Gilbert Sun News - 08-23-2020 by Times Media Group

Councilman-elect sues for seat

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An edition of the East Valley Tribune

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Sunday, August 23, 2020

Ambulance plan appears headed for town OK BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

own Council may pull the trigger Tuesday on a proposal to form an in-house ambulance service in Gilbert that could begin operations as early as May. On the consent agenda are two purchase requests – $1.4 million to buy six ambulances and $253,000 to buy six ambulance stretchers and power cots. According to officials, a town-operated ambulance service would ensure all parts of Gilbert are equally served – which they say is not happening now with American Medical Response. AMR assigns four ambulances to service the town of about 254,000, with two more medi-

cal transports added during peak times. The contract with AMR may be extended for two years on Tuesday, which staff said would give time for the town to explore its options. One of the termination clauses in the agreement states that either side can opt out for any reason at any time with a 90-day written notice. Councilman Jared Taylor, who is critical of the proposal, told Gilbert Sun News that there has not been enough public input even though town officials held a virtual open house on the proposal two weeks ago. “I hope the public realizes it’s just their opinion,” Taylor said of town staff. “We need an honest, open discussion and not a one-sided push for ambulances and to take it over. They are still hiding a bunch of money. They

GPS eyes partial in-class learning by Sept. 8

really want to show they are better than all the alternatives.” Taylor said the town should go through a full request-for-proposals process and that AMR is meeting its contractual obligations, though he acknowledged, “There are things we can improve on.” He claimed that if the town operated an ambulance service, it would lose nearly $1 million a year for the exact same service AMR provides. He noted that Gilbert receives approximately $300,000 a year from AMR for leasing town space for its ambulances. “They’re changing the definition of success they have with the service level agreement

School daze

see AMBULANCE page 11

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

SPORTS...................... 24 Virus shrinks school sports budgets.

PUZZLE......................................... 7 COMMUNITY....................................... 19 BUSINESS.............................................20 OPINION..................................... 23 SPORTS.......................................24 CLASSIFIED..........................................26

ilbert Public Schools is looking to send kids back into classrooms part time Sept. 8 and full time on Sept. 21, provided it is safe to do so. Staff presented a phased opening plan to the Governing Board in last week’s special meeting. The board is expected to reaffirm the plan at this Tuesday’s meeting. “Our end goal as a board for everyone concerned is as soon as possible, sooner than later,” board President Charles Santa Cruz said. “At some point all of our kids will be back on campus with in-person instruction and all of us moving forward. I think that’s the end goal and I think we made some strides and taken some steps to work towards that.” Currently students are learning remotely since the start of school

see SCHOOLS page 4

Hundreds of Gilbert high school juniors and seniors were back in classrooms last week at the East Valley Institute of Technology, but hallways cast an eerie sight as students observed social distancing, walking single-filed in one direction - a sight likely to be replicated in most Gilbert schools when campuses reopen. Details: Page 6. (Patrick Jervis Jr./Courtesy of EVIT)

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 23, 2020

An edition of the East Valley Tribune Gilbert Sun News is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Gilbert.

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NEWS

Hendrix sues town for council seat now BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

ilbert Councilman-elect Laurin Hendrix is suing to claim his seat now instead of waiting until January to take office. Hendrix won the two-year seat in the Aug. 4 Gilbert Council primary against incumbent Bill Spence, who was appointed to the job in March. Because Hendrix won a majority of the votes, there is no run-off in the November general election. Hendrix names Spence, Town Clerk Lisa Maxwell and the town in his lawsuit for preventing him from taking his Council seat until January. Maxwell declined comment and Spence said he was baffled by the filing. “It is not clear to me why Mr. Hendrix named me individually,” Spence said. “I am also not sure why this wasn’t addressed during the initial appointment process from earlier this year.” Spence was appointed in March to the seat vacated by Eddie Cook, who was named Maricopa County assessor and who won his party’s nomination in the

Councilman Scott Anderson took the oath of office last week from Town Clerk Lisa Maxwell as he became interim Gilbert mayor until January, when either Brigette Peterson or Matt Nielsen will begin a four-year term. Anderson replaces Jenn Daniels, who resigned. (Cecilia Chan/GSN Managing Editor)

primary for a four-year term. Spence said he has faith in the judicial process and will be following the advice of counsel. Town spokeswoman Jennifer Harrison said officials sought an independent

counsel’s review of a demand letter Hendrix’s attorney sent Aug. 12. “After review, outside counsel has determined that Mr. Hendrix’s term begins

Both the Chamber and GSN also have questionnaires answered by Peterson and Nielsen at gilbertaz.com/2020mayor and gilbertsunnews.com. “Gilbert voters have an important decision to make in November as they elect our next town mayor,” said Gilbert Chamber President CEO/President Sarah Watts. “As town leaders plan for continued growth and eventual build-out, we will need a mayor who shares a collaborative spirit and a willingness to work with stakeholders, including the various segments of our business community. This candidate forum will provide a format, which will allow each candidate to respond to the other, so viewers can gain clarity on topics of interest,” Watts continued, noting: “The best decision a voter can make is an educated decision. As Gilbert’s Chamber of Commerce, we feel it is im-

portant to provide voters, and especially our business community, with access to candidates and knowledge of their positions so that Gilbert can navigate successfully through recovery and continue to be a desirable town for businesses and their employees.” Paul Maryniak, GSN executive editor, who will moderate the forum, echoed Watts’ sentiments. “Thanks to the Chamber, Gilbert voters have an ideal way to learn about these two candidates. The pandemic has made large gatherings impossible, but an archived, online forum gives people an opportunity to learn more about them without ever leaving the safety of their homes. They can watch the forum when they want and where they want.” The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 3 election is Oct. 5 and early ballots will go out around Oct. 6. The last day to request an early ballot is Oct. 23.

see COUNCIL page 13

Chamber, GSN to present mayoral candidate forum GSN NEWS STAFF

he Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Gilbert Sun News are presenting an online town hall with Gilbert mayoral candidates Brigette Peterson and Matt Nielsen and you have a chance to have them address an issue of concern to you. The forum will be run live online 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17 and the public can now submit questions at gilbertaz.com/questionsforcandidates until Sept. 13. The town hall also will be archived online for Gilbert residents up through the Nov. 3 General Election. More details on that will be forthcoming. The forum, coming about three weeks before early voting begins, will offer voters a chance to learn more about the two people running to succeed Interim Mayor Scott Anderson in January.

SCHOOLS

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 23, 2020

from page 1

Aug. 5. The plan will offer two options – online learning through the district’s Global Academy and in-person hybrid that eventually transitions to full-time classroom instruction. In the hybrid model, students would come to campus two days a week, do two days of independent learning and one day of online instruction. The district’s on-site learning support will remain available for internet access. The students would be divided by the first initial of their last name so that only 50 percent of students are on campus to allow for social distancing. For example, A-L would go to school for two days and switch off with M-Z, according to Barbara Newman, executive director of teaching and learning. There is an exception for special-education students, who would be on campus four days a week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Newman said. Safety precautions for students’ return include desks facing one direction in rows when possible, multiple hand washings during the day and frequent sanitation. Everyone on campus would be required to wear a mask and parents are required to screen their children for symptoms before sending them to school. For elementary schools, bus capacity would be at 50 percent, students would eat in cafeterias with reduced seating and playground equipment sanitized twice a day. At the secondary schools, safety protocols in place include buses with 50 percent capacity, staggered release schedule for passing periods and directed hallway flow patterns, reduced cafeteria seating and reduced use of large common areas such as gyms, libraries and auditoriums. Fields trips would be determined month-to-month, according to Marcie Taylor, Secondary Education executive director. Teachers returning to the classroom would receive protective equipment, including N-95 masks and face shields, upon request. There also is an employee assistance program that provides free counseling for staff. Staff also reviewed what an on-campus schedule would look like for students, the

Kaylin Hamelwright

Jason Ellis

Matthew Oskowis

guidelines to follow if there is a positive COVID-case on campus and cleaning protocols in place. Board member Reed Carr asked if there were any protocols in place, such as COVID-19 testing of new students who come from another school district or a charter school. Jennefer Frost, district director of Health Services, said there was none but that administrators will look at what to do if a child comes into the district from a school that is shut down due to COVID-19 cases. Frost also said they are working on possibly opening up select campuses as host sites for a COVID-19 testing blitz for staff and students provided free by testing companies. Superintendent Sean McCord reviewed where the district stood with the state-issued health benchmarks recommended for schools to meet before opening. Data for 14 days must show less than 100 cases per 100,000 individuals, less than 7 percent of area cases testing positive for COVID-19 and hospital visits due to COVID-like symptoms are below 10 percent. Maricopa County Public Health drills the state data down further with a dashboard tool updated weekly to guide school districts in deciding the types of learning scenario for re-opening. The county uses colors based on two weeks of data that is 12 days behind to indicate COVID-19 spread – if all three benchmarks are in the green, there is minimal community spread and tradi-

tional learning could resume; yellow is moderate spread and hybrid learning is recommended while one or more benchmarks in the red is substantial and necessitates remote learning. According to McCord, data reported on Aug. 13 for the week ending July 26 showed the district were in the green for case rate and hospital visits but still in the red for positive cases. “We are trending in a very good direction,” McCord told the board. According to the county, if a district is meeting the benchmarks for minimal or green on two metrics but substantial or red on one, it is considered to still be in the substantial category. Before the board delved into the plan, 30 speakers aired their concerns at the nearly the 4 1/2-hour meeting. The overflow crowd was kept in a separate room for social distancing. Over 1,000 viewers tuned in online. A majority of the speakers echoed Jason Ellis, who wanted the district to open up schools. The parents said they and their children were struggling with remote learning and closing schools were worst for kids than getting COVID-19. “What is happening right now is almost sickening,” Ellis said. “We are leaving children behind. They are being left behind because the tools being provided to them are barely working.” He asked board members if they wanted to be responsible for creating a class of under-educated students. “We are allowing the empty rhetoric

on the news now that is not substantiated by evidence that they are going to get sick, that they are going to die, that any of this is going to actually happen,” Ellis said. “The evidence isn’t there. These kids need to be in school.” Trina Jonas said she is actively involved with the district serving on PTSO and as vice president of a booster club. She said many parents are like her who are active with their schools are leaving the district for those with in-class learning. She said online learning is sub-par and that she feels like she is failing her kids by allowing them to stay on it. She said she represented many parents and that kids were not doing well. “This is about choice,” she said. “Let us take that risk.” Jennifer Yoong, who has two children at Mesquite Elementary, said she is an ER nurse and knows the risks. She also said she’s heard of people hacking into the Buzz platform used by the district for learning and that they are posting “highly inappropriate and illegal things.” “What are you doing to protect against sexual predators?” she asked. “I need my kids back in school. We know the risks and we are willing to take it.” Carr directed McCord to follow up on Yoong’s comments about the hack. Brendan Walter said teachers who are afraid to go back to work should find work in a different industry. He told the board, “You owe money

see SCHOOLS page 8

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NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 23, 2020

