The Mesa Tribune - Zone 2 - 3.6.2022 by Times Media Group

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How MPS spends / P. 6

Ostrich Fest returns P. 27

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

Sunday, March 6, 2022

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Mesa: Have it our way, curb drive-thru businesses

INSIDE

This Week

BY SCOTT SHUMAKER Tribune Staff Writer

COMMUNITY ......... 17 At 15, Mesa violinist turning heads.

rive-thrus played a starring role during the pandemic, helping businesses stay afloat and customers stay safe. But some Mesa City Council members think the growth of drive-thru businesses has gone too far. They are concerned that drive-thrus today dominate whole intersections and street fronts, hurting the city’s appearance

and walkability and, in some cases, adversely affecting nearby neighborhoods and businesses. “We have been seeing a lot of development applications come in recently where it is just a string of drive thru-facilities on frontages,” Assistant Planning Director Rachel Prelog told the council at its Feb. 23 study session, “and they basically act as auto courts, like food courts for drive-thrus.” Commercial zones host most of the drivethrus in Mesa, but they are also allowed

Olympian reward

BUSINESS............ 20

Mountain View hires new basketball coach.

see DRIVE-THRUS page 4

$3M tire contract brings rare discord to Mesa council

SPORTS ............... 25

COMMUNITY ................................ 17 BUSINESS ...................................... 20 OPINION ....................................... 23 SPORTS.......................................... 25 GET OUT ....................................... 27 CLASSIFIED .................................. 33

downtown and in industrial districts. The city allows drive-thrus in some commercial district types “by right” – without a permit – and through a special use permit in other commercial districts. After meeting with council members to discuss concerns with drive-thrus last year, city staff took a close look at the issue and studied options for addressing impacts. Last week, Prelog and Development Ser

BY SCOTT SHUMAKER Tribune Staff Writer

Landmark Mesa restaurant faces uncertain future.

Zone

Mesa native Jagger Eaton, flanked by Mesa Mayor John Giles and Councilwoman Julie Spilsbury, thanks the audience at the Kids That Rip skateboard school after receiving the key to the city. There’s a reason why the ceremony last week was held at Kids That Rip and you’ll read about it on page 8. (David Minton/Tribune Staff Photographer)

tire maintenance contract originally slated to pass without discussion on the consent agenda provided unexpected drama at Mesa City Council’s Feb. 28 meeting. At issue was whether to approve a threeyear, $980,000 annual contract for tire maintenance on the city of Mesa’s vehicle fleet. After discussion, the outcome of a vote appeared up in the air, with Mayor John Giles remarking, “It’s hard to know what the consensus here is.” Council ended up approving the contract with a rare 5-2 split vote. Councilmen Kevin Thompson and Mark Freeman voted against the deal.

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

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Southeast Mesa to get big-bucks projects soon BY GARY NELSON

Tribune Correspondent

esa is preparing to spend tens of millions of dollars on new infrastructure for its booming southeastern corner. The city is looking for a contractor to build a $13.2 million library in Eastmark, the master-planned community that has sprung up over the past decade on a former General Motors testing ground. And it’s well along in planning an expansion of the still-new Signal Butte water treatment plant, at an estimated cost of $145 million. The need for these projects reflects an astonishing transformation of southeast Mesa, said Kevin Thompson, who represents the area on City Council. Thompson, who finishes his second term in early 2023, said the region was still just recovering from the Great Recession as he campaigned for election in 2014. There were so few houses in Eastmark then that he didn’t even bother knocking on doors there. Now, Eastmark and other developments such as Cadence are nearing buildout of their residential components, and there is a huge demand for public services. Polly Bonnett, who has been Mesa’s library director since September, said the new library is to be built at 5036 S. Eastmark Parkway, next to the development’s Great Park. Thompson pointed out that is near the geographic center of his newly redrawn council district. With 30,000 to 35,000 square feet, Bonnett said, “We envision the new southeast library to be a place of connection, learning and discovery that reflects and supports the needs of the southeast Mesa community.” The facility will offer access to new technologies, meeting spaces and design elements that connect it with the surrounding park, Bonnett said. According to Mesa’s advertisement in search of a qualified contractor, the city plans to finish construction in the sum

see INFRASTRUCTURE page 13

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NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

DRIVE THRUS from page 1

vices Director Nana Appiah presented three proposed zoning rule changes that could give the city tools for slowing the rate of new drive-thru businesses in Mesa and give the city more opportunities to weigh in on drive-thru projects before they are built. The proposed changes would ban drive-thrus in Neighborhood Commercial districts – the lightest commercial district – and require a special use permit for them in Limited Commercial areas, where they are currently allowed by right. City staff also recommended allowing no more than three drive-thrus on an intersection or in a row. Staff told council members the suggested zone changes will go to the Planning and Zoning Board for a study session in March or April and receive stakeholder and public feedback in May or June. Prelog said the final recommendations could change as the proposals go through the process. Prelog said that from a design perspective, drive-thrus pose a challenge to architects aiming to integrate them smoothly into the surrounding space. They disrupt the flow of pedestrians and bikers more than walk-in businesses do and bring an extra set of impacts for surrounding neighborhoods. “We have noise from idling cars and their speaker boxes,” she said. “We usually have multiple access driveways, which creates conflicts with pedestrian and bicycle activity. We also have large parking areas facing the street and large setbacks that really distract from the goals of creating this walkable, intractable relationship to the surrounding neighborhoods.” Councilman Kevin Thompson said his district is being “inundated” with drive-thrus. “What’s happening in District 6 is we’re having McDonalds, Burger Kings popping up on every single corner, and that’s not what the community wants,” Thompson said. “But we don’t have any (process) that we can go back and say, ‘OK, Mr. Developer, we don’t want a McDonalds or Burger King or Jack in the Box. We want (restaurants) that our citizens can sit down at and enjoy a meal.’” He described attending a community

Noise and urban clutter from vehicles in drive-thrus like this Chick-fil-A on Stapley Road near Baseline Road have Mesa City Council considering curbs on their growth. (David Minton/Tribune Staff Photographer)

meeting with a developer to discuss vi- hoods) intact.” sions for a planned commercial area. Neighborhood Commercial and Limited “Every single resident in there said, Commercial are also intended to serve ‘please don’t bring more fast food,’ and the residents living in a smaller area than othtwo things the (developers) led with first er commercial districts, she said – ½ to 2 – McDonalds and, right next door, Burger miles for the Neighborhood Commercial and up to 10 miles for King,” Thompson Limited Commersaid. He described cial. a similar experiWe have noise from How large of an ence with a develimpact would the opment that ended idling cars and their proposed zoning up putting in five speaker boxes, we usually changes have drive-thrus. on have multiple access “Five drivecar-focused busidriveways, which creates thrus,” he said, “on nesses? a pristine piece of Neighborhood conflicts with pedestrian and dirt that really is Commercial combicycle activity. going to be your prises a relatively focus when you’re small part of the coming into Mesa city, at 288 acres, from the east. Is that really what we want so a prohibition on new drive-thrus here to portray as you enter our city — that would affect a relatively small area. Limwe’re a city of fast food?” ited Commercial zoning, on the other City spokesman Kevin Christopher said hand, is much larger at 4,334 acres, so the Mesa doesn’t keep track of how many proposed requirement for a SUP might be drive-thrus are in the city. more impactful. Prelog said the Planning Department Limiting the consecutive drive-thrus zeroed in on the Neighborhood Commer- and those at intersections to three could cial and Limited Commercial districts for affect an even larger area. changes because these areas are intended Councilman Francisco Heredia spoke to promote “walkability, bikeability, … in favor of the proposed zoning changes, connections to the neighborhoods and saying he thought it was important for their aesthetics, and keeping (neighbor- residents and city staff to have an oppor-

tunity to give input before drive-thrus are approved in certain areas. “You know, I have kids, too, and drivethrus are easy to get food,” Heredia said. “You see a value, but I think it’s an important aspect to have a discussion on some areas. If we already have enough drivethrus, how do we use the land available that is there to maximize the best use of that area?” Heredia also made a case that requiring permits for drive-thru projects could be good for the industry, since it would challenge developers and architects to innovate and create designs that work better with the surrounding area. Councilwoman Julie Spilsbury inclined toward giving developers and businesses the opportunity to improve their designs, rather than banning them outright in certain zones. “Having six kids, drive-thrus are my best friend,” Spilsbury said. “When they were all little, I loved a drive-thru. They’re not always a bad thing.” The city’s approach to managing drivethrus could change in the planning process in the coming months. Appiah said planners will need to hammer out several issues, such as defining what constitutes a drive-thru. Council members wondered if pharmacies and banks should be lumped together with fast-food restaurants. “I know since the pandemic, one of the discussions we’ve been having is the difference between a drive-thru and a driveup window,” he said. “So that may be something that we can go back and look at defining and coming up with a distinction between those two and seeing how it can be incorporated into the changes.” In their presentation, city staff focused on the drive-thrus’ impact on traffic and pedestrian flow, without regard to any specific types of businesses. Thompson and Heredia directed many of their comments toward the oversaturation of fast food businesses in particular. The end goal for stakeholders and policy makers may shape the approach the city takes to manage drive-thrus. “I’m sure there’s a lot of folks in the business community and others that will want to have their voices heard on this,” Mayor John Giles said, “so we’ll kick off the process.” ■

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

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

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NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

MPS spending on students exceeded state average – report BY PAUL MARYNIAK Tribune Executive Editor

uring a year dominated and disrupted by COVID-19, Mesa Public Schools spent more money on students than other districts its size and the statewide average, a report released last week by the Arizona Auditor General shows. In its review of all school districts’ spending for the 2020-21 school year, the AG report shows Mesa exceeded state averages in classroom spending and expenditures for students’ social-emotional and learning support. In all, MPS’ spending on students comprised 73% of its total budget, with 56% spent in the classroom. Another 10.4% went to student support – defined by the AG as the cost of counselors, audiologists, speech pathologists, nurses, social workers, and attendance services. Another 6.2% went for instructional support, which includes librarians, teacher training, curriculum development, special education directors, media specialists, and instruction-related technology services. In dollar terms, MPS’ per-pupil spending in the classroom last school year totaled $5,810 – more than the $5,128 it spent in 2019-20 and above both its peer district average of $5,583 and the state average of $5,521. MPS also exceeded the state average and what other comparably sized spent per pupil for student and instructional support, MPS spent $1,065 per pupil on student support – above the peer average of $929 and the $905 state average. Its per-pupil expenditure for instructional support was $645, compared to a peer average of $515 and a state average of $576. At the same time, MPS spent less per pupil on administration than comparably sized districts and the state average. While MPS’ per-pupil administration expenditure of $816 was higher than the $731 spent in 2019-20, it was lower than the $838 spent by its peer districts and

Cutline (Special to the Tribune)

Its average annual teacher salary significantly lower than the state average of $62,838 exceeded the state average of $1,041 last school year. Still, the number of students per ad- of $56,359. The report found that statewide averministrator was lower in MPS than the age salaries are up just 16.5%, or $7,977 state average. a year. And just 87 of While the state the 205 school disaverage number of students per For example, most districts tricts actually hit or that 20% administrator was that had a decrease in average exceeded figure. 73, MPS had only teacher salary also had a That 20% pay 60. That was “comhike was based on parable” to its peer decrease in average years districts’ average of teacher experience,’’ she a promise made Ducey following of 63 students to explained. That’s because weeks of protests each administraless experienced teachers are and walkout threats tor, the report by teachers after the states. often paid less than those governor’s initial Mesa’s adminiswith more experience. budget proposed tration spending just a 1% increase. also comprised only Auditor General 7.9% of its budget – Lindsey Perry said there are various possiwell below the state average of 10.4%. At the same time, the number of stu- bilities why the actual spending fell short. One, she said, is that the funds were disdents for every teacher in the district continued a five-year decline in the district tributed to districts based on the number from 19.5 in 2016-17 to 17.4 students per of students and not how much each district would need to increase its average teacher last school year. And Mesa was one of only 87 school dis- pay by 20%. So, a district where salaries tricts out of Arizona’s 205 that met Gov. were lower than average got proportionDoug Ducey’s goal of raising teacher pay ately more cash for each teacher. Closely related is what Perry called by 20% in three years, the report shows.

