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Massive EV project / P. 4
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Mesa’s college try a work in progress BY GARY NELSON Tribune Contributor
THEMESATRIBUNE.COM
COMMUNITY ......... 15 Rescuing animals in need of help.
BUSINESS ............... 19 Lumber shortage driving up home prices.
SPORTS .................. 23 Comforting mourning Desert Ridge player. COMMUNITY ............................... 15 BUSINESS ..................................... 19 OPINION ....................................... 22 SPORTS ........................................ 23 GET OUT ........................................ 25 PUZZLES ...................................... 26 CLASSIFIED ................................. 26 Zone 2
Sunday, February 7, 2021
I
n the winter of 2011, as Mesa was just crawling out from under the wreckage of the Great Recession, the city decided it wanted to be something it had never been before: A college town. That’s not to say Mesa had no place for kids
to go after high school. It already had a robust community college, the burgeoning Polytechnic campus of Arizona State University and A.T. Still University, which specializes in health-care �ields. But what it lacked was the kind of small liberal-arts college you’ll �ind within a stone’s throw of almost anyone living in the Midwest or East. Often dating to the 19th century or even earlier, those kinds of schools never took
root in Arizona as the state leapt from the Wild West to the Space Age in the blink of history’s eye. Scott Smith noticed the gap, oddly enough, when he was blowing whistles as a highschool basketball ref. Smith, Mesa’s mayor 2008-14, said it irked him that high-school refs in Arizona had few
��� HIGHER ED ���� 6
Cactus League starting on time – with far fewer fans BY JIM WALSH Tribune Contributor
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he Cactus League will come back to Mesa and the rest of Arizona within weeks – but fans will �ind it hardly recognizable. Don’t expect the usual capacity crowd of more than 15,000 loyal Chicago Cubs fans at Mesa’s Sloan Park or kids clamoring for autographs as players take a leisurely stroll across the parking lot between the practice �ields and Tempe Diablo Stadium. These, and many other familiar scenes from Cactus League seasons past, will not be possible this year as of�icials try to strike a delicate balance between the return of spring training and preventing another disastrous spike in COVID-19. With safety paramount on everyone’s minds, fans can expect to see seating limited at Cactus League Stadiums to about 25 percent of capacity, “pods" of small groups of
��� CACTUS ���� 8
A lone groundskeeper rounding second base was the only person at work one day last week at Sloan Park in Mesa but he likely will be getting some help as the Feb. 27 start of spring baseball gets closer. (Jim Walsh/Tribune Contributor)
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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 7, 2021
The Mesa Tribune is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout the East Valley.
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NEWS
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City to provide $14M in rent, utility assistance BY TOM SCANLON Tribune Managing Editor
W
ith hundreds behind on rent and utilities, Mesa is moving quickly to pump out new funding assis-
tance. In 2020, the Mesa CARES program funneled federal money to provide 1,781 families with nearly $7 million in rent assistance. The average payment per household was $3,875. But the program ran out of funding in early December, leaving 2,000 on a waiting list just when COVID-19 started a holiday surge. Similar to the vaccine shots that boost a body’s defense, the city just received $15.7 million in booster funding - and this week started getting residents caught up on essential bills. “Checks have begun to be distributed,” Deputy City Manager Natalie Lewis said. By Thursday, three days into the program, 38 payments were made, with an average payment to landlords or utility providers of $6,000, Lewis said. In 2020, Mesa received $132 million in federal funds to combat the economic fallout from the pandemic. Various programs provided meals, grants to struggling businesses and rent and utility relief. “We have new funding,” Ruth Giese, Mesa’s Community Services director, told Mesa City Council at a Feb. 4, study session. She said that, of the $15.7 million received from the U.S. Treasury’s Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, $14.1 million (90 percent) will go “to Mesa residents who are �inancially impacted by COVID ...” “This is speci�ically to provide assistance to Mesa residents to prevent evictions and homelessness,” Giese said. The new program is called the 2021 Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program. Of the $15.7 million in new funding, about $1.6 million will be used for “program administration,” including the potential hiring of temporary workers to speed up the process, Giese said. To receive funding, Giese noted, applicants must live within the city limits and “need to demonstrate they have been impacted by COVID such as loss of a job, income reduction … and they do need to be income eligible.” A family of two, for instance, must have monthly income less than $4,150 to be eligible. The income maximum for a single person is $3,634. Monthly income guidelines increase by about $500 per family member up to $6,850 for a family of eight.
At a Mesa City Council study session, Mary Brandon, Community Services deputy director explained the process residents can use to apply for rent and/or utility assistance. (Image cour-
tesy city of Mesa)
According to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, she noted, applications for rental/utility assistance must be given priority for households �inancially impacted by COVID-19 whose household has an adult member unemployed for the last 90 days or longer due to COVID-19 or a total household income at or below 50% of the area median income. “If an application is found to be ineligible, they will be given other resources,” Giese said. Mary Brandon, Community Services deputy director, said residents can apply at mesaaz.gov/mesacares. She said the city is working with the Mesa Community Action Network (MesaCAN) for those who need help applying. The agency will provide assistance with computers and those who need Spanish translation, she said. MesaCAN is at 635 E. Broadway Road. Hours for assistance are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The agency, Brandon stressed, will walk anyone who needs assistance through the application process. “We don’t want anyone left behind,” she said. Lewis noted internet-provider bills are not eligible for the new CARES funds “at this time.” Giese said the city received 350 applications in the �irst few days of the program. She added an email was sent to a waiting list of people shut out when the 2020 CARES program ended in December. “We are seeing an increase in household assistance,” Giese said. “We were seeing about $4,000 per household on our last program. This time, we’re seeing about $6,000.” “Every application will be reviewed. Every application that is eligible will be funded,” Brandon promised. “Our goal is we will have payment out within 14 business days,” she added.
Those who received CARES assistance in 2020 may receive additional rent or utility assistance if they are eligible, she added. Giese said the program can pay for up to 12 months of unpaid rent or utility bills, with “no maximum” amount. After the meeting, several council members said they were eager about the 2021 program. “I think it’s a good thing,” Councilman Kevin Thompson said. “There’s still a lot of our citizens that need help and haven’t come out of the COVID crisis yet. “There’s a lot of families that are still struggling.” Councilman Mark Freeman said many are pondering the future. “What most people are trying to realize is, ‘What’s going to be the new normal?’ We’ve all had to take two or three steps back,” Freeman said. “A lot of my constituents are concerned about utility and rent payments,” Freeman added. While Thompson and Freeman are veterans of the council, Councilwoman Julie Spilsbury was elected in August, then had to wait until January to begin representing District 2. She wasn’t on the council for the 2020 CARES fund but is glad to see more assistance funding coming into Mesa. “I’m excited we’ve received more money and are able to help more people,” Spilsbury said. “Many people in Mesa are still facing serious �inancial challenges nearly a year after the pandemic began,” Mayor John Giles said. “The rent and utility assistance provided through this program will offer much needed relief to renters and homeowners most at risk.” For questions on the 2021 Emergency Rental/Utility Assistance Program funding, call 480-644-5440 or email ERAPinfo@MesaAz.gov
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NEWS
THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 7, 2021
Gila River Community plans mammoth playground
deeply-rooted community connections made them the ideal partner for this expansion project.” he Gila River Indian Community and White also said the project will create a Scottsdale development company new jobs for tribal members “and will are poised to begin work on a 3,300evolve our culture and legacy.” acre sports and entertainment complex at Graham said he also is excited about Wild Horse Pass. working with the tribe. Sunbelt Holdings President John Graham “I think that’s one of the things that extold the Tribune that the development, locites me about the opportunity the most cated just south of the Loop 202-I-10 inter– is to work with them to celebrate their section, will �ill a “missing corner” of the culture and heritage and at the same time East Valley with additional hotels, a wellto create economic development opporness center, an event center, an outdoor tunities to bene�it the tribal members,” amphitheater music entertainment venue, Graham said, adding that it also will have sports facilities, outdoor recreation and ripple effects on that portion of the East parks, restaurants, retail and an of�ice park. Valley as well as Ahwatukee. Sunbelt has partnered with the Wild “I view it as an additional piece of ecoHorse Pass Development Authority, the Sunbelt Holdings and the Gila River Indian Community have roughly sketched out the lay- nomic development potential for the tribe’s economic development arm. The out of the sports-entertainment complex they are starting to assemble. (Courtesy Sunbelt whole area,” he added. project team also includes the planning- Holdings) Graham said the project also is bene�itdesign �irms of CallisonRTKL and Kimley and Loop 202, and will offer permanent of master-planned residential and com- ting not only from the completion of the Horn as well as real estate consultant El- bathrooms, paved parking with multiple mercial properties in Arizona, Sunbelt South Mountain Freeway – which opened liott D. Pollack & Company. entrances and exits, a double-sided vid- Holdings will lead the project and provide opportunities farther west on the GRIC’s “This expansion furthers our vision to eo screen, more practice �ields and “im- asset and construction management as sprawling 372,000 community – but also provide additional economic develop- proved family and VIP experiences,” ac- well as marketing services. from the planned widening of I-10 bement opportunities for Wild Horse Pass, cording to the team. “We can’t sell the land; It’s all got to be tween Phoenix and Casa Grande. GRIC, and the Greater Metropolitan PhoeMark Gardo, a spokesman for the Wild ground leased, but that’s something that “We’ll have multiple interchanges on it,” nix area,” said Donald Antone, the Wild Horse Pass Development Authority, said the we’re very attuned to,” Graham said. “On he said. “We’ll have direct access into AhHorse Authority board chairman. stadium will cost “in excess of at least sev- behalf of ASU, we’ve managed and market- watukee on 40th Street and 48th Street, as Even before the overall project was eral million dollars,” and that funding will ed their research park in Tempe since 1992 well as Chandler…It’s a phenomenal piece unveiled, the site was announced as the come from Wild Horse Pass and the club. and that’s all ground-leased – we can’t sell of property.” home for a new stadium being built by The Wild Horse Pass Authority is al- it. So we certainly know how to do it.” Sunbelt Holdings has developed Phoenix Rising, the state’s largest profes- ready home to Gila River Hotels & CasiThe Gila Development Authority White more than 50,000 acres of land, includsional soccer team. nos - Wild Horse Pass, the Sheraton Grand concurs. General Manager David White ing residential communities like the The stadium, which is expected to open at Wild Horse Pass, Whirlwind Golf Club, said, “Sunbelt Holdings’ proven expertise 3,800-home McDowell Mountain Ranch for the May start of the 2021 season, will Aji Spa, Rawhide Western Town & Event and reputation in master plan develop- in Scottsdale, the 9,800-household have a 35 percent greater capacity than Center, Phoenix Premium Outlets, KOLI ment, their blue-ribbon portfolio and Power Ranch in Gilbert and the 5,600the team’s previous 6,200-seat venue at Equestrian Center, Wild Horse Pass Mohome Vistancia. its previous home at McClintock Drive torsports Park and the Bondurant High Its commercial Performance Driving developments School. include the MaGraham said he envirina Heights and sions a lengthy buildout Hayden Ferry for the project, though Lakeside projects some new tenants are exin Tempe and the pected to be announced PV303 industrial within the near future. project in Good“The stuff we do is long year that will interm in nature,” he said. clude more than “Our �irst plan is kind of a 20 million square 10-year plan but I would feet of industrial, believe between this land of�ice and retail and other tribal land space on a 1,600This aerial view, with the Bondurant School of High Perfor- around it that it’s a 30- One of the first pieces of this giant development puzzle is the new acre site near the mance Driving roughly in the center, shows part of the area Phoenix Rising soccer facility which will open this year. (Special to year build-out.” Loop 303 and the Tribune) that will be developed. (Special to the Tribune) A 40-year-old developer I-10. BY PAUL MARYNIAK Tribune Executive Editor
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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 7, 2021
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NEWS
THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 7, 2021
HIGHER ED ���� ���� 1
options above that level to develop their skills. That led him to ponder the lack of diversity in the state’s higher education portfolio, and whether Mesa could do something about it. His musings meshed with Mesa’s decades-long effort to revive a downtown that had fallen on hard times after shoppers deserted Main Street for suburban malls. “As we were developing a downtown strategy we said, ‘what are the two things that we think will bring people into a city center to live?’” Smith said. “And the things that came to us were a healthcare facility and a college. Those places bring people to live and to stay.” Since it didn’t seem likely that a college in downtown Mesa would spring up on its own, the city hit on a strategy of trying to convince existing colleges and universities to set up branch campuses here. “I �igured one way we could do that was to take somebody whose growth was limited where they were, geographically and population-wise, and present them with what I believed was a wide-open, empty palette,” Smith recalled. The hope was to create options for students who didn’t want to attend one of Arizona’s three big state universities but who also didn’t want to have to leave the state for a liberal-arts education.