EVIT students happily return to classrooms

BY JIM WALSH GSN Staff Writer

o one could argue that the first day of school at Mesa’s East Valley Institute of Technology was normal – that is not possible during a pandemic. Precautions, such as wearing masks and social distancing, are the bedrock of EVIT’s plan to strike a delicate balance between a student’s right to learn and protecting staff and students from COVID-19. But, if nothing else, a return to auto shop, welding and culinary classes last week marked a return to a normal routine for students while helping them prepare for the workplace with marketable skills. “It will get easy to get lulled into this idea that things are back to normal, but it’s not,’’ EVIT Superintendent Chad Wilson said. “Every day has to be like first day,’’ with strict adherence to the safety protocols. He said it was essential that the technical school return to “hands-on learning,’’ noting the difficulty of teaching someone how to weld or rebuild an engine online. EVIT, with 4,465 high school students enrolled for the 2020-21 school year, reopened for in-person learning on Aug. 17, becoming an East Valley trailblazer along with the Queen Creek schools. “We have some built-in advantages. One of our disadvantages is the hands-on learning,’’ Wilson said, with an instructor potentially working under the hood of a car or truck with a student, dental students sticking their fingers into other students’ mouths or a budding hair stylist within inches of another person. Nevertheless, 3,988 enrolled students – 89.3 percent – showed up for classroom learning. That included 202 of 215 Higley Unified and 640 of the 740 Gilbert Public School students from the 11 school districts that feed into EVIT. In addition, 443 of 616 charter, private and home-schooled students attended as well. “I think our students are ecstatic to come back,’’ Wilson said. “We have had quite a bit of support from parents and students.’’ EVIT students attend one 2 ½ hour class a day. They get off a bus, operated

EVIT students sit in desks that are kept 6 feet apart as part of the school’s social distancing protocols.That lilely will be the arrangement in most schools once campuses reopen. (Patrick Jervis Jr./Courtesy of EVIT)

by the feeder districts and walk directly to class following a route identified by signs. The idea is to limit COVID’s spread by eliminating congestion and enforce the six-foot distance between students. After class, the students jump back on the bus to go home. An exposure is defined by the Centers for Disease Control as 15 minutes or more within six feet of a person who tested positive for COVID-19, he said. So, no milling about in hallway or hanging out in a school cafeteria is allowed. Students walk corridors in an orderly single line with space between them, wearing masks. To compensate for the risks of working in close quarters during some classes, instructors are required to spend no more than 15 minutes in close proximity with students – or to add extra layers of protection when that is unavoidable, Wilson said. Dental students follow the same procedures used in dental offices, wearing masks and gloves. Desks and chairs also are spaced sixfeet apart, with classes extending into a second room when necessary to meet the social distancing requirements. Classrooms and equipment are sanitized between the morning and afternoon classes, and after classes wrap up for the day, to protect against the possibility of spreading COVID-19.

Although the protocols represent a change from the usual, everyone seems to be embracing them so far, Wilson said. A call to EVIT from a parent about a sick student now prompts a round of contact-tracing to ensure other students have not been exposed. EVIT experienced no signs of COVID-19 initially, but as Wilson said, it’s unrealistic to think an entire school year will pass without someone contracting the virus. “Our goal is to have a system in place to mitigate the spread,’’ Wilson said. Wilson detects a combination of excitement and apprehension when he speaks to students about their return to classes. A majority of speakers at the EVIT Governing Board’s Aug. 10 meeting supported reopening the campus, with only one staffer against it. Parents also spoke in favor of reopening, saying their children were looking forward to attending classes after the long COVID-19 break, which started in March. “They feel lost. I have talked to many young people who are desperate to get back to the classroom. They feel this is lost time,’’ said Steve Trussell, executive director of the Arizona Rock Products Association and a former Mesa teacher. Dr. Jarilynne Merrill, who has three children enrolled in Mesa Public Schools, said authorities need to look at the big picture when deciding whether to reopen

schools, weighing the risks of COVID-19 against the anxiety of staying home in an age bracket prone to suicide. Merrill, who works in a detox center and whose husband is a psychiatrist, said she is not downplaying the dangers posed by COVID-19. “The danger to the community at large is largely behind us,’’ Merrill told the board, citing county Department of Public Health data. “We are going to see a wave of suicides that will make COVID look like nothing.’’ “I’m not advocating that we throw all the kids back in school. I think the decision should be left to individual families,’’ Merrill said. “I think the benefits we offer our students are far more attainable at school, not at home on a computer.’’ Vanessa Lewis, a parent, said her daughter is looking forward to attending cosmetology school. She said teachers who are uncomfortable returning to the classroom should teach online, but that students need to return to school. “What kind of example are we setting if we don’t have the courage to teach them in a classroom,’’ Lewis said. “Every single mom I have spoken with has said the children are suffering, the entire family unit is suffering.’’ Jim McNamara, a retired firefighter and fire sciences teacher, said he has confidence in the safety protocols working if they are followed properly. “We are very dependent on being on campus, teaching the kids the skills they need,’’ McNamara said. “I feel we will lose a lot of students if we don’t return to school.’’ Julie Bird, a registered occupational therapist and an anatomy teacher, warned against the infection rate in Maricopa County and said some staff members were “not on the same page’’ as the administration, with one man not wearing a mask on campus. She said all staff members need to wear masks and send a consistent message to students, or the protocols will be ineffective. “Keep the politics and personal beliefs out of the equation,” Bird said. “This is solely a medical situation.”

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 23, 2020

from page 4

back to the taxpayers if you don’t open up in the next two to three weeks.” Walter said children are more likely to die by getting hit by lightening than from COVID-19 and that for 95 percent of adults who get the virus, it’s not a death sentence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while children, 0-17, infected with COVID-19 are less likely to develop severe illness compared with adults, children are still at risk of developing severe illness and complications. A few children also spoke to the board about their struggles with remote learning. “Some of the challenges for online schooling for me have been increased stress, anxiety and frustration,” said Kaylin Hamelwright, an eighth-grader at Desert Ridge Junior High. “When I do work, sometimes I don’t understand things and I need help with teachers but since we have to do independent work by ourselves on online, it’s harder to ask the teacher for help. Sometimes teachers have a hard time using Buzz and Webex because they haven’t learned the system right and they needed more time.” Dylan Wells, a 16-year-old junior at Gilbert High School, said in his second week of remote instruction, he still hasn’t learned a single thing. He said he’s talked to about 100 other students and no one except his cousin liked remote learning. “Teachers don’t know what they are doing and kids don’t either,” he said, adding the overwhelming amount of homework assigned was ridiculous. He said he experiences frequent crashes on his computer and feels like dropping out and working at a McDonald’s. Noah Mattison, a Gilbert High School freshman, said frequent computer connectivity problems are such that he dreads waking up each day for school. “I’m a 14-year-old boy,” he said. “I miss school and that’s saying something.” About a half dozen speakers, though, urged the board to exercise caution in opening up schools.

This chart by the countyhealth officials shows the three different data sets they advise school districts to follow in deciding when to reopen campuses. The arrow points to the whole county’s status two weeks ago..

This map released last Thursday by Maricopa County Public Health Department shows all of Gilbert Public Schools and Higley Unified districts in a moderate zone for COVID-19, meaning a hybrid of in-class and at-home llearning would be safe, according to officials’ recommended benchmarks. (Special to GSN)

“Yes, your children will get sick and yes, some of them will die,” Matthew Oskowis said. “How can I say that is because one of my children got sick because he went back to school too soon?” Oskowis said he knows his son got the virus at school because he is the only one in the family who has tested positive. “Unfortunately, he is a severely autistic child who got sick,” Oskowis said. “And I have the unfortunate circumstance of having to explain to him – or attempt to explain to my severely autistic son – he can’t go to school because he is sick. But he got sick because he went to school.

“So, all this rhetoric about how children aren’t endangered, they’re not going to get sick, they’re not going to have any harm come to them is foolhardy at best.” He urged the board to stick with the criteria for opening and not just look at case data for the district because a large majority of the student population comes from outside the district’s boundary. Board member Jill Humphreys said staff will reach out to provide help and that teachers are committed to doing the best they can educating students. “We as a school board are not trying to close down schools,” she said. “We don’t

want to be in this situation but we are in a pandemic.” McCord added that the vast majority of emails to the district talked about teachers in a positive way. He also acknowledged that online learning was not ideal and difficult and that he was running into some of these struggles as he has three children at home. The district after Tuesday’s meeting went back to teachers to determine onsite return status and also began asking parents their preference on the two options. District staff is to begin preparations beginning Tuesday through Sept. 4 with student enrollment, scheduling and staff reassignments. “It’s a good plan,” Reed said. “From my perspective we promised teachers, staff and concerned members of our community that we would not start school until the state-issued metrics was met. “On the other hand, we also promised the parents, students, teachers and staff who desire in-person learning that we would return when the metrics were met and so my objective remains to get us back to school as soon as possible.”

