Mesa Tribune: Southeast 08-09-2020 by Times Media Group

••

Ducey and Trump / P. 9

School sports in fall / P. 21

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

INSIDE

This Week

NEWS ...................... 10 State lays out school reopening guidelines

COMMUNITY ......... 13 Sisters celebrate vino.

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

Sunday, August 9, 2020

Giles on reelection: a chance to make Mesa better BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Writer

fter his resounding re-election to his second and last full four-year term, Mayor John Giles cherishes the lengthy 10-year opportunity voters have given him to make his hometown better. That decade results from an extra two years from the last half of the second term for former Mayor Scott Smith, who resigned to make an unsuccessful bid for governor and was replaced by Alex Finter until the next election. Ten years is a long time, Giles said – Long enough to see projects he started come to

Rescued!

fruition, such as the asu@mesacity city center and two closely-related spinoffs – a plaza and an incubation studio in the city’s vacant former Information Technology building. Long enough, also, to see a �ledgling Mesa Promise scholarship program at Mesa Community College contribute to a larger pool of Mesa college graduates who might work in the high technology jobs that the city envisions will be generated by the ASU-anchored Innovation District. With four more years from a lopsided win Aug. 4 over constitutionalist Verl Farnworth – 56,910-28,118 in unof�icial results, a 6733 percent margin – Giles might even see the

city’s long-dormant Site 17 redevelopment project downtown become an important asset. In District One, Vice Mayor Mark Freeman, a close Giles ally, won an equally lopsided victory over former mayoral candidate Danny Ray, 9,447-4,258, a 69-31 percent margin. Giles scored a secondary victory of sorts in District 2, even though he wasn’t on the ballot, when his hand-picked candidate, political novice Julie Spilsbury, coasted to a comfortable victory over Jeremy Whittaker, Giles’ unof�icial nemesis, 7,959-6,398, a 55-45 percent

�� ELECTIONS �� 4

Pandemic fuels fears of more child pool drownings BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Writer

BUSINESS ............. 15 Experts discuss local housing, ofﬁces, retail

OPINION .............. 18 No apologies here. COMMUNITY ............................... 13 BUSINESS ..................................... 15 OPINION ....................................... 18 SPORTS ...................................... 21 GET OUT ...................................... 22 PUZZLES ...................................... 23 CLASSIFIED ................................. 24 Zone 2

Three weeks ago, Andrew and Pamela Anderson asked The Mesa Tribune for help. Raising their four grand children, ages 5-10, they were living in a squalid motel and facing homelessness. We turned to the city - and officials came to their rescue. For the story, see page 3. (Special to the Tribune)

ire�ighters and water safety advocates fear the COVID-19 pandemic is contributing to a troubling spike in pediatric drownings in the East Valley and Maricopa County by introducing more distractions into an already dangerous scenario. The pandemic closed schools in March, hampering efforts by the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona to drive home an annually repeated safety campaign to watch children with undivided attention around water. While most drowning prevention events were cancelled, parents found themselves dealing with the new distraction of working from home, juggling time on laptops with the need to watch their children and avoid potentially fatal trips to a backyard pool. “As soon as COVID hit and we saw that more kids were staying home, we knew our numbers were going up,’’ said Tracey Fejt, trauma outreach injury prevention coordinator for Banner Cardon Children’s Hospital in Mesa. “The distraction is huge. They are trying to work,’’ Fejt said. Mesa has recorded three pediatric drownings this year, compared with two a year ago. The city has recorded 17 water-related incidents, with 10 of them involving pediatric children less than

�� DROWNINGS �� 6

wirelessly, without having a SIDE EFFECT OF COVID-19 ay•• many of these AND HEARING LOSS. cord hanging over me, feels * Advanced invisible te ences — and very free and natural to me.” Research shows thatABC even mildHEARING THE FIRSTaNAME is now available! IN HEARING! elationships, decline in hearing can lead to THE FIRST NAME IN HEARING! Our latest Miniscopic™ S social isolation, anxiety or, worse, “Finally having the volume uality of life. ABC Hearing Center is here when you need us most! Confused about hearing loss?

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020 Talk to our experts.

This has not been the year for anyone with a hearing loss. Not only are masks making it harder to understand people but now we are finding people are losing their hearing aids because of the masks. Even worse, because hearing aids are so comfortable, people may not realize that their hearing aids are gone until it's too late. Here's what Shea Hearing Aid Center recommends to protect your investment:

1. If you can get it, make sure you have loss and damage protection on your hearing aids. At least if something happens you will be able to replace your investment.

dementia1. Treating hearing loss with hearing aids has been shown to help. e know, there’s

3. Consider using an extender if the only type of mask you can find has the elastic behind the ears. One of these can easily be made with two buttons sewn on a piece of fabric. The elastic would then attach to the buttons. 4. Consider switching to a custom hearing aid. These devices are custom fit to your ear. Since these go in your ear, there is no need to worry that they will be pulled off when you remove your mask or put on your glasses.

on the TV normal for my wife is pretty cool. And to stream the TV sound wirelessly, without having a JULY SPECIAL Up cord hanging over me, feels OFF $600 OFF To$500 on aand set of Circa Edge AI to me.” very free natural Custom Rechargeable

HAVE YOUR HEARING TESTED FREE EVALUATION AND WRITTEN REPORT

249

VALUE

FREE HEARING EVALUATION

negative consequences — and SIDE EFFECT OF COVID-19 HEARING LOSS. relationships, ead toANDimproved confidence and quality of life.

hearing aids are design FREE • GiveAT you an invisible* fi Hearing Made Affordable, Come Hear The Shea Way! • Deliver pristine audio exceptional listening c • Provide effortless tran you go about your day

Up CENTER to $400 OFF 2. Change the style of mask you are wearing. Do not use the type of mask that goes behind your ear. Instead use a mask that either ties or has elastic that goes around your head.

The good news? 10 DAYS ONLY!Studies THROUGHalso JULY 15TH! earing loss go ABC conclude that treating lossHEARING NEWhearing CLIENT SPECIAL can combat or delay many of these e. (Reg. $249) With coupon only for the first 30 patients. See office for details. Expires 7/15/2020

Shea Hearing Aid has been delivering world renowned care since 1926.

John Gross Practice Manager

Shea Hearing Aid Center is an exclusive supplier of Circa Edge AI in the Memphis area. If you are looking to give yourself an edge with better hearing, contact our office today to schedule your free hearing evaluation.

AUGUST SPECIAL

• FREE VIDEO EAR INSPECTION! You’ll SEE exactly what we SEE. We’ll explain to you what you’re seeing. • FREE HEARING TEST! Find out what you’re hearing and what you’re not! • FREE PRODUCT DEMONSTRATIONS! Discover Rechargeable Hearing Aids… Smart convenient rechargeable hearing aids

re ready, Up to SIDE EFFECT OF COVID-19 AND HEARING LOSS. p! $400 OFF This has not been the year for anyone with a hearing loss. Not only are masks making it harder to understand people but now we are finding people are losing their hearing aids because of the masks. Even worse, because hearing aids are so comfortable, people may not realize that their hearing aids are gone until it's too late. Here's what ABC Hearing Center recommends to protect your investment:

Confused about hearing loss? Talk to our experts.

Hearing Aids!

A B C H e a r i n g h a s b e e n delivering world renowned care f o r m a n y y e a r s .

Limit one coupon per customer. Offer expires 7/15/2020. 8/31/20

With everything we know, there’s no reason to let hearing loss go untreated Thisanymore. has not been the year for anyone with hearing loss. 1. If you can get it, make sure you have loss and damage protection on your hearing aids. At least if something happens you will be able to replace your investment. 2. Change the style of mask you are wearing. Do not use the type of mask that goes behind your ear. Instead use a mask that either ties or has elastic that goes around your head.

4. Consider switching to a custom hearing aid. These devices are custom fit to your ear. Since these go in your ear, there is no need to worry that they will be pulled off when you remove your mask or put on your glasses.

“I really didn't know what to expect when going to the Shea Ear Clinic- I had already had my hearing tested once with horrible news and very few answers, so I was afraid of de ja vu. However I found the staff at Shea to be very understanding, compassionate, attentive, very knowledgeable in the field of hearing loss, and very extensive in their unique testing! Thank you so much to the audiologists for the personalized hearing aid consultation! Can't wait to get the little thing in and have crystal clear hearing again! This place truly is revolutionary and lifechanging! I will definitely be giving recommendations!”

ABC Hearing Center is an exclusive supplier of Circa Edge AI in the Arizona area. If you are looking to give yourself an edge with better hearing, contact our office today to schedule your free hearing evaluation.

Not only are masks making hard toWay! understand people, but now we are finding Come Hear theitShea COVID-19 is negatively affecting the lives of many people with hearing loss a variety of Clinic ways. It is important that they are aware of these 3rd in floor, Shea Ear • FREE VIDEO EAR INSPECTION! You’ll SEE exactly what we SEE. We’ll explain to you what you’re seeing. $500 OFF consequences, and have enough knowledge to do what they can to stay safe while fully participating in the world as we know it. • FREE HEARING TEST! Find out what you’re hearing 6133 Poplar Pike at Ridgeway • Memphis, TN on a set of Circa Edge AI and what you’re not!

you’re ready, yWhen to schedule we can help! tation. JULY SPECIAL

MOST INSURANCES ACCE (901on ) 562-0500 MSRP NuEar Premier level hearing aids CALL (480) 964

® and well-being. Whether talking with Discover Rechargeable Hearing Aids… During these unprecedented times of social isolation, communication is essential for your mental health Smart convenient rechargeable hearing aids R. Powers a loved one over the phone, participating in a video chat with grandchildren, or simply listening to the television or radio. ABC Hearing is –here www.SheaHearingAidCenter.com to ensure that you are able to take part in and enjoy these aspects of life. The added isolation during the pandemic only increases the effect that hearing loss can have on depression, anxiety, anger, frustration and emotional instability and paranoia.

Custom Rechargeable Hearing Aids!

• FREE PRODUCT DEMONSTRATIONS!

Limit one coupon per customer. Offer expires 7/15/2020.

NuEar and Circa are registered trademarks of Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

many viral infections, COVID-19 may effect the inner ear structure due to inflammation MSRP on NuEar® and cause damage to the nerves that carry Call usLike today to schedule information to the brain. Premier level hearing aids a freeIf consultation. you have had a positive COVID test, it is important to have your hearing tested and monitored. Many recovered patients are reporting – R. Powers

NuEar and Circa are registered trademarks of Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

problems including tinnitus. CEPTEDhearing0% FINANCING AVAILABLE

HOME VISITS AT NO CHARGE

ABC Hearing Center is an exclusive supplier of Circa Edge AI in the Arizona area. If you are looking to give

MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED AVAILABLE VISITS AT NO CHARGE your free hearing evaluation. yourself an edge 0% withFINANCING better hearing, contact HOME our office today to schedule

G IMPAIRE D RIN • EA

R• FO

YEARS

E ST . 1 98 5

32 • YEARS

VING • TH SER EH

(East of Baywood MostSquare. Look for the WHITE 32 Professional Flags!) Insurances Accepted

G IMPAIRE D RIN • EA

32 YEARS

E ST . 1985

32 • YEARS

www.abchearingaids.com Power on University at

VING • TH SER EH

ABC Hearing Centers – Mesa ABC Hearing Centers – Mesa 7165 E. University Dr. Bldg. 17, Suite 167 Mesa, AZ 7165 E. University Dr.85207 Bldg. 17, Suite 167 *Individual results may vary. Invisibility may va (East of Power on University at Baywood AZfor85207 ProfessionalMesa, Square. Look the WHITE Flags!) R• FO

Dawn Sanchez ard Certified Hearing strument Specialist

Call (480) Call (480)964-2386 964-2386 today!today!Dawn Sanchez

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

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: 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219 Tempe, Arizona, 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@timespublications.com Local Advertising Sales: Chris Ross | 480-898-5649 | cross@timespublications.com Classifieds/Inside Sales: Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@evtrib.com TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@evtrib.com Advertising Office Manager: Lori Dionisio | 480-898-6309 | ldionisio@evtrib.com Director of National Advertising: Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@evtrib.com NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor: Paul Maryniak | 480-898-5647 | pmaryniak@timespublications.com Reporters: Jim Walsh | 480-898-5639 | jwalsh@timespublications.com Kevin Reagan | 480-898-5638 | kreagan@timespublications.com Sports Editor: Zach Alvira | 480-898-5630 | zalvira@timespublications.com Get Out Editor: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | 480-641-4518 christina@timespublications.com Photographer: Pablo Robles |Probles@timespublications.com Designer: Ruth Carlton | rcarlton@timespublications.com Production Coordinator: Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@timespublications.com Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@evtrib.com The Mesa Tribune is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, and for subscription information, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia. com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegatedmedia.com.

The content of any advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. The Tribune assumes no responsibility for the claims of any advertisement.

NEWS

City comes to a desperate family’s aid BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Writer

ithout question, Pam and Andrew Anderson did the right thing when they obtained custody of their four grandchildren in Georgia, even though they had little to share. The children’s mother and father were in prison on drug and other charges. The kids – ages 5,7,8 and 10 – needed help. But a short time later, they and their grandparents also desperately needed help. In July, after returning home to Arizona, the family wound up living in a squalid East Mesa motel known as a hangout for drug addicts and prostitutes. Rent was eating away the grandparents’ limited disability income. Homelessness seemed inevitable as Andrew Anderson penned an email to the Mesa Tribune in a desperate cry for help. “Homelessness isn’t just something that happens to “other” people. Rather than being spent relaxing, retirement too often is spent raising grandchildren, looking for a safe place to sleep at night for us all. Older disabled people like ourselves are more vulnerable, putting at greater risk of harm or death in our situation,’’ he wrote. “What do we say? How do we explain to our 4 grandchildren that we are now homeless and have no place to live?” But after a phone call by the Tribune and a string of emails to Deputy Mesa City Manager Natalie Lewis, the Andersons found hope – and a home. Lewis looked at the Andersons as exactly the sort of needy family that the Mesa Cares program should help as much as possible to prevent homelessness – a priority of Mesa City Council as it apportioned the $90 million it received in federal pandemic relief money. “They have been a major blessing for us,’’ Pam Anderson said of Lewis and the other city of�icials who came to her family’s rescue. “It’s been a Godsend for us.’’ “We’re in a good place. We’re struggling, but we’ll get there, by the grace of God,’’ she said. “The kids are happy. We’re getting there.’’ Lewis said that helping families like the Andersons makes her job gratifying, realizing that all the programs she supervises eventually translate into helping people in need to improve their lives.

