The Mesa Tribune - Zone 1 - 12.12.2021

Light display tours / P. 26

A mission accomplished / P. 12

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

This Week

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Tribune Executive Editor

NEWS......................... 4 Motorcycle crash sends Mesa man's life into tailspin.

16

The Soap Gal, has become a manufacturing force in Mesa..

Mountain View football's future brightens.

SPORTS ............... 23 COMMUNITY ............................... 12 BUSINESS ..................................... 16 OPINION .. ..................................... 20 SPORTS ........................................ 23 GET OUT ...................................... 26 CLASSIFIED ................................. 32 Zone

Sunday, December 12, 2021

3 mega deals here highlight rent trend

INSIDE

BUSINESS ............

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

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T

hree Mesa apartment complexes sold for a total of more than $354.5 million in a series of deals over two days last month as the investor feeding frenzy intensifies in the region’s multifamily market.

While the activity of large investment groups in the single-family housing market has been widely publicized as a major driver of the double-digit increases in Valley home prices, their interest in multifamily complexes also has risen sharply – especially in Maricopa County, where thousands of out-of-state resi-

dents are coming to live.

“There’s more money than ever betting that apartment rents are heading to new heights,” Bloomburg.com reported, citing a Real Capital Analytics report that investors spent $53 billion on multifamily real estate nationally in just the second quarter of 2021 alone.

In Mesa, three big multifamily complex transactions occurred between Nov. 29-30 and involved one of the West’s major real estate investment companies, Los Angelesbased Tides Equities.

“We specialize in well-located, Class-B and Core Plus multifamily real estate with high value-add upside,” the company boasts on

its website, promising to bring “institutional grade acquisitions acumen and operational efficiency across all realms of multifamily real estate.”

Tides Equities demonstrated that acumen Nov. 29 when it sold a property it bought four years ago for $47.2 million to another investment group for $137 million, according to Valley real estate tracker vizzda.com. The following day, Tides Equities bought two Mesa complexes for a $217.5 million.

Tides’ sale of the Midtown on Main Street Apartments in the 2100 block of W. Main

see APARTMENTS page 3

Mesa tries to end downtown ‘Grid’ lock

BY GARY NELSON Tribune Contributor

M

esa City Council wrapped up a busy year on Dec. 8 by trying to jump-start a stalled residential project that’s now just steel skeleton in the heart of downtown.

The final agenda of 2021 also included approval of more downtown housing, an eastside industrial development, utility rate increases, new technology to protect firefighters, new regulations for food trucks and a contract to ensure adequate staffing for the plants that supply Mesa’s drinking water.

Construction on a ballyhooed residential complex on city-owned land next to Benedictine University on the south side of Main

Mesa City Council approved some new agreements aimed at helping to get The Grid, a longstalled residential-commercial complex downtown, moving again next year.

(Tribune file photo)

see GRID page 8

Frustrated by your big bank?

480-807-7500 • WESTERNBANKS.COM

You’re more than a number here.

Member FDIC

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

We are so &M MUSIC GRATEFUL to celebrate with you!

ES EMORI

HOW

ER S DINN

Celebrate the holidays with dinner and a show!

NOVEMBER 2021

DECEMBER 2021 OUR SHOWS

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Variety Show Spectacular Solid Gold Rock n’ Roll Malt Shop Memories

CALL 480-288-0300

or VISIT SilverStarTheater.com 5247 E BROWN RD • MESA, AZ 85205

A Silver Star Christmas New Year’s Eve Celebration Fleetwood Mac Tribute

THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

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

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NEWS

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Lovin’ Life Expos return to the Valley

BY ANNIKA TOMLIN Tribune Staff Writer

A

fter a 2020 pandemic pause, the Lovin’ Life After 50 Expos are returning.

They are set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24, at the Sundial Recreation Center in Sun City, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, at the Mesa Convention Center.

“We’re going to have great entertainment, a lot of informative exhibitors and it’s just a great way to get out and find out what is going on in the community,” says Lovin’ Life After 50 publisher Steve Strickbine. “It’s a great way to meet lots of people and have some fun.”

Previously, Lovin’ Life After 50 Expos have attracted thousands of people who network and gather information, as well as participate in the raffle prize giveaway and take a shot at hourly $100 cash prizes.

“These expos were started as just a way to allow organizations in the community to come together with people over 50 to show what they have to offer,” Strickbine says, “...to give them information about things that are coming up in their organizations.

“It has become a very good event though for entertainment and just a great way for getting out.”

Among the exhibitors that will have booths at both the Sun City and Mesa Expos include 4C Medical Group (Optum Care), Arizona Liver Health, Home Concepts Custom Remodeling, Humana, AFC Physical Medicine and Hospice of the Valley.