Check us out and like the Gilbert Sun News on Facebook and follow @gilbertsunnews on Twitter.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 23, 2020

Ducey: won’t interfere with district reopening decisions BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

ov. Doug Ducey won’t intercede or criticize school districts that opt to reopen for in-class instruction even though their communities don’t meet the benchmarks set by his own health director. “We want people to follow the benchmarks,’’ the governor said at a press briefing last Thursday. These are based on what the health department has decided are three key indicators of the spread of COVID-19. Only two counties have reached that point: Apache and Yavapai. And there is no indication when conditions in the other 13 counties will get to the place where the health department says schools can begin “hybrid’’ teaching, meaning a combination of virtual and in-person learning. Newly released data from Maricopa

County shows that about half the county is in a “red” zone, meaning that health officials advise against any reopening of campuses. But virtually all of Gilbert Public Schools and Higley Unified are in the yellow category, which means limited return to classrooms is okay. Ducey said he sees these benchmarks as less clear cut. “They are guidelines,’’ the governor said. And he said there are other things that should be considered, like trends. He also said there’s the separate question of dealing with those most directly involved. “There are some parents that want, as soon as it’s possible, to get their children back into a classroom,’’ Ducey said. “And there are parents that we all know are not putting their child back in the classroom.’’ The governor said the state is trying to “provide options’’ for both.

NEWS

Helping the hungry

Brian Baker, left, and Mike Zin helped out unloading food Aug. 15 at Midwestern Food Bank in Gilbert during a charity drive. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff Photographer.)

see DUCEY page 16

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 23, 2020

AMBULANCE from page 1

with AMR,” Taylor said. AMR “is meeting everything and yet they are disparaging a good partner with just a bunch of propaganda.” Staff in the Aug. 13 virtual presentation claimed an in-house ambulance program would allow for better control over billing rates, staffing, hiring, training, service levels and rapid-response times. “I’m proud to be able to say that our department will be able to provide a higher-level of service at a more consistent level of care to our citizens and with faster response times at a lower cost,” Fire Chief Jim Jobusch said during the presentation. “We believe this is the best approach for the Town of Gilbert. We tried very hard to avoid delivering services ourselves.” Jobusch was joined by Town Manager Patrick Banger and Ambulance Transportation Manager Tiffany Fields. The town also was seeking input from a community survey on its proposal with responses due last Thursday. This fiscal year’s budget included $6.68 million for a town-operated ambulance program as a placeholder until Council decides what to do. The new service would require buying equipment and the hiring 39.56 full-time-equivalent civilian EMTs and paramedics to staff the ambulances. The budgeted cost for those employees was $3.1 million, which included pay, retirement and healthcare expenses. Jobusch last week said since the budget’s adoption, staff has dropped the estimated start-up and operations costs for the first year to approximately $6 million. The town anticipated with the revenue generated from the service, it was looking at a final start-up cost of $2.7 million. Jobusch emphasized a tax increase is not needed and that users would generate the revenue for the service. That revenue would cover all costs of providing the ambulances, according to Jobusch. He expected the town would recoup its initial investment for the ambulances, equipment and supplies within eight years, resulting in a net of $2.8 million that could then be used to refurbish and replace equipment. The town was pushed to this decision due to the financial instability among pri-

NEWS

vate ambulance providers that could adversely affect service to residents, according to Jobusch and Banger. At the June budget adoption, Councilwoman Aimee Yentes and Taylor criticized the proposal and questioned the need to spend the money when ambulances were already provided by a private operator. At that time, Taylor said he was repeatedly told staff that there was no intention by the town to expand from its one ambulance. But in the open house, Banger said staff has communicated with Council over 40 times during seven years on this issue either in executive session or one-on-one.

it for years and if they have, they’ve been lying to Council about not wanting to get into the ambulance business.” Banger at the open house said the town began exploring its options in 2013, when Gilbert and other contract municipalities were caught off guard by then-provider Rural Metro’s bankruptcy filing. Rural Metro eventually emerged from bankruptcy in 2014 and notified the town it would not renew its agreement under the current terms but instead renegotiated a contract that was less favorable for Gilbert. Banger said the town had no other option because Rural Metro was the only provider in the region at the time. Eventually, Gilbert Fire and Rescue in

Gilbert bought its lone ambulance last year and now is poised to buy more if Town Council approves a plan for a town-operated service. (Special to GSN)

Taylor last week charged that staff did an about-face on the ambulance issue. “They’ve told me in many, many meetings they did not want to get into the ambulance business,” he said. “Now all of a sudden, there’s a turn around. It’s not honest and it’s totally unacceptable because if they have been honestly talking behind our backs and not being open with Council, they should be fired. “We are here to represent the people and do it the right way. And I think the right way is to go and be open and transparent and not do it behind closed doors and spring it on Council in the last minute and tell people they’ve been talking about

2016 received a Certificate of Necessity from the state Department of Health Services to operate its own service and in September 2017 launched a pilot program with one ambulance staffed by three fulltime EMTs and three full-time paramedics. The civilian employees are trained alongside firefighters so there is a continuity of care for patients. Banger said the town’s problems with AMR, which purchased Rural Metro in 2015, over service levels and communication reached a point to where Council directed the department to include the costs for operating the service in this year’s budget.

“It’s been a long journey with a lot of research that has led us to this point today,” Banger said. Jobusch said staff had studied three options – stay with AMR, negotiate with another private provider or expand the town’s model of one ambulance to a full-coverage model. If the town stays with AMR or goes with another private provider, it risks losing its state certificate, which is up for renewal in February. According to Jobusch, if the town loses the certificate it is highly unlikely it can get it back and Gilbert would be at “the mercy of the volatile private ambulance industry and potentially another monopoly.” Jobusch said AMR overall is meeting the contracted 90-percent response time but that’s not the case when the data is broken down for the different zones in the town. He said from May 2019 to April 2020, there were 333 AMR ambulance responses that exceeded contractual requirements – 79 of the calls – or 24 percent – were Code 3 responses, which includes cardiac arrest and drowning, and 254 calls – 76 percent – were Code 2 responses, which includes semi-life threatening conditions like breathing difficulty and diabetic calls. What’s troubling is 22 percent of those 333 non-compliant responses occurred in the northeast corner of town and 13 percent was in the far south Gilbert, according to Jobusch. “We for years have negotiated good contracts for Gilbert,” Jobusch said. “The problem is we are very limited in what we can do. The private provider doesn’t have to bend over backwards to provide us great service because they know they hold a Certificate of Necessity for the area. “They can always throw their hands in the air and say, ‘we’re not going to negotiate’ and this recently occurred with a west side city,” he continued, adding: “Even if we have a favorable contract and have the terms that we want, oftentimes DHS will reject those or require additional information because of their concerns for the impact on rates for the provider.” Although billing rates are determined by DHS, Gilbert’s proposed rate for users

see AMBULANCE page 16

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 23, 2020

$21M budget hole confronts Chandler schools BY KEVIN REAGAN GSN Staff Writer

handler Unified School District has about 1,600 fewer students than it expected, prompting administrators to grapple with a possible funding shortfall of nearly $21 million. CUSD, one of Arizona’s largest school districts, had projected 47,000 students at its 42 campuses for the 2020-2021 school year. But recent estimates taken from the first week of school this month indicate CUSD missed its projection by 1,656 kids. “That really impacts our school district,” said CUSD Chief Financial Officer Lana Berry. The enrollment numbers are not final because some students may not have been able to log on to their virtual classes yet, she added, so it’s not clear yet how many students have completely withdrawn from CUSD. But the early enrollment estimates appear to be troubling, Berry added, because the district’s primary source of

state funding is based on how many students attend school each day. “When your enrollment goes down, it ultimately decreases your budget,” Berry said at a recent Governing Board meeting. The dreary numbers are a major reversal from where CUSD was positioning itself to be less than a year ago. The district seemed to be one of the few in Arizona expecting an increased enrollment and was expecting to grow by at least 100 students this school year. The positive projections pushed administrators last year to approve plans for building two new schools -- one elementary campus and one high school -- in the district’s booming eastern region, which serves some 10,000 Gilbert children. The district further used its growing enrollment numbers to convince Chandler residents to vote for a $290-million bond measure last year. “It is projected that the district will grow by approximately 300 students per year for the next 10 years which re-

quires additional classrooms and related furniture,” CUSD wrote in the voter pamphlet for the 2019 bond measure, which passed by a wide majority. Now the uncertainty caused by the pandemic is forcing CUSD to reimagine a future that could include a funding loss of about $21 million. Gov. Doug Ducey has allocated $370 million to help Arizona’s school districts stabilize their budgets and CUSD is expected to get $12 million of that. But the district is still left with a loss of $8.4 million that won’t be covered through additional financial assistance from the state. The district’s needs currently outweigh the amount of financial assistance from the state, Berry said, so CUSD may have to find a way to cover that funding gap. “All of our cash reserves are starting to decline too,” she said. “To make a big cut means we have to use our reserves to cover that difference.” Personnel cuts is a significant concern for the district at the moment, as it at-

tempts to continue retaining its 5,200 employees. One problem CUSD faces is figuring out how to pay for positions not funded through state aid. The district has a number of jobs funded through revenue it regularly collects through offering daycare services, cafeteria meals and after-school activities -- services that suddenly become unavailable when campuses are closed. During the fourth quarter of the last school year – when Ducey ordered all of Arizona’s schools to close – CUSD chose to pull $3.8 million from its reserves to cover the payroll for positions normally funded through the revenue it makes by providing support services. But administrators say it won’t be sustainable for CUSD to continue relying on contingency funds to supplement these payroll expenses. “This quarter we have not been able to do that because we have to have revenue

people on a per-signature basis. Wednesday’s ruling is a setback for the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which financed the successful legal bid to keep a nearly identical measure from going to voters two years ago. That means the business group and its allies now will be forced to make their arguments to voters that a tax hike that affects only the top 4 percent of wage earners is bad public policy. Proponents contend that the current tax structure benefits the richest Arizonans, saying they pay proportionately less of their income to support government and public education than those at the bottom. Arizona has a tiered income tax structure. Individuals pay 2.59 percent on the first $53,000 of taxable income, 3.34 percent on everything between that and $106,000, 4.17 percent on income of

$106,00 through $318,000 and 4.5 percent on everything over that. Proposition 210 would add a 3.5 percent surcharge on all incomes above $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for couples. So, a single person with taxable income of $350,000 a year would pay 8 percent – the 4.5 percent rate and the 3.5 percent surcharge – only on $100,000; taxes for everything below that $250,000 cutoff would remain the same. And anyone whose income did not reach the threshold would be unaffected. Proponents say that could raise $940 million a year; legislative budget staffers put that at $827 million for the first year. Of whatever is collected, 50 percent is earmarked for hiring and raises for teachers and classroom support personnel, with 25 percent for other support personnel and 10 percent for program to attract and retain new teachers. Another 12 percent is for career and

workforce training programs with the balance set aside for the Arizona Teachers Academy, which provides free college tuition to those who agree to go into teaching. Jaime Molera who chairs the chamber-financed opposition group, called Wednesday’s ruling a “disappointment.’’ Molera is focusing on the fact that, for top wage earners, the tax rate would go from 4.5 percent to 8 percent, a 77.7 percent increase. And he argued that will create a “damaging’’ increase to small businesses. That is based on the argument that some businesses are set up so that the company pays no income tax and the earnings pass through to the owners’ personal tax forms. David Lujan, who helped craft the initiative, said that is leaving out one crucial component.