Pam and Andrew Anderson got a new lease on life for themselves and four grandchildren in their care, thanks to Deputy City Manager Natalie Lewis and Mesa Public Schools. (Special to the Tribune)

“We’re very proud of it. It’s really wonderful to know how we have helped this family,’’ Lewis said. “I think they are a very deserving family.’’ Lewis said the city plans to collaborate with Mesa Public Schools to help more struggling families. The �irst major step of this collaboration already is paying off for the Andersons. Pam Anderson said she was happy when she registered the three oldest children for school and received three laptops from MPS for online. Mesa spent about $7 million of its pandemic funds to purchase 9,500 laptops for elementary school students who previously had no access to those devices for online learning. “I’m hoping this helps tremendously,’’ said Pam Anderson, who had no idea how or why the laptops were available – but was thankful that her �irst, second and sixth-grader grandkids all received one. Homeless families are “the invisible homeless,’’ Lewis said, because they often hide from authorities, living in cars and on the margins of society. She said the schools, which already provide vital breakfasts and lunches to poor children, are often viewed as a bit less threatening. “We’re going to be working with MPS to create a program to help more families,’’ Lewis said. In response to the Anderson’s needs, Lewis assigned Mary Brandon, community services and housing deputy director – whom she described as “the most com-

passionate person I’ve ever met” – to act as the Anderson’s advocate, steering them to a variety of services available directly from Mesa and social service agencies. Brandon said her heart went out to the family immediately, especially after the Andersons had found a rental house on their own and scraped together the bare minimum to move in. Brandon is working with Mesa Community Action Network, known as Mesa CAN, a program run in conjunction with A New Leaf, to get them the remaining $100 they need for their Salt River Project Security deposit and also up to two months’ rent. The funding comes from a variety of federal sources. Brandon said she knew her efforts were more than worthwhile when Pam Anderson passed along a telling comment from her 11-year-old granddaughter. “She said, ‘Grandma, I feel so safe and happy here,’” Brandon recalled. “I’m a grandmother and mother. I saw grandparents who got custody of four children who haven’t had the easiest life.” The girl’s comment came after the family moved into the nearly empty rental house. They brought their beds along and borrowed a refrigerator that had been sitting in a garage from a friend. Brandon was able to arrange for the family to pick up some furniture, including a dining room table and chairs, from Resurrection Ministries, which operates a thrift store. “They have someplace to sit down as family,’’ Brandon said. “We’re so lucky in Mesa to have partners and connections. I have a lot of dealings with families who unfortunately need assistance.’’ Brandon said the goal is to keep families, or anyone else, from ending up in the streets. “I think it’s to stabilize them and get them some normalcy,’’ Brandon said. “It costs a lot more to provide them new homes. You provide for them, so they can provide for themselves,’’ at least eventually. She has promised to help Pam Anderson with other household items, once Anderson determines what else she needs after unpacking some belongings. The Andersons also have bene�ited with the most basic of human needs through

�� GRAND �� 5

••

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

ELECTIONS �� 1

margin. The turnout was uninspiring at nearly 33 percent for mayor and nearly 35 percent for the two council races, with District Three council member Francisco Heredia winning an uncontested seat after opponent Christopher Bown dropped out. Apache Junction and Scottsdale had a turnout of nearly 50 percent, while Gilbert and Chandler were at nearly the same level of Mesa, at about 35 percent. “I’m very humbled and grateful,’’ Giles said. “I think our residents voted to keep going forward in a positive direction.” “There’s a plan and we're executing that plan,’’ beyond the required focus on the health and welfare of residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, he added. Giles said he will continue to focus on what he considers progress, economic development for better jobs and more sales tax revenue and more high school graduates entering some kind of higher education or training. Just don’t talk to him about building a legacy. He doesn’t believe in legacies, just leaving the city better off than when he started in 2014. “I don’t see it in terms of a legacy. I see it in terms of personal satisfaction,’’ Giles said. “I’ve got 10 years to do the best job I can. Shame on me if I don’t take advantage of that opportunity.’’ Giles’ goals also include improving internet access throughout the city in the belief that computers are now a necessity, especially Mesa students turning to distance learning during the pandemic.

“We need to learn the lessons of COVID. There are some things that become more obvious that we need to address,’’ he said. He also wants to see more outreach and services to senior citizens, who turned up in food box lines alone despite the high threat of contracting COVID-19 because they had no one to help them. Even without Whittaker’s criticisms from the council dais, Giles anticipates opposition, saying, “These ideas get better with constructive criticism.’’ Despite his loss, Farnsworth said he's concerned about Giles facing little opposition from council and that he will be watching carefully and speaking loudly when necessary. Farnsworth is especially concerned about what he calls private-public partnerships, essentially the tax incentive deals the city has used with downtown redevelopment and economic development projects. “I will monitor their conduct on behalf of the people. I will speak against intrusions on the public’s trust and resources,’’

building relationships in the community as a mother and a lifelong Mesa resident, but acknowledged the impact of Giles support, saying, “I’m sure that didn’t hurt me.’’ The addition of Spilsbury and the subtraction of Whittaker leaves the already formidable Giles in an enviable position as he starts his last term, MAX FREEMAN JULIE SPILSBURY former council members Farnsworth said. “I think we are in for a Pat Gilbert and Dennis Kavanaugh said. rocky road.’’ “I think the future is his to de�ine,’’ GilBut Spilsbury sees no rocks to climb, bert said. “I think for John, the best days just opportunities to work well with oth- are ahead.’’ ers and get important work done. She said Freed from the constraints of facing anshe won’t bow to anyone, but she also will other election campaign, “I hope he has be constructive. moments of go for broke,’’ Gilbert said. She said the mayor, City Manager Chris Kavanaugh also is anxious to see what Brady and virtually the entire council Giles might accomplish in his last term, called her or texted her, congratulating beyond watching the ASU building open her on her victory over Whittaker and and completing some of his redevelopwelcoming her to the council. She will be ment projects downtown. seated in January. “I think he will be in a strong position “I’ve been given leadership qualities by to build coalitions with council members God. I can make things happen,’’ Spilsbury on policy issues,’’ Kavanaugh said. “I think said. “I made friends everywhere I have you will see a lot of in�ighting among been. People have said they enjoy working council members go away.’’ with me.’’ Kavanaugh also sees an opportunity for Spilsbury has mainly been noted in the a less restrained approach from Giles, who past as a school volunteer and said she is mainly known for his calm and steady didn’t know initially that serving on the manner. He praised Giles for listening well council was a paid position when she was and building relationships. weighing a bid at elected of�ice. Without another election, “that’s always She said she would like to think that resi- a liberating feeling. You can be freer with dents voted for her because of her years of your opinions,’’ Kavanaugh said. 

Trust provides insurance coverage to 247 districts, schools and community colleges throughout the state – including MPS. On Aug. 4, the Trust’s board of directors approved a plan to allow member districts to opt in to COVID-19 coverage for an additional premium. The amount of that premium charge will be based on the size of the district, according to a statement from the Trust. The Aug. 4 decision came just weeks after Trust board member Ken Hicks told radio station KTAR on July 27 that it would not provide liability coverage for claims related to COVID-19. Hicks said the exclusion was due to the

fact that the Trust’s reinsurance partners did not provide coverage for claims related to pathogens like the coronavirus, according to KTAR. But two days later, on July 29, the Trust made a statement that it was exploring options to provide COVID-19 coverage without support from reinsurers. The board approved that plan on Aug. 4. In order to qualify for the coverage, a school district must implement a reopening plan consistent with health and safety guidance issued by the Arizona Department of Education. Districts that would like coverage must also ask parents to sign a liability waiver

MAYOR JOHN GILES

Trust to offer school districts COVID-19 insurance BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Tribune Staff Writer

eeks after announcing it would not provide coverage, the largest school insurance provider in Arizona said it will offer options to cover claims related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. But it may mean that districts, including Mesa Public Schools, could require parents to agree to follow safety protocols or even agree not to sue school of�icials before their children are allowed back into a classroom. That is only an option for now. The Arizona Schools Risk Retention

or an “acknowledgment of risks” form that informs parents about the risks of inperson education during the pandemic, safety protocols they will be expected to take, and encourages behavior to reduce transmission of the virus. The Trust sent districts optional waiver and acknowledgment forms weeks ago in anticipation of the start of the school year but said they were not required. Prior to the Trust’s vote, MPS spokeswoman Heidi Hurst said the matter of a waiver “has not been a topic of discussion.” Districts cannot require parents to sign

�� TRUST �� 5

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

GRAND �� 3

the Feeding Mesa program, where the city spent $5 million in COVID relief funds to expand the availability of food boxes supplied by the Unity Food Bank and the Midwestern Food Bank. Although the program is based at the Mesa Convention Center, it was recently expanded to include a weekly drive-thru food distribution service at an east central Mesa Wells Fargo branch, conveniently located near the Anderson’s new home. Pam Anderson said the assistance is greatly appreciated because of her family’s predicament. She said that she not only cares for the children, but for her disabled husband, who can’t possibly work because of his medical condition. Andrew Anderson is disabled because of a medical history featuring a long list of life-threatening conditions. He said in his email that he suffered a massive heart attack and lost a kidney to cancer. He also

suffers from Alzheimer’s and lupus. Although the Andersons do not believe they have had COVID-19, they are part of a population heavily impacted by the recession spawned by the coronavirus. Lewis said the deadly virus’s impact started out with the food insecurity problem, with city response efforts gradually shifting toward a partnership with Mesa police to get the homeless off the streets, hoping to eliminate another avenue for the virus to spread. The city progressed to the ongoing Small Business Re-Emergence Program and is expecting an eviction crisis in October, when Gov. Doug Ducey’s eviction ban is expected to expire. Lewis said the city has about $10 million in federal aid available to help people who could very well get evicted, covering everything from utilities assistance, to eviction prevention to homeless assistance. It would help people living on the edge. People like the Andersons. 

PROBLEM.

SOLUTION.

Now there’s miraDry® • Immediate results and a permanent solution • Permanent reduction of underarm sweat • Non-invasive, in-office procedure with minimal to no downtime • FDA cleared • Toxin-free, no need for endless treatments • No need for ineffective antiperspirants • Usually just 1tx needed

Call Dr. Hiatt to schedule your appointment! call for a complimentary consultation

(480) 844-1410

4540 E. Baseline Rd., Ste 117 Mesa, Arizona 85206 | DRHIATT.COM

Where to find some help

There are other sources of help for people in need in Mesa. The Wells Fargo Drive-Up Food Bank and United Food Bank will provide the much-needed food items such as produce, bread, dairy and frozen meats to families every Wednesday through Aug. 26.No I.D. or information is required. Clients must wear masks and clean the trunks of their vehicles. The food distribution will take place at the Wells Fargo branch at 1860 E. University Drive, Mesa, at 6 p.m. Aug. 12, 19 and 26. The City of Mesa is now offering the LowIncome Senior Water Discount Program. The residential utility assistance program, in partner-

TRUST �� 4

the forms, according to the Trust. The acknowledgment form differs from the liability waiver some districts like Queen Creek Uni�ied School District have sent home to parents in recent weeks. “The Trust understands that there is not a ‘one size �its all’ approach for districts,” Trust spokesperson L’Ecuyer said in an email. “Accordingly, districts should discuss which (if any) of the resources below are appropriate for them.” The acknowledgment form asks parents to commit to 11 different procedures and precautions aimed at stemming the spread of the virus, including taking temperatures every day before sending kids to school and not sending children to school if they exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, ac-

ship with A New Leaf/Mesa Community Action Network (MesaCAN), provides a 30 percent discount on the water service rate, one of the key water rate components on a customer’s bill. The discount reduces the fixed, monthly charge from $28.10 per month to $19.67 per month. To qualify, residents must be 60 or older; a permanent, full-time resident of the service address and low income as defined by the state. Applications can be picked up at MesaCAN, 635 E. Broadway Road or mailed by calling 480833-9200 ext. 3401 

cording to a sample copy obtained by the Tribune. The waiver also asks parents to af�irm they will not send sick kids to school but also releases the district from liability in the event a child gets sick. “To the fullest extent permitted by law, I hereby agree to waive, release, and discharge any and all claims, causes of action, damages, and rights of any kind against the school, the District,” according to the copy of the waiver provided by the Trust. The acknowledgement form produced by the Trust does not dismiss districts from liability in the event a student gets sick. According to at least one school district lawyer, Scottsdale Uni�ied General Counsel Michelle Marshall, districts that opt for the waiver have the opportunity for a lower deductible. 