The Mesa Center for Higher Education is a home for early-stage companies as well as students attending Benedictine University at Mesa. (Pablo Robes/Tribune Staff Photographer) “I had no idea whether it would succeed. This was a leap of faith,” Smith said. The spade work fell to Mesa’s economic development department, and mostly on the shoulders of Jaye O’Donnell, who had recently joined the city. “We looked at it as an economic development recruitment project,” said O’Donnell, now Mesa’s assistant economic development director. “How would we attract an industry, and what would be the business case that we could make?”
Mesa ups its investment in Benedictine University TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
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esa is upping the ante on its investment with Benedictine University by spending another $2 million-plus on the university’s downtown campus. The City Council on Jan. 25 approved an amendment to Mesa’s agreement with Benedictine for use of the city-owned building at 225 E. Main St. The amendment will allow Mesa to spend $1.7 million on the construction phase of a project to accommodate Benedictine’s partnership with CO+HOOTS, a privately run enterprise that offers services to budding entrepreneurs, start-ups and small businesses. The project’s total price tag, including design, is $2.15 million.
Renovations will include work on vacant areas of the second and third �loors of the former South Side Hospital, which Benedictine occupied when it set up shop in Mesa in 2013. The space will accommodate not only CO+HOOTS itself, but academic programs in the �ield of entrepreneurship. Mesa expects the effort to create at least 300 jobs over the next 10 years. “The presence of CO+HOOTS will complement the city’s goals of increasing higher education opportunities and the growth and development of the downtown innovation district,” according to a staff report to the City Council. CO+HOOTS was founded in Phoenix in 2010 by Jenny Poon and Odeen Domingo in response to the Great Recession, and since then has provided services to nearly 300 small businesses.
Before making Mesa’s sales pitch, O’Donnell and other staffers plunged into research, surveying Arizona’s educational landscape and quizzing students and par-
ents about what they wanted to see here. They also queried students who had left Arizona to �ind out why. O’Donnell said she initially was skeptical about the need. But “the research proved that we did have gaps and we certainly could attract additional universities and colleges,” she said. “We wanted colleges that were considered to be legacy institutions that had a history of tradition and that small, private-college feel.” With that information in hand, Mesa sent letters to more than 1,000 colleges and universities, inviting them to submit proposals for branches in Mesa. Meanwhile, in Lisle, Ill., Benedictine University was looking to expand beyond Illinois for the �irst time since its founding in 1887. “We really were looking to go west,” said Charles Gregory, Benedictine’s current president. “We just didn’t know where. We were looking ahead at the demograph-
��� HIGHER ED ���� 7
Arizona still lags in education TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
D
espite Mesa’s effort to diversify Arizona’s menu of higher-education options, the state still lags badly when it comes to educational attainment – including the percentage of high school grads who go on to obtain a two- or fouryear college diploma or a post-secondary certi�icate in a trade. “Arizona is not moving the needle fast enough on high school graduates going to college,” according to a recent report by the Arizona Board of Regents. That matters, the report said, because “educational attainment is a primary factor that impacts the quality of Arizona’s labor market and our ability to compete regionally and nationally for high-paying employers and jobs.” Among the �indings: About 52 percent of Arizona’s 2018 high school graduates went on to a two- or four-year college within a year of graduating. Nationwide, that �igure is 69 percent. Of those enrolling in a four-year school, 68.4 percent of Arizona high school graduates do so at one of the state’s public universities.
Of those 2018 grads, about 29 percent enrolled in a four-year college or university. Nationwide, about 37 percent of high school graduates complete a four-year degree within six years. In Arizona, that number for 2013 high school graduates was 22.4 percent, which nevertheless shows a steady increase from the 17.5 percent college-graduation rate shown by the high school class of 2005. Nearly 50 percent of students in the top 10 percent of Arizona high schools (ranked by college attainment levels) completed college. Less than 10 percent of students from the bottom 60 percent of high schools did so. “The 28.6 percent of Arizona high school graduates choosing to attend a four-year program is insuf�icient to replace the number of college degree-holders forecast to retire in the coming years,” the report said. “Unless Arizona rapidly improves its educational attainment, our state will be forced to continue relying upon in-migration from other states to �ill positions that require a four-year degree.” The 2020 Postsecondary Attainment Report is available online at the Arizona Board of Regents website.
NEWS
THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 7, 2021
HIGHER ED ���� ���� 6
ics. The demographics in the Midwest … was going to be stable, but it wasn’t going to grow. The big growth was going to take place in the South and the Southwest.” Benedictine jumped at the chance when Mesa’s solicitation arrived, as did several other schools. “In the end we had 12 to 14 colleges actually visit the city of Mesa on a site tour,” O’Donnell said. “Then we wound up with �ive colleges and universities coming to Mesa to set up shop.” Benedictine was the �irst, announcing a deal with Mesa in 2012 and opening its campus a year later. Gregory was the university’s point man in early negotiations with the city. “I liked the vision very much from the mayor at that time and also the present Mayor (John) Giles,” Gregory said. “It resonated with what we are about. It’s about the community … It was a natural �it.” Benedictine was followed in short order by Westminster College, Wilkes University, Albright College and Upper Iowa University. Of the �ive, however, only Benedictine has set up the sort of campus Mesa envisioned, operating out of the historic South
Side Hospital building at 225 E. Main St. Upper Iowa maintains a presence with a nursing program in conjunction with the East Valley Institute of Technology. The other three left Mesa altogether within a year or two of trying to establish a beachhead here, and reality has fallen far short of the initial estimates of up to 3,000 students in downtown Mesa by 2018. The effort was not cheap for Mesa. Renovating the old hospital building, which in later years had been used to administer social services, cost the city $10 million. To accommodate Westminster and Wilkes, Mesa redid the former courthouse at 245 W. 2nd St. for $6 million. The money came from Mesa’s economic development fund, which had been fattened by the sale of land in Pinal County that Mesa purchased for its water rights in the 1980s. No voter approval was required. Despite the withdrawal of Westminster and Wilkes, Smith defends the expenditure on the courthouse building, now known as the Mesa Center for Higher Education. Benedictine now uses part of the building, and other space there is occupied by LaunchPoint, a city-run incubator for small businesses. For O’Donnell and Smith, Benedictine’s
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success overshadows the disappointment Mesa felt when the other three colleges left. “The quality of life has improved. We’ve achieved a goal of bringing diversity to the higher education fabric in Mesa,” O’Donnell said. The addition of a high-tech campus of ASU, now under construction just north of city hall, will solidify downtown’s status as an education hub. Gregory said setting up in Mesa wasn’t the slam dunk he expected. Projections for the �irst semester were for up to 150 students, but he said, “When we opened up the doors, I think 68 kids showed up.” He added, “I realized that at that time even though we probably had a 125-year history back here in Lisle, we were still new out there. So, we started looking at how we were approaching this. And it really brought us back to our mission and our values and what we were about.” Benedictine reported 537 students at its Mesa campus this fall, with 307 of them participating in some form of athletics. Most come from a 40-mile radius of Mesa, but 28 states and several foreign countries are represented in the student body. O’Donnell said Benedictine’s Mesa campus has handed out $28 million in scholar-
7
ships for its Mesa students over the past seven years – $5.2 million of that this academic year alone. And the university made a substantial investment in Mesa’s historical heritage by renovating the 1894-vintage Alhambra Hotel for use as a dorm. Now, Gregory said, “We think our institution out there (in Mesa) is really going to be one of the �lagships for the whole Southwest for Catholic higher education.” Smith said Benedictine’s success in Mesa may have resulted from several factors. Based in the Chicago area, it was used to competing in an urban environment. And it was committed to Mesa as part of its long-term strategy. For most of the colleges that did try to settle in Mesa, Smith said, “It just turned out to be a bigger drain than they were prepared for. Whereas Benedictine, I think, knew more what they were getting into.” Ten years down the road, O’Donnell sees the college-recruitment effort as a personal milestone. “This project and this program, “she said, “will always be one of my favorites and one that I consider to be the most rewarding out of my career in economic development.”
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NEWS
THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 7, 2021
Centenarian rolls up sleeves for COVID-19 vaccine TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
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Mesa centenarian didn’t have to mess around with online scheduling or waiting in line to get his �irst dose of the P�izer COVID-19 vaccine. As a resident of Acoya Mesa, a Cadence Living 170-unit senior community at 6502 E. Brown Road, Hershel Haught was among 65 residents and 28 employees to be vaccinated. Born and raised on a small farm in Indiana, where he played basketball as a high school student and enjoyed swimming, until he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was a meat inspector in the Army and went on to make that a career as a civilian – both in the town where he grew up. “I tried to leave but couldn’t,” he said. “I’m the only man that enlisted and stayed home.” “One of his greatest pleasures is painting and he has painted many beautiful scenery paintings that hang in his children’s homes,”an Acoya Mesa spokeswoman said.