see CHANDLER page 13

High court OKs ballot spot for education tax on wealthy BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

rizonans will get a chance to decide if they want to hike taxes on the state’s most wealthy to help fund K-12 education. The Arizona Supreme Court concluded that the 100-word description on petitions for the Invest in Education measure “did not create a significant danger of confusion or unfairness.’’ The unanimous decision reverses the decision by Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Christopher Coury, who concluded that backers of the measure “circulated an opaque Trojan horse of a 100word description, concealing principal provisions of the initiative.’’ The high court also found that various methods of providing bonuses and incentives paid petition circulators did not run afoul of state laws that prohibit paying

see TAX page 17

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 23, 2020

COUNCIL

from page 3

the second Tuesday in January 2021, the same time as all other candidates elected to serve on the Council,” Harrison said. Hendrix’s attorney Timothy LaSota is asking for a hearing within seven days of the Aug. 18 filing to settle the matter. The suit also is asking for attorney fees. LaSota argued that because Hendrix was elected and Spence was not, “the winning candidate takes office upon completion of the canvass, and is not required to wait for the end of” Spence’s term.” La Sota cited a number of state laws to support his argument, including one that says a person elected to fill the remainder of an unexpired term of a vacant office can take the oath of office and begin serving within 90 days after the canvass of an election. Those canvasses have been conducted. La Sota said Arizona law favors elected representatives over appointed ones as evident by state statutes cited in the suit and that there was no legal authority for keeping Spence in his seat.

NEWS

CHANDLER Phoenix attorney Gust Rosenfeld, hired by Gilbert, called into question LaSota’s interpretation of some state laws. For instance, LaSota cited a state law that requires a Council fills a vacancy until the “next regularly scheduled council election,” which he said is Aug. 4. But Rosenfeld countered that law instead deals with a vacancy and “not when another candidate succeeds to that office by winning a majority of the votes cast in a primary election.” Rosenfeld said there is nothing in legislative history indicating an intent that a successor to an appointed candidate should take office earlier than other candidates who are declared elected in an election. At least one sitting councilman made clear his support of seating Hendrix now during last Tuesday’s special meeting after Council appointed Councilwoman-elected Kathy Tilque to fill replace Scott Anderson, who minutes earlier was appointed interim mayor. Jenn Daniels resigned as mayor Aug. 11.

Instead of waiting until January to take office, Tilque was sworn in at the meeting. Tilque and Anderson were the top vote-getters for the two four-year seats. Councilman Jared Taylor said in supporting Tilque’s appointment that Hendrix also be seated immediately. “She was duly elected in a fair and in a good election,” Taylor said of Tilque. “And so, I feel it’s important that the people be heard by their own representatives. I say that because I believe the same thing holds true for the other seat, the two-year seat. “The voters have spoken and they have expressed who they would like to represent them and I think that’s very, very important that we respect the will of the voters.” “I hope we get that done and also seat Councilmember-elect Hendrix as well because the voters have spoken,” he continued. “It’s important that they are heard straight away and we don’t drag our feet on that.” Council did not act on his request.

from page 12

coming in to support those staff members,” Berry said. Since March, CUSD has had to spend nearly $13 million on unexpected expenses needed to adapt to the pandemic’s impacts. Nearly $7 million has been spent on buying more laptops and computers for students. More than $5 million was needed to train staff and for extra payroll expenses. And about $850,000 was spent on stocking the district’s schools with protective gear. CUSD only got an extra $3 million from the state to cover the $13 million it spent reacting to the pandemic. The district’s additionally in the process of trying to get reimbursed by the U.S. Department of Emergency and Military Affairs for money it spent on new protective gear. Receipts for plexiglass and masks are submitted to the federal agency on a regular basis, Berry said, and CUSD hopes to get reimbursed for at least $200,000. “Some of them get rejected, some of them get approved,” she said.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 23, 2020

NEWS

$12.3M deals point to Val Vista Drive growth GSN NEWS STAFF

wo recent land deals totaling $12.3 million point to an uptick in development along Val Vista Drive in Gilbert south of the San Tan Loop 202 Freeway. VV Mercy LLC spent $7.3 million earlier this month for 9 acres at the southeast corner of Val Vista Drive and Mercy Road that is proposed for a mixed-use commercial and business park development, county records show. And a bit farther south, a Scottsdale real estate investment firm paid $5 million for 3.7 acres on the northeast corner of Melrose Street and Val Vista for two restaurants and a 10-gas pump convenience store. The vacant land purchased by VV Mercy was sold by the Victoria Lund Foundation, a nonprofit in Paradise Valley. The Gilbert Planning Commission in May approved a preliminary plat and

open-space plan for the project that is across the street from Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and west of the Ironwood Cancer and Research Center. The project – to be called Mercy Val Vista Center – includes 40,500 square feet of commercial, retail and office in eight, one-story buildings and a 58,830-square-foot, six-story hotel. In a previous presentation of the project, town staff said the proposed restaurant and commercial will be highly used by people who work in the area and provide services currently not offered on the east side of Val Vista Drive. The site is located within the Val Vista Medical Growth Area, where Mercy Gilbert Medical Center has spurred growth in medical offices, medical research and rehabilitation and care facilities. The town anticipated the area will continue to grow with medical offices, general offices and business-park land uses supported by mixed-use, commercial and hospitality uses.

At the time the land at Melrose and Val Vista was rezoned by Town Council from office park to general commercial, a town staff report stated: “The Val Vista Medical Growth Area has continued to experience steady growth over time but still contains a substantial amount of vacant parcels. As the area continues to develop, it is the Town’s vision that the area develop with medical office, general office and business park land uses supported by mixed-use, commercial and hospitality uses. “Commercial is a component of the vision of the area in order to provide uses that support the medical and office developments but the focus is on maintenance of the employment generating land uses in this area. It is important for staff to support the vision for the area as it continues to develop and get closer to build-out.” Noting the town “overall has a greater availability of vacant commercially

zoned land opposed to vacant office zoned land,” staff said rezoning of the Melrose site would have a “minimal” impact on over all zoning distribution and that “staff is exploring the longterm impact this zoning change would have on the immediate area.” The land was purchased by Diversified Partners of Scottsdale, which plans three single-story buildings totaling10,504 square feet. Two unidentified fast-food restaurants with drive-through lanes and an unidentified convenience store are planned, according to records. A town staff report noted that “over 50 acres of existing undeveloped commercially designated land is located within the direct vicinity of the proposed project.” The zoning change was requested because the previous classification did not allow fueling facilities and convenience stores or drive-thru restaurants.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 23, 2020

State’s jobless rate nudged up in July cent. The increase announced Thursday now puts the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate higher than the federal figure of 10.2 percent for July. The national rate actually declined last month even as Arizona was shedding more jobs. Doug Walls, director of research administration for the state Office of Economic Opportunity, said a lot of it is timing. The state measures the rate for each month with surveys of employers and res-

idents conducted during what usually is the second week of the month. And between the June surveys and the one done in July, the number of Arizonans who contracted COVID-19 increased by 56 percent. There’s something else that occurred in the interim. In late June, faced with the explosion of new cases, Gov. Doug Ducey conceded he had made a mistake the prior month in ending his stay-at-home order and allowing most businesses to reopen. So, he issued a new order shuttering bars, movie theaters, gyms, fitness centers and splash parks and put some new restrictions on others. It had an effect – and not just in slowing the increase in COVID-19 cases.

The state’s leisure and hospitality industry, already suffering from prior closures and the unwillingness of many people to go out and travel, got hit again – hard. Bars and restaurants shed another 8,900 jobs in July, with another 4,600 in employment at hotels and motels. And there also were losses at fitness centers and theme parks. Overall employment losses in this sector since July 2019 now stand at 60,600. That means nearly one job out of five in this industry have been lost in the past year. And the job losses in leisure and hospitality make up 58 percent of all the jobs that have disappeared in Arizona in the last year. But Walls said that despite the increase in the unemployment rate in Arizona

last month while the national rate has dropped, things are not that bad here. He came up with a chart of showing the change in the number of people working both in Arizona and nationally since February, before the pandemic hit. Overall, he said, total job losses here are 5.2 percent in that period versus 8.4 percent nationwide. Beyond the big losses in the leisure and hospitality sector, there were month-overmonth declines in employment in manufacturing, construction and financial activities. The state’s retail trade sector showed some signs of life, picking up 1,100 jobs between June and July. But overall employment levels here are still 500 below where they were a year ago.

would be the third lowest in Arizona, Jobusch said, adding that unlike a private provider, the town’s service won’t bill unless there is a transport to a hospital. He compared a Gilbert invoice for advanced-life-support transport to a hospital that was $974 with that of AMR’s, which was $1,075, and is even higher once medical supplies used during transport are added onto the bill. Jobusch said one of the biggest com-

plaints about private providers is the lack of customer service after a patient or insurance company received a bill. With the town’s service, residents can call and speak directly with a Gilbert Fire and Rescue employee. The trio also responded to 15 questions submitted before and during the open house, including how can the town ensure its six ambulances would have adequate staffing at all times.

Fields said firefighters are trained, so they can cover for an EMT or paramedic and the department has access to trained seasonal on-call EMTs and paramedics. She added that the town’s sole ambulance has not been out of service for any significant amount of time. One person asked what would happen if all six of the town’s ambulances are in use at one time. Jobusch said the town was working

on an agreement with its automatic-aid partners and also with private providers to step in when needed. “We believe it’s in the best interest of this community to expand our ambulance service so we can provide the fastest possible response time with the best trained and qualified staff to handle the needs of the people who make the most important phone call of their life,” Banger said.

