MESA TRIBUNE SOUTHEAST, AUSUST 7, 2022 by Times Media Group

••

Fireworks crackdown worked/ P. 2

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

INSIDE

Saving the pups/ P. 19

Farewell to longtime Mesa public servant.

BUSINESS .................. 22 Mesa restaurant shells out the tacos.

GETOUT ...................... 29 Mesa metal band rocking on stage.

COMMUNITY .............................. 19 BUSINESS ................................... 22 OPINION ..................................... 25 SPORTS ...................................... 28 GET OUT ...................................... 29 CLASSIFIED ............................... 32 ZONE 2

Sunday, August 7, 2022

FREE ($1 OUTSIDE THE EAST VALLEY) | TheMesaTribune.com

One Mesa race resolved, other may continue BY SCOTT SHUMAKER Tribune Staff Writer

NEWS ............................. 16

ormer Mesa City Council member Scott Somers will be able to remove “former” from his title in January but Vice Mayor Jenn Duff is preparing for a November run-off contest with one of her two challengers. Somers’ 58%-42% lead was sufficient for businesswoman Darla Trendler to concede in the hotly contested southeast Mesa Council

District 6 election. But there was no such concession in the downtown District 4 race, where Duff maintained the lead she started with Tuesday night’s release of tallies from early voting but appeared to fall short of the 50%-plus-1 majority she needed to win outright. Duff garnered 48% of the vote over new mother Trista Guzman Glover’s 28% and Arizona State University undergraduate student Nathaniel Ross’ 24%.

If those margins hold by the time all the ballots are counted this week, Ross will be eliminated and Duff and Guzman Glover will face off Nov. 8. "While we’ll be watching the final counts closely, it’s clear that we still have more work ahead of us," Duff said. "Close elections are not a new thing for me and I’m ready to earn every last vote for November’s win.”

Cities bite big The plane is on the way into public safety pension debt

see ELECTIONS page 8

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Tribune Executive Editor

ast Valley municipalities in the last fiscal year took advantage of unanticipated general fund revenue increases to make big additional payments on their debt to pensions earned by thousands of retired police officers and firefighters. But Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler and Scottsdale still have a long way to go before they erase their huge unfunded liabilities. Those five municipalities still owe a total $1.4 billion for pensions covering 955 retired firefighters, 1,471 retired cops and hundreds more firefighters and officers who are covered by Arizona’s Public Safety Personnel Retirement System, records show.

see PENSIONS page 12

A jet engine may seem a bit of an unusual sight at a high school, but a plane may soon be on the way at the new American Leadership Academy campus in east Mesa. The sprawling 223,000-square-foot charter school is taking a new approach to vocational education, as you’ll read on page 6. (Enrique Garcia/Tribune Contributor)

4454 East Thomas Road • Phoenix, AZ 85018

602.508.0800 liwindow.com Showroom Hours: Mon-Thurs 8:30-5:00, Fri 8:30-4:00, Sat 9:00-2:00 and evenings by appointment. Stop by our design showroom or call us for an appointment at your home.

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

Fireworks enforcement yielded quiet results BY SCOTT SHUMAKER Tribune Staff Writer

special effort by the Mesa Police Department to enforce fireworks laws helped quiet the skies during the July 4 holiday season. A comparison of fireworks call logs on July 4, 2022, and July 4, 2021, indicates fewer reports of pyrotechnic disturbances this year. “We received fewer complaints this year in my district,” Councilwoman Julie Spilsbury told the Tribune. “Mesa PD did a great job seizing almost $12,000 worth of illegal fireworks,” she said. “I believe that is a step in the right direction regarding enforcement during the 4th of July holiday. I hope to see this trend continue ahead of the New Year’s holiday.” In a June study session, Spilsbury told Mesa Police officials that illegal fireworks seemed to go off on “every street” in Mesa around July 4 and other holidays, and she hoped for increased action on fireworks this year. Other council members also encouraged the enforcement effort, citing the high volume of complaints they’ve received from constituents about fireworks launched in unsafe areas or creating noise disturbances. In response, Mesa PD promised stepped up enforcement of fireworks violations and collaboration with Mesa Fire and Medical to educate the public and monitor legal fireworks sales. Commander Mike Beaton told Mesa City Council members that “officers will be expected to take some sort of action on a fireworks call” this year. Two large seizures of illegal fireworks by Mesa PD ahead of the long holiday weekend may have reduced the volume

BE DEBT FREE IN 24–48 MONTHS!

Mesa Police displayed some of the illegal fireworks seized in raids and arrests as a result of a crackdown on firecracker-happy locals. (Mesa Police) of rockets, mortars, Roman candles and other prohibited fireworks in the city during celebrations. On June 29, police seized 1,665 packages of fireworks valued at $7,755 from George Baber, 40, who was booked on misdemeanor charges for the fireworks and additional charges for misconduct involving weapons/prohibited possessor related to two AR-15 rifles found during the fireworks investigation. The investigation began when Mesa detectives followed up on an online ad referencing illegal fireworks for sale in Mesa. Detectives contacted the lister and purchased prohibited fireworks before serving a search warrant. This arrest followed a smaller seizure on June 24, when police found 125 packages of fireworks valued at $4,000 from the liquor and smoke shop in the area of 300 W. Brown Rd. in Mesa. Police opened an investigation after receiving an anonymous tip that the store was selling illegal fireworks.

Undercover detectives entered the store and saw the illegal fireworks on display and purchased them from employees. After the purchase, made police executed a search warrant, and there are pending criminal charges against the store owner. Call logs provided by Mesa PD suggest the seizures and other enforcement efforts may have tamped down the discharge of illegal pyrotechnics. Mesa PD divides the city into four divisions, and two of the three divisions where comparison data was available reported fewer fireworks calls this year than in 2021. A fireworks call log for the Fiesta Division was only available for 2022. The Superstition and Central Divisions both had significant drops in complaints. Superstition logged 67 fireworks calls on July 4 in 2021, and only 36 in 2002. The time range of complaints received by the Superstition Division was also much more compressed this year com-

pared to last. In 2021, the fireworks calls began at 12:12 a.m. in the morning of July 4 and didn’t quit until 12:01 a.m. July 5. This year, the calls didn’t begin until 4:20 p.m. on July 4, and they stopped after 11:46 p.m. The call logs also suggest a milder year for illegal fireworks in the Central Division, which logged 40 calls on July 4, 2021 but only 25 in 2022. The timing of calls was also much improved compared to last year, when callers reporting illegal fireworks began 12:14 a.m. the morning of July 4 and continued until 3:07 a.m. on July 5. But this year, Central Division had no complaints on July 4 until someone called about “aerial fireworks in area of McLellan/Pasadena” at 6:37 p.m., according to the logs. The Fiesta Division reported 48 calls this year. Based on available data, one part of the city may have had a wilder day of fireworks this year compared to last year: The Red Mountain Division recorded 48 calls this year and 40 calls last year. The calls from citizens in the Red Mountain Division began 2:19 a.m. on July 4 and continued until 12:03 a.m. on July 5. A sample of the call remarks entered by operators in the Red Mountain Division that night include: “aerial fireworks going over (caller’s) house,” “commercial grade fireworks being launched from inside the complex and around the neighborhood,” “ground fireworks continuing all night.” Part of the Red Mountain Division overlaps with the city council district of Council member David Luna. He noted during a study session before the holiday that he was aware of hot spots for illegal fireworks in his district and supported Mesa PD’s initiative to increase education and enforcement. 

Do you owe more than $10,000 in credit card bills, medical bills or other unsecured debt? Let National Debt Relief help resolve your debt for a fraction of what you owe.

One Affordable Monthly Payment We work with you to set up a single, affordable monthly payment.

No Upfront Fees You won’t pay a penny until your debt is resolved.

Resolve Your Debt in 24–48 Months We’ll resolve your debt as quickly as possible so you can ﬁnally start living the life you want.

SEE HOW MUCH YOU COULD SAVE: 1-866-696-2697

ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

The Mesa Tribune is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout the East Valley.

Times Media Group: 1900 W. Broadway Road Tempe, AZ 85282

CONTACT INFORMATION Main number: 480-898-6500 | Advertising: 480-898-5624 Circulation service: 480-898-5641

Publisher: Steve T. Strickbine Vice President: Michael Hiatt ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT

Senior Account Sales: Ryan Brown | 480-898-6482 | rbrown@TimesLocalMedia.com Local Advertising Sales: Chris Ross | 480-898-5649 | cross@TimesLocalMedia.com Classifieds/Inside Sales: Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@TimesLocalMedia.com TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@TimesLocalMedia.com Director of National Advertising: Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@TimesLocalMedia.com NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor: Paul Maryniak | 480-898-5647 pmaryniak@TimesLocalMedia.com Staff Writers: Mark Moran | 480-898-5601 mmoran@TimesLocalMedia.com Scott Shumaker | 480-898-5634 sshumaker@TimesLocalMedia.com Josh Ortega | 480-898-615 | jortega@TimesLocalMedia.com Sports Editor: Zach Alvira | 480-898-5630 | zalvira@TimesLocalMedia.com Get Out Editor: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | 480-641-4518 christina@TimesLocalMedia.com Photographer: David Minton | dminton@TimesLocalMedia.com Designer: Ruth Carlton | rcarlton@@TimesLocalMedia.com Production Coordinator: Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@@TimesLocalMedia.com CIRCULATION Circulation Director Aaron Kolodny | aaron@phoenix.org Distribution Manager Brian Juhl | brian@TimesLocalMedia.com

The Mesa Tribune is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation company owned and operated by Times Media Group. The public is limited to one copy per reader. For circulation services, please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@ Phoenix.org.

To Start or Stop delivery of the paper, please visit https://timespublications.com/phoenix/ or call 480-898-7901 To get your free online edition subscription please visit: https://www.themesatribune.com/e-subscribe/ The content of any advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. The Tribune assumes no responsibility for the claims of any advertisement.

Mesa panel approves mental health hospital BY SCOTT SHUMAKER Tribune Staff Writer

he Mesa Planning and Zoning Board approved designs for a 100-bed mental health hospital near Elliot and Ellsworth roads over the objections of several residents who live a short walk from the site. Residents who spoke during public comment said they were concerned that Acadia Healthcare’s hospital could result in acutely mentally ill patients and going into their neighborhood, about a 3-minute walk to the north. Because hospitals are allowed under the 12-acre parcel’s current Light Industrial zoning, the hospital does not need city council approval to proceed with construction – the use is allowed “by right.” Acadia Healthcare held a Zoom meeting with neighbors to discuss the project on July 6. Some of the residents who attended that meeting continued to oppose the project during the board hearing July 27. Acadia Healthcare representatives said that the voluntary in-patient facility would have secured entry and exit. Patients leaving treatment would do so with a discharge plan that includes a ride home, they said. In June, Acadia told the Tribune the inpatient facility would comprise five units. One adult psychiatric unit will focus on thought disorders while another will be for people with mood disorders. There will also be an adult dual-diagnosis unit and a geriatric unit. Another unit will provide treatment of trauma and stressrelated disorders and there will be a child and adolescent psychiatric unit. Acadia’s plans include a second phase that would add additional 20 beds and a 6,570-square-foot outpatient clinic. Acadia told residents that the outpatient facility would not be used as a “methadone clinic” providing medicationassisted treatment for heroin addiction. Resident Justin Sullivan wanted the hospital relocated, “so our children can safely play in our neighborhood and we

see HOSPITAL page 4

NEWS

*this is a paid advertisement*

WARNING!

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN TREATMENTS NOT WORKING!! Mesa, AZ – When it comes to chronic pain and/ or neuropathy, the most common doctor-prescribed treatment is drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin. The problem with antidepressants or anti-seizure medications like these is that they offer purely symptomatic relief, as opposed to targeting and treating the root of the problem. Worse, these drugs often trigger an onset of uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes harmful side effects. The only way to effectively treat chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is by targeting the source, which is the result of nerve damage owing to inadequate blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. This often causes weakness, numbness, tingling, pain, and balance problems. A lack of nutrients causes the nerves to degenerate – an insidious and often painful process.

cannot survive, and thus, 1. Finding the underlying cause The number of treatments slowly die. This leads to 2. Determining the extent of required varies from patient those painful and frustrating the nerve damage (above to patient, and can only be following an consequences we were talking 95% nerve loss is rarely determined in-depth neurological and about earlier, like weakness, treatable) numbness, tingling, balance 3. The amount of treatment vascular examination. As long as issues, and perhaps even a required for the patient’s you have less than 95% nerve damage, there is hope! burning sensation. unique condition The drugs your doctor might prescribe will temporarily conceal the problems, putting a “Band-Aid” over a situation that will only continue to deteriorate without further action. Thankfully, Mesa is the birthplace of a brandnew facility that sheds new light on this pressing problem of peripheral neuropathy and chronic pain. The company is trailblazing the medical industry by replacing outdated drugs and symptomatic reprieves with an advanced machine that targets the root of the problem at hand.

As displayed in figure 1 above, Effective neuropathy treatment the nerves are surrounded relies on the following three by diseased, withered blood factors: vessels. A lack of sufficient nutrients means the nerves

Aspen Medical in Mesa, AZ uses a state-of-the-art electric cell signaling systems worth $100,000.00. This ground-breaking treatment is engineered to achieve the following, accompanied by advanced diagnostics and a basic skin biopsy to accurately analyze results: 1. Increases blood flow 2. Stimulates and strengthens small fiber nerves 3. Improves brain-based pain The treatment works by delivering energy to the affected area(s) at varying wavelengths, from low- to middle-frequency signals, while also using Amplitude Modulated (AM) and Frequency Modulated (FM) signaling. It’s completely painless! THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT THIS TREATMENT IS COVERED BY MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND MOST INSURANCES!! Depending on your coverage, your peripheral neuropathy treatment could cost almost nothing – or be absolutely free.

