The Mesa Tribune - Zone 2 - 2.28.2022 by Times Media Group

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An edition of the East Valley Tribune

Sunday, February 27, 2022

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Cooler classrooms at less cost in store for MPS

INSIDE

This Week

BY SCOTT SHUMAKER Tribune Staff Writer

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he Mesa Public Schools Governing Board has voted to spend $75 million to upgrade aging HVAC equipment in the district – passing over a $250-million deal the district explored in the fall. The upgrade will be paid with about half of the district’s third round of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, or ESSER, funds distributed to school districts to

ease the financial impact of the pandemic. The upgrade plan replaces a deal proposed by Phoenix-based Midstate Energy in September in which the district would have installed new HVAC and solar equipment in the district through a lease-purchase agreement with the company. The cost of the equipment, the company promised, would have been offset by the energy savings of the more efficient hardware and solar energy. Assistant Superintendent Scott Thompson told the Tribune after the Feb. 22 board meet-

ing that the idea of using federal relief funds to upgrade HVAC equipment came from those earlier talks to lease-purchase equipment. Though the $250 million deal has been scrapped, Thompson said, a smaller scale deal with the company to upgrade to LED lighting was still possible in the future. Throughout the pandemic, some board members expressed concern about the quality of air in many district schools, especially

see HVAC page 4

Mesa man plays star role in Scottish Games

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BY PAUL MARYNIAK Tribune Executive Editor

or 56 years, thousands of people each March have gathered at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix to celebrate their Scottish Heritage. But starting Friday afternoon, March 4, men in kilts, stirring marching bands and men and women tossing boulders and engaging in other feats of strength will dominate the landscape of Gilbert Regional Park as the Phoenix Scottish Games move into the East Valley. And Mesa resident Kevin Conquest can’t wait. Born and raised in America with Scottish roots on his mother’s side, Conquest confesses, “I’m mostly English, but as I like to tell people in the Scottish circles, nobody’s perfect.” On Friday, Conquest will be gloriously attired in his black-feather bonnet, tartan kilt, ornate waistcoat with assorted buckles and badges as he leads bands in a heart-stopping march to the tune of bagpipes and drums in

a ceremony opening the largest non-town sponsored event yet at the 272-acre park. And the Scottish Games will use a good chunk of that real estate as Conquest promises a bigger, bolder and more engaging simultaneous series of competitions, entertainment acts and other activities that will more than make up for the loss of the 2021 games to the pandemic. “I do like the park,” said Conquest, the drum major of the 42-year-old Mesa Caledonia Pipe Band who has traveled the world to perform. “The layout is more agreeable to Scottish Highland Games,” he explained. “So, the format that you’re going to see on the field would look very similar to how the Scottish Highland Games will be laid out in Scotland that

see SCOTTISH page 10

Mesa resident Kevin Conquest has a star role in the Phoenix Scottish Games, which stand to become an annual East Valley ritual after 56 years in Phoenix. (Courtesy Kevin Conquest)

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

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

Mesa Historical Museum unveils Cactus League exhibit TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

he Cactus League may be hostage right now to the stalemate in talks between Major League Baseball and the players union, but people can get their Spring Training fix at the Mesa Historical Museum The museum, 2345 N. Horne, has opened its exhibit, “Play Ball: The Arizona Spring Training Experience and Cactus League Hall of Fame” for a run that will continue through next January. The exhibit is one of the largest baseball exhibits in Arizona history and highlights some of the greatest Cactus League players and stories. It is sponsored by the Cactus League, Arizona Baseball Legacy and Experience at KB Woods and is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday except for most federal holidays. The exhibit takes museum-goers through decades of Spring Training history and the birth of the Cactus League – showcasing old uniforms, signed memorabilia, vintage video footage and other relics of the past that have survived decades mostly in private collections. “There’s a strong presence of baseball here in Mesa because of spring training and we felt it was the right thing to do, to bring it back to the museum and back to Mesa,” said Susan Ricci, museum executive director, when the exhibit debuted last year. Launched in 2009, the Play Ball exhibit has been displayed at various venues with parts of the Play Ball collection previously displayed at locations such as the Scottsdale Civic Center Library in 2017. Now, the Mesa facility is the only museum with the collection. The exhibit is curated to “wow” people and teach the rich history of baseball in Mesa, said Anita Peters, board chair at the Mesa Historical Museum. “I think that it’s really important that they know about [the history of spring training], and it’s a fun part of Mesa’s history,” Peters said. Once a storage room at the museum built within the historic Lehi School

see CACTUS page 8

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

Mesa coach’s termination ripped at board meet BY ZACH ALVIRA Tribune Sports Editor

he sudden firing of longtime Mountain View head basketball coach Gary Ernst earlier this month sent shockwaves across the Arizona high school community. And last week, the controversy rippled through the Mesa Public Schools Governing Board meeting. Former and current players and coaches who faced Ernst as well as media and high school basketball enthusiasts were surprised and disheartened by the decision by Mountain View Principal Mike Oliver, who was hired ahead of this school year. Ernst was honored by many of his opponents when news first broke, with coaches starting a movement to wear red shirts during their games. Against Mesa, Mountain View’s rival,

HVAC from page 1

because newer ones have few or no windows to let in fresh air. Board member Marcie Hutchinson was especially alarmed, noting that airborne COVID-19 could more easily infect children and staff without adequate ventilation. During last week’s meeting, board members emphasized the importance of good air in the classroom for learning. “AC is very important,” board member Kiana Sears said. Besides preventing learning loss from hot, unventilated classrooms, Thompson said using the ESSER money on upgraded HVAC was also a way to turn the district’s short-term gain into long-term revenue. “We are looking at the fact that some of the newer equipment will generate savings,” which the district can apply to things like permanent teacher and staff hires, Thompson said. He estimated the district would save about 5% on its energy bill from the upgrades. “We spend about $13 million a year on electricity,” Thompson said. “Even 5% is a significant amount of money.” He said there are issues districts are struggling with when it comes to ESSER funds. “While it is a lot of money, it is coming in in a relatively short amount of time,” Thompson said. “It’s only for three years,

Jason Ernst, son of ousted Mesa coach Gary Ernst decried his father’s dismissal in an appearance before the Mesa Public Schools Governing Board. (YouTube) a 30-minute presentation in honor of Ernst’s legacy took place before tip-off.

And even though the Toros’ season ended Feb. 11 in the 6A Conference play-in tournament, many are still venting their displeasure over how Ernst was treated. “The way the new administration handled the firing was poor, to say the least,” Ernst’s son, Jason, told the Governing Board Feb. 22. “This should have never been decided by a new administration with zero high school athletics experience – especially when you are dealing with a legendary coach who has given 38 years to Mountain View and the community.” Along with explaining his father’s character and love for all of his players and how much the news weighed on him, he asked the board to require that Oliver, Mountain View Athletic Director Joe Goodman and other school administrators receive training to better handle situations of this caliber with coaches. Jason started an online petition in sup-

and I don’t think people understand how hard it is for schools to spend money in that kind of time frame when what we really need to do is hire people to work with children. Those are long-term commitments that go well beyond a two to three-year period.” “This [plan] affords the possibility to leverage these funds to have a long term [impact]. I still look at these [purchases] as very impactful to the classroom,” Thompson said. He added that the dis- MPS Assistant Superintendent Scott Thompson walked trict is also using the fed- the Governing Board through the HVAC upgrade plan at its eral funds to directly tackle meeting last week. (YouTube) learning loss from the pandemic, saying have relied on one vendor to put in the that the HVAC plan is in addition to initia- equipment. In this new $75 million plan, MPS will tives like hiring tutors, retaining teachers, replacing textbooks and holding a “robust purchase the HVAC units from up to four different companies that won contracts summer school.” “We now have the money to do some through the Mohave Educational Services of the things we haven’t done in liter- Cooperative in 2019. Mohave is a cooperative purchasing ally decades,” he said. “But at the end of the day, it’s going to take time, but the group comprised of schools, cities, counmoney’s only here for a relatively short ties and nonprofits in Arizona. Thompson told the board that using mulperiod of time. Short-term funding is altiple companies to install the equipment ways a challenge.” In the larger $250 million plan kicked would help the district control costs during around in the fall, the district would a time when supply chain disruptions and

port of his father keeping his job at the school. The petition quickly made the rounds on social media and to this point has more than 5,000 signatures. Neither he nor Susan Ernst, the coach’s wife, explicitly asked the board to reinstate Ernst and instead focused on protecting future coaches at Mountain View – especially those who could follow Ernst’s path in becoming the all-time winningest basketball coach in the history of Arizona high school basketball. “What happened has hurt the community but most importantly, it has hurt the children and basketball players involved,” Jason said. “Going forward I ask the new administration to get training on how to handle these hard situations when dealing with someone of my dad’s stature and reputation, so our community is never put

see ERNST page 8

inflation are leading to volatile pricing. “Pricing disruptions and supply chain disruptions are … making it almost impossible to pin people down to ‘hey, this unit costs this amount,’” Thompson said. “A lot of vendors are saying, ‘we can’t guarantee pricing until we know the order is locked in.’” The multiple vendor approach, Thompson said, will help the district make sure it’s getting market pricing. During the Feb. 22 meeting, governing board members asked Thompson for details about the locations of the new HVAC equipment. In the earlier deal considered in the fall, the placement of new equipment would have been dictated by energy consumption – which buildings use the most electricity – in order to generate the most savings. But Thompson said under the new plan to purchase equipment directly using ESSER funds, the placement would be based on the current condition of HVAC units, and schools will be prioritized above administration offices. Board members also pressed Thompson on the timing of installation of new equipment. “I’m sure you have a very strong sense of urgency because people are counting on us to have cooler classrooms next year,” board member Joe O’Reilly told Thompson.

see HVAC page 8

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

359-unit complex near Longbow OK’d despite opposition BY SCOTT SHUMAKER Tribune Staff Writer

he Mesa Planning and Zoning Board recommended City Council approval zoning change that will pave the way for a 359-unit apartment complex near Longbow Golf Club despite vocal opposition from neighbors near the parcel. More than 20 residents showed up at the Feb. 9 board meeting in red shirts. Several addressed the board to express their opposition and others not in attendance submitted comments to be read into the record. But the neighbors failed to turn the board against the project, which had the blessing of city planners. It approved the zone change request 4-1, with two members absent, sending the proposal by DHI Communities for a parcel west of Recker Road and south of the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway to City Council for a final vote. The roughly 20-acre site wraps around the eastern edge of the Longbow Golf

Club course. The irregularly shaped parcel is currently zoned Light Industrial. In order to build the three-story apartment complex, the project developers are seeking a change to Limited Commercial with a use permit to allow for a residential-focused development with some commercial on the ground floor. DHI Communities wants additional modifications to allow for a higher density of residential units than currently allowed by the Limited Commercial zoning and Longbow Park Planned Area Development standards. These include reductions in minimum building separation, outdoor living area and parking spaces per unit. The requested modifications would allow building heights of 38 feet and permit the commercial space in the development to make up a smaller share of the property than the LC zoning standards. In his presentation to the board, DHI representative Reese Anderson said this type of apartment complex fits in with the overall development in the area and would provide needed housing in an area

seeing job growth. “As (Longbow Park PAD) has developed over the years, starting in 2002, it really has developed as more of a mixed use,” Reese said. “Along Recker, it’s really developing more as a mixed-use type of development and it makes sense to consider this type of proposal there.” Other developments near the golf course include an Amazon warehouse, a shopping center anchored by a Sprouts with restaurants, an industrial office and business park, and storage facilities. Anderson also noted that the Longbow district is within the Falcon Field SubArea and cited figures showing 13,880 jobs in the area and growing. He said the Falcon Field Sub-Area hosts 11% of Maricopa County’s aerospace jobs. “There’s a need for housing for employees in the area, as well as others,’’ Anderson said. As part of the rezoning request, DHI Communities conducted neighborhood outreach, holding discussion sessions and taking comments on the proposal in the months before the hearing.

Anderson summarized some of the primary concerns as: opposition to multi-family residential and three-story buildings, concern about overflow parking into nearby residential areas, noise and light glare from the development, and concern that the city does not value neighbors’ opinion and does not enforce light and sound ordinances. The city also hired a third-party facilitator to talk with residents in the area and learn more about their concerns and Anderson reported one of the findings from the facilitator as “Development will introduce ‘undesirable people.’” In comments to the board during the meeting, several neighbors said changing the zoning to allow for the apartment complex would be unfair, since the zoning in place when they moved to the area would not have allowed a high-density apartment complex. Resident Terry Davis told the board she knew and accepted that an airport was nearby and that the 202 would be built

see LONGBOW page 11

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NEWS

CACTUS from page 3

house, which has a history dating back to the 1880s, the renovated space is set to be one of the museum’s largest exhibits showcasing hundreds of pieces from years past. In Arizona, nearly 1.8 million baseball fans from around the country pour into 10 stadiums to watch their favorite teams practice one of America’s most renowned past-times. Arizona spring training started when two teams – the Cleveland Indians and New York Giants (now the San Francisco Giants since 1958) – began traveling to

ERNST from page 4

through this again.” Ernst coached the Mountain View basketball program for 38 years. He won seven state titles with the Toros and has eight overall – the first having come while leading the Chandler basketball program. His greatest stretch at Mountain View occurred in 2005-07, when he coached the Toros to three straight championships at the highest level of competition the Arizona Interscholastic Association has to offer. In 2019, Ernst became the state’s first basketball coach to eclipse 900 career wins. The 73-year-old reached 943 this season. Susan told the board her husband had been looking forward to another year at Mountain View. Three of their grandchildren would be at Mountain View and Ernst wanted the opportunity to coach them. A teacher in the district for 30 years before retiring, Susan said her and her husband’s dedication to MPS feels unappreciated. “This is the first time that we are embarrassed to say we have been part of Mesa Public Schools,” Susan said. “I also want to correct a lie, a lie that is being told by the Mountain View administration. And

HVAC from page 4

Thompson told the board that supply chain issues are not only affecting pricing, but affecting timeframe when projects can be completed. Due to the current environment, he could not give a detailed time-

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

the desert to prepare for the general season and formed what is now called the Cactus League. Today, 15 Major League Baseball teams practice springtime baseball under nearly perfect weather conditions. Meanwhile, as for the 2022 Spring Training season, much will be riding on the outcome of talks slated Monday, Feb. 28. Spring training is officially postponed until at least March 5 and maybe longer if nothing materializes from that meeting between the team owners and the players union. Team owners have locked out the players until a new labor contract can be reached and the MLB said only five days

remain to salvage the March 31 openers and a full season, telling locked out players that games would be canceled if a labor contract is not reached tomorrow. After the third straight day of negotiations with little movement, MLB went public with what it had told the union on Feb. 12. “A deadline is a deadline. Missed games are missed games. Salary will not be paid for those games,” an MLB spokesman told the Associated Press last Wednesday. Players have not accepted Monday as a deadline and have suggested any missed games could be made up as part of doubleheaders, a method MLB said it will not agree to.