That’s only part of the issue. “We also have some teachers that are in a vulnerable category or have an underlying health condition,’’ Ducey said. “And we will need online learning in this hybrid model.’’ All 15 counties meet the first of the three benchmarks: two weeks where hospital visits due to COVID-like illnesses fall below 10 percent of the total. And 11 counties are showing a twoweek decline in the total number of cases or, in the alternative, a case rate of less than 100 per 100,000 residents. Cochise, Greenee, Pima and Pinal do not. But only Apache, Cochise, Greenlee and Yavapai counties meet the third prong of having fewer than 7 percent of the tests

for the virus come back positive. COVID-19 may be just one of the health problems schools face. “Arizona’s flu season goes about October to May, with our hardest months usually being January to March,’’ said state Health Director Cara Christ. She promised a public relations campaign in hopes of getting as many people to take the vaccine which is now available. “While it’s not 100 percent effective it does significantly reduce hospitalization and complications and bad outcomes,’’ Christ said. Ducey hinted that he might use some federal coronavirus dollars to help provide vaccines to those who may not have health insurance.

“I want to find a way that any Arizonan that wants to get a flu shot can get one,’’ he said. “Details to follow.’’ The governor also put in a plug of sorts for those businesses that have been allowed to stay open to keep as many workers as they can out of the office. The ultimate choice, Ducey said, is up to employers. But he suggested that they may find advantages in what has become the new normal of telecommuting. “Many employers have seen that their employees can be just as productive at home as they were inside the office,’’ he said. The governor said that, as a matter of policy, he continues to support the policy of “you’re safer at home, if you don’t have

anywhere else to go, if you can work at home.’’ And if companies believe they need people in the workplace? “We do ask this idea of socially and physically distancing, the wearing the mask, all those fundamentals,’’ Ducey said. He also said a lot of it depends on the nature of the work being done and the environment. “Are you talking about people in cubes that are naturally physically distanced?’’ he asked. “Are they in some kind of bullpen where they’re very closed to each other?’’ the governor continued. “That would be something we would want to discourage.’’

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

rizona’s jobless rate shot up sixtenths of a point between June and July and now stands at 10.6 per-

AMBULANCE from page 11

DUCEY

from page 9

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 23, 2020

TAX from page 12

NEWS

He said owners do not pay taxes on the gross proceeds of their businesses but only on the net profits, after paying employees, rent and other operating costs. And Lujan, director of the Arizona Center for Economic Progress, said those earnings more than $250,000 a year as individuals or $500,000 as cou-

ples should contribute more to funding K-12 education. Amber Gould, who chairs the Invest in Education campaign, called Wednesday’s ruling “an important victory because it gives millions of Arizona voters the opportunity to put more resources into our schools.’’

She noted that it will not impact working and middle-class families. Legislative budget staffers say the state is now providing $5,762 per student, compared with $4,163 in 2001. But the same analysis shows that, after adjustments for inflation, state aid now is actually 4.5 percent less than what it

was in 2001. Gov. Doug Ducey already has staked out a position against the tax hike. “That’s a whopping amount, especially considering that our economy is recovering from recession and high unemployment,’’ he wrote in a statement against the measure.

BY KEVIN REAGAN GSN Staff Writer

Evans’s petitions had only 418 signatures -- the least among the four candidates – and that meant only a few had to be invalidated in order to disqualify him. Political candidates often have their petitions challenged in court if several signatures appear to be illegible or signed by ineligible electors. Olive and Angela Stamm, a Chandler resident, filed a complaint in Superior Court on July 16 to challenge Evans’s petitions. Court records show Evans had intended to call witnesses to prove the legitimacy of his signatures, but later decided to withdraw from the race in lieu of a court hearing.

Evans, currently the school board’s longest-serving member, did not respond to messages seeking comment. Olive, Joel Wirth, and CUSD Board President Barb Mozdzen are still listed as candidates for the November election. Sharon Tuttle is running as a write-in candidate. Evans, a financial planner and investment advisor, was first elected to the CUSD school board in 2004 and was reelected to the board three consecutive times. According to old newspaper reports, Evans first became interested in public education after he started volunteering at his son’s school, Tarwater Elementary, and felt encouraged to run for a seat on

the board. “I want to be involved with my kid and also with all of the kids he will encounter over the next few years,” Evans said in 2004. During his 16-year tenure on the board, Evans saw the district undergo many changes and its enrollment grow by more than 10,000 students. Three new high schools were built during his incumbency and CUSD plans to open another campus next year. Evans was often forced to make tough decisions brought before the school board over the last decade and regularly cast votes that went against his colleagues.

Chandler board member withdraws reelection bid

ongtime Chandler Unified School District board member David Evans has withdrawn from the Nov. 3 General Election. Evans, one of four candidates for three seats on the CUSD Governing Board, but dropped out after after Jason Olive, another board candidate, challenged the validity of Evans’s voter petition signatures in court. Candidates had to submit at least 400 voter signatures in order to get their name on the ballot in November’s election.

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COMMUNITY

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 23, 2020

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For more community news visit gilbertsunnews.com

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Photographer’s Button Project spreads smiles

“The button project started here at Grand when a post came through my social media feed, showcasing a healthcare worker and her ‘button’ to show her cheerful face to patients,” Roser

explained. “Due to COVID-19, I had been shut down since March and needed a positive project to use my skills and lift my spirits.” Instead of focusing on the hardships she had run into, Roser focused on the hardships that medical personnel were facing. “My new mindset was – if I lose my company due to this pandemic, I’m going to go out while giving back!” Kara Miles, a certified nursing assistant in Banner Baywood Medical Center’s intensive care unit, appreciated the button. “I work in the intensive care unit where most patients are on ventilators and are very anxious when they wake up,” Miles said.

“My button allows them to put a face to my name badge and be more comfortable when they are awake and alert. This project is such a great idea and I am so thankful for Gail being so generous and doing it for the frontline heroes.” A former UNIX IT Administrator for Charles Schwab and Motorola, Roser shifted to a career as a photographer in 2002 with a primary focus on high volume school portraits, youth sports team photos, senior and family portraits, headshots and more. She worked with a partner for a few years before buying the company outright and becoming the sole owner. “As a small veteran owned business, this has been a very stressful time,” she said. “If I have to shut my doors due to loss of business with schools and youth sports not yet opening, then at least I know I did something nice, that made people happy during their own stressful times.” Information: grandphotollc.com, grandphotollc@gmail.com, 480-6322285

free shipping offered to the contiguous 48 states. This is the second fine art online auction organized by artist Nancy Breiman of Scottsdale. “Artists have limited ways to show and sell their art during the current pandemic,” Breiman said. “And going online is a safe and easy way to introduce collectors to new artists they would not see in a single gallery or show.” Breiman said she is proud to partner with World Central Kitchen, which was founded by Chef José Andrés and his wife in 2010 to “create smart solutions to hunger and poverty.” They have activated hundreds of restaurants and kitchens to feed those in need

during the pandemic, including medical professionals on the front lines and on the Navajo Nation. In the past it has helped devastated communities recover and establish resilient food systems and has served over 30 million meals to those impacted by natural disasters and other crises. With the COVID-19 pandemic, its team of “food first responders” has activated hundreds of restaurants and kitchens to feed marginalized and vulnerable communities with individually packaged, fresh meals in communities that need support – including children and families and deliveries to seniors. “Our country is suffering right now,” Breiman said. “Extreme temperatures,

hurricanes, quarantines and fear are causing mental and emotional strain on everyone. “It is my hope that bringing the beautiful and affordable works of art from the auction into the viewer’s home will provide a small respite and at the same time, our proceeds can make a difference to those in need.” Art patrons and collectors may view and register free beginning Sept. 16 at is.gd/fall2020auction. Preview videos will be shared at creativeconnectionsfineart.com prior to the start of the auction, which starts at 6 a.m. Sept. 20 and runs through 8 p.m. Sept. 27. For details, email Breiman at nbreiman@gmail.com.

BY STACI HAUK GSN Contributor

chool picture day is often synonymous with Grand Photography – a family- and veteran-owned studio in Gilbert. Gail Roser specializes in spreading smiles from her studio and when the pandemic hit home, she decided it was time to give back. She started the Button Project , donating 100 buttons to East Valley healthcare workers that had a photo of their face on them so that people could see who was behind their facemasks. Roser said the goal was to make sure everyone can see a smile even though it’s behind a mask. She made it simple; email her a photo that she printed in-house and then crafted the buttons from her studio. The feedback has been so astounding that Roser is now offering buttons to anyone in need – from teachers to childcare workers to Realtors.

Gilbert photographer Gail Roser started her Button Project as a way to give back to the community during a trying time. (Courtesy of Grand Photography/Gail Roser)

Online art auction helps more than just artists GSN NEWS STAFF

ith galleries closed and art shows canceled, patrons can support artists from the comfort of their homes by taking part in the Creative Connections Fine Art Online Auction next month. Supporters will also help the nonprofit World Central Kitchen, which is helping to feed people impacted by the pandemic. More than 40 artists from Arizona as well as the United States including Texas, Washington State, New York and Florida are participating. Fine art in all mediums, including paintings, glass, fiber, jewelry, mixed media and more will be available for purchase with

