The Mesa Tribune 121122 Zone 2

Family blames Mesa Fire for destroyed home

BY SCOTT SHUMAKER Tribune Staff Writer

Afamily that lost a home, four vehicles and two dogs in a fire on a county island has filed a claim against the city for $1.35 million, alleging Mesa Fire and Medical “refused” to stop the blaze from spreading to their house in April.

The 1-acre property on a county island on Ellsworth Road north of Adobe is outside of Mesa Fire and Medical’s jurisdiction.

It was also not subscribed to fire protection from Rural Metro, a private fire service with stations in the area that covers gaps between city limits and fire district boundaries.

Two long-time volunteers with involvement across a broad range of civic and charitable endeavors have been named the 2022 Mesa Citizens of the Year.

Cheryl Laflen, whose leadership on the Dobson Ranch Homeowners Association Board made her a much-sought volunteer by city organizations and nonprofits alike, is the 2022 Mesa Woman of the Year.

Gateway Commercial Bank President/ CEO James Christensen, who has held leadership positions in a slew of financial and charitable organizations, is the 2022 Man of the Year.

Both were selected by the Mesa Citizen of the Year Association, which comprises others who have held the titles of Man and Woman of the Year in years past.

That association – and the annual awards it bestows – are among the oldest in Arizona.

Founded in 1935, the organization

annually selects two individuals in the community who have dedicated a significant amount of time to volunteer activities. The many awardees have exemplified a long-standing commitment to volunteer activities and leadership.

The group also promotes volunteerism in Mesa, citing its positive impact on Mesa’s residents and neighborhoods.

More recently, it has also recognized

The Knourek Family – Naomi and Arielle Knourek, fiancée Autumn Holbrook and Joe Knourek – stand with their dog Lugnut in front of the charred remains of their house, which they lost to a fire April 13. They blame Mesa firefighters for the destruction and have filed a $1.3 million claim against the city. (David Minton/ Tribune Staff Photographer)

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Mesa Public Schools graduating seniors who have provided exemplary volunteer service in their school and the community.

A Mesa resident for about 50 years, Laflen became involved in community organizations not long after she and her family moved into Dobson Ranch.

One of her first volunteer activities was to serve on the Washington Elementary School Parent Teacher Association.

During the same time period she was elected to the Dobson Ranch HOA Board, where she eventually served as president and treasurer.

“Cheryl was a much sought-after community volunteer and was appointed to the Mesa Library Advisory Board, the Mesa Traffic Safety Committee and attended the Mesa Leadership Training and Development program,” Citizen Association

see VOLUNTEERS page 4

Cheryl Laflen

James Christensen

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spokesman Mike Hutchinson said.

She and her late husband of 24 years, Milt Laflen , also were active in the Mesa and Arizona Sister City associations. Over the last 20 years, Cheryl has served four terms as president of the Mesa Sister Cities Association as well as being a member of the Arizona Sister City Board of Directors.

She has been member of the Mesa Soroptimist Club, the P.E.O. International organization and is a Mesa HoHoKam organization volunteer.

Laflen ““has shown herself to be a person who not only participates in programs but also encourages others to pursue leadership roles by her example as well as inspiring confidence in their abilities,” one of her nominators for the award said.

A cancer survivor with six children and 10 grandchildren, Laflen has volunteered to help other women facing the disease.

She was recognized for her vol -

unteer work by the Ironwood Cancer Center in Mesa and recently the Arizona Sister City Association gave her with their Lifetime Achievement Award.

Christensen moved to Mesa with his family in 1998 and almost immediately began making an impact in banking and other circles.

A successful community banker in the Kansas City, Missouri area, he became the founding president and CEO of Gateway Commercial Bank in Mesa in 2007.

“Since joining the Mesa business community, James has served as a highly engaged board member on a number of area nonprofit boards of directors including leadership positions for the Mesa United Way, the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, United Food Bank and Local First Arizona,” Hutchinson said.

Christensen is an active Rotarian and served two terms on the City Economic Development Advisory Board.

“He is a highly respected member of the Arizona Banking community

and has been appointed to several prestigious national financial advisory committees,” Hutchinson added, noting:

“James leads by example and his team at Gateway Commercial Bank have also participated actively in community entities and activities.”

One nominator said, “James is a man of humility, and this makes it difficult to know all the individuals and businesses that he has touched in a very positive way. Not a man to just sit on a board or write a check, he gets directly involved and works shoulder to shoulder with others to solve problems and improve the lives of others.”

Married for 36 years to Anita Christensen, he and his wife are graduates of Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas, and have two daughters.

Both Laflen and Christensen will be honored at a banquet Feb. 27 at the Double Tree Hilton Phoenix/Mesa.

For tickets: mesacitizenoftheyear. org or contact Debby Elliot at 480969-2731.

But after reports of a vehicle fire at the home started coming in at 6:58 a.m. April 13, Mesa Fire and Medical dispatched multiple units to the property.

The first unit arrived at 7:15 a.m. and in the next 30 minutes, another five engines and other equipment arrived. The last unit left the scene 3 1/2 hours later, according to a fire report.

Joe Knourek, the homeowner who filed the claim, acknowledged he was not subscribed to Rural Metro fire protection, which has a mutual aid agreement with Mesa Fire. He said he assumed area fire departments would put out a fire on his property and then send him a bill.

Knourek said he “never thought in a million years” he’d need the emergency service and that he regrets not getting the protection even though firefighters responded.

The house, which he lived in for 19 years, is a total loss and was underinsured. To get even the $240,000 it was insured for has been a battle, he said, because the insurance company has cited the lack of fire protection as a reason to deny his claim.

But while firefighters came to put out the fire, Knourek calls them negligent for not preventing the flames from spreading to his house and doing more to save the two dogs in it.

He said he filed the claim in order to cover the hundreds of thousands of dollars it will take to rebuild the home in addition to the amount he receives from insurance.

Emotional scene

Knourek said the fire started in the refrigerator of his “toy hauler” RV trailer parked near the house. His fiancée was the first family member to see the fire when she was taking their Australian shepherd outside for a morning walk.

He believes neighbors may have spotted the fire before the family, as firefighters arrived earlier than they expected.

The fire soon spread to a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda on the property after the cover caught fire.

When Mesa firefighters arrived, they attacked the blazes and kept the fire from spreading beyond the property. Knourek, his fiancée Autumn Holbrook and two daughters were unharmed.

But the house could not be saved.

Seven months after the fire, Knourek is still convinced that firefighters could have saved the house but chose not to. He faults their tactics, saying they were concentrating water on the toy hauler rather than the home.

“It wasn’t that they didn’t try to fight the fire; they refused to fight it,” he said.

“All they did was to try to save our toy hauler,” he said. “It’s like they hated my guts.”

Knourek also blames the fire department for not attempting to save his two Labrador retrievers even as he shouted they were still in the house. If firefighters weren’t on the scene, he said, he would have tried saving them himself.

The narrative in Knourek’s claim describes an emotional scene.

“At that time, they were spraying the toy hauler, I begged them to spray the house and told them our dogs were inside. They refused and drug me out of the backyard,” the claim states.

“A short time after I noticed they had the hose on the ground unattended, which I picked up and started spraying our house. When they noticed, they ran, grabbed the hose from me and turned it away from the house and continued spraying the toy hauler.”

A spokesman for Mesa Fire and Medical declined to discuss the incident or comment on the claim, but in response to a question about jurisdiction, the spokesman said:

“County islands are not a part of our jurisdictional response area although we will and do provide mutual aid when requested by Rural Metro Fire; homeowners in these county islands do have the option to purchase fire protection from Rural Metro.”

A basic fire report released by the department provides some information about the response from the department’s perspective.

According to the report, the emergency dispatcher received multiple calls about a vehicle fire beginning at 6:58 a.m., and an engine from Fire Station 213 on University Drive was dispatched.