“changes in teacher population.’’ “For example, most districts that had a decrease in average teacher salary also had a decrease in average years of teacher experience,’’ she explained. That’s because less experienced teachers are often paid less than those with more experience. In MPS, teachers had an average 13.7% years’ experience and 15% of all teachers had no more than three years in the job, according to the report. The report also said MPS’ 2020-21 enrollment total of 55,217 represented a 10% decline from the total student population five years earlier. Of that 2020-21 total enrollment, 16% were in special education programs and 16% came from households at or below the poverty level. Unlike virtually all its East Valley neighbors, MPS’ graduation rate continues to lag, according to the report. The report only contained graduation rates for May 2020 and showed that in that month, only 79% of all seniors graduated – comparable to the state average of 78% but well below the graduation rates in Gilbert, Chandler and Scottsdale, where they ranged from 91% to 98%. ■

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

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

Family of thug shot 30 times by cops loses suit TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

federal appeals court last week upheld the actions of Gilbert and Mesa Police in the death of a Mesa man who was shot about 30 times by officers after he refused their orders to drop two knives and end a stand-off. The family of Sergio Ochoa, 27, had filed a civil rights suit against the Gilbert and Mesa police departments and seven Mesa cops and two Gilbert officers in his March 2016 shooting death during a confrontation in the backyard of a Gilbert home. The family had filed a lawsuit under an allegation that is more difficult to prove because the officers did not have time to deliberate before they fired. That standard requires the plaintiffs in the case to prove that the officers’ conduct “shocked the conscience.” The appeals panel ruled that a lower court judge “correctly concluded that under that test,” the shooting “does not shock the conscience” but instead showed the officers had attempted “to satisfy legitimate law enforcement objectives: appre-

hension of an armed, dangerous suspect and protection of the safety of the officers, the home’s inhabitants and the public.” “In sum, the record does not show that the officers acted with a purpose to harm unrelated to a legitimate law enforcement objective,” said a three-judge panel ruled. “Rather, it reflects that the officers took steps to ensure that a fleeing, armed, and noncompliant suspect would not further endanger the officers, the home’s inhabitants, and the public,” it said. “On this record, the officers’ conduct does not shock the conscience and the officers did not violate the plaintiffs’ rights.” The shooting climaxed a tense few hours that began when Ochoa, apparently under the influence of meth, threatened his exgirlfriend in her Mesa home with a gun. The woman called 911 and within 10 minutes after that, police received a 911 call from a man in another house reporting Ochoa had entered his home with two knives. Ochoa then left and police located him and began following his car, trying to get him to pull over and then trying to avoid

him as he drove on the wrong side of the street toward officers’ cars. Ochoa abandoned his vehicle on the Mesa-Gilbert border and eventually ran into another home where he threatened the occupants, including three children who eventually were led onto the roof by one of the occupants and res cued by a police helicopter. Police then entered the home and Ochoa escaped into the backyard, where officers formed and L-shaped line and ordered him to drop two knives. “According to officers, Ochoa looked angry and ready to fight,” the appellate judges noted. An officer fired a bean bag and another released a K-9 dog and Ochoa stepped back. Sixteen seconds after he had entered the backyard, Ochoa was shot. In rejecting the family’s claim, the judges ruled, “Knowing what Ochoa had done earlier in the evening, the officers had to make a snap decision about Ochoa’s intentions and the threat he posed to them, the people in the home, and the public at large. “The urgency of that moment – caused

by Ochoa’s failure to follow police commands –forced the officers to react instantly, without deliberation. Given the undisputed facts, the district court correctly chose to apply the purpose-to-harm test. Under this test, the officers’ conduct was consistent with legitimate law enforcement objectives.” The family claimed police kept firing at Ochoa as he lay on the ground and laughed and cheered when the police dog began dragging him so they could see his hands. But the court noted that even the family’s lawyers conceded there was no evidence to support those allegations and that even if there had been, any laughing or cheering would have “minimal relevance because it relates to events that took place after the officers fired at Ochoa.” “There is nothing in the record suggesting that the officers had an improper purpose to harm,” the panel said. “There is no allegation that the officers sought to bully Ochoa or get even with him.” “In sum, the record does not show that

see OCHOA page 10

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

City honors Mesa’s bronze medalist Jagger Eaton BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

kateboarder Jagger Eaton is officially good as gold to the City of Mesa. The Mesa native won the bronze medal in street skateboarding during the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and on March 1, Mayor John Giles honored him with a gold Key to the City at the Kids That Rip sports complex, where Jagger began his Olympic journey. “Everything started in this room,” Eaton said. “I spent my whole youth in this skatepark with my family and my brothers working on my craft and just being so passionate about what I love.” The 2021 Summer Games showcased the debut of skateboarding and Jagger’s accomplishment that permanently places his hometown as a footnote in the history books. Giles said its “very meaningful” to have one of the first Olympic medalists in skateboarding who is still very loyal to his hometown.I think it’s very inspiring for the young people of our community that they see somebody who developed their talents right here in Mesa,” he said. “And so much so that they were successful on the world stage. Some of the kids in attendance for the ceremony got to skate with Eaton, including 9-year-old Brandon Stratton, who has

Mesa Mayor John Giles shakes a grateful skateboarding star Jagger Eaton’s hand after he receives the key to the city for earning the bronze medal in skateboarding at the Sumemr Olympics. (David Minton/Tribune Staff Photographer) watched Jagger and skated for the past four years. Brandon said he liked watching someone from Mesa compete and wants to compete one day as well. “It was pretty cool,” he said and he confidently answered that he wants to be “better” than Eaton. Brandon’s parents, Damon and Kami Stratton, said that the facility provides

“some of the best coaching and instruction in the world” because staff helps their son with skateboarding and their 4-yearold daughter Savannah with gymnastics to grow their skills. In ’99, Damon said Wedge Skate Park in Scottsdale was the only dedicated area for skateboarding. “I didn’t have this resource as a kid,” he said.

on ASU’s Polytechnic campus anytime. Poly Vida also is hosting two collection events 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 18 and March 25. All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise (small business) partners. Funds2Orgs works with microentrepreneurs in helping them create, maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited. Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected in shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed, clothe and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send to her son to law school. “It’s the perfect time to begin your spring cleaning and a great way to start would be to donate any shoes to Poly

Vida,” said Poly Vida President Jennifer Kobs. “By doing so, we raise money to aid in spay and neuter operations and medical examinations of the feral populations in underserved communities in Central American countries while simultaneously educating the population about necessary healthcare practices for their pets.” Kobs said this will be her second trip with Vida and Poly Vida’s first fundraiser pairing with Funds2Orgs, “but I will no doubt continue to promote and participate in these organizations in the future as I strongly believe in the purpose and impact of their respective missions and values. “ “Working with Vida Volunteer and Funds2Orgs has furthered our volunteer impact by allowing us to help families in developing nations by educating commu-

Now, this indoor facility provides relief from the outdoor environment and a great place for families to watch their kids “shred.” “It’s a great little community to be a part of,” Kami said. Jagger’s older brother, Jett, is the skate director at the facility, located at 1927 N. Gilbert Road, Mesa, and said it’s a place they’ve grew up and spent countless hours honing their skills. “We grew up with so many amazing skaters and so much has happened here at KTR,” he said. “And it means so much to us.” Jett said he and Jagger skated there for five hours a day every day at the Mesa park since it opened 15 years ago, emulating professional skateboarding stars like Danny Way. While Mesa is not very big in the skate community, he said this moment shows what their family has built with KTR brand. “To have Jagger represent Mesa and win the Olympics, it’s huge for Mesa and it’s huge for our family and we couldn’t be more proud of him,” he said. The brothers celebrated this accomplishment last month when Jagger turned 21 and he had a beer with his dad. “I think just being able to calm down and to have a beer with my dad to hang out,” he said. “It was nice.” ■

ASU Poly group seeks shoes to help animal clinics TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

nonprofit at Arizona State University’s Polytechnic campus in East Mesa is collecting used and new shoes to help pay for spay-and-neutering clinics in Costa Rica. Poly Vida hopes to collect 100 bags with 25 pairs of shoes in each that it can give to Funds2Orgs in exchange for money to buy headlamps, stethoscopes, watches, and other clinical supplies for a volunteer trip to the country in May. But the trip and the fundraiser also will help pre-veterinary students at ASU who are trying to expand their clinic experience. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new shoes at a drop box at the Student Union, 5999 S Backus Mall, located

nities, implementing healthcare practices, and by providing economic opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone,” Kobs added. “By donating gently worn, used and new shoes to the Poly Vida, the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people’s lives around the world.” Poly Vida was created to offer current veterinary, medical, and dental students at ASU the opportunity to gain clinical and practical experience in their field alongside skilled professional healthcare workers in underserved communities in areas such as Costa Rica and Guatemala. The parent organization, Vida Volunteer, schedules and hosts regular volunteer trips to communities in need of critical

see VIDA page 10

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

CONSIGN OR REGISTER TO BID

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

Get Lucky On The Green E-Z-GO RXV

Mountain Vista Marketplace in East Mesa is home to a Sprouts Market and several other commercial establishments. (Special to the Tribune)

OAC

East Mesa strip mall sells for $20.7M TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

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3-year-old East Mesa strip mall recently sold for $20.7 million to a Scottsdale company. MG Investment Company bought Mountain Vista Marketplace at Signal Butte Road and E. Southern Avenue from Kitchell Development Company last month, according to the real estate tracker, vizzda.com Built in 2019, the mall includes a Sprouts

OCHOA from page 7

the officers acted with a purpose to harm unrelated to a legitimate law enforcement objective,” it wrote. “Rather,

VIDA from page 8

veterinary and healthcare assistance with the help of pre-health students internationally. Vida Volunteer oversees hundreds of mobile clinics yearly that assists and educates those in the communities it serves through providing the following services in each field: • Veterinary: intake patients, perform a basic examination, learn about medica-

Farmers Market, a McDonald’s and three other buildings on 8.42 acres of land. With 44,158 square feet of retail space, the sale represents a price of nearly $2.5 million and acre and $391.84 a square foot. Located next to Mountain Vista Medical Center, the strip mall is currently being marketed with five open retail spaces ranging from 1,341 square feet to 2,227 square feet. ■

it reflects that the officers took steps to ensure that a fleeing, armed, and noncompliant suspect would not further endanger the officers, the home’s inhabitants, and the public.”■ tion doses, and enhance surgical skills through spay/neutering operations • Medical: intake patients, perform triage, distribute medication, and facilitate preventative medicine education • Dental: provide and promote oral health care to those that do not have the best access to it while supporting/observing our dentist during pain management procedures, oral cancer screenings, fillings, sealants ■

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022 PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

TIRES from page 1

A Mesa Tribune report in November found “no” votes to be rare in the chamber, finding most council members voting “no” one or fewer times in almost a year’s span. The small drama could be viewed as a sign of the pricing pressures and labor shortages affecting Mesa and other cities. Staff with the Fleet Services Department said it needed the new tire contract because the current service provider is struggling to deliver the level of staffing needed. According to city documents, Mesa operates roughly 1,800 vehicles – including 80 garbage trucks, 350 police cars, 200 heavy duty trucks and 40 backhoes and loaders. In all, the city’s fleet uses over 50 different sizes of tires and spends almost $1 million on tire hardware each year. Besides buying new tires, the city also pays a third-party vendor to take care of its tires, often in the middle of night when the vehicles are out of service – a hard time to find people to show up. The cost of labor in the new contract is double what the city is currently paying, Fleet Services Superintendent Mike Lewis said, but he recommended approving the contract, saying that tire maintenance is critical and they are confident the winning bidder “is able to take care of our needs.” Thompson was something of a lone champion for pulling the item from the consent agenda for discussion in the first