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people sitting at least 6 feet apart from each other, a mask requirement throughout the league and a prohibition against collecting autographs or watching routine workouts. “I think the public and everyone needs to understand that public safety will not be compromised in the name of baseball,’’ Mesa Mayor John Giles said. “There will be baseball, but there will be strict protection.’’ He said this year, the Cactus League will join a long list of disappointments caused by COVID but that everyone will do their best to enjoy the season without endangering the public’s health. “We built stadiums and relationships with the teams because we are in it for the long game,’’ Giles said. “We will look forward to wall-to-wall people next year.’’ The Cactus League, which supported Major League Baseball by requesting a delay in the season because of COVID-19, is now revving up for Opening Day Feb. 26 after the Major League Baseball Players Association rejected the proposal. Justin Piper, general manager of Sloan Park, said the Cactus League parks will rely on MLB’s safety protocols that focus on masks and social distancing. He also
up truck rushing to a house to deliver a baby.” Haught moved into Mesa Acoya shortly after the new senior living community completed in 2019. Herschel has two daughters, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and one greatgreat-grandchild. The spokeswoman added that Haught is “a very About a month after turning 100, Hershel Haught got his first dose kind, quiet and of the PfIzer COVID-19 vaccine at Acoya Mesa, a senior living very funny man community. (Courtesy of Acoya Mesa) with a great sense of humor.” “One painting in particular that he loved Both Mesa Mayor John Giles and Counwas the local Crawford County Doctor cilman David Luna wrote personal letters with his satchel getting out of his old pick- to Haught for his Jan. 4 birthday. said there will be small variations from park to park based upon their layouts. “We feel pretty con�ident in our plan and have received city and state approval,’’ Piper said. “It’s going to be a different experience than what people saw in the past. We want to make sure we provide a fun, exciting day in a safe way.’’ Pods at Sloan Park will be limited to a maximum six people sitting together and each pod will be at least 6 feet apart, making it easier for ushers to enforce social distancing, he said. Every effort will be made to avoid bottlenecks and lines, with only mobile tickets sold so that fans can download them to their cell phones, phasing out the ticket booths at least for this season. Concessions will be spread out, using Sloan’s wide concourse and plaza areas, he said. “We are coming up with a full plan of social distancing,’’ he said. “We will be following CDC recommended social distancing in all areas of the ballpark.’’ While there will be no season tickets this year, season ticket holders will get the �irst priority to buy single game tickets on cubs.com or sloanpark.com. Because the Cubs and other teams are limiting attendance to 25 percent of capacity to help achieve social distancing, Sloan’s maximum crowd is expected to
drop from more than 15,000 to an estimated 3,500, Piper said. Although the protocols represent a marked departure from the usual relaxed, intimate atmosphere at Cactus League games, at least fans who are willing to cooperate have an opportunity to watch live games in person for the �irst time since the 2020 Cactus League season was suddenly canceled about midway in March. Pitchers and catchers are expected to arrive on Feb. 17. The 2021 season unveils on Feb. 27, when the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers will play the Cubs in the �irst game at Sloan Park on Feb. 27. The Los Angeles Angels will matchup that same afternoon against the San Francisco Giants in Scottsdale. Other early East Valley games include the Chicago White Sox vs. the Angels on Feb. 28 at Diablo’s home opener and the Seattle Mariners vs. the Oakland Athletics at Mesa’s Hohokam Stadium. Bridget Binsbacher, the Cactus League’s executive director and a Peoria City Council member, said the league would have preferred to see the season’s debut delayed to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, providing time for more fans to get vaccinated. Although the league never demanded a certain length of delay, East Valley of-
Asked why he got the vaccine, he replied, “I want to protect myself and others and to keep me out of trouble.” He and the other residents will get their second dose Feb. 15. “This is the �irst step toward getting back to normal and getting this pandemic behind us,” said Rob Leinbach, principal at Cadence Living, the parent company of Acoya Mesa. “We are grateful for our tremendous team at Acoya Mesa for their tireless efforts to protect our residents.” The 183,000 square-foot community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care apartment options. “It’s been an exciting year for Cadence Living with the opening of our second Arizona community,” said Leinbach. “We are focused on �illing the growing need for socially-focused senior living options that inspire holistic well-being and allow residents to share community with their peers.” Information: cadencesl.com.
�icials and numerous media reports said the ideal scenario would have been about a month. MLB eventually offered to pay players for a 154-game regular season schedule instead of the usual 162-game season, and using the designated hitter in both leagues, as was the case in last year’s abbreviated 60-game season. But the powerful Major League Baseball Players Association quickly crushed that proposal out of the park like a typical batting practice fastball grooved straight down the middle. Players worried that more double-headers during the shortened season would result in more injuries and also said the offer came too late, after they had rented homes in Arizona and Florida for spring training, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported. Tension between the owners and players has been high, with the collective bargaining agreement scheduled to expire at the end of this year’s World Series. “We will be ready for any opportunity that presents itself,’’ Binsbacher said. “We’re concerned about health. It’s at the forefront of everything.’’ She said the league would work cooperatively with MLB on using the best safety
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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 7, 2021
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NEWS
THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 7, 2021
Bill pushes huge voucher program expansion
BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services
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our years after voters rejected expanding a voucher program, Republican state lawmakers are trying again in a big way. SB 1452 would allow any student who meets certain standards to get more than $4,300 a year of tax dollars to attend a private or parochial school. It also would permit parents to use those dollars for home schooling or “pods’’ with neighbors to teach their children. The measure, approved by the Senate Education Committee, would enable a massive expansion of a program that started in 2011 as a small alternative for students with special physical or emotional needs that their parents said could not be met at home. Since then, however, there has been a near-constant expansion of eligibility, to the point where it now includes foster children, children living on reservations, children of active military, and those at-
tending public schools rated D or F. Sen. Paul Boyer, R-Phoenix, did not provide any estimates of what his legislation would mean in terms of students. But Aaron Wonders, lobbyist for the state Department of Education, estimated that about 250,000 students in Arizona are currently eligible for a voucher and that SB 1452 could balloon that up to 700,000 of the state’s 1.1 million students in public schools. Boyer said his legislation is targeted at students from low-income families. But the wording appears to have a loophole that would open the door to students from wellto-do families simply because their children were attending a school where there were enough poor students to classify it as eligible for Title I services for the needy. Arizona does not require students to attend traditional public schools in their neighborhoods. They are free to enroll at other school districts and can attend any charter school, which are public schools under Arizona law, without cost. “But it’s only a choice if it’s funded,’’
Boyer said. “It’s only a choice if a student has access to the school,’’ he continued. “It’s only a choice if they’re not stuck on a wait list for years and years and told year after year after year, ‘Just wait until we’re fully funded, then it will get better.’ ‘’ Boyer, a charter school teacher, said the issue is providing what a family thinks is best rather than essentially telling children that their only choice is the neighborhood school that may or may not be meeting their needs. But Sen. Christine Marsh, D-Phoenix, said that misses a key point. “The irony is if we were funding our schools appropriately, we wouldn’t have kids who felt or families who felt the need to leave, or certainly not as many,’’ she said. Leaving the public school system, she said, reduces a district’s per-student funding, leaving the schools even worse off. While the committee was divided along party lines, there are elements of the business community that �ind Boyer’s idea unacceptable. That includes Jim Swanson,
CEO of Kitchell Corp., a major Arizona construction �irm. “Don’t get me wrong,’’ he said. “I support school choice through quality charters and open enrollment in our school districts. But this, Swanson said, is not the answer, saying voucher expansion “takes money out of an already underfunded, overburdened system, a system that is barely coping with teachers leaving and retiring, a shortage of counselors, and an overreliance on bonds and overrides to fund school operations at the district level.” Boyer’s legislation also says that high schoolers can get a separate scholarship �inanced by donations to school tuition organizations to help pay those private and parochial school expenses. That’s crucial as donors get a dollar-for-dollar credit against income tax owed to the state, reducing overall state revenues for education and other priorities. Ron Johnson, who lobbies for the state’s Catholic bishops and the schools they run,
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$900K for dude ranches gets preliminary OK BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services
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tate lawmakers voted Monday to spend $900,000 in tax dollars in a bid to convince Arizonans and others across the country to visit one of the state’s remaining “dude ranches.’’ “At one point in the 40s ... we had as many as 80 of them,’’ Kevin DeMenna, lobbyist for the Arizona Dude Ranch Association told members of the House Committee on Land, Agriculture and Rural Affairs. “They were a national draw.’’ Now, he put the number at closer to 14. DeMenna said the ranches, like other forms of tourism, were hit hard by the pandemic. “You can’t furlough the animals,’’ DeMenna said. “They’ve got to be fed.’’ Complicating matters, he said, is the dude ranches were a particular draw for international visitors. With that market pretty much dried up, DeMenna said a promotional campaign could help spur a domestic market. DeMenna originally got Rep. David Cook,
The Flying E Ranch in Wickenburg is one of the Arizona dude ranches closest to Mesa. (Mike Shubic photo)
R-Globe, to sponsor HB 2169 asking for $3 million. But that got pared to a potentially more politically acceptable $900,000. “We think that will manage to launch what we hope will be a coast-to-coast outreach to help to �ill these ranches which, in turn, supports these local economies,’’ he told lawmakers. DeMenna said there is precedent. For
example, state lawmakers voted in 2018 to give $1.5 million a year in sales tax revenues for 30 years to the Arizona Of�ice of Tourism to promote events at Phoenix International Raceway and money into promoting NASCAR at Phoenix International Raceway. “We’d like to see a microcosm of that extended in this case to the guest ranch com-
munity,’’ DeMenna said. But Rep. Lorenzo Sierra, D-Cashion, whose district includes that raceway, said this isn’t exactly the same thing. He said the raceway owners �irst had to put up $100 million of their own money on improvements as a condition to get the cash. Rep. Diego Rodriguez, D-Laveen, said there’s a “deep well of documentation’’ showing the economic impact on Arizona of a NASCAR race. And he asked DeMenna if he could prove the same thing about dude ranches. The lobbyist conceded he does not now have such �igures. Rep. Andrea Dalessandro, D-Green Valley, said she has several of these in her district and supports tourism but cannot vote for a speci�ic carve-out of state dollars. “I don’t like the idea of support for a speci�ic segment,’’ Dalessandro said. Instead, she promised to work with state tourism of�icials to get them to use more of their existing resources to highlight the dude ranches. The 7-4 vote now sends the measure to the House Appropriations Committee.