As firefighters in the first engine turned onto Ellsworth Road from University, they could see flames above the roof lines in the neighborhood and “upgraded” the call to a “structure assignment and waited for all the units to go enroute before announcing the on scene report.”

After arriving, the first unit observed “heavy fire showing from a large dump truck and palm trees” with “limited sight to the adjacent house.”

The first unit upgraded the call to “Alarm1,” and “used all of the tank water.”

The engine was “unable to establish its own water supply and awaited the arrival of the additional units.”

Within three minutes, three additional fire engines arrived and a unit was assigned to “get an all clear” of people from the buildings.

Shortly before the side of the house caught fire, Knourek said his daughter went into the home to try to retrieve the dogs. He said a neighbor went into the house to retrieve his daughter, and he didn’t observe firefighters clearing the house.

Over the next 15 minutes, additional apparatus arrived on the scene.

Near the end of the department narrative, the report states, “The fire on the east side of the structure grew exponentially

even with water being applied and East Sector recommended emergency Traffic and to go Defensive on the house.”

Recovery slow and painful

Knourek said the fire was “horrible” but is grateful his fiancée and daughters are alive.

“I woke up the next morning thinking, ‘man, did this really happen,’” he said.

Knourek and his family are currently living in an RV on a family member’s property nearby.

Besides losing the house, Knourek, a trucking business owner, lost a dump truck that he used for income, which was “underinsured,” and he also lost a $50,000 backhoe that was uninsured.

“All of our retirement is in assets like vehicles,” he said. “I watched so much of it burn to the ground in minutes.”

Knourek’s been out of work since the fire and the family has been living on savings. A Gofundme drive organized by a family member in April raised $4,000.

As much as the family lost in property, Knourek said losing two of their three dogs hurt the most.

He said the family talks about their Labradors every day. The surviving Australian shepherd that was outside the house when the fire started is traumatized, unable to stay at home when they leave their temporary housing.

Frustration with the actions of the firefighters who put out the conflagration on his property also lingers to this day.

“Don’t come in my yard and spray my trailer and let my house burn down,” he said. “If they said, ‘we can’t come on your property,’ fine.”

Charred patio furniture and other items lay strewn on the scorched property of Joe Knourek’s home. (David Minton/Tribune Staff Photographer)

Joe Knourek stands near the corner of his home where the fire began in a toy hauler trailer on April 13. (David Minton/Tribune Staff Photographer)

New E. Mesa facility to cut response time

BY SCOTT SHUMAKER Tribune Staff Writer

Work on a $44 million, 50,000-square-foot combined police and fire station at the northeast corner of Brown and Power Roads –dubbed the Northeast Public Safety Facility – got underway this month as City Council approved a construction contract and celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony earlier this month.

When completed, the facility will include four fire apparatus bays, room for two fire crews, one ambulance crew, and one battalion crew.

The police side will be able to accommodate up to 150 police officers with locker rooms, offices, briefing rooms and a holding area for processing suspects before transport.

Final design work on the project continues and construction is slated to begin in the spring, with an estimated completion date in late 2024.

The police and fire stations will share a lobby, community rooms and gym in the center of the facility, but will occupy separate wings of the

building.

Based on its location, City Manager Chris Brady predicted that the new station would have a “significant impact” on emergency response times in this part of east Mesa and have a “trickle effect” on times throughout the city.

Brady said the site of the new station was identified during an analysis of repose times to identify slow spots.

The analysis showed that many of the hot spots for slower-than-target response times were concentrated in east Mesa.

In remarks before the groundbreaking, Mesa Police Chief Ken Cost described the current challenges for response times in this part of the city.

“We have officers right now that are responding to Las Sendas and then might have to go all the way down to Eastmark, and back and forth,” Cost said. “Minutes and seconds matter and … this substation is going to be quite a big deal for both District 5 and 6.”

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The new $44 million 50,000-squarefoot Northeast Public Safety Facility in Mesa will improve emergency response times by police and Mesa Fire and Medical personnel, the city said. (City of Mesa)

City Engineer Beth Huning told Council in a study session last month that the city identified a need for police and fire in the same area, and that building a combined facility helped save money by maximizing shared assets like parking and community rooms.

Due to inflationary pressures affecting all city projects, costs for the original 57,000 square foot building planned for the 8-acre site came in $11 million above the $37 million authorized by the 2018 bond package that funds the facility.

The city’s architects revised the designs, trimming about 6,000 square feet and $5 million from the plans without compromising functionality, Brady said.

The project is still $6.8 million over the 2018 budget, so the city is covering the difference from $10 million set aside in this year’s budget for “construction inflation overrun.”

“This was so important from a pub -

lic safety standpoint, that of the $10 million, we needed to dedicate a significant portion to deliver the proj -

ect,” Brady said.

“It’s going to improve our response and the efficiency of the fire

department tremendously… and we need to get this delivered. We need to get this built,” he added.

City officials on Dec. 5 broke ground for the new Northeast Public Safety Facility, which is expected oto help reduce emergency police, fire and medical responses times in East Mesa.. (City of Mesa)

Mesa considers E. Mesa hotel purchase to help homeless

BY SCOTT SHUMAKER Tribune Staff Writer

Mesa City Council staff has given its blessing on a proposal to purchase the 70room Grand Hotel at 6733 E. Main Street near Power Road to house the city’s Off the Streets homeless intervention program.

It was the second presentation by staff this year on a prospective hotel purchase: In July, the city explored buying the Sleep Inn near Superstition Springs Mall but that proposal fell out due to language in the property’s title preventing its use as a shelter.

City staff said Main Street site does not have the same title restriction.

The city’s Off the Streets program is managed by the nonprofit Community Bridges and provides temporary housing for up to 90 days, as well as case management and recovery services.

Police and fire personnel or nonprofit partners refer people there when they encounter them living on the streets.

Currently, Mesa leases 85 rooms at the Windemere Hotel on Main Street to house the program at an annual cost of $1.75 million.

Deputy Director of Community Services Lindsey Balinkie told council members the department believes owning its own rooms will help the city control program costs and make decisions about the future of the program.

The city wants to use American Rescue Plan Act funds to purchase the hotel.

The Grand Hotel is a 1.5 miles east of the current program location on Main Street, and Balinkie said the city’s goal would be to house the program entirely at the new location. It

may continue to lease hotel rooms elsewhere if demand exceeds bed capacity.

Off the Streets was established in 2020 in response to rising numbers of unsheltered people in Mesa and the wider region.

Data suggests Mesa’s homeless population has risen steadily since 2018. A Point in Time Homeless count conducted by volunteers in January 2022 identified 451 unsheltered individuals in Mesa, a 33% increase from 2020, the last time a count was conducted due to COVID-19.

In 2018, Mesa’s Point in Time survey identified 144 unsheltered people, a third of the 2022 count.

Off the Streets is one pillar of a strategic plan the city released in 2021 to “keep homelessness rare, brief and non-reoccurring” using “a data-driven process and collaborative community partnerships within the region.”

Off the Streets reports that as of November 2022, the program has served more than 1,000 people. According to a city website, 75% of participants have “successfully graduated to progress in housing stability planning and continued recovery.”

From 2018 to 2022, unsheltered homelessness in the Maricopa County region increased by 92%, according to data gathered by the county’s annual Point in Time count of people found living on the street. In the East Valley, unsheltered homelessness increased by 109% and in the West Valley, it went up by 134%, the county said – and many of the individuals were children. (City fo Mesa)

the hotel is purchased for Off the Streets, Council would have to vote to approve a use permit for it to be used for social services.

If the city and hotel owner agree to the appraised amount – still to be determined – the city would begin inspections and public outreach about the plan in early 2023.