INFRASTRUCTURE from page 3

mer of 2024. Mesa made a previous effort to offer library services to that part of town, but a storefront library in Power Square Mall had to close in the summer of 2019 because of storm damage, Bonnett said. In addition to the Eastmark library, Bonnett said the city plans to include a mini-library as part of a plan to double the size of Monterey Park near Guadalupe and Power roads. Construction is expected to begin in the fall, with completion a year later. The library and park projects will be funded by general-obligation bonds approved by Mesa voters in 2018. Generalobligation bonds are repaid by means of Mesa’s secondary property tax. Bonds also will finance the major expansion of the Signal Butte water treatment plant. Mesa repays those bonds

Garbage and recycling trucks are among the 1,800 city vehicles that need their tires checked regularly. (Special to the Tribune) place, but once the topic hit the floor, a robust deliberation ensued. Lewis said keeping tires in good condition keeps the city’s vendor busy. The tire crews replace tires, do safety checks, measure tire thickness, check the air pressure weekly and mount and balance all the tires on all the wheels. “On average, between flat repairs, road calls and tire replacements, they do about 40 to 50 tires per day,” he said. Garbage trucks go through tires especially frequently: Lewis said three technicians are working on just the garbage trucks nightly. The vendor is also on 24hour call for emergency repairs. Thompson’s nagging feeling that $1 million a year was too much “for someone to kick tires and check tread” put the contract in the spotlight, but other issues came up during discussion. A Fleet Services Department committee deemed Border Tire the only “responsive” bidder to its November RFP out of three total bids. Border Tire provides fleet ser-

vices regionally with 10 locations in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Two Mesa companies submitted lower bids, but Business Services Director Ed Quedens told the board the bids were incomplete, including only a price sheet without any other details on how they would meet the RFP requirements. When that came to light, some council members wondered whether the city should do the RFP over again to give the local companies another chance to respond and possibly get a lower bid at the same time. “I know some of these other (bids) were deemed non-responsive, however, were they ever educated on how to do the bidding process? Because they’re Mesabased businesses and I value that,” Freeman said. “When you tell me that they didn’t quite fall in with all the procedural stuff that you’re requesting, maybe that’s a learning curve for them.” That idea of sending the contract back for re-bid found some support among oth-

area in 2005; that number now is near 30,000. J e s s e Heywood, the city engineer in charge of the project, told the Tribune that the The Signal Butter Water Treatment Plant opened only four years ago, but need for capacity already is strained, creating the need for an expansion. (Special to extra cathe Tribune) pacity was with revenue generated by its utility op- no surprise. “The site was planned to be built in erations. The water treatment plant opened two phases,” Heywod said. “All of the inonly four years ago, but capacity already frastructure was put in place so that the is strained. Mesa counted fewer than plant could be expanded while the origi5,000 customers in the plant’s service nal phase stays in operation.”

er council members. “I’d like to err on the side of making sure the local small businesses have an opportunity to respond,” Giles said. “Maybe we can help nurture them and make them more sophisticated in how they respond.” But city staff and other councilmembers resisted the idea of redoing the RFP to give the local companies a second shot. For city staff, the point of the RFP was to identify a company that could handle the volume of tire work the city needs, and they felt the winner of the November RFP had demonstrated that. Councilman David Luna agreed. Border Tire “followed the regulations – their ps and qs. If you can’t do that, you have a problem,” he said. “We’re all required to follow instructions to get what we need done.” After discussion, Freeman, who expressed support for the contract in the prior week’s study session, changed his mind and joined Thompson in wanting to send the contract out for another bid. “I think it’s time we go back to the drawing board,” he said. In just the last minutes of discussion, Giles changed his support back to awarding Border Tire the contract. “I’m going to explain my vote because I said just a moment ago that I was open to extending it,” Giles said, “but having heard some important information, which is that things aren’t working well right now (with tire service), I’m going to vote in favor of awarding this contract.” ■ The plant can produce 24 million gallons of potable water a day. “The expansion will double the capacity of the plant,” Heywood said, “and that will be the ultimate size, which is planned to meet future demands until buildout.” Thompson said even with the new facilities, southeast Mesa will continue to need millions of dollars in public investment, particularly in roads. But he’s not complaining. “I try to keep track of the investment that’s come into the district since I’ve been on council, and to date it’s a little over $5 billion of investment directly into District 6, along with several thousand jobs,” Thompson said. The result is an economic powerhouse not merely for Mesa, but for surrounding communities whose residents can work relatively close to home. “We’ve proven the brand of Mesa,” Thompson said. ■

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

With no Cactus League, Innings Fest draws a crowd BY KEVIN REDFERN Cronkite News

he ping of metal bats meeting baseballs in the cages could be heard from blocks away. Fans dusted off their favorite jerseys and memorabilia pieces to be signed by MLB legends as they scarfed down funnel cakes and corn dogs. Sharpies and sunscreen filled up purses and strollers galore. And instead of those metal bats, the sights, sounds and smells coming from Sloan Park, Scottsdale Stadium or any of the other Cactus League ballparks around the Valley, fans amid the MLB lockout fans were getting their fix of spring baseball at Tempe Beach Park last weekend when the Innings Festival made its return. After spending a year on hold because of COVID-19, the Innings Festival brought together baseball fans and rockand-roll diehards, who merged for a twoday festival where MLB legends greeted fans and bands rocked out along Tempe Town Lake. Major League Baseball, and by extension the Cactus League, is still on pause as the league and its players continue collective bargaining negotiations. Many fans who attended Innings Fest said their initial intention was to be at spring training games in addition to experiencing the festival, which is the whole concept of the event. After negotiations fell apart March 1,

spring training is still on pause and early games in the regular season have been canceled. Evan Thompson and Corbin Clark, both 27 and San Francisco Giants supporters from Northern California, were two of many fans dressed head to toe in their team’s gear. When they purchased their Innings Fest tickets in October, they hoped to pair the experience with a Giants game during the daytime. “We like Foo Fighters. We like Tame Impala and we like baseball. It’s kind of the trifecta,” Thompson said. “The fans are the ones that are kind of helpless. We don’t really have a say in what’s going on (with the lockout).” Clark, while also disappointed, expressed interest in meeting Jim Abbott, the New York Yankees’ legend who is largely known for making it as a professional (and throwing a no-hitter) with just one hand. Abbott, who spoke to fans on Sunday, wrote a biography that inspired a young Clark, who is hopeful for a swift conclusion to the league’s negotiations. “I want to see some baseball, I just don’t want to see them compromise on what makes it baseball,” he said. Cactus League games provide a fanfriendly way to engage baseball’s younger audiences through face-to-face player interactions that do not break the piggy bank for parents. While the price point for Innings fest was fairly steep at around

$150 per day for admission, children of all ages received a similar experience to the ballpark. Of course, there is no shortage of adults – or pricey adult beverages – during spring training, either. In addition to Abbott, MLB Legends Roger Clemens, Kenny Lofton, Rick Sutcliffe and more signed baseballs and made small talk with thousands of fans. Former Diamondbacks’ pitcher Dontrelle Willis also made an appearance. Clemens, 59, won seven Cy Young awards and two World Series titles as a player. Sporting his sizable University of Texas national championship ring, he took time to give young players and fans some pointers and baseball grip techniques. One of those lucky fans was a 12-year-old Padres fan Rowan Ward from San Diego. Ward and his family planned to come watch the Padres play in Peoria in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic suspended all league activities. Now, two years later, they’re missing out on spring training baseball again. “Originally I was here for both (the music and the baseball). Now that it’s just the music, I’m kind of sad,” he said. “I would have preferred to maybe see some baseball played, but that’s definitely not a bad way to spend my day.” The artists did not shy away from the festival’s clear ties between song and sport. Rock artist Del Water Gap took a

minute from his set to proclaim his love for the Diamondbacks, and how watching Randy Johnson inspired him to want a mustache when he was younger. Dawson Daugherty, the lead singer of San Diego-based indie pop band “almost Monday,” said, “I hope that the season happens. I kind of wanted to say something (during the show), like, ‘Hey, MLB, can we figure this out?’” Innings Festival will host a second event in Tampa in March to complement Grapefruit League spring training games in Florida. With a fresh slate of artists and MLB legends, one of the few constants is former Chicago Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster. Dempster, a two-time All-Star, hosted talk shows with the other MLB legends all weekend long in Tempe, and he will host a similar event in Tampa. In a traditional year, Dempster would be working at Sloan Park in Mesa with the Marquee Network that broadcasts Cubs games and other Chicago baseball content. “I don’t think the intention was ever to fill a void, because (the festival) has been here in the past,” Dempster said. “ “You kind of get the feel of something you’re missing right now. If we can give a little bit of that, and fill that void just a little bit over this weekend, we are doing a great thing. “Because music and baseball, there is nothing better.” ■

vid Luna asked city staff how the loss of the season would impact the city’s budget. City Manager Chris Brady said the loss of the season would be felt in reduced bed tax and sales tax revenue generated when baseball fans descend on the city and spend at hotels and restaurants. Management and Budget Assistant Director Brian A. Ritschel said staff estimated Spring Training would add an 8% bump in revenues in March, which translates to a loss of between $2 million and

$3 million “just that one month” if the entire season is canceled. “The good news is people still come to Arizona in March,” Brady said, “but it won’t be as much (revenue). I think this would have been a great year to see continued activity.” “It would not be our second Christmas,” Ritschel added, “but we are looking at it just being steady as all the other months of purchases.” City staff lamented that projecting the

loss in revenue if the season is canceled was complicated by the fact that the previous two seasons have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Brady said the revenue generated from a Spring Training could be even higher than the 8% estimate, “but it’s just hard to tell because we don’t know what normal is anymore. Last year was, … what did we call it, it was ‘less capacity,’ and the year before that was abbreviated. ‘No capacity.’ They cut it off.” ■

Loss of Spring Training could cost Mesa millions BY SCOTT SHUMAKER Tribune Staff Writer

ith the Cactus League’s 2022 spring training season in doubt amid ongoing Major League Baseball contract negotiations, Mesa is starting to wave goodbye to what is typically a “Second Christmas” for city coffers. During a Feb. 28 presentation on funding priorities and forecasts for the fiscal year beginning July 1, Councilmember Da-

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

Bill would require review of school library books BY BRENDA MUÑOZ MURGUIA Cronkite News

bill requiring public review of all school library books has passed its first hearing in the Arizona Senate. House Bill 2439 would establish parental review for books that are approved for school libraries, requiring schools to post the list of newly purchased books on their websites for at least 60 days after approval. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Beverly Pingerelli, R-Peoria, also would require schools to notify parents seven days before the public review period. The Senate Education Committee on Tues-

day approved the bill 5-3 along party lines. During the bill’s committee hearing, Pingerelli said her intent is not to censor what kids learn. “My intent on this bill is to give transparency for parents and so they know what books are coming, new, into a library,” she said. “This is actually giving local control. If parents have an issue with anything that is being purchased in the library, they have an ability to speak to their governing board.” The bill comes as legislatures across the country are passing laws to expand parental oversight of what is taught in schools. Many states have moved to ban or restrict any curriculum that has to do with teaching

about sexuality or race relations, including “instruction that presents any form of blame or judgment on the basis of race, ethnicity or sex,” according to another bill making its way through the Arizona Legislature. Alicia Messing, a special education teacher and parent, spoke against the bill, calling it a means to censor or to push certain ideologies. “We have a moral obligation to protect Arizona’s children from censorship and the indoctrination of ideas into a one size fits all mentality,” Messing said. “If we can’t trust librarians and our teachers to find and use suitable materials, then our public schools are hopelessly broken.” Arizona statutes already allow parents

who object to any kind of curriculum or material to withdraw their children from that instruction. An exception to HB 2439 includes schools that don’t have a fulltime librarian or media specialist. Sen. Christine Marsh, D-Paradise Valley, voted against the bill. A former teacher, she emphasized the strain the bill could potentially have on underfunded and understaffed schools. “This adds another layer of time and energy that just isn’t in our schools right now,” Marsh said. “Not with the teacher shortage, not with the sub shortage, not with almost every day being all-hands-on-deck.” ■

HB 2316 has built-in exceptions for places like schools and courts. It would allow cities, counties and state agencies to keep guns out – but only if each and every door has a metal detector and a security guard to ensure that no one is armed. And even then, the also would have to have lockers for people to store their weapons. Todd Madeksza, lobbyist for Coconino County, said there are places that guns really don’t belong, ranging from the treasurer’s office to the administrative building where the county supervisors meet. And he said the option of keeping them gun-free zones with equipment and staffing is not an answer, estimating it would take about $2 million to purchase the necessary equipment to cover all doors. And that, said Madeksza assumes that the county could recruit the people to staff each of them. “We are having trouble right now even recruiting sheriff’s deputies,’’ he told lawmakers. But Kavanagh said it’s foolish to assume that, absent some screening, that people honor what are supposed to be gun-free buildings. “A 6-by-6 sign on the front door that says ‘no weapons’ is half effective,’’ he said. “It certainly stops people who are lawabiding from bringing their weapons in,’’ Kavanagh said. “But the people who are now law-abiding bring their weapons in, creating a situation where you have good people unarmed and bad people armed.’’ The common theme of both is the question of the balance of the First Amendment right of people to carry a weapon in self-defense versus the risks to others.