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NEWS
THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 7, 2021
State of�icial decries online learning underfunding BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services
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rizona’s top education of�icial told lawmakers last week they need to ensure that schools get as much money for online courses as the law now provides them for kids in seats. Kathy Hoffman said public schools are expected to lose up to $500 million in aid because the state law funds distance learning at 5 percent less than in-person instruction. Mesa Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Scott Thompson last month said he is encouraged that the Senate GOP caucus indicated a willingness to allow 100-percent funding for both online and in-classroom students for one year and the restoration of $67 million in �lexible dollars for use to cover either operating or capital costs. “We appreciate the Senate’s continued commitment to restoring the recessionera cuts to our base per-student formula funding and we support the funding of students who have been attending school remotely at 100 percent,” He said. “We look forward to working with members of the Senate to �ind additional opportunities to address the loss of learning opportunities for our students.” Gov. Doug Ducey did come up with $370 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. But Hoffman told members of the Senate Education Committee, that still shorted schools statewide by $247 million. And aides to the governor said he has no interest in coming up with the difference. At the same time, however, Ducey is pushing ahead with a plan to permanently cut taxes by $200 million this coming budget year, a plan that calls for that rising to $400 million in cuts the following year and $600 million the year after that. “When the state sits on a billion-dollar rainy day fund and projects a $2 billion surplus, there is no excuse to not fully
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said the move is necessary to keep kids in Catholic schools past the eighth grade because high school tuition is high. Even if Boyer gets his measure through the legislature and signed by the governor,
State Superintendent of Public Instruction told a State Senate panel that school districts should receive the same per-pupil reimbursement for online students as they do for students in the classroom. (Special to the Tribune) fund every school,’’ Hoffman said. “There has never been a more urgent time to tap into our safety net and provide for Arizonans,’’ she continued. “Anyone who thinks it’s not raining in Arizona right now needs to check their privilege.’’ What ultimately is needed, she said, is “predictable, sustainable funding’’ that would allow schools to plan their budgets and lure and fairly compensate education professionals. She said voters share that belief, citing the approval in November of Proposition 208. That measure enacted a 3.5 percent tax surcharge on any income above $250,000 a year for individuals and $500,000 for married couples �iling jointly, a measure proponents say could raise $940 million a year -- but not until the 2022-2023 school year. The initiative’s legality is being challenged in court by business interests and some GOP legislators. Hoffman did give a tip of the hat to Du-
that is unlikely to be the last word. Beth Lewis, co-founder of Save Our Schools Arizona said her organization will take “any action to right this wrong.’’ One of those options would be to ask voters to void the law. Lewis’ group gathered enough signa-
cey’s plan to use some cash to boost literacy at early grades. But she said that’s not a permanent solution. “One-time grant funding simply doesn’t cut it for staf�ing our schools,’’ Hoffman said. “When we use a patchwork approach to funding our schools, our students lose out.’’ She also had kind words for Ducey’s plan to expand broadband access “as it will be critical to bridging the opportunity gap for students and families.’’ But here, too, Hoffman said more is needed. “Even for our schools where internet is reliable, the cost of virtual learning is staggering,’’ she said. “From ordering expensive devices to hiring additional IT staff to manage the issues that rise on digital platforms, to training educators on new digital tools, I cannot overstate the impact distance learning has had on schools’ budgets.’’ “For too long, Arizona has been in a crisis with a shortage of educators, not be-
tures in 2017, the last time lawmakers tried a major expansion, to put the issue on the ballot. Voters overrode the measure by a 2-1 margin. The other option, she said, is legal, saying there are questions about a provision in Boyer’s legislation that would take
cause we lack the talent, but because too many exceptional teachers have burned out from overcrowded classrooms, noncompetitive pay, and a lack of essential resources for students,’’ she said. “We could not afford to lose a single educator at the state of 2020,’’ Hoffman said. “But the demands of navigating a classroom in a pandemic has exacerbated the strain on our workforce,’’ she said. “We already know of teachers who have either bought themselves out of their contracts or are planning to not renew their contracts for the next school year.’’ It’s not all about classroom learning, the schools chief said. She said students, just like adults, have been struggling with mental health issues during the pandemic and the school closures. Hoffman said she is pushing for putting another $43 million into the state’s School Safety Grant Program, more than double current funding. She said that could add another 355 counselors or social workers to schools. Hoffman endorsed a couple of measures being pushed by Democrats. SB 1227 by Sen. Christine Marsh of Phoenix would set up a committee to study what is an “appropriate class size’’ and identify methods -- and funding -- to reduce the number of students in a classroom, something that also could require additional facilities. It already has cleared the Senate Education Committee, with only Republicans Nancy Barto of Phoenix and Tyler Pace of Mesa in opposition.
GOT NEWS? Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@ timespublications.com
money from a voter-approved School Site Fund, �inanced by a 0.6-cent sales tax, to help �inance the vouchers. Boyer’s legislation for the �irst time also allows parents to use their vouchers to pay for public or commercial transportation between home and school.
THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 7, 2021
Arizona deaths soared last year over 2019 BY MOLLY HUDSON Cronkite News
T
otal deaths in Arizona rose 25 percent in 2020 over the previous year, with some counties seeing increases approaching 50 percent for the year in which COVID-19 became the leading killer in the state. While data on the causes of death is not expected until later this year, experts attribute the “exceptional increase” in deaths to the COVID-19 as well as to fatalities that may be indirectly caused by the pandemic. “COVID appears to be the reason,” said David Sklar, a professor at Arizona State University’s College of Health Solutions. “Other problems have also increased, such as opioid-related deaths, and some have decreased, such as pedestrian-related deaths because people were driving less and were out less. But COVID has been a large contributor to our increase.” The Arizona Department of Health Services reported this month that there were 75,133 deaths in the state in 2020, an increase of 24.9 percent from the 60,161
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protocols possible whenever the season begins. “We are con�ident we can do it on the 27th or a month from the 27th,’’ Binsbacher said, before the players association rejected the delay. In a prepared statement late last week, Binsbacher said, “The Cactus League is prepared to open spring training camps as scheduled. Each of the Cactus League’s eight host municipalities and the tribal community participated in a task force to ensure that our 10 spring training facilities will provide a safe environment for all involved. "Operating procedures are forthcoming and will depend entirely on health guidelines. Fans are advised to go to the Cactus League website at cactusleague.com/#navigationlocations for ticket details and protocols for attendees at individual ballparks.” Teams appeared headed toward putting single-game tickets on sale soon, with the Arizona Diamondbacks offering subscribers to their news-
deaths reported in 2019. Holly Poynter, a spokesperson for the state health department, said while it’s likely “COVID-19 deaths are a factor” in the increase in deaths, state of�icials will not be able to say for sure until complete data on cause of death is available later this year. The increased death toll was not spread evenly across the state, with Apache and Yuma counties reporting increases of 48.9 percent and 48.8 percent, respectively. On the other end of the spectrum, deaths increased by 14.29 percent in Greenlee County and 16.2 percent in Cochise County. In Apache County, where the total number of deaths rose from 734 in 2019 to 1,093 in 2020, county Health Director Preston Raban said COVID-19 was a driving force, but not the only factor in the increased deaths. The report on the increase in deaths comes as COVID-19 surpassed cancer and heart disease to become the leading cause of death in Arizona last year. Arizona is not the only state seeing such surges, said Justin Lessler, an associate
letter a “pre-sale’’ opportunity last week. “All of us are studying what everyone has done to have fans and how it works,’’ said Jerry Hall, manager of Diablo Stadium. “That might be a bonus, if we have fans. I think if people come to the games, they will follow the rules.’’ He said the Cactus League needs a uniform policy, so that the same rules are used in all stadiums and fans don’t insist they were allowed to not wear masks in another ballpark. “All of us will have the same protocols. We will all be on the same page,’’ Hall said. Diablo, the oldest and smallest of Cactus League stadiums, always has touted its intimate fan experience. Its capacity would shrink from 9,600 to about 2,000 or so. “The fan experience will actually be quite nice. You can still sit with your family. You can still watch Major League Baseball,’’ Hall said. But Steve Adams, president of the HoHoKams, said smaller crowds are bound to curtail his organization’s fundraising efforts for local charities,
professor of epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health. Lessler said 25 percent is “really an exceptional increase” that comes “because we have this new cause of death that … killed in the last year as many people as all but two other causes of death,” Lessler said, adding: “Only heart disease and cancer killed more people than COVID last year and it’s almost up to the level that heart disease would kill in a normal year.” Lessler echoed others who said COVID-19 was not just a killer itself but may have contributed to other deaths in 2020. “I could have heart disease and maybe I would have some chance of dying in the next few years,” Lessler said as one example. “It was greater than the people around me, but because I got COVID, and had that heart disease made it more severe.” Lessler pointed to the possibility of a “more ancillary effect” from the pandemic, such as the social pressure of lockdowns leading to increases in overdose or suicide deaths, or overburdened hospitals being
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unable to deliver needed, and possibly life-saving, care to patients. Raban added that “in some instances, those who had the COVID virus died with COVID on board, but it wasn’t necessarily the COVID virus that killed them.” Jeffrey Engel, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists’ senior adviser for the COVID-19 response, said what Arizona saw last year “may be typical,” but that it could have been felt more acutely in the state because of its relatively large number of seniors. People 65 and older accounted for 9,573 of the 12,819 COVID-19 deaths in Arizona, or 75 percent of the total, according to the latest data from the state health department. “I think after this is over, this pandemic is over, we as a society will be looking ourselves in the mirror and really try to ask how we take care of our elderly,” Engel said. For the time being, he said, it’s important that people not get numb to the rising numbers. “There is a person behind all of them,” he said.
which include a lucrative 50-50 raf�le, along with fees paid by the teams for the services of volunteers who work the games. During good years, such as 2019 before COVID-19, a long schedule capped by a rare Cactus League appearance by the then World Champion Boston Red Sox allowed the HoHoKams to exceed a $500,000 goal for funds contributed to youth sports. But when last season was abruptly cut short, the HoHoKams raised less than half of that, $225,000, for youth sports, Adams said. “I think it will be something similar to what we did in 2020,’’ he said. “We’re de�initely not going to have the jackpots we had in the past.’’ Adams said the HoHoKams are looking at the possibility of expanding the raf�le online, but lack the television broadcasts that drive such sales for the Diamondbacks and the Arizona Coyotes hockey team. “There is a love for spring training and baseball, but the goal is to support the community,’’ he said. “If our Crowds at Sloan Park like this one won't be a part of the year is way down, we’ll probably do a Cactus League anywhere in the Valley this year. (Special to the Tribune) direct mail drive.’’