City Manager Chris Brady said if

The Grand Hotel’s one- and twostory buildings were constructed in 1973 and 1980, respectively. The city has not evaluated the buildings yet, but Lisa Davis in Mesa’s real estate

services told Council the location was desirable due to its proximity to public transportation and jobs in commercial retail.

Most council members supported the plan except outgoing District 6 Councilman Kevin Thompson, who is terming out and will assume a seat on the state-level Arizona Corporation Commission in January.

Thompson was also the lone voice against the hotel purchase proposal in July, when he worried a shelter would hurt the Superstition Springs Mall and questioned the city’s role in providing shelter services.

“I don’t know when it became government’s responsibility” to house people, Thompson said in July. “Homeless people in our community seem to have more rights than our own citizens when it comes to park space that they’ve paid for, but yet we can’t evict somebody off of.”

This time around, Thompson worried more about the city being on the hook for maintenance and operations costs if it owned the property.

“I love the program. I love the concept. I don’t know why we want to own the building,” Thompson said.

“What’s going to happen (when), all of a sudden, we have a dilapidated hotel in 10 years, we see a decline in our General Fund?...We've got to start shutting down parks and eliminating other things out of our General Fund to pay for this,” he said.

Thompson suggested it would be better for Community Bridges to purchase the property using federal grants.

The city manager said it may be possible to transfer the property to the nonprofit in the future, but it would be easier to ensure compliance with federal guidelines if the city owned the property in the first years.

If the city purchases the hotel, the Off the Streets program would remain in District 4. Councilwoman Julie Spilsbury, who represents the area, praised its operation so far.

We haven’t had any problems,” she said, “and the neighborhood loves the 24-hour police presence, and so I will also be in support moving forward.”

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The Grand Hotel, which Mesa hopes to use as a shelter for people experiencing homelessness is located in East Mesa. (City of Mesa)

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$88M on chopping block for Mesa Public Schools

BY SCOTT SHUMAKER Tribune Staff Writer

The 2022-23 school year at Mesa Public Schools started on a high note when the Governing Board voted in September to put a $32 million windfall from the state toward teacher and staff raises.

The raises, paid for out of a $1 billion surplus in state revenues, generated jubilation from teachers and board members as it was hoped the raises would help the district retain and attract quality staff.

But heading into winter break, the prospect of a showdown in the state Legislature next year that could claw back that extra funding and more is worrying district leaders.

When the state legislature approved enlarged funding for school districts earlier this year, it didn’t raise the Aggregate Expenditure Limit at the time, which is necessary for districts to spend the approved funds.

Charter schools, which were established after the 1980 law creating the Aggregate Expenditure Limit, are not affected by the state spending cap.

in job cuts at MPS, Thompson wrote in an email, “Our budget is 87% staffing. It would be unlikely we could continue to operate without addressing staffing changes in some way.”

Thompson said the timing is bad for personnel reductions in schools because “there is currently a staffing shortage in all aspects of our district.”

“From teachers to custodians, we are often asking staff to take on extra work to fill in the gaps created by open positions,” he said.

Thompson worried that damage is already being done to retention and recruitment efforts.

“This is a very difficult environment to even start discussing this issue,” Thompson said. “We need our folks focused on taking care of our students, not on their next paycheck. We are concerned the uncertainty caused by this conversation could lead to staff potentially looking for new jobs.”

“Because of these challenges, we hope the Governor and the Legislature will live up to their promise to address this issue in a special session before the end of the year,” he said.

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If the Legislature doesn’t agree to lift the spending cap by March 1, Mesa Public Schools will have to begin cutting 17.5%, or $88 million, from the current school year’s budget, according to MPS Assistant Superintendent Scott Thompson.

Other East Valley districts also have millions at stake. Gilbert Public Schools stands to lose close to $40 million in spending power and Chandler Unified $54 million.

Gov. Doug Ducey last week said he had other matters for the Legislature to consider before he would call a special session to consider waiving the cap for the current school year.

Waiver supporters claim they have the necessary votes for the two-thirds majority in both chambers required to waive the cap, but Ducey’s aides say he also wants the Legislature to increase funding for private school vouchers.

Asked if the spending cap could result

Mesa Education Association President Kelly Berg said last school year’s brush with the aggregate spending limit, when the Legislature waived the cap just weeks ahead of the March 1 deadline, raised awareness of the issue among Mesa teachers,

“It’s on our radar for sure,” Berg wrote. “We will make a similar effort as we did last year, if needed, to bring awareness and educate our communities as to why it needs to not only be addressed, but fixed.”

Berg was alluding to calls by some for the state to eliminate the AEL altogether, so the cap would not have to be addressed each year.

“My hope would be the deciding legislative session would remove the cap instead of a one-year fix,” she said.

Rep. Michelle Udall, R-Mesa, a Mesa teacher who chairs the House Education

STEM program ‘Taking Flight’ in East Valley

BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

Once a baggage handler for Southwest Airlines, a local commercial pilot now runs an event that teaches kids to fly high with aviation and aeronautics – and their dreams.

The third annual Taking Flight will take off at the East Valley Institute of Technology Power Road Campus located at 6625 South Power Road, on Saturday, Dec. 17 from noon to 6 p.m.

The event is designed to engage people of all ages about careers in aviation, aeronautics, aerospace, engineering, robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles, rocketry, and many more science, technology, engineering and math-related fields.

STEM+C will sponsor the event and founder Paul Kaup said the event isn’t just for the handful science-minded kids a teacher has in their classroom.

Kaup said it’s a day meant to give kids who’ve never gotten their hand on the controls of an remote-controlled airplane or seen a model rocket up-close.

“This event is not just for those kids it’s also for the other 30 students in your class,” Kaup said.” Because how do you know what you want to do if you’ve never been exposed to it, right?”

Participants will have the opportunity to interact with career experts in many different technical fields with many hands-on learning opportunities for kids, like learning to fly an RC airplane, a quad copter, and learning to drive an RC car or truck, as well as quadcopters drone racing.

The event will also feature a robotics

competition, number of different flight simulators, a chance to watch the 3D helicopter or fixed-wing demonstration flight or program an autonomous UAVs for a flight.

Above all, it’s a chance for students to have fun and learn about flight.

Some of the participants include University of North Dakota Aerospace, Arizona State University Aviation, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Boeing Company, Honeywell, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

Kaup moved from Chicago to Arizona in 1992 to attend Arizona State University and started as a baggage handler for Southwest Airlines.

In 1995, he graduated from ASU with a bachelor’s in aviation management and three years later, started his career as a pilot for a small airline company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

After becoming a pilot with Southwest in 2004, and while living in Spring Grove, Illinois in 2009, Kaup took part in Southwest’s “Adopt a Pilot” program that assigns pilots to a fifth-grade class to show students the life of a pilot.

That inspired Kaup to start STEM+C in 2010, a hands-on learning experience for students interested in aviation, aeronautics, aerospace, robotics, and software.

The program also serves as a community resource of knowledge and experience to provide the best tools and modern technologies so that the students are using industry approved tools, equipment and technologies while learning.

“We want to modernize the approach to learning and get back to understanding that trial and error are an important part of the learning process,” according to their website.

Kaup moved back to Arizona in 2016 and started the first Taking Flight event three years later, drawing approximately 300 people from the community to the two-day event.

Despite the pandemic, interest has continued to soar since 2019 with the second event in April bringing in around 600

people to a one-day event.

With the minimal exposure to aerospace and aeronautics in schools, Kaup said it makes it important to expose kids to these fields and help dispel rumors about how to takeoff in STEM fields.

Kaup said students may not have considered a career in STEM because they don’t consider themselves smart enough or good enough, but that mindset changes after a day at the event.

“They have this preconceived notion in their head about why they are not interested,” Kaup said. “The feedback from the parent is ‘I wasn’t sure if my kid was going to like your rocketry program, but you hooked them on day one.’”