Aspen Medical begins by analyzing the extent of the nerve damage – a complimentary service for your friends and family. Each exam comprises a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and comprehensive analysis of neuropathy findings. Aspen Medical will be offering this free chronic pain and neuropathy severity evaluation will be available until October 31st, 2022. Call (480) 274-3157 to make an appointment. Due to our very busy office schedule, we are limiting this offer to the first 10 c allers. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER ANOTHER MINUTE, CALL (480) 274-3157… NOW!! We are extremely busy, so we are unavailable, please leave a voice message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Aspen Medical 4540 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 119 Mesa, AZ, 85206

*(480) 274-3157*

480-274-3157 4540 E Baseline Rd., Suite 119 Mesa Az 85206

NEWS

HOSPITAL from page 3

don’t have to worry, ‘what if somebody got out?’ Because I know everyone has seen that there has been escapes from prisons, there has been escapes from locked facilities throughout all of our lifetimes.” He said the hospital would also bring down property values, noting that its outdoor activity areas would be secured with 14-foot walls. “A 14-foot wall with constant lighting is very obtrusive to our neighborhood,” Sullivan said. “It’s almost like looking at a prison. You know we have big walls. It’s lighted. It’s a locked facility. It’s just a very negative vibe that we’re going to feel in our homes and our neighborhoods.” Acadia CEO Jennifer Nunez said that state laws give voluntary in-patient facilities up to 24 hours to continue holding a person after they submit a written request for release. Patients agreeing to in-patient treat-

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

ment sign an agreement acknowledging the 24-hour maximum delay. Nunez said that if a person requests release against medical advice, the 24hour buffer gives hospitals time to initiate court-ordered evaluation and treatment if they feel a person could be a danger to themselves or others. If court-ordered evaluation and treatment is deemed appropriate, the patient would be transferred to an involuntarypatient facility. “Current protocol is the police department come and take the patient and transport them to their next level of facility,” Nunez said. “So it is a secure transport at that point.” But Nunez also emphasized that its clients are people voluntarily seeking help. “It’s a voluntary hospital,” Nunez said, “so any patient that comes to our facility is seeking treatment. And they’re saying ‘I voluntarily want to be here and I want to get help.’”

“We really do pride ourselves on being a good neighbor,” Nunez continued, “because we see ourselves as there to treat people in the neighborhood and to be a community partner and providing mental health services.” Representatives for Acadia also said the county needs more mental health beds. Citing data from the nonprofit Treatment Advocacy Center, they said the county should have 2,331 mental health beds based on population, but currently it has 1,492. TAC estimates that 127,000 Arizonans have severe bipolar disorder and 61,000 have schizophrenia. But the processes for involuntary and involuntary inpatient treatment didn’t bring comfort to resident Crystal Chavez, who said there are still gaps that would allow someone in crisis to potentially walk out of the facility. “A patient will be able to leave and they cannot make that patient get into a cab

GOT NEWS?

to take them to another facility,” Chavez said. “They will go straight into our neighborhood.” Representatives for Acadia disagreed. “Can a patient just walk out the front door? The answer is no,” Acadia attorney Cassandra Ayres said. Planning and Zoning Board member Shelly Allen said that because the case was just a site plan review and not a zone change, the board wasn’t supposed to consider the building’s use. The board’s focus in this case is on architectural details like wall height, she said. The project passed with four “yes” votes. The board currently has a vacancy, board member Jessica Sarkissian was absent, and board member Jeff Pitcher recused himself from the case because a family member works for Acadia. According to its website, Acadia “is the largest stand-alone behavioral health company in the U.S.” with 230 facilities in 40 states and Puerto Rico. 

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

New Systems

Call 24/7 • 602-641-2960

PROPRIETARY LINE OF AMERICAN MADE HVAC EQUIPMENT

as low as

• 10-Year Parts & Labor Warranty Included on Two-Stage Equipment • Manufactured in Texas

Get 20% OFF

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE Check us out on ROC#309388 ROC#320048

SemperFiHeatingCooling.com

per mo.

$ 500 GAS CARD

(Expires August 31st)

Call for Details!

Not valid with any other offers or coupons.

Tune-Up

$17.75

Includes Full Unit Inspection, Light Coil Cleaning and a written report of findings.

$80 Value

Not valid with any other offers or coupons.

BOGO Deal

Buy One Year, Get One FREE (Expires August 31st)

Call for Details!

Not valid with any other offers or coupons.

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

••

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

‘223,000 square feet of opportunity’ open in Mesa BY MARK MORAN Tribune Staff Writer

f you happen to be out late one night and see a small airplane being towed down the two-lane portion of dusty pavement bisecting the remaining farmland near the intersection of Pecos and Sossaman roads in Mesa, don’t be alarmed. It’s just for an aviation class project on its way to the “Pathfinders,” students at the new American Leadership Academy high school at the recently barren intersection. At 223,000 square feet of classrooms, warehouse size work labs, collaborative learning areas and labyrinthine hallways, the cavernous school has the room for a plane and a lot more. “It’s amazing, right?” said Jim Kriznauski, assistant director of the campus, which is managed by Charter One, a management company that oversees other charter schools in Arizona as well. “What’s really exciting about it to me,” Kriznauski said, “is that it helps kids understand the relevance of school. “Within the same day, they’re going to be in an automotive shop, they’re going to be in an aviation area, and they are going to have to apply those skills,” he said. Charter One touts this as the first building in the state where students can get both their high school diploma and a technical certification in any one of these 10 fields, or “academies,” simultaneously. Other vocational-technical schools are separate programs and operate on their own. The school has room for 2,400 students, though so far, 400 are enrolled in one of the 10 academic tracts that are offered. From aviation and automotive technologies to cosmetology and health services and pretty much every vocational occupation in between, these are the fields in which Arizona has projected the highest job growth in the next decade, Kriznauski said. “223,000 square feet of opportunity is what it is,” said Principal Jeremy Klomp. “We took 10 of the top 15 and said ‘let’s build a program around those that will give kids opportunities.’” He noted that in addition to the $8,500 per student that the school will get from the state, “between six and 10” individuals

An automotive lab will allow students to get hands-on training for a mechanics certification. (Enrique Garcia/Tribune Contributor) on behalf of local companies have donated more – a lot more. “It’s a $60-million building, which is kind of a statement that it can be successful even though it’s never been done,” Klomp said. “It’s a pretty big venture. Every industry we’ve got is crying for people.” Charter One CEO Bill Guttery said the $60 million came from private investors repre-

senting corporations who see the need for this type of education and campus. “We need to capture this talent while they are young. These upcoming technicians,” said Susan Morris, human resources director for the company that owns a handful of Valley auto dealerships, including Porsche, Audio, Volvo and Subaru. They have donated industry standard

Everyone needs a mechanic, everyone is going to continue to need a mechanic forever.

The sprawling American Academy Leadership school offers students a chance to get their high school diploma and trade certification under one big roof. (Enrique Garcia/Tribune Con-

tributor)

tools on which students can become certified and employment ready jobs right out of high school. “Everyone needs a mechanic,” Klomp said. “Everyone is going to continue to need a mechanic forever.” Added Morris: “We have opportunities where they can come in at entry level, which opens the door for career advancement. If they are interested, and they are engaged and they are performing well, they will excel within the industry.” The automotive industry is just one area that is in desperate need of qualified employees, said Klomp. “There’s pilot shortages all over the place,” he explained. Within towing distance of the airport, Arizona State University’s Polytechnic campus and a burgeoning business corridor, the ALA campus is strategically close to potential employers for its graduates. There are cardboard yard signs near aircraft and maintenance hangars at the airport advertising open job positions. “If you own an aircraft or do any kind of maintenance, there is a six-month wait to get your annual inspection on your aircraft because of the shortage of aircraft technicians,” Klomp said. “So, kids will graduate with their aircraft mechanics license and go right into a $40/ hour job, as an 18-year-old high school graduate. Not bad right? Translates to about 75-80 thousand a year.” Students can also complete the ground school necessary to acquire a private pilot’s license as well as becoming an FAA certified drone pilot, Klomp said. In addition to the aircraft and automotive programs, the school’s other programs are drawing a lot of attention, too – like the cosmetician and aesthetician program. “It’s our top program as far as enrollment,” said ALA assistant principal Tim Slade. “I think one of the reasons is that once they’re certified, ‘if I want to go on to college and do something else, I can cut hair at the same time. I am using it as a pathway while I go to school.’ That’s just smart.” Cosmetology commandeers an entire swath of the first floor. With 22 highly polished salon stations, replete with hair washing sinks, lots of mirrors, state of the art décor, and chairs

see SCHOOL page 8

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022 t us

rti

Sta

ug ,A ay 0 pm d s ur 7:3 Th 6 -

Sandstrom Dental Group

Ready to MOVE BEYOND?

Look Good - Feel Good!

Experienced dentists serving the Valley at this location for 23 years! Changing Lives Through Better Smiles! 480-582-1142 “YOUR DESTINATION FOR BEAUTIFUL SMILES”

The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death, Divorce & other Losses Grief Recovery Method® 8 Week Workshop

The action-oriented Grief Recovery Method® is different than therapy and helps individuals move beyond the over 40 losses that can affect your life. Learn how to complete “unfinished business” and return to a full state of “aliveness”.

NEW PATIENT

Whether your grief or loss is from: • Death • Loss of health • Loss of a career • Empty Nester • Loss of Trust • Divorce

EXAM AND X-RAY

www.GriefRecoveryMethodWorkshops.com Questions? Grief Recovery Method Specialist & Leaders Shirley Lafferty (480) 273-3343 or Erika Russell-Cline (602) 549-9704

$100 OFF DENTURES

Led by Pam Ostrowski Author of It’s Not That Simple: Helping Families Navigate the Alzheimer’s Journey

Dementia Q & A Group Part support, part Insight

With coupon. Expires 8/31/22.

All Real

Meet the Sandstrom Team!

New topics each meeting!

Open to family members New Time! 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the Month 5:30 pm- 6:30 pm

WE OFFER • WALK-INS WELCOME • BRIDGES • ROOT CANALS • CROWNS

No matter what stage your loved one is in you have questions and concerns. Join us for a real conversation about cognitive decline, Dementia, Alzheimer’s and Memory Loss.

Call Today

for our Cleaning

Contact Lori Marsh (480) 660-3124 Lori@thesummitaz.com

Special

Memory Care

With coupon. Expires 8/31/22.

• DENTURES • FULL SERVICE DENTURE LAB Dental Insurance Accepted

Implant Services

$0 Interest Financing Available

7448 E. Main Street, Mesa • Sun Valley Plaza

2415 S. Signal Butte Rd, Mesa AZ 85209 www.thesummitaz.com (480) 907-5588

Assisted Living

Same Day Denture Repair

Independent Living

1 Mile E. of Power Rd. NW Corner of Sossaman & Main

For some, committing to four years in the classroom just isn’t an option. That’s why Mesa Community College offers a number of flexible, short-term career programs designed to land you a good job with a good paycheck to match.

Talk to an advisor today about fall enrollment at mesacc.edu/ask-advisor.

Red Mountain campus located in East Mesa

Easy university transfer pathways

Mesa College Promise program

In person, online and hybrid small class formats

Short-term industry career certifications

Remote student services available

Undergraduate research

Assistance with paying for college

¾ ¾

Red Mountain Campus ¾ 7110 East McKellips Road, Mesa, AZ 85207 ¾

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

480-654-7200 ¾ mesacc.edu

••

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

ELECTIONS from page 1

Duff, who won her first term in a run-off in November 2018 after placing second in the primary election, also said, she wanted to continue to work with City Council and keep "investing in our public safety personnel, our downtown revitalization, help small businesses thrive, protect our water supply, bring more affordable housing options to Mesa and ensure we are welcoming to all." Guzman Glover did not return a call from the Tribune but posted on her Facebook page: "Thank you SO much to everyone who supported me in this election. Running against an incumbent is always an uphill battle, but we held strong and are going to a run off!! Thank you to Nathaniel Ross For Mesa for stepping into the arena to run and for running a positive and issue based campaign. "I am incredibly honored by the faith that you all have in me to be your voice on Council, and I look forward to working tirelessly to address the issues that are top of mind for District 4 residents: quality of life for our families, public safety, and small business. Onward to November!" One of the three Council races had no Tuesday night drama because Alicia Goforth was uncontested for northeast Mesa’s District 5 seat being vacated by termed-out Councilman David Luna. “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve the residents of District 5 and I can’t wait to get started working for them and the rest of Mesa,” she said. In a statement to the Tribune, Trendler wrote: “While this election did not turn out as I had hoped, I am proud of the authentic, grassroots campaign we ran. “From gathering signatures at grocery stores to door knocking to standing at the polls and everything in between, I am

SCHOOL from page 6

for manicures and pedicures, students will take 300 hours of course work, then be allowed onto the “floor” to work in a salon that will be open to the public so students can accrue the 1,500 hours the state requires for certification. This would seem to be a particularly good school for students with special educational needs, according to Exceptional Student Services teachers. “Generally speaking, they are the most disadvan-

JENN DUFF

TRICIA GUZMAN GLOVER

SCOTT SOMERS

grateful for the residents of District 6 who shared their perspectives with me. “I learned so much from each of you. As a small business and community leader I will continue working to bring people together to solve problems and make our City a better place for all. Congratulations to Scott Somers on your win and I look forward to seeing what you accomplish for our district.” Somers took to social media to thank his supporters and commend his opponent for running a good race. “I am excited to get back to work to continue to build a stronger city,” he wrote. Somers campaigned on a promise to follow through on a vision of southeast Mesa as a major employment center with master-planned communities offering a high quality of life. Unofficial totals suggested that Trendler, a business owner, community volunteer and podcaster, had turned the race into a competitive contest despite her opponent's name recognition and political network.

Thanks in part to big donations from the Cardon family of real estate investors in the East Valley, Trendler had the resources to get her message out, focusing on easing Eastmark's growing pains like traffic and speeding, the arrival of commercial amenities and the need for responsible development. Meanwhile, several closely watched Republican primary races involving Mesa appeared to be resolved. Termed-out city Councilman Kevin Thompson led the three-way race for two GOP nominations for the Arizona Corporation Commission, leading the pack with 38%. On the other hand, Mesa Rep. Michelle Udall came in a distant third in a three-way contest for the Republican nomination of Superintendent of Public Schools, getting only 27% of the vote to victorious former state schools chief Tom Horne’s 42%. Among the races in Mesa legislative districts, two long-time lawmakers appeared to be out of jobs. House Speaker Rusty Bowers was clob-

bered by former state Sen. David Farnsworth for the GOP nomination for the LD 10 Senate seat, garnering 36% of the vote to Farnsworth’s 64%. Two weeks ago, the Arizona Republican Party censured Bowers and urged its members not to support him. Party leaders said the move had nothing to do with Bowers' testimony a month ago before the U.S. House special bipartisan committee investigation of the insurrection at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2001. Meanwhile, state Sen. Wendy Rogers appeared to beat state Sen. Kelly Townsend in the GOP state Senate primary race in the redrawn LD 7 with 59% to Townsend’s 40%, according to unofficial returns. Rogers was censured by the Arizona Senate in May in a lopsided vote that included many fellow Republicans for comments she made on social media after she spoke at a conference organized by a white supremacist and called for her political rivals to be hanged. She also used anti-Semitic slurs in discussing the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

taged,” said ESS teacher Brittani Ivory. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to have something going into the world with something already under their belt. Statistically speaking, they are the ones who are technically destined to be the ones who do the worst or be forgotten. Most at risk,” Ivory said.” A lot of what is happening at this ALA campus, Guttery said, is being promoted by Charter One as a way to change the narrative that attending a vocational tech school has historically implied.