line, but said $22 million in work has been planned for 15 schools. “There will be a lot of lead times on this equipment,” he said. “If we can, we’ll do it before school starts.” While the big lease-purchase deal negotiated in the fall gave the district the

idea of using ESSER funds to upgrade its HVAC system, the abandoned initiative may have cost the district valuable time, which board President Jenny Richardson appeared to reference in her remarks. “It was worth I think to explore this option,” Richardson said, “because it

that is that Gary knew about this for a long time. He did not. “I don’t think you realize how horribly this was handled, how disrespectfully it’s been handled and in a disgraceful manner. I don’t think you realize how much it has hurt our family.” Three members of the community joined Jason and Susan to address the board. Justin Hastings, an East Valley coach for nearly 30 years, said not only did his uncle play under Ernst at Chandler, but while he was a part of the Wolves’ team as a player he competed against Ernst-led Mountain View teams in the early 1990s. He frequently worked at the Arizona Sports Camp in Prescott under Ernst and sent his club basketball teams, which included his older son, to the camp to be coached by Ernst. Hastings said Ernst had been a role model for him as a coach. Ernst also motivated him to become a teacher in 1998 and attempt to make a difference to the lives of students. “Coach Ernst has the deepest respect of the Arizona coaching fraternity,” Hastings said. “When it comes to coaching, I hold

him in the highest regard. And having said that, I think he is a better person than he is a coach. “The manner in which coach Ernst had been treated over the last month is disheartening and inexcusable. An educator that has done what he has done for his players, pupils and school should be highly regarded, treated with respect and allowed to step away from his position with dignity and grace.” Laurie Ta’ase, a mother to 10 – all of whom went through Mountain View – echoed much of Hastings’ sentiment. Malaki Ta’ase, Laurie’s son, just recently finished his senior season playing under Ernst. She said during a time in which Malaki should’ve celebrated the end of his high school career, which included multiple scholarships to play football, it was a time of turmoil due to the school’s decision to move in a different direction from Ernst. Her second-oldest daughter Talia also spoke on behalf of Laurie’s sixth child, who is away at college in Utah. Laurie shared an excerpt from a post she made after the decision to move on from Ernst. “It is a decision that has had an effect on our entire family, and not in a positive

Associate player representative and former Diamondbacks pitcher Max Scherzer took to Twitter to let the public know what is at the heart of the fight. “We want a system where threshold and penalties don’t function as caps, allows younger players to realize more of their market value, makes service time manipulation a thing of the past, and eliminate tanking as a winning strategy,” he said. That was sent out on Feb. 4 and the needle hasn’t moved much since. Whether it’s the luxury tax threshold, or a salary floor to put more money in young players’ pockets, the two sides do not seem to be on the same page. ■

way,” Laurie said. “This is one of the final weeks of my son’s senior season at Mountain View as a Toro basketball player. It is usually filled with excitement and anticipation … this year that has been replaced with sadness, conflict, confusion and heartache.” Mesa Superintendent Dr. Andi Fourlis said she met with Ernst shortly after news broke about Oliver’s decision. She said she learned about his “character and passion” for Mountain View and the community. She reiterated that while his stipend to coach was not renewed, he was not fired altogether – something that, given the backlash Mountain View and the district have already received, will likely fall on deaf ears. “I heard from him and explained the way our process works it does not heal a heart,” Fourlis said. “I wanted to make sure he knew that he was not fired just that his stipend was not renewed for that next year. “I want to make sure our audience tonight knows our governing board does not have a hand in that coaching responsibility, either. But I do hear very loud and clear that we have some work to do about repairing that relationship.” ■

sounded like it could be a viable option to us. Even though it has put us into a time frame that none of us could have predicted or control, I do appreciate your careful work, and this is a lot of money and we want to make sure we approach it in the best way that we can.” ■

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

SCOTTISH from page 1

take place on track-and-field-type arenas, indoor-outdoor tracks and outdoor field. We’re able to lay it out very similar to that. “Another big draw to Gilbert this year was the amphitheater stage that they have at the park, which was a huge win for the entertainment. The sound on that stage is so impressive, having already done a couple of test runs. It’s just amazing. It was an absolute win for us. It’s also a different part of town, so we stand to open up to a new demographic.” Not Scottish? No worries, they stressed. Most everyone and anyone will find something to enjoy. Just ask Ian Lundy, who spent the first 60 years of his life in Scotland before moving to Chandler, where he set up a business called Scottish Genealogy that works primarily with Americans eager to trace their Scottish roots. This coming weekend, Lundy will be holed up in the genealogy tent with other professionals helping visitors parse their family tree in search of Scottish seeds. “It’s almost like you’re being immersed in all things Scottish,” Lundy said of the games. “People everywhere are wearing

Kevin Conquest, pipe major for the Mesa Caledonian Band, will be leading the Twilight Tattoo that will open the Phoenix Scottish Games. (YouTube) kilts. People are playing the bagpipes. People are dancing. People are competing in various different events. Scottish music is blaring from different clans.” Added Conquest: “A fantastic show starts off Friday night, also on Saturday and Sunda. You have nonstop entertainment going on all day. …But also you have athletic competitions going on. On the northwest side of the field will be the Highland dancing. People who come to the games, they

certainly won’t be bored. There will be something from the minute the gates open to the gate close, and there’s plenty to see and do there. “I think we have about seven different entertainment acts this year happening on the stage in addition to the five-minute drumming competition on the stage, so that’s going to be pretty exciting.” For the first time in the Phoenix Scottish Games’ history, a 90-minute “Twilight

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Tattoo” concert will open the weekend on Friday night – and Conquest will be front and center as he leads the pipers and the drummers in what promises to be a stunning performance. In this case, we’re not talking about ink on skin. A tattoo concert is a tradition dating back to Europe in the 17th century, when Dutch innkeepers would shout, “doe den tap toe” or “turn off the taps” to alert soldiers on leave that it was time to return to their barracks. Over time, that phrase was shortened to “tap toe” and anglicized to “tattoo.” “As the centuries moved on, the tradition evolved into a what is now an evening pageant of music and marching,” said games spokesman Darryl Toupkin. “These entertaining shows can be found in countries all over the world with the Scots perhaps having perfected the artform.” Conquest plays other roles at the games. “I’m the one that’s picking the music in advance, communicating that music to all the pipers and drummers of what’s being played and designing the drill of the marching that will perform,” he explained.

see SCOTTISH page 11

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

SCOTTISH from page 10

“I’m also declaring what uniform will be wearing because there’s different levels of pilot dress based on formality of the occasion. I’m also the interface with all the dignitaries that we have in the games.” “So the drum major’s job is a serious one,” he added. Conquest’s love affair with Scottish music began on the drums at age 17 and eventually he took up bagpipes, evolving into a decades-long activity that has taken him to compete three different countries’ championships. A part-time member of the Coast Guard, he has led the Mesa Caladonia band in dozens of local performances at veterans’ activities, St. Patrick’s Day events and other celebrations. Gates will open March 4 at 5 p.m. with Celtic folk music by The Noble McCoys, followed by Traveler with Scott Jeffers taking the audience through a tour of world music. At 7 p.m., Tattoo Drum Major Conquest will strike up The 103rd Arizona Regimental Band, The Los Angeles Fifes & Drums, The Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band, vocalist Erica Lue and the Twilight Tattoo

LONGBOW from page 6

near the neighborhood, but she couldn’t have anticipated apartments going in across Recker Road. “Stick with what you have in place now, because that’s what we know is in there,” Davis said. “Don’t change it on me now. Let’s keep the quality of this neighborhood where it is. Let’s keep that social capital up where it belongs.” Davis and another resident who spoke, Randy Rostron, said that homeowners and businesses are more invested in the local community than renters, so having apartments in the area would lower the quality of the neighborhood. “As a homeowner now, I have a vested interest,” Rostron said. “Apartments on the other hand, short lease periods, turnover, no investment, really don’t care – they’re looking for their next spot.” Board member Jessica Sarkissian read in a comment by Matthew Shannon, who found DHI’s proposed design unattractive. “The design of this apartment complex is soulless, drab, copy-paste and simple elements,” Shannon wrote. “This neigh-

Men and women compete in “heavy athletics competition” at the Scottish Games March 5-6, hurling boulders and engaging in tug of war and other feats of strength. (Phoenix Scottish Games)

Highland Dancers for a 90-minute show. Over the following two days, guests can wander among the tents each of the 30 Scottish clans will have set up. Or they can watch spectacular tests of strength in the Caber Toss, Sheaf Toss, Hammer Throw and “Putting the Stone” with male and female competitors of all ages from across

North America. Along with interactive displays, the event hosts the Highland Dance Championship and the Desert Southwest Pipe Band Championship. Then there are performances of traditional folk and bluegrass music with roots in the lowlands and highlands, plus The Wicked Tinkers, Stoney Bank and Christopher Yates in one of the many Four Peaks beer gardens located throughout the festival. The Celtic Village will offer more than 30 merchants with clothing, music instruments, jewelry, baked goods and other traditional culinary treats such as traditional shortbread cookies and Highland beef dishes. And what would games called “Scottish” be without Scotch whisky tastings. Even car lovers will find something to gawk as they vote for their favorite vintage vehicle at the British Car Display and Show while equine enthusiasts can enjoy a Clydesdale horse exhibit. Organizers have even arranged a visit from the Highland Royal Court, led by Mary Queen of Scots. Toupkin said Arizona is home to more than 175,000 Scots. “Everywhere you look you can see deep

with all of the additional modifications requested “gives pause.” “Changes to zoning and changes to general plan aren’t g i m m e s ,” V i l l a n u eva Saucedo said. “That being said, something will go there, traffic will increase, development The irregularly shaped area marked with the heavy red line would be will happen, I home to a 359-unit apartment complex on the edge of Longbow Golf just don’t feel Club’s course. (City of Mesa) that this deborhood deserves better than a tall, ob- velopment for this parcel is appropriate.” But she ended up being the lone voice noxious copy-paste complex.” Board member Deanna Villanueva- against the zone change request. Other board members expressed emSaucedo told the audience that “not all people that live in apartments are bad,” pathy for the concerns of the neighbors, but she agreed that the jump from light but the need for housing in the city and industrial to high density residential the details of the proposal tilted the issue

ties between Arizona and Scotland,” he said. “Douglas, Arizona was named for a Canadian-Scotsman and the Rose Tree Museum in Tombstone features a rose tree grown from a cutting shipped to a young Scottish bride from her family in Scotland in 1885. The Phoenix Scottish Games are produced by the Caledonian Society of Arizona, the largest Celtic organization in the state, promoting Scottish culture through art, education and athletics. Funds raised at the event support scholarships for aspiring and professional Highland athletes, musicians and dancers and/or other individuals or organizations whose mission, project or program promotes Scottish heritage. ■

If You Go...

Who: Phoenix Scottish Games Where: Gilbert Regional Park, 3005 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert. When: 5-8 p.m. March 4 for the Twilight Tattoo, 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. March 5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 6. Cost: $15 Friday, $25 single-day admission Saturday or Sunday, special packages also available. Info: phoenixscottishgames.com. in DHI Communities’ favor. Board member Tim Boyle cited the prospect of housing in Mesa for his kids as a reason to favor housing for this parcel over alternative projects that would be allowed under Light Industrial zoning. “I’ve been trying to figure out what needs to happen next in Mesa with the general plan and everything,,” he said. “I need a place for my kids to live. I’ve got a 20-year-old, I’ve got an 18 year old. I look at the map and I’m like, are they going to have to live in Surprise? Where they can afford a place to stay? Where can they live in the future. … The new dream that I want is to be able to have my kids living nearby. I don’t want to go to Queen Creek to see my kids or see my grandkids.” Board member Benjamin Ayers’ expressed some of the same anxiety over housing shortages in the region. “My son recently moved to this area,” he said. “I live near this area. … I agree that we need more variety of housing. My son had to move into an in-law suite because there were not apartments available in that area. His fiancée works at Boeing. He’s still in school and it’s a great example of what Tim was talking about earlier.” ■

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

Huge warehouse campus planned near Gateway airport BY SCOTT SHUMAKER Tribune Staff Writer

assengers flying into Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport may find themselves gazing at nearly 20-acres of roof and 1,500 parking spaces just before landing if the Willis Industrial Park clears the final hurdles of the city approval process. The Mesa Planning & Zoning Board helped the project along during its Feb. 9 meeting, approving a Planned Area Development overlay for the parcel zoned Light Industrial and located southeast of Pecos and Ellsworth roads.

As part of the board’s consent agenda, there was no discussion of the project before voting. Now the project heads to the city council. Developer Mutual Development Partners plans six buildings at the site with a maximum height of 54 feet, for a total of 855,000 square feet of covered space. In its description of the project, the developer promises a “campus-like setting, capable of supporting a variety of light industrial and employment type of uses, such as manufacturing and processing, wholesaling, research, warehousing, ecommerce, data centers and distribution activities.”