BUSINESS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 23, 2020

Business GilbertSunNews.com

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New supermarket chain to make Gilbert debut BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

he first of two discount-grocery stores proposed for Gilbert is set to open this fall, The first Aldi location is opening at 1801 Pecos Road in December, the company announced. “We’re excited to welcome Aldi into our growing community and market,” former Mayor Jenn Daniels said. “Through their long history of success, we know they’ll become a successful part of the Gilbert business community.” The no-frills German chain, popular in the Midwest, was approved for two stores in Gilbert back in 2018. The other location is at the southeast corner of Arizona Avenue and Desert Lane. The town referred questions regarding the status of that location to the company. “We will be sure to let you know of future Arizona expansion plans and store locations, once available,” said Tom Cindel, Moreno Valley Group director of operations and logistics for ALDI when asked for the timeline for the Arizona Avenue location. “Arizona is an exciting next step in our continued West Coast expansion after our success entering California in 2016,”

third-largest grocery retailer by store count by the end of 2022,” Cindel said. “This pandemic has reinforced how much consumers rely on us to provide the foods and items they want at the lowest possible prices. As an Aldi discount grocewry store will open on Pecos Road in Gilbert toward the end of the year. This essential business, rendering shows what the chain expects the market will look live when it does. (Special to GSN) we take our commitment to serving he added. “We look at many factors in communities very seriously, and opening choosing new store locations, including new stores enables us to reach, serve proximity to our shoppers and ability and support new customers across the to support a high daily traffic volume. country.” Bottom line, we want to be conveniently Aldi, whose corporate office is in Batlocated for our customers and the Ari- avia, Illinois, operates over 2,000 stores zona locations were a natural fit.” across 36 states. Aldi is debuting three other Valley While most businesses are taking a locations by the end of the year – Chan- economic hit during COVID-19, grocery dler, Peoria and Goodyear. stores are thriving during the pandemic The four new stores will create a com- as more people are cooking at home. bined 90 new jobs. ALDI is currently Doing especially well during this time hiring for these positions, ranging from are private or store-brand products. store associates to store managers. In all U.S. retail outlets, private brands Those interested in applying can go to increased 14.6 percent in dollar volume careers.aldi.us/PHOENIX. and 12.8 percent in unit volume, just “This expansion is part of a multi-year ahead of national brands for a total growth plan that will make ALDI the dollar sales of store brands for the first

quarter reaching $38.4 billion and units reaching 13.2 billion, according to a Nielsen report in April. Ninety percent of Aldi’s shelves are stocked with its own exclusive brand with a limited selection of national brands. The company states shoppers can save up to 50 percent on their grocery bills by shopping at Aldi. Aldi brands are made by many of the country’s leading food producers and meet or exceed the quality of national name brands, according to the company. Other ways Aldi keeps cost low is keeping staff to a minimum and no free bags for customers – they can bring their own or buy a reusable bag at checkout. And customers who want to use a shopping cart must first deposit a quarter, which they get back when they return the cart. The cart-rental system means Aldi doesn’t have to hire someone to police the carts, passing along the savings to customers. Additionally, with the system there are no stray carts littering the parking lot or causing dents to cars. Besides produce, Aldi also sells items such as bed sheets, small kitchen appliances, patio furniture and clothing. Kanta, a data, insights and consulting company, ranked Aldi No. 7 on a list of top 50 global retailers for 2019.

Fry’s Marketplace to debut Sept. 2 in Gilbert GILBERT SUN NEWS

ry’s Food Stores is preparing a Sept. 2 grand opening of its latest Marketplace store in Gilbert. The 129,000 square-foot full-service grocery store at 1455 N. Higley Road near Baseline Road will sport a modern design with an array of amenities, including an apparel department, integrated housewares area and even a

Chompies deli. “The new store will be a wonderful addition to the community,” said Monica Garnes, president of Fry’s Food Stores. “Along with providing fresh affordable food, customers shopping at our Gilbert store will experience friendly and caring associates who will meet their everyday needs.” Among the store’s amenities is Murray’s Cheese shop with international

offerings and “cheese masters” trained to recommend wines and craft beers that pair well with selections. A sushi station will offer grab-and-go rolls and nigiri as well as a full-service ordering options while a wine department will be staffed by a knowledgeable wine steward. The apparel department will feature name-brand clothing as well as Fry’s DIP label and the integrated house-

wares department will feature the latest kitchen essentials and home trends. There also will be a fuel center with 20 pumping stations that can service up to 18 vehicles at a time and will be open 24 hours a day. The new market ace will be managed by Ken Fett, who has 30 years’ experience in retail. The store will be open 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 23, 2020

Gilbert school cooking up a storm of interest BY STACI HAUK GSN Contributor

ilbert is known for its vast array of dining options and the pandemic has generated a new passion for recreating these favorite cooking styles from home. For kitchen novices and even experts, a Gilbert school is offering an industry expert who can teach people the ins and outs of gourmet cuisine. L’Academie Baking and Cooking School, 3244 E Guadalupe Road, offers classes that range from child-friendly to professional quality – with results that are mouthwatering. Chef Dan Boman is at the helm of this innovative, hands-on approach to cooking lessons, after spending more than 30 years in the food industry and studying at Cordon Bleu and Art Institute of Phoenix. A resident of Gilbert, Boman feels his community appreciates the art of cre-

Class. Special orders are also part of our offerings,” Boman said. There also are Date Night workshops once a month where couples not only enjoy a meal together, but can prepare it step-by-step and learn how to bring that knowledge home. There is also a chance to attend comprehenStudents at L’Academie Baking and Cooking School in Gilbert made some chocolate concotions in class, then showed them off with Chef Dan sive eight-week pastry Bowman pleased with their creations. (Special to GSN) and artisan bread programs. ating beautiful and wholesome dishes pastry and baking workshops, Chef Mar“We particularly enjoy getting feedfor their families and friends. tinez and Chef Therese lead a variety of back from parents who have told us how “L’Academie was always in the back of cooking classes. much their kids enjoy the camps we my mind, and I think Gilbert is the right “At L’Academie we provide kids camps, host,” Boman said. “They have sent us choice for showcasing my culinary skills,” birthday parties, team building group emails as well as personal stories about said Boman, whose school is on the events, one-on-one classes, French Mac- their kids making breakfast or dinner northeast corner of Higley and Guada- aron class, croissant baking, empanada for them using the recipes and the expelupe roads in the Gilbert Tuscany Village. making, tapa making, mommy and me While Boman primarily leads the classes and even a Tagliatelle Bolognaise see COOK page 22

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 23, 2020

Group events are popular activities at L’Academie, such as this girls’-night-out activity. The school also hosts special classes as well as private events. (Special to GSN)

COOK from page 21

riences they had during their time at L’Academie. “Naturally it makes us smile with pride when we hear such stories and it motivates us even more to provide the best experiences we can to impact the Gilbert community, which is home to us.” The support of community became

even more apparent to Boman and his staff in the wake of COVID-19. Faced with the difficulty of making their business work within the confines of a pandemic, Gilbert neighbors stepped up. The weekly curbside offerings that Boman created to thrive in the new

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Another popular offering at L’Academie Baking and Cooking School is date night, where couples interact to make scrumptious recipes. (Special to GSN)

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From sanitizing work spaces and frequent high-touch surfaces to offering sanitizer sprays at work stations and enforcing strict social distancing practices, mask usage and staff temperature checks, Boman is confident everyone who enters can safely whip up a fun time. Information: lacademieschool.com

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OPINION

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 23, 2020

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Why town ambulance plan is a bad idea BY LAURIN HENDRIX GSN Guest Writer

oppose the Town of Gilbert’s proposal

to socialize ambulance service for many reasons. The vote should be tabled until there has been sufficient discussion, input and transparency. Isn’t it interesting that the first item on the Town Council’s next agenda is discussion of the AMR contract renewal, yet the purchase of ambulances is also on the agenda? This shows that most Council members are talking out of both sides of their mouths. It looks like the majority has already made up their minds to expand government (ad its budget) by creating a town-run ambulance service. There has been no meaningful public input regarding this issue because the majority of Gilbert leaders do not want to hear from residents. There is a blatant lack of transparency and responsibility. We are currently under contract with American Medical Response (AMR), and it operates in the best interest of our community. Cost to taxpayers. AMR’s exemplary

service is professional and very cost efficient. There is no way that the Town of Gilbert can compete with this cost. In 2018, Gilbert actually received over $221,000 from AMR. This revenue included leasing space to house ambulances in our fire stations. Then, Gilbert leaders decided to dip their toes into health care by purchasing one ambulance. In 2019, the total revenue LOSS was $173,569. So why does the annual revenue and cost report show that the town broke even with zero loss? Because the money was transferred from the general budget. Town leaders robbed Peter to pay Paul. And both had money from citizens’ pockets. Municipalities simply cannot compete with a contractor that focuses solely on this critical service. Mesa purchased three ambulances in an attempt to operate its own service. In 2019, Mesa lost almost $1 million. Exemplary service. AMR’s contract with Gilbert requires compliance 90 percent of the time. AMR tops that goal, with a typical response time exceeding 95 percent. In December 2019, compliance was 98 percent. Access to resources. AMR has four to six ambulances allocated to Gilbert and Queen Creek. In the event of a large inci-

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dent or disaster, it can quickly dispatch additional ambulances from surrounding communities that it also serves, including Chandler and Mesa. If Gilbert leaders decide to operate its own ambulances, we would have no access to more. Cost efficiency. At about $330,000 per ambulance, it would take at least seven years to recoup this cost. This does not include salaries, supplies, liability insurance and other costs. Since the average service life of an ambulance is about seven years, Gilbert would have to purchase new ambulances at that time. This would be a recurring debt. “Continuum of care.” This refers to having the same paramedic or other medical expert care for patients during their entire period of treatment. This is irrelevant because once the patient is transferred to the hospital, hospital staff begins caring for patients. There is no such thing as a “continuum.” Funding the unions. A major reason for socializing ambulance service is to

enlarge the pool of employees that pay union dues. This means more union PAC money for political candidates. Do you want unions to buy your representatives? In the recent election, unions were top contributors to a number of Gilbert candidates. If voters want a union-controlled city, Detroit is a good choice. Supporting business. Many town leaders touted their campaign desire to attract and support more businesses and jobs. Ironically, they now want to close down a portion of a well-run business that provides valuable jobs and serves our community. If I have the opportunity to vote on the ambulance issue, I will support continued service from AMR. This issue is similar to the promised “decreased insurance premiums” of ObamaCare. AMR has responded immediately to health emergencies of many people I know. May they continue to do so. -Laurin Hendrix is a Town Councilman-elect.