“A lot of vo-tech schools are considered last chance schools or a school where you go if you just can’t make it in college. We wanted to blow that up,” Guttery said. “That’s not what we are. “We are a highly professional school that allows students to do what they really want to do. It serves the community because the community needs trades, bad. There is no expense to it. There is no debt. That’s where you’re really going to start someone out on the right foot,” he said. The students seem excited to get a

head start. “It’s a great opportunity,” said 16-year old Dallin Wakefield, an incoming junior who plans to enter both the construction management and culinary programs. “This school really gives those who graduate a leg up and gives them and lets them into that field and actually work part-time or full-time and earn a salary,” he said. Added Klomp” “We are changing the paradigm that used to say college or career to a college and career ready. Our kids will be walking out, ready to go.” 

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

Quality Healthcare Begins with Us! Begins Quality Healthcare PHOENICIAN MEDICAL CENTER with Us!

PHOENICIAN MEDICAL CENTER Rapid molecular COVID WALK INS tests and ﬂu tests with WALK INS WELCOME results within 20 min WELCOME FREE FREE VITALS VITALS CHECK CHECK

• Primary Care • Preventive Care • Chronic Care Mgmt • Regular Check Up

• Wellness Screening • Diabetic Management • Physical Examinations • Vaccinations/Immunizations

• Hospital Follow Ups • Flu Shots for Elderly • Urgent Care Visits

Mark Kent, FNP • Cesar M Rodarte, DO (spanish speaking) • Mehdy Zazandy, MD Tyler Gracia, PA • Kathyayini Konuru, MD • Ann Reiff, NP • Lisa Khalil, NP-C

Same day new patient appt available

480-963-1853 www.pmchealth.care

Arizona’s Largest Golf Cart Repair Center NEW PRE-OWNED REBUILT

10720 E Southern Ave, Suite 116, Mesa AZ 85209 and 606 N. Country Club Dr, Suite #1, Mesa, AZ 85201 5520 E Main St, Suite 4, Mesa, AZ 85205

Join the Mesa Public Schools family!

OAC

Perks include: • Competitive pay • Excellent health, dental and vision benefits for full-time employees • Arizona State Retirement System matched contributions • Flexible hours • Holidays off Make a positive difference in the lives of children in your community.

Apply today at mpsaz.org/careers or call 480-472-7200 mpsaz.org |

@mpsaz

WE SERVICE WHAT WE SELL

480.895.2000

••

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

Chandler theater’s film series addresses youth crisis TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

handler childhood and education advocate Katey McPherson is returning to Majestic Neighborhood Cinema Grill to host a series of film screenings and interactive panel discussions focused on trending parenting and family issues. The film series is part of the Helping Chandler Families Thrive program and is presented jointly by Majestic and Chandler Education Foundation. McPherson, a parent and educator, draws from her 25 years of experience working with students and families to bring valuable insight and guidance to community members of all ages navigating the complexities of today’s social environment. “To support the needs of families in our community, it’s critical to promote positive and candid discussions and share real stories and experiences,” said McPherson, who also serves as director of professional development for Bark for Schools, an artificial intelligence app that protects more than five million children nationwide. “It’s gratifying to partner with organizations like Majestic and Chandler Education Foundation who share my passion for investing time, energy and resources to benefit Chandler families.” The first installment of Helping Chandler Families Thrive will feature a screening of the documentary “Childhood 2.0” Aug. 24 at Majestic Chandler 9. The film highlights the challenges resulting from growing up in the digital age, with particular emphasis on topics like cyberbullying, online predators, sui-

The impact of digital devices on kids' physical, mental and spiritual health is a key subject in "childhood 2.0." (Special to the Tribune) cidal ideation, and more. After the film, McPherson will lead an expert panel in an interactive discussion with event attendees. A portion of proceeds from the August event will benefit notMYkid, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides training and support programs focused on substance abuse, vaping, trauma, body image, mental health, internet safety, and other key issues. “Majestic is proud to debut Helping Chandler Families Thrive this month with highly respected partners like Katey McPherson and Chandler Education Foundation,” said Craig Paschich, CEO,

Become a Published Author with Dorrance. We want to read your book!

Our staff is made up of writers, just like you. We are dedicated to making publishing dreams come true. Trusted by authors for nearly 100 years, Dorrance has made countless authors’ dreams come true.

Complete Book Publishing Services FIVE EASY STEPS TO PUBLICATION: 1. Consultation

4. Distribution

2. Book Production

5. Merchandising and Fulfillment

3. Promotion

Call now to receive your FREE Author’s Guide

855-977-5138

or www.dorranceinfo.com/lovin

Majestic Neighborhood Cinema Grill. “ We are proud to utilize our theaters in unique ways to make a lasting and positive impact on area families.” On Sept. 21, Majestic Chandler 9 will screen “My Ascension,” an autobiographical documentary about Emma Benoit, who survived a suicide attempt at age 16 which left her paralyzed. The film chronicles Benoit’s journey to inspire others to find hope through her painful experiences, as well as her efforts to bring a teen suicide prevention program to her home state of Louisiana. Benoit will attend the film event virtually and participate via Zoom in the postfilm panel discussion with McPherson and other local experts. On Oct. 26 at Majestic Chandler 9. McPherson will host “The First Day,” a movie filmed at public and private high schools over the course of a year that “leverages the power of personal storytell-

ing to explore the issues, relationships and events that deeply affect our youth.” After the screening, experts in family advocacy and education will join McPherson for dialogue about the film and its themes. “Chandler Education Foundation is proud to work with Katey McPherson and Majestic Neighborhood Cinema Grill to bring leading-edge family and educational programming to Chandler,” said Jennifer Hewitt, the nonprofit’s executive director. “To truly strengthen our community, we must collaborate and find innovative ways to reach those in need, and this film series supports those objectives.” Tickets to the upcoming Helping Chandler Families Thrive film events are limited and on sale now at MajesticPHX. com. Majestic Chandler 9 is located at 4955 S. Arizona Ave in Chandler, on the northeast corner of Arizona Avenue and Chandler Heights Road. 

GOT NEWS?

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

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

NEWS

PENSIONS from page 1

But that combined debt pales in comparison to the staggering $3.4 billion the City of Phoenix owes – which accounts for nearly half the $8.84 billion of the unfunded liability in the retirement system that existed at the close of the 2021-22 fiscal year on June 30. For the entire system, including county and state corrections officers’ retirement plans and the plan for judges and elected officials, that number was $10.9 billion. Still, the state Legislature – together with county, municipalities and fire districts – eliminated $2.85 billion of unfunded pension debt last fiscal year. “I think it’s great,” said PSPRS Administrator Mike Townsend, who has been in the job since November 2019. “This system has been underfunded for so long and those lingering unfunded liabilities just ended up costing taxpayers more and more money over time,” he said, calling the government employers’ additional pay-downs “a huge move.” “I think also it speaks well to the staff that we’ve put in place and the changes we’ve made,” he added, referring to both his agency’s investment

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

strategies and other internal moves as well as the vibrancy of Wall Street prior to its current woes. Although the final results of PSPRS’ investments for the 2021-22 fiscal year won’t be known for a few months, its success in the 2020-21 fiscal year drew kudos in the Pensions & Investments annual 1,000 Largest Retirement Plans report. It said the combined PSPRS plan pension trust and defined contribution plan assets under Townsend’s management grew 44 percent to $16.1 billion in 2020-21, exceeding the percentage growth of all public pensions in the top 200 of the largest 1,000 U.S. retirement plans surveyed. Townsend said his agency’s success was more than just a matter of hiring new auditors, new actuaries, changing “a lot of the actuarial assumptions and the processes of how we’re managing the money.” It also was a matter of convincing the municipalities and other government em-

ployers about the efficacy of those changes and showing them options for whittling down their pension debt. “When you think about the decision makers, you’re talking about elected boards and councils around the state,” Townsend said. “They’re not pension people, obviously, and a lot of them are really not financial people. They need to get to a place where they can understand and understand what we’re doing.” The agency’s moves increased the government employers’ trust in the system, which had been battered more than a decade ago by the Great Recession of 2007-08. The Legislature last fiscal year applied $1.15 billion to the state public safety and corrections officers’ pension debts. Maricopa County over the last two years has put an extra $10 million into its jail officers’ pension plan, which is only 56.7% funded with an unfunded liability of $283.7 million, PSPRS records show.

This taxpayer burden must be balanced with being fiscally responsible and committed in providing pensions to retirees.

Tempe led all cities in Arizona with its additional police and fire pension debt contributions – $341 million last year alone. Even so, both its police and its firefighter pension plans are only about 45% funded with a total unfunded liability of $341 million. Over the last two years, Scottsdale put down $41.1 million to reduce its unfunded liability to $191.1 million for its retired police and firefighters. Chandler did the same, shelling out an additional $37 million on a debt that now stands at $154.3. “Clearing this much unfunded pension debt off the books in a single year takes an incredible amount of resolve and initiative among employers throughout the state,” said Townsend. “It also takes faith in our commitment to protect members’ retirement benefits and to help employers and taxpayers save money.” The $2.85 billion in additional government employer contributions last fiscal year surpassed the $1.58 billion in additional payments made in 2020-21 and dwarfed the $120 million in extra payments made in 2019-20. The effort by local governments to pay

see PENSIONS page 14

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

MANUFACTURED EXCLUSIVELY FOR ARIZONA IN ARIZONA!

ARIZONA’S TRUSTED WINDOW & DOOR COMPANY

WINDOW SPECIAL

NOW OFFERING

VIRTUAL ESTIMATES Please send: • Exterior picture of your home • Exterior pictures of your window or doors • Width & Height of each window needed

$3,250 Installed

EMAIL TO: quotes@energyshieldwd.com

Max Size 30 Sq. Ft. per Window

• • • • •

PREMIUM WINDOWS REVOLUTIONARY GLASS MAXIMUM HEAT REFLECTION EXTREME DUST CONTROL HIGHEST POSSIBLE QUALITY

0% INTEREST OAC • ROC#310824

FACTORY DIRECT INSTALLERS LICENSED GENERAL CONTRACTOR

AFFORDABLE MULTI SLIDE DOOR SYSTEMS

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATE

602-562-4495

SUB-

CONTRACTORS

Thermal Broken Frame, Low E Glass, Argon Gas. Custom Sizes Available

EnergyShieldWindowsAndDoors.com Se Habla Espanol

Factory Showroom Open

MON - FRI 9AM - 5PM 330 S. 75th Ave • Phoenix • 602-562-4495 OPEN MON. - FRI. 7AM - 5PM, CLOSED SAT-SUN

ROC# 310824

NEWS

PENSIONS from page 12

down their unfunded pension liabilities isn’t just a matter of kindness for the men and women who spent years putting their lives on the line day in and day out. It’s a legal obligation with genuine operational consequences that impact municipal spending decisions and capabilities for everything from supplies and infrastructure to payrolls. Former Phoenix City Manager Ed Zuercher outlined those consequences for his City Council in June 2021. At the time, he sought permission to borrow $1 billion at a fixed-interest rate to pay down part of the city’s total $5.4 billion pension debt – which includes other plans besides the $3.4 billion PSPRS debt. “This taxpayer burden must be balanced

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

with being fiscally responsible and committed in providing pensions to retirees,” Zuercher told Council in a memo. He said the pension fund liabilities and costs already had “placed significant budgetary constraints on the City’s ability to provide employee wage and non-pension benefit increases, public services and infrastructure maintenance.” And he noted that “while currently manageable, this pressure will continue into the foreseeable future. “Further, credit rating agencies and lenders place strong consideration on the funding plan and funding levels of the City’s pension systems when determining their view of the overall financial health of the City,” Zuercher said. Though several Phoenix Council members, including Mayor Kate Gallego, voiced

support for Zeurcher’s proposal, it never came up for a vote. Now Phoenix – and all the other entities with unfunded liabilities – face the likelihood of even higher interest rates on their pension debt. But Townsend said his agency is working to help governments pay down their pension debt in a somewhat less burdensome manner, noting it will take years to eliminate that debt and voicing optimism that cities at some point in the future will have another opportunity to secure fixedinterest loans that will make it easier to pay off their PSPRS obligations. He said PSPRS is recalculating their contribution rates “to get their payments down to something similar to debt financing where they’re on more of a level dollar amortization for those unfunded

liabilities.” “They’re on a big way down,” he said. “They’re going to pay it down one way or the other and so we’re changing the system to help account for that. If they want to put additional cash up front, pay it down faster, it just makes it better for them.” “We’re kind of shifting the slope of the line because the contributions were planned to increase pretty significantly 10 to 15 years out into the future,” he continued. “By making these changes, we’re kind of shifting some of that cost to the short term. “So they’ll see some increased contribution rates over the next five years” but then it “will get it to where it’s more of a stable line going forward without the huge cost out in the future.” 

East Valley pension debt •

•

Here’s a look at five East Valley municipalities’ current PSPRS pension debt, according to the agency’s data, and what the total in additional payments they made toward reducing their unfunded liability over the last two fiscal years. Phoenix is included for comparison.

Chandler Fire:

73.7% of its pension plan is funded, leaving a debt of $1.5 million. The city’s additional payments have totaled $12.5 million. Currently thereare82 retirees with an average annual pension of $69,024.

Chandler Police:

68.3 of its plan is funded, leaving a debt of $102.8 million. Additional payments totaled $24.5 million. There are currently 201 retirees with an average annual pension of $60,766.

Gilbert Fire:

90% of its plan is funded, leaving a debt of $12.6 million. Additional payments totaled $2 million. There are 30 retirees with an average annual pension of $60,772.

Gilbert Police:

91.7% of its plan is funded, leaving a debt of $14.4 million. Additional payments totaled $13 million. There are 92 current retirees collecting an average annual $58,573.

t o G s? New

•

Mesa Fire:

•

Scottsdale Fire:

•

Mesa Police:

•

Scottsdale Police:

•

Phoenix Fire:

•

Tempe Fire:

•

Phoenix Police:

•

Tempe Police:

50.2% of its plan is funded, leaving a debt of $235.9 million. Additional payments totaled $7.6 million. There are 289 retirees collecting an average annual $67,443.