Patient’s Choice Award Recipient

PROUDLY SERVING THE EAST VALLEY ✓ MAINTENANCE ✓ SERVICE & REPAIRS ✓ REPLACEMENT / INSTALLATION

15% OFF REPAIRS Call for details

SET UP YOUR NEXT APPOINTMENT WITH COMPASS AIR CALL OR TEXT

480-492-3606 AZcompassair.com

••

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

DROWNINGS �� 1

six years old, according to the Children’s Safety Zone website. In all, there are have been nine fatalities, with six of them adults. No one wants to see the tragic record of six pediatric drownings in 2007 repeated ever again. In Maricopa and Pinal counties, the same pattern becomes apparent. The website lists 70 water-related incidents through July 13, involving 36 pediatrics, two children, two teens and 24 adults. It lists 29 deaths, with nine of them pediatric and 20 of them adults. Fire�ighters and drowning prevention advocates are alarmed because there were �ive pediatric drownings recorded in Maricopa and Pinal counties all of last year, according to the website. In all, there were 150 water-related incidents in the two counties during 2019, involving 72 pediatric-aged children and 63 adults. The website recorded 30 adult deaths and one teenager’s death. The non-fatal drowning incidents are essentially close calls, where deaths were prevented by someone noticing a victim under water and rendering assistance in time to save them. “I think what we’re starting to see is that there is more opportunity (for tragedy) and we need the ABC’s of water safety,’’ said Deputy Gilbert Fire Chief Mark Justus. “The number one advice is awareness, knowing where your kids are.’’ Many longtime Valley residents probably have memorized the ABCs of drowning prevention: – A for adult, B for barriers and C for swimming classes and lifejackets. Chandler Fire Department of�icials have toughened their water safety messaging, Battalion Chief Jeff West said. A child drowned earlier this year and two others were involved in water-related incidents. “We can list the messages and we can recite them, but what are you doing to prevent drownings? This life is on you,’’ West said. “We put the emphasis on those with the ability to prevent’’ fatal and non-fatal drownings. However, some of these close calls leave behind a lifetime of pain, de�icits, anxiety and even guilt.

t ? Gow s e N

Tracey Fejt, the trauma outreach injury prevention coordinator for Banner Cardon Children's Hospital, said she's concerned that parents who are working at home may get distracted from watching their kids in the pool. (Special

to the Tribune)

Gilbert has been fortunate so far, with six water-related incidents and no fatalities. But there have been �ive non-fatal incidents involving pediatric children and one involving an adult. “These families are the best resource I have to deliver that message. They understand,’’ Justus said. He has dealt with families who have experienced the ultimate loss, the loss of a child in a drowning that is usually preventable. “I have looked in their eyes. They would give you everything they have to take back that tragedy,’’ he said, and the non-fatal drownings should not be confused with having no impact on a family. Justus also has seen the medical consequences of having oxygen cut off from the brain, even if it miraculously wasn’t long enough to kill someone. “These are things that can affect them for weeks, months, or their entire lifetime. Even though they survived it doesn’t mean they are out of the woods,’’ he said. Fejt and Melissa Sutton, the coalition’s president, are worried that the trend is heading in the wrong direction after years of progress on the drowning issue. “Because of COVID, we were unable to reach the community as we have in the past,’’ Sutton said. She said one of the few drowning prevention events was in Chandler in June,

when the police and �ire departments staged a mini-parade of public service vehicles at several schools. The coalition passed out safety literature and extolled the necessity of drowning prevention. “We are seeing an uptick here. Parents are now home. The kids are now home. The parent has to take a Zoom call or to get that report done,’’ Sutton said. “We’re seeing the repercussions of it.’’ “The kids are usually in the care of someone else,’’ such as attending a summer camp, she said. “Those things are not happening right now.’’ One disturbing trend Fejt has noted is that about half of the pediatric incidents involved children wearing “�loaties,’’ cheap in�latable devices that are considered unreliable toys rather than true �loatation devices, such as lifejackets. “They are cheap and parents have a false sense of security,’’ Fejt said. Although lifejackets can cost $30 compared with a $6 �loatie, parents need to consider the overwhelming consequences of potentially losing a child’s life before pinching pennies on safety devices, she said. Nothing takes the place of adequate adult supervision, including a “waterwatcher’’ whose sole job is to watch children in the water without interruption for about 20-minute intervals. The ideal is to have sober adults take turns giving

children their undivided attention, similar to a lifeguard. “It’s hard to keep your eyes on a child 24-7,’’ Fejt said, making barriers such as pool fences and extra-attentive supervision vital. A tragic Mesa drowning of a 2 ½ yearold boy earlier this month demonstrates Fejt’s argument for the importance of water watchers, although her focus is always on saving other children and not on being judgmental. Mesa police said the tragedy occurred at a family party, at the child’s grandparents’ home. “They were eating and realized the child was missing. That’s when they found the child in the pool,’’ said Detective Jason Flam, a Mesa police spokesman. The boy was pulled from the bottom of the pool and family members administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but it was sadly too late to save him, despite their best efforts, police said. Authorities were hopeful when it appeared the child was breathing on his own, but his condition worsened after he was taken to the hospital and he eventually was pronounced dead. Mesa Deputy Fire Chief Forrest Smith said he believes the combination of more children at home, with more parents working from home, is contributing to an already chronic problem. He said distractions, such as a parent working on a computer, can cause tragic consequences very quickly. Fire�ighters are sounding a warning that undivided supervision – and barriers to compensate for predictable human failings in watching children – have never been more important. “We have to talk about with injuries to children, a lot of it is a lapse in adult supervision,’’ Smith said. “The only reason that we have fences is because we don’t have the ability to just stare at kids.’’ He said it can be frustrating for �ire�ighters to know how to reach people about the importance of water safety as they see the tragic consequences year after year of preventable deaths. “We struggle at determining what message is impacting people,’’ Smith said. 

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

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

Yum++

Family First Physicians 2345 E Southern Ave Ste 101 Mesa, AZ 85204

Family First Physicians

Hours:

Family2345 First EPhSouthern ysicians Ave HMonday-Friday ours: FamEilSouthern y First PhyAve sicians Hours: 2345 Family First P hysicians Monday-Friday Hours: Ste 101 7am-5pm 2345 E Southern Ave Monday-Friday Ste 101 7am-5pm 2345 E Southern Ave Monday-Friday Ste85204 101 7am-5pm AZ101 85204 Phone: Phone: 480-893-2345 Mesa,Mesa, AZ 480-893-2345 Ste 7am-5pm Phone: 480-893-2345 Mesa, AZ 85204 Mesa, AZ 85204 Phone: 480-893-2345 The office of: The office of:

Accepting new patients! Same-Day Scheduling Now offering telemedicine! TheThe office of:of:M.D. Accepting newnew patients! Accepting patients! Allen Germaine, M.D. Allen Germaine, office Accepting new patients! Allen Germaine, M.D. Sepatients! habla Español Accepting new BrittonBritton Goodman, D.O. Allen Germaine, M.D. Goodman, D.O. Same-Day Scheduling Same-Day Scheduling Britton Goodman, D.O.

••

Mo 7 Phone

Allen Britto Jen Gabr Ambe Christo

Same-Day Scheduling Jennifer Dorn, FNP Britton Goodman, D.O. Jennifer Dorn, FNP Same-Day Scheduling Call us today at 480-893-2345 Now offering telemedicine! Jennifer Dorn, FNP Gabriella Katana, PA-C Now offering telemedicine! Jennifer Dorn, FNP Now offering telemedicine! Gabriella Katana, PA-C Now offering telemedicine! Amber Gabriella Katana, PA-C Se habla Español Valenzuela, PA-C Gabriella Katana, PA-C Se habla Español Amber Valenzuela, PA-C Se habla Español Amber Valenzuela, PA-C Christopher Costello, PA-C Se habla Español Amber Valenzuela, Call usSince today at 480-893-2345 2005, our goal has been to treat entire families andPA-C provide effecti Christopher Costello, PA-C

Christopher Costello, PA-C us today at 480-893-2345 CallCall us today at 480-893-2345 Christopher Costello, PA-C Call today atan 480-893-2345 The us practice has open-door policy, offering scheduled visits, same day

Gilbert 2285 E Baseline Rd, #103, Gilbert, AZ 85234 (480) 892-1667 NothingBundtCakes.com

Gilbert 2285 E Baseline Rd, #103, Gilbert, AZ 85234 (480) 892-1667 NothingBundtCakes.com 09/01/20

09/01/20

Since 2005, our goal has been to treat entire families and provide effective, efficient care. walk-in service for patients of all ages. 2005, our has been to treat entire families andand provide effective, efficient care. Since 2005, our goal haspolicy, been to treat entire families provide effective, efficient care. TheSince practice has an goal open-door offering scheduled visits, same day appointments and The practice has an offering scheduled visits, same dayday appointments and walk-inpolicy, service foroffering patients of all ages. The practice hasopen-door an open-door policy, scheduled visits, same appointments and walk-in service for patients of all ages. walk-in service for patients of all ages. walk-in service for patients of all ages.

For additional information, including accepted insura

For additional information, including accepted insurances, patient and more, please visit our website ForFor additional information, including accepted insurances, patient additional information, including accepted insurances, patient portal, and more,portal, please visit our website at For additional information, including accepted insurances, patient portal, visit website portal, visit f.caoour m ilwebsite yfi firrstatpat hysicians.com wwand w.and famore, mimore, lyfi firrplease stpplease hyw siw ciaw ns.our m portal, and more, website at w .failm ilrysplease fir fi siaicniasour om wwww .fw am yfi fir tprshtp yshiycvisit .ncso.cm

www.familyfifirrstphysicians.com

Savanna Savings 1ST MONTH FREE + $500 OFF EACH MONTH

Assisted Living and Memory Care

FOR THE REST OF 2020!* *For Move-Ins Prior to 9/15/2020

At SAVANNA HOUSE, we love and care for our residents, offering a sense of safety while promoting humor and joy with new friends, engaging activities and peace of mind. We help provide certainty in what can often be an uncertain world. Savanna House Senior Living invites you to live inspired!

Schedule Your No Contact, Virtual Tour Today!

Call Us Today To Learn More!

(480) 900-6815

1415 North San Benito Dr., Gilbert, AZ 85234

| SavannaHouseSeniorliving.com

2 Easy Steps! 1

Use your phone camera to view the code 2 Click on the pop up link and book your tour!

SCAN BELOW!

••

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

State AG threatens lab with COVID-19 fraud lawsuit BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

he state attorney general is accusing a major testing laboratory of lying to consumers about how quickly they will get their results. In a letter to the attorney for the �irm, Joshua Weiss, an assistant attorney general, claims that it frequently took nine days and more for Sonora Quest to process COVID-19 tests. Weiss said that was longer than consumers were being promised – and violates the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act. Weiss also said that Sonora Quest, which processes most of the state’s tests, “has failed to deliver on several promises for cleaning out its testing backlog.’’ He said there are indications that the situation is improving. But Weiss said

he’s not convinced that’s because the lab is doing a better job. “This may be a function of decreased demand due to consumer frustration over the length of time it takes to get test results from Sonora Quest,’’ he wrote to company attorney Brian Mosley. And Weiss said even if the problem appears to be resolved, his of�ice “remains concerned that if there is another in�lux of tests directed to Sonora Quest, the same problems will reoccur.’’ There was no immediate response from either Mosley or the public relations �irm that represents the lab. The company admitted that in late July it had a backlog of 60,000 tests. But the company’s web site on Thursday said that active infection testing is reporting in less than 24 hours for hospital customers “and the majority of other testing is reported within 2-3 days.’’

This is more than just a company issue. Gov. Doug Ducey announced in early July that the state was providing $2 million to Sonora Quest to purchase new equipment. In its most recent posting, the company said it is adding test lines with the goal of being able to conduct 60,000 tests a day by the end of August. And Sonora Quest claims that its testing capacity currently exceeds demand. But Weiss said that still leaves the fact that Sonora Quest provided customers and health care providers with inaccurate wait times “when time and contact tracing was exigent.’’ What allows the attorney general’s of�ice to get involved is the state’s Consumer Fraud Act. It makes it illegal to use deception, fraud, false pretenses, false promises, misrepresentation or concealment, suppression of any mate-

rial fact when giving information to consumers. “Given the highly contagious nature of COVID-19 and the aforementioned lack of disclosure to potential consumers and health care providers regarding wait times, Sonora Quest’s conduct appears likely to have caused substantial injury to consumers,’’ Weiss wrote. The letter demands that the lab “immediately and permanently cease and desist from providing inaccurate information to consumers or health care providers regarding COVID-19 testing turnaround times,’’ with a deadline of 5 p.m. on Friday. Even if the company comes into compliance, that may not end the inquiry. Weiss is telling the lab to preserve all written and electronic materials about its turnaround time “in anticipation of consumer fraud litigation.’’ 

Judge strikes education tax initiative from ballot BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

measure to boost taxes on the state’s most wealthy can’t go on the November ballot because the description of the measure fails to inform voters of what it really does, a judge has ruled. In a 20-page order, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Christopher Coury concluded there were both misleading statements and full-blown omissions in the legally required 100-word description that is placed on the petitions. Any one of these, he said, would have been enough to disqualify the initiative. And taken together, Coury said, the description creates “the substantial risk of confusion for a reasonable Arizona voter.’’ “Invest in Education circulated an opaque ‘Trojan horse’ of a 100-word description, concealing principal provisions of the initiative,’’ the judge wrote. “No matter how well-intention Invest in Education’s initiative was, its nontransparent description violates Arizona law,’’ he continued. “Consequently, this selfin�licted shortcoming will prevent voters from considering this initiative – a result

that understandably will disappoint and trouble teachers, administrators, some education advocates, and many Arizona voters.’’ Joe Thomas, president of the Arizona Education Association, one of the groups backing the measure, called the ruling “bizarre,’’ “shameful" and “political.’’ He said that initiative backers turned in petitions with more than 435,000 signatures. “Instead of respecting the voters, Judge Coury inserted his own political views throughout his baseless ruling,’’ he said. Backers of the Invest in Education measure have asked the Arizona Supreme Court to review the decision. But Coury said he doubts that would be successful. He pointed out that the justices threw out a similar measure backed by the same group two years ago, also over the issue of the adequacy of the description of the proposed change in tax rates. “Instead of using the phrasing that had been blessed by the Arizona Supreme Court, Invest in Education chose to use different language, as was its right,’’ he said. “When a teacher speci�ically instructs a student exactly how to complete a math problem, and when the student disregards

the instruction and does the math problem incorrectly on a future test, should the student receive a passing grade?’’ Coury wrote. “The simple answer is no.’’ Initiative backers seek to raise $940 million a year for K-12 education by imposing a 3.5 percent income tax “surcharge’’ on earnings exceeding $250,000 a year for individuals and $500,000 for married couples �iling jointly. It was that description as a “surcharge,’’ the judge said, that became a key mistake. He said some voters might understand that would add 3.5 percentage points on the current top state income tax rate of 4.5 percent. But others, Coury said, might interpret it to be a temporary tax, or even just a 3.5 percent increase in taxes when, in fact, the taxes owed on earnings above that point would increase by 77.7 percent. The judge also said the description fails to inform voters of the impact of the initiative on the owners of certain businesses who pay individual income taxes versus corporate taxes. And then there is what Coury said is the failure to explain in the description how the cash raised would be distributed, including that half would go to “teachers, classroom support personnel and student

support services personnel.’’ “To some reasonable voters, devoting 50 percent of the money generated by the initiative directly to teacher salaries may have sounded too rich; to other reasonable voters, devoting 50 percent of the money raised directly to teacher salaries may have sounded too modest,’’ the judge wrote. He also said the description failed to explain how the measure would tie the hands of Arizona lawmakers, forbidding them from reducing other funding for public education once these new funds started to �low. Coury brushed aside the fact that each petition had an actual copy of the initiative attached, meaning that would-be signers with questions could have actually read the entire document if they had questions. This isn’t the only lawsuit this year seeking to disqualify measures from the ballot based on the adequacy of the description. Separate actions have been �iled along the same lines by foes of legalizing recreational use of marijuana by adults, giving judges more discretion in sentencing, and a package of health-related measures which includes a 20 percent pay increase for hospital workers. Hearings on those begin later this month. 