Specifically at the Sun City Expo will be Arizona Institute and Cosmetic Laser Center, Edward Jones and MediSolutions LLC.

APARTMENTS from page 1

Street was the fifth time the 472-unit complex changed hands since 2005, vizzda’s records show.

Built in 1985 on 18.7 acres, Midtown first sold in 2005 for $20.5 million.

Tides sold the property to KKR & Co., a New York City-based global investment company that manages a wide variety of assets that include real estate and energy.

After the pandemic hiatus, the Lovin’ Life After 50 Expo is returning in January to Mesa Convention Center. (Tribune file photo) Unique to Mesa are Bright Health Plan, Mesa Marketplace Swap Meet, Emphasis Advisors and National Cremation Society.

“With COVID we are being very careful with how we proceed, and we are following the CDC guidelines of course to make sure that we are operating with best practices to make sure that everybody that does attend stays safe,” Strickbine says.

In terms of entertainment, The Duttons will be returning to the stage once again.

For those who don’t know, “they’re a band that has a theater in Branson, Missouri where they play during the summer months and then they also have a theater in the East Valley (in Mesa) where they play during the winter months. They were on ‘America’s Got Talent’ at one point,” according to Strickbine.

The Duttons’ setlist includes bluegrass, country and pop music.

“They always attract a big crowd,”

That deal represented a sale price of $344 a square foot and $290,254 for each of its 186 one-bedroom apartments and 286 two-bedroom units.

While it sold Midtown, Tides paid $133.25 million for the Tides at Mesa in the 2000 block of E. Broadway Road at S. Acacia Avenue, a 35-year-old complex on nearly 23 acres that had been owned by IMT Superstition Vista LLC, a subsidiary of IMT Residential, which owns and man-

Strickbine says.

Ms. Senior Arizona 2022 winner Patricia Person will meet and greet with attendees.

“I think a lot of people are anxious to get back out,” Strickbine says. ■

Lovin’ Life After 50 - Sun City Expo

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24 WHERE: Sundial Recreation Center, 14801 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City COST: Free INFO: lovinlife.com

Lovin’ Life After 50 - Mesa Expo

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26 WHERE: Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St., Mesa COST: Free INFO: lovinlife.com ages more than 17,000 apartments across the country.

The Tides at Mesa sale, at $318 a square foot, represented a per-unit price of $287,176 for each of the complex’s 464 apartments.

Tides also bought from IMT the Tides on Southern at Gilbert Road and Southern Avenue on Nov. 30, paying $84.25 mil-

see APARTMENTS page 6

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NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

Mesa biker faces uncertain future after accident

been talking about his mother dying last year, but she has been gone for forty years.”

Whaley related another conversation where Paul was talking about his military experience in the Navy – except he was never in the military. He seemed to have absorbed his father’s stories about his time in the service and interpreted them as his own memories.

“He is very confused,” said his father, his voice filled with desperation as he worries about Paul’s future.

Despite the continuing need for physical and mental rehabilitation, Seeber and Zac

sions in storage and moved into the home.

Beyond the hospital bed, Whaley is now homeless, with no estimate as to when he will be able to return to work.

“He’s in a wheelchair and still in need of therapy and the care center wants to release him to a shelter.”

Seeber, who works full time and lives with her mother as her primary caregiver, said, “I can’t take care of him, too.”

Paul Whaley’s motorcycle was reduced to a hunk of metal Whaley’s future is now in in the Oct. 21 accident. (Courtesy of Zac Whaley) the hands of his lawyer and Whaley were told by the care facility that the insurance companies.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office they intended to discharge Paul on Dec. 8.

Seeber convinced them to wait, but the said no citations have been issued in the accident, which it said is still under invesfuture is unclear.

A case worker is attempting to extend tigation.

Whaley is an electrician, working the stay, but “I would really like to get him through C & J Staffing, an employment into a different care center,” Seeber said. firm specializing in connecting skilled Now, Whaley also has lost his home.

Prior to the accident, the owner of tradesmen with contractors. He has reWhaley’s rental home had given him no- sided in Mesa for 10 years.

To help cover Whaley’s medical bills and tice to move by the end of December, as expenses, Seeber has set up at gofundme. she intended to move back in.

By the time the November rent was due, com, hoping to raise $6,500 to help her Whaley was hospitalized, with medical boyfriend. To help: gofundme.com/f/ help-paul-with-bills-and-rent-while-hebills piling up and unable to pay the rent.

The homeowner put Whaley’s posses- is-down. ■

according to the National Integrated Drought Information System.