That was underlined by Lauren Snyder of the Arizona Libertarian Party, who testified in favor of both measures, telling lawmakers about her experience as a victim of sexual assault and domestic violence who now carries a gun. “I refuse to be a victim again,’’ she said. Lawmakers agreed years ago to allow guns in vehicles on campus, provided they are not loaded. Daniel Reid, western regional director of the National Rifle Association, said all HB 2414 does is remove that condition “so that parents who are going to pick up, drop off their kids do not have to deviate from their route.’’ But legal questions remain. One of the most significant is the Gun-Free School Zones Act, approved by Congress in 1990. It prohibits unauthorized individuals from having a loaded or unsecured firearm within in school zone and non-private property within 1,000 feet of them. Reid, however, pointed to an exception which if the person with the weapon is “licensed to do so by the state in which the school zone is located’’ and if law enforcement authorities “verify that the individual is qualified under the law to receive the license.’’ Only thing is, HB 2414 would grant that right to have that loaded weapon to everyone, not just those who have a stateissued concealed-carry permit. And that could subject the proposal to legal challenges – and the unlicensed individuals who bring their guns onto campuses to federal charges. Cheryl Todd said that as as wife, a moth-

er and a grandmother she wants that ability to bring a loaded weapon onto campus. “It impacts me every single day when I go and pick up my granddaughter from school,’’ said Todd, the Arizona coordinator for the DC Project, an organization of women that advocates for gun rights. She said under current law she is “needlessly left defenseless due to a wrong-headed law.’’ “The fact that I am left defenseless every day at the same time and the same location, these are the kinds of patterns that predators look for,’’ Todd said. She had similar arguments in favor of HB 2316. “A woman with small female children conducting business in any public building or public event where predators know that I will be left needlessly defenseless due to wrong-headed laws is to give predators every conceivable advantage to endanger me and my family,’’ Todd told lawmakers. Dana Allmond, testifying on behalf of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, had a different take, saying it would allow weapons into places like events in public spaces for children, libraries and community centers. In the end, lawmakers voted according to their beliefs about whether more people with guns makes Arizona a safer place. “Who’s going to stop a bad guy?’’ asked Sen. Sonny Borrelli, R-Lake Havasu City. “Hopefully, a good guy with a gun.’’ And Borrelli cited the war in Ukraine to make his point. “What we’re witnessing right now on the world stage is a great example of making sure that the citizenry has access to weapons to defend themselves,’’ he said. ■

Lawmakers like guns on campuses, government buildings BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Senate panel voted Thursday to allow more people to carry guns into more places, including school grounds. On a party-line vote, with Republicans in the majority, the Judiciary Committee approved permitting loaded weapons on school campuses as long as they remain in a vehicle. Backers of HB 2414 – crafted by Scottsdale Rep. John Kavanagh – say that it’s designed to ensure that parents driving on to school grounds to pick up their kids don’t have to first stop and unload their weapons. Michael Infanzon, lobbyist for the Arizona Citizens Defense League, said most accidents occur when people load and unload their weapons. That carried no weight with Sen. Martin Quezada, D-Glendale. “If you can’t keep your gun from discharging by doing something as simple as loading and unloading it, you shouldn’t be carrying a gun,’’ he said. “And the last place you should be carrying a gun on a school campus. But the measure, which already has been approved by the House, involves more than just a parent driving into the parking lot. As worded, it also permits adults to stash their weapons in cars parked on campuses, provided the vehicle is locked and the weapon is out of sight. Separately and by the same 5-3 party-line vote, the committee said anyone with a state permit to carry a concealed weapon can bring it into any government building and ignore any “no firearms’’ signs on the door.

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At 15, Mesa violinist gaining national recognition BY DANA TRUMBULL Tribune Contributor

Mesa teen will be performing solos with at least two major U.S. orchestras and on a national classical radio broadcast after winning $10,000 in a contest. Jonathan Okseniuk, 15, won first place and $10,000 in the junior division of the annual Sphinx Organization Competition for his performance of Mozart’s Fourth Violin Concerto. Along with the orchestra appearances in Buffalo and Miami, the Arete Prep student will perform on an online program run by Over Jonathan Okseniuk of Mesa is a veteran violinist at age 15: The Top, a Boston non-profit He started playing when he was 3. (Special to the Tribune) organization that celebrates

the stories, talents and character of young classically-trained musicians. Jonathan is no stranger to the competition run by Sphinx, a nonprofit whose programs are aimed at developing and supporting diversity and inclusion in classical music and that reaches more than 100,000 students and artists as well as live and broadcast audiences of more than two million annually. In 2021, Jonathan won second place performance for his performance in the Sphinx Competition, winning $5,000. Jonathan has studied with Jing Zeng, First Violinist for the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra, since he was 3, but fell in love with the art well before that, according to his mother, Desiree Okseniuk. She said he was about 19 months old when she and her husband Ed noticed him watching Dutch violinist Andre’ Rieu on television, mesmerized by the music. “His whole world changed,” she recalled.

Mesa poet publishes his fourth book TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

n an age of tweets and Snapchats, poetry may seem as antiquated as a Remington typewriter, especially for anyone under 40. Yet, at 22, Austin Davis of Mesa finds poetry a personally rewarding endeavor that helps him to connect with himself and the world around him. A senior in creative writing at Arizona State University, he just published his fourth book of poetry, It’s not the only way he connects with the world. Davis runs AZ Hugs for Homeless, a program started by Arizona Jews for Justice whose mission is “to spread dignity, respect, understanding, friendship, solidarity, empathy and love to those living on the streets." Every week for the last year and a half, in collaboration with ASU Project Humanities and many other amazing people around Arizona, Davis and his team de-

Mesa resident Austin Davis is an Arizona State University student and a poet who has just published his fourth book. (Special to the Tribune) liver care packs, food, water, tents and special request items to the unsheltered

in the Valley and across the state. The oldest of three children of Emily

“It was obvious. It was like the light switch flipped on. Back then, we didn’t really have YouTube and all that, so we bought two DVDs. One just happened to be Itzhak Perlman and Jascha Heifetz, and that’s all he wanted to watch.” While other toddlers were watching Spongebob Squarepants, Jonathan was watching Rieu, Perlman and Heifetz. “We were looking for a teacher before he turned 2,” said Desiree. One of the teachers she contacted suggested that they buy a foam violin to start with. They did, “but it came with this big wooden stick for a bow. I always thought he would poke his eye out, but he loved that foam violin,” his mom laughed. When Jonathan was 2 1/2, Desiree took him to an educational outreach program put on by the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra. It was intended for children ages 5-12,

see VIOLINIST page 18

and Guy Davis, he credits his family with not only with helping him discover and pursue his passions but also with his own health struggles. “Being a poet is one of my two passions in life,” he said, listing his other as “being a friend to those experiencing homelessness.” “Above all else, I want to help enact positive change in the world through art and activism,” Davis said. “My goal for the future is to keep running AZ Hugs, tour for my new book, and try to spread love and care to as many people as possible through my art and outreach.” Davis published his first book of poetry as a high school senior and also has been involved in other artistic pursuits as well – including a chapbook in 2020 and a jazz-poetry album with musician Joe Allie about homelessness called “Street Sor-

see POET page 18

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VIOLINIST from page 17

but Jonathan’s rapt attention and involvement – and his foam violin – caught the notice of Zeng, who herself began playing at age 4. She agreed to train him. Ed’s father had already bought his grandson his first real violin. Twelve years later, Jonathan’s love for music continues to bloom. He has collected numerous awards and earned the opportunity to perform with several prominent orchestras. Recently, he placed first in a concerto competition and was scheduled to play with the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra in Symphony Hall earlier this year but the performance was canceled due to COVID concerns. It was to be a sideby-side performance with the Phoenix Youth Symphony, with whom he regularly performs. In the past, Jonathan has played and performed on the piano as well, and even was a guest conductor at age 4, though he has relinquished these pursuits to focus on honing his skills on the violin. He prac-

POET from page 17

rows,” which was released on all streaming services in 2021. His latest book, “Lotus & The Apocalpypse,” is “a poetry novella that tells the story of the last day on Earth, as a character named Lotus tries to figure out what the point of life is through meditations on love, loss, guilt, addiction and mental illness.” “I have OCD, Tourette’s Syndrome, and depression,” Davis explained, “and I wrote this book for the most part during the first year of the pandemic, when I was struggling heavily with my mental health. “Writing this book was my way of getting all the bad thoughts out of my head and onto a medium that I could look at, learn from and separate myself from. I think poetry and art can be such a beautiful form of therapy. Both creating art and interacting and experiencing other people’s art can be a form of comfort and love between space and time.” He also had a goal of helping “those in

Jonathan Okseniuk won $10,000 performing in this competition earlier this year staged by the Sphinx Organization. (YouTube) tices about four hours a day and dreams of playing Carnegie Hall. “My favorite piece to play is always the one I’m working on,” he explained, “because you can always discover new things while you’re practicing a piece. It’s totally

different… When you listen to it, you only uncover the top or the outermost details. When you practice the piece, you actually uncover more of the deeper details that lie within the music. That’s what’s really special about playing music.

our community who read it feel less alone themselves as well, and think about the ways in which we can each grow. To me, in whatever they’re going through.” “’Lotus’ is all about connection, and ‘Lotus’ is all about growth and progresduring this time of great uncertainty and sion. It’s okay to not be perfect. No one is. fear, I think we need to take care of each But let’s work each day to do the best we other in whatever ways we can. It’s been can to be there for the people we love, our a rough couple of years for everyone and community, and ourselves.” I hope ‘Lotus’ can Davis has been help people see writing stories that there are othsince he was “a Lotus’ is a series er people out there very young kid” who have felt how and began writof interconnected they feel, and it can ing poetry around poems and “each get better.” age 12 “to try ‘Lotus’ is a series to better underpoem leads into the of interconnected stand myself and next and tells poems and “each the world around poem leads into me.” this story. the next and tells “As a 12 and this story.” 13-year-old, I was “In this book I’m dealing with OCD completely honest about my struggles, and I didn’t really know why I was having shortcomings as a human, fears and hopes all these scary thoughts. Writing helped for the future,” he said. :I hope that who- me turn something terrifying into a powever reads this book will be honest with erful form of peace.”