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

Ducey visits with Trump amid high political stakes

manage to take control of either – or both – chambers of the Legislature. Democrats need to oust just one of the 31 Republicans to force a coalition in the House; picking up two seats would give them absolute control. The Senate is a bigger hurdle, with Democrats having to move two seats into their column for a tie and three for a majority. And all this comes as both Trump and Ducey are under �ire from multiple quarters about how they have handled the COVID-19 outbreak. For Trump, the issues center around his denial for months that there was a problem and his insistence that it would go away. Then there were the mixed messages, with the president at some points saying governors should bow to his leadership and then saying this isn’t a federal problem. He still faces scrutiny as his own health experts continue to publicly disagree with him about the best course of action. Ducey waited until late March to declare

an emergency. But it took him a few more days to close schools. And it was only after Tucson and Flagstaff moved to shutter bars and restaurants and other non-essential businesses that the governor followed suit. And only at the end of March did he issue his order to have people stay at home other than to participate in ``essential activities.’’ Even then, he not only refused to impose a statewide requirement for masks but threatened local governments who wanted to impose their own. Finally, in June, he relented, gave the goahead for cities and counties to act. Potentially more signi�icant was Ducey’s decision to not only lift that stay-at-home order in May but allow both restaurants and bars to reopen if they would promise to limit capacity and promote physical distancing. On May 16, the day the stay-at-home order expired, there were 485 cases of the

virus reported. Two weeks later, it had risen to 743. But the worst was yet to come as customers �looded the newly reopened bars. New cases peaked at 5,458, the date that Ducey �inally admitted he made a mistake in allowing bars to reopen. He also decided at that point to again shutter gyms, �itness centers and water parks and forbid movie theaters from reopening. Asked if he screwed up in his original decision, Ducey responded, ``We’re �ixing it.’’ The governor also has his share of critics from his right who question his continued closure orders and the fact that he has not ordered schools to reopen for all in-classroom instruction. Instead, Ducey deferred to local school districts to make that decision, using yetto-be-released "metrics" from the state Department of Health Services. There even are discussions at the Legislature among some members of his own party about revisiting the emergency powers they gave him – if not now, then after this crisis is over. And then there have been the court battles. Ducey managed to beat back a bid by a Flagstaff resident to get a federal judge to rule that the stay-at-home order was an invasion of his rights. And he also prevailed in the �irst two legal efforts by gyms and �itness centers to reopen. That changed earlier this week when a judge declared that closure without some ability to show they can operate safely violated the due process rights of the owners. And there is a separate claim pending at the Arizona Supreme Court by the owners of more than 60 bars throughout the state that the law giving Ducey the emergency powers to keep them shuttered is unconstitutional. 

after 129 of her 430 signatures were challenged as either ineligible or illegible. She had garnered the smallest number of petition signatures. A minimum of 400 signatures is required for a ballot spot. The election will see at least two new board members getting elected since incumbent President Elaine Miner and Steven Peterson are not seeking new terms in

the nonpartisan race. As of now, those who are headed for the November ballot are incumbent board member Kiana Maria Sears and Richard Crandall, Lara Ellingson, Vikki Johnson, Joseph O’Reilly and Cara Lee Schnepf Steiner. Miner’s decision not to seek a second consecutive term on the board caps a long tenure with MPS. Besides her cur-

rent four-year-term, which expires Dec. 31, she served two four-year terms beginning in 2000. Peterson, whose eight children have either graduated or attend Mesa schools, has been active in Westwood High as a PTO member and assistant cross country coach and is winding up 10 years on the board. 

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

ov. Doug Ducey’s meeting with President Trump last week came as both are seeking to write a new narrative about their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the president, the opportunity for each to praise the other is political survival. Arizona’s 11 electoral votes could prove crucial in Trump’s reelection bid. That was underscored by a photo-op at the White House with the pair chatting in front of a chart listing all the federal aid and medications provided by the federal government to Arizona. But it goes beyond Trump’s own future. Also at stake is the bid by Martha McSally to hang on to the Senate seat formerly held by John McCain – a seat to which Ducey appointed her. Ducey’s concerns for his own image are less immediate. With no gubernatorial race, he has no need to defend his handling of the virus until he decides what he wants to do after leaving of�ice at the end of 2022. Still, there are more immediate crucial issues. The governor has a personal stake of sorts in the McSally campaign. His appointment of her came after she was unable to win a Senate campaign of her own in 2018, with Arizona voters preferring Democrat Kyrsten Sinema. A defeat this year could be seen as a message that voters believe Ducey made a mistake in appointing her following that defeat and giving her another shot at statewide election. Ducey also faces the possibility of becoming a true lame duck for the last two years of his administration if Democrats

Gov. Doug Ducey visited with President Trump at the White House last Wednesday. (YouTube)

Candidate withdraws from Mesa school board race TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

he number of candidates who will vie in the Nov. 3 election for three seats on the Mesa Public Schools Governing Board has dropped to six after a candidate dropped out in the face of a challenge to her nominating petitions. Angela Tahiliani withdrew from the race

••

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

State unveils school reopening guide BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

tate health of�icials have laid out a three-part test for when they say it is safe for schools to reopen, in full or in part. In essence, the guidelines say it will be safe to again have kids in the classroom when: • Fewer than 7 percent of area residents tested for COVID-19 test positive for the virus; • The number of people showing up at local hospitals with COVID-like symptoms is less than 10 percent of all visits; • A rate of infection drops below 100 cases for every 100,000 residents. Exceeding even one of those, according to state Health Director Cara Christ, indicates that schools should remain shuttered. Mesa Public Schools already has postponed its original Aug. 17 reopening date and can now use the data to make a safer decision on when to bring students back to campuses. But even that third state guideline comes with an escape clause of sorts. Schools could still meet that speci�ic benchmark if there has been a decline in the weekly average in the number of cases for two consecutive weeks, even if the infection rate tops 100 per 100,000. Arizona is not there yet. “We think it’s going to be several weeks before any county meets those benchmarks,’’ said state Health Director Cara Christ. “But we do see it trending down within the next month.’’ Marcy Flanagan, executive director of the county Department of Public Health, said it was unlikely campuses could reopen by next week. Flanagan last week said county health of�icials have been meeting with a work group of top administrators from public and private schools to discuss data-driven benchmarks rather than a speci�ic date for reopening campuses. “Given the benchmarks discussed with our work group and benchmarks that we believe a DHS may consider,” Flanagan said, “We are not currently meeting those benchmarks to have our schools fully reopen and go back to in-person teacherled classes.

schools may choose to either open earlier or stay closed longer,’’ Christ said. “It really is left up to that local education agency in consultation with their local public health.’’ But state schools chief Kathy Hoffman is discouraging too much individual choice. “Schools should adState Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman released guildelines to help here to these school districts determine when it is safe to reopen campuses. The health-data-driven benchmarks,’’ guidelines also have been buttressed by the Maricopa County Public Health Department, which has been conferring with a working group of school leaders, including Mesa Schools she said. “And school boards Superintendent Dr. Andi Fourlis. (Capitol Media Services) should be held “I wouldn’t provide a date certain” for accountable by their community memreopening, she said, but rather would look bers to follow the public health recomat benchmarks – such as the level of re- mendations.’’ “I fully support these metrics,’’ she said. ported new virus cases. “It gives us a goalpost of where we need to Christ had no predictions either. She emphasized these decisions gener- see the numbers.’’ The standards actually are divided into ally are going to be made on a county-bycounty level, meaning kids could be back three categories. First – and most severe – are conditions in school in one county while those in the that the health department say creates adjacent one have only online learning. Flanagan said the county will soon be conditions for “substantial community releasing a new COVID-19 breakdown spread.’’ Those are the numbers outlined in the that will show positive cases by various geographical areas, including ZIP codes basic three-part standard. In those cases, any area unable to meet all three criteria and school districts. The question now is whether any of the should keep their schools closed and all more than 200 traditional school districts instruction should be online. A second category involves lower rates and charter schools actually will follow of infection and positive test results. the guidelines. In those cases, the standards say that Nothing in the standards is mandatory. And local school of�icials are free to re- schools can reopen in limited fashion for open even while infections rates are high – “hybrid’’ education. That could involve or remain closed even past the point when students in school part of the day and online learning the rest of the day, or even the risk is minimal. Several districts already having an- having students attend on alternate days. But there still are restrictions, includnounced they don’t intend to have in-person classes until the middle of October – in- ing not just the physical distancing that cluding Chandler Uni�ied and Tempe Union. the health department wants – six feet be“There are local circumstances that tween desks – but also screening individu-

al students for symptoms, closing communal spaces like cafeterias and mandatory face coverings. The health department protocols call for enhanced cleaning, working with students on hand hygiene and “proper respiratory etiquette,’’ monitoring absenteeism and proper ventilation in rooms and schoolbuses. That last category, Christ acknowledged, presents some unique challenges in newer buildings where windows do not open. But she said there are ways of tweaking the ventilation system to get more fresh air into the system. Gov. Doug Ducey requires schools to open their doors by Aug. 17 for students who need somewhere to go. Hoffman said that’s mainly designed as a “safety net’’ for students with special needs, things like special education students and counseling services with kids with mental health needs. She also said some districts intend to offer space for children of “essential workers.’’ But she conceded that, under federal laws, schools which are not yet offering full-time or hybrid classes will not be able to turn away any child who shows up at their door – even if they do not fall into one of the eligible categories. Hoffman said, though, that schools need not provide that space in traditional classrooms. She said some districts are working with local Y’s and Boys and Girls Clubs to provide somewhere safe, complete with computers so that these students still can participate in online learning. “It will not be babysitting,’’ she said. Christ said, “We know that some parents are not going to be comfortable sending their kids back until there’s a vaccine or until there’s minimal spread.” “We do feel it’s important to get kids back into the classroom,’’ she added. There is a potential complicating factor. “Despite schools’ best efforts to retain their teachers and �ind ways for them to feel comfortable for them to teach in this incredibly challenging environment and challenging times, there are increased rates of teachers resigning,’’ Hoffman said. And all this, Hoffman said, comes on top of what’s already a “very severe shortage’’ of quali�ied teachers in the classroom. 

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

Share the Road campaign pushes for vehicle safety

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tribune Staff Writer

ennifer Canziani was riding her motorcycle north on Scottsdale Road and was nearly to Cave Creek when tragedy struck. A woman who was playing with gadgets in her boss’ car swerved near Canziani, whose husband saw it all through a rearview mirror. “My husband was in front of me and I said, on the microphone, ‘I don’t think that girl is going to stop,’” said Canziani, a Red Mountain High School graduate who now lives in Maricopa. “I looked over and it was like our eyes clicked and everything went in slow motion. I went sliding and she sped off. I was out of my body and watched myself get attached to her car and drag me. I just closed my eyes.” When everything stopped, Canziani’s jacket was ripped apart and her shoe was off. She was afraid to look at her leg. “The whole leg was shattered,” said Canziani. “I had pins and plates in there. I couldn’t walk for almost six months. When I started walking in rehab, my bone shifted in my knee, so I kept tearing my meniscus and ACL. In seven months, they had repaired it four times.” Last year saw a record number of motorcycle fatalities – along with more than 3,000 motorcycle and 123,000 vehicle crashes in which people were hurt. The Share the Road campaign is a statewide public awareness effort aimed at focusing Arizona motorists on the critical need to be undistracted when driving and to train motorcyclists how to ride more defensively. This multipronged movement, which is geared to reduce the number of crashes and fatalities on Arizona roads, is supported and promoted by the Arizona Governor’s Of�ice of Highway Safety, Arizona Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Foundation, Dignity Health, Arizona Trauma Association, the Governor’s Of�ice of High-

t o Gews? N

Red Mountain High School alumna Jennifer Canziani lost a leg as the result of a serious injury in a motorcycle accident. Now she's leading the charge for motorists and motorcyclists to be more accomodating to each other on the road. (Special to the Tribune)

way Safety, Law Tigers, RideNow and Rosenbluth Family Charitable Foundation. Gov. Doug Ducey recently said the time is now to focus drivers and riders on the critical importance of sharing the road with respect and being completely aware of their surroundings. The nonpro�it Arizona Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Foundation and its partners – healthcare, insurance, legal, police departments, corporations, small business and the Arizona Governor’s Of�ice of Highway Safety – also stress the need for Arizona motorists and motorcyclists to avoid distractions. According to foundation Executive Director Mick Degn, Share the Road leaders promote the need for drivers/riders to share the road and to be more aware of their surroundings as they travel. Efforts include public safety outreach and community grassroots efforts including billboards, police safety events and working with social media.

“Our program is the only one of its kind in the United States,” Degn said. “We need everyone’s support and involvement to continue to increase awareness. Just as importantly, we want to work with Arizona businesses to develop driver/rider safety awareness ideas and initiatives. “After all, the people sharing our roadways are your family members, customers, friends and colleagues. Their lives matter as does their safety and the safety of others.” One day, Canziani’s orthopedic surgeon told her he would stop repeatedly �ixing her leg and encouraged her to stay in a wheelchair. “I’m not the type to stay in a wheelchair,” she said. “I asked for my other options. One was a knee replacement, but he couldn’t do it because my leg had too much damage. He said I needed a better orthopedic surgeon.” He referred Canziani to another doctor, who also said her leg was too damaged.

“I don’t know if there’s a doctor in town who can do it,” she recalls him saying. “I was giving up hope. I was thinking I was really going to have to stay in a wheelchair. My kids were in high school, about to graduate, and start their lives.” The next orthopedic surgeon was con�ident, but Canziani had her doubts. In four years, she had 13 surgeries. This doctor told her everything was all right, but she had an undiagnosed yeast infection in her knee. “He didn’t know what he was doing,” she said. “I was a guinea pig to him. I’m not trying to bash him or anything. I felt like he dropped the ball and didn’t want to pick it back up after a while.” She went septic after her 13th surgery and, thankfully, there was an infectious disease doctor nearby. On April 22, 2016, Canziani was advised to go to the doctor because she was dying. “I was trying to �igure out why my doctor didn’t just sit me down and say, ‘Let’s take this leg,’” she recalled. “I brought it up a couple times. I remember him saying it was a good leg. I was going to be �ine. I ended up losing my leg.” Canziani now has a prosthetic leg. Throughout her counseling, she was told to �ight her fears and get back on a motorcycle. She tried trikes and conversions, but neither one worked until she found a Ryker. “It’s this weird-looking bike,” she said with a laugh. “It’s all in the wrist. It has one wheel in the front and two in the back. It looks like the Batmobile. “I get on it and I ride still – with a helmet. My husband doesn’t want to see another accident. He saw it from his rearview mirror and heard it in his speaker in his helmet. By the time he was able to pull off and get to my rescue, I was already done sliding.” Canziani admittedly has anxiety issues, especially about a certain North Scottsdale intersection, but that’s to be expected. As for the girl who hit her, she returned to the scene and was cited. 

