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL23FC0722GIL8318 in Search jobs field. EOE, including disability/veterans.

Looking for fun, energetic people to join our team at the new location - 3820 E. Ray Rd. Suite #30 Hiring for the following Hosts, expos, bussers, servers & kitchen staff Must be available nights & weekends Send resume to jobs@vinetavern.com Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Consulting, Senior Solution Specialist in Gilbert, Arizona & various unanticipated Deloitte office locations & client sites nationally, to modernize business and core environments to leverage technology innovations across multiple platforms; drive operational efficiency by maintaining their data ecosystems, sourcing analytics expertise for continuous insights and improvements. 15% travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL23FC0822GIL2775 in “Search jobs” field. EOE, including disability/veterans. Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Consulting, Senior Solution Specialist in Gilbert, AZ and various unanticipated Deloitte office locations and client sites nationally to modernize business and core environments to leverage technology innovations across multiple platforms; drive operational efficiency by maintaining their data ecosystems, sourcing analytics expertise for continuous insights and improvements. 15% Travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL23FC0722GIL504 in “Search jobs” field. EOE, including disability/veterans.

Pets/Services/ Livestock 3 Male Havanese Puppies: Beautiful, pure bred born May 22nd. Vet checked up to date on shots. $950. Eloy AZ. Call Gwen 520-340-0444

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Employment General Supervisor in Mesa for Arizona Dairy CO LLP – Read and analyze charts, work orders,production schedules, and other records and reports to determine production requirements and to evaluate current production estimates and outputs. Reqd. High School’s degree + 2yrs Exp. Resume alberto@azdairyco.com PayPal, Inc. seeks MTS 1, Solutions Engineer in Scottsdale, AZ: Create innovative, customer driven Solution Proposals & Solution Designs utilizing PayPal’s suite of API products. Req’s: MS(or equiv.)+1 yr. exp. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. w/o sponsorship. To apply, please send your resume w/references, by email to: paypaljobs@paypal.com; or by mail: ATTN: HR, Cube 10.3.561, PayPal, Inc. HQ, 2211 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95131. EOE, including disability/vets. Ref. Req.# 17-6865 with/app.

Real Estate for Sale Manufactured Homes Brand New 12X33 Champion Park Model 1B/1B, With 6' Covered Porch, Awning, Skirting, Concrete Drive, on Shiprock RV Resort (#43), a 55+ Community in Apache Junction, AZ, Cent A/C, 10x12 Shed, W/D Hkups, Laminate Flooring, SS Appliances, Walk in Shwr & Much More. Annual rent $5100/yr inc Wired Internet. $74,999 CALL 480-228-7786 or EMAIL: HomeSales@KeithManagement.com or visit our website: AZRVResorts.net

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

Appliance Repairs

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General Contracting, Inc.

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Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC118198

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

Roofing

Public Notices

Superstition Energy Storage, LLC invites you to learn about and provide input on, the proposed Superstition 230-kilovolt (kV) Generation Intertie (gen-tie) power line project (Project).

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Superstition Energy Storage, LLC, a private utility company, is planning to build an approximately 440-foot-long power line on privately owned land in Gilbert, Arizona. The new power line would run from a privately owned parcel directly into the existing Corbell Substation and will not cross any other nearby privately owned land. The power line would connect the separate Superstition Energy Storage Project to the existing regional electrical grid, via the immediately adjacent existing Corbell Substation. The Arizona Corporation Commission (Commission) and Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee (Committee) are the permitting authorities for the Project. In September 2022, Superstition Energy Storage, LLC plans to apply for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) through the Committee and Commission to allow for construction and operation of the Project. Superstition Energy Storage, LLC is currently soliciting public and stakeholder input on the Project and is interested in hearing your comments. Questions and comments can be submitted via the forums listed below: Mail: Superstition Gen-Tie Project c/o SWCA Environmental Consultants 20 E Thomas Road, Suite No. 1700 Phoenix, AZ 85012 Telephone: (480) 581-5413 Email: SuperstitionCEC@swca.com Virtual Open House: A virtual open house will also be held to provide information about the Project and facilitate comment submittal: www.superstitionopenhouse.com. The formal Project comment period will take place from July 29 to September 1, 2022, but additional opportunities to comment will extend past this period. Additional Project information can also be found online at https://www.superstitionenergystorage.com. We look forward to receiving your comments and answering your questions. Published Mesa Tribune/Gilbert Sun News/ Chandler Arizonan August 7th 2022 / 48171

IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF DYER COUNTY, TENNESSEE IN THE MATTER OF: KASSIAN NICHOLAS JUNIOR, DOB: 08/14/2020 NO. 7746 A CHILD UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE ORDER FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION It appearing to the Court from the allegations of the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights, Motion for Service by Publication and the Affidavit of Diligent Search that the whereabouts of William Dodd are unknown and cannot be ascertained by diligent search; therefore, the ordinary process of law cannot be served upon William Dodd. It is, therefore, ORDERED that William Dodd be served by publication of the following notice for four consecutive weeks in The Mesa Tribune, a newspaper published in Maricopa County, Arizona. It is further ORDERED that if William Dodd does not enter an appearance or otherwise Answer the Petition, further personal service or service by further publication shall be dispensed with and service of any future notices, motions, orders, or other legal documents in this matter may be made upon William Dodd by filing same with the Juvenile Court Clerk of Dyer County, Tennessee. NOTICE TO WILLIAM DODD The State of Tennessee, Department of Children’s Services, has filed a petition against you seeking to terminate forever your parental rights to Kassian Nicholas Junior. It appears that ordinary process of law cannot be served upon you because your whereabouts are unknown. You are hereby ordered to serve upon Marlene Simpson, attorney for the Tennessee Department of Children Services, 1979 St. John Avenue, Suite F, Dyersburg, TN 38024, an Answer to the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights filed by the Tennessee, Department of Children’s Services, within thirty (30) days of the last day of publication against you pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. §36-1117(n) and Rule 55 of the Tenn. R. of Civ. P. for the relief demanded in the Petition. You may view and obtain a copy of the Petition and any other subsequently filed legal documents at the Dyer County Juvenile Court Clerk’s Office in Dyersburg, Tennessee. You are also ordered to appear on September 16, 2022 at 9:00 am at the Dyer County Juvenile Court in order to contest the petition filed against you, and failure to appear or otherwise file an answer with the clerk of this Court before that date will result in a finding being entered against you by default. Entered this 25 th day of July, 2022. Jason Hudson Respectfully submitted, ______Marlene Simpson, BPR # 025691 Attorney for DCS 1979 St. John Ave., Ste. F Dyersburg, TN 38024 731-286-8304 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that a true and exact copy of the foregoing pleading has been served via email on the 20th day of July, 2022 to the following: Mark Butler, Esq. PO Box 846 Dyersburg, TN 38025 _____ cc: Loretta O’Neil, DCS Representative Published: East Valley Tribune, July 31, Aug 7, 14, 21, 2022 / 48162

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 7, 2022

YOU’RE INVITED!

55+ ACTIVE ADULT APARTMENT HOMES

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CASITA OPEN HOUSE Date: Time: Where:

Friday, August 19th 3pm - 7pm Building 1, Apt 1001 & 1002 2660 S Recker Road Gilbert, AZ 85295

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602-835-4397 AlbumCooleyStation.com

Album is an equal housing opportunity. Amenities and services vary by location. Pricing and availability subject to change.