47.9% of its plan is funded, leaving a debt of $422.7 million. Additional payments totaled $15.9 million. There are 660 retirees collecting an average annual $57,874. 43.4% of its plan is funded, leaving a debt of $1.2 billion. Additional payments totaled $21.2 million. There are 1,223 retires collecting an average $74,158 a year. 41.4% of its plan is funded, leaving a debt of $2.2 billion. Additional payments totaled $44.5 million. There are 2,699 retirees collecting an average $69,371 a year.

84.5% of its plan is funded, leaving a debt of $23.3 million. Additional payments totaled $5.3 million. There are 46 retirees collecting an average annual $53,879. 55.1% of its plan is funded, leaving a $167.8 million unfunded liability. Additional payments totaled $35.8 million 44% of its plan is funded, leaving a debt of $121.9 million. Additional payments totaled $123 million. There are 150 retirees collecting an average $69,792 a year. 45% of its plan is funded, leaving a debt of $215.7 million. Additional payments totaled $218 million. There are 290 retirees collecting an average annual $59,787.

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

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

SAME-DAY AIR CONDITIONING & PLUMBING SERVICE

Call us for quick, honest, reliable service 7 days a week!

Air Conditioning Tune Up & Safety Inspection Limited time offer. Restrictions may apply. Call for details. Expires 8/31/22

FREE Air Conditioning Service Call

With Purchase of part/repair. Limited time offer. Restrictions may apply. Call for details. Expires 8/31/22

480.345.COOL (2665)

3065 N. Norfolk Ave., Mesa, AZ 85215

Water Heater Flush

LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED

Limited time offer. Restrictions may apply. Call for details. Expires 8/31/22

westernstateshomeservices.com A+

SENIOR & VETERAN DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE! AZROC #253810 / #321722

NO Weekend Charges NO Overtime Charges

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

City’s No. 2 steps down to take Amazon job BY SCOTT SHUMAKER Tribune Staff Writer

mazon has recruited the city of Mesa’s No. 2 official, Assistant Manager John Pombier, to serve as senior manager for community affairs in the Phoenix area. After 19 years with the city, Pombier served his last day on the seventh floor of Mesa City Plaza on July 21. The city promoted Deputy City Manager Scott Butler to take over as assistant manager and will conduct a hiring process for Butler’s old job. Pombier oversaw several city departments, including police and fire, where he developed good working relationships with Mesa’s public safety leaders. His legacy includes maintaining strong relationships with public safety leaders amid waves of national controversy surrounding policing, and launching innovative programs like the city’s initiative to deploy non-police mental health teams in response to select crisis calls. Mental health response teams operated by partner Solari Crisis and Human Services and co-located with Mesa police went live this summer. Through it all, Assistant Chief of Police Ed Wessing said, Pombier asked tough questions while maintaining the trust of public safety leadership. “I always knew where I stood with Mr. Pombier,” Wessing said. “We always knew what his expectations were. In our world, that’s all we ever ask.” Police and fire officials said this month that Pombier’s direct and hands-on approach would be missed. “Whether it was dealing with a major sensitive incident or all the way down to a minor incident, I could ask John and get a direct answer, or he would go find the answer and get back to me, which, in my position, I can’t tell you the value in that.” Fire Captain and Mesa firefighters union president Scott Figgins said that Pombier “made himself available and always welcomed questions and concerns. … He was always willing to work with us on what-

John Pombier got a royal sendoff, including warm words from Mesa Chief Ken Cost. (Special to the Tribune)

ever issue we may have had.” One of the ways Pombier developed credibility with officials was his work ethic. He started his day at 3 a.m. in order to lift weights before arriving at work between 6 and 7 a.m. But Pombier said when he’s off work he likes to be off, valuing time with his kids and taking a break from work issues by diving into sci-fi and fantasy novels. Pombier could frequently be seen carrying a Diet Coke throughout the day, but he said he is naturally high-energy without caffeine. That seemed evident in city council study sessions, where Pombier usually sat to the side scanning the room, constantly interacting with other city staff in the audience, frequently cracking jokes. “I’ve always had high energy and I have a hard time sitting still,” Pombier said. “I walk around this building. I’m rarely found in my office, and it’s worked out very good for my job because that helps you connect with the people you work with – as opposed to our cell phones and our computer screens. I like that personal interaction.” Wessing said Pombier was good at making connections and remembering people.

He recalled how Pombier often showed up to police awards ceremonies and surprised officers with how much he knew about them. The personal touch paid dividends for the city-police relationship. “It’s rare for a police department in a city our size to enjoy the positive working relationship that we have with the city manager and assistant city manager,” Wessing continued, “and a lot of that’s primarily due to John.” As Pombier prepared to step away from city management, he said he was proud that the “connection between our police department and our community is incredibly strong.” “The way the community supports our police and fire means that we’ve been doing something right,” Pombier said. Pombier also managed Mesa’s Human Resources, Fleet Services, Environmental Management and Sustainability, and Innovation and Technology departments. Hundreds of employees across the city departments came out to send Pombier off during his retirement ceremony. Pombier said he may be most proud that the City of Mesa is “a great place to work.” “I think creating an organization where

frontline employees feel like they’re listened to and they have a voice in what the city does has been my greatest accomplishment,” he said. Pombier’s move to Amazon is not the first time he has been recruited for a job that will take him in a new direction. He started working for the city of Mesa in 2003 as the city prosecutor. While in that role, the office won several state awards, and his performance caught the attention of the city manager. After seven years in the prosecutor’s seat, he joined the executive team as assistant city manager, doing that job for the next 12 years. Pombier said he’s been interested in taking on a new challenge in the last phase of his career, and he’s been runner up for two city manager jobs, for Glendale in 2015 and Savannah, Georgia in 2020. “I’ve literally been the maid of honor twice,” Pombier laughed. Pombier said the Amazon opportunity “came out of nowhere.” “Somebody called and said, ‘Hey, I think you’d be good at this.’” Pombier said. “So I took a look and went through their process, and as I went through the process to kind of figure out what they were looking for, it just seemed like a really fun opportunity for me.” Plus, Pombier said, “I wanted to be Barry Sanders. I wanted to leave (the city) when people didn’t expect it as opposed to ‘gosh, I want this person to go.’” While he is stepping away, Mesa Director of Communications Ana Pereira said city officials expect to continue seeing him around town. For his Amazon job, Pombier can live anywhere in the Phoenix metro area, but he and his family plan to stay in Mesa. “City of Mesa is, I think 35th, 36th largest city in the country, rapidly catching Tucson to be the second largest in the state, and yet it has a hometown feel,” Pombier said. “And there is a sense of camaraderie within the city that you don’t see a lot of other places. And there’s a sense of diversity and inclusion, that from the outside looking in most people don’t see.” 

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

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

BEST OF THE BEST

FREE 25 $

SERVICE CALL

OFF REPAIR

PLUMBING & HVAC SERVICES • $99 Sewer Camera Inspection • $99 A/C Tune-up incl: 1lb Freon • 10% OFF Tankless Water Heaters • 3 Ton Trane A/C Unit only $5,995 • FREE Slab Leak Detection w/Repair

Air Conditioning & Repair

Best Plumber

Over 1,000+ Five-Star Reviews

• $500 OFF any Whole House Repipe

Home Services

480-405-7099

ROC #223709 ROC #289252 | ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

••

• Interior Doors and-Trim SHOP LOCAL AND SAVE UP TO $1,500

••

• New Construction Windows Multi-slideWindows - Bi-folding Doors • • Replacement • Construction Replacement Windows • • New Windows Entry, French and Patio Doors • •

• • • •

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022 • Doors VELUX Skylights and Sun Tunnels Barn & Hardware •• Barn Doors &Trim Hardware Interior Doors and Security Doors & Retractable Screens ® • Interior Doors Skylights and and Sun Trim Tunnels VELUX • Barn Doors & Hardware ® Skylights and Sun Tunnels • VELUX Doors &and Retractable Screens • Security Barn Doors & Hardware • Interior Doors Trim • Security Doors Retractable • •Interior Doors and Trim VELUX® Skylights and&Sun Tunnels Screens ® Security Doors and & Retractable Skylights Sun TunnelsScreens • •VELUX

SHOP LOCALAND ANDSAVE SAVEUPUP $1,500 SHOP LOCAL TOTO - $1,500

• New -Construction Windows Multi-slide Bi-folding Doors • Replacement Windows • French Multi-slide -Patio Bi-folding Entry, and DoorsDoors • Construction Replacement Windows • New Windows • • Entry, French and Windows Patio New Construction • Multi-Slide & Bi-folding DoorsDoors • Entry, French and- Bi-folding Patio Doors • Multi-slide Doors •

Entry, French and Patio Doors

•

ROOF WINDOWS

Security Doors & Retractable Screens AND SKYLIGHTS ROOF WINDOWS AND SKYLIGHTS ROOF WINDOWS AND SKYLIGHTS ROOF WINDOWS AND SKYLIGHTS

SECURITY SCREEN SECURITY SECURITY SCREEN DOORS SECURITY SCREEN DOORS SCREEN DOORS DOORS

602.508.0800 | liwindow.com

| Phoenix, |9-2p.m. 4454 E. Thomas Rd. AZAZ 85018 Fri 8:30-4p.m. Sat ROC#179513 4454 Thomas Rd. Phoenix, 85018

Mon-Thurs 8:30-5p.m.

COMMUNITY

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

TheMesaTribune.com |

@EVTNow

/EVTNow

Two Pups Wellness Fund marks 5 years saving dogs BY ALEX GALLAGHER Tribune Staff Writer

ccording to Nancy Silver, the cofounder of the Two Pups Wellness Fund, it started with a sick dog and a promise five years ago. As Silver sat in the waiting room of a veterinary hospital, she was horrified by the number of pet owners she saw leaving the hospital feeling defeated because they could not afford to pay for the care their pets needed. “When my two dogs were sick, I would watch people go into the veterinary hospital and have to turn around because they didn’t have the money to help their dog,” Silver said. “I knew I had to do something about that.” After the passing of her second of two rescue dogs, Silver decided she has seen the same scene two too many times and she called upon a good friend and former neighbor of hers to kickstart the Two Pups Wellness Fund — Bip Haley, the former owner of the Naked Horse Gallery on Marshall. “Bip originally had an art gallery across

Entering its fifth year as a nonprofit, Two Pups Wellness Fund and co-founders Nancy Silver, left and Bip Haley have saved the lives of over 10,000 dogs by funding life-saving procedures and care through state-wide animal rescues. (Orlando Pelagio/ Contributing Photographer) the street and my two dogs — Lacie and Mr. P. — would come out and sit at the top of the stairs and wait for Bip to bring them treats every day,” Silver said. Upon the passing of Mr. P. in 2017, Silver decided to treat Haley to a dinner where

she gave her pitch of starting a wellness fund that would help fund animal shelters in providing care for their animals, fund surgeries and pay for pet’s medication. “We went to dinner and I saw her vision and work and I knew who needed help out

there,” Haley said. After toasting their glasses to a new venture, the two were quickly introduced to the needs that animal rescues across the state were facing. “Immediately when we started, we got a phone call that a dog was hit by a car and we were asked if we could help,” Haley said. “That was our first project and once word got out, it just started snowballing.” Haley said that when she and Silver started the Two Pups Wellness Fund, they anticipated funding two to three cases a month. But they but have since been funding anywhere between 10 and 20 dogs a month who had myriad needs. “It can go anywhere if this dog is sick – if it needs complete blood work and exam shots to where it needs long-term medication for valley fever or heartworms or if it needs surgery,” Haley said. “Then there are special projects like when shelters go down with a disease and they have to quarantine,” she added. “We’ll go in

Ahwatukee cacti expert to give online talk AFN NEWS STAFF

n Ahwatukee man who has studied, raised and rescued cacti in Arizona for most of his life will be the guest speaker at a free ZOOM discussion sponsored by the Desert Rivers Audubon Society at 7 p.m. next Tuesday, Aug. 9. People can sign up for the Zoom presentation by Cliff Fielding at desertriversaudubon.org, Wildlife that live in the Sonoran Desert are increasingly challenged to survive and thrive. Fielding will discuss: the effects on of the extended drought in Arizona; how the desert has recovered from the Bush fire of two years ago; a large volunteer group based in

Tucson that saves cacti from developers; and a unique plant that grows on South Mountain. Society spokeswoman Elizabeth Farquhar of Ahwatukee said, “Fielding became fascinated with cacti when he was a teenager. Today his home is a showcase of cacti from the Southwest and around the world. Part of his backyard is a nursery for plants he is raising from seed.” Desert Rivers is the local Audubon chapter in the East Valley and hosts expert speakers on the second Tuesday of every month. During the summer, its programs are only on Zoom but the group plans to resume in-person sessions in September that also will be avail-

able online. The mission of Desert Rivers Audubon Society is to educate and inspire our community to protect and preserve birds, wildlife and their habitats. From fall to spring the chapter sponsors monthly owl walks at the Arizona State University Polytechnic Campus in east Mesa, as well as family birdwalks in Gilbert’s Riparian Preserve and Chandler’s Veterans Oasis Park.  Cliff Fielding of Ahwatukee will share his extensive knowledge of Arizona cacti during a Zoon presentation next Tuesday. (Special to the Tribune)

see PUPS page 20

COMMUNITY

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

Carpet • Tile • Grout • Upholstery • Air Duct Cleaning • Commercial & Residential Cleaning

BUSY LIFE?

Call Today! Clean Today! Prices Include: Truck Mounted Units • Pretreat Vacuum • Optical Brightener • General Soil Removal Also Available: Carpet Stretching • Carpet Repair

ANY 3 ROOMS

Men tion ew Wes t Valley Vi e iv us cl Ex an r fo Of fer!