Kaup said aviation, aeronautics and aerospace have “very minimal exposure” in the school systems and invites teachers to the experience and return to their classrooms with a wider breadth of knowledge about those fields.

“They now get a better understanding of that world of aviation, aeronautics and aerospace,” Kaup said. “And now the hope is they can take that back to their classroom and expand in the classroom on what they saw and did at our events.”

Beloved downtown Mesa shop owner found slain

BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

ment’s non-emergency line.

Committee, told Capitol Media Services that Gov. Doug Ducey committed to calling a special session if lawmakers had the votes and a lawsuit involving a voter approved tax hike for education was resolved.

She and other lawmakers say those conditions have been met.

Proponents of raising the cap want the

Legislature to deal with it now when Ducey and the lawmakers who passed the school funding increase are still in office. They worry tackling the issue with a new Legislature under a new governor is more likely to lead to stalemate.

Among the new leadership in the Republican-controlled Legislature, Senate President Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert, voted against the waiver for 2021-22.

Police are seeking information about the slaying of a beloved downtown Mesa business owner who was found dead inside his store around noon Dec. 6.

Police released few details about the death of Jesus De La Rosa, 58, owner of Lamb’s Shoe Repair at 28 D. Macdonald.

Mesa Det. Brandi George said detectives have asked the public’s help in this case.

If any customers visited the shoe repair store on Dec. 6, between 9 a.m. and noon, they’re asked to call the depart-

“We do not have any investigative leads right now,” George said in an email. “That is why we are reaching out to the public; however, we do believe this is an isolated incident.”

Police said they are not releasing the manner of death at this time.

The Tribune in July profiled Mr. De La Rosa, who came to Arizona in the late 1990s, after he developed a potentially deadly case of pneumonia while working as a shoe repairman at a shopping mall in Michigan.

To regain a foothold in his vulnerable

Paul Kaup teaches a student to fly a remotecontrolled airplane at a Taking Flight event. (Courtesy of Paul Kaup)

City sends 70% recycling haul to a landfill

BY SCOTT SHUMAKER Tribune Staff Writer

Mesa’s current recycling program is down in the dumps –literally and figuratively.

And it’s going to stay there, at least partially, for years to come.

City staff told City Council that 70% or more of the recyclable material Mesa picks up from residents and businesses is thrown into the landfill along with nonrecyclable trash.

That comes out to about 22 tons of the roughly 32 tons of cardboard, cans, jugs and glass picked up in blue barrels each year.

The situation may improve next spring, when Republic Services is slated to reopen a Materials Recovery Facility at the Salt River landfill, which was destroyed by fire in 2019.

But when the Republic MRF opens, the city’s recycling will take one step backward along with the one forward because long-time vendor United Fibers in Chandler has informed the city it is getting out of the “commingled recycling” business.

United Fibers is the reason Mesa has been able to recycle the limited amount it has for the past three years, and the company has promised to continue serving Mesa until the Republic facility comes online.

The change will make Republic the city’s sole recycling processes vendor.

The Solid Waste Department estimated Republic would be able to accept 70% of Mesa’s recyclables under a five-year, $7 million contract with the company approved by Council on Dec. 8.

The remaining third of Mesa’s collected recyclables will continue to go to the landfill until the city finds another solution for its recycling woes.

Council member Julie Spilsbury expressed a degree of surprise at how much recycling ends in the dump.

“So am I understanding this correctly,” Spilsbury asked staff. “Currently, all of the recyclables that you collect, you’re only able – because of space – to do 30% … (and) you dump the other 70% into the regular landfill?”

Yes, staff said.

“And we would only be able to, even with our long-term solution, do 70% and

then dump the other 30%?” Spilsbury continued.

Yes.

Spilsbury also confirmed with Solid Waste Director Sheri Collins that some of the 30% of recyclables Mesa does drop off may still end up in the landfill because Mesa cannot sort out contaminated recycling before dropping it off.

Staff explained that Mesa is in this mess partly because it relies on thirdparty vendors for recycling. The city lacks its own infrastructure to sort or store recyclable material after picking it up.

Private recycling companies have struggled to meet Mesa’s recycling needs, and in recent years they have canceled contracts, raised rates and altered the materials they accept as the recycling business faced hard times with COVID and changes to international recycling – namely changes in China’s policy on importing recyclables.

“You can see our vulnerabilities,” City Manager Chris Brady said. “We haven’t improved significantly. We will end up with one vendor going back to the same location that burned down.”

Collins said other cities that own their own sorting facilities, such as Phoenix, can contract with brokers to sell their processed materials directly to manufacturers.

Mesa wants to go down this path, and has set its sights on a regional recycling facility in collaboration with the Town of Gilbert, possibly at city-owned property at Pecos and Sossaman.

A feasibility study completed this year indicated a MRF would be too expensive for Mesa to go it alone.

A spokesman for Mesa’s Solid Waste Department said the project was “still in the early evaluation stages.”

“Part of our evaluation includes the development of intergovernmental agreements and initial design concept reports which will help determine whether the regional MRF will be a viable, long-term recycling solution,” he said.

He said a timeline may be available next year.

Brady told council the city would be looking at the idea over the next “three, five years.”

lungs, the native of Guadalajara, Mexico, set out for the warmer, drier climes of the Sonoran Desert where he had family. He became the owner of Lamb’s shoe repair in downtown Mesa in 2005 from the skills he picked up in Mexico and in Los Angeles where he fixed shoes, purses, jackets and cowboy boots.

He wandered into Lamb’s after arriving from Michigan in the late 1990s looking for work and the owner at the time, Frances Shipman, and hired Mr. De La Rosa after he fixed more than three dozen pairs of unfinished cowboy boots in there, unfinished.

With Shipman in declining health, Mr. De La Rosa bought the business on a handshake and two weeks later inadvertently met Maude Lamb – the original owner of Lamb’s Shoe Repair.

Within a couple days, Lamb’s daughter came through the door to tell him about her mother’s passing.

“They asked me to go to the funeral. At first, they all just looked at me and then they introduced me as the guy who bought the business. They all welcomed me. They were very nice,” Mr. De La Rosa recalled.

The modest and quaint shop near the corner of MacDonald and Main Street has walls are covered with plywood paneling, reminiscent of the 1970s that Mr. De La Rosa saw no need or reason to modify it, because it gives the place a nostalgic feel.

The shelves along the walls are filled with shoes, leather goods and pictures of family and previous owners that he had kept neat and tidy.

Mr. De La Rosa always made individual customer service a keystone of his

business ensuring that every shoe fit perfectly and thrilled customers, which made him happy.

“I have to make sure they are happy. I listen. Try to understand what they are looking for. Lots of customers have problems that no one else seems to be able to fix, he said. No customer is the same. They are all different. You have to be nice. Never in a hurry,” he said.

Across cultural and generational lines, Mr. De La Rosa managed to build a loyal and steady customer base at Lamb’s.

But running his modest business had not been without its challenges, and like most businesses, the pandemic posed a grave challenge to Lamb’s.

“It was very, very stressful. Having only three or four customers every day was very difficult,” Mr. De La Rosa said. “

Mr. De La Rosa is survived by his wife and three daughters.

Police can be contacted at 480-6442211.

Jesus De La Rosa, who was found murdered in his downtown Mesa store Dec. 6, was profiled by The Mesa Tribune in July. (File photo)

Dobson High alum steps up career on stage

BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

It was around age 14 or so that Nathaniel Shaw realized the Los Angeles Lakers weren’t going to come knocking at his door to be their next point guard.

Luckily, he found a new passion on a different hardwood floor.

The Dobson High alumnus has returned to the Valley to choreograph a modern-day twist of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella at The Phoenix Theatre Company, running through Jan. 1.

“This production is not exactly the fairy tale you remember,” said Michael Barnard, the show’s director and producing artistic director for the theatre.