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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 7, 2021
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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 7, 2021
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Mesa pair provide sanctuary for a menagerie BY MELODY BIRKETT Tribune Contributor
S
oila Vasquez long dreamed of starting an animal rescue. And in 2017, she and Pam Fritsch did just that on two acres in the heart of Mesa that they dubbed the Furever Animal Rescue and More – using the acronym FARM for their certi�ied nonpro�it. Right now, their sanctuary is home to �ive dogs, 50 feral cats they feed twice a day, a garage with an A/C and heater where they house 10 more they are nursing back to health, three goats, two 100-pound tortoises, a few turkeys and pigs, 10 to 15 ducks and seven chickens. Their interest in rescue began when “we had numerous dogs on our property and three of them were pregnant,” said Fritsch. “We ended up with 15 puppies all at once. A friend of ours told us to reach out to a particular rescue, which we did, and they were able to help us.”
For the next two years, Fritsch and Vasquez fostered at two rescues, putting in a lot of time tending to goats, tortoises, chickens, ducks, geese and even pigs. “We thought, why not do this for ourselves?” Fritsch said. So, they decided to form their own an animal sanctuary. “People had always called us The Farm so we were trying to �ind a name. The Farm was already taken so we couldn’t use that as our legal name but we tried to �ind a name that spelled out FARM,” Fritsch said. Their rescue dogs are in foster homes in Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek and the SanTan Valley and they accept only owner-surrenders that are small or mediumsized because they’ve found larger dogs are dif�icult to �ind foster homes for. “We do have a couple of rescues, including Love Connection Dog Rescue, that we refer large dogs to,” said Fritsch. “And a lot of the large-breed rescues will refer to us because we take in smaller dogs.” Fritsch and Vasquez also have had to
FARM Rescue co-founders Soila Vasquez, left, and Pam Fritsch hold two special-needs dogs, Kate and Billy. (Special to the Tribune). curb their dog intake for a while because they have been taking in a large number of puppies since August.
Adoption fees for puppies are $400, which includes a series of four puppy and rabies shots, spay and neutering and microchipping. The cost declines with a dog’s age. “If somebody is interested in a dog, we get their email,” said Fritsch. “We send them an application. We review their application to make sure there are no red �lags. “For example, if I get an application and somebody wants a puppy but they’re gone eight hours a day, I’m not going to adopt to them because that puppy is going to sit in a crate for eight hours a day and they obviously need to be let out unless they have some kind of provision in place.” Fritsch said that once an application is accepted, she sets up a Facebook Messenger thread with the prospective owner “that allows us to ask more questions, gain more insight and coordinate a
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Strong voice for the disabled retires – kind of BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA Tribune Contributor
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bility360 CEO and President Phil Pangrazio of�icially retired from his two-decade tenure on Dec. 31 but he has been still in what was supposed to be his former of�ice, handling a myriad of tasks that includes helping to �ind his successor. Even after a national search was launched by the Ability360 board of directors, that is proving to be one tough job. The search has now been passed along to an executive search �irm. Pangrazio was a reluctant retiree as it was and he expressed that in his farewell statement. “Stepping down comes with great emotion, as this has been my life’s work for the past 20 years, but I feel it is time
Tim Surry, adaptive-golf coordinator at Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center, sinks a putt from the SoloRider adaptive golf cart in the 2018 Ability360 Charity Golf Tournament at Longbow Golf Club in Mesa. (Tribune file photo) to let the next generation take over,” said
Pangrazio, a quadriplegic and wheel-
chair user for over 40 years since a tragic car accident at 19. “With my disability, things are only getting harder, and I am running out of gas,” he said. “I think it makes more sense for me to leave now, than sometime down the road when I �ind my health more in crisis.” With his ready smile and soft voice, Pangrazio agreed that retiring at 60 may be early. “I know I’m not old, per se, but when you live with a disability for 41 years, it just made sense to do it now,” he said. And though Pangrazio is giving up his leadership titles, it doesn’t mean he’s leaving an organization that has sponsored countless golf tournaments, basketball games and other events in the East Valley.
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ABILITY ���� ���� 15
“I love the organization and the work we do,” said Pangrazio. “I want to stay involved and help in any way. Yet for me, after having done this for almost 21 years, not being CEO would be nice.” His eyes light up whenever he talks about Ability360, a nonpro�it that under his leadership developed into one of the nation’s largest Centers for Independent Living and established itself as a premiere model for other centers throughout the country. Pangrazio guided Ability360’s growth to an annual budget of more than $48 million while expanding its programs and services. He also oversaw the planning, construction and �inancing of the Ability360 Center, home to Ability360 and nine other non-pro�it organizations that serve people with disabilities in Arizona. Also with his guidance, the $12.3-million, 45,000-square-foot Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center was opened in 2011. Not bad for the teenager who was partially paralyzed as the result of a horri�ic car accident the night before he was to leave for his �irst year at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York. Pangrazio graduated from Notre Dame High School in Batavia, New York, where he’d been active in all sports, as he had been since grade school. The accident resulted in a spinal cord injury that required hospitalization from Sept. 1, 1979 to June 1, 1980 – what would have been his freshman year in college. It left him a Cervical 6-7 quadriplegic, which allows him good arm movement, no use of muscles below his shoulders or legs and wheelchair dependent for life. Returning to his family home after 10 months in the hospital and then 20 years old, he faced a tsunami of ongoing challenges that resulted in moments of despondency but also set a new direction for his life. “I came home and lived in my parent’s living room - all the bedrooms were on the second �loor,” he recalled. “They built a little room off the side of the house for me.”
THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 7, 2021
ing to do.” While hospitalized, Pangrazio had been visited by a friend who was attending Arizona State University. “He said it was accessible, it was �lat, it was warm. It planted a seed in my brain,” he said. At the time, Pangrazio was already looking at colleges in warmer climes like Texas and Florida. Arizona was the choice. “‘There’s a lot of water gone under the bridge since those times,” he mused. “I came to Phoenix in August of 1981, and I Phil Pangrazio, president/CEO of Ability360, is a reluctant retiree and said got my bachelors and my he will still work with the organization. (Special to the Tribune) master’s deHis parents are now deceased, but the gree at ASU.” home, now owned by his brother, still Pangrazio earned his bachelor’s in has the side room ready for whenever justice studies and a master’s degree in Pangrazio visits. health services administration and poliWhen the snow started early the year cy. he was hospitalized in western New York It was through the friendship with an State, and wheelchair access anywhere ASU professor and his wife that Panat that time was nearly impossible, the grazio discovered Ahwatukee. realization of his new reality hit hard. “They found me a home in Ahwatukee, “That �irst winter, I remember staring and I’ve been here since 1986,” he said. out the window and thinking, ‘I can’t live “I’m single and I live by myself; I’m a Cerlike this. I needed to �ly.’ I started think- vical 6-7 quadriplegic, and I’m fortunate ing about the future and what I was go- to be as independent as I am.”
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Though he has been awarded many honors and sits on a number of prestigious boards, Pangrazio is also lauded as a founding member of the �irst quadriplegic wheelchair rugby team in the state of Arizona. “I was 50 the last time I got in a rugby chair and played with those guys and I said that’s enough,” he laughed. “I was about 30 when I started playing.” Pangrazio said his being disabled at age 19 has offered him an empathy with others who found themselves in similar straits. “I know what it’s like to be on the other side of the fence,” he said. “Perfectly healthy, perfectly nondisabled. Losing that was devastating. And now having been disabled 41 years, I understand what people with disabilities have to battle everyday.” Though he has been awarded many honors and sits on a number of prestigious boards, Pangrazio is also lauded as a founding member of the �irst quadriplegic wheelchair rugby team in the state of Arizona. “I was 50 the last time I got in a rugby chair and played with those guys and I said that’s enough,” he laughed. “I was about 30 when I started playing.” Prior to his work with Ability360, Pangrazio was employed for 10 years at Maricopa Integrated Health System and Maricopa Medical Center, where he held several positions in hospital �inancial management and administration. Pangrazio also served on Ability360’s board of directors from 1992 to 2000 and presided as chairman of the board for four of those years. Andrew Reilly, current chair of the Ability360 Board Of Directors praised Pangrazio for his “remarkable job” guiding the organization’s strategic growth. “Phil leaves a tremendous legacy at Ability360, and with the many individuals living with disabilities throughout Arizona,” said Reilly. “Having him on board through the search process will ensure a smooth transition for the organization and our consumers.” See Ability360.org for more information.
Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@timespublications.com
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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 7, 2021
2 with Mesa ties publish self-help book TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
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Mesa woman and a former Mesa resident have written a self-help book on substance abuse that has won praise. “Erase Negativity and Embrace the Magic Within” was recently named a “must read” on substance abuse by the website prettyprogressive.com, which called it “a practical guide on how to reduce negativity and embrace happiness” that “offers powerful experiences of individuals who have faced dramatic challenges, but did not lose hope.” The book was authored by Sally Marks, a public relations specialist, journalist, screenwriter and television writer who owns her own agency, Marks Public Relations, and former Mesa resident Jacqueline Howard. Three out of its 11 chapters focus on alcohol and drug addiction and abuse while
FARM ���� ���� 15
JACQUELINE HOWARD
SALLY MARKS
the book as a whole offers practical advice and exercises to help people “on an internal journey toward adopting a more joyful way to live.”
“Drug and alcohol addiction and abuse take a heavy toll on individuals and their families and this has been made worse by the pandemic,” said Marks, adding she and
time to meet the puppy or dog.” Next, the pair sets up a home inspection with an eye on potential areas in the backyard where a puppy can get out. “We have in our contract that they are inside dogs,” Fritsch explained. “And in our contract, it states that if we �ind out that somebody did adopt a dog from us and all of a sudden, they’re being made to stay outside, we have the right to go take our dog back. “We also put in the contract they’re not allowed to use choke collars or prong collars or devices like that. If they do, I have the right, according to my contract, to take my dog back.” FARM is a PetSmart partner and had been holding adoption events in its stores before the pandemic. They’ve had an increase in adoptions as the pandemic has worn on, which they attribute to more people working from home. But they’re a little fearful that as people return to workplaces, people will start returning their dogs. So far, only one person has.
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Howard “have received numerous emails praising us for writing this book and it is our goal to help as many individuals and families as we can.” Marks noted that the National Survey on Drug Use and Health has estimated that 19.7 million Americans over age 12 battled a substance use disorder in 2017 alone, costing more than $740 billion in lost workplace productivity, healthcare expenses and crime-related costs. Addiction is only a part of the problem, Marks said, citing a March 2020 Greater Good Science Center report that negative feelings are increasing worldwide and that an “epidemic of addictions” and negativity has been especially hard hit in the U.S. Marks and Howard also provide seminars and workshops on overcoming negativity. Information: markspublicrelations. wixsite.com/sallymarks. The paperback book is available for $14.99 on Amazon. com.