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Sports & Recreation 24

SPORTS

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Football programs face safety and money woes BY DERRICK SMITH Cronkite News

igh school athletic directors and football coaches are eager to kick off the season – assuming the season even happens – but the COVID-19 pandemic likely means no fans in the stands, tough safety protocols for players on the field and tighter budgets for high school sports. That could lead to cuts to equipment expenditures and, perhaps, to smaller sports programs that depend on revenue from football in the fall and basketball in the winter. High school sports in Arizona have been stopped, revived and delayed again under state orders and limits issued by the Arizona Interscholastic Association, the governing body for high school sports. But the situation is fluid, similar to that of college and professional sports pondering whether it’s possible to have a 2020 season at all. “You miss hearing the sounds of the gym and the weight room,” said Pete Jelovic, athletic director at Centennial High School in Peoria. “Even when school starts, the passing periods or the lunch periods, you hear all of those things and you get to interact and you build up towards events. “We miss having that interaction on our campus and that routine, and just the daily things that happen on a high school campus. We would like to get back to normal as quickly as possible, but we also have to do it safely.” Rudy Alvarado, athletic director at Arcadia High School in east Phoenix, and several other high school athletic directors across metro Phoenix say the budget impact will likely be delayed until next season, because gate receipts usually are used for subsequent seasons. “If the pandemic limits the number of

Stands potentially empty of fans during the normal high school season in the country could mean creative ways to bring revenue to high school teams. (GSN File Photo)

guests we can have at our games,” Alvarado said in an email, “then it’ll definitely cut my funding for the ’21-22 school year. My gate receipt is probably 70 to 75% of my spending money so losing that will hurt.” High school booster clubs are also dealing with fallout from the pandemic. Booster clubs help and support high school student athletes and coaches by raising money for sport programs for high schools in their community. “Some of our fast-food sponsors put us on hold because they were not sure how this was going to affect them and if they were going to be able to survive it or not,” Elizabeth Dahl, who is the booster club president at Highland High School in Gilbert, told Cronkite News in a recent interview. “In our program, our money not only provides equipment and things like that, it also provides team meals at all three levels and extra workout gear,” Karen Eulate, booster club president at Red Mountain High School in Mesa, told Cronkite News. “Those are the things that will probably be on the chopping block because they are not directly tied

to student safety on the field, whereas equipment is.” Autumn Daniels, the athletic director at Agua Fria High School in Avondale, said new uniforms for athletes may be temporarily placed on hold in the Agua Fria Union High School District. “Uniforms is one thing that our district has already communicated might take a hit, so they are prioritizing those in terms of years and condition of them and how they’ve been used,” she said, adding that the district may roll over funds left from last year’s athletic budget. Even as revenues are challenged, expenses have risen over such items as hand sanitizer, thermometers, disinfectant and face masks for players. “We purchased about 200 masks for our athletes as well,” Daniels said. “A lot of the other sanitation items have been purchased from the district level to support us, too. I think that’s going to have an impact is really having to keep up with those items that wasn’t something that we had as part of our budget previously.” Potentially empty stands mean Agua Fria, in the West Valley, is considering

some creative ideas to bring revenue to its games. “The fans are what makes the sporting events and athletics with their spirit and excitement,” Daniels said. “We’ve talked about doing ticketless sales and cashless sales, so everything would just be done with a program called GoFan. That might be a possibility and, essentially that would be screening everything, so watching everything live or online.” GoFan is an online service for high schools around the country that allows fans to buy and share digital tickets online to high school sporting events. Hewitt-Trussville High School in Alabama and Gainesville High School in Georgia are among the schools that plan to utilize the digital ticketing service for all athletic events this upcoming school year. Some high schools may have to cut some of their sport offerings to save money. “We’re very worried,” said Karissa Niehoff, the executive director for the National Federation of State High School Associations in a report by aspenprojectplay.org. “We are hearing across the country that schools are facing anywhere from 20% to 50% budget cuts – very dire straits.” “State (athletic) associations are looking at anywhere from $150,000 to over $2 million in losses to support programming and tournaments,” Niehoff said. Team workouts across metro Phoenix have been conducted in fits and starts. What had brought a sense of normalcy to coaches and the players was suddenly halted on June 29 as the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) announced that all high school sporting activities would be delayed until Aug. 17, the start date set by Gov. Doug Ducey. Since then,

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the start of official practices have been pushed back further. Football is scheduled to begin Sept. 7 with games on Oct. 2. Earlier in June, high school football programs across the Valley had been working out as teams and participating in limited football activities based on AIA pandemic guidelines. “Once the governor came out with his address, we basically shut down what we were doing that day, as far as practice goes. I understand that what we are doing is safe for kids so I support it 100 percent,” Desert Vista football coach Dan Hinds said. “It’s been difficult through this thing, for everybody, not just for Desert Vista, but for all high school football programs.” But he believes guidelines from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the AIA is the main priority as everyone continues to navigate life through the pandemic. If football is to be played this fall, schools must be cleared to go into phase three of the AIA guidelines, which include no limitations on players. “We’re still in stage one here in Tempe Union,” Hinds said, “and until we get out of stage one, we’re talking about masks, we’re talking about social distancing, we’re talking about all kinds of safety guidelines to follow. If we don’t get out of stage one, I don’t see how we can play football in stage one. In fact, it’s impossible.” Despite the financial challenges faced by high school sports, Hanson believes sports are important in teaching life lessons and bolstering health. “When you look at the research on athletics, there’s a clear benefit for those kids who participated in athletics and extracurricular activities, in their lifetime,” Hanson said. One major study by Ohio University’s Online Master’s in Athletic Administration Program shows parents of about 7.8 million children believe it improves children’s mental and physical health as well as provides them with the necessary skills to advance in their future careers. Some states already have postponed high school athletics for several months. The California Interscholastic Founda-

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 23, 2020

tion announced on July 20 that all high school sports seasons will be delayed until December or January. The Maryland Public Schools Athletic Association announced Aug. 3 that all Maryland high school athletics will be postponed until at least January. High school football coaches and athletic directors remain unsure of what the near future holds for them and student athletes this school year. “We’re just kind of going off the information that we are given. It’s really hard to tell what it’s going to look like,” Hinds said. “We don’t really know what the (AIA’s) plan is. Does that mean we’re going to play three less games? Does that mean the season is going to be pushed back into the winter sports? We don’t know what type of adjustments they’re going to make.” Scott Hare, the head football coach of Mesquite High School in Gilbert, said that although he hopes a football season can happen, he is prepared for multiple scenarios. “The COVID spike is definitely worrisome for me, in terms of what’s going to happen and there’s just such an unknown right now with the fall,” he said. “I’d like to be able to play football, but I also need to prepare for the possibility of the season being moved back and even worse than that, possibly even eliminated.” Daniels is among athletic directors, coaches and fans who look forward, one day, to games. “We definitely miss the athletes, families, kids and our communities at all levels. So, I’m super excited to see the kids again and looking forward to their energy and renewed appreciation for each other,” Daniels said. “I’m a firm believer that athletics helps teach kids life lessons and character. I think as challenging and tough as this time is, the adversity will help us come

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Obituaries Thomas and Susan Biggs Thomas and Susan Biggs departed this mortal life side by side while returning home to Safford on August 14, 2020, when they were suddenly detoured to their Heavenly home. They are reunited with their parents and Tom’s brother and sister. They will be greatly missed by their loving family and so many others whom they consider their eternal friends. Thomas Worth Biggs was born on July 16, 1941 to Ellis and Nora Biggs in Mesa Arizona. He was the great grandson of his namesake and Lehi, Arizona Pioneer, Thomas Biggs. Dad taught us that when Brigham Young called these pioneer families to settle Arizona that they should be large families with sufficient means to get there but not enough to come back to Utah. We have been here ever since. Tom graduated from Mesa High School. At the age of nineteen, Tom was set apart as a missionary to Brazil by Spencer W.Kimball where he served for three years. He graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Business Agriculture. He began his career with the Valley National Bank In Mesa, then became the manager of the bank in Saint Johns. Tom was always wise beyond his years, called as the Stake President of the Saint Johns Arizona Stake by Apostle, Elder Boyd K. Packer at the age of 36. He also served the community as President of the Rotary Club and on many other boards and commissions. After moving from St. Johns to Safford, Tom was called to serve as the Bishop of the Safford 5th Ward and later as a member of the Gila Valley Temple Presidency. He also served as a member of the Eastern Arizona College Governing Board. He was a faithful husband, father, grandfather and servant of God. He was a steady and calm force for good, exuding kindness and genuine interest in everyone he met. He was a studious and deliberate decision maker, and had a humble and unwavering approach to life. Susan Joyce Hiatt Biggs was born in Mesa, Arizona on November 8, 1945 to Dr. Rudger P. Hiatt and Ruth Brinton Hiatt. Susan was the eldest of seven and an accomplished musician, artist and educator. Susan was always happy and hummed her way through life. She was the epitome of Motherhood, raising her nine children who were her priority and joy. She served as Stake Relief Society President, Stake Young Women’s President, and Temple Assistant Matron. She served tirelessly in scouting inspiring her five boys to achieve the rank of Eagle. Susan was a graduate of Mesa High School, attended Brigham Young University and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in English. She loved to read and teach High School English focusing on students who

were excluded from traditional school. Her children fondly referred to her as the paparazzi. She jokingly said that “if there wasn’t a picture then it didn’t happen”. She kept us all informed of the family through her Biggs family blog. She carefully crocheted miles of blankets, baby blessing clothing and stuffed animals for her grandchildren. She never missed a birthday and sent an original artfully drawn card to each family member. She was the most approachable, caring, faithful, joyful person we know, always providing us with the reassurance that all would be well. Tom and Susan were married on June 19th, of 1964 in the Mesa Arizona Temple, recently celebrating their 56th Anniversary. They have lived in Mesa, Saint Johns, and Safford. They served a mission together in Portugal and loved the people and their experience everywhere they resided. They served together in the Temple and have rarely been seen apart. They bought a 2nd car for which Tom often expressed regret because they never used it. He said that when they go somewhere, they always go together. Mom taught her children to hold hands with their spouse when they prayed so the Lord would know that you come as a set. Together they called and sang Happy Birthday to every one of their children, and their children’s spouses who they considered their children, and to their grandchildren on their special day. Tom and Susan are survived by their 9 children, their spouses, and 50 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Nathan and Shauna Biggs, Joel and Stephanie Biggs, Daniel and Connie Biggs, Rebecca and Scott Evans, Jeremy and Erika Biggs, Rachel and Tony Alder, Esther and Shad Brown, Thomas and Jennifer Biggs and Mary and Tyson Richins. As their children and grandchildren, we believe when we meet our Savior, Jesus Christ, we will already be familiar with His characteristics and attributes because we have witnessed these brilliantly reflected in the expressions of love and selflessness by our humbly remarkable and practically perfect parents. A visitation was held on Thursday evening, August 20, 2020 from 5:30Pm - 7:30PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Safford Stake Center with private famility services on Friday, August 21 at 1:00PM. Internment will be in the Mesa City Cemetary. Guidelines from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Area Presidency: Funerals should follow the same guidelines and procedures as sacrament meetings (99 people or less, social distancing in seating, masks encouraged, etc.). Other than a surviving spouse, adults over 65 and individuals with medical conditions should remain at home. Technology may be used to allow family and friends to view the service. Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.