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

••

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

FRONTIER ACE

Ka ba t’s

••

Hardware Stores

CRISMON ACE

APACHE TRAIL, AJ • 480-983-9223

CRISMON & GUDALUPE, MESA • 480-429-0199

TEMPORARY HOURS: MON-SAT 8AM-5PM SUN 9AM-3PM

TEMPORARY HOURS: MON-SAT 8AM-6PM SUN 9AM-5PM

HANDY ACE

SAN TAN VALLEY ACE

POWER & MAIN, MESA • 480-830-4000

40649 N GANTZEL RD • 480-500-6146

TEMPORARY HOURS: MON-SAT 8AM-4PM SUN 9AM-3PM

TEMPORARY HOURS: MON-SAT 6:30AM-6PM SUN 7:30AM-4PM

RED HOT BUYS

Visit us at www.kabatsace.com • Locally Owned • Free Delivery • Curbside Pick-Up

COMMUNITY

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

TheMesaTribune.com |

@EVTNow

/EVTNow

Mesa sisters sharing their love of wine BY ANNIKA TOMLIN Tribune Staff Writer

hayla Smith and her sister, Shaunna Cooper, share a passion for wine. The siblings wanted to tell the world about their love of vino, so they created Wine Spencer, a contemporary wine brand to inspire people to decant and appreciate wine, in September 2019. Smith and Cooper host events, private occasion and social celebrations to help others imbibe. Smith and Cooper, who pursued WSET Level 2 wine certi�ications, named the company after a well-used family moniker. “Our dad, his name is Spencer,” said Cooper, who lives in Mesa. “His dad was named Spencer, so he is a junior. Then, our mom, her dad’s name is Spencer and then our grandfather on our mom’s side is named Spencer. It is a name that has been in our family and we really wanted to pay respect to that.” The wine blog was a steppingstone for the sisters on their journey to putting their business together. “I think for me the wine blog was just an introduction to wine but to really understand the way to taste wine you need an in-person tasting. It’s the best way to go about it,” Smith said. “Now we are doing virtual tastings but it’s still having that conversation with people about the aromas, about how to properly taste wine and I think you don’t really get the interaction in a blog, and so [it’s important] to create that dialogue.” Wine Spencer offers eight speci�ic guided wine experiences: Wine 101; Old World vs. New World; All White Everything; All Red Everything; Let’s Get Bubbly; South African Wine Tour; Black Winemakers/ Wineries; and Rosé All Day. They also offer a create-your-own option along with restaurant partnerships and private event food and wine pairing consultation. “I lived in South Africa for four months and so the South African Wine Tour is really fun for me because I can talk about my experience being in South Africa and some

Mesa sisters Shaunna Cooper, left, and Shayla Smith are sharing their expertise in wine and offering eight specific wine experiences. (Special to the Tribune)

of the reds that are native to South Africa like Pinotage,” Smith said. “It allows me to expose people to a new grape variety that they might not have tried before. Being able to introduce them to a wine that is pretty affordable and high quality is nice.” Cooper added, “I think Wine 101 is a great class to teach because you are introducing people to wine and I think that people that don’t drink wine don’t drink it because they don’t understand what type of wine to order. “They just don’t really know what type of palate they have. Do they like dry

wines? Do they like sweet? Just by them trying to break it down and have them understand what they like versus what they don’t like is something that I enjoy. It just kind of expands their knowledge in wine and gets them interested in the world of wine as well.” The sisters agreed that they enjoy sharing milestones with their guests. “During the tasting it allows us to be part of other people’s milestones,” said Smith, a New York resident. “Helping to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and bridal showers and engagements. That has been nice

to be able to help people celebrate important moments in their life.” A wine experience includes tasting between two to �ive wines under the speci�ic category that was chosen. Each class begins with overall knowledge of how to get from grape to the bottle and then dives into the details of what people are tasting, smelling and seeing. “(We are) trying to get them to understand what they are tasting in their mouth,” Cooper said. “Is it the acidity? The body? What types of aromas are they smelling? We really try to focus on the �ive S’s, which are see, swirl, sniff, sip and then savor.” The hardest part of doing the classes during a pandemic is having to �ind places that sell the same wine in different states for virtual classes. Virtual classes for up to �ive people are $150 and for up to 10 people it is $250. The sisters will continue hosting virtual classes but would like to one day be able to do events at wineries and vineyards locally and internationally. “We are originally from Los Angeles and so I think doing pop-up tastings in LA would be a fun thing to do for people who might be following us, but they want to do an in-person tasting post COVID,” Smith said. Smith is interested in pursuing a Spanish wine certi�ication, while Cooper would like an Italian wine certi�ication. Both are hoping to plan seven-day international trips around getting their certi�ications that could include others to make it a full wine experience. “With a wine tasting, I know that there are some brands out there where they bring speci�ic wine and you know they are really trying to get you to purchase the wine after the tasting. That is not our structure,” Cooper said. “It is really based on an unbiased opinion. We are not selling anything other than our services.” For more information about Wine Spencer look up the sisters on Instagram @winespencer or go to winespencer.com. 

••

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

Get expert advice to help you get the job done right. We offer a complete line of paint and painting supplies, 2,006 designer preferred colors and Zero VOC Colorants.

E.McDowell Rd.

2733 North Power Road #108

N Power Rd.

SEE WHAT’S IN STORE FOR RED MOUNTAIN.

DUNN-EDWARDS NOW OPEN IN RED MOUNTAIN

E.Northridge St.

E.Norwood St.

N Silverado

••

2733 N. Power Road #108 Mesa, AZ 85215

DUNN-EDWARDS CORPORATION 4885 East 52ND Place, Los Angeles, CA 90058 (888) DE PAINT® (337-2468) | dunnedwards.com Dunn-Edwards®, The #1 Choice of Painting Professionals®, and (888) DE PAINT® are registered trademarks of the Dunn-Edwards Corporation. ©2020 Dunn-Edwards Corporation. All rights reserved.

Buy 2 Color Samples, Get 1 Free Bring this coupon to the Dunn-Edwards Red Mountain store, and get a free 8 oz. Perfect Palette® Sampler, with the purchase of 2 Samplers. *Limit one free Perfect Palette® Sampler per person. Offer valid through 1/18/2021 at the Dunn-Edwards Red Mountain store only and may not be combined with any other offers or discounts. ©2020 Dunn-Edwards Corporation. All rights reserved.

BUSINESS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

TheMesaTribune.com

@EVTNow

/EVTNow

Experts: Area housing market like ‘the wild west’ BY PAUL MARYNIAK Tribune Executive Editor

he Chandler Arizonan recently visited virtually with �ive experts to discuss the residential and commercial real estate market amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The experts included: Attorney Benjamin Gottlieb, of the real estate law �irm MacQueen & Gottlieb; Kellie James, of Prime Lending Chandler; Lance Brace, of Bennett Property Management; Mary Nollenberger, a commercial real estate specialist for SVN/Desert Commercial Advisors and Angela Tauscher, a Realtor with West USA Real Estate Chandler. We still seem to be in a very strong seller’s market. How long do you think it will continue? Angela Tauscher: We’re putting consistently under contract every seven days 7,000 and 8,000 homes …and we’re closing between, I’d say, about 2,000 and 4,000. I think the highest I’ve seen honestly is 4,000 and I’ve been tracking it every single week since COVID started. ….As you know, a full-time Realtor sells maybe 20 residential houses a year. I think our team has sold 30 in the last three months. It has been crazy out there. It’s literally the Wild

LANCE BRACE

West. Anything that we’re putting in under the $500,000 price point, we’re having anywhere from 10 to 30 showings in 24 hours. It doesn’t matter if it looks like a dog or if it’s the most beautiful home on the block. …More commonly, I’d say if it’s anything under probably $450,000, we’re getting 10 to 15 offers on every single house. We put in a cash offer for a $750,000 listing last week. We were outbid by a $775,000 loan that waived the appraisal. “We have a million-dollar home right now that we had multiple offers on and they had tons of activity. So, it is challenging on the buyer’s side. We’re having buyers that are getting discouraged –especially if they need any concessions in any way shape or form, they just aren’t getting them.” Do you see this continuing inde�initely? Tauscher: I think we have a serious issue with our shortage of inventory. A lot of people are scared to put their homes on the market because they don’t want people in their homes. I think what happened is as people got a little more comfortable when things were opening up, they were more willing to maybe put some stuff on the market. But when the numbers spiked, now we’re seeing some people withdraw and

BENJAMIN L. GOTTLIEB

get scared again. So, there’s a real challenge there. From what I’m seeing, people are stuck at home. They’re bored. There’s nothing better to do but talk about “what should we do?” “Should we add this gold-plated wall just because interest rates are so low?” “Maybe we should just sell and right now, then we don’t do re�i.” We get this incredible interest rate and we get a step up for the exact same payment of what we were already working with. I think there’s a massive urge to move out there right now. We just don’t have the inventory, which is creating the stoppage. However, I think the whole (mortgage) forbearance thing that went out there early on, there was a lot of miscommunication and I think when those catch up – in 18 months or two years – I think we’re going to start seeing some situations with those people. Maybe Kellie can speak to this whole (mortgage) deferment thing.” Kellie James: I was on a market update call and 435,000 people that were taking advantage of forbearance caught their mortgages up in just the last week. …I did talk to clients that had money that chose a forbearance option even though they didn’t need to. My caution is, you’re going to have to

KELLIE JAMES

catch up on these payments and so those that cannot, it’s really more giving the client time to sell their house. If you can’t afford the house, it’s not a free pass. It’s giving you time to sell it without damaging your credit if you are not going to get your income back. Then the question becomes where are you going to go. But we don’t think that interest rates are going to go up. For some reason, they’re not really following the normal trend. As the stock market goes up and gets improved, our interest rates should go up a little bit. That’s not happening, maybe because of all this liquidity the government is injecting into the market. Once we get a vaccine or some light at the end of the tunnel, that is when we expect that the rates will go up. But who knows when that will be? Lance, you’re on the property management side of things. How would you assess the current state of the rental apartment and housing market right now in the valley? Lance Brace: The prices are going up pretty quickly even through the last couple of months. A lot of my clients have opted to be more cautious, trying to keep their

MARY NOLLENBERGER

�� ROUNDTABLE �� 16

ANGELA TAUSCHER

••

BUSINESS

ROUNDTABLE �� 15

existing tenants in place. So, we haven’t been asking for big rental increases on existing rentals. But with new leases put on the market, we’re seeing increases upwards of about 10 percent on single-family houses. I have houses that 10 years ago I was leasing for $600 and are now leasing for $1,500. So that’s a huge increase, obviously, since the recession. How about forbearance on the rental scene? Lance Brace: I have seen an increase in tenants asking for payment arrangements to pay the rent for the month. We’re not charging late fees right now because of the governor’s executive order. When this all started, we made the decision that we didn’t want to participate in an eviction crisis, seeing as how many people were going to be out of work and especially in the lower-income rentals… I manage about 140 properties. I have had an increase in the number of tenants asking for payment arrangements, but so far, I’ve only had one go into the following month before they had made the full payment….We’re not seeing a huge increase in delinquency where tenants are not paying other than just making payment arrangements. Ben, what about on the rental side as far as nonpayment of rent is concerned? Ben Gottlieb: A lot of landlords and tenants have entered into payment plan agreements, whether it’s a partial payment plan or some other payment arrangement. Even though landlords technically have the legal right to �ile an eviction lawsuit during this period that the executive order is effective, many landlords are opting not to because they know that they cannot forcibly dispossess the tenant…. We’re seeing landlords wanting to be strategic on this, like Lance alluded to, and avoiding �iling eviction lawsuits if they can try to work something out and not throw someone on the street during this dif�icult time.” What about for the landlords, what’s their protection? Gottlieb: On the federal level, the suspension of foreclosures in federal mortgages has been extended to Aug. 31. …On a statewide level, I think one of the big issues is that there is a $5 million rental assistance fund that the landlord could have

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

gone back to get some assistance but that money has been slow to get out. One of the issues is that the stimulus money is not getting out to both landlords and tenants quick enough. What about commercial tenants? Gottlieb: On the commercial side, things are a lot different when it comes to evictions. The Legislature enacted a landlord-tenant statutory scheme that applies only to residential tenants and is designed to provide some extra legal protections for tenants. On the commercial side in most cases, a court eviction action is not even required. Typically, commercial landlords will execute on what’s called ‘a lockout remedy,’ where they merely just change the locks. The only time a commercial landlord would be hesitant to do that is if they’re concerned that the tenant may sue or have certain claims against the landlord for wrongful lockout or if the lease prohibits such a remedy. Furthermore, you had the commercial eviction executive order that expired back in May and that is now been expired for a while. But while that executive order was in place, a lot of commercial landlords and tenants worked out forbearance agreements and other types of arrangements that are still in effect as of today, even though they were worked out a couple of months ago. Mary, with commercial properties, have restaurants been staying alive? Mary Nollenberger: What we found in at least the �irst quarterly earnings call is that they were collecting somewhere between 50 and 75 percent of rent at that time. A lot of the restaurants that have had to pivot very quickly to take-out and delivery-only were affected but we also saw “the triple net investment category,” which are the quick-serve and drivethrough restaurants – were posting yearover-year increases of somewhere between 27 and 32 percent. Then a lot of the sit-down restaurants put that into place very, very quickly and even began to develop family meal takeout packages and those that implemented strategies very quickly have actually survived the reopening quite well. What we also see is the domino effect as the landlords were provided forbearance on their mortgage arrangements with their lenders, they very quickly shared that without even being approached by tenants and offering to help them through

at least that �irst 90-day window. We’ve helped implement strategies with landlords to say there can be a bene�it to both sides here and we’ve negotiated blend-and-extend kind of situations where the landlord can add a forbearance onto the back end of the lease or can negotiate reducing base rent in exchange for an extension or a lengthening of the lease term by a couple of years and offering kind of a menu. Conversely what we’re seeing in some of these large-scale property owners is that there’s been a lot of opportunistic behavior on a part of some large national tenants that are just in a position where a Starbucks would say, “We’re just not going to pay rent” and walk and because they can. How do you see the market for commercial and of�ice space in this region? Nollenberger: The East Valley for me is home, where I live and I do my work. The vacancy rate is just under 7 percent in those areas as opposed to other areas of Metro Phoenix that are in the 20 percent and 30 percent vacancy rates. Chandler and Gilbert are rising communities that are experiencing a ton of in�lux from California businesses. For example, State Farm in Chandler – they are recruiting from 42 markets to bring employees just into that tech corridor in Chandler. Chandler and Gilbert are experiencing growth at a rate that another municipality can’t compare to. Why is that? A lot of the tech business placement. The Tempe Town Lake has huge employment expansion; Chandler has huge expansion. Chandler’s population is slightly larger than Gilbert’s but Gilbert has been voted one of the nation’s friendliest cities to move to. There’s so much positive press for the East Valley and housing follows jobs. When people from out-of-state talk about what’s happening in Arizona speci�ic to COVID, our East Valley cities are really in a different category because of the bulk of business and people wanting to escape the California tax situation. There’s incredible commercial tech and new jobs in the Apple Command Center and Far East Mesa in the Gateway District . There’s tons of jobs. And then Eastmark has provided a great option for affordable housing but in a community that is so vibrant. Queen Creek used to be the option for people that didn’t mind driving as far but