“It’s a commitment,” Fritsch said. “It does take patience. It takes time. It’s not, ‘Oh, this cute little puppy’ and then six months later, when the puppy is no longer cute and �luffy, it doesn’t mean you give the puppy away. They need to be part of your family.” “Many think there should be that instant bond and that the puppy will stay the same forever,” she said, adding that new dog owners may �ind it helpful to get the services of a good trainer to �ix a behavior issue that might require little time to �ix. “When people adopt from The Farm, they’re always welcome to call us back or call the fosters with questions,” said Fritsch. “A lot of our fosters are great about staying in contact with people who adopt dogs.” Information: Facebook @Fureveranimalrescueandmore or 480-869-1373.
The FARM Rescue publicizes its adoptable dogs on social media, including facebook.com/Fureveranimalrescueandmore. (Facebook)
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Lumber prices putting squeeze on new home prices BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor
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s if low inventory wasn’t exerting enough pressure on home prices, two new trends are apparently adding to the surge – particularly for new houses. The National Association of Homebuilders and the National Association of Realtors said a lumber shortage is accelerating the cost of new home construction while there also is a rising demand for larger houses – partly as the result of more stayat-home and work-from-home time created by the pandemic. “While the market remains solid, median home prices are increasing due to higher building material costs, most notably softwood lumber, and a shift to larger homes,” said Robert Dietz, chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders. And resale homes may not offer an
escape from that trend because of the steadily shrinking inventory. The median sales price nationally was $355,900 in December – up from $329,500 a year earlier. The Cromford Report, which closely monitors the housing market in the Phoenix Metro area, said demand for new and used houses “is still on a downward trend.” But it cautioned that the trend “has had almost no bene�it for buyers as supply is dropping to unprecedented lows across large parts of the valley.” “Demand would have to collapse for some semblance of normality to return to this market,” Cromford said, citing a growing chasm between inventory and demand” all due to a worsening supply. A case in point was Avondale, where inventory has plummeted to almost nothing. With only 20 listings, Cromford said, Avondale “is a city of about 85,000 people which, in a normal market, would expect
to have about 340 single-family homes for sale. There were 1,100 single-family homes listed in Avondale during 2007. Supply has dropped in half since Jan. 8.” “So, if there were no new listings,” Cromford continued, “the current stock would sell out completely in less than six days. I am starting to wonder if inventory could go to zero in places like Avondale.” Similarly, Cromford reported, Maricopa had only 62 single-family houses for sale. Normally we would expect over 400,” Cromford said. “Demand has remained strong in Maricopa with over 2,200 single-family closings a year. There are 10 days of inventory.” Cromford said inventory is critically low in other small communities – as it is in large Valley cities – particularly Anthem, Arizona City, Carefree, El Mirage, Florence, Litch�ield Park, Sun Lakes, Tolleson, Tonopah and Youngtown. Meanwhile, new pressures are being put on homebuyers in the form of rising lum-
ber prices. The homebuilders group reported that in the �irst six months of the pandemic “lumber prices soared more than 170 percent. “This unprecedented lumber price spike added nearly $16,000 to the price of a typical new single-family home,” it said. The homebuilders association recommended that its members include an escalation clause in contracts “that indicates if lumber prices increase by a certain percentage, the customer would be required to pay the extra costs.” It also said the sharp increases in lumber costs “threaten the affordability of new homes and the housing sector, which is leading the nation’s economic recovery.” The association blamed the lumber cost increase on inadequate domestic production. “Many mills reduced production due to stay-at-home orders and social distanc-
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Over 2K new homes coming to Southeast Valley TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
I
n just the past few weeks, developers have unveiled plans for 2,050 new homes in the Southeast Valley, with 350 of them in Mesa and the rest in a mammoth Fulton Homes planned community in Queen Creek. In Mesa, Tri Pointe Homes, formerly known as Maracay, said its Cadence at Gateway community will bring 127 residences to Mesa’s Gateway corridor and will soon be offering virtual and model home tours. And in Eastmark, where 9,000 residents already exist in the 3,200-acre community, Landsea Homes said it has acquired 133 �inished lots in Green Court at Eastmark and another 90 in Auto Courts at Eastmark. Meanwhile Fulton Homes announced it is working on the infrastructure for
a master-planned community that will bring 1,700 single-family homes and a deep-water lake to Queen Creek. Barney Farms will sit on a 550-acre site at Queen Creek and Signal Butte roads, with 114 acres devoted to open space. Maracay had been a builder for 25 years and in 2014, merged with �ive other regional homebuilding brands to form Tri Pointe Group. Those six builders last month united under that brand. “Cadence at Gateway will combine personalized quality with big backyards and plenty of community appeal, like an 8-acre community park, 12,000-square foot clubhouse and more,” said Tri Pointe Homes president James Attwood. Located southeast of the Loop 202 SanTan Freeway, Cadence at Gateway is
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Cadence at Gateway is one of southeast Mesa's growing communities. (Special to The Mesa Tribune)
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MARKET ���� ���� 19
ing measures enacted by state and local governments at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic,” it said last week. “Mill operators projected that housing would be adversely affected by the crisis and anticipated a large drop in demand. But housing weathered the storm much better than was predicted and demand for lumber has accelerated.” In December, it called on the Trump Administration to pressure domestic lumber producers “to ramp up production to ease growing shortages and making it a prior-
CADENCE ���� ���� 19
also boasting its proximity to the 272acre Gilbert Regional Park. Tri Pointe also plans to open a 251-unit townhouse complex, Towns of Annecy, in Gilbert this month. Landsea Homes’ Eastmark acquisitions �it its goal “to strategically expand in Arizona,” said Landsea Arizona Regional President Greg Balen. “We’ve sold homes in Eastmark before and they appealed to the region’s demand for modern, quality housing at a desired price point. Mesa is one of Arizona’s most sought after cities to live and we know that these new homes at Auto Courts and Green Court will sell quickly,” he said. Fulton Homes has already established a temporary sales of�ice at Ironwood Crossing, located at Ironwood and Oco-
THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 7, 2021
ity to work with Canada on a new softwood lumber agreement.” That request went nowhere. All this comes at a time when more millennials and Gen Xers are looking to buy a house – and when more are looking to buy new, the homebuilders group said. In a survey of more than 15,000 prospective buyers, it found “a signi�icant shift in interest for newly-built homes during this period among prospective buyers,” doubling to 41 percent of buyers in December from a year earlier. “On the other hand,” it added, “the share interested in an existing home declined
tillo roads. The homebuilder said it has spent the past three years designing and preparing for developing the land and that the community will include a 22-acre lake for catch-and-release �ishing and small boat launching. Other amenities will include an aquatic center, clubhouse, a massive lakeside park, neighborhood trail system and sport courts for basketball, pickleball, bocce ball and volleyball. Barney Farms will feature four different neighborhoods, with single-story models starting at $380,000 offering three bedrooms. Two-story homes with lofts will be priced up to $470,000 with a customizable �loor plan that can be con�igured for six bedrooms. Tri Pointe indicated its pricing will start in the mid-$300,000 and Landsea did not indicate its planned price range.
from 40 percent to 30 percent, while the share indifferent to either type of home fell from 41 percent to 29 percent.” “When broken down by generation,” it added, “results show that 50 percent of Millennial and 48 percent of Gen X buyers are looking to buy a new home. In contrast, 50 percent of boomers and 38 percent of Gen Z buyers would prefer to buy an existing home. Those preferring new dominated survey respondents in the Northeast and West. New-home sales in 2020 posted an 18.8 percent increase over 2019, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development and U.S. Census Bureau reported last month. The National Association of Realtors Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said that while closings have dipped, “I would attribute that to having too few homes for sale.” “There is a high demand for housing and a great number of would-be buyers, and therefore sales should rise with more new listings,” he said. “This elevated demand without a signi�icant boost in supply has caused home prices to increase and we can expect further upward pressure on prices for the foreseeable future.”
Cadence at Gateway has a number of amenities, including an 8-acre park with some unique playground features. (Special to The Mesa Tribune)
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OPINION
THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 7, 2021
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No reason for pride with Arizona’s sixth “C” BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist
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n Arizona’s formative years – say before the Valley constructed an actual freeway system – the state’s economy and reputation rested on what early Arizonans called “the Five C’s.” Copper, cattle, cotton, citrus and climate were mainstays in these parts, and people were proud of it. Now it’s 2021 and while Arizona’s weather remains a huge deal, some of the other C’s are withering. Cattle, which once comprised half the Arizona economy, is down to a modest 5 percent. We also used to grow most of the world’s Pima cotton. Today? Arizona accounts for only about two percent of the global supply.
Fear not, however. Arizona has an abundance of a new C I’d like to add to the mix – Crazies. I’ve been chronicling this state’s culture and newsmakers since 1995, and if there’s one thing you can be sure of, it’s this: Whenever some big national story involving insane behavior erupts, Arizona will make news. Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber? Of course, he lived in a Kingman trailer park. Hani Hanjour, one of the 9/11 hijackers? Of course, he got �light training in Mesa. Sexual predator and Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein begets the #MeToo movement? Of course, he goes to sex addiction rehab in Wickenburg. And of course, when a bunch of morons stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6th,
the idiot front and center – the 33-year-old shirtless “shaman” sporting buffalo horns, a fur headdress and red, white and blue face paint – had to hail from the Valley. You may have heard about Jake Angeli, “the QAnon Shaman” whose given name is Jacob Chansley. Once a student at Moon Valley High School, Angeli became a regular at political protests in metro Phoenix over the past two years. He often carried a sign that said “Q Sent Me” and spouted lots of conspiracy nonsense. An unemployed actor by trade, Angeli owns an online business called Star Seed Academy, where for $55.55 you can take a “Spiritual Self Defense Course” and learn “How to Create Healing Plant Remedies for Illness & Gain Plant Spirit Allies.” I’m guessing someone has been a little
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too closely allied with magic mushrooms and weed for the last 15 years. Even addled, Angeli managed to become one of the faces of the Capitol raid, pictured at the dais in the Senate, using a bullhorn to lead his fellow Looney Tunes in prayer. Angeli even left a note for thenVice President Mike Pence: “It’s only a matter of time. Justice is coming.” Speaking of justice, while Angeli awaits his day in court – he faces six felonies and 28 years in prison – he’s apparently been on a hunger strike. Who knew shamans only ate organic food? That’s how Angeli and his lawyer explained it to a federal judge during a Feb. 3 court demanding that the D.C. Department of Corrections adhere to Angeli’s dietary needs. Eating “non-organic food,” Angeli’s lawyer argued, “which contains unnatural chemicals, would act as an ‘object intrusion’ onto his body and cause serious illness if he were to eat it.” Naturally – pun intended – Judge Royce Lamberth ruled in Angeli’s favor. So be it. Give the man his organic chow, stat. In a very Arizona twist to this tale, we ought to ship the hometown anti-hero one of his home state’s staple crops to help him gain back the 20 pounds Angeli claims to have lost. Few things are more organic than pecans and pistachios. A study last year by the University of Arizona detailed that these tasty crops now account for nearly $100 million in annual economic impact. That’s hardly a surprise. It’s Arizona. We grow nuts here.