5900

Reg. $129.00

Up to 450 sq. ft. total

ANY 5 ROOMS

8900

Reg. $169.99

Up to 750 sq. ft. total

We only have one care. It’s Your Satisfaction. VALLEYWIDE SERVICE • 602-550-7732 PNPOneCareCleaning.com • pnponecarecleaningtoday@protonmail.com

New school opens in Mesa for little kids TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

new school called Nature’s Path Montessori has opened in Mesa and is enrolling preschool pre-k and kindergarten children. Set on a half-acre at 1704 N Center St., the school includes a small menagerie with pigs, chickens, guinea pigs and a tortoise “Our Children’s House program (ages 3-6) makes the most of the tremendous learning that occurs in the early childhood years by offering an environment that calls to the natural curiosity and intellect of this- aged child,” a spokesman

PUPS from page 19

there with the funds to treat those dogs.” Their reach over the past half-decade has spread far outside of the Valley as the fund has cut checks to 55 shelters and rescues state-wide. One shelter that found the Two Pups Wellness Fund to be a lifeline is the Glendale-based animal rescue, Stealing Hearts Rescue. “There are all kinds of grants that are open for shelters all over the place but trying to get them is worse than pulling

said in a release. It said the school aims “to be an oasis, a fertile spot in the desert where children and families can find a place to nourish their souls and bloom strong” and “provide the foundation for a purposeful life." Dr. Maria Montessori found that children’s development is supported by participating in a three-to-four-year program that helps kids reach goals in the same classroom of mixed agegroups, but at their own pace. Information: naturespathmontessori.com, info@naturespathmontessori.com or 480-245-4256.  teeth,” said Stealing Hearts Rescue founder and director Toni Cerepanya. “Fortunately, with the Two Pups Wellness Fund it’s an easy form that says what you need and why and that’s it. Because of that, we can pay for medical procedures for dogs we would have had to euthanize.” As the Two Pups Wellness Fund enters its fifth year, the nonprofit is excited to announce it is bringing back its signature Booze and a Band event and Silver hopes to eventually take the nonprofit national. “All I want to do is save dogs, that’s all I want to do,” Silver said. 

Two Pups Wellness Fund co-founders Nancy Silver, left, and Bip Haley fund 55 rescues and shelters state-wide and have saved the lives of over 10,000 over the past five years.

(Orlando Pelagio/ Contributing Photographer)

Two Pups Wellness Fund accepts checks and grant funding. To contribute or find out additional information, visit twopups.org

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

You shouldn’t have to choose between filling your gas tank up and feeding your family.” — Vanessa, Greensboro, NC

Join the movement to make life more affordable at: TheTrueCostofWashington.com

Paid for by Americans for Prosperity

••

BUSINESS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

SEND YOUR BUSINESS NEWS TO PMARYNIAK@ TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM TheMesaTribune.com

@EVTNow

/EVTNow

Mesa taco shop weathers economic challenges BY MARK MORAN Tribune Staff Writer

n the best of times, Pedro Contreras sells about 1,000 meat tacos a week at Pedrito’s Mexican Food, his small taco shop on the corner of Country Club Drive and Main Street in Mesa. “Whatever meat you are thinking, I’ve got it here,” he brags. “Lingua, cabeza, and pollo, pastor and chorizo are among the most popular. But forget the Mexican staple, tripes, at your culinary peril.” But these are not the best of times. “It’s terrible,” Contreras, 48, said. “People are working full-time but it’s hard to fill up the gas two times a week. It’s expensive. Not only me. Everyone feels the prices.” Like everyone else, Contreras is feeling the inflationary pinch on goods and services. “It’s a family business, so the family is working more,” he said. Gas and grocery prices, as well as other economic demands on his customers’ wallets have driven business down, and he is selling about half that much meat now. “I’ve still got a lot of meats so it’s still a lot of prep,” he said. His meat comes from various local sources, and because it has to be trucked in, his suppliers’ higher gas prices mean that he pays more to get his meat delivered. He has had to raise his prices to keep up with the cost of doing business. “I changed the prices because I need it,” he said. “I need to pay my rent and buy more food. I’ve still got a lot of good customers who come every day. Not like before, though. It’s hard.” Things were just starting to pick up post pandemic when this recent spike in the cost of living came tumbling down. Pedro Contreras came to the United States from Mexico City in 1992. He has worked at various restaurants, washing dishes, mopping floors, working in the prep kitchen, whatever needed to be

Pedro and Rosa Contreras own Pedrito’s Mexican Food near downtown Mesa. (Mark Moran/Tribune Staff) done. But he was always watching. Finally, in 2014, after picking up tips of the cooking trade here and there along the way, he opened Pedrito’s in 2014. Contreras is no stranger to hard times. Business has been a series of setbacks, one after another, it would seem. He, like other business owners, was forced to deal with COVID and all the restrictions that came with it. Pedrito’s dining area was closed to the public. The staff inside, all family members, wore masks while they prepped food, took orders over the phone, cooked and boxed up to-go orders.

The business shifted entirely to the drive-thru, which Contreras credits for surviving the pandemic. “I stayed open because of my drivethru,” Contreras said. “People came and picked it up and boom. They’re gone. I was busy at the window.” Rosa, his wife, added, “the entire family worked hard. The littlest one was even in the back, peeling shrimp. They loved it!” The business couldn’t afford any employees at the time, so it became a family affair. While a natural disaster in the form of a global pandemic would seem hard to top,

the biggest hurdle that Contreras has had to clear was a manmade infrastructure improvement project in the way of the Valley Metro light rail project. That crippled Pedrito’s almost beyond saving. “Access to my business was really blocked and closed off. It was all closed down around here. My drive-thru was completely closed,” he said. While the light rail was a huge economic development project for the City of Mesa, it put his family under terrible economic distress. His wife Rosa was by his side for that and the other trials that Pedrito’s has faced. “It’s hard,” she said, “because we’ve got a lot of kids. I have had to help him take care of the business, take care of the family, take care of the house. So that part has been hard. But now, the kids are growing up and help us. So, it has been hard, but good.” Despite the inflationary pressures that Pedrito’s is currently facing, Contreras sees a glimmer of hope on the horizon. “It’s starting to pick up a little,” he said. “People are starting to show up again and gas prices are going down a little.” They have two employees now so the entire family doesn’t have to be working in the restaurant non-stop. The family is still there, though, Pedro and Rosa, their kids, grandkids and other relatives. Together, they create a bustling sense that the place is busy even when there aren’t many paying customers inside. There is a warm, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, with the family’s lives carrying on right out in the open, blurring the lines between the business and the family. The grandkids eating ice cream, cousins and uncles reminiscing and reflecting on their day and Pedro always in and out of the kitchen to keep an eye on his

see PEDRITO’S page 23

BUSINESS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

PEDRITO’S from page 22

money-maker. Despite the series of struggles, there has never been a time when Pedro Contreras believed he wouldn’t make it. “I came with a vision and a dream to have a better life for my family. I have always had faith that I would be able to do it. “If you build yourself something in this life, you will be able to do it if you try hard enough. You need to eat, you know?” he said.  Pedro Contreras opened his taco shop in 2014 after saving hard-earned tips as a waiter for more than 10 years. (Mark Moran/Tribune Staff)

Pedrito’s

311 W. Main St., Mesa; order food at pedritosmexicanfood.com, 480-255-4301.

BE DEBT FREE IN 24–48 MONTHS! If you owe more than $10,000 incredit card or other debt, see how National Debt Relief can resolve your debt for a fraction of what you owe. Call today:

1-866-696-2697

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church 612 S. Ellsworth Rd. Mesa, AZ 85208

480.984.5555 oslcaz.org

Live, On-Site Worship Saturdays @ 4 pm Sundays @ 8:30 am & 10:00 am Sunday School at 10:00 am

https://oslcaz.org/worship/ Facebook Live:

ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®

https://www.facebook.com/oursaviors.oslclive_video.

1.888.700.9845

••

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

come experience the

essentials collection

The Essentials Collection by Copenhagen, a dynamic compilation of ever changing merchandise from current and new manufacturers around the world. Quality products of good design and exceptionally strong value offered every single day. No waiting for any special promotions! In fact, Essentials are so aggressively priced that these items are excluded from any other Copenhagen or manufacturer sponsored promotion. These specially priced items are only available in select finishes and quantities may be limited, so hurry in for best selection. Essentials... great design, excellent quality and exceptional value.

in-stock essentials are ready for deliver y!

With the unprecedented demand for quality home furnishings, we’ve all experienced supply chain issues of late. Yet Copenhagen has been building inventory of our Essentials Collection, assuring you of a great selection ready for delivery, here and now. Below, you’ll find examples from our Living Essentials, all of which are currently in stock and ready for delivery.

The Sigma chair is elegant, contemporary and perfect for any stylish interior. Available in leather in your choice of white, light grey, anthracite or brown.

The Tanya sectional by Incanto Italy is quality through and through. Luxurious top-grain leather everywhere and adjustable shoulder supports make this sectional exceptionally comfortable. Available in either grey or taupe and left or right configuration. $5180 $

3995

$1399 $

Our Tri bedroom. A truly unique statement of clean design. Beautifully angled grain in grey veneers, adds a touch of class, while black accents make for a modern and timeless look.

Night Stand $ Reg. $699 Queen bed $ Reg. $1415

549 1089

1075

Our Everett occasional table in natural walnut is all about quality and style. Fine details include rounded edges on a top which floats over a very attractive base and features two practical storage drawers. 47” x 24” x 16” h. mattress sold separately

$795

High chest and double dresser also available.

599 since

contemporary furniture & accessories

great design excellent quality exceptional value

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

www.copenhagenliving.com

Please note: All products advertised are in stock at the time of this advertisement. Essentials items are at the lowest possible price and excluded from any other promotion. All items are subject to prior sale and quantities may be limited. Deliveries are made according to available time slots in your delivery area. Please see your nearest location for full details. Higher prices shown are for comparison purposes only and based upon what our market experience suggests an item should sell for. No sale may have occurred at these prices.

OPINION

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

Share Your Thoughts:

Send your letters on local issues to: pmaryniak@timespublications.com TheMesaTribune.com

@EVTNow

/EVTNow

Voting shame doesn’t involve ballot counting BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist

or years, we have heard a few thousand tales about election theft, conspiracies and fraud. “They,” we are told, handpick certain candidates to win, rigging the balloting to get their preferred outcome. This conspiracy leverages evil ballotcounting machines, or the pens used to bubble ballots, or “mules,” or ballot harvesting, or human hijinks. Whatever. I have heard it all, most of it going in one ear and out the other. Until now. Because now I want to tell you about the real election disgrace, the one that happened last Tuesday – Primary Day – when a handful of us helped determine the future of Arizona for all of us. You’ve heard about the Big Lie. Now comes the Big Truth. The American system of choosing who governs us is based not on getting you to

vote, but on getting you to stay home. And it’s working incredibly well. Let me explain. Arizona is a state of 7.3 million people, with 5.7 million residents age 18 or older. That’s our voting age population. However, as of Primary Day, only 4.2 million had actually registered to vote. The other 1.5 million Arizonans have decided to sit out this civic duty entirely, or have been disqualified for a felony conviction or some other factor. Then the Democrats and Republicans – I see little difference between the two – really got busy. In Arizona, 1.4 million voters have registered without choosing a party. For this cohort to vote in the primary, each voter had to jump through multiple hoops to choose a party ballot. That further winnowed election participants. So did the relentless advertising blitz that accompanied this primary. Campaign finance reports for the Arizona governor’s race alone show upwards of $40 million spent before July 15. It was a hideous noise fest, with vicious

allegations of unfitness, lying and lawbreaking. Any rational person consuming these ads could only conclude the primary races were being contested by criminals and morons. Voters acted accordingly. When the last ballot is counted – by county elections officials or some cabal or fraudsters -- about 1.4 million Arizonans will have chosen a candidate. The parties will natter on about “record primary turnout,” despite the turnout hovering around 30 percent of registered voters. Only about one in four Arizona adults will have voted. Count everybody including children and the voting rate sinks to about one in five residents. Lucky us, we’ll get to do it all again in November. This electoral system of ours is irrevocably broken, delivering us the least and the slightest, bitter partisans, conspiracy loons and the power-mad. My proof of this failure? The best way to judge how well systems

work is by how frequently they are adopted. Amazon Prime, launched in 2005, counts 163 million customers nationwide. About 95 percent of American adults go online. When in pursuit of information, about 90 percent choose Google, launched in 1998, as their go-to search engine. These systems work. Then there’s the election system, founded in 1776. It’s never been easier to vote. The ballot comes by mail, you bubble it in and mail it, postage-free. Or you drive a couple miles one or two Tuesdays a year, and wait in a line that’s typically shorter than the Safeway checkout. You even get a sticker for voting, so you feel like a hero for one day. Even so, three in four Arizona adults can’t be bothered. That’s the Big Truth underlying the 2022 primaries. The shame wasn’t how “they” counted who did show up. The shame was the lousy choices and millions of dollars that persuaded 75 percent of us not to bother showing up at all. 

Belated happy birthday, George! Tim Donnelly and The New York Post chose that day to chronicle “What ‘The Jetsons’ predicted right—and wrong— about the future.” Aside from cataloging the “hits” (videophones—think Skype and Zoom; flat screen televisions—no further explanation required; and robotic maids—not Rosey, but Roomba); the “misses” (still no machines to simultaneously comb your hair and brush your teeth, nor prepare fabulous meals with the touch of a button); and the “maybes” (personal jetpacks do exist, but not for consumers, and flying cars still remain “in development”), the article also notes that the series casts a very long shadow despite a very short run— only 24 episodes over a single season in its original iteration. So, it’s “Back to the Future” for an even earlier citation to explain the outsized in-

fluence of this cartoon series. No less a publication than Smithsonian Magazine put it this way: “The Jetsons’ stands as the single most important piece of 20th Century Futurism.” It proclaimed that a decade ago, when the show celebrated a half-century. Why? Entire books have been written on the subject. British author and professor Danny Graydon, wrote his book, “Cartoon Classics: ‘The Jetsons’” in 2011. In observing both his “American Cousins” and the tenor of their times from a safe transatlantic distance, he offered this analysis: “It coincided with this period in American history when there was renewed hope…there was something very attractive about the nuclear family with good honest values thriving well into the future.”