The proposal touts the planned land’s “optimal” location, close to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport – in the flightpath of aircraft landing and taking off. The proposed route of the Pecos Industrial Rail Access and Train Extension (“PIRATE”) runs just north of the parcel. The private/public project aims to connect Mesa’s industrial areas to existing rail lines, with the goal of reducing the number of truckloads on local streets. The Willis Industrial Complex land is also inside Mesa’s Pecos Advanced Manufacturing Zone. The surrounding parcels are mostly devoted to agricultural or light industrial

activities, with the exception of the Gateway Quarter residential development at Germann and Ellsworth roads. These property owners were outside the 1,000ft boundary for notification about the project. The applicants sent notifications to the 10 commercial property owners within the 1,000-foot boundary. In its report on citizen participation to the city, Mutual Development Partners wrote, “a virtual neighborhood meeting was held on Nov. 18 which no one attended. Results: Due to no citizen participation, there are no results or concerns to report on.” ■

deliver “advance life support didactic, cognitive, and motor skills training through a regional fire-based paramedic training program,” according to city documents. Jones & Bartlett publishes a variety of medical books on first aid, CPR, emergency medical technician and paramedic education materials. The company sells the textbook, online study guide and physical workbook as one set on its website for more than $900. Previously, as Mesa needed additional paramedics, the Fire & Medical Department would look for community college programs that offered classes that fit with the schedules of their 24-hour personnel. “The internal program that we are now going to have this year will be a significant help to the Mesa Fire and Medical Department,” Hayes said. “As well as our surrounding fire agencies that will be sending their employees through our program.” Mesa Community College offers students a certificate of completion in paramedicine or an associate’s degree in applied sciences in paramedicine, according

to their program website. The college’s fall 2022 semester begins in August and takes three semesters to complete but the program only accepts a maximum of 24 students. The department currently has 475 sworn paramedics and EMTs, as well as an

additional about 60 civilian paramedics and EMTs, Hayes said. She said surrounding departments would also utilize the program, including Gilbert Fire and Rescue, Queen Creek Fire and Medical and Superstition Fire and Medical Department. ■

Mesa starting its own training program for paramedics BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

ife may have become a little easier for current and prospective medical personnel with Mesa Fire & Medical Department. City Council earlier this month approved a 15-month contract with Phoenix for the Mesa Fire & Medical Department to purchase an all-inclusive package of educational materials including textbooks, tests, and other online learning resources so it can start its own paramedic training program. “The council’s decision to support this program allows us to better meet our department paramedics’ need in a timely fashion with a schedule that allows us to have minimal impact to the operation of front-line units,” Assistant Fire Chief Cori Hayes said. Mesa is now part of a Phoenix cooperative contract with Jones and Bartlett Learning textbook company at an annual cost of $50,000. This contract will help the department

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

Mesa schools dodge $73M budget bullet BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

esa Public Schools dodged a $73 million budget bullet after the state Legislature last week waived the voter-approved constitutional cap on K-12 spending. The move, which is good for just the balance of this school year, will prevent cuts estimated at more than $1.1 billion between now and June 30, or about 16 percent of each school district’s current spending. That included a projected $73 million cut by MPS, where officials said having to reduce spending by that much in the current year would have been unprecedented. The Feb. 21 Senate vote just days before the March 1 deadline for lawmakers to act. The House had previously approved waiving the cap last week on a 45-14 margin; The Senate voted 23-6 to approve.

The measure, now having gotten the necessary two-thirds vote of each chamber, takes effect immediately, as Gov. Doug Ducey gets no say in the matter and deflected all questions about what he thought of the move. Senate President Karen Fann, RPrescott, chided unnamed individuals who “were basically bullying and threatening some of our members. “This is not acceptable,’’ she said. “This is not the way we do things here.’’ And Fann insisted, despite being just days ahead of the deadline, that it had always been the intention to act – and to get the necessary votes. “Our job is to make sure the kids stay in school,’’ she continued. “They’ve lost enough education already by being withheld because of COVID and other things.’’ But while all 14 Senate Democrats voted for the measure, Fann was unable to corral the votes of just seven of the 16 Republicans. Six showed up to vote against

it while Sen. Kelly Townsend, R-Mesa, who already had said she was opposed, missed Monday’s vote. At issue is a 1980 voter-approved constitutional amendment which capped spending at then-current levels, with annual adjustments for inflation and student growth. The Arizona Constitution does allow lawmakers to approve waivers. And they have done that twice in the past. This year, the failure of lawmakers to exempt some other previously voter-approved K-12 spending from the cap, coupled with a decline in last year’s enrollment due to COVID, put the limit at more than $1.1 billion in excess of the budgets already approved by lawmakers. Sen. Vince Leach, R-Tucson, said he actually attempted to get a permanent fix for the cap two years ago. But that, he said, was sidelined by the COVID outbreak. Since then, he said, the political climate has changed, at least in part because par-

ents had to deal with schools that closed during the pandemic. But that, Leach said, is not all. “Parents all of a sudden started recognizing what was being taught to their children,’’ he said. “And I don’t know what was more problematic: the fact that they weren’t in school or they were being taught.’’ Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, R-Scottsdale, had her own similar objections to waiving the cap and allowing schools to spend the money. “They have injected our kids with fear and anxiety,’’ she said, accusing schools of politicizing COVID. But Ugenti-Rita said all schools want to talk about is the need for more money. “Money isn’t going to fix it because money’s not the problem,’’ she said. “We’re capitulating to educational extremists who are holding our kids hostage.”

a student to keep that information from a parent. All that, according to Rep. Steve Kaiser, R-Phoenix, is part of ensuring that parents know everything that is going on with their children. Lawmakers did agree to exempt situations where a student shows up at school with bruises and there are questions about whether he or she has been abused. But Rep. Kelli Butler, D-Paradise Valley, said that absolute requirement for disclosure of everything else is not a good idea. “We don’t understand what every family situation is like in the state,’’ she said. And Butler said there may be things that students don’t feel they can share with their parents but want to discuss with a teacher. “This would prevent that teacher from being able to provide help for that students,’’ she said. “And I think that’s really dangerous.’’ Kaiser had attempted to insert penalties

against teachers who withhold information, all the way up to the possibility of a finding of “unprofessional conduct,’’ a civil penalty of $1,000, and the possibility of suspension or dismissal. But he told Capitol Media Services Thursday he had to remove it to get the necessary votes. What is left is that the measure allows for teachers to be subject to discipline, though Kaiser said exactly what form that would take is not spelled out. Rep. Pamela Powers Hannley, D-Tucson, called the measure “vague, broad, duplicative and unnecessary.’’ “We should be fostering collaboration and not division in our schools,’’ she said. But Rep. John Fillmore, R-Apache Junction, said the objections are based on a flawed premise about the role of schools and teachers. “This bill just underscores that the parents have the ultimate responsibility for teaching a lot of what their children should be thinking about on a lot of moral,

ideological or spiritual items,’’ he said. More to the point, Fillmore said, teachers “have forgotten they’re there to teach.’’ “Teachers feel now that they’re psychologists, psychiatrists,’’ he continued. “The children are not the property of the state, the children are not the property of the teachers.’’ Kaiser had to do more than remove the penalties. To get the necessary support, he also took out language that would have required teachers to share with parents a student’s “purported gender identity or requested transition’’ if the child identifies in a way that is “incongruous with the student’s biological sex.’’ Foes said that would harm the ability of students with questions about sexual orientation who felt like they could not speak with their parents to get some answers or guidance from teachers. A final roll-call vote is necessary to send the measure to the Senate. ■

see FUNDING page 15

Bill would require teachers to betray kids’ confidences BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

he state House voted 31-28 Thursday to require teachers to disclose to parents some of what their students tell them in confidence or risk being disciplined. HB 2161, approved on a party-line vote, would spell out in state law that teachers and other school employees “may not interfere with or usurp the fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing, education, health care and mental health of their children.’’ What that includes is access to everything from attendance and counseling records to teacher and counselor evaluations and any email accounts. It also spells out that teachers cannot withhold or conceal information from parents about a student’s physical, emotional or mental health. And it would even be illegal to encourage or facilitate

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

Mesa senator blocks $700M border wall plan BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

epublican lawmakers are ready to use state funds to build a wall along the border with Mexico. The only question that remains is how much they’re willing to spend. On Wednesday, the Senate voted 16-12 to allocate $700 million to “administer and manage the construction of a physical border fence.’’ Only thing is, the critical 16th vote for SB1032 came from Sen. Tyler Pace, RMesa and he made it very clear that while he supports the concept, he won’t vote for a final budget that includes an allocation that large. “That would be a misuse of state funds,’’ Pace said. So that, in turn, leaves the question of how much is acceptable. On Thursday, the House approved an identical bill – but with just $150 million. “I would like to spend $700 million,’’ said Rep. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, the sponsor of HB 2317. But he told Capitol Media Services that his years in the Legislature since his election in 2006 convinces him that it’s just not politically possible. Anyway, Kavanagh said, that $150 million would be enough to build about 20 miles of wall. And he said if it works out, lawmakers can approve more in future years. But even that may be too much for Gov. Doug Ducey whose budget includes only $50 million for “physical barriers’’ at the border. The debate about spending state money follows the decision by the Biden administration, shortly after taking office last year, to suspend further construction of the walls that were being built by his predecessor.

FUNDING from page 14

Sen. J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, said his big concern is a still-pending lawsuit over the legality of Proposition 208. That 2020 voter-approved measure sought to impose a 3.5% surcharge on the taxable income of individuals above $250,000 to raise more than $800 million for K-12 education.

Mesa Republican Sen. Tyler Pace blocked the state Senate from moving ahead on a $700 million expenditure for a border wall. (Tribune file photo) Trump managed to erect about 450 plete gates.’’ miles of border barrier, much of which reThe exact locations for the projects, placed existing barricades and fencing, in- however, have not been identified, alcluding 226 miles in Arizona. And of what though the agency said some will be in Arizona. Trump planned, which did not cover That leaves the the entire 372-mile question of what border with MexiArizona might do co, about 18 miles on its own -- and We’re negotiating right remained uncomhow much in tax now with the legislature on dollars it is willing pleted. Since that time, spend. the physical barriers where toThe the Department of governor, Arizona can build that, and speaking to reportHomeland Security has determined I’m confident we’ll be able ers Thursday, sideit will do some stepped a question to get those resources. additional work. of whether $700 That, according million was too to the agency inmuch. cludes completing “We’re negotiatdrainage projects ing right now with to prevent flooding, the legislature on disposing of materials not required to the physical barriers where Arizona can complete work and closing “small gaps build that,’’ he said. “And I’m confident that remain open from prior construc- we’ll be able to get those resources.’’ tion activities and remediating incomKavanagh said that any state dollars Only thing is, the Arizona Supreme Court said the levy cannot be imposed if the revenues would cause the state to exceed the spending cap – the very same cap at issue here. So the justices sent the case to Maricopa County Superior Court Judge John Hannah to rule whether there was a legal way to raise and spend the money. Hannah has yet to rule. And Mesnard,

who opposed Prop 208, said he feared that if lawmakers set a precedent this year, the judge would use that to conclude that shows it is possible to collect the additional revenues. What changed his mind, Mesnard said, was assurances that Monday’s vote dealt only with the spending cap for the current school year. The issue before Hannah is what happens in the 2022-2023 budget

would have to be used on land already owned by the state. But he said they also could be used to build a wall on private property with the consent of the owners. That, however, still leaves vast sections of the state’s southern border without walls – and beyond the reach of the state. That specifically includes the Tohono O’odham Reservation. Aside from the $50 million Ducey wants for barriers, his budget request also includes $25 million for the state Department of Emergency and Military Affairs. And state law allows that agency to use those dollar for preventing human trafficking and illegal entry, including administering and managing construction of a physical border fence. “I do think Arizona is going to do everything it can in its power,’’ Ducey said about securing the border. “I don’t think any other state in the nation is doing more.’’ And he said it isn’t just about physical barriers. Ducey said the state is giving money to communities to enhance law enforcement and prosecution of those who are here illegally and violate other state laws. And the state has deployed about 200 Guard soldiers to the border in support roles like monitoring surveillance cameras, analyzing data and providing administrative support to local law enforcement. The governor, however, has brushed aside a legal opinion issued by Attorney General Mark Brnovich that the actions of drug cartels and smugglers on the border constitute an “invasion’’ that allow him to use the Guard to “engage in war.’’ Brnovich, hoping to become the Republican nominee for US. Senate, said the state can defend itself when invaded. And he said that definition is broad enough to be applied to “invasion by hostile nonstate actors such as cartels and gangs.’’ ■

year. Fann, who is leaving the Senate at the end of this year, agreed that there needs to be something more permanent. “When this was set in 1980, we didn’t have Chrome tablets or whiteboards or any of the stuff we have now that teaches our kids,’’ Fann said. “We had school books and chalkboards and all kinds of things that didn’t cost near as much.’’ ■

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Blood drive is special for Mesa boy’s 4th birthday TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

ot many kids see blood drives held in their honor on their birthday, but the one coming up in Mesa this Tuesday is especially meaningful for little Mack “Macky” Porter and his parents and three older siblings. Macky might not have been turning 4 on March 1 had it not been for the generosity of previous blood donors. So as the Mesa family celebrates Macky’s birthday, they also are encouraging people to keep him in mind and sign up for the blood drive from noon-6 p.m., March 1 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Boulder Creek Stake, 3025 S. Hawes Road, Mesa. To make an appointment, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go to redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code Mackystrong. Macky’s story of survival dates back to

December 2020, when “he started having strange symptoms,” according to his mom, Danielle Porter. “We thought COVID or pneumonia,” she recalled. “He was having difficulty breathing. We went to many doctor appointments, and there was nothing screaming cancer. Blood work was fine. Macky had days where he felt terrific, and then he would have days where he felt terrible. He had random fevers but not every day. It was hard to pinpoint what was going on.” Things got more serious Jan. 20, 2021, when she saw Macky waking up from his nap, struggling to breathe. “We gave him a breathing treatment, and it didn’t seem to be helping,” Danielle said. “I took him to the ER, and while we were there, he had gotten a little better. He wasn’t breathing quite as strained anymore. They did a breathing treatment and agreed it was probably

asthma. We had an upcoming allergist appointment.” But as they were getting ready to leave, the physician assistant decided to do an X-ray. “This sweet lady is doing the X-ray, and she’s kind of singing to him, and all of a sudden she gasped and said, ‘Oh no’ and ran out of the room,” said Danielle. “The ER doctor came in but didn’t come up to me first. He went straight up to Macky, put his hand on his cheek, and said, ‘I’m so sorry you have to do this, buddy.’ “He was genuinely emotional. He looked at me and said, ‘Can you get your husband on FaceTime?’ At that point, I’m bawling. We got on FaceTime, and he told us there was an enormous mass Little Mack “Macky” Porter of Mesa might not have in the middle of Macky’s chest and a tiny been turning 4 this Tuesday had it not been for the chance it was something else, but it was generosity of blood donors. Now, he’s hoping people will think of him on his birthday by giving blood see MACKY page 19 at a Mesa blood drive. (Special to the Tribune)

Mesa artist celebrates culture with mask festival BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

arco Guerrero made a career out of masks long before COVID-19. Guerrero grew up in Mesa but has spent more than 20 years traveling the world – including Mexico, Japan and Indonesia – studying how various cultures use ornate masks. On Sunday, March 6, he will bring his love for masks back to Pioneer Park for the fifth annual Mask Alive! Festival of Masks. The event, organized by Guerrero’s wife Carmen, will feature his son – singer and composer QVLN (Q-Violin) Quetzal Guerrero. “All cultures in the world have used mask at one time for one thing or another,” Zarco said. He explained that many cultures have used masks for primal purposes in combination with wearing animal hides to stealthily hunt because masks were believed to give hunters powers.