wanted more affordable housing. Now every restaurant, every commercial retailer that wasn’t there before is there now. So you’ve got dining options, you’ve got shopping options. You’ve got entertainment options. The entire East Valley is just vibrant in a different way than any other area. Tauscher: I agree with Mary completely. I live in Queen Creek myself and have been there for the last 12 years and we used to be basically the redheaded stepchild and now it’s the place to be. I mean we have everything – from our own Harkins now. They’re building a Fat Cats. Trader Joe’s is going in the same parking lot right next to Target and Barrio Queen. I think the thing about the Queen CreekMesa corridor is that there’s so much newness. It just feels fresh. It’s close to an airport for a lot of people that don’t mind going into one of the smaller airports. The 202 is right there. There’s just a lot of navigational options there. You go to Maricopa, which is also growing at a rapid rate but you’re trapped – one way in and one way out. Nollenberger: From the commercial landscape view, we’ve had a lot of conversations about the future of retail jobs. And of course, it used to be recession-proof, and then it was internet proof and now it’s COVID-proof. We’re looking at how Target spends. Target spends millions implementing inventory and digital control systems and put them in place before they needed them so that people could order online and could choose either in-store pick-up or delivery. Walmart jumped on that strategy with pickup and delivery options. Those companies are going to be rewarded for having that technology in place. So we have to take a look at the grocers who have not implemented those strategies and how that might in long-term affect their viability….We’re looking at retailers and how they are changing strategies to not only survive but be competitive in the future with all those factors affecting their future. How about of�ice space? Nollenberger: Of�ice space is going to go one way or the other – it’s not going to be static. Either of�ice space is going to go larger to provide different spacing and cubicles are going to have to be sequestered to provide privacy or they’re going

�� ROUNDTABLE �� 17

BUSINESS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

ROUNDTABLE �� 16

to downsize because people are going to continue working remotely. With the increase in remote working, do you see a change in the demand for of�ice space in the region? Nollenberger: Buildings are pretty committed before they ever go vertical. There’s very little of�ice space that’s built speculatively. There are a lot of people that want to reach out to their of�ice setting…There are people who can’t wait for that – for of�ice to be of�ice and home to be home. What is the state of strip malls? Nollenberger: With every crisis comes an opportunity. There are a number of investors that thrive in a down market and that’s where all of their purchases occurred and they are not in their most driven mode when the market is where it’s been with contraction… There was a time when being a groceryanchored or big box-anchored was just preferential and honestly now for many investors, part of being internet-proof is having smaller spaces and not about the anchor and junior anchor space being vacant. We just sold an unanchored Scottsdale site. It was under contract within two weeks of our listing and it closed 30 days early. New home construction: I’ve read that that’s not keeping up with demand. Is that still going to pose a struggle for people looking to buy a home? Tauscher: We just put two different clients in a new build in a Fulton Queen Creek. The sales guys were telling me they’d been open like six weeks and they’d already sold 100 homes. We’re seeing the same thing everywhere with the builds. It is unbelievable… So, they’ll just go take a lunch hour and they just want to go see a model because

it’s fun and they literally can make a �ield trip of it… They go in there thinking “I’m not going to do a new build” and they fall in love with the staging and the next thing you know, they’re signing a contract and they’re buying a new-build. It seems though from both the commercial and the housing side that at least the East Valley region is a little bit better positioned even during this pandemic than a good bit of the country. Is that safe to say? James: Absolutely I can work 24 hours a day. Brace: What I’m seeing a lot is increased demand for four-bedroom houses in a rental whereas before it was three bedrooms… I’m having people calling me asking if they can install secure phone lines and things like that so they can take credit-card payments. I’m really seeing that across the board and I think that moving forward, we’re going to see increased demand for bigger houses in rentals because of that: people needing of�ice space. Does the uncertainty surrounding this virus concern you long-term? Brace: I don’t have any fear about that, largely because people always need a place to live… At the end of the day, there’s always going to be demand for rentals. That’s why I personally invest in rentals myself. Tauscher: I feel the same way… I spoke with one of my investors yesterday who owns a small Chinese-food restaurant. He said he made that conversion very quickly to get the food out in a different way and he was terri�ied that �irst couple of weeks, but he said he’s had more banner days in the last two months than he’s had 10 years. 

Saving a Life from a potential catastrophe EVERY 10 MINUTES

AS SEEN ON

1-855-822-1055

SUN LAKES, AZ

Fun in the ASK ABOUT THE NEW E-Z-GO ‘LITHIUM’ POWERED CART WE HAVE LOWERED THE PRICE ON BATTERIES!

2020 TXT

2020 RXV Lithium

6 Passenger RXV

FINANCING AVAILABLE

When you purchase a NEW E-Z-GO!* Finance offers only available at participating E-Z-GO dealers. Approval, rates, applicable fees, and terms provided are based on credit worthiness. Offers only available in 50 U.S. states and District Columbia. Financing offers void where prohibited. Finance terms are also available for pre-owned E-Z-GO products. Please see your local E-Z-GO Authorized Dealer for details.

25820 S. Arizona Ave. • Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

but I’m never alone. I have Life Alert.®

For a FREE brochure call:

A-1 Golf Carts

480.895.2000 www.A1GolfCarts.com

••

OPINION

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

Share Your Thoughts:

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

@EVTNow

/EVTNow

More actions, not apologies needed in today’s world BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist

’ve never been much for apologies. Let me give you an example. A few years back, while negotiating the fee for my services with a potential client, we had several spirited discussions about the value of public relations. He had a number in mind which we can call x. I, too, had a number in mind, which we can call 1.3x. Our exchanges continued over emails and phone calls, with the two of us never getting remotely close to striking a deal. In our last call, this titan of business told me, “It’s a shame we’re both so focused on Jewing each other that we won’t end up working together.” My response to that point, and his accompanying slur, is un�it for this �ine family

publication. We have never spoken again. I thought about Mr. Company President this week while reading multiple news items concerning public apologies made by everyone from Hollywood celebrities to religious leaders to politicians to businesses. Lately, apologies seem to have become as trendy as Porsches, Lululemon workout clothes and those hideous Louis Vuitton handbags – everybody simply has to have one. Some examples from the past few days: “Deadpool” star Ryan Reynolds issued a public apology for his 2012 marriage ceremony to actress Blake Lively, which occurred at a former South Carolina slave plantation. As Reynolds explained to Fast Company magazine, “What we saw at the time was a wedding venue on Pinterest. What we saw after was a place built upon devastating tragedy.” I’m not sure about the statute of limitations on offensive wedding venues, but

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 19

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

480.984.5555 oslcaz.org

Online

Live and recorded worship on our website.

Children, Youth & Family Ministry Vacation Bible School

eight years might be pushing it. Also, if Reynolds is busy apologizing, how about one for making that truly crappy “Green Lantern” �lick? Meanwhile, Jerry Falwell Jr., the president of ultra-evangelical Liberty University, apologized for posting a quickly deleted Instagram picture of himself with his pants unzipped, belly protruding and his arm around an unidenti�ied young woman sporting unzipped microshorts. The image, apparently taken during a yacht party, drew criticism for appearing to �ly in the face of Liberty’s commitment to abstinence and prim Christian behavior. Said Falwell: “I’ve apologized to everybody. And I’ve promised my kids I’m going to try to be a good boy from here on out.” Such oozing sincerity kind of makes you feel warm inside, no? Speaking of feeling warm all over, there’s German carmaker Audi. It apologized this week for an advertisement featuring a young girl in a summer dress and sunglasses leaning on an Audi RS4 while eating a banana. The tagline? “Let your heart beat faster – in every aspect.” To critics of the ad, the image seemed too sexual or too suggestive or too … something. Audi tweeted out an apology, saying the ad was meant to show “that even for the weakest traf�ic participants, it is possible to relaxingly lean on the RS technology. That was a mistake! Audi never intended to hurt anyone’s feelings. We sincerely apologize for this insensitive image and ensure that it will not be used in future.” Let the internal investigation into who chose the fruit for that ad commence. Each of these apologies fails for me – as too late, too dumb or too over the top for something that wasn’t clearly offensive in the �irst place. That’s the big problem with apologies: They’re easy to do wrong, because they consist of words. As most of our mothers taught us, it’s actions that matter most in this life, what we do as opposed to what we say. Walk the walk, as the cliche goes. Few things are cheaper than talk – with the possible exception of that jackass I’m glad I never took as a client. 

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

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.

IDEAS WANTED Apps • Beauty • Electronics • Housewares • Medical Pets • Tools • Lawn and Garden • Toys and more!

Call 866-847-9023 for our FREE Idea Starter Guide. 100% Confidential • Davison charges fees for services

CenturyLink participates in a government benefit program (Lifeline) to make residential telephone or broadband service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligible customers are those that meet eligibility standards as defined by the FCC and state commissions. 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 broadband service per household, which can be on either wireline or wireless service. Broadband speeds must be 20 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload or faster to qualify. A household is defined for the purposes of the Lifeline program as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Lifeline service is not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in the program. Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain Lifeline telephone or broadband service can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from the program. If you live in a CenturyLink service area, please call 1-800-244-1111 or visit centurylink.com/lifeline with questions or to request an application for the Lifeline program.

••

OPINION

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020 MESA TRIB

Serving East Mesa for 30 Years

Dr. Paul Sandstrom, Dentist Dr. Paul Sandstrom

480-396-8684

DO YOU HAVE LOWER DENTURES THAT DON’T FIT? MISSING TEETH? TALK TO US ABOUT IMPLANTS!

50 OFF

Implants

With coupon. Expires 8/31/20.

OFF

Crown, Bridge or Veneers With coupon. Expires 8/31/20.

195

With coupon. Expires 8/31/20.

Dentures

100 OFF $ 50 OFF

$ • WALK-INS WELCOME • FULL SERVICE DENTURE LAB • IMPLANTS - Call for Consultation

Denture Laboratory Reline

Partial Denture With coupon. Expires 8/31/20.

7448 E. Main Street, Mesa

Sun Valley Plaza • 1 Mile East of Power Rd. NW Corner of Sossaman & Main (Next to Wok In Restaurant)

480-396-8684

$0 Interest Financing Available

SPORTS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

TheMesaTribune.com @EVTNow /EVTNow

AIA releases updated fall school sports schedule BY ZACH ALVIRA Tirbune Sports Editor

he future of fall sports in Arizona became clearer Wednesday as the Arizona Interscholastic Association released a revised schedule. Boys and girls golf will be the �irst teams to begin practices, hitting the fairways on Aug. 17 with the �irst competition slated for Sept. 7. Cross country and swim and dive were pushed back a week to Aug. 24, with of�icial competition beginning Sept. 14. Badminton, fall soccer and volleyball will begin practice on Aug. 31 and games Sept. 14, 16 and 21, respectively. Football, which poses the biggest risk of virus spread because of the level of physical contact, will now begin of�icial practices on Sept. 7, with the �irst week of competition on Sept. 30 for freshman and running through Saturday, Oct. 3, for varsity teams. The AIA previously announced of�icial practices for all sports would begin Aug. 17, with competition for most sports beginning four weeks later on Sept. 11. Aside from golf, all other sports have been pushed back. “The health and safety of our student participants, coaches, of�icials and essential personnel, including volunteers, is the primary concern for the return of interscholastic athletics and activities,” AIA Executive Director David Hines said in a release. “We are very grateful to those who share our commitment of a return to these highly bene�icial educational activities and athletics.” The amended schedule comes after a state-wide survey the AIA sent to all of its member schools to identify which schools felt comfortable allowing sports to return during the fall semester. Over 250 schools answered the surveys, most of which were in favor of hosting a fall sports season. All fall sports will have an amended schedule, which will result in a reduced number of games and later championships. The AIA announced the updated schedules would be revised and released by conference leaders in the coming days

thing going for all the schools at one time but with good communication, we can provide the best possible experience for our students in this unprecedented time. This Board and the AIA staff will continue to provide information and guidelines as we proceed.” Especially for football, the timeline will allow The Arizona Interscholastic Association announced Wednesday afternoon a revised fall schools who are sports schedule that pushes all sports but golf back on the calendar. Football will begin still restricted from official practices Sept. 7 and games on Oct. 2. (Tribune File Photo) participating in summer workouts on campus to be ready or weeks. Football appears to follow the schedule for the start of the season. proposed to Hines and the AIA Monday by Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, the Arizona Football Coaches Association, Higley and Tempe Union districts have which called for practices to begin after La- allowed teams to return to campus for bor Day and games the week of Oct. 2 and workouts in some capacity. Most of which gained support from more than 100 coaches. remain in the �irst phase of their respective The proposal offered an eight-game district’s return-to-play guidelines, which schedule with an eight-team postseason calls for conditioning drills. tournament for all conferences and the Gilbert was the �irst to make such a Open Division at the end of the season. It move. Tempe Union made the move this also called for the removal of the Thanks- past week and announced it would have a giving bye week and an optional ninth game full discussion on sports with its governing for teams that do not make the postseason. board on Aug. 18. The AIA announced the football season However, schools in other parts of the would conclude on Dec. 11 and 12 for the Valley just recently started summer work4A-6A conferences and Open Division, thus outs. Phoenix Union schools were restricted eluding to an eight-game regular-season from any activities up until two weeks ago. schedule and eight-team playoff format. Brophy announced it would not move past The 1A-3A conferences are currently phase one until September. Schools in southdiscussing possibilities for the length of ern Arizona are still unable to work out. regular season and an ideal date to host “Although the many school districts state championship games, according to represented in the AzFCA membership the AIA. It is unclear if the AIA will allow have issued varying rules within their teams who do not make the postseason to districts, the proposed October 2 date of schedule other non-quali�iers at the end of �irst varsity competition appears to prothe season as the AzFCA proposed. vide the schools with the suf�icient op“We owe it to our members to provide a portunity to comply with district guidedirection,” said Toni Corona, the Executive lines and adequately prepare their teams Board President and Safford Athletic Di- for a full competition season,” the proposrector. “It may be challenging to get every- al from the AzFCA read.