Shaw has previously choreographed other productions at Phoenix Theatre including The Wizard of Oz, and hopes this production with Barnard can delight the inner child of everyone in the audience, from the young to young at heart.

“I hope that people in the Valley can put their worries down for a couple of hours and come together with family of all ages,” Shaw said.

“Under their leadership, it’s been remarkable to watch their growth in strength and capability, production value and quality,” Shaw said. “So it’s been a really exciting thing to watch and coming home to the valley because it does still feels like home to me, is really wonderful.

Shaw said Phoenix Theatre has expanded its programming into the development of new plays and musicals, even to the point now where they are beginning to transfer works developed in Phoenix to major markets like New York City.

Shaw seems a bit more adept at this career considering dance runs his blood.

Born in Menlo Park, California, to his modern dancers Cliff Keuter and Elina Mooney, Shaw said his parents were some of his biggest role models throughout his life.

A world-renowned choreographer in his prime, Keuter graced the cover of Dance Magazine in August 1979, the month Shaw was born, a fact Shaw has always loved.

Shaw described his mother Elina as “one of, if not, the most beautiful and capable modern dancers I’ve ever seen.”

Shaw moved to Mesa in 1988, when his parents joined the faculty at Arizona State University and spent more than 20 years teaching dance there.

Shaw soon stepped into his own at Rhodes Junior High School art program and became more dedicated with the

years.

“So it was kind of in that transition from junior high to high school that I got much more serious about performing arts as a potential career,” Shaw said. “And began taking my dance training a little bit more seriously at that time.”

He said he soon “flourished” in performing arts at Dobson High, including singing choir and graduated from there in 1997.

“I feel like my mentorship in the Valley came from the wonderful programs in the Mesa Public Schools,” Shaw said.

He went on to earn a musical theater degree from the University of Northern Colorado, and almost immediately chased his big stage dreams to New York City in 2001.

Shaw spent 15 years on Broadway un-

der the direction of some of the most notable names in dance including Paul Taylor and Steven Hoggett.

Shaw said he and his father are the only parent-child combination to dance for the Paul Taylor Dance Company, one of the most celebrated modern dance companies in the history of the art of modern dance.

Since 2016, Shaw has lived in Richmond, Virginia, with his wife Lisa Rumbauskas and two sons Benny and Caleb.

There, he’s the co-founder and artistic director of The New Theatre, a burgeoning theatre in Richmond, Virginia, that’s “committed to advancing both artform and industry,” and whose name was partially inspired by his father’s dance company in San Francisco, The New Dance Company.

Both Shaw’s parents passed away: his mother in 2017 and father in 2020.

“They loved each other incredibly deeply and they made beautiful, beautiful art that deeply moved so many artists and students that got to participate in it,” Shaw said. “And deeply moved so many audience members that got to witness it.”

Shaw said his parents allowed a freedom and encouragement for him and his brother to pursue their life as “one’s authentic self.”

Shaw said his father had a recurrent quote: if you’re going to do something, do it right.

“And by right, he didn’t mean correct,” Shaw said. “He meant with the fullness of self and a complete a meaningful and thorough work ethic and to its greatest completion that you can accomplish.”

Shaw said his mother had an innate curiosity about life and art, and the way art reflects life.

Less likely to offer advice and counsel

Dobson High alumnus Nathaniel Shaw has returned to the Valley to choreograph “Cinderella” at the Phoenix Theatre Company through the end of the year. (Special to the Tribune)

to Shaw and his brother, he said this was quite the opposite of a neglectful quality and credits that with his mother’s commitment to helping her children shape their own path.

“She was very judicious about counseling in any way, because she felt so strongly about the individual, and about the individual having the ability to shape their own path,” Shaw said.

Now, Shaw sparingly teaches alongside his brother Matthew Keuter, a playwright, theatre director, and educator at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia.

While he and his family are happy in Richmond and has no immediate plans to return to the Valley, Shaw said he hopes to return to his “home away from home” more regularly and work with its “fantastic” local arts organizations.

“It would be wonderful to continue a working relationship with Phoenix Theatre,” Shaw said. “And develop a working relationship with other theatres in the Valley.”

If You Go...

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella

When: Through Jan. 1. Show times vary. When: The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix Tickets: 602-254-2151 or phoenixtheatre.com.

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES from

Papago Brewing to open Mesa location this spring

BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

Call it kismet for the reintroduction of Papago Brewing Company at a new East Valley location.

Huss Brewing Co. will expand its footprint to the East Valley for the first time with the resurgence of a classic name.

Owners Jeff and Leah Huss will open the Papago Brewing Company taproom late 1033 North Dobson Road in Mesa Riverview shopping center this spring.

“It’s always been my dream to reintroduce the Papago Brewing experience,” Leah Huss said. “Not a rehash or a replica of the old taproom, but a brand-new iteration.”

Formerly home to The Brass Tap, the standalone, 2,100-square-foot location has a

104-seat taproom and restaurant will pour an ever-changing selection of 60 craft draft beers, plus offer packaged beers to-go.

With much of the work already done for them, Leah said they don’t have an opening date yet.

“We’re literally just taking the old footprint of The Brass Tap and are going to go in and put kind of a new face on it,” Leah said. “But I’m definitely hoping that maybe it’ll be the first part of the year, so we can catch spring training.”

That comes as good news for both Illinois natives and baseball fans, as Jeff is a diehard Chicago Cubs fan and the team holds their Spring Training camp at nearby Sloan Park.

“I think he’d be pretty excited if it turned into a Chicago bar,” Leah said.

In her past craft beer making life, Leah was the managing partner for the original Papago Brewing Company in South Scottsdale for 14 years.

Though it would have the same Papago name people know and love, Leah said this location will have a new look and feel.

“This is us kind of revisiting the old model of Papago brewing, but in a whole new format,” Leah said.

Leah said they plan to open a “very English pub-inspired” craft beer bar that will give the couple a place to spend time with old friends.

“Everything else will kind of be a new

look and a more modern field, but with the same camaraderie for the industry,” Leah said.

“Obviously, it’s one thing to own a brewery, but it’s another to be able to actually share time with a bunch of people in the industry.”

With two locations in Phoenix and their brewery in Tempe that acts more like a “tasting room,” Leah said this new venture all started on kind of a whim for the Husses.

Generally, Jeff Huss doesn’t forward emails about the industry often but one from Jessie Rowe about a taproom for sale in the East Valley piqued his interest enough to forward it to Leah.

The rest is history.

Rowe was the former franchisee of The Brass Tap in Mesa and helped the Husses land this new venture in Mesa as smooth as possible.

“We’re just excited to kind of spread our wings back into the East Valley,” Leah said. “It’s something that we always wanted to do, and it just has not been the right opportunity, and this is perfect.”

This expansion comes on the heels of the brand’s accomplishment at the inaugural Arizona Craft Beer Awards & Festival in October, when Huss Brewing took the Bronze Medal in the Oktoberfest beer category.

“We always strive to develop community gathering spaces and if that’s the one thing that we can do down there, then that will make me super happy,” Leah said. “We just always want to provide a place for people to come together.”

Papago Brewing is bringing its brand to the old Brass Tap in Mesa Riverview next spring. (Special to the Tribune)

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The rich aren’t interesting – until they are

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist

We grew up poor. I was the first son of married teenagers who lived in a three-room apartment in New York. My brother and I shared the bedroom and bunk beds until I was 12 and he was 9.

Our parents slept in the living room on a fold-out couch from Levitz. Our mother ironed patches over the knees of the jeans we bought at Sears not because that was the style, but because we couldn’t afford anything better.

Finally, about the time I hit my teenage years, we made it to lower middle class. I even got a couple pairs of Levi’s and Pro Keds as proof.

Fast forward 40-odd years. I’m not poor

anymore. Yet I still find myself not trusting – or much liking – the rich. Maybe it’s envy.