Now, he’s looking to help people rediscover these traditions that span the globe. “I found out as a mask maker that a lot of these traditions still exist in our community,” he said. “We want to bring them to the forefront and celebrate the cultures that Mesa Artist Zarco Guerrero makes a mask for the upcoming festival practice them.” next weekend at Pioneer Park. (Josh Ortega/Tribune Staff) He said the festi“The masking process gave them an ex- val helps to present these diverse traditra power,” he said. “Like a supernatural tions in a unique, multicultural celebrapower because the human disappears, tion unlike any event he knows of in the country. and the animal appears.” He said societies have also used masks Mexican masks initially influenced his for dance ceremonies, carnival celebrations art primarily due to his Chicano roots but and spiritual practices, but they’ve slowly most of his masks don’t have one specific disappeared from history. culture that inspired them.

Instead he has taken inspiration from his travels across the world, especially his time in Kyoto, Japan, which he has visited more than a dozen times. For more than 20 years, Guerrero performed with the Japanese Matsuri Festival in Phoenix and he said Japanese Taiko Drummers will perform at the March 6 festival. He’s had a passion for percussion music for more than 30 years and will showcase his talents when he plays on his handcarved drums at the festival on traditional Aztec drums called huehuetls – upright tubular drums made of wood that stand on three legs cut from the base and open at the bottom. His wife said what appeals to her the most, though, is “his ability to make the masks come alive and dance in public events.” Carmen serves as the executive director of the Cultural Coalition, a nonprofit formed in 2000 to promote local artists. Zarco

see MASKS page 19

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

Mesa woman slates golden retriever gathering TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

esa resident Renee Bellefeuille says golden retrievers are such friendly canines, they would enjoy meeting fellow goldens as much as their owners. So between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, March 5, Bellefeuille will be hold her third annual Gathering of Goldens at Gene Autrey park, 4125 E. Mckellips Road, Mesa. She’s encouraged by the growing popu-

MACKY from page 18

very likely cancer,” his mom related. “Within 20 minutes, the oncology doctor was down and told us they suspected it was cancer. Both doctors were very compassionate, and even in COVID, they gave me big hugs. I cried on this oncologist’s shoulder because I was alone.” Macky was admitted to the pediatric ICU and spent the next month in the hospital, starting at Cardon Children’s Medical Center in Mesa and eventually transferring to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. A biopsy was inconclusive on the type of cancer. The National Institute of Health was contacted and doctors there diagnosed Macky with a rare form of lymphoma – stage 3 anaplastic large cell Lymphoma. A risky PET scan was needed to find where the cancer was located. “A lot of hospitals didn’t want to accept him because he’d have to have general anesthesia, and it was too much of a risk,” explained Danielle. “He not only had this large tumor on his chest, but the scan revealed he also had cancer on his spine and both of his femurs. It was a tough day to find that out. We were hopeful it had not

MASKS from page 18

serves as the president and board chair. The Guerreros have been married for more than 40 years and have three children, two of whom are not involved in the arts community at the moment. They share a passion for serving their community that derives from their life growing up amid the 1960s civil rights marches and protests inspired by Cesar Chavez. “We learned from that movement that as artists, our obligation is to serve our community,” he said.

larity of her event, which last year attracted several dozen Golden Retrievers. The event – featuring games and socializing – is free, but Bellefeuille is asking owners to bring squeaky toys and Martindale collars for donation to a dog-related charity. “I think pairing charitable events with fun get-togethers is a great way to bring awareness to local organizations that do so much good,” she said, adding she has not yet decided what charity should re-

ceive the donated items. Bellefeuille has high hopes for the event’s impact. When she started the gathering in 2020, “My goal was to meet regularly for other outdoor activities which we could do with our dogs such as hiking, camping and going to dog friendly events and also just share training tips and ‘talk Golden.’” Unfortunately, COVID 19 hit right after (the 2020) event so this was not possible.” Bellefeuille calls her golden retriever Jay-

Guerrero said the coalition wants to promote healthy, family-friendly options that the public can enjoy for free because both the venue at the parks and the culture and history they showcase belong to everyone as well. “We’re entitled to know our history,” he said. “It’s the artists who dig it up, research it, find it and bring it into the public sphere.” He said artists can help heal the community at a time when the everyone has suffered from the pandemic and a chaotic world. “We want to use the culture, that rich cultural heritage that exists in our diverse com-

munity, to heal our community,” he said. “To heal that pain of isolation from the pandemic, to heal ourselves of the anxiety that we’re plagued by living in this world as it is today.” ■

spread, but unfortunately, it had.” Macky received six intense rounds of chemo, each one three weeks long. “He required blood transfusions to help his body rebound and be healthy,” said Danielle. “Macky’s first one was after he had been in the hospital for one month and was going to his first clinic appointment after he had been discharged. The staff told me Macky wasn’t doing great, and they wanted to give him a blood transfusion. “That was a surreal moment for me of gratitude,” she said. “Here’s this little boy who needs something immediately and it was there and ready for him because people had taken the time to donate; he was able to receive blood, and immediately his color changed. It made an immediate difference, and I could physically see the change in him. It just stuck with me how important that was.” Blood donation became an essential cause for the family, especially after learning that blood products have become dangerously low. “We had our first blood drive last April, and it was rather emotional for me,” said Danielle. “I popped in throughout the day and saw people I love donating, lots of

strangers donating. “People from my neighborhood I never met were there and said, ‘I saw your post on our neighborhood page.’ I was just so grateful, and so many of them said they had never donated before, and they were glad I shared Macky’s story because it gave them a reason to want to donate.” Danielle understands why people don’t donate blood. “If there’s not something that pulls at your heartstrings, you don’t think about it,” she said. “I had never donated blood before. My husband’s a nurse. I know how important it is. I just never did it. I had never taken the time to do it. It was important to me for people to have some connection to how important it is.” When Danielle and her husband were thinking about what they wanted to do for their son’s 4th birthday this year on March 1, they felt hosting a blood drive was an excellent way to honor their son and help with the blood shortage. “It’s important to donate blood,” said Danielle. “It takes very little time. You might not think you’re needed, but you are. Every single person that donates is needed. If everybody else thinks everybody is doing it, that’s how we end up in

Bee – which is short for his official name, JayBee Chapter 5, Life is Good. He’s about 6 years old and is her fifth golden. “Golden Retrievers are such a great breed,” she said. “They love to socialize with people and other dogs. Since the event is at City of Mesa park and not a dog park, the dogs needed to be on leashes. However, I think the dogs and people attending still enjoyed themselves.” Information: 602-793-9434. ■

this situation where we’re short of blood.” In July 2021, the family received great news the cancer was in remission. “It’s kind of a difficult one for me because his tumor’s still present,” said Danielle. “He still has tumors in his body. They just don’t have cancer in them.” It’s also hard for the family to get their hopes up because they were told once before the cancer was in remission, but it wasn’t. They remain as optimistic as they can under the circumstances. “When we got the scans back, and we were sitting in the office, my three older kids and my husband were sitting in the parking lot,” Danielle explained. “If Macky were in remission, they’d be allowed to come into the hospital for the first time. When the doctor said, ‘He’s in remission, he did it,’ I cried. It all becomes a blur at that point. I called my husband, and he cried. My kids came up. “I have this beautiful video of Macky coming out of the clinic and running into his siblings’ arms,” said Danielle. “He’s proud and excited to have them in the hospital that he spent so much time alone in and to be able to show them a little bit of it. It was an unforgettable day for many reasons.” ■

If You Go...

What: Mask Alive! Festival of Masks Where: Pioneer Park, 526 E. Main St., Mesa When: 12-5 p.m. March 6 Cost: Free Info: culturalcoalition.com

Zarco Guerrero uses mask art to advocate for social change. (Josh Ortega/Tribune Staff)

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

Giving Machines yield over $900K in East Valley BY CECILIA CHAN Tribune Staff Writer

ast Valley residents donated over $900,000 to charities that will put food on the table, provide temporary shelter and supply school backpacks to the needy through the annual Giving Machines in Gilbert. Six local nonprofits received nearly $700,000 – A New Leaf, Arizona Brainfood, Catholic Charities Community Services Arizona, Child Crisis Arizona, St. Mary’s Food Bank and United Food Bank – in a ceremonial check presentation Feb. 22. Gilbert is the only location in the state to host the vending machines, which allow people to pick items to donate to selected nondenominational charities. The remainder of the money donated in Gilbert goes to global charities. The machines are part of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ larger Light The World initiative, which encourages people to perform instant acts of service that make a difference in others’ lives. “Every cent of those donations made go to those nonprofits and not back to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” Mayor Brigette Peterson said. “The church goes above and beyond with providing these machines for regular people to be able to go out and be able to give back to nonprofits and being able to provide items to those in need whether it’s to a local charity here, a local nonprofit here within our local region that we can see and touch and feel on a regular basis or to a worldwide organization. “And the effort they go to bring these machines to Gilbert and those other locations are amazing.” Church Elder Jonathan S. Schmitt said the partnership with the Town has had a tremendous impact. The machines were

Jonathan S. Schmitt, an elder with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is flanked by some of the recipients of donations generated by Giving Machines. (YouTube) put out from Nov. 29 to Jan. 3 at Water Tower Plaza downtown. “We are grateful to you and the citizens here in the Town of Gilbert and across the East Valley and across the state,” said Schmitt, who also is the assistant vice president of Educational Out-

The Giving Machines enable donors to donate to various non-denominational charities. (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

■ A New Leaf – $130,575:

• •

•

• • •

•

• • •

580 veterans will receive hope and healing services 778 individuals and families will receive new clothes 95 families will receive a home-starter kit 555 persons will receive personal care items 2,005 children and others will receive a therapy toy

■ Arizona Brainfood – $150,580 •

3,473 children and adults will be fed

reach and Student Services for Arizona State University. “I worry sometimes that people may think a donation is nameless or faceless,” he said. “But it’s because of the staff, because of the volunteers of these local charities as these items are given to peo-

339 children will be fed for one year 1,830 children will be provided take-home meals for one month 396 cases of beef jerky 1,776 cases of macaroni and cheese 1,740 cases of peanut butter

■ Catholic Charities – $118,950: • • •

158 refugees will receive a bicycle 256 individuals and families will receive food and shelter for one week 136 families will receive counseling services

• •

685 youths will receive sports equipment 243 individuals and families will receive a tent and other necessary camping supplies

■ Child Crisis – $133,535: • • • • • •

3,108 children will be assisted in various ways 819 students will receive a backpack and school supplies 398 children will receive vaccinations 709 foster teens will receive counseling services 1,061 foster children will receive new shoes 121 children or families will receive one night of

ple, they become the face of love and they become the face of kindness to those who are the most vulnerable among us. “So every meal, every backpack, every vaccination, everything that is done has a loving and a kind face to it. And in a time where these has been so much divisiveness and so much rancor I would just hope that we can continue not just during the month of December but all of the time to ensure that Gilbert always remains and retains that feeling of being Kindness USA, a place where we can have that loving kindness.” Gilbert in 2019 adopted Kindness USA as its official moniker. Altogether the Church raised over $5.8 million with its 10 machines in the country in 2021, which benefited 45 global and local charities. “The dollars raised are critical in meeting the needs of families facing difficult challenges, but in addition to the donations raised by the Giving Machines, this campaign serves as a bonding experience bringing together so many parts of our community in acts of solidarity,” said Michael Hughes, New Leaf CEO in a released statement. The 2021 Giving Machines were also placed in Denver, Colorado; Honolulu, Hawaii; Kansas City, Missouri, Las Vegas, Nevada; Nashville, Tennessee; New York, New York; Oakland, California; Orem, Utah and Salt Lake City, Utah. Gilbert has been a host site of the machine since 2018. The machines were not put out in 2020 due to the pandemic. Schmitt said there were 19,077 transactions with 28,546 items purchased from the Gilbert machines. Of the $900,000, $234,000 benefited global charities while $666,196 stayed local. Schmitt gave the following breakdown of what the donations to the local charities will provide. (See box below.) safe shelter

■ St. Mary’s Food Bank and United Food Bank, $66,278 •

• • • •

2,822 families will receive a box of fresh produce 55,000 fixed-income seniors will be served with a meal 704 families will be fed for one month 979 families will receive a full-holiday meal 1,953 children will receive a take-home meal

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Mesa salutes 10 local businesses marking 50 years BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

n the 50th day of 2022 – Feb. 18 – 10 Mesa businesses received awards for remaining open downtown for more than 50 years. During a ceremony in front of the downtown mural at 63 W. Main St., Mayor John Giles and Vice Mayor Jenn Duff praised the businesses in an award ceremony that the Downtown Mesa Association called “the first celebration of what will be an aspirational, annual event to celebrate longstanding local merchants.” “Even though Mesa has grown, it really still has a downtown feel,” said Bill Wahl, owner of Mesa Typewriter Exchange. “Because this downtown area kind of keeps us all connected.” From running around the store at age 8 to today, Wahl said the dynamics of typewriter ownership have changed and that has helped him stay afloat: He said at one time people needed a typewriter but in 2022, young people want to own one and that people from around the state have been customers. Low overhead, a built-in customer base and little competition have helped him stick around this long to serve people from all over the state, Wahl said. “There’s really not another retail typewriter shop like I run with a storefront,” he said. Kathy Adams, president of Pete’s Fish & Chips, said her father started the business in 1947, when municipalities welcomed small businesses and there weren’t many governmental hoops to jump through. “Mesa wasn’t much of a town but he knew that it would grow,” Adams said. Seventy-five years later, Pete’s continues to welcome fifth-generation customers

City and Downtown Mesa Association representatives celebrated the 50th anniversary of 10 local small businesses with an outdoor ceremony Feb. 18. (Josh Ortega/Tribune Staff) with grandparents bringing in their toddler grandchildren for their famous fish and chips. “I just appreciate them for hanging with us through all the trials and tribulations that we’ve been through,” Adams said. “We’re a family and we consider our customers family too.” Giles said he grew up approximately a half-mile from the ceremony at a time when there were only two downtowns to buy anything in Arizona: Phoenix and Mesa. “There really is not another downtown that you’ll find that has this collection of 50-plus-year-old businesses that, in many cases, are still in the same families,” Giles said. “It’s very much a family environment down here. Whether you needed a screwdriver, a pair of pants or a car, downtown Mesa was an important household resource in the community.