The AIA stressed this new timeline is subject to change based on guidance from national, state or local health of�icials. The amended fall schedule, if it stands, will result in a week delay to the start of winter sports. At this time, it’s unclear whether it will have an effect on the spring season, which was canceled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. “We would like to thank our member schools and our school communities for their patience as we worked through the challenges to develop this plan,” Hines said. 

Below is a detailed look at the new fall sports schedule released by the AIA

Golf First practice – Aug. 17 First competition – Aug. 24 Championships – Oct. 26-29 (Div. I), Nov. 2-5 (Div. II) Cross Country First Practice – Aug. 24 First Competition – Sept. 9 Championships – Nov. 12-13 Swimming & Diving First Practice – Aug. 24 First Competition – Sept. 14 Championships – Nov. 5-7 Badminton First Practice – Aug. 31 First Competition – Sept. 14 Championships – Nov. 7 (Individuals), Nov. 9-12 (Teams) Fall Soccer First Practice – Aug. 31 First Competition – Sept. 16 Championships – Nov. 4-7 Volleyball First Practice – Aug. 31 First Competition – Sept. 21 Championships – Nov. 12-21 Football First Practice – Sept. 7 First Competition – Sept. 30-Oct. 3 Championships – Dec. 11/12 (4A-6A & Open)

••

GET OUT

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

GetOutAZ

Like us:

@GetOutAZ

TheMesaTribune.com

Sicilian Butcher pivots with Italian market TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

hen the Sicilian Butcher opened in December at Chandler Fashion Center, owner Joey Maggiore was intent on bringing to the East Valley the same Italian cuisine that brought plaudits to his original restaurant in Phoenix near north Scottsdale. But then the pandemic struck the restaurant industry and the Sicilian Butcher is still serving up its craft meatballs, homemade pasta and other Italian delights – but in a way Maggiore could never have imagined last Christmas season. Maggiore has changed its business model -- from having a booming dining room that was once a place for family dinners and large gatherings to limited capacity for social distancing. To keep its doors open, he has come up with creative solutions to employ its staff and service the community amid a greater reluctance these days to dine-in. “We had an immense amount of support from the businesses and residents of Chandler as it was an anticipated location,” Maggiore said. When the pandemic struck, he explained, “as a family-operated, independently-owned restaurant group, we were fortunate to make quick decisions while planning how to reopen during the shutdown to quickly adapt to the changes and keep the dining room and kitchen open while keeping our staff employed. “We didn’t give up but instead became creative to conform to current times as the pandemic changed how the restaurant industry operates.” Instead of partnering with a third-party delivery service, Maggiore said, “We made the agile decision to provide an in-house delivery service for our customers who choose to dine at home.” The delivery team consists of a couple employees designated for all delivery phone orders and deliveries within a 10mile radius – a service exclusive to the Chandler location.

Joey Maggiore, owner of the Sicilian Butcher and its adjacent Sicilian Baker at Chandler Fashion Center, boasts of some of the Italian pastries and other desserts he sells as well as the pasta that is made fresh at the restaurant. (Facebook)

“We gave our front-of-the-house staff such as servers the opportunity to make extra income with the delivery service position,” Maggiore said. Maggiore also started a “grab-and-go market” at its sister restaurant next door, The Sicilian Baker. It offers pre-made family meals such as lasagna, meatballs, pasta sauces and pasta – as well as curated olive oils, artisanal meats, cheeses, olives and more. “We rotate the grab-and-go items in the refrigerated section on a daily basis,” Maggiore said. “Guests can �ind pasta such as paccheri, mafalde or campanelle and sauces such as tomato herb, pesto, or parmesan. “We keep the Italian market at The Sicilian Baker fully stocked and fresh with new items added frequently. We recently brought in yellow tomatoes from one of our favorite producers.” “These are things we are making inhouse and we feel that the best Sicilian meals are made from fresh ingredients,” he continued. As it happened, he was in the process of creating a family style to-go menu before the shutdown, “so the decreased de-

mand for prepared meals allowed us to reimagine the space for the market, package some of our favorite pastas and precooked ingredients and order some of our favorite Italian goods,” Maggiore said. “Our creative team has always wanted to have a grab-and-go Italian market at The Sicilian Baker,” he explained. “However, we didn’t have the space for it.” When the pandemic hit, “We moved the cafe tables outdoors and replaced the sitting area with the Italian market. During the shut-down, we quickly curated our favorite products from the top producers in Italy for the non-refrigerated/dried goods section such as imported olives, olive oil, dried pasta, wine and coffee.” The market offers an assortment of pastries and other baked goods, sandwiches, and Sicilian desserts as well as fresh-made pasta and pasta sauces, hand rolled meatballs, chicken cutlets and take-and-bake lasagna in the refrigerated section. For in-house diners, The Sicilian Butcher is following all safety protocols and has a certi�ied “disinfector,” employee testing and weekly disinfecting services. “These are an astronomical cost to the

business, but it is now a reality they need to face if they want to keep operating,” Maggiore added. “We are covering employee testing, weekly sanitation and virus vaporizing services, additional cleaning supplies, masks, paid sick leave as well as food costs from the times we have had to open and close without notice,” he added. Maggiore said there is still “de�initely a large portion of the population that is reluctant to eat out, especially during the middle of summer when it is often too hot to eat on the patio.” But he said the Sicilian Butcher’s misting system, the enhanced safety protocols – and the restaurant’s reputation – is luring back patrons. “We have seen a lot of our clientele return for dine-in,” he said. “They appreciate the extra levels of care we are taking to keep them safe and the transparency we showed when we had early exposures.” And the Italian market has opened a new vista for the restaurant. “Families immediately responded to the gourmet grab-and-go meals,” he said. “They like having a different option from traditional grocery stores. Our customers have been purchasing our made-fromscratch fresh pasta, meatballs, sauces, and lasagna and can easily heat up these meals at the comforts of home. While they are picking up their meals, they also have been grabbing desserts like cannoli and gelato or coffee as a pick-me-up.” Do you maintain social distancing at the bar and how do patrons seem to react to that? Yes, we do the best we can to monitor this. This is one of the reasons we have our disinfector. There has been some negative feedback at times, but overall people respect the need to keep other members of the community safe. 

The Sicilian Butcher:

3151 W. Frye Road, Chandler. 480-573-8550 or thesicilianbutcher.com

THE MESA | AUGUSTFOOTHILLS 9, 2020 AUGUST 5, TRIBUNE 2020 | AHWATUKEE NEWS

23 43

King Crossword

Notices neighbors, Talk toPublicyour then talk to me.

ACROSS 1 4 8 12 13 14 15 16 18 20 21 24 28 32 33 34 36 37 39 41 43 44 46 50 55 56 57 58 59 60 61

Autumn mo. “-- Breckinridge” Drag along That girl Quite some time Shrek is one Remiss Flattery Eye-related Marry Hen pen Famous Flowering vine Clinton veep Standard Billow Watch chain Sister of Osiris Grump Eighth Greek letter Rip Historic period Healthy Dairy item Aye opponent Heap Carte Conk out Choir member Vail gear On in yearsl

See why State Farm® insures more CITY OF MESA, ARIZONA drivers than GEICO and Progressive ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT combined. Great service, plus discounts of up to REQUEST 40 percent.FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

Sam Winter Ins Agcy Inc Sam Winter,Agent 3636 E. Ray Road Like a good neighbor, sam@samwinter.net NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Mesa is seeking qualified Consultants for the following: State Farm is there.® Bus: 480-704-2004

CALL FOR ASERVICES QU01E 24/7 ON-CALL CONSULTING FOR TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING SERVICESTM

The City of Mesa is seeking qualified Consultants to provide design services and/or construction adminis*Discounts may vary by states. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company tration area/category: Transportation Engineering Services. 100174.1 services on an on-call basis in the following State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington IL 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).

42 45 47 48 49

Joan of -Weaponry Loosen Catch red-handed Changed the color

50 51 52 53 54

Sudoku

From this solicitation, the Engineering Department will establish a list of on-call consultants for Transportation Engineering Services. This category is further defined below: A Pre-Submittal Conference will not be held.

2019 NATIONAL

Contact with City Employees. All firms interested in this RFQ (including the firm’s employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process. This policy is intended to create a level playing field for all potential firms, assure that contract decisions are made in public and to protect the integrity of the selection process. All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the authorized representative identified below. Overall

GRAND CHAMPIONS

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 17 19 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 35 38 40

Hot tub Painter’s medium Last (Abbr.) “A mouse!” Blackbird

Transportation projects may include roadway improvement projects, transportation alternative projects (i.e., bike, pedestrian, transportation enhancement, and safe routes to school projects) and commuter parkand-ride projects. Design components associated with these projects might include, but will not necessarily be limited to, grading, drainage, demolition, pavement, concrete, driveways, sidewalks, ramps, traffic signals, intelligent traffic systems (ITS), signage, striping, storm drain, street lights, landscaping, landscape irrigation, aesthetic elements, pedestrian improvements/amenities, bus shelters, surveying, bridges, block walls, environmental, and utility undergrounding. These projects also often include utility (including water and wastewater) upgrades, installation and/or rehabilitation in the same project areas as the transportation-related improvements. Other tasks that a design consultant might be asked to perform include alignment studies, design concept reports, environmental studies, environmental clearances, cost estimating, legal descriptions and exhibits, geotechnical reports, drainage reports, utility coordination, and public outreach. Transportation projects differ from the other projects in that transportation needs drive the project and are the emphasis.

Norway’s capital Fellow Libretto Team animals? Evergreen type Caviar, really From the start Frank -- Khan Web address Albanian money Coffee break hour Lemieux milieu Piece of work 1992 presidential candidate Bean curd Cupid’s alias Society newbies Skewer Launder One of HOMES Chills and fever Dutch Renaissance scholar Audiophile’s setup Expert

Top Ten Studio in the

RFQ Lists. This RFQ is available on the City’s website at http://mesaaz.gov/business/engineering/archiTop tectural-engineering-design-opportunities.

Teacher Awards, Industry

The Statement of Qualifications shall include a one-page cover letter that contains current company/firm Plus Best contact information including a valid phone number and emailAward address, Winner plus a maximum of 10 pages to address the SOQ evaluation criteria (excluding PPVF’s andAhwatukee resumes but including organization chart Dance an Studio! with key personnel and their affiliation). Resumes for each team member shall be limited to a maximum length of two pages and should be attached as an appendix to the SOQ. Minimum font size shall be 10pt. Please provide one (1) electronic copy in an unencrypted PDF format to Engineering-RFQ@mesaaz.gov by 2:00PM on Thursday, August 13, 2020. Maximum file size shall not exceed 20MB. SOQ’s that are unable to be opened by City staff will not be considered for award. Submitters may request a single opportunity to verify that a test email and attachment are received and can be opened by City staff. Test emails must be sent to Engineering-RFQ@mesaaz.gov. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Statements of Qualifications. The City is an equal opportunity employer. Firms who wish to do business with the City of Mesa must be registered and activated in the City of Mesa Vendor Self Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz.gov/business/purchasing/vendor-self-service). Questions. Questions pertaining to the Consultant selection process or contract issues should be directed to Michele Davila of the Engineering Department at Michele.Davila@mesaaz.gov BETH HUNING City Engineer ATTEST: DeeAnn Mickelsen City Clerk

PUZZLE ANSWERS PUZZLES ANWERSon onpage page1838

Published: East Valley Tribune, Aug. 2, 9, 2020 / 32233

••

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

Employ ment Employment General

Obituaries

COMMUNICATIONS TECH Hiring now. Bckgrnd check. Viewpoint RV & Golf Resort Phone Systems, Cable, computers, knowledgeable. Flexible, responsible, customer service. Fax resume to 480-373-5757 or email to viewpoint@ equitylifestyle.com

Deanna May Wilson Deanna (Dee) May Branstetter Wilson, of Boise, ID was called home by her Lord and Savior on July 15, 2020. Please visit: https://www.bowman funeral.com/obituary Need help writing an obituary? We have articles that will help guide you through the process.

CLASSIFIEDS and LEGALS

Deadline for obituaries is Wednesday at 5pm for Sunday. All obituaries will be approved by our staff prior to being activated. Be aware there may be early deadlines around holidays.

Announce

ments andise Religion Healing Ministry Sufi Tradition If interested send letter of inquiry care of Master Warren Muen 4340 E. Indian School Rd, Ste 21-126, Phoenix, AZ 85018.

Cemetery Lots St. Francis Cemetery Plots (48th St/Oak) 3 companion plots, section STA, plot 74, row 2, spaces 2, 3, 4 $5500 each o.b.o. easy to find. Lydia (619) 996-6147

Deadline: Thursday at 10am for Sunday

Call 480-898-6465 Mon-Fri 8:30-5 if you have questions.

480-898-6465

81% of our readers, read the Classifieds!

Visit: obituaries.EastValleyTribune.com

Email Your Ad: class@times publications.com

Sell Your Stuff! Call Classifieds Today!

480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

eastvalley tribune.com

Employment General

EVERLASTING MONUMENT Co.

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

Senior Business Intelligence Developer. Design and develop sophisticated enterprise business intelligence solutions to enable tactical and strategic decision-making for a provider of health and wellness programs. Employer: Tivity Health Services, LLC. Location: Chandler, AZ. To apply, mail resumé (no calls/emails) to: ATTN: Bonnie Schirato, 1445 S. Spectrum Blvd., Chandler, AZ 85286.

OUR JOB BOARD HAS THE TALENT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR. FIND THE BEST TALENT. EASILY POST JOBS.

• CUSTOM DESIGNS

480-969-0788

COMPETITIVE PRICING AND EXPOSURE

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

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

Make your choice Everlasting

More info: 480-898-6465 or email jobposting@evtrib.com

Most jobs also appear on Indeed.com

J BS.EASTVALLEYTRIBUNE.COM

Manufactured Homes Brand New 2019 Clayton

Call Classifieds 480-898-6465

Cash 4 Diabetic Strips! Best Prices in Town. Sealed and Unexpired. 480-652-1317 Diabetic Test Strips by the box, unused. Any type or brand. Will pay top dollar. Call Pat 480-323-8846

MH 16X56, 2B/2B, 3 Ton Cent A/C, Concrete Drive W/Awning, Landscaped, Steps, W/D Hkups, 18 CF Fridge, Gas Range, Dishwasher Ready, Walk in Shower in a 55+ Resort Community in Apache Junction. Starting at $52,900 Does not include furniture. Call Sandy at 480-228-7786 Brand New 2019 Cavco

Manufactured Homes BRAND NEW NEVER LIVED IN 2 BED / 2 BATH HOMES $58,900 Financing Available 55+ Mobile Home Park in Great Chandler Loc. Call Kim 480-233-2035

Real Estate

For Rent Apartments

Wanted to Buy

HOME FOR RENT? Place it here!