“This last season, we had a lot of wildfires, a lot of heat waves and a lot of drought in the Pacific Northwest,” said Scott Albretsen, tree specialist for Valley View Christmas Trees. “And that’s caused a lot of damage to the farms up there. A lot of the mature trees were damaged from it, and a lot of the seedlings that were just planted were completely lost.”

In addition, supply chain issues have arisen as the economy continues to rebound from COVID-19 disruptions.

“The second issue that we’re dealing with is shipping,” Albretsen said. “They’re increasing costs with fuel and trucking

and the significant shortage in the amount of trucking we can get is just significantly limited in how we can get the trees delivered to us.”

Albretsen said Valley View Christmas Trees, a family-owned business with multiple lots in metro Phoenix and Southern California, has slightly raised prices because of those supply chain challenges.

“So the prices have raised in comparison to that, but we’re trying very hard to keep our prices low,” he said. “We’ve been here for 40 years selling trees in Arizona, and this is about community for us.”

Sal Bracale, director of operations with Moon Valley Nurseries, which has locations in Arizona, California, Nevada,

BY DANA TRUMBULL Tribune Staff Writer

A

t age 57, Paul Whaley’s life has been pulled out from under him.

Around 6 p.m. Oct. 21, the Mesa man was riding his motorcycle home after work when, he said, a car made a left turn in front of him near Recker Road and Billings Street, totaling his bike and nearly totaling Whaley himself.

He ended in intensive care for two weeks with two compound fractures in his left leg, a broken hip and multiple skull fractures and brain bleeds. The skin on his hands and stomach had to be pulled back in place and reattached. And he suffers recurring memory and other mental problems.

Bound to a wheelchair, he has been in a post-acute care facility since the hospital discharged him.

Physical therapy has been difficult, according to his girlfriend of 14 years.

“He hates the boot he has to wear for physical therapy,” said Margie Seeber. “It’s really heavy and the exercises can be painful.”

But the greater problem is the brain trauma.

“It’s going to take time,” said Zac Whaley, Paul’s 80-year-old father in Mississippi.

“Some days he is lucid. Other times he doesn’t know where he is or why. He has

Paul Whaley gets a hug in the rehab center from his longtime girlfriend, Margie Seeber.

(Courtesy of Margie Seeber)

Christmas tree shortage threatens East Valley

BY RAVEN PAYNE Cronkite News

E

xtreme weather in the Pacific Northwest and supply-chain bottlenecks everywhere have left Christmas tree lots across the country scrambling this holiday season.

Most U.S. lots get their Douglas and Noble firs – among the most popular trees used at Christmas – from the Northwest, and many Arizona lots get theirs specifically from Oregon.

Persistent drought, rising temperatures and wildfires last summer have resulted in fewer trees from Oregon – 92 percent of which is experiencing severe drought,

Texas and Florida, said his lots are determined to make getting a tree a family experience, despite the challenges.

“We want our clients to be able to come in and hear the Christmas music and hear the chain saws going, have the fire burning,” he said. It’s a tradition; it’s like going to a pumpkin patch. It’s something you do as a family event.”

Both companies believe they have enough trees to supply to everyone who wants to bring a little green into their home.

Bracale suggested shopping for a tree early to get the best pick. Smaller potted trees and artificial trees are options, although artificial trees also are subject to supply chain constraints. ■

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

5

THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

China Before Communism

2022 PRODUCTION WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

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NEWS

APARTMENTS from page 3

lion – or $337 a square foot – for a 306unit complex that was built in 1984 on 15 acres. The sale represented a per-unit price of $275,326.

Tides has called attention on its website to its expansion in Phoenix, boasting of more than 50 acquisitions in the Valley market.

“Tides has remained active in the Phoenix market over the past couple of years.

This year alone, we have acquired 19 properties in the Phoenix MSA, which accounts for approximately $1.2 billion in transaction volume,“ Sean Kia, co-founder and principal at Tides Equities, told MultiHousing News about a week before the three Mesa transactions.

Tides also told the industry newsletter, “Favorable market conditions continue to drive demand across the Greater Phoenix area. … The robust population growth is not only supporting rent increases, but also luring in investors.”

“Tides continues to believe in the shortand long-term growth of Phoenix as it is forecasted to lead the nation in job growth over the coming years and is further aided by the accelerating demand by millennials and generation Z to relocate to cities within the Sun Belt,“ said Tides co-founder and Principal Ryan Andrade.

Multi-Housing News noted that Phoenix isn’t the only market where Tides is aggressively courting complexes, reporting that it acquired a string of sites in Las Vegas for more than $313 million in recent months. The newsletter added that Tides has acquired more than 80 complexes in the West in the last five years.