Duff said the event it’s nice to celebrate businesses that started as a family business and become part of all of our family histories. “This is a family event for all of us for not only our histories, but what we’re forming here in a new Mesa is the coming together the old and the new,” she said. In her speech, she said her parents attended Mesa High School and regaled her with stories of a bygone era when lunch at Pete’s Fish & Chips “was the cheapest meal in town.” But as a musician, Duff said she remembers Milano Music Store and described it as “a fantasy world of all these different instruments and music.” While thousands of small businesses faced struggles throughout the pandemic, those in downtown Mesa persevered as they always have, she noted. Since May 2020, the MesaCARES Small

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Business Reemergence Grant Program has identified 515 eligible applications from businesses seeking assistance due to hardship caused by the pandemic. More than $4.4 million in total eligible aid has been verified with the program since May 2020, according to the city. That amount has averaged out to approximate $10,000 per eligible applicant allocated for 90 days of rental and utility assistance. But the most important way these businesses survived the pandemic and more is through their loyal customer base, Duff said. “When troubling times come up, we come together and support each other through that,” Duff said. “And you’ll find more people frequenting those businesses more than they usually would just because they know times are tough.” ■

The honorees

The list of honored businesses by descending age were: • El Charro Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge (est. 1922) • The Nile Theater (est. 1924) • Crismon’s Flowers (est. 1938) • Lenhart’s Ace Hardware (est. 1946) • Milano Music Center/Linton-Milano Pianos & Music Lessons (est. 1946) • Pete’s Fish & Chips (est. 1947) • Mesa Typewriter Exchange (est. 1948) • Dickson’s Jewelers (est. 1949) • Pomeroy’s Men’s and Missionary Store (est. 1951) • Lamb’s Shoe Repair (est. 1952)

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

Mesa man Behavioral health company opens Mesa location opening new insurance office TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

Mesa man is opening a State Farm Insurance office here this week. Yonni Castillo is setting up shop, effective Tuesday, March 1, at 931 E Southern Ave. with plans to hire five team members. The Lansing, Michigan native has lived in Mesa since 2013 and has over 14 years of experience in the insurance industry, serving in various leadership roles over his career. Castillo holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a specialization in Chicano/Latino Studies from Michigan State University and an associate’s degree in media technology from Lansing Community College. He is licensed in property and casualty, life, and financial services products. “State Farm was a natural fit for me. One thing that has been abundantly clear to me since I began my career at State Farm is that the customer needs will always drive our business decisions,” Castillo said. “My background has always been about helping people and providing personalized service, he said, adding that his goal is “to help people live life confidently and look forward to serving the Mesa community.” “I am absolutely proud to be part of the State Farm family. I look forward to offering our products and services that protect the families in this community, and their most valuable assets, from the unexpected,” Castillo said. He’s also one of 19,200 State Farm agents and 57,500 employees who serve approximately 85 million policies and accounts – which includes auto, fire, life, health, commercial policies and financial services accounts. State Farm is ranked No. 36 on the 2020 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. Castillo is available to serve customers in the English and Spanish languages. Castillo’s office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Wednesday and Friday; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Information: 480-761-2417 or YonniCastillo@statefarm.com. ■

new behavioral health clinic opened last week in Mesa. MIND 24-7 opened its offices at 1138 S. Higley Road, as Mesa Mayor John Giles and Councilwoman Julie Spilsbury, joined in a ribbon cutting with clinic co-founders Jeff Spight, CEO; Nicole Bradberry, chief innovation officer; and Adrienne Opalka, chief operations officer. The clinic provides immediate-access behavioral health services and is currently accepting young and adult patients. Like all MIND 24-7 locations, the Mesa clinic will be open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with the ability to serve up to 110 patients at a time. It has hired over 150 additional be-

havioral health medical providers and operational staff members to provide urgent and emergency care in addition to a short-term intensive outpatient program. MIND 24-7 has a Phoenix location and plans a second clinic in that city. MIND 24-7 facilities do not require appointments and can address urgent needs for walk-ins. It said in a release that its urgent mental health care “prevents unnecessary emergency room visits by allowing patients to walk-in and see a licensed mental health clinician immediately. On average, an appointment lasts an hour from start to finish. Its mental health crisis stabilization “reduces the need for suboptimal inpatient health admissions by serving those patients in real crisis,” its release

said. Patients are cared for by a skilled multi-disciplinary team that will assess, stabilize and treat them until they are ready to be discharged or transitioned to an appropriately selected longer-term intense treatment program. Transitional mental health care “reduces readmissions by dually focusing on the interim mental health needs before a specialized care setting placement, as well as addressing the social determinants of care that have exacerbated the mental health crisis. “Psych Progressions provides the needed immediate care until our social workers can refer patients into our ecosystem of community and mental health partners.” Information: MIND24-7.com. ■

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

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won’t be surprised if thousands of Arizona residents claim the maximum limit allowed of 4 Bank Rolls per resident before they’re all gone,” said Lynne. “That’s because after the Bank Rolls were loaded with 15 rarely seen Silver Walking Liberties, each verified to meet a minimum collector grade of very good or above, the dates and mint marks of the U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars sealed away inside the State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls have never been searched. But, we do know that some of these coins date clear back to the early 1900’s and are worth up to 100 times their face value, so there is no telling what Arizona residents will find until they sort through all the coins,” Lynne went on to say. And here’s the best part. If you are a resident of the state of Arizona you cover only the $39 per coin state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury, that’s fifteen rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties worth up to 100 times their face value for just $585 which is a real steal because non state residents must pay $118 per coin which totals $1,770 if any coins remain after the 2-day deadline. The only thing Arizona residents need to do is call the State Toll-Free Hotlines printed in today’s newspaper publication before the 2-day order deadline ends. “Rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued silver coins like these are highly sought after, but we’ve never seen anything like this before. According to The Official Red Book, a Guide Book of United States Coins many Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars are now worth $40 - $825 each in collector value,” Lynne said. “We’re guessing thousands of Arizona residents will be taking the maximum limit of 4 Bank Rolls because they make such amazing gifts for any occasion for children, parents, grandparents, friends and loved ones,” Lynne continued. “We know the phones will be ringing off the hook. That’s why hundreds of Hotline Operators are standing by to answer the phones beginning at 8:30 am this morning. We’re going to do our best, but with just 2 days to answer all the calls it won’t be easy. So make sure to tell everyone to keep calling if all lines are busy. We’ll do our best to answer them all.” Lynne said. The only thing readers of today’s newspaper publication need to do is make sure they are a resident of the state of Arizona and call the National Toll-Free Hotlines before the 2-day deadline ends midnight tomorrow. ■

HOW TO CLAIM THE LAST STATE RESTRICTED BANK ROLLS FACTS:

If you are a Arizona State Resident read the important information below about claiming the State Silver Bank Rolls, then call the State Toll-Free Hotline at 8:30 am: 1-800-979-3771 EXT: RWB4312

Are these Silver Walking Liberties worth more than other half dollars:

Yes. These U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties were minted in the early 1900’s and will never be minted again. That makes them extremely collectible. The vast majority of half dollars minted after 1970 have no silver content at all and these Walking Liberties were one of the last silver coins minted for circulation. That’s why many of them now command hundreds in collector value so there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value someday.

How much are State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls worth:

It’s impossible to say, but some of these U.S Gov’t issued Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s are worth up to 100 times the face value and there are 15 in each Bank Roll so you better hurry if you want to get your hands on them. Collector values always fluctuate and there are never any guarantees. But we do know they are the only Arizona State Silver Bank Rolls known to exist and Walking Liberties are highly collectible so anyone lucky enough to get their hands on these Silver Bank Rolls should hold onto them because there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value someday.

Why are so many Arizona residents claiming them:

Because they are the only State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls known to exist and everyone wants their share. Each Bank Roll contains a whopping 15 Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value. Best of all Arizona residents are guaranteed to get them for the state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury of just $39 per Silver Walking Liberty for the next two days.

How do I get the State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls:

Arizona residents are authorized to claim up to the limit of 4 State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls by calling the State Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-979-3771 Ext. RWB4312 starting at precisely 8:30 am this morning. Everyone who does is getting the only State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls known to exist. That’s a full Bank Roll containing 15 Silver Walking Liberties from the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value for just the state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury of just $39 per Silver Walking Liberty, which is just $585 for the full Bank Rolls and that’s a real steal because non state residents are not permitted to call before 5 pm tomorrow and must pay $1,770 for each Arizona State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Roll if any remain. R1043R-5

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OPINION

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

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Silly bills abound in current legislative session BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist

small oversight on my part that we should clear up. Writing last week about Arizona’s new laws governing sex education – and one school district’s kerfuffle over chicken breasts – I may have inadvertently given the impression that our state Legislature had descended to new levels of absurdity in passing House Bill 2035 last year. My bad. Forcing parents to opt-in to sex ed for kids isn’t silly at all when compared to some of the bills filed this session. Like HB2439, sponsored by Peoria Republican Beverly Pingarelli. This bill would force school boards to approve not just textbooks, but every single book in each of their school’s libraries. It would also give parents a 60-day window to review every new library book being purchased and the ability to request a list of every book their child has borrowed from the library.

On the bright side, given Arizona’s reading scores on standardized tests, I’m going to assume that would be a very short list. HB2597, another education bill, is the work of East Valley Republican John Fillmore. It would mandate that students in grades K-6 recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily, unless some Commie pinko parent requests an opt-out. But wait, there’s more: Schools must also create “a specific time each day” for students in grades 4-12 “to engage in quiet reflection and moral reasoning for at least one minute.” We do that at my house, too. Whenever a TV ad for The Husband and Wife Law Team comes on, I spend a minute trying to reason my way around the “Thou shalt not kill” commandment. Silly bills are not solely authored by the GOP. West Valley Dem Amish Shah – who contributed $22,000 of his own money to land a job that pays $24,000 annually – is the sponsor of HB2224, on behalf of … cats.

Shah’s bill would ban declawing the arrogant little beasts unless the procedure is for “a therapeutic purpose” – i.e., “addressing an existing or recurring infection, disease, injury or abnormal condition.” So no, Morris shredding your favorite La-Z-Boy doesn’t count. Legislators from both parties love creating new fake holidays in Arizona, meaning we don’t get days off from work, but they still get to make a political statement. Among the new “days” being proposed: Arizona Jazz Day on April 30th; a “national day of racial healing” on the third Tuesday of every January; and Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Day, which will make each June 27 a blessed event for every reporter who’s every covered the Legislature for a session. President Donald Trump may also get a day – June 14th, his birthday, courtesy of White Mountains Republican Wendy Rogers. Not content to stop there with the MAGA ass-kissing, Rogers also has authored Sen-

ate Concurrent Memorial 1001, which if passed would urge the Arizona Department of Transportation to designate State Route 260 as the “Donald Trump Memorial Highway.” Clever leader, this Sen. Rogers. She may have accidentally discovered a way to reduce weekend traffic up to Show Low and Pinetop by 50 percent – after all the state’s Prius and Subaru drivers boycott traveling on 260 for the rest of their lives. It’s unlikely any of these bills actually pass and become law in Arizona, which is both a frustrating thought and a cause for joy. Frustrating because you’d think this body of 90 elected officials would have better things to do with their time. Yet joyful because if this Legislature is busy debating cat claws, forced moral reasoning, fake holidays and highway names, they’re not busy screwing up our lives even further. I’ve heard it said we get the government we deserve. If so, Arizona’s 7 million residents must have been really lousy humans in our past lives. ■

And men of goodwill (not to mention similar political persuasions) looked, listened, voted, and said it was good…at least, when the female candidates they supported were elected to office. And in the fullness of time, there came a congressional candidate from unlikely origins, called “Sandy” by her family. Born in the Bronx, her upwardly mobile family moved to a prosperous suburb in Westchester County, New York when she was 5. Prosperity brought both opportunity and tragedy. Her architect father died of lung cancer during her sophomore year at Boston University; she went on to graduate cum laude with a double major in international relations and economics at B.U. in 2011. Sandy initially sought employment as a bartender in New York City—and despite other occupational endeavors (including in publishing and a post with the National

Hispanic Council), to a bar she returned— after a stint as a volunteer organizer with the presidential campaign of Socialist Bernie Sanders in 2016. No shame can be found in honest labor; indeed, many successful actors find work in bars and restaurants before their “big break.” And in a similar vein, Sandy auditioned with “Brand New Congress,” a leftist political action committee, for a role as a Democratic Socialist candidate for the U.S. House. Her successful audition—“nomination,” if you prefer— cast her into a primary battle against Rep. Joe Crowley for the 2018 Democratic nomination in New York’s 14th District. Crowley appeared to come from central casting himself. A big, bold Irishman, Joe enjoyed the support of labor and Wall Street. His colleagues had elected him to party leadership—chairman of the House

Democrat Caucus— and Joe had not faced a challenge since 2004. And Sandy, pouring shots instead of using a slingshot, was the female equivalent of “David.” Harkening back to her Hispanic roots, Sandy used her full name—Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—to emphasize her ethnicity and appeal to voters of Puerto Rican heritage. Sandy pulled off the upset, winning the nomination by 4,000 votes, then won the seat in the heavily Democrat district. So in 2019, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, dubbed “AOC” by a worshipful, partisan press eager to place her immediately in the Democrat Pantheon of legends, made history as the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. The 29-year old’s initials were mentioned in the conversational company of FDR and JFK.

AOC’s journey from bartender to congresswoman BY JD HAYWORTH Tribune Columnist

ot exactly in the beginning, there was a “big boom…” the baby boom. And that boom gave birth to “boomers,” who thought it was good. And it came to pass that boomers begat Generation X’ers, millennials, and/or those of Generation Z…based on varying biological and chronological circumstances. And the boomers looked and saw that their own generation—the “Me Generation”—spawned a reaction called “Me Too” years later. And many of the male boomers were shamed and confused. But many of the female boomers felt both enraged and empowered. And both mothers and daughters arose, and said, “A woman’s place is in the House…and the Senate.”

see HAYWORTH page 29

OPINION

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Recorder raps column’s take on 2020 election here

I appreciate Representative Hayworth’s interest in county elections as evidenced by his recent article titled, “Election audit raised questions that are ignored.” But unfortunately, the title and premise of the column are inaccurate. At the behest of Senate President Karen Fann, a company called Cyber Ninjas spent six months reviewing Maricopa County’s November 2020 election. The Ninjas ultimately produced a written report confirming Biden’s victory in Maricopa County, but asking questions about the election process. Despite Cyber Ninjas being a commercially unsuccessful, tiny company from Sarasota, Florida with no previous election experience, led by a conspiracytheorist-indulging CEO who had already said the election was stolen, that is now in contempt of court and bankrupt, Maricopa County took the Cyber Ninjas report very seriously. We took it so seriously that we spent thousands of hours analyzing every allegation and question. We produced a 93-page response report that answered 76 of the 77 concerns the Ninjas presented and acknowledged the validity of one concern that affected 50 out of roughly 2.1 million ballots. Our response report is available online at JustTheFacts.Vote. We also held a five-hour hearing on our response report. We did the opposite of ignoring the Cyber Ninjas.