Through the eyes of a certain 4-year old, enthralled with the 1962 orbital flights of John Glenn and Scott Carpenter, the premiere of “The Jetsons” just reaffirmed the reality of the Space Age, but also kindled a form of initial introspection about the concept of age and aging—also known as “growing up.” For the grown ups raising that 4-year old and seeing their own nuclear family expand – even as a nuclear confrontation between the US and the USSR loomed later that fall – “The Jetsons” provided a form of escape and much needed laughter. There’s no doubting that the show’s creators, William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, saw “The Jetsons” as a variation on the successful theme they first developed with “The Flintstones.” After introducing America to the “mod-

‘Jetsons’ underscored more than the future BY JD HAYWORTH

omewhere between the promise of our national paternity embodied in George Washington and the perils of dystopian dictatorship described by George Orwell, we encounter the everyday “foibles of the future” through the animated experiences of George Jetson. While many of us got better acquainted with Washington through our studies of American History, and later encountered Orwell’s compelling fiction in literature class, Baby Boomers got to know George Jetson and family through television. “The Jetsons” premiered in 1962 and the cartoon classic will celebrate its 60th anniversary next month. As for the fictional father of that 21st century family, series canon proclaims his date of birth as July 31, 2022.

see HAYWORTH page 26

••

OPINION

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

HAYWORTH from page 25

ern stone age family,” it only made sense to mine for comedy gold from the other end of History’s timeline. As noted above, those efforts were initially met with limited ratings success. But to paraphrase Gen. Douglas MacArthur, “Old TV shows never die…they return in reruns.” And the influence of “The Jetsons” shows no signs of fading away. Etched into the memory of that 1962 4-year-old is the saga of Astro, the Jetsons’ dog. Six intervening decades have done nothing to diminish the youthful angst experienced when viewing the story of a billionaire who initially owned the canine

Share Your Thoughts: Send your letters on local issues to: pmaryniak@ timespublications.com

named “Tralfaz” lost him, only to have George and family find the dog and rename him…then the ensuing legal verdict from “Jury-Vac” to award the pet to the man with all that money. And even now, a feeling of relief returns when recalling the realization of the billionaire that Astro ought to remain with the family who took him in. But it isn’t the gleaming gadgetry of the future that accounts for the enduring influence of “The Jetsons.” It’s the relationships found within the family. Like Elroy and Astro…a boy and his dog. A king of old put it this way in his ancient, sacred text: “There is nothing new under the sun.” That’s the truth, by George. 

What Matters Most?

Give your family peace of mind with preplanned burial, cremation, or funeral arrangements. No one serves Mesa and Chandler with more compassion, experience, and value than Legacy. Call or visit us online today.

MENDOZA Cleaning & Sanitization General Cleaning, Laundry & More 1 time • weekly bi-weekly • monthly Ask about Windows & Sanitization Services

Call today to make an appointment.

FREE ESTIMATES

AZLegacyFuneralHome.com

480-259-0935

480-207-2286

Call Mireya Mendoza Now!

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

PLAN YOUR DREAM VACATION – FREE DATE CHANGES FROM

FROM

1,949

1,699

2,049

1,799 *

FREE ONBOARD CREDIT

CRIMSON CANYONS & MESAS NATIONAL PARKS TOUR

GRAND ALASKAN CRUISE & TOUR

10 days, departs April - September 2023

12 days, departs May - September 2023

Las Vegas • Grand Canyon • Bryce Canyon • Zion • Capitol Reef • Arches & Canyonlands • Grand Junction • Denver and more

Vancouver • Ketchikan • Juneau • Skagway • Glacier Bay • Anchorage • Denali National Park • Fairbanks • and more

— Prepare to be awed as you experience the stunningly red rocks of these 6 iconic southwestern national parks. Travel through deserts, forests, mountains, and to the very edge of the Grand Canyon on this breathtaking tour.

— Visit Denali National Park and Glacier Bay National Park on the same incredible trip! Cruise through the Gulf of Alaska and the Inside Passage as you discover the best of the Frontier State by land and by sea.

FROM

2,449

2,199

FROM

2,549

2,299 *

HISTORIC ROUTE 66

BEST OF HAWAII FOUR-ISLAND TOUR

14 days, departs April - October 2023

12 days, departs year-round

Chicago • St. Louis • Branson • Oklahoma City • Amarillo • Albuquerque • Flagstaff • Las Vegas • Los Angeles • Santa Monica — Miles of open road, quirky attractions, and windswept desert

Oahu • Hawaii Island • Kauai • Maui — Enjoy a fully guided 4-island

vistas—if you love the quintessential Americana of Route 66, this is the tour for you. Get your kicks traveling the length of the Mother Road. TM

promo code N7017

Hawaiian vacation with centrally located lodging in Waikiki on Oahu, and beachfront lodging on the “Big Island” of Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui. Guided throughout by our friendly Tour Directors—your local experts. Includes 3 inter-island flights.

CALL 1-855-646-0861

* Prices are per person based on double occupancy plus up to $299 in taxes & fees. Single supplement and seasonal surcharges may apply. Add-on airfare available. Free date changes 100 days before departure for all land tours and cruise tours. Deposits and final payments are non-refundable. Onboard Credit requires purchase of Ocean View or Balcony Cabin. Offers apply to new bookings only, made by 9/30/22. Other terms & conditions may apply. Ask your Travel Consultant for details.

••

SPORTS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

TheMesaTribune.com @EVTNow /EVTNow

Dobson football building strong foundation BY ZACH ALVIRA Tribune Sports Editor

ill Godsil takes pride in his Dobson High School football program. It was the job he wanted in 2019 and was ecstatic to get the opportunity to lead a program in the 6A Conference and with a rich history. The Mustangs won a state title in 1987, when some current Arizona high school football coaches were on the roster. Since then, however, the program has struggled to find its footing. Since that state championship season 35 years ago, Dobson has made the playoffs seven times. The last time the Mustangs finished the season with a winning record was in 2007. Last year’s 4-5 record was the most wins in a single season for Dobson since 2016, when former coach George De La Torre led the Mustangs to a 5-5 campaign. Godsil knew turning around the program wouldn’t happen overnight. But the work ethic from this year’s senior class is making him start to believe a new foundation with a winning culture will begin to be laid this season. “It goes back to my philosophy of brickby-brick, laying that foundation and making sure you have a good, strong foundation to build things up. That starts with the culture of the program,” Godsil said. “When we got here the culture was not right. The kids were in disarray because they had gone a few months without leadership. Coming in, that was the main focus.” Dobson was one of the first programs to head up north to its annual football camp this summer. The Mustangs went in early July, a time some programs take off in preparation for camp toward the middle and end of the month. Godsil said this year’s camp was an eyeopening experience for him as a coach getting to know his players and their goals. This year’s senior class is determined to begin changing the narrative of Dobson as a doormat in the East Valley. They want to win. They want to make

Dobson seniors Jordan Legg and Jashawn Kinney are two of the players leading the way in changing the narrative for the Mustang program. They no longer want to be seen as a doormat in the East Valley other teams can walk all over. They want to lay a new foundation centered around success. (Dave Minton/Tribune Staff) the playoffs for the first time in nearly two decades. “Year one was all about learning how to compete. We saw some good progress

Since arriving at Dobson in 2019, coach Bill Godsil has tried to lay a new foundation brick-by-brick, which has become the team motto. COVID set the Mustangs back a bit, but now they aim to have one of their best seasons in years.(Dave Minton/Tribune Staff)

with three wins with a difficult schedule,” Godsil said. “Then COVID. This has been the toughest rebuild I’ve been a part of. But now we are moving in the direction of learning how to win.” One of the most notable experiences at camp for the senior class was carrying around a large battle rope to every meal, workout and team meeting. Godsil called it the bonding rope. It was heavy, meaning they had to work together as teammates to get it from destination to destination. The concept seems simple, but it made a difference. It taught them how to work together and the importance that each player has on the team to carry their own weight. It became a rally cry of sorts for the team, one that carried over to conditioning workouts the week after they returned from camp. On a blistering hot morning while running sprints, they often yelled out, “hold the rope!” “The rope is one of the bricks to our foundation,” senior quarterback and star kicker Jordan Legg said. “If someone isn’t doing the right thing, we remind them to carry the rope. We are going to build more bricks on top of that as the year goes on.”

A major part of Dobson’s new foundation is centered around trust. Legg, being the quarterback and a 4.5-star kicker, has to maintain trust with all of his teammates, especially those blocking for him every play. The seniors grew close from the time they were freshman. They entered the program together and bonded from afar throughout the pandemic. That time apart brought them closer together. They set out to quickly get back on the right path to turn the Dobson football program around as juniors. But now in their final year, they aim to further set up the younger kids below them for success. They know it may not come with a championship or even a deep run into the postseason. But a winning record and a trip to the playoffs would put the program on the right track moving forward. And they would take pride in accomplishing that in their final year. “Of course, we want more wins but just getting that winning season, to me, it shows we fully bought in to what coach is trying to do for us,” senior running back Jashawn Kinney said. “If we do that, I’m going to be the happiest guy. For us, for our program, changing what it used to be is almost like winning the championship.” Dobson’s future looks bright with a large group of incoming freshmen and upgrades to facilities. But for now, Godsil and his players are focused on the present. The Mustangs’ schedule is lighter than in recent years. It no longer features powerhouses like Chandler or Hamilton. But even if it did, they would give their all every down. That’s the mindset that has been created at Dobson. Even when others doubt them, the players always have faith in themselves. Now, they await the moment when they can finally start proving that this is no longer the Dobson of old. “We want to change what this used to be,” Kinney said. “Hopefully, we can come back and see the younger guys turn this into a playoff school that can’t be joked around with. That would be huge for us.” 

GET OUT

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

Like us:

TheMesaTribune.com

@EVTNow

GetOutAZ @GetOutAZ

/EVTNow

Mesa metal band excited about upcoming show BY ALEX GALLAGHER Tribune Staff Writer

he Mesa metal band Bury The Darkness has been pretty busy these days. Band members – all Mountain View High School alumni – spent their free time between full-time jobs rehearsing recording four new songs and working on the launch of a clothing brand — all of which the band plans to unveil when it hits the stage at the Rebel Lounge on Aug. 12. “It’s going to be our grand unveiling. We’ve been quiet in terms of releases and everything like that since April of 2021 but the work has not stopped every single day,” said guitarist Marc Rosenfeld. “We’ve been working,” he said. “We’ve made insane connections with local musicians and we have been in the studio every single weekend because we all work fulltime jobs. Every day off has been spent somehow working on the band or the clothing brand.” The band also has cruised around the Valley marketing itself the old-fashioned way by putting up posters and dropping off physical tickets to fans for the Aug. 12 gig. Rosenfeld sees it all as a way to achieve his and bassist Brandon Bentley’s lifelong dreams. “We want to do this for our jobs,” added Brantley, who met Rosenfeld at Mountain View and graduated from Arizona State University last year. “I went to college; I worked that nine to five office job and hated my life. So, I’m just putting in put in all the work I can to make it where I never have to go back to that.” Because of this, the band sees its first hometown show as the time to go all-in on its new music and clothing line. “Our brand-new clothing line Burned Alive clothing is going to be announced at that show and we’re going to have three different shirts on sale,” Rosenfeld said. “Just like the band, It’s a melting pot of things we like, like heavy culture, alterna-

Bassist Brandon Bentley, vocalist Jared Harper, drummer Devin Bowers and guitarist Marc Rosenfeld all attended Mountain View High School and are set to make their hometown debut with their band, Bury The Darkness, on Aug. 12. (Hannah Left Wright Photo) tive culture, music and streetwear with a little splash of like, extreme sports as well — since I used to skateboard when I was younger.” In addition to launching a clothing line that Rosenfeld and Brantley have been working on since devising the idea over breakfast on New Year’s Eve of 2021, the band is anxious to give fans a tease of its upcoming four-song EP. It will include the upcoming single titled “Suffocate” – which Rosenfeld says is one of the bands heavier songs and could hit the airwaves as early as September. “’Suffocate’ is going to be our next single and we have a music video that we just shot with Lance Gergar — a Phoenixbased cinematographer,” Rosenfeld said. “It’s going to be a really good metalcore song that has everything fans like; heavy, intense verses, these nice clean choruses and a heavy break-down.”

Rosenfeld has been counting down the days until he can jump on stage and play the songs that he and his band have devoted every second of free time writing and recording. “Every day I dream about it,” Rosenfeld said. “I keep thinking that this is going to be our biggest show to date.” He said his game plan for the gig is to keep his head down and remember that feeling anxious is a good thing sometimes. “Someone told me before ‘What you should do in those high-pressure moments when you’re about to walk out to a sold-out crowd is just put your head down and go to work,” Rosenfeld said. “They also told me it’s good to feel anxious because that means you’re doing something that you care about.” Although Rosenfeld is beaming with excitement about giving Phoenix a taste of what the Mesa-based metal outfit is all

about, he hopes that those in attendance will share in his excitement. “We want everyone in there to just have a good time,” Rosenfeld said. “What we love about metal music is everyone has their things going on, but when you come in to see a concert, you’re all there together for your love of music, all those problems get left at the door and you’re just immersed in the show for however long it is.” 

If You Go...

Who: Dropout Kings with special guests: Scythe Gang 666, Bury The Darkness, Handsxfeet and Tragedy Where: The Rebel Lounge, 2323 E Indian School Road, Phoenix. When: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12 Info: therebellounge.com

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

King Crossword ACROSS 1 Witty one 4 Brings in 9 Rail 12 Mess up 13 Unconventional 14 Quarterback Manning 15 Airhead 17 Heavy weight 18 Verily 19 Made finer, as flour 21 Rope parts 24 “Holy --!” 25 Prefix with gram or center 26 Spasm 28 Picture puzzle 31 Towering 33 “Eureka!” 35 Nickelodeon’s “Explorer” 36 Politico Stevenson 38 Branch 40 Klutz 41 Village People hit 43 Place of worship 45 Thief 47 Equal (Pref.) 48 Terre Haute sch. 49 Inflatable pool toy 54 Prof’s degree 55 Point of view 56 Noon, on a sundial 57 Blue 58 Portals 59 Moray, for one

With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Contributor

This pull-apart bread is sweet and savory

hat a delightful surprise! I’ve made plenty of pull-apart breads both sweet and savory, but this loaf with layers of fresh herbs and three cheeses tucked inside squares of homemade bread dough wins the day. When you bring it out of the oven and pull apart these rich, flavorful squares of buttery goodness, it’s a little slice of heaven. My only advice is not to make shortcuts and use store-bought bread dough. This easy homemade dough will deliciously rise to the occasion!