Obituaries H E A D STO N E S

Merch

6x60, 2B/2B, 3T A/C, W/D Hkups, 2 awnings, cement drive and patio, blk appliances, dishwasher, MW oven, in an active 55+ community with tons of activities and amenities. Walking distance to shopping $72,195. Call Sandy 480-228-7786

Place YOUR Business HERE!

Wanted to Buy

Call for our 3 Month Trial Special!

H COLLECTOR BUYING H European & American Classic Cars

Classifieds: 480-898-6465

ALMA SCH & MAIN Income verified UTILITIES INCLUDED Bad Credit OK. No Deposit Close to Lightrail $700 (602) 339-1555 Crismon and University 3bd/2 Ba Secure fenced yard, Big lot, no deposit, bad credit ok. $1200 Dave 602-339-1555 Crismon/Apache Trl Cottage Cozy 2br 1ba Bad Credit ok. $800 No Deposit. Water/trash incl'd (602) 339-1555

Homes For Rent Lg 4bd 2Ba Home Broadway & Priest Bike to ASU $2400 a month + utilities W/D, 2 car garage. Call 602-677-7645

(All Models, Any Condition,Including Barn Finds)

CALL ROY 602-810-2179

Manufactured Homes

THE LINKS ESTATES Why Rent The Lot When

PORSCHE • 50’s-90’s • 365 Coupes, Roadsters, 911, 912 ALL MODELS

MERCEDES • 40’s-70’s • 190SL, 230SL, 280SL Early Cabriolet

AUSTIN HEALEY’S • 50’s-60’s •

JAGUARS

• 30’s-70’s • XK, XKE, Coupes, Roadsters, Early Cabriolets

ALFAS

• 20’s-70’s • ALL MODELS ALL INTERESTING

Do You Have or Know of a Classic Car? Finder’s Fee Paid! Cash Buyer

602-810-2179

Kellyutaz@msn.com

YOU CAN OWN THE LAND And Own Your New Home

FROM THE UPPER 100’S

ASK US HOW YOUR $105,000 CASH INVESTMENT AND OUR SENIOR LOAN PROGRAM ENABLES QUALIFIED 62+ SENIORS MAKING THE LINKS THEIR PRIMARY RESIDENCE HAVE NO MORTGAGE PAYMENT & NO LOT RENT AS LONG AS YOU LIVE IN HOME.

Gawthorp & Associates Realty 40667 N Wedge Dr • San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

602-402-2213

www.linksestates.net

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

The Mesa Tribune

1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway #219 • Tempe, AZ 85282 480.898.6465 class@timespublications.com

Deadlines

Classifieds: Thursday 11am for Sunday Life Events: Thursday 10am for Sunday

The Place “To Find” Everything You Need | TheMesaTribune.com DO YOU OFFER Lessons & Tutoring? Children need your help! Place your ad today Contact us: class@times publications.com or Call 480-898-6465

Cleaning Services

Air Conditioning/Heating

FREE Service Call ($50 Service Call* Waived with any repair)

Bob B AC, LLC

480-330-5117 (Over 40 Years Experience)

ROC 318210

Licensed-Bonded-Insured Family Owned & Operated

Three Phase Mechanical

480-671-0833

www.3phasemech.com Sales, Service & Installation

NO TRIP CHARGE • NOT COMMISSION BASED ACCREDITED BUSINESS

ROC# 247803 Bonded • Insured

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

SPARKLE & SHINE CLEANING SERVICE Immaculate, Dependable Service. Affordable Rates. Commercial & Residential services All supplies included. Sanitized & masks worn You've tried the rest, now try the BEST!" Ask for Martha or Annie 480-495-5516 or 480-797-6023

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Place your ad online! Call 480-898-6465

Appliance Repairs

Appliance Repair Now

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

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

480-659-1400 Licensed & Insured Cleaning Services

‘A’ RATED AC REPAIR FREE ESTIMATE SAME DAY SERVICE

Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252

480-405-7588

ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE East Valley/ Ahwatukee

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

Handyman HANDYMAN 37 years experience. Drywall, framing, plumbing, painting, electrical, roofing and more. Stan, 602-434-6057

Not a licensed contractor

Concrete & Masonry

DESERT ROCK

RESIDENTIAL & SMALL BUSINESS CLEANING SPECIALISTS SINCE 2007 Weekly, biweekly, tri-weekly, or monthly; same talented crew each visit Flexible, customized services to meet individual needs of each client GREEN eco-friendly products used to clean and sanitize Move-in/move-out and seasonal deep cleans Small, family-owned company with GUARANTEED high quality services Always dependable, excellent references, bonded, and insured

FreeFree estimates estimatesat at 480-802-1992 480-802-1992 or or dennis@simplygrandcleaningaz.com reed@simplygrandcleaningaz.com

Electrical Services HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •

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

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

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! CONCRETE & MASONRY Painting • Flooring • Electrical Handyman Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry CONCRETE BLOCKWALL Decks • Tile • More! RETAINING WALL FOUNDATION Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! BLOCK FENCE DRIVEWAY Marks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical

PLANTER BBQ

SIDEWALK Job Too ✔“No Flooring Painting • Flooring • Electrical PATIOPlumbing • Drywall • CarpentrySmall Man!” Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Electrical Decks • Tile • More! PAVER • CONCRETE REMOVAL • HARDSCAPE Decks • Tile Quality Work Since 1999 • More! ✔ Plumbing Affordable, 2010, 2011 BONDED & INSURED • ROC#321648 2012, 2013, 2014 ✔ Drywall Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor “No Job ✔ Carpentry FREE ESTIMATES • 16 YEARS EXPERIENCE Too Small Marks the Spot for“No Job Too ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks RESIDENTIAL CALL JOHN: 480.797.2985 COMMERCIAL Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small Man!” “No Job Too Man!” ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More! ✔ Kitchens Since 1999 rk Wo y alit Qu e, abl Afford ✔ Bathrooms BSMALLMAN@Q.COM 2010, 2011 9 rk Since 199 2012, “No 2013, Job Too Affordable, Quality Wo And More! 2010, 2011 Small Man!” 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

Block Fence * Gates

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 602-789-6929 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Roc #057163

2012, 2013,

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor Since2014 1999 Ahwatukee / References Affordable, Quality Work Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor Bruce at 602.670.7038

Lowest Prices * 30 Yrs Exp Serving Entire Valley

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship Summer AC Tune Up - $99 New 3-Ton AC Units - now $3,995 New Trane Air Conditioners NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 MONTHS!

Garage/Doors

Drywall

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

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

REASONABLE HANDYMAN • Painting • Plumbing • Carpentry • Drywall • Roofing • Block

- Free Estimates -

480-276-6600 *Not a Licensed Contractor

See MORE Ads Online!

QUICK RESPONSE TO YOUR CALL! 15 Years Experience • Free Estimates

480.266.4589 josedominguez0224@gmail.com Not a licensed contractor.

www.TheMesaTribune.com

••

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

Handyman

Landscape/Maintenance

Painting

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

Jose Dominguez Painting & Drywall SEE OUR AD IN DRYWALL! Quick Response to your Call! 15 Years Exp 480-266-4589

Insured/Bonded Free Estimates LLC

• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations

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

GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

All Estimates are Free • Call:

520.508.1420

www.husbands2go.com

Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC#317949 Ask me about FREE water testing!

Home Improvement

General Contacting, Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC118198

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

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

Free Estimates with Pride & Prompt Service!

ACTION CONTRACTING INC.

Sprinkler & Drip Systems Repairs • Modifications • Installs

A+

I -S

• 20 Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty

480.345.1800 ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

NT 5-YEAR WARRA Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

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

ADD COLOR TO YOUR AD! Ask Us. Call Classifieds Today! 480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

480-477-8842

SEWER CABLE COMPREHENSIVE, FULL-SERVICE PLUMBING COMPANY

BOOK ONLINE! STATE48DRAINS.COM 20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

Painting

ROC 3297740

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

ROC#309706

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

Beat Any Price By 10% • Lifetime Warranty Water Heaters Installed - $799 Unclog Drains - $49 FREE RO UNIT w/Any WATER SOFTENER INSTALL NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 Months!! ‘A’ RATED PLUMBING REPAIR Free Estimates • Same Day Service

480-405-7099 ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

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

Family Owned & Operated

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH!

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

Voted #1

Irrigation

azirrigation.com

HYDROJETTING

East Valley PAINTERS

aaaActionContractingInc.com

480.654.5600

www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

480-338-4011

LIC/BONDED/INSURED Res/Comm’l ROC#218802

• Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service

480.721.4146

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

Bath & Kitchen Remodels • Car-Port to Garage Conversion Drywall & Stucco Repairs • Plumbing • Electrical • Can Lights Windows • Doors • Cabinets • Painting • Block Fences Wrought Iron Gates • Remodeling • Additions • Patios Tenant Improvements

480-833-7353 - Office 480-430-7737 - Cell

Plumbing

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

WE DO IT ALL!

East Valley

Not a licensed contractor

Call Lance White

Irrigation

Owner Does All Work, All Honey-Do Lists 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.

Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

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

Now Accepting all major credit cards

Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541 affinityplumber@gmail.com

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor Anything Plumbing Same Day Service Water Heaters

24/7

Inside & Out Leaks

Bonded

Toilets

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

Disposals

$35 off

Any Service

ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®

Not a licensed contractor

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

Pool Service / Repair

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

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

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

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

Roofing

Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

Public Notices AT&T Mobility, LLC is proposing to construct five small-cell telecommunications facilities within Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona. Each facility will be constructed to support a top mounted antenna(s) and associated equipment. Project# 6120005387 will be located at 18113 North 68 th Street and will consist of a 40-foot steel light pole. Project# 6120005390 will be located approximately 40 feet southeast of the intersection of E. Bell Road and N. 26th Street and will consist of a 37-foot steel light pole. Project# 6120005391 will be located at 3104 East Acoma Drive and will consist of 41-foot steel light pole. Project# 6120005392 will be located at 3249 East Claire Drive and will consist of a 35foot steel light pole. Project# 6120005394 will be located at 14600 North 25th Place and will consist of a 35-foot steel light pole. Any interested party wishing to submit comments regarding the potential effects the proposed facility may have on any historic property may do so by sending comments to: Project #’s listed above- MH EBI Consulting, 6876 Susquehanna Trail South, York, PA 17403, or via telephone at (785) 760-5938.

AT&T Mobility, LLC is proposing to construct a new telecommunications facility located near 118 South Roosevelt Road, Mericopa County, Mesa, AZ 85201. The new facility will consist of replacing an existing 35-foot light pole with a new 35-foot light pole topped with antenna for an overall height of 40feet. Any interested party wishing to submit comments regarding the potential effects the proposed facility may have on any historic property may do so by sending comments to: Project 6120006281 - JCR EBI Consulting, 6876 Susquehanna Trail South, York, PA 17403, or via telephone at (815) 302 9118.

Important Notice for Patients of National Cardiovascular Partners, Cardiac Cath Lab of Phoenix, Arizona Cardiovascular Institute, Cardiovascular Center of Mesa, and Cardiovascular Therapeutics of Mesa July 17, 2020 At National Cardiovascular Partners (NCP) and our partnering clinics, we take the privacy and security of our patients’ information seriously. NCP is a managing partner of Cardiac Cath Lab of Phoenix, Arizona Cardiovascular Institute, Cardiovascular Center of Mesa, and Cardiovascular Therapeutics of Mesa in Mesa, Arizona (the clinics). We are providing the following information to inform our patients that a third party may have had unauthorized access to information about some patients who were seen at the clinics. On April 27, 2020, an unauthorized individual obtained access to an NCP employee’s email account. NCP became aware of the unauthorized access on May 19, 2020 and took immediate steps to contain the incident. We terminated the unauthorized access to the email account the same day it was discovered and worked with a leading cybersecurity forensics firm to investigate this matter.

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

FREE ESTIMATES & MONSOON SPECIALS

SAME DAY SERVICE 30 Years Experience References Available

Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 286561

Senior & Military Discounts

480-280-0390

As part of our investigation, NCP conducted an extensive review of the employee’s email account to determine if any emails contained personal information. As a result of that review, beginning on June 18 NCP identified emails containing the names, addresses, dates of birth, dates relating to the provision of medical services or the payment for services, medical history and diagnosis information, prescription information, health provider information, insurance numbers, email addresses, and medical record numbers for some of our patients. We also identified emails containing the Social Security numbers of two individuals and the financial account information of one individual for whom we do not have current contact information to send a personalized notification letter. At this time, we are not aware of any unauthorized viewing or misuse of our patients’ information. All available evidence suggests that the unauthorized individual’s purpose was to attempt to commit financial fraud against NCP—not to seek and obtain any personal information of patients. NCP sent notification letters by first class mail to all potentially affected individuals for whom we have up-to-date contact information and have arranged to provide them with 12 months of identity protection and fraud resolution services through Experian. Any individuals who receive a notification letter from NCP or who might otherwise be concerned about identity theft are encouraged to regularly review statements from their accounts and to periodically obtain their credit report from one or more of the national credit reporting companies. Individuals may obtain a copy of their credit report once every 12 months by either visiting http://www.annualcreditreport.com, calling toll free at 1-877-322-8228, or completing an Annual Credit Report Request Form (found at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/ 0155-free-credit-reports) and mailing it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. For questions about identity theft, credit monitoring, and how to keep information secure, patients can visit this website: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/identity-theft. Individuals who received care at one of the clinics and have not received a notification letter may call (833) 281-4826 toll-free to determine whether their information has been identified as being involved. Published: East Valley Tribune, July 26, Aug 2, 12, 2020 / 32042

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

••

THE MESA TRIBUNE | AUGUST 9, 2020

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 9/15/20.

FREE Air Conditioning Service Call

With Purchase of part/repair. Limited time offer. Restrictions may apply. Call for details. Expires 9/15/20.

480.345.COOL (2665) 3065 N. Norfolk Ave., Mesa, AZ 85215

westernstateshomeservices.com LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED

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

Water Heater Flush Limited time offer. Restrictions may apply. Call for details. Expires 9/15/20.

NO Weekend Charges NO Overtime Charges

••