“Everything matters, even your fingertips – how much pressure you put on the fingerboard and your bow… All that stuff matters, but especially what you feel as a person; as a human being.” It doesn’t bother Jonathan to play in front of audiences. In fact, Desiree confided that among the pandemic’s unfortunate impacts is the absence of live performances. Virtual performances lack the synergy between the performers and audiences, she said. “I get lost in the music,” said Jonathan. “But it’s also fun to perform with other musicians, because that’s where the most communication comes from. You just really feel that emotion.” As for where Jonathan gets his talent and interest, his mother said, “I don’t get it.” She said neither she nor her husband are musicians. “But it’s a gift,” she added, “and it’s our responsibility to nurture it and see where it goes.” The Sphinx Competition Finals concert can be viewed at youtube.com/ watch?v=Y5u5C41HPrA. ■

He draws some of his inspiration from Phoenix poet Laureate Rosemarie Dombrowski. “Rosemarie is one of the kindest people I’ve ever had the blessing of knowing, her poetry is incredible, and she is a true champion of the arts and using poetry as a way to bring people together,” he explained. And he loves to perform, which he said is “how I like to best connect with readers.” “There’s something so intimate and beautiful about sitting together in a shared space and sharing art, talking and laughing,” he said. People will have a chance to see him perform and get a taste of his new book when he does a reading at 3 p.m. March 10 at Mesa Public Library. The event is free and mainly aimed at teens, though anyone is welcome to attend. “Lotus & The Apocalypse” will be available in stores and online, including amazon.com. ■

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El Charro celebrates milestone but owner frets over its future BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

hough its name changed years ago, El Charro Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge has remained in the same family for a century, but challenges hold its future in jeopardy. Eva Orta owns the Mesa restaurant and oversees the daily operations. Her grandfather, Florentino Munoz, opened a restaurant, Little Palace Cafe, in 1922 after moving to Mesa from San Angelo, Texas and brought with him a taste of the Lone Star State. That cuisine was adopted by

the restaurant that Orta’s father, Alfred “Freddie” Munoz, opened on First Street and Country Club Drive in downtown in 1958. “We’ve worked hard to make our part here in Mesa,” she said. “There was a lot of prejudice then and so he worked hard to be part of the city.” On Feb. 18, when the Downtown Mesa Association and the City of Mesa recognized 10 businesses that have existed for 50 years or longer in downtown, Eva accepted the award. El Charro was the oldest of all the businesses honored at the ceremony. Mayor John Giles said that in 1996, when the city planned to

purchase a lot of the business in the area to widen the streets, it purposely avoided the restaurant to protect it. “There’s no way they were knocking down El Charro because back then, there would have been pitchforks and torches,” he said.

see CHARRO page 21

Eva Orta, owner of El Charro Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge, is flanked by Councilwoman Jenn Duff and Mayor John Giles during a ceremony honoring businesses that have been downtown for more than 50 years. Hers is the oldest. (Josh Ortega/Tribune Staff Writer)

Mesa woman’s new business delivers food to pets TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

rom a 25-year career as a 911 operator for the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Anna Baum has started a new career as a small-business operator that’s a kind of UberEats for pets. The Mesa woman owns a franchise for Pet Wants Gilbert North, a mobile petfood delivery that specializes in smallbatch-produced healthy food and treats for dogs and cats. Her new gig – serving virtually the entire Valley – is giving her a chance to exercise what she learned in her pre-DPS career as a food-service manager as well as an opportunity to own her own pet again without feeling guilty about leaving it alone while she works. “I grew up with dogs, cats, horses, cows, chickens and goats,” Baum explained. “I was never without a faithful dog until my last two died a little over two years ago. Due to my long hours as a 911 communi-

I retired.” Now the owner of cat – which she said “acts as close to a dog as a cat can get” – Baum delivers food ordered online from a 7-year-old Cincinnati, Ohio, company started by two women who began making food for their dog after discovering large producers’ food actually made their pet sick. Besides selling multiple blends of dog and cat food that the company says contains high-quality proteins and never uses added sugar, fillers, animal by-products, corn, wheat, soy or dyes, Pet Wants also sells healing salve, calming balm, anti-itch spray and paw wax. Along with having a job that Anna Baum, pictured here with her cat Lucy, operates doesn’t require the long hours a mobile pet food delivery service. (Special to Tribune) of 911 operator, Baum said her cation manager with DPS, I did not get an- food-delivery service fulfills another postother dog. I felt it was better to wait until retirement goal.

”I wanted something that was interactive with the community doing something I loved,” she said. “I found Pet Wants and it was exactly what I was looking for. I could interact with the community in a capacity I had a passion for – animals and health and wellness.” She undertook training last month “on the various kinds of pet food, ingredients and how supplements can be helpful, the various kinds of afflictions pets can have and how food can make such a big difference in how pets behave and how long they live. “I practice preventive care for myself so it was a natural fit to extend that to talking about good food for your pets,” she added. That training enables her to help customers make the right choices when they peruse the various kinds of food offered on Pet Wants’ website. “I can work with them and share infor-

see PET FOOD page 21

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CHARRO from page 20

Eva said the restaurant remained her father’s “baby” from its inception and “it was built to last, like a school.” Much of the original craftmanship remains in the restaurant. The original black-and-white linoleum tiles needed replacing and the current tiles were installed by her husband Mario and their sons in January 2021. But the original exterior paint remains as an ode to her father’s unprecedented idea of having a pink building in the area in 1958. The current location’s street number (105) shares the same number as her grandfather’s former saloon in Texas. Freddie Munoz passed away 10 years ago and left the restaurant to his wife Betty, who passed away four years later. “I think they’d be proud but also they’d say I’m crazy,” Eva said. Her sister Janet took it over for some time until the stress induced some sickness and the restaurant had to close from June 2017 until May 2021, when it reopened under Eva’s ownership. She said the restaurant has strug-

PET FOOD from page 20

mation with them that will help them make informed decisions about what kind of food to feed their pets,” Baum said. “They can order online but that’s only one part of the relationship. The other part is getting to know their pets and helping them learn how to address issues as they arise.” “Pet Wants is different because we provide fresh, holistic products in a way that’s convenient and personal. We have the knowledge and training to help our customers find the best solutions for their individual pets and the resources to help pets live long, healthy lives,” Baum said. “We want to support you and your pets as they grow and age and their needs change over time.” As she planned for retiring and going out into the marketplace as a solo business owner, Baum had anticipated her father would be working with her. But he passed away in December. Recovering from her loss was the biggest challenge she faced as she launched her business but she finds some comfort in the fact that her delivery vehicle had been her father’s and “while he is not here

employees don’t seem to stick around like they used to, Eva said. The restaurant typically operates well with 40 to 45 employees on payroll to run everything, including the wait staff, bar and kitchen. El Charro was opened by Alfred “Freddie” Munoz in 1958 at Country Club To d ay, Drive and First Street in downtown Mesa. (Josh Ortega/Tribune Staff Writer) Eva said she gled recently with keeping employees only has 17 workers and that’s forced even though few have remained incred- her to take on some of the roles, includibly loyal. ing cook. Prep cook Meliton Ayala has remained “The hard part is really keeping emwith the business for 30 years and said ployees right now,” she said. he enjoys working for Eva. While she balanced her life as a teachLike what many businesses see today, er for 22 years and still managed to help

to help me, he will be with me always.” And there’s another part of her new career that’s especially appealing. “My kids and their families, my mom and aunt and my sister are all excited about being a part of this new adventure so it will be very family-centric, with something fun for everyone to do,” Baum said. “After all the missed holidays over the years working as a 911 dispatcher and manager, I am looking forward to the time spent with my family, serving the community in a different way.” It also gives her time to continue volunteering in the community, serving homemade dinners to homeless women in Mesa. “Pet Wants is going to be the hub of our family – I’m looking forward to spending time working together and having the kind of flexibility you can’t have working for a 911 communications center,” Baum said. “After serving my community for 25 years, coupled with my holistic way of living, I felt strongly that Pet Wants was aligned with my values and would be a good way to continue to give back to the community in a positive, uplifting way.” Information: abaum@petwants.com, petwants.com, 480-867-3922. ■

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four days a week at the restaurant, she said her three children have their own careers to worry about. “My kids are all kind of set in their careers,” she said. “I really don’t know who would take it over.” While the stress of finding employees and making payroll looks unbearable, Eva handles stress similar to her dad, who she said loved to go fishing. She enjoys sewing, watching movies, or spending time with her kids to get away from the stress of the restaurant. “You got to learn how to relax,” she said. Overall, the thought of what comes next has weighed heavily on her and the thought of selling the restaurant and land has crossed her mind if things continue the way they do. “If it continues to be like it has been…I don’t know how much longer I could do it,” she said. Regardless of how much longer El Charro can stand the test of time, Eva said the customers remain the most important part of keeping her family’s legacy afloat in Mesa. “We appreciate everybody coming and we need them to keep coming.” ■

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Neighbor’s suicide leaves regret, questions in its wake BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist

he white house sits across the street from the window fronting my desk. Not much distinguishes the place from the rest of the block where I moved two weeks ago. Four orange trees, their trunks painted white, line the east edge of the driveway. The side gate has a sign that reads “Beware of the Dog” in faded orange letters. On the porch sits a white pot sprouting a metal replica of a sunflower. The flower’s bright yellow adds a little cheer to the scene, but this is not that kind of story. I met the woman who owned the house once, a few days after I moved in. I was unloading the last of my boxes. She walked over from across the street and introduced herself as Linda. She looked to be approaching 80, and blunt in the way peo-

ple of a certain age can pull off. “It’s a nice street,” she assured me, with a hard glance that seemed to suggest I had better keep it that way. I learned Linda had lived in the small white house for decades, beside Carolyn, her best friend and forever neighbor. There was rarely traffic on the block. Dogs barked on occasion. I told her my name. Then my phone rang. It was a work call I needed to take. We said goodbyes and I thought nothing more of it for a few days, when I came home to a street full of police cars and an ambulance. The low white house had police crime scene tape blocking the driveway. Officers milled about. Carolyn, the forever neighbor, sat on her porch talking into her phone. I could see her shoulders heaving. The sergeant running the scene met me in the street. He had little to say except there had been a death. Now a death investigation was happen-

ing. I asked whether there had been a crime. He said he didn’t think so, that it looked like an older woman, the home’s only occupant, had taken her own life. No, not with a gun. It appeared she had hanged herself. “That’s sad,” was the best I could do. “Very sad,” he agreed. A thought occurred to me: “I guess she might have been lonely.” A couple of visitors have come and gone from the house since that afternoon, and I have looked for excuses to bump into Carolyn from the house next door, to ask if there’s anything I can do. Each morning, I glance through the obituaries, to see if there might be more to Linda’s life – loved ones left behind, a memorial service scheduled, a charity where one might pay tribute. Possibly, that’s the reporter in me, wanting to know “the rest of the story,” as Paul Harvey used to say. But more likely, it’s the human being in me, the

new neighbor who wishes he hadn’t answered his phone, who regrets not being warmer, who wonders how he might have made some small difference. This is magical thinking, I suppose. The world may feel small today, with everyone in each other’s business on Facebook, on Twitter, online, but the truth is, we have never been more isolated. Buried under the outward self we show the world, the #blessings and proclamations of gratitude, each of us has endless hidden nuances, stories we take pains to keep locked away. Now I write a story about a neighbor no longer here to read it, while I stare at the house she left vacant and wonder what happened behind those closed curtains, that front door with the iron security grate. So it goes. We are here until we’re not, and sometimes we take the rest of the story with us. ■