32 34 37 39 42 44

Gentle soul Newspaper piece Headache aid Fits together Where the action is Unruly group

45 46 50 51 52 53

Tears Job-safety org. Literary rep Chopping tool Fish story Dogpatch adjective

Sudoku

DOWN 1 Entanglement 2 “Entourage” character 3 Spike’s warning 4 Actor De Niro 5 Turkey is part of it 6 -- glance 7 Spectrum creator 8 Soon-to-be grad 9 Cartoon vamp 10 Medicinal plant 11 Peel 16 Coloring agent 20 Skedaddled 21 Greek salad cheese 22 Apple tablet 23 Melville sailor 27 Dance syllable 29 Russian river 30 Ump’s call

PUZZLES ANSWERS on page 31

Ingredients: • 1 TBSP dried yeast granules • 2 tsp sugar • 1 cup warm water • 4 cups plain flour • 1/2 TBSP salt • 1/2 TBSP olive oil • 1 garlic clove, crushed

• • • • • • •

Directions: 1. Add 1 TBSP yeast and 2 tsp sugar to 1 cup warm water. Stir and let sit until yeast foams, about 10 minutes. 2. In a large bowl, add flour, salt, olive oil and yeast together. Add more water, a little at a time if too dry. With your hands, mix dough until it forms a ball. 3. Transfer to a floured surface and knead dough until smooth and elastic, about 6 minutes. (If necessary, add extra flour if it becomes too sticky and continue working dough.) 4. Return the dough to the bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and then a tea towel and keep warm until the mixture doubles in size, about 1 hour. 5. When dough has risen, knock the dough back in the bowl and then take it out, cut it in half and roll each half out to a large rectangle about 20in x 10in, then trim the edges to straighten. 6. Spread the top of each rectangle with 1 TBSP

softened butter then scatter the crushed garlic, herb mixture over the dough. Mix the three cheeses together in a bowl and spread evenly over both rectangles. 7. Cut each rectangle into ½ inch strips, to the height of your loaf tins, with a very sharp knife and lay the strips on top of each and cut the layered strips into squares the width of your tins. 8. Grease or line your loaf tins, and then stack the squares on top of each other, turn the stack on its side and place them into the tins (don’t worry if your dough doesn’t reach the edge of the tins, the dough will rise again with the final proof). Cover the tins in glad wrap and set aside for 30 minutes. 9. Bake at 375 degrees for 50 minutes and the tops are golden brown. 10. Remove from pan and let it rest for 10 minutes before removing from the tin and serving warm. Makes one large loaf. 

1/3 cup chopped parsley 1/3 cup chopped basil 1/4 cup chopped rosemary leaves 2 TBSP butter, softened 1 cup parmesan, shredded 1 cup Mozzarella, shredded 1 cup, gruyere, shredded

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

Phone and Internet Discounts Available to CenturyLink Customers The Arizona Corporation Commission designated CenturyLink as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier within its service area for universal service purposes. CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines are $18.47 per month and business services are $35.00 per month. Specific rates will be provided upon request. CenturyLink participates in the Lifeline program, which makes residential telephone or qualifying broadband service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligible customers may qualify for Lifeline discounts of $5.25/ month for voice or bundled voice service or $9.25/month for qualifying broadband or broadband bundles. Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits if they participate in certain additional federal eligibility programs. The Lifeline discount is available for only one telephone or qualifying broadband service per household, which can be either a wireline or wireless service. Broadband speeds must be at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload to qualify. CenturyLink also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible households with a discount on broadband service. The ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. For both programs, a household is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Services are not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in these programs. Consumers who willfully make false statements to obtain these discounts can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from these programs. If you live in a CenturyLink service area, visit https://www. centurylink.com/aboutus/community/community-development/ lifeline.html for additional information about applying for these programs or call 1-800-201-4099 with questions.

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 30

••

CALL TO ADVERTISE 480-898-6465

NOW HIRING

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG LOCAL JOBS. LOCAL PEOPLE.

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

Now Hiring in Mesa! JOIN OUR TEAM! • General Laborer

CMC Steel Arizona has proudly been making the steel that builds America since 2009.

• Shipping & Inventory Crane Operator

We are hiring immediately for all skilled

• Maintenance Mechanics/ Electricians

our new, state of the art micro mill from the

• Production Operator And more!

operator positions to be part of building ground up! At CMC, we offer great benefits and provide all necessary training and certifications.

Scan to see all job openings!

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

Ahwatukee Chandler Gilbert Glendale Mesa North Valley Peoria Phoenix SanTan Scottsdale Queen Creek West Valley

CLASSIFIEDS.PHOENIX.ORG To Advertise Call: 480-898-6465 or email Class@TimesLocalMedia.com

Employ ment Employment General PT Shuttle Bus Drivers, Tempe CDL with passenger endorsement required. Contact Corey @ (636) 577-1919 or cheilandgws@ yahoo.com

Classifieds 480-898-6465

Pets/Services/ Livestock

Employment General

???

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

or Call 480

898-6465

Obituaries

H E A D STO N E S

EVERLASTING MONUMENT Co.

“Memories cut in Stone” • MONUMENTS • GRANITE & BRONZE • CEMETERY LETTERING • CUSTOM DESIGNS

480-969-0788 75 W. Baseline Rd. Ste. A-8 Gilbert, AZ 85233

www.everlastingmonumentco.com info@everlastingmonument.phxcoxmail.com

Make your choice Everlasting

Clarivate Analytics (US) LLC seeks IP Software Services Consultant in Chandler, AZ. Provide software implementation consulting services. Coordinate project mgmt activities including project planning, schedule mgmt; facilitate & plan project team meetings & communications. Telecommuting permitted. Applicants may apply https://www.jobpostingtoday.com/ Ref # 93800. Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Consulting, Senior Solution Specialist in Gilbert, AZ & various unanticipated Deloitte office locations & client sites nationally to Drive SAP software advisory and implementation services to help companies unlock the value of technology investments as discrete services or comprehensive solutions. 15% travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL23FC0722GIL8318 in Search jobs field. EOE, including disability/veterans.

Looking for fun, energetic people to join our team at the new location - 3820 E. Ray Rd. Suite #30 Hiring for the following Hosts, expos, bussers, servers & kitchen staff Must be available nights & weekends Send resume to jobs@vinetavern.com Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Consulting, Senior Solution Specialist in Gilbert, Arizona & various unanticipated Deloitte office locations & client sites nationally, to modernize business and core environments to leverage technology innovations across multiple platforms; drive operational efficiency by maintaining their data ecosystems, sourcing analytics expertise for continuous insights and improvements. 15% travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL23FC0822GIL2775 in “Search jobs” field. EOE, including disability/veterans. Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Consulting, Senior Solution Specialist in Gilbert, AZ and various unanticipated Deloitte office locations and client sites nationally to modernize business and core environments to leverage technology innovations across multiple platforms; drive operational efficiency by maintaining their data ecosystems, sourcing analytics expertise for continuous insights and improvements. 15% Travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL23FC0722GIL504 in “Search jobs” field. EOE, including disability/veterans.

Pets/Services/ Livestock 3 Male Havanese Puppies: Beautiful, pure bred born May 22nd. Vet checked up to date on shots. $950. Eloy AZ. Call Gwen 520-340-0444

4 Chocolate Siamese KITTENS, 5 weeks, 3F/1M, $200/ea (520) 688-0886 Coolidge

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

Employment General Supervisor in Mesa for Arizona Dairy CO LLP – Read and analyze charts, work orders,production schedules, and other records and reports to determine production requirements and to evaluate current production estimates and outputs. Reqd. High School’s degree + 2yrs Exp. Resume alberto@azdairyco.com PayPal, Inc. seeks MTS 1, Solutions Engineer in Scottsdale, AZ: Create innovative, customer driven Solution Proposals & Solution Designs utilizing PayPal’s suite of API products. Req’s: MS(or equiv.)+1 yr. exp. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. w/o sponsorship. To apply, please send your resume w/references, 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, including disability/vets. Ref. Req.# 17-6865 with/app.

Real Estate for Sale Manufactured Homes Brand New 12X33 Champion Park Model 1B/1B, With 6' Covered Porch, Awning, Skirting, Concrete Drive, on Shiprock RV Resort (#43), a 55+ Community in Apache Junction, AZ, Cent A/C, 10x12 Shed, W/D Hkups, Laminate Flooring, SS Appliances, Walk in Shwr & Much More. Annual rent $5100/yr inc Wired Internet. $74,999 CALL 480-228-7786 or EMAIL: HomeSales@KeithManagement.com or visit our website: AZRVResorts.net

CALL CLASSIFIEDS

480-898-6465

We'll Get Your Phone to Ring!

Air Conditioning/Heating

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship New 3-Ton 14 SEER AC Systems Only $5,995 INSTALLED! New Trane Air Conditioners NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 MONTHS!

PlumbSmart Over 1,000 Five-Star Plumbing Heating & Air

Need to hire some help?

Google Reviews ★★★★★

Call Classifieds Today!

480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESLOCALMEDIA.COM

Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252

480-405-7588

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

Appliance Repairs

Air Conditioning/Heating Family Owned & Operated

Three Phase Mechanical

480-671-0833

www.3phasemech.com Sales, Service & Installation

NO TRIP CHARGE • NOT COMMISSION BASED ROC# 247803 Bonded • Insured

ACCREDITED BUSINESS

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

Appliance Repair Now

If It’s Broken, We Can Fix It! • Same Day Service • On-Site Repairs • Servicing All Major Brands • Quality Guaranteed

Garage/Doors GARAGE DOOR SERVICE East Valley/ Ahwatukee

Broken Springs Replaced Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610

Not a licensed contractor

We Also Buy, Sell & Trade Used Appliances Working or Not

480-659-1400

Place YOUR Business HERE! Call for our 3 Month Trial Special! Classifieds: 480-898-6465

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Painting • Flooring • Electrical Handyman Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Decks • Tile • More!

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Marks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Licensed & Insured Painting Flooring • Electrical Job Too ✔“No Water Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Small Man!” Heaters Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Decks • Tile • More! ✔ Electrical Quality Work Since 1999 Decks •Affo Tile • More! rdable, 2010, 2011 Concrete & Masonry ✔ Plumbing 2012, 2013, 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 ✔ Drywall

“No Job Too Small Man!”

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Block Fence * Gates

40 Years Serving the Central Valley

FREE Service Call (with repair) • Second Opinion HERE IS SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE OUR 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS

We are offering $ 40 OFF our Brewer’s Deluxe 20 point Tune up

602-789-6929 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Roc #057163Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor Call Ahwatukee BruceResident/ at 602.670.7038 Ahwatukee / References

✔ Kitchens ✔ Bathrooms 2010, 2011 2012,And 2013, “No JobMore! Too Small Man!” 2014

Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Work

Ahwatukee a Licensed / NotCall aContractor Licensed Lowest Prices * 30Resident/ YrsReferences/ Exp Insured/ NotInsured BruceContractor at 602.670.7038 Serving Entire Valley Add a Background Color to Your Ad!

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

Classifieds 480-898-6465

HOME SERVICES “For all your Home Exterior Needs”

Roger Kretz 480.233.0336

rogerkretz@yahoo.com 25+ Years of Customer Services

• Leaky Roof Repairs • Tile Repairs • Painting • Flat Roof Coating • Wood Repair • Doors & Windows

Irrigation

• Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service ARRANTY 5 -YEAR PART W

480.654.5600 azirrigation.com

Hauling

REG. $119

480-725-3511

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

✔ Carpentry

Job Too Marks the Spot for“No ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small “No Job Too Man!” Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Tile Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More!

rk Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Wo BSMALLMAN@Q.COM 1999 ce Sin rk Wo y Affordable, Qualit

Home Improvement

Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

SINCE 1982 ROC #C39-312643

www.BrewersAC.com Air Duct Cleaning

Meetings/Events?

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

Air Duct Cleaning & Dryer Vents BY JOHN

★ 30+ Years HVAC Experience ★ Disinfected & Sanitized With Every Job

(480) 912-0881 – Licensed & Insured

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

Electrical Services

• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •

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

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

• Furniture • Appliances • Mattresses • Televisions • Garage Clean-Out • Construction Debris

• Old Paint & Chems. • Concrete Slab • Remodeling Debris

Insured/Bonded Free Estimates

Home Improvement

General Contracting, Inc.

Glass/Mirror

One Call, We Do It All! 602-339-4766

GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS

Owner Does All Work, All Honey-Do Lists

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

Landscape/Maintenance

• Old Tires

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC118198

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

Submit to ecota@timeslocalmedia.com

• Yard Waste

All Remodeling, Additions, Kitchen, Bath, Patio Covers, Garage, Sheds, Windows, Doors, Drywall & Roofing Repairs, Painting, All Plumbing, Electrical, Concrete, Block, Stucco, Stack Stone, All Flooring, Wood, Tile, Carpet, Welding, Gates, Fences, All Repairs.

Free Estimates with Pride & Prompt Service!

ALL Pro

T R E E

S E R V I C E

L L C

Prepare for Monsoon Season! LANDSCAPING, TREES & MAINTENANCE

Tree Trimming • Tree Removal Stump Grinding Storm Damage • Bushes/Shrubs Yard Clean-up Commercial and Residential PMB 435 • 2733 N. Power Rd. • Suite 102 • Mesa dennis@allprotrees.com

480-354-5802

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

Landscape/Maintenance

Plumbing

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

Drain Cleaning Experts, water heaters, disposals, water & sewer lines repaired/replaced & remodels. Rapid Response. If water runs through it we do it! 602-663-8432

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Specializing in Controllers, Valves, Sprinklers, Landscape Lighting, P.V.C. & Poly Drip Systems

CALL US TODAY!

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

HOME FOR RENT? Place it here!

Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online!! Classifieds 480-898-6465 Painting

Interior & Exterior Residential/Commercial Free Estimates Drywall Repairs Senior Discounts References Available

— Call Jason —

(602) 502-1655

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

ROC#309706

East Valley PAINTERS Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting

10% OFF

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality Free Estimates! Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Quality Pool Service, That is Priceless! Weekly WeeklyServices Services

Netting • Brushing • Emptying Baskets Netting ● Brushing ● Emptying Baskets Equipment Check • Water Testing Equipment Check ● Water Testing

Other Services

Other Services Pump/Motor Repair & Replacement Pump/Motor Repair & Replacement Sand/Water Change • Repairs • Acid Wash Sand/Water Repairs ●&Acid Wash HandrailsChange • Filter ●Cleaning Repair ● Filter Cleaning & Repair PoolHandrails Tile Cleaning • Green Pool Clean Up PoolAngela Tile Cleaning ● GreenClark, Pool Clean UpClark Owners: Clark, Chelsea & Homer

480-489-0713 • lizardpools.com Owners: Angela Clark, Chelsea Clark, & Homer Clark ROC 303766

ROC 303766 ● 480-489-0713 lizardpools.com Remodeling

Plumbing

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH! FREE Service Calls + FREE Estimates Water Heaters Installed - $999 Unclog Drains - $49

10% OFF

All Water Purification Systems Voted #1 Plumber 3 Years In A Row OVER 1,000 5-STAR REVIEWS

Your best choice for shower walls & floor installation with all kind of materials like wood, laminate & more.