Or maybe F. Scott Fitzgerald was correct in his story “The Rich Boy,” which begins, “‘’Let me tell you about the very rich. They are different from you and me.’’

To which I’ll add, “in ways that can be annoying as hell.”

This is precisely why I’ve enjoyed watching Elon Musk, the world’s richest human, struggle as his latest toy –Twitter – falls apart around him. It’s also why I studiously avoid news coverage of the British Royal Family, especially Californians-come-lately Prince Harry and his wife, former TV actress Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.

Musk reminds me of a few fabulously wealthy folks I have worked for in my day job as a communications consultant.

A brilliant engineer who used his brain to make billions as the mind behind SpaceX and Tesla, Musk has confused his scientific genius and astonishing knack for making money with the ability to run the world’s most unruly social media cesspool.

Perhaps you’re familiar with the Peter Principle, a management concept that theorizes that workers rise in a hierarchy until they reach their level of incompetence – and there they stay.

Musk seems right about there with Twitter, doddering about as the self-proclaimed “chief Twit,” while his toy hemorrhages users, followers and cash.

Meanwhile, Musk’s every move – and his 10 kids, silly memes, and personal bottom line, currently estimated by Forbes at $185 billion – churn out daily headlines that I work hard to ignore. At least with Musk,

there are indisputable accomplishments in the tech and business worlds.

The Royals? If they’ve done much since they lost that war to George Washington, John Adam and Thomas Jefferson, et al, 245 years ago, I must have missed it.

Prince Harry and Meghan seem especially loathsome, given that both whine constantly about problems that are so far beyond “first world,” they’re not even of this galaxy.

Yet somehow a good number of folks seem fascinated: Netflix is releasing a tellall documentary on the pair as I write this, and Meghan’s podcast won a People’s Choice Award this week. People magazine – nope, not a subscriber – breathlessly reported on the couple “having a glamorous

Sinema amnesty bill a not-so-merry ‘gift’ for America

BY JD HAYWORTH Tribune Columnist

Ex-FCC Chairman Newton H. Minow famously called television “a vast wasteland” in the early 1960’s. But during that decade, the networks consistently aired programs with a singular holiday theme during one special week in December and the practice continued through the rest of the 20th century.

Not just Christmas specials for the kids, featuring Charlie Brown, Rudolph, and Frosty…nor those aimed more at an older demographic, with Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and Perry Como.

Regularly scheduled prime time shows— regardless of genre—all featured one episode each year with a Christmas theme.

Not so with “The Invaders.”

Producer Quinn Martin’s science-fiction series about an alien race from outer space taking over Earth just didn’t lend itself to

silver bells, sleigh rides, or “chestnuts roasting on an open fire.”

But now, a long-form Christmas “reality series” may be in production.

The theme is not science fiction, but political science, and it’s airing on C-SPAN 2, the “home channel” of the United States Senate.

With apologies to the late Quinn Martin, call it “The New Invaders: A Christmas Gift.”

Starring in this production is our own Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Arizona). Though her costume designer may hope otherwise, Sinema will probably not challenge Senate decorum by wearing a daringly-styled suit befitting a provocative “Santa’s Helper.”

But make no mistake: Arizona’s senior senator is actively involved as a “political provocateur.”

She has teamed up with a “co-star,” Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), and together they hope to turn “The World’s Greatest Deliberative Body” into a rapid-delivery gift

fulfillment center.

Like a pair of over-caffeinated elves surrounded by empty Red Bull cans, they are hurriedly cobbling together controversial legislation that heretofore has been unable to clear the Senate.

In the spirit of Senators Past (and also “passed”), it’s another pass at amnesty for illegal aliens.

And this time, amid the holiday rush and a rash of Republican Senate retirements, it could very well succeed.

Regular readers may recall that in April there was a prediction in this space of such an occurrence prior to the conclusion of this Congress. But of the quartet of Senators mentioned then, only Tillis remains. He’s now been joined by Sinema, who’s feeling political heat back home.

Leftist activists found their ardor cooling for Kyrsten when she opposed ending the filibuster.

With widespread speculation that Sine-

ma could face a spirited challenge in the next Democratic primary, Kyrsten has opted to strut her thigh-high boots along a path once shuffled by the wing tips of Dennis DeConcini and the late John McCain.

In August, there was her “high stakes horse trading,” insisting on language in the wildly misnamed “Inflation Reduction Act” that shielded well-heeled investors from a “carried interest” tax increase.

The language was added, Sinema voted “aye,” and her advocacy carried another kind of interest from the investment community—one that bolstered her campaign war chest to the tune of $1.5 million.

It’s now time for Kyrsten to get back to her grassroots on the Left and lavish attention on a long-held priority.

Of course, amnesty also has boosters who claim to be conservative, like Tillis. Namely, it’s the “anything for money” crowd willing

LEIBOWITZ

from page 20

night out in New York City” this week in a story I passed on, along with everything else Sussex-related.

Disliking the rich may not be a popular stance. Newspapers are full of “news” about bajillion-dollar home purchases, massive sports salaries, and profligate spending.

Personally, I find the rich uninteresting until precisely the moment they aren’t so

rich anymore.

One story I did read this week was about one of the wealthiest fellows in Arizona, Ernie Garcia III. Garcia’s personal bottom line dropped 98 percent this year as his company, Carvana, teeters near bankruptcy. Ernie the Third dropped from being worth about $7 billion to less than $120 million.

That I find fascinating. And sad.

Though now-multi-millionaire Ernie will probably make out just fine. Rich folks, I learned a long time ago, always do.

HAYWORTH

from page 20

to sacrifice our collective national security – and what’s left of any middle-class financial security – all the while shouting “It’s the free market at work!”

Nope. It’s a “market distortion” that floods the workplace with cheap labor and depresses wages for the law-abiding. But Sinema’s sole focus is political, since the bill will bolster Joe Biden’s efforts to erase the southern border, and will result in

millions of “cheap votes” for the Left, helping Democrats achieve their dream of oneparty political dominance.

Sinema and Tillis claim that their Amnesty is only for “Dreamers,” but it will be a nightmare to enforce.

Krysten’s Christmas gift to you? America as a “vast wasteland.”

Editor’s note: This column was written before Sen. Sinema announced last week that she has chanegd her registration to independent.

Perry alum Brock Purdy taking over at QB for 49ers

BY ZACH ALVIRA Sports Editor

It’s no secret Brock Purdy has thrived as an underdog throughout his football career.

He was overlooked at Perry High School until he was given a shot and led the Pumas to the championship game as a senior. He was overlooked by most universities until the conclusion of his high school career.

Even when he did sign with Iowa State, he was far down the depth chart. But he’s stayed patient and has made the most of every opportunity that has come his way, including being the last pick in last year’s NFL Draft., though San Francisco media called him "Mr. Irrelevant."

Today, Dec. 11, Purdy makes his first NFL start for the San Francisco 49ers. "Mr. Irrelevant" is irrelevant no more.

“It’s inspiring because it applies to life, period,” said Shawn Purdy, Brock’s father. “We knew the draft process was going to be like the recruiting process. We’re just grateful Brock is the kind of person that won’t give up and he’ll continue to do his best with his

God given talent.

“It’s very inspiring to see him stay the course. He’s always believed in himself.”

Brock saw action this season as a rookie in the 49ers’ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in October. It brought back memories of the moment Shawn and his wife, Carrie, saw Brock’s name as the starter for Iowa State for the first time.

It’s hard for him to find words to describe the emotions they will be feeling when he is announced as the starter on the Jumbotron before kickoff Sunday. More than likely, those same emotions from before will be turned up a notch.

“We were blubbering idiots in college,” Shawn said. “We started crying at the Iowa State game when they announced who the starter was. So, I imagine we’ll all be a mess.”