Part of the rising interest in apartment complexes, Bloomberg noted, involves a move by real estate investors from offices, hotels and malls, which it said “fared poorly in the pandemic.”

“The influx of money has pushed prices higher and forced private equity firms to behave like the aggressive homebuyers in the frenzied housing market,” Bloomberg

THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

said. “Some investors are frustrated by current prices for apartment buildings.

But many are raising their bids, waiving inspections and promising to close fast, with rising rents driving a flurry of deals.”

It quoted one investment activist as stating: “That’s what happens in a whitehot market. Some of them will sharpen the pencil on the next one and get a little more aggressive because they need to deploy that capital.”

According to a number of analysts, the interest in apartment complexes also is being fueled by soaring home prices that have especially impacted first-time homebuyers and aging baby boomers anxious to downsize.

Large investors aren’t just looking at apartment complexes for the long-term benefit of a steady revenue stream that rent delivers.

The Cromford Report, which closely watches the Phoenix Metro housing market, noted that large investors also are buying single-family homes in bulk – and not turning them over for resale but rather to rent. “Investors are extremely interested in purchasing single-family homes in Phoenix," it said. "The receipts from rents are rising faster than anywhere else in the country.

“Rents are rising because there are more people wanting to rent than there are rental properties. Many families are starting to see single-family rentals as preferable to apartments or condo-style rentals. This effect is probably supported by living conditions during a pandemic.

“While this continues, we can expect investor demand to remain robust, which in turn prevents the market cooling down as it would if ordinary home buyers were the only source of demand.”

Manage Case, a company that manages apartment complexes, echoed that lure of rent for investors.

“There is little to support any prediction other than rising rent prices,” it said.

“Those hoping for a lull in the rising price trend will likely be disappointed.” ■

The Tides on Southern in Mesa sold for $84.25 million – or $337 a square foot. (Special to the

Tribune.)

The Tides at Mesa sale equaled $318 a square foot or a per-unit price of $287,176 for each of the complex’s 464 apartments. (Special to the Tribune.)

GOT NEWS?

Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak @timespublications.com Millions spent in Mesa apartment complex sales . (Special to the Tribune.)

THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

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NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

GRID from page 1

Street began in March 2020.

So far, however, The Grid remains an idle construction site because of financial snags attributed to the COVID pandemic.

Jeff McVay, Mesa’s manager of downtown transformation, told Council in a report that the developers expected to get new financing early this month and plan to resume construction in January.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project has encountered financial and construction delays and the project is not currently in compliance with those agreements,” his report stated. “During this delay, staff has continued to work with the developer to find solutions to get the project back under construction.”

But the delays have left the developer out of compliance with agreements previously made with the city. To rectify that, the Council approved amendments to the development agreement with new deadlines.

Phase 1 of construction, which includes the building facing Main Street, now is to be finished by Dec. 31, 2022. The whole project is supposed to be done a year after that.

The new deal also includes an option for the developer to buy the land and air rights associated with the property for $7 million. That would net the city $4 million more than it would have gotten under a previously approved lease arrangement.

City officials and the developers – Tony Wall of 3W Management and Karrin Taylor Robson of Arizona Strategies – held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the project in February 2020, bringing along the Westwood High School Band, local merchants and food.

The mixed-use community, which will eventually wrap around the existing Pomeroy Garage, is tucked into a 3.3-acre plot of land. When completed, the lot will include 196 “luxury sky” apartments built above the garage, as well as 75 flats, or “microunits” that will be 400 square feet each.

In addition, there are 15 rowhomes with three-story walk-ups along Main Street in front of the existing garage structure.

The project also includes 14,000 square feet of Class A office space overlooking Main Street.

New downtown apartments

The third and final phase of an apartment

About half the cost will be covered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Keeping the water running

A high school band and numerous city officials were on hand to mark the groundbreaking for The Grid in February 2020. (Tribune file photo) complex at First Avenue and Macdonald will go ahead with Council approval.

The project will add 72 units of marketrate apartments, with a swimming pool and clubhouse, to a complex whose first phases were approved in 2016 and 2019.

At buildout, the complex will have seven buildings and 168 units.

Mesa is offering the developer a tax deal called a government property lease excise tax. The city will buy the property and lease it back to the developer, creating a tax break. Mesa still expects to make money on the deal, nearly $400,000 over eight years. The developer also will make a one-time payment of $27,212 to local school districts.

East-side industry

About 25 acres northwest of the intersection of Elliot and Signal Butte roads will be rezoned from agricultural to light industrial for a speculative industrial development.

The developer envisions three industrial buildings totaling about 243,000 square feet, with additional buildings for retail, restaurants and a service station.