“We must also be alert,” President Eisenhower said, to the “danger that public policy itself could become the captive of a scientific-technological elite.” Two years after Dr. Anthony Fauci persuaded President Trump that our nation faced the prospect of a dangerous pandemic from COVID-19, it is painfully obvious that Ike’s concern of six decades ago became our own bitter reality. What began as “15 days to slow the spread” morphed into a much longer and sustained effort to establish “Fauci-ism.” As our nation’s highest paid bureaucrat, with a salary of $417,608 in 2019, Fauci obviously believes that he should have power equaling the status of his paycheck. After all, he makes more than the president! Outpacing that generous sum from the

taxpayers is Dr. Fauci’s oversized ego, demonstrating the “fine for me but not for thee” inclinations of the Washington elite. When challenged on his policies by other health experts, the frustrated Fauci channeled French King Louis XIV, attempting to shut down the essence of scientific inquiry, by claiming that “his” science alone was valid. “I represent science,” he boasted. (“L’Etat c’est moi,” anyone?) Even before Dr. Fauci’s veracity began to unravel, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis cast a wide net in seeking advice on the public health measures that should be taken in his state. Eisenhower’s assertion was the catalyst that prompted DeSantis to prioritize vaccinations and care for seniors,

embrace innovative treatments such as the use of monoclonal antibodies, and reopen Florida for business and travel as well as public education. “The job of the statesman is not to subcontract out your policy to help bureaucrats,” he said. “The job of the statesman is to lead…so many governors over the last two years would simply defer to help bureaucrats because it was a safe thing to do politically.” Governor Doug Ducey hasn’t always done the wise thing politically when it comes to combating COVID, and it appears he’s now poised to take the Grand Canyon State over the edge when it comes to individual rights and health records. The business magazine “Forbes” re-

State moves in wrong direction on health card BY JD HAYWORTH Tribune Columnist

hen Dwight David Eisenhower said farewell to public life in January 1961, he noted the rise of the “conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry.” Eisenhower warned the American People that “we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought” by what he labeled “the military-industrial complex.” While Ike’s historic description and warning endures, his farewell address sounded an additional cautionary note about another worrisome faction. Six decades later, that less-heralded admonition has proven remarkably prophetic.

see HAYWORTH page 24

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cently featured this headline: “A National Vaccine Pass Has Quietly Rolled Out— And Red States Are Getting On Board.” Arizona is among 21 states, along with D.C. and Puerto Rico, that offer the SMART Health Card, a verifiable digital proof of vaccination. “Forbes” reports that “having digital access to personal health records empowers the individual,” and that’s why Arizona wants its residents to “get SMART.” But instead of empowering individu-

als, the so-called SMART Card puts more power in the hands of government, because it would allow government to control—and in some cases, deny— the freedom of travel to its citizens. A “pass?” No. In reality, a national vaccine passport. Of course, Florida is not among the 21 states who want to use “SMART cards.” Ducey, the Legislature, and other Arizona leaders should follow Florida’s example. SMART cards are not “what the doctor ordered.” Well, maybe one certain doctor. ■

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Mountain View hires Andy Johnson as basketball coach BY ZACH ALVIRA Tribune Sports Editor

ountain View High School announced Saturday morning on social media it had tabbed Andy Johnson as its next head basketball coach to replace Gary Ernst. Johnson, who led Las Vegas powerhouse Findlay Prep for two seasons before landing a job as an assistant coach at Southern Utah University and two more stops since then, will take over the Toro basketball program as the first new coach in 38 years. “The main thing was the vision of our principal, Mike Oliver. Him and our athletic director, Joe Goodman, their vision of what they want Toro athletics to be, it was incredible,” Johnson said. “The passion from the school, where they want to take the program ... when you have those two guys talking to you and you hear their passion, I was all in.” Johnson first joined the staff at Findlay Prep in 2009 as an assistant coach. While there, he coached a variety of high-level Division I and NBA-caliber high school basketball players, including former Perry star and 2022 Chandler Sports Hall of Fame inductee Markus Howard. He took over as the prep school’s head coach in 2014 where he led the Pilots to a 55-5 overall record in two seasons. In 2016, he became an assistant coach at Southern Utah University before taking over the basketball program at The Village School in Houston, Texas, where he led the program to the playoffs in each of his three seasons. Last year he was the head coach at Silverado High School in Las Vegas. Johnson’s coaching background reaches numerous levels of basketball. In 2008 and 2012 he was a member of the support staff during the USA Basketball Men’s National Team’s training camps held in Las Vegas prior to the team departing for the Olympics. He has also been an assistant to the Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks during the NBA Summer League, according to the release.

Andy Johnson, who last coached Findlay Prep, was an assistant at Southern Utah, The Village School in Houston and Silverado High School in Las Vegas, has been hired to take over the Mountain View basketball program. (Courtesy Mountain View High School)

Johnson will step in at Mountain View after legendary coach Gary Ernst was told in February he would not return as head coach of the Toros, which brought an end to his 38-year tenure. “The way I always view it is pressure is a privilege,” Johnson said. “Pressure means you have high expectations, which is great. Coach Ernst, he’s one of the best high school coaches ever and a legend. We’re excited for the opportunity to come down there and work with those kids.” During that time, Ernst led the Toros to seven state titles and has eight overall – the first having come while leading the Chandler basketball program. Ernst’s 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 first-ever basketball coach to eclipse 900 career

wins. The 73-year-old reached 943 this season. There was uproar in the Arizona high school basketball community when it was announced Ernst would not return under his own circumstances. Coaches across the state wore red in support of him, and longtime rival Mesa held a special ceremony to honor him before the game between the two programs at the end of the regular season. At the Mesa Public Schools Governing Board meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 22, Ernst’s wife, Susan, and son, Jason, along with other members of the community, shared their displeasure with how the situation was handled by Mountain View Principal Mike Oliver. “The way the new administration handled the firing was poor, to say the least,” Jason said to the board. “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.” Susan, who served as a teacher in the

district for 30 years, said she was “embarrassed” to say she has been a part of Mesa Public Schools. “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 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.” Oliver thanked Ernst in a statement shortly after his decision was made public. On Saturday, Mountain View Athletic Director Joe Goodman expressed his excitement for the future of the Mountain View program under Johnson. “We are excited to welcome Andy Johnson into the Toro Family,” Goodman said in a press release. “He knows the rich legacy and tradition of Toro basketball and we

see JOHNSON page 26

Johnson will become Mountain View’s second coach in 38 years as he takes over for Gary Ernst, who was told his stipend would not be renewed, causing an uproar in the high school basketball community. (Dave Minton/Tribune Staff)

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

JOHNSON from page 25

can’t wait to weave his chapter into the Campus of Champions.” Johnson said his and his wife’s parents both reside in Tucson. Having the opportunity to be closer to them for his 2-yearold son was another aspect that drew him to the Valley. “The opportunity for our little guy to be able to visit both sets of grandparents and only have an hour-and-a-half drive instead of a longer drive from Vegas was very appealing to us,” he said. ■

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Ostrich Fest brings family fun, Grammy winners BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor

he Four Tops’ Duke Fakir is up for any musical adventure and, this March, that includes the Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival. “We usually play Phoenix, but anywhere else in Arizona is a good, new adventure,” Fakir said with a laugh. “We should enjoy the festival. Anything that’s different than the normal scenery or even makes it a little more exciting for us.” The Four Tops are among the musical acts at this year’s Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival, which features national and regional musicians, attractions, more than 50 carnival rides, food vendors. Ostriches will roam freely in a designated area at the festival. For the first time in 32 years, the festival will take place on two weekends: Friday, March 11, to Sunday, March 13, and Friday, March 17, to Sunday, March 20. “We are thrilled to bring two weekends of Ostrich Festival family fun to our community so guests will have the opportunity for double the fun,” said Terri Kimble, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive officer and president. “We have been working diligently with t h e

city of Chandler and SLE to plan the safest event possible for what

The Four Tops are, from left, Lawrence Payton Jr. (son of original Four Top Lawrence Payton), Alex Morris, Ronnie McNeir and Abdul (Duke) Fakir. (Courtesy of The Four Tops) is expected to be the best Ostrich Festival ever with our most diverse musical talent lineup to date.” The Four Tops are co-headlining with fellow Motown legends The Temptations on March 20. Additional headliners include Grammy award-winning The Band Perry co-headlining with pop star Uncle Kracker (March 11), Grammy-nominated country act Walker Hayes (March 12), rapper Flo Rida (March 13), the ’80s cover band Spazmatics (March 17), the legendary The Beach Boys (March 18) and Grammy winning R&B star Nelly (March 19). The 86-year-old Fakir – the lone surviving original Four Tops singer – said he’s slowing down from touring, but he is leaving a legacy with songs like “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There.” “I’m at an age where I’m not going to perform for too much longer,” he said. “I’m way up there and, at my age, very few people are performing. It’s time for me to ease out of the business and ease out with the wonderful story for The Four Tops.

“Hopefully the younger Tops will keep this going.” To keep The Four Tops alive, Fakir is working on a memoir for London’s Omnibus Press as well as a Broadway musical, both of which are called “I’ll Be There.” “There’s a story about the Tops and a lot of people don’t know the true story,” he said. “It’s very interesting and it will be in the book that’s coming out in May, too. “I want them to know how and why we stayed together all these years; how it was and what it took for us to do that. The life we lived early in our career was very different and very exciting. When we were young, we all said a book was something we would do together. Unfortunately, we never did that. I have the honor of telling the story.” Fakir anticipates the book and the musical will be hits. “I’ll Be There,” the musical, will be ready by the end of the year, although it has not been cast yet. “I can’t wait for people to read, hear and go through the life of The Four Tops,” he said. “The wonderful part is my career is still going. It’s amazing to me. We have so

much fun on stage. The audience makes it fun, too — especially nowadays because they’ve been pent up for so long.” Country rocker Uncle Kracker – known to his family as Matthew Shafer – wishes he could be in town for Motown night, as he’s from suburban Detroit. The former Kid Rock DJ anticipated his set will be primarily hits like “Follow Me,” “In a Little While” and Smile” and his cover of “Drift Away.” “When I do these things, I try not to get all new stuff on everybody,” he said with a laugh. “I want to show up and have fun. I want to please them with stuff they’ve heard. “I want the crowd to participate. After all, everybody needs to help out. If we’re going to be there, we all have to do some lifting.” Later this year, Shafer will start releasing music again, tunes he recorded during the pandemic-induced break from touring. “I go crazy if I’m not in the studio,” said Shafer, who has kids ranging in age from 1 “and some change” to 22. “I get the itch if I’ve been out of it too long. I’ll probably do a tour around an actual album release, instead of one-off dates like this. I just can’t wait for this festival. It will be great to play for families again.” ■

If You Go...

What: Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival Where: Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Road, Chandler When: 2 p.m. to midnight Friday, March 11; 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday, March 12; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, March 13; 4 to 11 p.m. Thursday, March 17; 2 p.m. to midnight Friday, March 18; 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday, March 19; and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, March 20 Tickets: Tickets start at $20 for ages 13 and older; start at $15 for children 4 to 12; free for children younger than 4. Chandler residents qualify for free tickets on March 17. Info: ostrichfestival.com

GET OUT

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

Puppets put a new spin on ‘Golden Girls’

watcher” prior to her auditions for “That Golden Girls Show!” She saw it on Hulu, fell in love with it and binged the entire series. Now, she gets it. “That Golden Girls Show!” kicked off its jaunt in 2016 and was forced to close down – just like the rest of the world – due to the pandemic. “The audience response has just been amazing, too,” she adds. “We look out in the audience and they’re wearing ‘Golden Girls’ face masks. It’s just overwhelming. “This is the farewell tour now. Fans should see it before it’s gone.” ■

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor

etty White was beloved by many, but Samantha Lee Mason gets to share that adoration nightly. She plays White’s character, Rose, in “That Golden Girls Show!” a new “theater experience” that parodies classic “Golden Girls” moments – with puppets. Mason lists the reasons to see the show: cheesecake, laughter, Jazzercise, shoulder pads, sex and schemes. “It’s super fun,” Mason said. “The character of Rose is known for being very sweet and, playfully, somewhat dim. She’s very earnest and naïve. “I love getting to bring her to life every day on the stage. Playing Betty White’s character – especially since her death – does bring a lot of weight to the world. It wasn’t there to begin with since I started. I now have the great pleasure to carry on Betty’s legacy the best way I can.” The 75-minute “That Golden Girls Show!” hits the Chandler Center for the Arts stage on Thursday, March 17, to Sunday, March 20. “Our story is told through three episodes of the ‘Golden Girls,’” she said. “They’re not episodes that were directly pulled from the actual show. It’s an amalgamation of different lines in the series with a new storyline within the world of the show. It’s very short, very sweet and you’ll laugh the whole time.” She confesses that even she has a hard

If You Go...