Now Accepting all major credit cards

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

SPECIAL! $500 OFF COMPLETE REMODEL! 25 Years Experience • Dependable & Reliable

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

623-873-1626 Free Estimates Monday through Saturday Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

FREE ESTIMATES • COMPETITIVE RATES 602-363-2655 | fredydelacruzluis@icloud.com *NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

https://www.rrdelacruzshowerandmore.com/ Roofing

Your leaks stop here! New Roofs, Repairs, Coatings, Flat Roof, Hot Mopping & Patching & Total Rubber Roof Systems

480-405-7099 Pool Service / Repair

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

10 YEARS EXPERIENCE | RESPONSIBLE | QUICK RESPONSE

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

Voted #1

Family Owned & Operated

ROOFING LLC

Call Classifieds 480-898-6465

Painting

Roofing

PHILLIPS

81% of our readers, read the Classifieds!

PAINTING

ROC# 256752

Pool Service / Repair

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

FREE ESTIMATES & MONSOON SPECIALS

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com

SAME DAY SERVICE

10% Discount for Ahwatukee Residents 100% NO Leak Guarantee Re-Roof & Roofing Repairs Tile, Shingles & Flat Roof Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

Sell Your Stuff! Call Classifieds Today! 480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESLOCALMEDIA.COM

30 Years Experience References Available

Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 286561

Senior & Military Discounts

623-522-9322

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

Roofing

Public Notices

Superstition Energy Storage, LLC invites you to learn about and provide input on, the proposed Superstition 230-kilovolt (kV) Generation Intertie (gen-tie) power line project (Project).

Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident

SHARE WITH THE WORLD!

Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

Not a licensed contractor

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

Serving All Types Clean, Prompt, Friendly and Professional Service of Roofing: FREE ESTIMATES • Tiles & Shingles • Installation • Repair • Re-Roofing

sunlandroofingllc@gmail.com

602-471-2346

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

Roofing

aOver 30 Years of Experience

aFamily Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers! Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING

Superstition Energy Storage, LLC, a private utility company, is planning to build an approximately 440-foot-long power line on privately owned land in Gilbert, Arizona. The new power line would run from a privately owned parcel directly into the existing Corbell Substation and will not cross any other nearby privately owned land. The power line would connect the separate Superstition Energy Storage Project to the existing regional electrical grid, via the immediately adjacent existing Corbell Substation. The Arizona Corporation Commission (Commission) and Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee (Committee) are the permitting authorities for the Project. In September 2022, Superstition Energy Storage, LLC plans to apply for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) through the Committee and Commission to allow for construction and operation of the Project. Superstition Energy Storage, LLC is currently soliciting public and stakeholder input on the Project and is interested in hearing your comments. Questions and comments can be submitted via the forums listed below: Mail: Superstition Gen-Tie Project c/o SWCA Environmental Consultants 20 E Thomas Road, Suite No. 1700 Phoenix, AZ 85012 Telephone: (480) 581-5413 Email: SuperstitionCEC@swca.com Virtual Open House: A virtual open house will also be held to provide information about the Project and facilitate comment submittal: www.superstitionopenhouse.com. The formal Project comment period will take place from July 29 to September 1, 2022, but additional opportunities to comment will extend past this period. Additional Project information can also be found online at https://www.superstitionenergystorage.com. We look forward to receiving your comments and answering your questions. Published Mesa Tribune/Gilbert Sun News/ Chandler Arizonan August 7th 2022 / 48171

IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF DYER COUNTY, TENNESSEE IN THE MATTER OF: KASSIAN NICHOLAS JUNIOR, DOB: 08/14/2020 NO. 7746 A CHILD UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE ORDER FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION It appearing to the Court from the allegations of the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights, Motion for Service by Publication and the Affidavit of Diligent Search that the whereabouts of William Dodd are unknown and cannot be ascertained by diligent search; therefore, the ordinary process of law cannot be served upon William Dodd. It is, therefore, ORDERED that William Dodd be served by publication of the following notice for four consecutive weeks in The Mesa Tribune, a newspaper published in Maricopa County, Arizona. It is further ORDERED that if William Dodd does not enter an appearance or otherwise Answer the Petition, further personal service or service by further publication shall be dispensed with and service of any future notices, motions, orders, or other legal documents in this matter may be made upon William Dodd by filing same with the Juvenile Court Clerk of Dyer County, Tennessee. NOTICE TO WILLIAM DODD The State of Tennessee, Department of Children’s Services, has filed a petition against you seeking to terminate forever your parental rights to Kassian Nicholas Junior. It appears that ordinary process of law cannot be served upon you because your whereabouts are unknown. You are hereby ordered to serve upon Marlene Simpson, attorney for the Tennessee Department of Children Services, 1979 St. John Avenue, Suite F, Dyersburg, TN 38024, an Answer to the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights filed by the Tennessee, Department of Children’s Services, within thirty (30) days of the last day of publication against you pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. §36-1117(n) and Rule 55 of the Tenn. R. of Civ. P. for the relief demanded in the Petition. You may view and obtain a copy of the Petition and any other subsequently filed legal documents at the Dyer County Juvenile Court Clerk’s Office in Dyersburg, Tennessee. You are also ordered to appear on September 16, 2022 at 9:00 am at the Dyer County Juvenile Court in order to contest the petition filed against you, and failure to appear or otherwise file an answer with the clerk of this Court before that date will result in a finding being entered against you by default. Entered this 25 th day of July, 2022. Jason Hudson Respectfully submitted, ______Marlene Simpson, BPR # 025691 Attorney for DCS 1979 St. John Ave., Ste. F Dyersburg, TN 38024 731-286-8304 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that a true and exact copy of the foregoing pleading has been served via email on the 20th day of July, 2022 to the following: Mark Butler, Esq. PO Box 846 Dyersburg, TN 38025 _____ cc: Loretta O’Neil, DCS Representative Published: East Valley Tribune, July 31, Aug 7, 14, 21, 2022 / 48162

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Call us to place your ad online!

480-898-6465

Valley Wide Service

480-446-7663 FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hireroofing.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

HEAT CAN KILL. Bring your pets indoors during summer heat.

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

Public Notices CITY OF MESA, ARIZONA ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Mesa is seeking a qualified firm or team to act as the Job Order Contractor for the following:

DO YOU FEEL OVERWHELMED MANAGING BILLS? TAKE THE MONTH OFF, ON US.

SILVERBILLS ELIMINATES THE STRESS AND HASSLE OF MANAGING BILLS. • Our dedicated, U.S.-based account managers manage, scrutinize and pay bills on your behalf. • All household bills are guaranteed to be paid on time.* • No computer is needed to use our service.

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE MONTH TRIAL OR CUSTOM QUOTE:

855-384-4496

GENERAL UTILITY CONSTRUCTION JOB ORDER CONTRACT PROJECT NO. JOC-U23 The City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Contractor to provide Job Order General Utility Construction Services. All qualified firms that are interested in providing these services are invited to submit their Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) in accordance with the requirements detailed in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ). The following is a summary of the project. This Job Order Contract is for a broad range of maintenance, repair, minor and major underground utility work for public utilities or city owned facilities. The work is required in support of the City of Mesa’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and other City department requests. The contract will be an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract and will include a wide variety of individual construction tasks. The initial term of the JOC contract will be for three (3) years and may be renewed up to two (2) additional one-year terms. The maximum construction contract value for an individual job order issued under this contract will be $4,000,000, or the maximum permissible limit authorized by the City at the time the job order is executed. Pricing shall be negotiated fee. Utility improvement projects anticipated to be completed under this JOC contract are based on, but not limited to the current 5-year Capital Improvement Program. Information on the Capital Improvement Program may be viewed at Capital Improvement Programs | City of Mesa (mesaaz.gov). Renewal of the contract will be based on the successful performance by the JOC Contractor and the needs of the City. During the contract period, the City will identify construction tasks required to complete each specific job and will issue individual Job Orders to the Contractor to complete those jobs. The Contractor shall be required to furnish all materials, equipment and personnel necessary to manage and accomplish the Job Orders. The Contractor shall be required to maintain a management staff in order to receive Requests for Proposal (RFP), prepare and negotiate proposals, receive signed Job Orders (JO) and Notices-to-Proceed (NTP), receive and initiate contract correspondence and provide other construction services to accomplish individual Job Orders. Job Orders will vary in size, with many anticipated to be of small to medium size. Some Job Orders may require incidental design services. The schedule for the work will start after award and will be ongoing over the life of the contract.

* as long as appropriate funds are available

A Pre-Submittal Conference will be held on August 17, 2022 at 8:00 am through Microsoft Teams. Par-

ties interested in attending should request an invitation from Stephanie Gishey at stephanie.gishey@ mesaaz.gov. At this meeting, City staff will discuss the scope of work and general contract issues and respond to questions from the attendees. Attendance at the pre-submittal conference is not mandatory and all interested firms may submit a Statement of Qualifications whether or not they attend the conference. All interested firms are encouraged to attend the Pre- Submittal Conference since City staff will not be available for meetings or to respond to individual inquiries regarding the project scope outside of this conference. In addition, there will not be meeting minutes or any other information published from the Pre-Submittal Conference. Contact with City Employees. All firms interested in this project (including the firm’s employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process. This policy is intended to create a level playing field for all potential firms, assure that contract decisions are made in public and to protect the integrity of the selection process. All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the authorized representative identified below. RFQ Lists. The RFQ is available on the City’s website at https://www.mesaaz.gov/business/engineering/construction- manager-at-risk-and-job-order-contracting-opportunities The Statement of Qualifications shall include a one-page cover letter, plus a maximum of 10 pages to address the SOQ evaluation criteria (excluding PPVF’s and resumes but including an organization chart with key personnel and their affiliation). Resumes for each team member shall be limited to a maximum length of two pages and should be attached as an appendix to the SOQ. Minimum font size shall be 10pt. Please provide one (1) electronic copy of the Statement of Qualifications in an unencrypted PDF format to Engineering-RFQ@mesaaz.gov by September 1, 2022 at 2 pm. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Statements of Qualifications. The City is an equal opportunity employer. Firms who wish to do business with the City of Mesa must be registered in the City of Mesa Vendor Self Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz.gov/business/purchasing/vendor-self-service). Questions. Questions pertaining to the Job Order selection process or contract issues should be directed to Stephanie Gishey of the Engineering Department at stephanie.gishey@mesaaz.gov. BETH HUNING City Engineer ATTEST: DeeAnn Mickelsen City Clerk Published: East Valley Tribune Aug 7, 14, 2022 / 48372

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

Public Notices CITY OF MESA MESA, ARIZONA ITS VIDEO DETECTION UPGRADES FEDERAL AID NO. MES-0(238)D ADOT TRACS No. T0301 01D/01C MAG TIP No. MES22-060D, MES22060R, MES22-060C CITY OF MESA PROJECT NO. CP0981 DAVIS BACON WAGES APPLY ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received until Thursday, September 1, 2022, at 1:00pm. All sealed bids will be received electronically at EngineeringBids@ mesaaz.gov . Bids must be submitted as an unencrypted PDF attachment with a maximum size limit of 20MB. Any bid received after the time specified will be returned without any consideration. This contract shall be for furnishing all labor, materials, transportation and services for the construction and/or installation of the following work: Replace end-of-life Econolite Solo-Pro video detection cameras with new Econolite Vision video detection cameras on existing traffic signal poles at 52 locations citywide. The project will utilize existing conduit and pull boxes for the installation of the new video detection cameras. None of the proposed installations are anticipated to require any ground disturbance. All work is to be done within the City’s public right of way or easements that have been acquired by the City in advance of the construction activities. The Engineer’s Estimate range is $1,877,710 - $2,294,980. For all technical, contract, bid-related, or other questions, please contact Stephanie Gishey at stephanie.gishey@mesaaz.gov. Contact with City Employees. All firms interested in this project (including the firm’s employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process. This policy is intended to create a level playing

field for all potential firms, to assure that contract decisions are made in public, and to protect the integrity of the selection process. All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the authorized representative identified above. Contractors desiring to submit proposals may purchase sets of the Bid Documents from ARC Document Solutions, LLC, at https:// order.e-arc.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 $27.00, 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.e-arc. com. One set of the Contract Documents is also available for viewing at the City of Mesa’s Engineering Department at 20 East Main Street, Mesa, AZ. Please call 480-644-2251 prior to arriving to ensure that the documents are available for viewing. In order for the City to consider alternate products in the bidding process, please follow Arizona Revised Statutes §34.104c. If a pre-bid review of the site has been scheduled, details can be referenced in Project Specific Provision Section #3, titled “Pre- Bid Review of Site.” Work shall be completed within 365 consecutive calendar days, beginning with the day following the starting date specified in the Notice to Proceed. Bids must be submitted on the Proposal Form provided and be accompanied by the Bid Bond for not less than ten percent (10%) of the total bid, payable to the City of Mesa, Arizona, or a certified or cashier’s check. PERSONAL OR INDIVIDUAL SURETY BONDS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. The following forms are to be submitted with the Bid Proposal for Federal- Aid Projects. 1. Surety (Bid) Bond 2. Non-Collusion Bidding Certification (See Proposal Documents and Forms) 3. Certificate With Regard to the Perfor-

mance of Previous Contracts (See Proposal Documents and Forms) 4. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Goal Assurance with DBE Goal of 1.43% (Form 3102C – See Proposal Documents and Forms) The successful bidder will be required to execute the standard form of contract for construction within ten (10) days after formal award of contract. In addition, the successful bidder must be registered in the City of Mesa Vendor Self-Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz.gov/business/purchasing/ vendor-self-service). The successful bidder, simultaneously with the execution of the Contract, will be required to furnish a Payment Bond in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, a Performance Bond in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, and the most recent ACORD® Certificate of Liability Insurance form with additional insured endorsements. The right is hereby reserved to accept or reject any or all bids or parts thereto, to waive any informalities in any proposal and reject the bids of any persons who have been delinquent or unfaithful to any contract with the City of Mesa. The City of Mesa, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (Public Law 100.259). Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in any contact entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. BETH HUNING City Engineer ATTEST: Holly Moseley City Clerk Published: East Valley Tribune, Aug 7, 14, 21 2022 / 48373

It Only Takes Seconds to Drown. Always watch your child around water.

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

••

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | AUGUST 7, 2022

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

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

F BELL RD.

56TH ST.

••

A STRATFORD NOW SELLING B C D E F G H

A Dramatic New Gated Community in Gilbert Vintage Collection • From the low $600’s • 480-895-2800 Craftsman Collection • From the mid $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 low $700’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

E H G

C GERMANN

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

MESA TRIBUNE SOUTHEAST, AUSUST 7, 2022

Articles inside

BUSINESS

OPINION

COMMUNITY

SPORTS