Because this land is within Mesa’s much-touted Elliot Road Technology Corridor, the city is requiring the developer to sign an agreement prohibiting a wide range of uses – no churches or tattoo parlors allowed.

Utility rates up

Several previous council meetings fore-

shadowed final approval of a range of increases for Mesa utility customers.

Mesa operates each utility – water, wastewater, solid waste, gas and electric – as a separate business entity that has to pay its own costs as well as funneling money into the city’s general fund.

The general-fund contributions help keep the city afloat in lieu of a primary property tax, which Mesa abandoned in 1945 and which city voters rejected emphatically in a 2006 referendum.

The biggest percentage increase among the utilities will be for residential gas customers: a 10 percent hike amid spiking energy prices.

Water rates are going up by 2.5 percent for residential customers, with higher jumps for commercial users.

Overall, utilities are expected to pump $115.3 million into the general fund this fiscal year, compared with $113.9 million last year.

Protecting firefighters

Concerns over occupation-related cancer prompted the Council to approve spending more than $1 million for special equipment to vent exhaust fumes in 16 of the city’s fire stations.

The systems will attach to the exhaust systems of fire apparatus when it’s necessary for their engines to be running while in the fire station bays. Without the equipment, firefighters will continue to be exposed to carcinogenic fumes while they’re in the buildings, according to staff report.

Good help is hard to find these days – and that includes people who can staff Mesa’s highly complex and essential water plants.

Mesa operates five such plants – three to treat water the city receives via its canals and wells, and two to treat the water after it runs through the sewer system.

Amid a nationwide shortage of qualified workers, the Council approved $1.5 million in contracts with two companies that can provide temporary employees. That’s the price per year, with an additional 5 percent tacked on if inflation makes that necessary. The contracts could be extended for another four years.

One of the companies, Smith Temporaries Inc., doing business as CornerStone Staffing, is based in Chandler. The other is in Los Angeles.

Food truck rules

Beginning March 1, food trucks will have to comply with new rules that sprang from complaints about vendors operating in various neighborhoods.

The previous ordinance allowed vendors to operate with 25 feet of a parcel with a residence on it. The new minimum distance is 250 feet – but there are exceptions.

The trucks can be closer than 250 feet to a residential property if the truck itself is on private property with formal City Council approval. That also will be allowed if fewer than four trucks are operating on a private property at the same time and they don’t operate there more than four times a year.

Trucks operating at a licensed special event and ice cream trucks also are exempt from the rule.

New city clerk

The Council appointed Holly Moseley as city clerk to replace DeeAnn Mickelson, who took the job in 2013.

Earlier, during the study session, the Council offered formal thanks to Christine Zielonka, who is retiring as Mesa’s development services director. She has overseen vast growth during the city’s postrecession boom. ■

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

9

THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

AROUND MESA

Donations needed for A Better Community program in Mesa

Mesa residents are encouraged to give to the ABC: A Better Community utility donation program, which provides shelter, meals and other essential services to Mesa children, families and seniors facing challenges.

The City has allocated ABC grant money to three nonprofit agencies: Maggie’s Place for shelter services at Hannah’s House; Teen Lifeline for crisis services and United Food Bank’s Emergency & Supplemental Food Assistance Program.

During the past year, ABC donations helped Mesa nonprofits provided: 5,411 children with food bags on the weekends, 48,141 delivered meals to 513 seniors, free tax preparation services to 7,760 individuals and families, crisis services to at-risk teens by answering 20,305 crisis calls and text messages and 24,723 households with more than 23,282,575 pounds of food.

City utility customers can contribute by automatically donating money with their monthly utility bill payment and can enroll at mesaaz.gov/abc or calling 480-644-2221. This allows several donation options that are all tax-deductible.

People who are not utility customers can send a check to City of Mesa Customer Service, P.O. Box 1466, Mesa, AZ 85211-1466 and write “ABC: A Better Community” in the memo area.

Mesa PD gets grants to buttress DUI, other traffic safety enforcement

Mesa Police are already on the alert for drunk drivers – and they’ve received more than $140,000 in additional funds to take them off the roads.

Mesa PD announced last week officers “will be out in force looking for impaired drivers by conducting DUI enforcement” though Jan. 1, mainly between 5 p.m. and 3 a.m.

The task force is an inter-agency program aimed at curbing “the number of impaired driving related vehicle collisions in order to reduce the number of needless injuries and fatalities associated with these types of collisions,” the department said.

Meanwhile, the department’s traffic unit received five grants from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, much of it going to DUI enforcement.

The GOHS provides grants to police and fire departments as well as nonprofits for programs aimed at creating and maintaining safe roadways for the general public.