Our efforts were covered by every major local news outlet, as can easily be ascertained by a 10-second Google search. While we appreciate the publication’s interest in a diversity of viewpoints, former Representative Hayworth’s piece amounted to “it’s snowing outside in Maricopa County,” without first bothering to look out the window. -Stephen Richer, Elected Republican Maricopa County Recorder

Columnist missed example of Orwell’s 1984

Blowhard J.D. Hayworth and reasonable folks finally have something to agree on. Hayworth, in his latest screed, this time about how today resembles Orwell’s 1984, ends his column with this: “Sadly it’s become clear . . . 1984 is finally here.” He’s correct. But not for the reasons he uses. In fact, he neglects to mention in his list of newspeak, the best example, one from his fellow Republicans. In condemning Republicans Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger — for the sin of wanting to find out just how the horror of January 6 took place — the Republican National Committee labeled that day one of “legitimate political discourse.” Orwell would be proud of Republicans who reimagine an assault on our nation’s Capitol as “political discourse.” Hayworth conveniently missed that one. Stunning. -Mike McClellan

Share Your Thoughts:

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HAYWORTH from page 28

Make no mistake: despite utterances regarded as vapid by political opponents, AOC is a genius at employing social media. Videos from her cell phone, offering makeup tips and social commentary, strike a responsive chord with young women. The “congresswoman formerly known as ‘Sandy’” has successfully traversed the merging worlds of politics and celebrity. In so doing, she continues to receive overthe-top accolades.

Most recently, and notoriously, the editors of “New York” magazine have collaborated on a biography, “The Unprecedented AOC,” which invites a favorable comparison of the open borders, free college, Medicare-for-all advocate with a certain carpenter from Nazareth. Clearly, AOC is responsible for her votes in Congress and their adverse impact on our nation…not the outrageous hagiography of “journalists.” God will not be mocked…but the American People will. As it is written, so shall it be. ■

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EV wrestlers have strong performances at state BY REECE ANDREWS Tribune Contributing Writer

restlers from across the East Valley came to play last weekend at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix, as 81 finished as state placers – including 12 first-place winners – expanding across all four divisions from boys and girls. The East Valley nearly doubled their first-place medals from two years ago with big performances in the heavier weight classes in Division I. Had it not been for Sunnyside’s dominance across Division I, taking home eight of 14 possible titles, there could’ve been more success on the East Valley’s side. Division II was dominated by Casteel, earning four golds to go along with its 12 placers. Head coach Bob Callison was extremely proud of his team and explained Casteel’s unique situation. “This group is special because Casteel High School is a seventh through twelfth

Westwood wrestler Taliyah Armstrong captured her second state championship Saturday, Feb. 19 at Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix, the site of the AIA wrestling state meet. (Reece Andrews/Tribune Contributor)

grade school and I’ve had these seniors since I’ve been there,” Callison said. “I’ve been there six years and so we’ve built

this from the ground up. They are the base of our program and I’m really proud of all of their effort and all they’ve put

into it.” It was the second straight year Casteel’s boys took home the team title. Desert Ridge and Desert Vista came in third and fourth, respectively in Division I. American Leadership Academy – Gilbert North placed third in Division III. On the girls’ side, Westwood placed second overall with Casteel third. Hamilton, which represented Chandler alongside Casteel, placed fourth in girls thanks to Trinity Howard’s win at 120 pounds. There were no East Valley gold winners in Division III and Seton Catholic Prep’s Lucas Eviston was the only state placer in Division IV. He won gold at 132 pounds. Where the East Valley lacked in Division III titles, the girls picked up the slack by taking home five gold medals. Overall, East Valley girl wrestlers accounted for 19 medals. Wrestling is an extreme and physically

see WRESTLING page 32

Skyline baseball hungry for a shot at postseason BY ETHAN BRIGGS Tribune Contributing Writer

fter coming within one place of making the playoffs, the Skyline Coyotes are looking for redemption this year and one group in particular is hungry for this season. The seniors of the Skyline Coyotes varsity baseball team have been working since September to get to a playoff this year and they believe that it is definitely possible even with a team of only 11 players. There are five seniors: Elias Harrington, Ryan Mioni, Madek Katzenmeier, Johnathan McBee and Dillon Nels. According to head coach Brian Gregory, it is a group which is almost half of the team and brings a lot of maturity to the field. “They understand the game and the thing that’s going to carry them is their maturity. Their maturity has been

From left: Ryan Mioni, Dillon Nels, Johnathan McBee, Elias Harrington, Madek Katzenmeier are all part of a new-look Skyline baseball team eager to make a splash in the postseason this year. (Ethan Briggs/Tribune Contributor) through the roof and for them to be here five days a week is a mature thing to do,” Gregory said. “It got them through the

fall and through the winter and I think that’s what is going to carry us through the season.”

This group has been through hardship. Whether that be the pandemic or their head coach resigning. They also lost three players to either transfer or a loss of interest in the game. However, that hasn’t led them to falter up this point and to a certain extent it makes their desire to get to and win a playoff game even greater. There is a sense of confidence and excitement for this upcoming season with this group despite all they have gone through and having a smaller team. For some of them, it brings a sense of comfort. The thing that is most comfortable though, is having each other to rely on. “I think it helps a lot,” Katzenmeier said. “We’ve all mostly played together from junior high until now, so we all know each other pretty well.”

see SKYLINE page 32

SPORTS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

Kaylee Landa leading for Desert Ridge BY ALYSSA ESQUIVEL Tribune Contributing Writer

nly in her second year of high school, Kaylee Landa has already made her presence known on the Desert Ridge track and field. From attending his practices and watching her older brother at his meets, Landa saw her passion for track and field grow and knew it was something she wanted to be a part of someday. As a freshman, Landa would go on to have a very successful season and make it to state, one of the biggest meets she has ever done. She placed sixth as a thrower and ninth in the shot put. An accomplishment she could not be prouder of. “It was pretty exciting to go for me because I didn’t even realize that not a whole lot of freshmen make it to state alone,” Landa said. “It was pretty cool to go there and compete against the best people in the state.”

WRESTLING from page 31

demanding sport, which makes it all the better when a wrestler ends his or her high school career as a state champion. For Westwood senior Taliyah Armstrong, it was exactly that. “It just feels like I deserve it,” Armstrong said. “For all the hard work that I put in and for the four years I’ve been wrestling. I feel like I deserve it and it feels good.” In the state championships, all four divisions and the girls wrestled at the same time at their respective weight classes. So when it came time for the heavyweights (285 pounds), it should have been no different. Except it was. Divisions II through IV and the girls had all concluded their matches by the time Hamilton’s Jonathan Lozano and Desert Ridge’s Nathaniel Meza hit their second period. So, all eyes were on them. “I was thinking, ‘don’t mess up,’” said Lozano. The crowd was silent. Move after move, an eruption. A late escape from Meza

SKYLINE from page 31

This group is led by Ryan Mioni and Elias Harrington who have the most experience at the varsity level and have helped the

While track and field has always been part of her family, the individual aspect was another side that drew Landa in. It is the kind of pressure that she is used to putting on herself and what has allowed her to be so successful thus far. “At the end of the day what you do mainly impacts you, so I think that’s kind of cool,” Landa said. “You can’t just blame it on anyone else if something goes wrong.” This kind of leadership mentality is what has caught the attention of many individuals including first-year head coach Sam Johns. He could not be more impressed with what he has seen out of Landa so far and is optimistic about her future going forward. “As a sophomore, she is only going to get better and better,” Johns said. “Not only can she throw the shot and disc a country mile, but she is also a state champion Olympic lifter in the Snatch and in the Clean and Jerk. She leads by example.”

With the upcoming season only weeks away, Landa understands the importance of setting goals as it helped contribute to her successful season last spring. However, she still wants to emphasize the importance of not getting too caught in those goals and not losing her overall focus … working on technique and feeling good. “I want to still improve marks for sure, but I also want to focus on things like technique and avoid worrying so much about the distance,” Landa said. “Having fun is a big thing as well.” Along with working on her personal goals on the track and field, Landa is defining the meaning of a true studentathlete by maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.94 and taking honors geometry and English, a task she will continue to take on during the season. The track and field season is set to start March 4, where Landa hopes to continue to lead by example on the field. ■

other three develop as much as they have. Nels, one of the most athletic kids on the team, says he owes a lot to guys like Elias and Ryan. He conceded that he would not be as good of a hitter if it were not for

those two. “I wouldn’t be as good of a hitter as I am if it weren’t for Elias or Ryan,” Nels said. “I took a lot of experience from Ryan watching him hit and seeing how much power

sending the match into overtime. “I remembered last season when he (Meza) beat me in the quarterfinals almost in the exact same way as I just won,” said Lozano. Time kept ticking and no moves were hit. Both wrestlers were extremely nervous. One slip up and that could be it. Lozano took advantage. He slipped by a move from Meza and spun behind for two. The crowd exploded, “TWO!” That was it. Screams, flexes, thrown The state meet was the last for Mesa wrestling coach David DiDomenico, who announced his retirement at the end of headgear, a few griddys the season. He set his clipboard in the middle of the mat and and sobs of joy had hapwalked off to cheers, signaling the end of his long career. pened all night, but some(Reece Andrews/Tribune Contributor) thing was special about brought the match 4-3 with a Lozano ad- Lozano’s scream into the crowd. He had vantage but he was hit with a stalling call done it. He ended the night and his high in the dying second making it 4-4 and school career atop the wrestling mountain.

Desert Ridge sophomore Kaylee Landa had an impressive showing in her freshman season competing in shot put. Now, she hopes to take her skill to the next level. (Courtesy Kaylee Landa)

It was an emotional night all around for the winners, losers and fans. But one last thing to highlight was Arizona wrestling losing one of the most prestigious head coaches in the past 32 years in Mesa’s head coach David DiDomenico. He won seven state titles and was a four-time Arizona Coach of the Year. He was named the 2008 East Valley Tribune Coach of the Year and won 292 career dual meets. He received huge hug from each of his wrestlers after their seven placements and a moment of honor where he left his clipboard in the middle of the mat and walked off one last time. It was a special moment for all to see, and a perfect way to cap off the 2021-22 season. And it was exactly what DiDomenico had expected in January when thinking about his final state championship meet. Now, he gets to enjoy what he said are his “five B's.” “Baseball, books, beach, my babe, my wife Pauline, and beverages,” DiDomenico said. “I’m pleased we’ve been able to achieve success.” ■ he has for being so skinny and tall. “Elias is one of the best pitchers I have ever faced and seeing his movement has made me much better in the box and much better at reading baseballs.” ■

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Iconic Mesa pizzeria marking a half century DAVID M. BROWN GetOut Contributor

he 18,000-square-foot Organ Stop Pizza, at the southwest corner of Southern Avenue and Stapley Drive, houses the world’s largest and most valuable theater pipe organ – the “Mighty Wurlitzer,” which has entertained diners since 1995. For 23 years before this, the original Mesa Organ Stop Pizza near Dobson Road and Southern Avenue, entertained its guests with a smaller version of the instrument. “Our Wurlitzer theater pipe organ is the most desired instrument for professional theater organists to play,” said Organ Stop co-owner Jack Barz of Gilbert., co-owner of the restaurant. “The tonal resources and room acoustics are second to none, and the instrument is truly the best available.” Barz and business partners Pat Rowan and Brad Bishop, both Chandler residents, are marking Organ Stop Pizza’s 50th anniversary this year. And the organ naturally is an integral part of the pizzeria’s longevity. Valued at more than $6 million, the “mega-organ” rests on an 8,000-pound elevator, which lifts the console, or “the steering wheel of the organ,” with which the player controls 6,000-plus pipes and 1,074 keys, buttons and switches. Producing 82 tonal colors, the console has four keyboards, each with 61 notes, a pedalboard of 32 notes, 422 tilting stop tabs to control the resources, 112 programmable pistons to set voice combinations, and 99 memory levels for the organists to program their individual settings. “Pizza and pipes” restaurants such as the Mesa restaurant had been popular in

Glenn Tallar of Mesa is one of the two organ players at Organ Stop Pizza. (Special to GetOut) the United States during the 20th century. Today, only one other such restaurant is operating, in Wisconsin. When the pizzeria moved to its current location, Barz said, “the whole organ had to be completely rebuilt and has been a work in process ever since.” The massive instrument was moved piece by piece; the new building was constructed for and around it. In fact, while under construction, plastic curtains hung from the second floor to protect many of the fragile wood, brass and aluminum pipes from exposure, he explained. Built with 46-foot ceilings, the dining room seats 700 guests and contains many of the pipes as well as the console

platform, which rises dramatically with the player at the console. When you visit, you’re actually eating pizza in the organ. In that way, the dining room “speaks” to the guests, Barz said. Every week, David Balogh of Mesa maintains the Mighty Wurlitzer, assisted by one of the current organists, Glenn Tallar of Mesa. Clark Wilson completes a top-to-bottom tuning twice a year. This takes about a week, and individual pipes are also tuned throughout the year on an as-needed basis, Barz explained, noting that each instrument has its own set of specifically tuned pipes. “The different sets of pipes included in the organ make it one of the most versatile and flexible instruments anywhere,

Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@timespublications.com

enabling it to perform classical organ music with the greatest authenticity, orchestral transcriptions and popular music from all periods,” Barz said. “The organists play pretty much anything; if they don’t know a piece, they pull up the music on their phones and learn as the perform it.” At the console, the organist also controls the lighting and special effects such as the disco ball and bubbles. “Essentially, the organists are part orchestra conductor, performer, and stage director, all rolled into one,” Barz said. Organ Stop is a regular destination for many families and individuals, he said, noting that one couple has been visiting since the Phoenix location opened and another family has been here almost every Christmas Eve for 40 years. “The emotional side of this place gives give you chills,” Barz said, recalling one customer in particular whose life was changed by her visits. “A woman with two young children had lost her husband at an early age, from cancer, I believe, and was very depressed. Her co-workers brought her in one night to the original Phoenix location. When she came back here one night, she heard the Mighty Wurlitzer; the emotions took over her, and she had to keep them back. We’re not just a pizza place.” The restaurant serves pizza, pasta, sandwiches, appetizers and has a full salad bar as well as soft drinks, beer and wine and Blue Bell Ice Cream. Seasonal hours are Mondays to Thursdays, 3:30–8:30 p.m.; Friday, 3:30–9 p.m.; Saturday 3–9 p.m.; Sunday, 3–8:30 p.m. Information: organstoppizza.com. ■

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

What’s next Serving Arizonans in all forms of learning at all stages of life Ambition, curiosity, creativity and passion don’t fit in any one box. No matter who you are or how you learn, ASU is here to help you and your family. Our learning options are growing every day. Visit ASU for You to travel the world through virtual field trips, access research learning tools through the library; conduct experiments with K–college science labs; and enhance your professional skills with badge and certificate programs.

asuforyou.asu.edu

in learning?