Brock came in last week after starter Jimmy Garoppolo left the game with a foot injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said postgame he would likely miss the rest of the season. But reports Wednesday said he has a slim shot of coming back late in the postseason.

But the 49ers, who currently lead the division, still have to get there. And they’ll rely on Brock to do it.

Brock finished 25-of-37 for 210 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in the win over the Dolphins last week. He had some butterflies initially, but once he rolled out and felt contact for the first time, he settled down.

“I feel like there was the whole butterfly feeling like, ‘Alright man, we’re going in. Let’s do this,’” Brock said. “It wasn’t like I was shaking and like, ‘Oh shoot, what do I do? What’s my read?’ None of that. Every single week I act like I’m the starter, prepare like I’m the starter. My name was called, coach (Brian) Griese said, ‘Let’s roll,’ and I went out there thinking what I have to do on the first play.

“Once I got hit, I think it was on a roll out, it felt good to be like, ‘Alright, I got some contact in, now let’s roll and settle down a little bit.’”

In three years at the varsity level for Perry

Brock threw for 8,932 yards and 107 touchdowns.

Despite his numerous accolades as a high school player, including being named Gatorade Player of the Year in 2017, Brock wasn’t recruited until after his senior season. Then, the floodgates opened.

Alabama, Texas A&M and Iowa State, among others, pursued him. Once he signed with the Cyclones, he thought he would once again have to wait his turn, but injuries gave him a chance early on to take over as the starter.

He never gave up the starting job as he broke numerous records at Iowa State and led the Cyclones to a win over Oregon in the Fiesta Bowl in 2021.

Just like in college, former Perry coach Preston Jones thought Brock would have a year to adjust to the speed of the NFL game. If he hasn’t adjusted already, he will have to do so on the fly Sunday.

“It’s amazing. It’s just cool to see it happen to a guy that is such a great person,” Jones said. “I never experienced having someone that talented and that good. Just me being protective, I hoped he didn’t have to play. Just get a year to adjust.

“Here he is again. I’m confident he’ll do the same thing he did in high school and college.”

Brock’s first start won’t just be against any other quarterback or team in the league. It comes against Tom Brady, one of, if not the greatest NFL quarterback of all time.

Shawn said he and Carrie had planned to either attend Brock’s game against the Dolphins last week or Sunday against the Buccaneers. Shawn grew up a Dan Marino fan. Brock wears No. 13 because of him.

They chose the Bucs to see Brady in action. It just so happens they will be watching their son play against him.

“It’s funny how in the past we would say jokingly, ‘Man, can you imagine if you end up playing against Tom Brady?’” Shawn said. “And now it’s really happening.”

Shawn believes Brock will be ready for the opportunity against the Bucs and Brady. He’s proven throughout his football career that no moment seems too big for him.

He’s always bet on himself to be the best on the field. He’s looked forward to this opportunity, so he plans to make the most of it.

“I played four years as a starter in college so in terms of 11-on-11 and speed and that kinda stuff, seeing the game, I’ve had that kind of experience,” Brock said. “To get in and play and now starting next week and what not, it’s something I’ve always looked forward to and I’ve honestly told myself it’s going to happen. Here we are.”

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, an East Valley native who played at Perry in Gilbert, is making his first NFL start as a rookie Sunday against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Courtesy Terrell Lloyd/49ers.com)

Purdy played three seasons at the varsity level at Perry. He led the Pumas to the semifinals as a junior and the championship his senior season. He has always bet on himself to be ready for any opportunity that comes his way in football. Sunday will be no different. (File Photo)

Mesa thespians in powerful ‘Les Misérables’ production

BY KATY SPRINGER GetOut Contributor

It’s been seen by more than 70 million people, performed in more than 40 countries and in 22 languages, and its music is some of the most celebrated in theatrical history.

And soon, Places! Productions will bring the epic musical to Mesa with its staging of “Les Misérables School Edition.”

Producing a show of such magnitude and fame is no small undertaking – but Places! has assembled exactly the right cast to pull it off.

The group of 50 youth, including 20 Mesa actors, will perform Dec. 17-20 at East Valley High School, located at 7420 E. Main St. in Mesa, with a second run planned Jan. 20-22, 2023, at the Mesa Arts Center.

“Les Mis” focuses on the tumultuous world of Jean Valjean, a former convict who spends a lifetime seeking redemption with the backdrop of 19th-century France and the aftermath of the French Revolution.

It presents timeless story of intertwined destinies reveals the power of compassion and the quiet evil of indifference to human suffering.

All of the passion and drama of the original Broadway production is replicated in the student version – especially with a cast like this one.

Despite its deep storyline and weighty themes, the performers, most of whom are in high school, pull it off with a maturity and talent that bely their youth.

“I think audiences will be amazed by the emotion and voices of these young performers,” said Allison Houston of Queen Creek, director and music director of “Les Mis” and founding artistic director of Places!

“I hope they will be moved by the message of this powerful piece.”

Dante Johnson, 17, plays Javert, the key villain in “Les Mis.” The Mesa teen understands the complexity of his character.

“Javert is a just man who believes that nothing or no one is above the law except God himself,” he said.

Abby Springer, 16, also Mesa, plays Eponine, a role she shares with Ava Saba of Gilbert. She says this opportunity is a dream come true.

“I have watched ‘Les Mis’ over and over again and love the music and colorful characters,” said Abby. “Eponine has been a dream role since I was a little girl. I was so excited when I found out I got the part.”

The show is a dream for Lindsay French, 14, of Mesa, too.

“I wanted to participate in ‘Les Mis’ because I knew that with this theater and this cast the show would be incredibly good,” she said.

Lindsay plays multiple roles as part of the ensemble, which is particularly demanding in “Les Mis,” as nearly every word in the two-hour show is sung, every scene is carefully staged and every performer plays an important role in bringing the story together.

“I play the role of Baptistine, I’m a wedding dancer and I’m one of the poor,” she said.

Added Dante, “I think the audience will like the ensemble in this show because everyone is so put together and very good at what they do.”

“I think my favorite part of putting this show together is hearing all the singing come together,” said Dante. “The music is so beautiful and everyone sounds so good.”

“It has been such an amazing experience to bring this story to life through our songs,” added Abby. “The whole show is singing, so you really have to focus on conveying a wide range of emotions in your performance.”

For the last three months, the cast has been hard at work memorizing their lines, learning their harmonies and developing their characters.

“Javert is a very serious character, which is the complete opposite of me,” said Dante. “It’s really hard keeping a straight face when I want to laugh at something.”

For Mills, the cast’s hard work is paying off in spades.

“Even our most experienced actors are so willing to learn and interested in any direction we provide,” he said. “There is an uncommon amount of heart and dedication in this group.

They all want to create the best possible product and will do whatever it takes.”

Houston says the directing team and cast have taken great pains with every aspect of this production, from the set design and costuming to the choreography and character development.

“We have spent a lot of time going back to the source material, the masterpiece that is Victor Hugo›s novel,” she said.

“We’ve discussed the characters in depth, including their stories not in the musical, and have a wonderful dramaturg, Kasey Ray. Many of the details you see in the costumes, props, set and staging are from the book.”

Added Lily Saba, the show’s choreographer, “We really wanted it to look natural so the dances blend in rather than everyone just breaking out in a dance.”

Amid the hard work of learning their parts, cast members are building friendships and having fun, too.

“What I’m enjoying most about this show is how much we are all bonding,” said Lindsay.

“I have met so many talented and friendly people in this show,” added Abby. “They are now my best friends. I am very grateful for the experience.”

As opening day draws near, the cast and directing team are eager to open the show and wow audiences.

“I am extremely proud of these kids,” said Saba. “This show is not easy and deals with some really hard topics, and they are handling

it with such grace. I end up in tears every time I hear them sing.”