Mesa received $140,537 for DUI enforcement, overtime and supplies for a variety of efforts beyond the holiday enforcement program. The money will also go toward DUI enforcement related to patrol district projects, training and education to combat impaired driving, drug testing kits and portable breath test machines.

Another $84,100 will go toward selective traffic enforcement overtime, materials and supplies for back-to-school safety zone enforcement, speed law enforcement and speed detection devices.

The department also got nearly $20,000 for child safety seat enforcement, education and seats themselves for low-income parents.

And nearly $51,000 it received will go toward pedestrian and bicyclist education and enforcement.

The department also received a $9,200 grant for accident investigation and collision reconstruction training.

City seeks citizen input on parks and rec

An online community survey is underway to help the City of Mesa’s Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities

Department get a better understanding of residents’ usage and needs for the parks and recreation system.

The community survey is the next major public input phase of the two planning efforts to create Mesa’s Footprint for the Future. One aspect is for the department’s Comprehensive Plan to guide present and future growth and development of Mesa parks, public spaces, recreation programs and facilities.

The other aspect is to get feedback on how to implement Mesa’s first-ever Climate Action Plan, a City Council priority initiative calling for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and establishing strategies to increase sustainability at all City operations.

The online survey is at footprintfuturemesa.com/ community-survey until next Friday, Dec. 17. The survey was recently mailed to a random sample of 4,000 households.

The Footprint for the Future Campaign began with a series of community meetings in September to get input about the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan and a series of virtual meetings in October and November about the Climate Action Plan.

Mesa business’ expansion celebrated by city officials as a CARES triumph

Mesa officials recently celebrated the expansion of Intentional Foods at 1837 W. Guadalupe Road, which caters to people with food allergies. The owners received through the Mesa CARES program and the city’s Economic Development and Development Services departments.

“The first year of any business is critical for its survival.

The pandemic hit us as we were trying to get the restaurant going and establish our clientele,” said Ned Heath, chef and owner of Intentional Foods. “We were fortunate to have the support of the community and the City of Mesa. The City helped us obtain permits for outdoor dining and provided technical assistance for our business. The Mesa CARES program allowed us to continue to operate, stay afloat and later thrive at a time of great uncertainty.”

The expansion of Intentional Foods comes with a larger kitchen that will allow the restaurant to prepare meals free from the top food allergens to Mesa Public Schools and its growing list of clients. The restaurant now has a liquor license and is serving allergen-free beer, wines, and cocktails and will soon open a dining room addition. Earlier this year, Yelp ranked Intentional Foods 9th in its top 100 restaurants to eat in 2021.

Downtown Mesa ice rink is better than ever this year, officials say

The Winter Wonderland Ice Rink is bigger and better than ever at this year’s Merry Main Street in downtown Mesa, the city says. The rink is more than 6,000 square feet, about 1,000 square feet larger than last year.

The Winter Wonderland Ice Rink is one of the key attractions of Merry Main Street and offers a general admission price of $10 for one hour of skating, which includes skate rental. Tickets must be purchased online at merrymainst. com/icerink.

Merry Main Street continues through Jan. 2. For a complete list of Merry Main Street activities, including dates and times, visit merrymainst.com/icerink.. ■

Submit your releases to pmaryniak@ timespublications.com

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NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

GOP lawmakers taking aim at school boards in 2 ways

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

A

Phoenix GOP lawmaker is looking for a new and quicker way to penalize school boards that ignore state laws while a veteran Scottsdale senator wants to make school board candidates run on party lines.

Rep. Steve Kaiser wants to allow lawmakers to file complaints when they believe a school district or charter school is doing something that is illegal.

HB 2009 would then require the attorney general to investigate. And if the lawyers there agreed that the statute was being broken, it could order that some state aid be withheld if the district didn’t repeal the policy or practice.

What Kaiser wants is based on an existing 2016 statute that empowers the Attorney General to investigate actions by cities and counties, complete with the same ability to cut off state dollars. And it is a power that has been used since its enactment to force several Arizona cities to alter or repeal some ordinances, ranging

from a Sedona tax on vacation rentals to a Pima County moratorium on evictions.

Kaiser said what made him decide to seek expansion of what law was the vote in late June by legislators to prohibit any requirement that students and staff wear masks while on campus.

“I was shocked to see how many school districts and how many schools decided they were just going to snub their nose at state law,’’ he said.

Only thing is, that law was not set to take effect until Sept. 29. But Kaiser said schools should have obeyed it anyway.

As it turned out, a judge declared on Sept. 28 that the law was illegally enacted, prohibiting its enforcement.

Meanwhile, Republican Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita wants to scrap the current system where people interested in the unpaid position submit nominating papers and then run against each other in a general election. Instead, all the registered candidates from each party would compete in an August primary, with the winners then facing off in November.