Samantha Lee Mason combines two loveable shows into one with her puppet version fo the TV hit “Golden Girls,” coming to the Chandler Center for the Arts. (Special to GetOut)

time keeping cool during the performance. “I tend to be pretty good in terms of staying with it in the show,” she said. “But there have been a few moments when something crazy happens and you have to really focus. That’s the beauty of live theater.” A Chicago native, Mason is a trained musical theater performer who attended Indiana University. Now residing in New York City, she had puppeting experience, thanks to a run with “Reusable the Musical,” written and directed by John Tartaglia. “Most of my other performances are in musical theater,” she said. “I lived in Japan

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

and worked for Tokyo Disney Resort for a year and a half. I wanted to travel the world, and that was the best way to do it.” Mason admits she wasn’t an “avid

What: “That Golden Girls Show!” Where: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler When: Various times Thursday, March 17, to Sunday, March 20 Tickets: start at $36 Info: 480.782.2680, chandlercenter.org

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

King Crossword ACROSS 1 Offend 5 Vegas lead-in 8 Biting remark 12 Jacob’s twin 13 Antlered animal 14 Latin love 15 Printout 17 Earring site 18 Roscoe 19 More slothful 21 Filled fully 24 -- colada 25 Cupid’s alias 26 Street vendor’s vehicle 30 Sawbuck 31 Attorney’s load 32 Bee follower 33 Barber’s offerings 35 Panache 36 Aachen article 37 Utter impulsively 38 Architectural style 41 Hero sandwich 42 Actress Perlman 43 Ski lodge cupful 48 “A Room of -- Own” 49 Prior night 50 Not so hot? 51 “Holy cow!” 52 Enervate 53 Trade

With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Contributor

34 35 37 38 39 40

Go over again Macaroni shapes Tampa Bay NFLer Pirate’s drink “It can’t be!” Golf props

41 44 45 46 47

Dance move Eggs Cornfield noise Mouths (Lat.) Music booster

Sudoku

DOWN 1 “I’m not impressed” 2 “This -- recording” 3 Distant 4 Fakes, as figures 5 Author Uris 6 Jungfrau, for one 7 Urban silhouettes 8 French novelist 9 Mine, to Marcel 10 Judicial garb 11 Rabbit’s title 16 Cow’s chaw 20 &&&& 21 Actor Rogen 22 Location 23 Singer Braxton 24 Stickum 26 Hindquarters 27 Rights advocacy org. 28 Bring up 29 Bivouac shelter 31 Roman 202

PUZZLES ANSWERS on page 47

Julia Child made it sound fancy but it’s still good

ulia Child made it fancy: Boeuf Bourguignon. But there’s something I’d like you to know. It’s just stew. Delicious, delectable, savory and oh, so satisfying. But, it’s still just stew. So please don’t let fancy French words intimidate you. Get your Dutch oven out and make this classic comfort food while the weather is still a little cool. Oh, and Bon Appétit! ■ CLASSIC BEEF BOURGUIGNON (Serves 6) Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 8 oz. center cut applewood smoked bacon, diced 2½ lbs chuck beef, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 tablespoon kosher salt 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper 1 lb carrots, sliced diagonally into 1-inch chunks 2 yellow onions, diced 2 teaspoons garlic, minced (2 cloves)

½ cup Cognac 1 bottle good dry red wine such as Cote du Rhone or Pinot Noir 2 cups beef broth, as needed 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened, divided 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 lb frozen whole pearl onions 1 lb fresh mushrooms, stems discarded French bread or sourdough loaf, sliced and grilled

Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 2. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the bacon and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is lightly browned. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to a large plate. 3. Dry the beef cubes with paper towels and then sprinkle them with salt and pepper. In batches in single layers, sear the beef in the hot oil for 3 to 5 minutes, turning to brown on all sides. Remove the seared cubes to the plate with the bacon and continue searing until all the beef is browned. Set aside. 4. Toss the carrots, onions, 1 tablespoon salt and 2 teaspoons pepper in the fat in the pan and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are lightly browned. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

5. Add the Cognac and ignite with a match to burn off the alcohol. 6. Put the meat and bacon back into the pot with the juices. Add the bottle of wine plus enough beef broth to almost cover the meat. Add the tomato paste and thyme. Bring to a simmer, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the oven for about 1¼ hours or until the meat and vegetables are very tender when pierced with a fork. 7. Combine 2 tablespoons butter and the flour with a fork and stir into the stew. Add the frozen onions. 8. In a skillet, sauté the mushrooms in 2 tablespoons butter for 10 minutes until lightly browned and then add to the stew. Bring the stew to a boil on top of the stove, then lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Season to taste. 9. Grill the bread in grill pan or oven. Serve hot with the stew.. ■

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

5 5 CHARITY

FOOD DRIVE

Our new Gloria sofa/chaise combo by Egoitaliano of Italy is both stylish and comfortable. Available as shown with two-tone, easy care fabric seating, placed on a contrasting leather frame. Special order in endless combinations. Copenhagen price

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Copenhagen has partnered with St. Mary’s Food Bank in an effort to help our neighbors in need during a time of year when giving is historically slow. Now through March 23rd, Copenhagen will donate 5% of gross sales to St. Mary’s Food Bank with a lofty goal of no less than $30,000 being donated. With this donation, St. Mary’s Food Bank will be able to offer 210,000 meals, helping to nourish the body, mind and spirit of those in our community who find themselves having trouble meeting the most basic of daily needs. We all understand that the act of giving requires no reward, but during our charity drive you will enjoy a 5% discount on your entire purchase* as thanks for your support. We encourage you to give in any way you can during this event. Copenhagen will also be accepting donations of non-perishable food items, as well as monetary gifts to Saint Mary’s Food Bank. Thanks for your support! Our Vesta TV bench brings a new level of sophistication to your audio/video room. Beautiful natural walnut with black accents, combine to make a stunning piece. 86” x 19” x 18” h

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

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Please Note: Although Copenhagen will donate 5% of all gross sales to our local food banks regardless of product category, some items are excluded from the additional 5% customer discount. These include all Stressless, Copenhagen “Essentials Collection” and Clearance Center products and any otherwise already discounted products such as floor samples, closeouts, etc. All advertised items are either in stock or available from confirmed incoming orders. All items subject to prior sale and inventories may be limited. A 25% deposit is required special orders.

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 29

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Offer only valid while supplies last through March 31st. Prices and availability subject to change due to market consideration. Quantities are limited. Strict limit of 10 gold coins and 10 silver coins available per household. Texas Bullion Exchange, Inc. has a 10-15 day shipping policy. There is a 5-day inspection period upon arrival. Any returns after the 5-day period will be subject to a 20% restocking fee. *Spot price: The daily quoted market price of precious metals in bullion form is determined at the time of transaction by Texas Bullion Exchange, Inc.

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

JOBS

Be a part of something BIG! CMC Steel Arizona is expanding our production capabilities with a second innovative, state-of-

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NOW HIRING IN MESA: • Forklift Operator • Mechanic and Electrician • Production Operator • Entry Level Positions • Technical Training Program

positions to be part of building something from the ground up. Ready for a challenge? We also have current openings for our Modern Steelmaker Program, a 12-month rotational technical training program that teaches you everything you need to know about sustainable steelmaking. If you’re ready to grow in your career, you’re ready to join CMC. Visit us online to apply today!

To Advertise Call:

480 898 6465

We are hiring immediately for all skilled operator

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

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

MetroPhoenixClassifieds com 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

McDowell and Miller Road • (480) 947-9901 Apply at: 7607 E. McDowell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

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Join our experienced inside sales team!

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!

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

Employ ment Employment General Staff Accountant Perform accounting job duties w/knowledge, skills of IFRS, GAAP,Tableau, SPSS, financial analysis, cost management, financial forecast, product pricing. CPA license+ MS in accountancy req. mail to job Loc: FlipChip International, LLC 3701 E. University Dr. Phx AZ 85034

Employment General

Healthcare

CREATIVE INNOVATION LEADER needed by Phoenix Packaging Operations, LLC in Chandler, AZ to dvlp & dsgn packaging products; prepare product sketches, illustrations, drawings, & computer-aided dsgns & fabricate workable models; & prepare & present dsgns & reports to internal & external customers. Interested candidates should send resumes to HR, Phoenix Packaging Operations, 4800 Lina Lane, Dublin, VA 24084. Ref code CID54 in response.

Software Developer. Develop, create, and modify high quality computer applications for a provider of health and wellness programs. Employer: Tivity Health Services, LLC. Location: Chandler, AZ. To apply, mail resumé (no calls/emails) to: ATTN: Nicole Pocchiari, 701 Cool Springs Blvd., Franklin, TN 37067.

Elite Medical Massage, Taeleisha Tyea Doty. I Specialize in Medical, Therapeutic, and Pain Management massage. Let's get you "Moving and Feeling Better". 3491 North Arizona Avenue. Chandler AZ 85225 elitemedicalmassages @gmail.com

Obituaries H E A D STO N E S

Great team environment

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

Place Your Advertisement Here. Call 480-898-6465 to advertise in MetroPhoenixJobs

EVERLASTING MONUMENT Co.

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Employment General Acronis, Inc. Tempe, AZ. Network & Infrastructure Manager. Prepare, design & execute short & long term methods to enhance infrastructure capacity. Domestic/Intl. travel up to 20% to perform inst, removal and maint. of equipment in Acronis Data Centers and attend business mtgs & trng. Position supports ww operations and will require frequent mtgs outside normal schedule hours. Apply at https://boards.greenhouse.io/acronis/jobs/ 5848464002. Ref # 2062. 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/.

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

Employment General

Join our experienced inside sales team!

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 outbound calls selling advertising all over Phoenix Metro and even Tucson! Our 20 local publications, newspapers, magazines and digital solutions fit pretty much every need! Great team environment 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 resume with over letter to Elaine

ecota@times publications.com EOE

Announce

ments Meetings/Events WEEKLY BINGO SUN VALLEY PARK Tuesday Nights 6:30PM $500 Weekly Jackpot 11101 E University Dr University Between Signal Butte/Meridian

Garage Sales/ Bazaars

HUGE COMUNITY SALE! Peralta Canyon – 10893 E. Peralta Canyon Dr – Gold Canyon AZ

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

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

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

Pets/Services/ Livestock Garage Sales/ Bazaars

HUGE COMUNITY SALE! Entrada Del Oro 18437 E. El Buho Pequeno - Gold Canyon AZ 85118

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

Employment General ENGINEERS PayPal, Inc. has career opportunities in Scottsdale, AZ for Engineers incl.: Software, QA, Web Dvlpmnt, Software Dvlprs, Database, Data Warehouse, Data Architect, User Interface, Info. Security, Sys. Integration, Release, Network & Cloud. Positions inc l . : j r . , s r . & m g m n t p o s i t i o n s . M u l t i p le positions/openings. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. w/o sponsorship. To apply, please send your resume w/ref. by email to: paypaljobs@paypal.com; or by mail: ATTN: HR, Cube 10.3.561, PayPal, Inc. HQ, 2211 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95131. EOE. Please indicate Req.#: SWE300AZ when applying.

Standard Poodle Puppies 2M, 2F Fawn & Red 9wks, tails docked, $1000 each. (520)971-9423

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

HIRING?