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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 7, 2021
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Desert Ridge’s Joe Kisting honored after mom’s death BY ZACH ALVIRA Tribune Sports Editor
D
esert Ridge senior Joe Kisting stood across the wrestling mat from the Mesa High School wrestling program, not aware of what would happen after the meeting between captains for the dual match between both schools. He turned to walk toward his seat along the socially distanced bench area for the Jaguars before he was called back to the center of the mat by Mesa coach David DiDomenico. There, Kisting was met by his aunt, Becky Senske, his late mother’s twin sister. DiDomenico presented a plush toy in a gift bag and hand-drawn poster of the two schools’ mascots �ist-bumping. Drawn by wrestler Amaiya Brown, the poster was signed by the Jackrabbit program. “I think I told him how much I respected him and how strong he is for what he’s going through,” DiDomenico said. “I was, in a way, humbled by his acceptance. I just can’t imagine how he felt and for him to let me be a small part of the healing process, it was humbling.” Kisting’s mother, Bethany, battled COVID-19 that turned into pneumonia in both of her lungs. She spent nearly �ive weeks in the hospital on a ventilator and in a medically induced coma. Bethany died on Jan. 11, the day after she turned 54 years old. She had no preexisting conditions. “She was my everything,” Kisting said. “She was my de�inition of kindness. There was nobody who treated me better than her. It taught me not to take time for granted. I just think about my younger siblings and how they had less time with her than I did.” The match against Mesa was originally scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Jan. 27, the same day as Kisting’s 18th birthday and his mother’s funeral. But Desert Ridge coach Travis Jackson asked DiDomenico to push it back to Thursday. He obliged without hesitation. “I just think coach DiDomenico is a class act, all of Mesa is,” Jackson said. “We’ve
Desert Ridge senior wrestler Joe Kisting was joined by his aunt, Becky Senske, while he was presented with a gift and hand-drawn poster from Mesa coach David DiDomenico and his team before the match between the two schools to honor Joe’s mother, Bethany, who died of COVID-19 and pneumonia on Jan. 11. (Zach Alvira/Tribune Staff) had three deaths within our wrestling family since November. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions.”
Bethany Kisting had no preexisting health conditions when she became ill with COVID-19, which ultimately forced her to be put on a ventilator and medically induced coma. She died the day after her 54th birthday.
(Courtesy Kisting Family)
A small funeral was held due to COVID-19 restrictions, which only allowed a few of Kisting’s teammates to attend the service. Still, he said having them there as well as others who couldn’t attend supporting him is what has made his time with the program special. “Each and every one of them knew my mom, she was special to them, too,” Kisting said. “It meant a lot for them to be there for me.” Bethany started to feel sick in December when Kisting and his older brother �lew back from Arkansas, where they went duck hunting with their father while he was on a business trip. When she picked them up from the airport, she was already coughing and feared she may have COVID-19. In the days leading up to Bethany’s illness, Kisting said a few of his siblings had become ill. However, they tested negative for the virus. Even after his mother tested positive, the entire family, all seven others, continued to test negative. Kisting said nobody else showed symptoms. His mother’s cough progressed to the
point where he convinced her to go to the hospital out of precaution. She �inally agreed. Kisting dropped off his mother at a hospital in Gilbert for treatment. That ended up being the last time he was able to physically see her. “I thought I would be able to pick her up later that night,” Kisting said. “I kept telling her it would be alright, but she had to be put on a ventilator to force oxygen into her. I was only able to FaceTime and talk to her on the phone.” Kisting began wrestling before he enrolled at Desert Ridge his freshman year. As a junior, he started to fall out of love with the sport and was on the brink of quitting altogether. Jackson encouraged him to stay with the program. But near the midway point of the season, Jackson said Kisting’s motivation suddenly reappeared. He became aware of the opportunities wrestling presented. Despite missing some matches, Kisting quali�ied for the state tournament. With a renewed sense of urgency, he placed fourth overall in the 145-pound weight class. Now a senior, he remains motivated to succeed on the mat. While he is still nursing the knee injury, he is eager to compete again in honor of his mother. “I know she’s always going to be there with me,” Kisting said. “I told my mom I wanted to be a state champion in my weight class and she really believed I could do it. One thing she said before we couldn’t talk to her anymore was, ‘no matter what happens to me, I want you guys to continue with your life and to keep pursuing your goals and dreams.’ Remembering her words and her advice, that is what she wants from me.”
Have an interesting sports story?
Contact Zach Alvira at zalvira@ timespublications.com and follow him on Twitter @ZachAlvira.
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Arabian Horse Show available only online BY KRISTINE CANNON
GetOut Staff Writer
F
or 65 years, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show has attracted attendees and competitors from around the world, including the United Kingdom and Italy to Australia and the Middle East. “It truly is an international event,” said Taryl O’Shea, executive director of the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona. But this year, for AHAA’s 66th annual show – starting Thursday, Feb. 11, and running through Feb. 21 – will be closed to the public due to the pandemic and instead will be available for viewing via livestream. “[Live-streaming] is a great option for the hundreds of thousands of people that will not be able to come and watch in person this year,” O’Shea said. Held at WestWorld, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show features more than 2,000 horses from across North America, more than $3 million in prize money, and the best-of-the-best riders vying for the coveted title of “Scottsdale Champion.” “This competition is vital to the Arabian horse community and we are pleased to be able to host it again this year,” O’Shea said. “While the event may be quieter this year, we know the competition will still be intense.” Day passes are available for $9.99 or fans can access the full event for $49.99. A schedule of each day’s events is posted to the website, outlining what class is competing and when. Fans, families and enthusiasts can watch live, real-time video of the competition or tune into recorded videos later. This year, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show will bene�it several local charities, including Healing Hearts Animal Rescue and Refuge, Horses Help TRC, Scottsdale Community College and Youth for Troops. “We partner with our charities, so they are involved with the show. They volunteer, have booths and help promote the show. These charities have been with us
The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, the world’s largest horse show, returns for its 66th year. Held at WestWorld of Scottsdale, the event runs from Feb. 11 through Feb. 21, but it will be closed to the public. Instead, fans, families and enthusiasts can watch live, real-time video of the competition or tune into recorded videos later. (AHAA) for many years, and they are a part of the Arabian Horse community. We choose these ones because they make a difference in the community,” O’Shea said. While AHAA has live-streamed the horse show for over 10 years, this year
marks the �irst time the Scottsdale Signature Stallion auction will be online. Through 9 p.m. Feb. 20, the auction includes 150 horses and raises money to fund the largest prize money program for young Arabian horses in the industry.
“We are lucky to have an event in a climate where many events have been canceled,” O’Shea said. “We have done what it takes to keep people safe and host a great competition. The Arabian Horse community is thankful for that.” Historically, the horse show has attracted more than 300,000 attendees over its 11 days. They also typically sell out of seats on their main championship night. But this year will look different as only participants and essential personnel will be permitted on the grounds. “Closing to the public has been a challenge as it had a domino effect on our shopping expo,” O’Shea said. “Sponsors and people who have been coming for years are simply disappointed.” To keep participants and essential personnel safe, AHAA put together a “sixpoint safety plan” to guard against COVID-19. “I think our future is going to consist of a new focus on public health and safety – many of the cleaning, signage, communication incident response protocols will live with us forever,” O’Shea said. “We have implemented many electronic options to streamline options for competitors, [and] I know we will continue to build on that into the future.” Although AHAA lost almost all of their international competitors due to travel restrictions, O’Shea hopes they’ll still tune in this year. “Obviously, we want as many people as possible to watch the horse show that they stay engaged with our show,” O’Shea said. “There is a large number every year of overseas viewers, [so] I am sure it will be even larger this year as most are not traveling to the show this year.” “The Scottsdale Arabian Horse show is the largest most prestigious show in the world, so we have many international Arabian horse enthusiasts that tune in,” O’Shea added. To access the livestream or videos, visit scottsdaleshow.com.
THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 7, 2021
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Your life was a blessing. Your Memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Love you Hun,
Happy 60th anniversary Hun 2/11/1961, Your Loving Wife Irene
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November 14, 1946 - January 9, 2021 PAYSON—Bob Graziano of Mesa and Payson lost his short fight with the devil covid on Saturday, January 9, 2021. Bob was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved out to Arizona with his wife, Marie, and daughter, Dina in 1972. Their son, William, was born inArizona in 1973. Bob owned and was president of R&M Security Systems, Inc. in Mesa from 1975 to 2005 when he sold the company. Bob was Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 758 for many years and enjoyed helping several of the boys attain the rank of Eagle. In 2011, Bob said they had "paid their summer dues" and bought a home in Payson. He quickly became involved in volunteering in the community. Bob loved meeting people and being able to help them. He did everything cheerfully and always with a smile. He was a gun enthusiast and could answer anybody's questions on gun care and usage. He loved reading about the history of guns and imparting his knowledge to others. He worked tirelessly to get his Veteran designation and was so proud when he got it on his license. He was a true patriot and loved the U.S. and our flag. He is survived by his wife, Marie; daughter, Dina Barnes (Tom); son, William (Nicole); grandchildren, Kendal and Jackson Barnes and Joy and Anthony Graziano. There will be a Celebration of Life for Bob in Payson on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at the Church of the Holy Nativity. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 7, 2021
Landscape/Maintenance
29
Roofing
Painting
Public Notices
Insured/Bonded Free Estimates
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT SUMMONS CASE NUMBER: 2020-CP-23- 05688 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GREENVILLE NINA BETH ALLEN, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Billy James Mood, Plaintiff, vs. SHAWN MICHELLE DILSAVER MOODY a/k/a SHAWN MICHELLE DILSAVER, Defendant. TO THE DEFENDANT ABOVE-NAMED: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint herein, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, or otherwise appear and defend, and to serve a copy of your answer to said Complaint upon the subscriber at his office, 32 E. Main Street, P.O. Box 315, Williamston, South Carolina, 29697, within thirty (30) days after service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service, and if you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, or otherwise appear and defend, the Plaintiff in this action will apply to the Court for the relief demanded therein, and judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. s/ G. Lee Cole, Jr.____________ G. Lee Cole, Jr. SC Bar Number 100352 COX & COLE, ATTORNEYS AT LAW P.O. Box 315 Williamston, SC 29697 Tel. (864) Fax (864) 847-7895 847-9289 LeeCole@CoxandCole.com ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF Williamston, South Carolina Dated: 12/10/2020_________ Published: East Valley Tribune, Gilbert Sun News Jan. 24, 31, Feb. 7, 2021 / 35776
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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 7, 2021
30
Public Notices
Public Notices CITY OF MESA, ARIZONA
CITY OF MESA MESA, ARIZONA
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
CEMETERY NORTH EXPANSION PHASE IIB AND URN/SCATTER GARDEN 1212 N. CENTER STREET PROJECT NO. CP0583CEP2B-2 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received until Thursday, February 25, 2021, at 1 p.m. All sealed bids will be received electronically at EngineeringBids@mesaaz.gov. Bids must be submitted as an unencrypted PDF attachment with a maximum size limit of 20MB. Any bid received after the time specified will be returned without any consideration. This contract shall be for furnishing all labor, materials, transportation and services for the construction and/or installation of the following work: • Construction of turf covered plot areas, access roads, retaining walls, ornamental site walls, trees, shrubs and associated landscape irrigation improvements as shown on construction documents and specifications. • To be completed at City's sole discretion is Bid Alternate 1 – Urn/Scatter Garden. Construction will include a scatter garden, in-ground urn vaults, rose garden reflection areas, trellis structures, trees, shrubs, artificial turf, benches, an art structure, sidewalk and associated landscape irrigation improvements. • To be completed at City’s sole discretion is Bid Alternate 2 – Sod: Construction will include the deletion of the intended installed turf grass seed specified in the Base Bid and will replace with sod installation. The Engineer’s Estimate range for the Base Bid (only) is $800,000 to $1,000,000. For all technical, contract, bid-related, or other questions, please contact Donna Horn at donna.horn@mesaaz.gov. Contact with City Employees. All firms interested in this project (including the firm’s employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process. This policy is intended to create a level playing field for all potential firms, to assure that contract decisions are made in public, and to protect the integrity of the selection process. All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the authorized representative identified above. Contractors desiring to submit proposals may purchase sets of the Bid Documents from ARC Document Solutions, LLC, at https://order.earc.com/arcEOC/PWELL_Main.asp?mem=29. Click on “Go” for the Public Planroom to access plans. NOTE: In order to be placed on the Plan Holders List and to receive notifications and updates regarding this bid (such as addenda) during the bidding period, an order must be placed. The cost of each Bid Set will be no more than $41, which is non-refundable. Partial bid packages are not sold. You can view documents on-line (at no cost), order Bid Sets, and access the Plan Holders List on the website at the address listed above. Please verify print lead time prior to arriving for pick-up. For a list of locations nearest you, go to www.e-arc.com. One set of the Contract Documents is also available for viewing at the City of Mesa’s Engineering Department at 20 East Main Street, Mesa, AZ. Please call 480-644-2251 prior to arriving to ensure that the documents are available for viewing. In order for the City to consider alternate products in the bidding process, please follow Arizona Revised Statutes §34.104c. If a pre-bid review of the site has been scheduled, details can be referenced in Project Specific Provision Section #3, titled “Pre-Bid Review of Site.” Work shall be completed within 180 consecutive calendar days, beginning with the day following the starting date specified in the Notice to Proceed. Bids must be submitted on the Proposal Form provided and be accompanied by the Bid Bond for not less than ten percent (10%) of the total bid, payable to the City of Mesa, Arizona, or a certified or cashier's check. PERSONAL OR INDIVIDUAL SURETY BONDS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. The successful bidder will be required to execute the standard form of contract for construction within ten (10) days after formal award of contract. In addition, the successful bidder must be registered in the City of Mesa Vendor Self-Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz.gov/business/purchasing/vendor-self-service). The successful bidder, simultaneously with the execution of the Contract, will be required to furnish a Payment Bond in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, a Performance Bond in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, and the most recent ACORD® Certificate of Liability Insurance form with additional insured endorsements. The right is hereby reserved to accept or reject any or all bids or parts thereto, to waive any informalities in any proposal and reject the bids of any persons who have been delinquent or unfaithful to any contract with the City of Mesa. BETH HUNING City Engineer ATTEST: DeeAnn Mickelsen City Clerk
Published: East Valley Tribune Feb. 7, 14, 2021 / 36165
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Mesa is seeking qualified Consultants for the following: Fire Exhaust System The City of Mesa is seeking qualified Consultants to provide design services and/ or construction administration services for: Direct-Source Vehicle Exhaust Capture System Design. All qualified firms that are interested in providing these services are invited to submit their Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) in accordance with the requirements detailed in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Direct-Source Vehicle Exhaust Capture System Design. The City of Mesa Fire and Medical Department has been awarded a Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant to retro-fit up to 16 fire stations with a direct-source vehicle capture system. Diesel exhaust exposures contribute to increasing rates of occupational cancer in the fire service industry. A direct-source capture system protects firefighters from exposure and meets best practices recommended by regulatory agencies, such as The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). A Pre-Submittal Conference will not be held. Contact with City Employees. All firms interested in this RFQ (including the firm’s employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process. This policy is intended to create a level playing field for all potential firms, assure that contract decisions are made in public and to protect the integrity of the selection process. All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the authorized representative identified below.
THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 7, 2021
31
Public Notices
Public Notices
RFQ Lists. This RFQ is available on the City’s website at http://mesaaz.gov/ business/engineering/architecturalengineering-design-opportunities.
CITY OF MESA MESA, ARIZONA
The Statement of Qualifications shall include a one-page cover letter that contains current company/firm contact information including a valid phone number and email address, plus a maximum of 8 pages to address the SOQ evaluation criteria (excluding PPVF’s and resumes but including an organization chart with key personnel and their affiliation). Resumes for each team member shall be limited to a maximum length of two pages and should be attached as an appendix to the SOQ. Minimum font size shall be 10pt. Please provide one (1) electronic copy in an unencrypted PDF format to Engineering-RFQ@mesaaz.gov by 2:00PM on Thursday, February 11, 2021. Maximum file size shall not exceed 20MB. SOQ’s that are unable to be opened by City staff will not be considered for award. Submitters may request a single opportunity to verify that a test email and attachment are received and can be opened by City staff. Test emails must be sent to Engineering-RFQ@mesaaz.gov. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Statements of Qualifications. The City is an equal opportunity employer. Firms who wish to do business with the City of Mesa must be registered and activated in the City of Mesa Vendor Self Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz.gov/ business/purchasing/vendor-self-service). Questions. Questions pertaining to the Consultant selection process or contract issues should be directed to Michele Davila of the Engineering Department at Michele.Davila@mesaaz.gov BETH HUNING City Engineer ATTEST: DeeAnn Mickelsen City Clerk
Published: East Valley Tribune Jan. 24, 31, 2021 / 35775
Commercial Water Meter Rehabilitations PH 12 PROJECT NO. CP0860P3 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received until Thursday, March 4, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. All sealed bids will be received electronically at EngineeringBids@mesaaz.gov. Bids must be submitted as an unencrypted PDF attachment with a maximum size limit of 20MB. Any bid received after the time specified will be returned without any consideration. This contract shall be for furnishing all labor, materials, transportation and services for the construction and/or installation of the following work: This project calls for the rehabilitation of fourteen (14) water meter assemblies (WMA) at nine (9) sites in the City of Mesa. The existing WMAs are within underground vaults, and are sized 3-inch, 4-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch, and 10-inch. The top 1’ of the vaults along with concrete lid will be removed with the remaining vault to be abandoned in place and slurry backfilled. The existing WMAs shall be replaced with new dual 2-inch, 4-inch, 6-inch or 8-inch WMAs; and relocated above grade per the approved plans. Site work will include installation of new piping, restoration of the site and various landscaping measures to mitigate the view of the newly constructed WMAs. The Engineer’s Estimate range is $800,000 to $900,000. For all technical, contract, bid-related, or other questions, please contact Stephanie Gishey at stephanie.gishey@mesaaz.gov. Contact with City Employees. All firms interested in this project (including the firm’s employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process. This policy is intended to create a level playing field for all potential firms, to assure that contract decisions are made in public, and to protect the integrity of the selection process. All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the authorized representative identified above. Contractors desiring to submit proposals may purchase sets of the Bid Documents from ARC Document Solutions, LLC, at https://order.earc.com/arcEOC/PWELL_Main.asp?mem=29. Click on “Go” for the Public Planroom to access plans. NOTE: In order to be placed on the Plan Holders List and to receive notifications and updates regarding this bid (such as addenda) during the bidding period, an order must be placed. The cost of each Bid Set will be no more than $20.00, which is non-refundable. Partial bid packages are not sold. You can view documents on-line (at no cost), order Bid Sets, and access the Plan Holders List on the website at the address listed above. Please verify print lead time prior to arriving for pick-up. For a list of locations nearest you, go to www.e-arc.com. One set of the Contract Documents is also available for viewing at the City of Mesa’s Engineering Department at 20 East Main Street, Mesa, AZ. Please call 480-644-2251 prior to arriving to ensure that the documents are available for viewing. In order for the City to consider alternate products in the bidding process, please follow Arizona Revised Statutes §34.104c. If a pre-bid review of the site has been scheduled, details can be referenced in Project Specific Provision Section #3, titled “Pre-Bid Review of Site.” Work shall be completed within 203 consecutive calendar days, beginning with the day following the starting date specified in the Notice to Proceed. Bids must be submitted on the Proposal Form provided and be accompanied by the Bid Bond for not less than ten percent (10%) of the total bid, payable to the City of Mesa, Arizona, or a certified or cashier's check. PERSONAL OR INDIVIDUAL SURETY BONDS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. The successful bidder will be required to execute the standard form of contract for construction within ten (10) days after formal award of contract. In addition, the successful bidder must be registered in the City of Mesa Vendor Self-Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz.gov/business/purchasing/vendor-self-service). The successful bidder, simultaneously with the execution of the Contract, will be required to furnish a Payment Bond in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, a Performance Bond in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, and the most recent ACORD® Certificate of Liability Insurance form with additional insured endorsements. The right is hereby reserved to accept or reject any or all bids or parts thereto, to waive any informalities in any proposal and reject the bids of any persons who have been delinquent or unfaithful to any contract with the City of Mesa. BETH HUNING City Engineer ATTEST: DeeAnn Mickelsen City Clerk
Published: East Valley Tribune Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 2021 / 35957
THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 7, 2021
32
The Glendale
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