It would be a massive change for the

process now used in the more than 200 school districts across the state. And it also would put Arizona in the minority of states with a similar system, following only Louisiana and Pennsylvania.

SB 1010 is drawing a chilly reception from Chris Kotterman, lobbyist for the Arizona School Boards Association. He said adding partisan labels would detract from the ability of board members to focus on what are issues of how to educate children in the community.

But Ugenti-Rita told Capitol Media Services that is denying the reality that much of what falls within the purview of board members is partisan. She said these range from issues of taxes and budget to curriculum, parental control and even whether schools should remain open during a pandemic.

“This is helping voters understand where someone stands ideologically and politically so they have a better sense of how they’re going to govern and how they’re going to vote,’’ Ugenti-Rita said.

Ugenti-Rita said no one thing is behind the move. But it comes after more than a year of some high-profile battles, often be-

tween board members and parents, about things like whether schools should be open for in-person instruction and whether student and faculty should be required to wear face coverings while on campus.

Ugenti-Rita charged, “I think that those who operate in the school board and in the education arena have gotten a little too cocky and taken advantage of the nice position they’ve been in.”

“And, yet, they’ve acted very political,’’ she said. “And so I think we should align the system with how these boards have been acting for decades, which is political.’’

She said that party labels will help voters understand “where candidates are.’’

What Ugenti-Rita is seeking to impose in some ways runs counter to what fellow Republicans tried to do more than a decade ago. The Arizona Supreme Court voided the law.

Ugenti-Rita said there’s no comparison with what she’s proposing now for school boards. “This is already very political,’’ she said. “Let’s just get real and deal with reality. “And school boards are political.’’ ■

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TheMesaTribune.com |

THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

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Mesa man completes 3K bike trip, raises $102K TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

A

Mesa lawyer-entrepreneur raised $102,000 for his foundation to give to charities by riding a bike 3,000 miles from San Diego to Jacksonville, Florida.

Tim Markison, who also founded a golf shoe company, recently concluded the journey that he took to increase awareness about child abuse prevention and to promote healing for those who were victims of abuse – such as himself.

He raised more than $102,000 on his 40-day journey, which started Sept. 29 and ended Nov. 7 with an overnight stay in Mesa in early October.

Markison plans to distribute all proceeds made to his foundation, Interwoven Circles, evenly to three different non-profit organizations: Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Arizona, and Safer Society.

“The ride was a microcosm of life; full

Mesa lawyer-businessman Tim Markison took 40 days to ride a bike from California to Florida to increase awareness of child abuse and raise money for groups that help victims.

(Courtesy of Interwoven Circles)

of challenges, unexpected detours, easy stretches, hard stretches, and required

adaptations,” said Markison.

“There were many times when I wanted

to quit but I kept going and I’m glad I did.

I met hundreds of people along the way, many of whom shared their personal experiences of abuse or the abuse of a loved one. It was very moving and healing for all of us involved.”

The Cycle to End Abuse was sponsored

by OCA Ventures, Athalonz, and Mesa Naturopathic Wellness and Aesthetics.

“OCA Ventures was proud and honored to support the Cycle To End Abuse, and we applaud Tim Markison for his courage to share his vulnerability in order to bring visibility to childhood abuse such that others may be comfortable to seek support and counseling,” said Kelley Quinn, of OCA Ventures. “Dramatic change requires dramatic action, and through Tim’s unyielding efforts, we are galvanized around the mission to eradicate systemic childhood abuse.”

While the ride began as a way to pro-

see BIKE page 13

Mesa woman makes partiers feel like royalty

BY DANA TRUMBULL Tribune Staff Writer

W

hen planning your career choices, did you ever consider Fairy Godmother?

Gretchen Landin did.

And with her background in theatrical set design – she interned with the Walt Disney Company – and professional event planning, she has achieved that goal.

On Dec. 1, the Royal Soirée opened the castle gates on a new boutique event décor rental company. Based in Mesa, the team of three fairy godmothers deliver elaborately themed event packages designed to make your child’s dreams come true.

“My goal is to take on the task of building the perfect setting for your celebration,” Landin explained, “so

that you can focus on being present in those special, priceless moments.”

Every event features hand-painted and custom-embellished props to truly make guests feel that they have entered a magical world of celebration. The fairy godmothers, dressed in brocade, lace and rhinestones, handle delivery, set up and removal of the fully designed set.

All the client adds are food and guests.

Although the themes are magical, Landin designs with the reality of sustainability in mind.

Rather than using mass-produced, non-recyclable party decorations to create the desired ambience, the unique decor pieces are sourced from antique stores and vintage resellers, or handmade and intricately embellished so that the items can be reused.