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

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

Public Notices

INVITATION FOR PROPOSALS FOR DESIGN BUILD SERVICES: West Valley Housing Support Center, 12785 W. GRAND AVENUE, Surprise, ARIZONA 85374. A New Leaf, Inc. will receive proposals for the design build renovation of a 5,640 square foot apartment building. This project is federally funded through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds through the State of Arizona Department of Housing and the City of Surprise. Federal labor standards, Davis-Bacon prevailing wages, and Equal Employment Opportunity regulations of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 for Employment and Contracting Opportunities will apply to the project. Small, minority and/ or women owned businesses are encouraged to submit proposals. Sealed Proposals will be received until 1:00PM Arizona Time, on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at A New Leaf, 868 E University Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85203. Proposal documents, including previous building plans for the proposed work and the Request for Proposals may be obtained electronically. Contact Keon Montgomery, Director of Real Estate at: kmontgomery@turnanewleaf.org, Tel 480733- 3063, ext. 4311. All proposals must be a fixed firm price. A New Leaf, Inc., reserves the right to reject any and all proposals. An optional Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at the project site, 12785 W. GRAND AVENUE, Surprise, ARIZONA 85374, at which time the Client will be available to answer questions. Unless provided in writing, verbal authorizations or acknowledgments by anyone present will not be binding. Published in : The East Valley Tribume, March 6, 13, 2022/ 45080

OUT WITH THE OLD, CHIP RETURN

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.

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

And now, a few words from the red fox...

RETURN YOUR TABLE GAMES CASINO CHIPS AT HARRAH’S AK-CHIN BEFORE THEY EXPIRE!

Bonus: You may have one of these in your house, but mine is underground _ _ _

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. INVITATION TO BID: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley is seeking general contract services for its Phase I A Safe Roof and Phase II Improving Safety & Air Quality at its Mesa Grant Woods Branch located at 221 W. 6th Ave, Mesa AZ 85210. The owner will receive Bids for Boys & Girls Clubs Phase I A Safe Roof and Phase II Improving Safety & Air Quality at Mesa Grant Woods. This project is federally funded through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Federal labor standards, Davis-Bacon prevailing wages, and Equal Employment Opportunity regulations apply of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 for Employment and Contracting Opportunities. Small, minority and/ or women owned businesses are encouraged to submit bids. A Pre-Bid Conference (highly encouraged) will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at the project site: Boys & Girls Clubs Mesa Grant Woods Branch 221 W. 6th Ave, Mesa AZ 85210, at which time the Owner will be available to answer questions. Bidders are encouraged to attend. Unless provided in writing, verbal authorizations or acknowledgments by anyone present will not be binding. Sealed Bids will be received until 12:00 PM Arizona Time, on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, 4309 East Belleview St., Bldg. 14, Phoenix, Arizona 85008. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 12:30 PM Arizona Time, on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley (RESERVED CONFERENCE ROOM), 4309 East Belleview St., Bldg. 14, Phoenix, Arizona 85008. Bidding documents, including specifications to the proposed work and instructions to Bidders may be obtained (via email). Contact Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, Chilo Figueroa, Director of Facilities & Safety at: chilo.figueroa@bgcaz.org, Tel 602- 343-1256. All bids must be on a lump-sum basis. A schedule of values will be provided by the Contractor at the time of contract. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Across: 2. My girlfriend, and any female fox 3. I’m related to dogs, but since the iris of my eye is vertical, I have excellent hearing, I climb trees and I have retractable claws, I am also a bit like a _____. 4. Although my tail is called this, you can’t use it on your hair. Down: 1. I eat meat but also eat some plants. 3. My babies, bear babies and Chicago baseball players are called these.

Fox pun: I wonder what pheasant tastes like? I hope it isn’t grouse.

ANSWERS - Across: 2. Vixen, 3. Cat, 4.Brush Down: 1. Omnivore, 3. Cubs BONUS: Den

Life Events

WORD CROSS

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LEGAL NOTICES 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.

If this is your gig, let people know!

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

Public Notices

EASTMARK COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 1 AND EASTMARK COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2 MESA, ARIZONA PHASE XIX ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS (DU1) PROJECT NOS: S889 AND S904 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received until Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. All sealed bids will be received electronically at EngineeringBids@mesaaz.gov . Bids must be submitted as an unencrypted PDF attachment with a maximum size limit of 20MB. Any bid received after the time specified will be returned without any consideration. A non-mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held via a Microsoft Teams meeting on Monday, March 14, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Please call into Microsoft Teams Meeting at 1-213-279-1007 with Phone Conference ID: 289 786 175#. Bidders may also attend in person, the Pre-Bid Conference at the Eastmark Visitor and Community Center located at 10100 E. Ray Road, Mesa (Classroom). A pre-bid review of the site has been scheduled for Monday, March 14, 2022 11:00 a.m. The site visit is recommended but not mandatory. This contract shall be for furnishing all labor, materials, transportation, and services for the construction and/or installation of all improvements shown on the Plans, including, but not limited to the following: PHASE XIX ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS (DU1): Offsite Improvements E. Warner Road Phase 2 (S889) - The Project consists of approximately 3,700 linear feet of roadway improvements of the north half of E. Warner Road between Ellsworth Road and Eastmark Parkway. Improvements consist of curb and gutter, sidewalk, asphalt pavement, landscape, streetlights, and dry utility extensions. Portions of the existing median will need to be modified per Plan Revision #2. Offsite Improvements Ellsworth Road (S904) – The Project consists of approximately 5,200 linear feet of roadway widening improvements of Ellsworth Road between Warner Road and Elliot Road. Improvements consist of catch basins, storm drain, curb and gutter, sidewalk, asphalt pavement, landscape, streetlights, and dry utility extensions. Portions of the existing median will need to be modified to accommodate for the access improvements required near the Mesquite Road alignment. Six-inch (6”) and twelve-inch (12”) water services will be connected to the existing 16” water main and stubbed to the development to the east of Ellsworth Road. Approximately 3,100 linear feet of sewer pipe ranging between 8”- 42” will be installed. Bypass pumping of the existing 24” sewer main in Elliott Road will be required to install the proposed sewer main at the intersection of Ellsworth and Elliot. See Exhibit J2 for Technical Specifications on Diversion of Sewage Flow and Dewatering. This Project consists of two (2) new Traffic Signal installations; (1) Ellsworth Road and Mesquite Road, 2) Ellsworth Road and Elliot Road and adding a pedestrian push button at the existing Traffic Signal at Ellsworth Road and Warner Road For information contact: Stephanie Gishey, City of Mesa, Stephanie.Gishey@MesaAZ.gov. Engineer’s Estimate Range is $4,800,000 to $5,500,000 All project questions must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday March 24, 2022. See Section 11 of the Project Special Provisions for more information. Contact with City Employees. All firms interested in this project (including the firm’s employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process. This policy is intended to create a level playing field for all potential firms, to assure that contract decisions are made in public, and to protect the integrity of the selection process. All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the authorized representative identified above. Contractors desiring to submit proposals may purchase sets of the Bid Documents from ARC Document Solutions, LLC, at https://order.earc.com/arcEOC/PWELL_Main.asp?mem=29. Click on “Go” for the Public Planroom to access plans. NOTE: In order to be placed on the Plan Holders List and to receive notifications and updates regarding this bid (such as addenda) during the bidding period, an order must be placed. The cost of each Bid Set will be no more than $89.00 which is non-refundable. Partial bid packages are not sold. You can view documents online (at no cost), order Bid Sets, and access the Plan Holders List on the website at the address listed above. Please verify print lead time prior to arriving for pick-up. For a list of locations nearest you, go to www.earc.com. One set of the Contract Documents is also available for viewing at the City of Mesa’s Engineering Department at 20 East Main Street, Mesa, AZ. Please call (480) 644-2251 prior to arriving to ensure that the documents are available for viewing. Work shall be completed within 373 (three hundred and seventy-three) consecutive calendar days, beginning with the day following the starting date specified in the Notice to Proceed. Bids must be submitted on the Proposal Form provided and be accompanied by the Bid Bond for not less than ten percent (10%) of the total bid, payable to DMB MESA PROVING GROUNDS LLC, or a certified or cashier's check. PERSONAL OR INDIVIDUAL SURETY BONDS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. The successful bidder will be required to execute the DMB Mesa Proving Grounds LLC Contract and respective Addenda for construction within five (5) days after formal Notice of Contact Award. Failure by bidder to properly execute the Contract and provide the required certification as specified shall be considered a breach of Contract by bidder. DMB Mesa Proving Grounds LLC shall be free to terminate the Contract or, at option, release the successful bidder. Payment and Performance Bonds will be required for this Work. The successful bidder, simultaneously with the execution of the Contract, shall be required to furnish a Payment Bond in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, and a Performance Bond in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price. Successful Bidder shall name DMB Mesa Proving Grounds LLC as obligee on both the Payment and Performance Bonds and name the City of Mesa as an additional obligee on the Performance Bond using a Dual Obligee Rider form. An approved Dual Obligee Rider Form is included herein as Exhibit E in the Contract Documents. The right is hereby reserved to accept or reject any or all bids or parts thereto, to waive any informalities in any proposal and reject the bids of any persons who have been delinquent or unfaithful to any contract with the DMB Mesa Proving Grounds LLC; City of Mesa or Eastmark Community Facilities District No. 1 and District No. 2.

ATTEST: Holly Moseley District Clerk Published in: The Mesa Tribune March 6, 13, 2022 / 45104

BETH HUNING District Engineer

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

Public Notices

Public Notices CITY OF MESA, ARIZONA ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

CITY OF MESA, ARIZONA ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Mesa is seeking qualified Consultants for the following:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Mesa is seeking qualified Consultants for the following:

ON-CALL CONSULTING SERVICES FOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

The City of Mesa is seeking qualified Consultants to provide professional services on an oncall basis in the following area/category: Landscape Architecture. 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 City of Mesa is seeking qualified Consultants to provide professional services on an on-call basis in the following area/category: Landscape Architecture. 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).

From this solicitation, the Engineering Department will establish a list of on-call consultants for Landscape Architecture Services. This category is further defined below:

Landscape Architecture projects will include design and/or construction administration of projects located within City right-of-way, City-owned buildings and properties, shared-use paths, parks, retention basins, and sporting facilities. Tasks may include design services, cost estimating, value engineering, design concept, site master plan preparation, construction documentation, utility coordination, renderings and graphics to assist in project visualization and public outreach.

Landscape Architecture projec ts will include design and/or construction administration of projects located within City right-of-way, City-owned buildings and properties, shared-use paths, parks, retention basins, and sporting facilities. Tasks may include design services, cost estimating, value engineering, design concept, site master plan preparation, construction documentation, utility coordination, renderings and graphics to assist in project visualization and public outreach.

A Pre-Submittal Conference will not be held.

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. This RFQ is available on the City’s website at http://mesaaz.gov/business/engineering/architectural-engineering-design-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 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 10 point. Please submit one (1) electronic copy in an unencrypted PDF format with a maximum file size limit of 20MB to EngineeringRFQ@mesaaz.gov by 2 pm on March 31, 2022. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Statements of Qualifications. In the subject line and on the submittal package, please display: Firm name and On-Call Category.

The Statement of Qualifications shall include a one-page cover letter, plus a maximum of 10 pages to address the SOQ evaluation criteria (excluding 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 10 point. Please submit one (1) electronic copy in an unencrypted PDF format with a maximum file size limit of 20MB to Engineering-RFQ@mesaaz.gov by 2 pm on March 31, 2022. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Statements of Qualifications. In the subject line and on the submittal package, please display: Firm name and OnCall Category.

The City is an equal opportunity employer.

Firms who wish to do business with the City of Mesa must be registered and activated in the City of Mesa Vendor Self Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz.gov/business/purchasing/vendor-self-service).

Questions. Questions pertaining to the Consultant selection process or contract issues should be directed to Donna Horn of the Engineering Department at donna.horn@mesaaz.gov.

ATTEST: Holly Moseley Published in The Mesa Tribune March 6, 13, 2022 / 45070

Questions. Questions pertaining to the Consultant selection process or contract issues should be directed to Donna Horn of the Engineering Department at donna.horn@mesaaz.gov.

BETH HUNING City Engineer

ATTEST: Holly Moseley City Clerk Published in : The Mesa Tribune March 6, 13, 2022 / 45029

BETH HUNING City Engineer

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | MARCH 6, 2022

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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 - 3.6.2022

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