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Obituaries Phyllis Weiland-Cote Phyllis Weiland-Cote, of Mesa, AZ, (formerly Hastings, MN), age 84, peacefully passed away on August 12, 2020, in her Powell River, British Columbia home. Phyllis is survived by husband, Normand Cote, Children: Donald (Lori) Weiland, Steven (Stephanie) Weiland, Paula (Dave) Black, Lisa (Larry) Kummer, Sharon (Dell) Bauer, Michael (Mandy) Weiland, Sandra (Dave) Steinmetz. Extended family members: Lyne (Ken) Cote, Guylaine (Ron) Bourelle, Chantale (Gary) Jackson, Dan (Diane) Cote, and Robert Cote. Many beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, relatives and friends. Phyllis was born on September 29, 1935 in Plymouth, MA. In 1954, she married Edward Paul Weiland and settled in Hastings, MN. After Edward’s death in 1972, she continued to raise her children in Hastings, MN and eventually moved to Mesa, AZ, where she grew to love the southwest mountains and desert. In 2003, she married Normand Cote’ from Powell River, B.C. For the remainder of her life, she divided her time in both Arizona and B.C. She loved spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and her extended family members. She enjoyed traveling both in the U.S. and overseas, painting, crafts, music and dancing. She welcomed everyone who came to visit with open arms. She was known for her beautiful smile, sparkling blue eyes and her kind and compassionate spirit. Phyllis was preceded in death by (Edward Paul Weiland) daughter (Dora Sieben), grandson (Reid Weiland), parents (Parker W. and Gladys Northrup) and sister (Beverly Dunahoo). Private “celebrations of life” will be held in the places she loved, Hastings, MN, Mesa, AZ and Powell River, B.C.

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480.266.4589 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 josedominguez0224@gmail.com References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor Ahwatukee / References Call Ahwatukee BruceResident/ at 602.670.7038

2012, 2013, 2014

Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Work

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Not a licensed contractor. Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor Bruce at 602.670.7038

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2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 23, 2020

Handyman

LLC

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 23, 2020

Pool Service / Repair

Roofing

Public Notices

Juan Hernandez

CITY OF MESA PUBLIC NOTICE

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR

The Mesa City Council will hold a public hearing concerning the following ordinances at the August 31, 2020 City Council meeting beginning at 5:45 p.m. in the Mesa City Council Chambers, 57 East First Street.

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1. Amending Section 10-4-3 of the Mesa City Code to modify the existing speed limit to 45 mph on Guadalupe Road from the west City limits to Signal Butte Road, and Section 10-4-5 to modify the speed limit to 35 mph on Guadalupe Road from Signal Butte Road to the east City limits, as recommended by the Transportation Advisory Board. (District 6) 2. ZON20-00204 (District 3) 860 and 864 West Southern Avenue. Located east of Alma School Road on the north side of Southern Avenue (2± acres). Rezone from NC and LC to LC-BIZ; and Site Plan Review. This request will allow for an office building and self-storage facility. Neil Feaser, RKAA Architects, Inc., applicant; Creation Funding, LLC, owner. DATED at Mesa, Arizona, this 23rd day of August 2020. DEE ANN MICKELSEN, City Clerk Published: East Valley Tribune, Aug. 23, 2020 / 32677

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Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

Public Notices

???

People are looking in the Classifieds Every day! Email Your Job Post to: class@times publications.com

or Call 480

898-6465

NOTICE OF THE PRELIMINARY DECISION TO ISSUE AN INDIVIDUAL AQUIFER PROTECTION PERMIT Public Notice No. 20-11

Published on Sunday, August 23, 2020 Published in East Valley Tribune

Pursuant to Arizona Administrative Code, Title 18, Chapter 9, Article 1, the Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality intends to issue an Aquifer Protection Permit (APP) to the following applicant(s): Facility Name: Tortilla Flat Wastewater Treatment Plant Individual Aquifer Protection Permit No. 511839, LTF #82220

INVITATION TO BID (ITB) INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS Subcontractors and suppliers are encouraged to read the entirety of these instructions. For questions about the process, project or proposal submission, please contact the Bid Manager directly. Supplement and sample documents are for information only. Standard industry procurement procedures and negotiations will proceed bid day. Thank you for the interest in StreetLights Residential! Date: August 24, 2020 Bid Deadline for Submittal: September 10, 2020, 12:00 PM Local Arizona Time Location: 1530 S. Higley Road, Gilbert, AZ 85296 (Project Construction Trailer Parking Lot , W Corner of Higley and Ray) Solicitation number: 409125-002 Project: Agritopia Epicenter Offsite Improvements Bid Manager: Courtney W. Dunlap SLR Construction Dept. cdunlap@streetlightsres.com Tel: (480) 407-2900 Contract Documents available at https://streetlightsres.box.com/s/hado9w9bbx0iehi8pypk3efykyw7o700 these files are available at no charge. Date and Location for Submittal of Sealed Bids: Sealed bids will be received at StreetLights Residential’s Construction Trailer parking lot for Agritopia Epicenter located at 1530 S. Higley Road, Gilbert, AZ 85296 (NW corner of Higley and Ray) until 12:00 p.m. Thursday September 10, 2020, for the above project. Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked on the outside with the name of the Project and the solicitation number. Any bid received after the time specified will be returned unopened. It

is the bidder’s responsibility to assure bids are received at the above location on or before the specified time. Bids will be opened at 2:00 p.m. in the parking lot of the Construction Trailer Offices, and publicly read aloud. In the case of extensive price listings, only the bidder’s names will be read aloud, and the determination of the highest bid will be made after further StreetLights Residential’s review.

OUR JOB BOARD HAS THE TALENT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR.

Project Description: Agritopia Epicenter is a mixed-use development in Gilbert, AZ. This solicitation is specific to the Offsite Improvements for the Street Light Pole relocation and added Traffic Signal identified in the Civil Offsite plans prepared by Landcore Consulting and Wright Engineering Corporation. StreetLights Residential is soliciting bids from trade contractors. The offsites improvements include but are not limited to the following: Traffic Control, Traffic Signal and Street Light Pole relocation. Estimated Start: Construction for the Offsite Improvements for the Street Light Pole Relocation and Traffic Signal is anticipated to start in the 4th Quarter of 2020. Published: East Valley Tribune, Aug 23, 30, 2020 / 32700

The facility is located in Maricopa County, Arizona, in Township 2 North, Range 9 East, Section 12, of the Gila and Salt River Base Line and Meridian. The draft permit and related documentation are available for public review, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at ADEQ, 1110 West Washington Street, Records Management Center, Phoenix, Arizona, 85007. These documents are also available digitally by e-mail or print and mail (fee may apply), please call (602) 771-4380 or e-mail RecordsCenter@azdeq.gov 24 hours in advance to schedule an appointment to review the file. The permit and fact sheet may be viewed online at http://www.azdeq.gov/search/node/public%20notice.

Pre-Bid Conference: A pre-bid conference will not be held. Right to Reject Bids: StreetLights Residential reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive any informality in a bid or to withhold the Award for any reason StreetLights determines. Equal Opportunity: StreetLights Residential is an equal opportunity employer. Minority and women’s business enterprises are encouraged to submit bids on this solicitation.

Permittee: RTDK Management LLC

FIND THE BEST TALENT. EASILY POST JOBS. COMPETITIVE PRICING AND EXPOSURE More info: 480-898-6465 or email jobposting@evtrib.com

J BS. EASTVALLEY TRIBUNE.COM

Most jobs also appear on Indeed.com

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Place your ad online! Call 480-898-6465

The public comment period is in effect from August 23, 2020, to September 22, 2020. Comments may be submitted in writing to: Shivani Shah, ADEQ, Groundwater Section, 1110 West Washington Street, MC 5415B-3, Phoenix, AZ 85007 or via email Shah.Shivani@azdeq.gov. Comments must be received or postmarked by September 22, 2020. A public hearing request must include the reasons for such request. ADEQ will take reasonable measures to provide access to department services to individuals with limited ability to speak, write or understand English and/or to those with disabilities. Requests for language interpretation, ASL interpretation, CART captioning services or disability accommodations must be made at least 48 hours in advance by contacting Ian Bingham, Title VI Nondiscrimination Coordinator at 602-771-4322 or Bingham.Ian@azdeq.gov. Teleprinter services are available by calling 7-1-1 at least 48 hours in advance to make necessary arrangements. ADEQ tomará las medidas razonables para proveer acceso a los servicios del departamento a personas con capacidad limitada para hablar, escribir o entender inglés y / o para personas con discapacidades. Las solicitudes de servicios de interpretación de idiomas, interpretación ASL, subtitulados de CART, o adaptaciones por discapacidad deben realizarse con al menos 48 horas de anticipación contactando a Ian Bingham, Coordinador de Anti-Discriminación del Título VI al 602-771-4322 o Bingham.Ian@azdeq.gov. Los servicios de teleimpresores están disponibles llamando al 7-1-1 con al menos 48 horas de anticipación para hacer los arreglos necesarios. PUBLISHED: East Valley Tribune Aug. 23, 2020 / 32678

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 23, 2020

NOW OPEN

HAPPY HOUR

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MONDAY $10 Burgers TUESDAY $5 Dos XX Draft and Frozen House Margaritas $4 Chips with Salsa and Guac $6 Nachos WEDNESDAY $10 Wraps

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TrueConnection TVG2008500-SummerSizzling_10x10 8/20/20 10:22 AM Page 1

Enjoy summer in style.

The temperature outside is heating up and so are the savings at Verena at Gilbert. Now you can enjoy the lifestyle our residents love and save big when you move in this summer. To keep our residents safe, healthy, and entertained during this era of COVID19, we’re taking precautionary measures so everyone can enjoy the activities they love – with a socially distant twist. *Limited time oﬀer. Valid on select apartments only. See Sales Director for details.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 23, 2020

Living Senior.

CALL 480-899-8200 TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SIZZLING SUMMER SPECIAL!* INDEPENDENT LIVING 1505 Willis Road • Gilbert, AZ 85297 4808998200 www.VerenaAtGilbert.com