“I think the audience will really love the way we’ve put this show up, especially our performance of ‘One Day More,’” added Lindsay.

“This cast is incredibly talented, hardworking, and most importantly, kind and supportive,” said Houston. “They have been amazing at balancing this heavy material with having fun in the rehearsal process.

“They are a huge age range, and it has been amazing seeing the young learn from the old and the old learn from the young.”

“Les Misérables School Edition” is specially adapted and licensed through Music Theatre International and Cameron Mackintosh (Overseas) LTD. It is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at placesproductionsaz.com. The run includes both matinee and evening performances at East Valley High School and at the Mesa Arts Center.Discounts are available for teachers, seniors, veterans, first responders and students. Group discounts are also available.

If You Go...

Les Misérables School Edition

Presented by Places! Productions

When and Where: Dec. 17-20:

East Valley High School, 7420 E. Main Street

Jan. 20-22: Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street

Tickets: placesproductionsaz.com

Mesa thespians Places! Productions performance of “Les Misérables” are, from left: Liam Lopez, Noelle Parent, Dante Johnson, Abby Springer, Ayden Iwan, Joseph Sullivan, Davin Williams, Alexis Martin, Hudson Sullivan, Schotia Nixon, Gabi Etheridge, Hayley Christesson, Phoenix Gladney, Addison Beattie, Lindsay French, Allie Weid, Izzy Redwitz, Neelan Kumar and Danielle Lee. (David Minton/Tribune Staff Photographer)

Quality pre-k program

With JAN D’ATRI

GetOut Contributor

Apple pie ravioli will tempt any taste bud

Start up a conversation about holiday pies and you’ll find that people are passionate and opinionated about their seasonal favorites.

When it comes to pumpkin pie in particular, well, there’s just a lot of opining about the filling, the crust, the topping and the temperature pumpkin pie should be served.

To be perfectly honest, I’ve tried to love pumpkin pie all of my life. I’ve tried it extra-sweet, creamy, cold, whipped cream-topped soft crust, crispy crust and every variation in between. What’s wrong with me?

To this day I find pumpkin pie rather…boring and obligatory. So while I’m waiting for the pumpkin pie recipes from you that will surely change my mind (please!) I’m offering up a pie of a different sort. Delicious, beautifully-presented miniature fruit pie that reflects my Italian heritage; the apple pie ravioli. After all, this is the time of year we do things a little more special, a little more glittery, a little more memorable.

Ingredients:

• 4 refrigerated pie dough (2 packages)

• 6-8 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and cut into pieces - can use up to 8 apples)

• 1/2 cup brown sugar (more if needed for sweetness)

• 1/3 cup flour

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 1/2 large lemon, juiced

• 1 egg yolk

• 2 tbsp milk

• decorative sugar for sprinkling on top

Directions:

In a medium pot on low heat, cook apples, brown sugar, flour, butter, cinnamon, and lemon

These apple pie ravioli look like you’ve spent time at a culinary institute, but they’re actually quite simple, beginning with store-bought refrigerated pie dough. The filling is the same as in a delicious homemade apple pie, and with some dough cutouts and a little sprinkle of decorative sugar, you have gorgeous, individual holiday mini pies that wow. This year, make your holiday dessert table a little extra yummy and extra beautiful with apple pie ravioli!

juice until apples are softened (about 15 minutes - make sure you don’t over-cook apples so they turn to sauce).

After apples are cooked, roll out dough, one package at a time, and cut into approximately 2” squares.

Place about a tablespoon of apple mixture in the center of one square of dough and cover with another square. Pinch around the edges to seal.

If you have a ravioli cutter or pastry wheel, run along the edges to finish.

Brush lightly with egg mixture (egg yolk and milk mixed together) and sprinkle decorative sugar over top. Use leftover dough to make flowers, roses, or leaves.

Bake at 350ºF for about 20 minutes, or until apple pie ravioli are golden-brown.

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In accordance with Sec. 106 of the Programmatic Agreement, AT&T plans to upgrade an existing telecommunications facility at 1120 S. CADY MALL, TEMPE, AZ 85281. Please direct comments to Gavin L. at 818-898-4866 regarding site CRAN_RANM_ PX1 20_040.

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In accordance with Sec. 106 of the Programmatic Agreement, AT&T plans a MODIFICATION OF EXISTING ANTENNA ON ROOFTOP OF 1964 BUILDING at 600 E. TYLER MALL, TEMPE, AZ 85281. Please direct comments to Gavin L. at 818-898-4866 regarding site CRAN_RANM_PX1 20_014.

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Public Notice

In accordance with Sec. 106 of the Programmatic Agreement, AT&T plans a MODIFICATION OF EXISTING ANTENNA ON ROOFTOP OF 1964 BUILDING at 600 E. TYLER MALL, TEMPE, AZ 85281. Please direct comments to Gavin L. at 818-898-4866 regarding site CRAN_RANM_PX1 20_014.

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Neuropathy Is Often Misdiagnosed

Muscle cramping, difficulty walking, burning, tingling, numbness, and pain in the legs or feet are symptoms of neuropathy people live with every day,” explains Dr. Kerry Zang, podiatric medical director of CIC Foot & Ankle. “The thing is PAD has very similar symptoms. So similar that in many cases, people are told it’s neuropathy when it may not be.”

Medicine is often prescribed. “Pills aren’t a cure, they just suppress the symptoms,” says Zang. “If neuropathy

isn’t causing the symptoms, the real problem could get worse.”

It’s important to determine if PAD (peripheral artery disease) is causing the pain or making it worse. PAD is plaque in the arteries which causes poor circulation. “Blood brings oxygen and nutrients to your feet which they need to stay healthy,” explains Zang, “When your feet aren’t getting an adequate supply, they start sending signals.” Those signals include pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or cramping. The good news is PAD is treatable in

an office setting. Dr. Joel Rainwater, MD endovascular specialist explains, “We go into the bloodstream to find the blockage using imaging guidance. Then with small tools that can go into the smallest arteries, remove the blockage, and restore blood flow.”

Getting the proper diagnosis is the first step to getting better. “It’s all about finding out what’s causing the problem,” says Zang. “When your feet burn, tingle, or feel numb, it’s your body telling you it needs help, and you should listen.”

If your neuropathy medication is not working, your symptoms may be an indication of another condition.

Stiff Joints Interfere with Everyday Living

One in 40 people over the age of 50 may find themselves limiting their activity because of a condition called hallux rigidus. It’s a degenerative disease of the big toe joint. As it progresses, the pain in the joint increases and motion decreases.

The goal is to protect your feet from the repetitive stress of everyday activities.

Don’t wait for your feet to yell at you. If your feet hurt, they are talking to you. Our doctors can help tell you what they are saying.

Does foot pain prevent you from doing your favorite activity?

Do you have burning or tingling in your legs or feet?

Do you have leg or foot cramps with activity or at rest?

If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, call our office today to see how our doctors can help.

“People don’t realize the impact their big toe has on their life. It plays a role in balance, shock absorption, and forward movement as you walk,” explains Dr. Daniel Schulman, of CiC Foot & Ankle. “When the joint is stiff, it’s not able to bend and rotate properly, and it changes how we walk without us even realizing it.” These changes can lead to back or knee pain as well as discomfort in other parts of the foot.

“It always concerns me to hear that someone is playing less golf or staying home because they’re in pain,” says Schulman. “There are ways to help.”

“We have several treatment options to not only relieve foot pain but help improve how your feet work. If we can help your feet function better, in many cases the need for surgery can be avoided or at the very least postponed,” says Schulman. “Patients are always happy to learn about ways to alleviate their symptoms.”

For golfers, a stiff big toe can make their game suffer.

Dr Kerry Zang

• Dr Shah Askari • Dr Dan Schulman

Dr Kim Leach

Dr Barry Kaplan • Dr Jeff Weiss • Dr. Patrick Gillihan