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

King Crossword ACROSS 1 Atlas page 4 Ivy League University 9 Science room 12 GPS suggestion 13 Haunting 14 Docs’ org. 15 1989 Al Pacino film 17 Decks in the ring 18 Small battery 19 Yard tools 21 “Understood” 24 Membership 25 Tolkien beast 26 Civil War soldier 28 Pulitzer category 31 Abound 33 Narc’s org. 35 Dr. McGraw 36 Anticipate 38 Chips go-with 40 Sugar suffix 41 Mark Harmon TV series 43 School break 45 Shun 47 Owned 48 Sashimi fish 49 New York City’s -- Park 54 Decay 55 Ryan or Tatum 56 Gaiety 57 Sauce source 58 Actions 59 Turf DOWN 1 “-- Miniver” 2 Packed away 3 Shell-game item 4 “No cheating!” 5 Akin 6 Acapulco gold 7 “The First -- Club” 8 Required 9 Sierra Nevada resort 10 Cupid’s specialty 11 Low range 16 Granola grain 20 John Irving hero 21 Teeny bit 22 Got bigger 23 Maryland beach town 27 Nap site 29 Avoid

With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Contributor

W 30 32 34 37 39 42

Pub orders Lansing’s st. Dunce Steering system part Gems from oysters Pigs

44 45 46 50 51 52

LPs’ successors Jug handles “Scram!” Churchill gesture Conditions Pair

Sudoku

PUZZLES ANSWERS on page 38

The best of 2 worlds merge in this cookie

hat if you captured all of the delicious decadence of a chocolate brownie and transferred it to a cookie? A cookie that is so chewy, chocolaty and crinkly that it will win the hearts of crispy cookie lovers and soft baked cookie lovers alike? Well, head to the kitchen, because here it is. I discovered this delicious recipe for Chocolate Brownie Cookies in one of my go-to magazines, Cook’s Country, a spin-off publication of Cook’s Illustrated and America’s Test Kitchen. I love these cookies right out of the oven, but now I know to make an extra batch to freeze. Because, you know, you will have one of those

nights when you must satisfy your chocolate craving and lucky you! You’ll have just what you need in an airtight container in the freezer! Enough said. Trust me on this. You’re going to get lots and lots of brownie points when you share.. ■

Ingredients: 1 cup all purpose flour 1/4 of a cup of Dutch processed cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 10 ounces bitter sweet chocolate, chopped,

divided 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 2 tablespoons whole milk, Half-and-half or heavy cream 1 cup sugar 2 large eggs

Directions: Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line 2 rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a bowl. Set aside. Microwave 6 ounces chocolate, oil and butter in medium bowl at 30 second intervals, stirring Each time you restart the microwave. When melted, whisk milk, half-and-half or heavy cream into chocolate mixture until combined. Using a stand mixer, whip sugar and eggs on medium high speed until very pale, about 4 minutes. Add melted chocolate mixture and whisk by hand until thoroughly combined. Fold in flour

mixture with spatula until thoroughly combined and no dry pockets remain. Fold in remaining 4 ounces of chocolate. Spoon 10 heaping tablespoon portions of batter onto each prepared sheet. (You should have 20 total cookies.) Bake until cookies are puffed and covered with a large cracks, About 15 minutes. (Cookies will look raw in between the cracks and eventually flatten). Allow cookies to cool completely on the sheet pans, then slide a thin spatula under the cookies to remove from the sheets. To keep cookies soft, store in an airtight Ziploc bag or airtight container. Cookies can be frozen.. ■

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 37

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

Ahwatukee Chandler Gilbert Glendale Mesa North Valley Peoria Phoenix San Tan Scottsdale Tempe West Valley

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

Obituaries H E A D STO N E S

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Employment Employment General Scrum Masters: Phoenix AZ & various unanticipated locations throughout USA: Plan, guide team to perform data extract frm sources. Create, onboard teams, intr into org, pvd prdt vsn. Mng timelines, reslv prob, coach teams on Agile methodologies. Auth impl manuals, enhncmt modules to prep docu. Work w/product team, owners in idtfy, prtz bklgs. Inv in deplymt, integr. Skills reqd: Oracle, SQL, SQLServer, Unix, Jira, Rally, Confluence, Scrum, SAFe, TFS, ServiceNow. Master’s in Sci, Tech, or Engg (any field) w/1yr exp in job offrd or rltd occ reqd. Bachelor’s in any of ab-mntd flds w/5yrs exp in job offrd or rltd occ reqd in lieu of Master's +1yr exp. Any suitable combo of edu, train, exp acceptable. Mail resume: 4 Peaks Business Solution LLC. 1345 E Chandler Blvd., Bldg 2, Ste 107, Phoenix AZ 85048.

Employment General Certified Nurse Assistant CNA One on One Patient Care Full-time and Part-time hours available $18.00 per hour - Private duty caregiver Benefits at 30+ hrs/week $500 Sign on Bonus To learn more and Apply go to cnscares.com/careers/ EOE Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Consulting, Senior Solution Specialist in Gilbert, AZ & various unanticipated Deloitte office locations & client sites nationally to drive software development and implementation services to address manufacturing, financial, human resources, customer relationship management, supply chain, and other business needs, utilizing SAP products. 15% travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL22FC0222GIL260 in “Search jobs” field. EOE, including disability/veterans.

Technical Analyst – Reporting (Phoenix, AZ) Develop Cognos reporting environment, business data, data warehouse components, and data warehouse technologies. Support the software development lifecycle by designing and implementing data warehouse components, including data extracts, data marts and data stores to ensure high levels of data accuracy and availability for reporting and analysis. Implement high quality data components and Cognos reporting functionality in accordance with established company standards and best practices for development and maintenance. Participate in the development and review of business requirements related to data analysis and data reporting, while working with various business owners and other global IT resources to facilitate seamless consolidation of data globally across disparate source systems and databases. Design, develop and test reporting solutions, and develop technical documentation to ensure it accurately depicts software design and implementation. Perform adequate unit testing to ensure requirements have been met. Conduct quantitative analysis for competitive advantage, product profitability and insight event driven marketing initiatives. Provide technical feasibility analysis and delivery strategies. Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Electronics and Communications Engineering or a closely related technical field and five years of software engineering experience with IBM Cognos business intelligence solutions, reports and modules required. Please apply to Williams Scotsman, Inc. at https://careers.willscot-mobilemini.com/.

Garage Sales/ Bazaars

Announce

ments Prayer Announcements Thank You St. Jude For Prayers Answered - JRH

Meetings/Events SUN VALLEY PARK BRUNCH 1st Sat. - Pancakes 3rd Sat. - Biscuits & Gravy / French Toast Both Include Ham, Sausage & Eggs 11101 E University Dr University Between Signal Butte/Meridian

Auctions & Estate Sales 3 SISTERS ESTATE SALES LET US SELL THE CONTENTS OF YOUR HOME 19 YRS EXPERIENCE IMPECCABLE REFERENCES LOCATED IN MESA 763-443-0519 ALSO DO PRICING FOR YOUR SALES

Garage Sales/ Bazaars

HUGE COMUNITY SALE! Boats & Marine 2003 Lund Explorer 1800. 115HP. Includes shoreline trailer. $5500 obo Call 480-686-4121

Entrada Del Oro 18437 E. El Buho Pequeno - Gold Canyon AZ 85118

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March 18th, 19th & 20th 7am-3pm

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Lost & Found

Stolen dog 1/29/22 Cross roads n Alma School rd and w Galveston st Chandler AZ Stolen out of the front yard around 2pm. Black truck, older couple. 2 young girls in the car too. Her name is Brooklyn, 7 years old. Yorkie Maltese mix. 4 pounds. White with black patch on back. She was wearing a pink collar with our phone number on it. Cash reward for safe return. If seen or found please call 978-798-5178

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

Obituaries

Employment General Experience Painters Needed. Interior/ Exterior Residential / Commercial. Jobs in North Phoenix, Scottsdale and West Valley. Must Have Own Transportation. Starting Salary Between $19-20 Per Hour. Temporary Full Time Double D Services Contact Paula Paulastonedds@gmail.com 602-309-4255.

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Do you have print media/digital advertising selling experience? We may be looking for you! The position is in Tempe (Broadway curve area) includes lots of out-bound calls selling advertising all over Phoenix Metro and even Tucson! Our 20 local publications, newspapers, magazines and digital solutions fit pretty much every need!

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Our small team wants to grow with you! Do you get excited when you sell? Do you talk louder when you are selling something you believe in? We get it—it’s exciting to sell! Do you learn quickly, like to stay organized, multi-task, are you familiar with Gmail, Google Docs/Sheets/Voice, Word, Excel, internet browsing and other software programs? This is a full time job with benefits. 8:30-5pm Mon-Fri. If you think you are the missing puzzle piece, please apply!

Wait, did I mention we are a FUN team?

Send your resume with cover letter to Elaine: ecota@timespublications.com

For a Quote email: class@times publications.com 480-898-6465

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Place your Ad with Us! 623-535-8439 Employment General

EVERYBODY GRAB A FUTURE Team Member Full and Part Time

Peter Piper Pizza’s commitment to outstanding service starts with our employees. • Competitive benefits and rewards • Day, Evenings, Night positions • Flexible Management hours - go to school and work full-time • Opportunities for growth - we promote from within • Early paycheck access

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Located between Hayden Road and Scottsdale Road on the southwest corner of Miller Road.

Obituaries Lawrence S. Shalit

Lawrence 79, passed away on January 18, 2022. He leaves behind his daughter Lisa Davis (Sharon), son David Shalit (Jamie), grandchildren Joshua Davis and Aaron Davis, and friend Ruth Scally. Larry worked for many years providing transportation for retirement communities. He enjoyed traveling to model train shows and was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox. He was kind and friendly to everyone he met and will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life for Larry will be held at Fountain of Life Christian Fellowship 6056 E. Baseline Road Mesa, AZ on Saturday March 12th at 12:00 PM. Donations in Larry's memory can be made to St. Mary's Food Bank, firstfoodbank.org

Elizabeth Anne Morones

Elizabeth Anne Morones was a beloved daughter and friend to all who knew her. She is survived by her mother, Miriam Morones, and father, Mario Morones. In addition, she is survived by her grandmother, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Elizabeth had a sweet spirit and was a gentle leader for children. Elizabeth graduated from Mountain Pointe High School and completed all requirements for an Associate in Fine Arts degree at Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona. Elizabeth was a member of Generation Church for 17 years where she served in many areas - namely children's ministry and art work. Elizabeth worked at Fry's market 2 years as a cashier prior to her passing. She demonstrated, most of all, a servant leader's heart to those around her. A celebration of life will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on 2022-02-26 at Generation Church, 11832 South Warner Elliot Loop, Phoenix, AZ, USA. Sign the Guestbook at: obituaries.EastValleyTribune.com

Sharon passed away unexpectedly on February 17, 2022, at the age of 80. Sharon was born on August 28, 1941, in Park Ridge, Il. She fell in love with horses at a young age and spent her childhood traveling the Midwest participating in horse shows. She attended the University of Arizona and was a member of the ADPi sorority. After college, she married Jack McGregor and had four children, John (deceased), Susan, Christy, and Janeen. Sharon was a big lover of animals, especially horses, dogs, and her beloved African Grey parrot named Joe, who was her companion for over 25 years. Sharon was always very athletic and loved playing sports. As an adult, she fell in love with racquetball and played in tournaments all over the state of Illinois. For many years, you could find Sharon gathering with friends at the East Bank Club in Chicago, enjoying a glass of Chardonnay. In 2005, she left the cold winters of Chicago and moved to sunny Arizona to be closer to her daughters and grandchildren. Most days you could find her on the golf course with her friends. She found joy in giving back to her community, volunteering with organizations like Neighbors Who Care. Sharon was full of life, quick to laugh, and very funny. Her joy of life and humor live on in her children and grandchildren. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents Beatrice and Robert, her brothers, Robert and Jack Troch, and her son, John Robert McGregor. She will be greatly missed by her three daughters, Susan (Greg), Christy (John), and Janeen (George), and her grandchildren, John, Matt, Grace, Mason, Claire, Hailey, McGregor, and Kate. She loved to recite poetry including one of her favorites: Remember man as you walk by, as you are now so once was I as I am now so shall you be, remember man for eternity.

Obituaries - Death NOtices iN MeMOriaM We are here to make this difficult time easier for you. Our 24 hour online service is easy to use and will walk you through the steps of placing a paid obituary in the East Valley Tribune or a free death notice online. Visit: obituaries.EastValleyTribune.com

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Deadline for Sunday’s Edition is the Wednesday prior at 5pm. Please call Elaine at 480-898-7926 to inquire or email your notice to: legals@evtrib.com and request a quote.

MetroPhoenix

JOBS

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

CMC Steel Arizona is Growing CMC Steel Arizona has proudly been making

NOW HIRING IN MESA:

the steel that builds America since 2009 and

• Forklift Operator

we are excited to expand our production

• Mechanic and Electrician • Production Operator • Entry Level Positions • Technical Training Program

capabilities with a second innovative, stateof-the-art micro mill in Mesa. We are hiring immediately for all skilled operator positions to be part of building something from the ground up. If you’re ready to grow in your career, you’re ready to join CMC. Visit us at jobs.cmc.com to apply today!

To Advertise Call:

480 898 6465

Scan to see all job openings!

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

MetroPhoenix

JOBS

To Advertise Call:

480 898 6465

HIRING EVENT

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

Miscellaneous For Sale For Sale 500 Musical Records Sizes 33.5, 78 and 45's and a Phonograph. Sell complete collection. Call 320-310-2602

Wanted to Buy Diabetic Test Strips by the box, unused. Any type or brand. Will pay top dollar. Call Pat 480-323-8846

Manufactured Homes

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Life Events

2019 Clayton, 16x60, 2B/2B, Like new, Central A/C, Large Living Room, Laminate Flooring, Carpet in BRs, Microwave, Dishwasher, Refrig, Gas Range (All Black Appliances), Pantry, W/D Hookups, Front Porch, 2" Blinds, Recessed Canned Lighting in Kitchen, Concrete Driveway with Awning. Located in Meridian MHP, a 55+ Gated, Active Resort Community with Tons of Activities. Within walking distance of banks, groceries, shopping and restaurants.

Carpet Cleaning

Most service advertisers have an ROC# or "Not a licensed contractor" in their ad, this is in accordance to the AZ state law.

Air Conditioning/Heating

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Appliance Repairs

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MORE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE! www.EastValleyTribune.com Concrete & Masonry

Block Fence * Gates

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YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

FURNITURE FOR STAGING PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT INCLUDED

Cleaning Services

HIRING?

Place a Birth, Anniversary, Wedding Announcement, In Memoriam, Obituary or any life event in this paper today! Call us for details.

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

If someone Needs a Job, They Look Every Day! For a Quote email: class@times publications.com

480-898-6465

10 OFF

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What it does require under A.R.S. §32-1121A14(c) www.azleg.gov/ars/ 32/01165.htm is that the advertising party, if not properly licensed as a contractor, disclose that fact on any form of advertising to the public by including the words "not a licensed contractor" in the advertisement. Again, this requirement is intended to make sure that the consumer is made aware of the unlicensed status of the individual or company. Contractors who advertise and do not disclose their unlicensed status are not eligible for the handyman's exception. Reference: http://www.azroc.g ov/invest/licensed_ by_law.html

CALL 480-228-7786

SHARE WITH THE WORLD!

NOTICE TO READERS:

Drywall

JOSE DOMINGUEZ DRYWALL & PAINTING House Painting, Drywall, Intall Doors, Baseboards, Crown Molding Reliable, Dependable, Honest!

As a consumer, being aware of the law is for your protection. You can check a businesses ROC s t a t u s a t :

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Not a licensed contractor.

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

Glass/Mirror

Home Improvement

Hauling

GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS

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

HAULING LOW RATES! MOVE OR HAUL BRUHAUL JUNK REMOVAL 480-639-6142

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

LEGAL NOTICES

Electrical Services HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •

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

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

Deadline for Sunday’s Edition is the Wednesday prior at 5pm. Please call Elaine at 480-898-7926 to inquire or email your notice to: legals@ timespublications.com and request a quote.

Handyman

LLC

• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations

HOME REMODELING REPAIRS & CUSTOM INTERIOR PAINTING Move a wall; turn a door into a window. From small jobs and repairs to room additions, I do it all. Precision interior painting, carpentry, drywall, tile, windows, doors, skylights, electrical, fans, plumbing and more. All trades done by hands-on General Contractor. Friendly, artistic, intelligent, honest and affordable. 40 years' experience. Call Ron Wolfgang Pleas text or leave message Cell 602-628-9653 Wolfgang Construction Inc. Licensed & Bonded ROC 124934

Hauling

• Electrical Repair • Plumbing Repair • Dry rot and termite damage repair

GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

520.508.1420

All Estimates arethe Free Call: Marks Spot• for ALL Your Handyman Needs!

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ks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical “No Job Too ✔Small Flooring Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Man!” lumbing • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Electrical Decks • Tile • More! 1999 e Quality Work Sinc Decks •Affo Tile • More! rdable, ✔ Plumbing 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 ✔ Drywall Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor “No Job ✔ Carpentry Too Small Marks the Spot for“No Job Too ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small Man!” “No Job Too Man!” ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry

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uce at 602.670.7038 dent/ References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor Ahwatukee / References t 602.670.7038

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

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It is understood that the Arizona Museum of Natural History (AzMNH) made an agreement with now deceased Mr. Richard Hupfer in Mesa, AZ to house archaeological material uncovered in the Riverview complex. The agreement was made in 2004 or 2005. It is the intent of AzMNH to claim title to these artifacts if no valid claims are made by May 10. To make a claim or for further information, please contact Dr. Emily Early at emily.early@mesaaz.gov or (480)644-5907.

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

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If you have Table Games Casino chips received before July 7, 2021, please redeem them at the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino cashier cage no later than March 31, 2022 for a full refund. Disclaimer: Any discontinued Table Games chips not returned by March 31, 2022 will be void and hold no cash value. Redemption must take place at the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino cashier cage in person. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is not responsible for any unreturned Table Games chips.

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

“Many a small thing has been made large by the right kind of advertising”

Public Notices

CITY OF MESA, ARIZONA

- Mark Twain

ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Mesa is seeking a qualified firm or team to act as the Job Order Contractor for the following: GENERAL LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION JOB ORDER CONTRACT PROJECT NO. JOC-L22 The City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Contractor to provide Job Order General Landscape Construction Services. 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). The following is a summary of the project. Provide General Landscaping Construction Services for minor and major projects, maintenance, repairs, re-construction, and alteration services to City facilities. A Pre-Submittal Conference will be held on March 8, 2022, at 8:00 am through Microsoft Teams. Parties interested in attending should request an invitation from Donna Horn at donna.horn@mesaaz.gov. At this meeting, City staff will discuss the scope of work and general contract issues and respond to questions from the attendees. Attendance at the pre-submittal conference is not mandatory and all interested firms may submit a Statement of Qualifications whether or not they attend the conference. All interested firms are encouraged to attend the PreSubmittal Conference since City staff will not be available for meetings or to respond to individual inquiries regarding the project scope outside of this conference. In addition, there will not be meeting minutes or any other information published from the Pre-Submittal Conference.

480.898.6465

class@timespublications.com

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, 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. RFQ Lists. The RFQ is available on the City’s website at https://www.mesaaz.gov/business/engineering/construction-manager-at-risk-and-job-order-contracting-opportunities The Statement of Qualifications shall include a one-page cover letter, plus a maximum of 10 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 of the Statement of Qualifications in an unencrypted PDF format to Engineering-RFQ@mesaaz.gov by March 17, 2022, by 2 pm. 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 in the City of Mesa Vendor Self Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz.gov/business/purchasing/vendor-self-service). Questions. Questions pertaining to the Job Order selection process or contract issues should be directed to Donna Horn of the Engineering Department at donna.horn@mesaaz.gov.

ATTEST: Holly Moseley City Clerk

SHARE WITH THE WORLD! Place a Birth, Anniversary, Wedding Announcement, In Memoriam, Obituary or any life event in this paper today! Call us for details.

BETH HUNING City Engineer

Published East Valley Tribune, February 20, 27, 2022 / 44695

East Valley Tribune CLASSIFIEDS WORK! Call 480-898-6465

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

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

Public Notices

Public Notices CITY OF MESA PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF MESA, ARIZONA ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Mesa is seeking a qualified firm or team to act as the Construction Manager at Risk for the following: WATER MAIN REPLACEMENTS QUARTER SECTIONS 55D/55B PROJECT NO. CP0834QS04 The City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) to provide Pre-Construction Services assistance and complete Construction Services as the CMAR for the Water Main Replacements Quarter Sections 55D/55B Project. 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). The following is a summary of the project. The City of Mesa will construct a water main replacement project for City of Mesa Quarter Sections 55D and 55B. The residential water systems near Baseline and Gilbert Roads are nearly 50-years old and have reached the end of their service life. This project will install new 8-inch and 12-inch ductile iron pipe (DIP), valves, water services and fire hydrants and other incidental work as required. The existing system will be abandoned in place. Contractor will be responsible for installing new water mains, utility coordination, bacteria testing and flushing, water service connections on private property and traffic control. Coordination with the City and project phasing will also be required. The estimated construction cost is $4.5 million to $5.5 million. The design of the improvements is currently at 90% and construction is expected to begin in August 2022. The city anticipates completing construction by 2023. A Pre-Submittal Conference will be held on March 3, 2022 at 8:00 am through Microsoft Teams. If you would like to participate, please send an email to Stephanie Gishey (stephanie.gishey@mesaaz.gov) and request an invitation. At this meeting, City staff will discuss the scope of work and general contract issues and respond to questions from the attendees. Attendance at the pre-submittal conference is not mandatory and all interested firms may submit a Statement of Qualifications whether or not they attend the conference. All interested firms are encouraged to attend the Pre- Submittal Conference since City staff will not be available for meetings or to respond to individual inquiries regarding the project scope outside of this conference. In addition, there will not be meeting minutes or any other information published from the Pre-Submittal Conference. 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 below. RFQ Lists. The RFQ is available on the City’s website at http://mesaaz.gov/business/engineering/construction-managerat-risk-and-job-order-contracting-opportunities. The Statement of Qualifications shall include a one-page cover letter, plus a maximum of 10 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 of the Statement of Qualifications in an unencrypted PDF format to Engineering-RFQ@mesaaz.gov by March 17, 2022 at 2 pm. 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 in the City of Mesa Vendor Self Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz.gov/business/purchasing/vendor-self-service). Questions. Questions pertaining to the Construction Manager at Risk selection process or contract issues should be directed to Stephanie Gishey of the Engineering Department at stephanie.gishey@mesaaz.gov. BETH HUNING City Engineer ATTEST: Holly Moseley, City Clerk

Published East Valley Tribune, February 20, 27, 2022 / 44732

The Mesa City Council will hold a public hearing concerning the following ordinances at the March 7, 2022 City Council meeting beginning at 5:45 p.m. in the Mesa City Council Chambers, 57 East First Street. 1. ANX21-00802 (District 1) Annexing property located within the 3300 to 3400 blocks of North Val Vista Drive (east side). Located south of Thomas Road and east of Val Vista Drive (2.76± acres). Initiated by the applicant, Sean Lake on behalf of Pew & Lake PLC. Burden Family Trust, Raymond T and Deniece Burden Trust, and Burden East LP, LLP, owners. 2. ZON21-00797 (District 1) Within the 3500 to 3800 blocks of East Thomas Road (south side), within the 3300 to 3600 blocks of North Val Vista Drive (east side), and within the 3300 to 3600 blocks of North Val Vista Drive (west side). Located south of Thomas Road on the east and west sides of Val Vista Drive (46.76± acres total). Rezone 8.95± acres from Single Residence 43 (RS-43) to Multiple Residence 2 with a Planned Area Development overlay (RM-2PAD); Rezone 13.8± acres from Agricultural (AG) to Multiple Residence 2 with a Planned Area Development overlay (RM-2-PAD); Rezone 20.12± acres from Agricultural (AG) and Single Residence 43 (RS-43) to Multiple Residence 2 with a Planned Area Development overlay (RM-2-PAD); and Rezone 3.89± acres from Single Residence 43 (RS-43) to Mixed Use with a Planned Area Development overlay (MX-PAD) and Single Residence 6 with a Planned Area Development overlay (RS-6-PAD). This request will allow for a mixed-use development. Pew & Lake, PLC, applicant; Burden West Limited Partnership, LLP; Todd Rand Lisa K Burden; Reserve 100, LLC; Burden East LP, LLP; Burden Family Trust; and Raymond T and Deniece Burden Trust, owners. 3. ZON21-01212 (District 1) Within the 3700 to 3800 blocks of North Val Vista Drive (east side). Located north of the 202 Red Mountain Freeway on the east side of Val Vista Drive (41± acres). Rezone from General Industrial (GI) and Agricultural (AG) to Single Residence 7 with a Planned Area Development overlay (RS-7-PAD). This request will allow for the development of a single residence subdivision. Pew & Lake, PLC, applicant; Reserve 100, LLC, owner. 4. ZON21-00940 (District 2) Within the 3100 block of East Southern Avenue (south side) and the 1200 block of South 32nd Street (west side). Located east of Lindsay Road on the south side of Southern Avenue. (2.4± acres). Rezone from Single Residence 9 (RS-9) to Multiple Residence 3 with a Planned Area Development overlay (RM-3-PAD) and Site Plan Review. This request will allow for a multiple residence development. 5. ZON21-00930 (District 6) Within the 4500 block of the South Hawes Road alignment (west side). Located north of the 202 Santan Freeway on the west side of the Hawes Road alignment (24.6± acres). Rezone from Agriculture (AG) to Light Industrial with a Planned Area Development overlay (LI-PAD) and Site Plan Review. This request will allow for an industrial development. Jason Sanks, lplan Consulting, applicant; LLC BILLY WAND NORAD MAYNARD LIVING TRUST, owner. 6. ZON21-01133 (District 6) Within the 4500 block of the South Hawes Road alignment (west side) and within the 8100 to 8400 blocks of East Warner Road (south side). Located south of Warner Road and west of the Hawes Road alignment (25.9± acres). Rezone from Small Lot Residential 2.5 with a Planned Area Development overlay (RSL-2.5-PAD) and General Commercial with a Planned Area Development overlay (GC-PAD) to Light Industrial with a Planned Area Development Overlay (LI-PAD) and Site Plan Review. This request will accommodate an industrial development. Dated at Mesa, Arizona, this 27th day of February 2022. Holly Moseley, City Clerk Published in: The Mesa Tribune February 27, 2022 / 00044850

Meetings/Events? Get Free notices in the Classifieds! Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 27, 2022

Arizona’s Resort-Style Home Builder MASTER PLANNED CELEBRATED COMMUNITIES BY BLANDFORD HOMES

Award-winning Arizona builder for over 40 years. Blandford Homes specializes in building master planned environments with a variety of amenities, parks, and charm. You’ll find the perfect community to fit your lifestyle.

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A Dramatic New Gated Community in Gilbert Vintage Collection • From the low $600’s • 480-895-2800 Craftsman Collection • From the low $700’s • 480-988-2400 PALMA BRISA – In Ahwatukee Foothills NOW SELLING A Dramatic New Gated Community Vintage Collection • From the high $600’s • 480-641-1800 Craftsman Collection • From the low $800’s • 480-641-1800 BELMONT AT SOMERSET – Prime Gilbert Location CLOSEOUT Luxury estate homes and timeless architecture • From the low $1,000,000’s • 480-895-6300 MONTELUNA – Brand New Gated Community in the Foothills of Northeast Mesa NOW SELLING B McKellips Rd just east of the Red Mountain 202 Fwy • From the high $600’s RESERVE AT RED ROCK – New Upscale Resort Community in the Foothills of Northeast Mesa COMING IN 2022 Stunning views of Red Mountain • From the $600’s TALINN AT DESERT RIDGE – SALES BEGIN EARLY IN 2022 Spectacular location at Desert Ridge ESTATES AT MANDARIN GROVE – In the Citrus Groves of NE Mesa CLOSEOUT 11 luxury single-level estate homes with 3- to 6-car garages plus optional RV garages and carriage houses • From the mid $1,000,000’s • 480-750-3000 ESTATES AT HERMOSA RANCH – In the Citrus Groves of NE Mesa CLOSEOUT 12 single-level homes on extra large homesites with 5- to 6-car garages plus optional RV garages and carriage houses • From the mid $1,000,000’s • 480-750-3000

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BlandfordHomes.com Not all photos shown are representative of all communities. Terms and conditions subject to change without notice.

The Mesa Tribune - Zone 2 - 2.28.2022

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