Even the dinnerware is reusable: elegant melamine plates and metal cutlery. All linens, napkins, and chair covers are washed between uses with eco-friendly detergent.

“The Royal Soirée is dedicated to bringing sustainability to the world of event planning,” Landin said. “The event industry creates countless amounts of waste per year, and we want to change that!”

A few of the available themes include “Cinderella,” “Beauty and the Beast” and the “Frog and the Princess.”

see ROYAL page 13

Gretchen Landin is the owner and founder of The Royal Soirée in Mesa.

(Courtesy The Royal Soirée)

COMMUNITY

THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

BIKE from page 12

mote awareness, it also quickly became a healing tool for Markison. It became clear early on that he needed to write his life story, so he decided to begin writing his memoir in between stops.

“I hope my story helps others realize that they too can have a fulfilling life despite a horrific childhood riddled with sexual and physical abuse,” Markison said.

The 59-year-old Mesa father of two discussed his own victimization of abuse in an interview with the Tribune before he left for San Diego to begin his crosscountry trip.

Though he feels blessed to have resources required to get help and an exceptionally supportive wife, he remains hesitant to call himself lucky.

“I also did a lot of hard work to get to the place I’m at. You make your own luck,” Markison said. “Yes, I am fortunate with the abusive childhood I endured

ROYAL from page 12

Landin anticipates launching a new theme each month. Currently, the company has more than 40 themes planned, including a pirate theme, a wizarding academy – and “elegant, yet fun” adult themes.

In fact, they are currently working on their first bridal shower theme and anticipate adding small wedding packages as well.

“Due to the detailed and curated nature of our events, we are not currently offering custom themes,” she said, “but we absolutely welcome suggestions for new themes.”

Events can be set up indoors or outdoors. Although seating can be adjusted to work with the available space and

and the psychological damage it did to me, I’m very fortunate to have the life I have now.

“I’ve been married 41 years, have two kids and a grandbaby...All that happened because of a lot of hard work on my part, and my family and support.”

Markison is a patent attorney...and an inventor. He is founder, CEO and primary inventor of Athalonz, which makes “golf shoes that are disrupting the golf industry due to its patented technology.”

Markison has been living in Mesa, where he launched Athalonz, since 2011.

He grew up in Chicago, where he said he was victimized repeatedly as a child.

As he describes his abuse online (interwovencircles.com/tims-story), “I was raped from age 5 through age 13 by both a family member and a school administrator. I was also beaten. I was choked. I was locked in a freezer. I was consistently berated. I was told I was worthless. And that was on a ‘good day.’ floor plan, Landin recommends a space that is approximately 20’ x 15’ for the ideal layout.

Event services for 12 to 16 guests by The Royal Soirée LLC are available starting at the introductory cost of $900.

For more information, email info@theroyalsoiree.com, or visit www.theroyalsoiree.com. ■

One of the Royal Soiree themes is “Beauty and Beast” and includes theme decorations for the food presentation table. (Courtesy The Royal Soirée)

“My defense mechanisms were to disassociate and to forget. While an incident was occurring, I disassociated and, as soon as it ended, I blocked it out. I forgot the incident along with most of my childhood.”

Markison told the Tribune he “didn’t even remember what happened to me until my late 20s. Most of my childhood, memories of my childhood are gone...

When my oldest daughter turned 5, I started having – it wasn’t quite memories, it was feelings.”

While he was in law school, one panic attack after another hit him, with flashbacks and a feeling of utter worthlessness: “I was miserable. I was depressed...I sought counseling and memories started to come back a little bit.”

He chokes up a bit, recalling a night 30 years ago when “I woke up from a flashback dream in terror. I could not close my eyes. Every time I closed my eyes I thought I was going to get choked and killed. Liter-

13

ally for four weeks I couldn’t sleep.”

Markison checked into a mental health hospital, where “more memories came back, things became clear...It was pretty horrific. It wasn’t just at home or at school. I was raped at home and school.

The two places you’re supposed to be most safe were the two most dangerous places for me.”

One of the most important messages he wants to share with his fellow victims is that it’s possible, after years of self-loathing, to come to peace with yourself.

“I like the person I see in the mirror,” he writes. “This is a biggie for me because I used to hate looking at myself.”

Markison said he has plans for other single-day bicycle rides and will continue to be a vocal advocate for victims to speak about their abuse and their struggles.

Information: interwovencircles.com.

The Arizona Child Abuse Hotline is 1-888-767-2445. ■

THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

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BUSINESS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

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

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Mesa woman makes soap a business and passion

BY RYLEE MCDANIEL Tribune Contributor

M

ost people look at soap as an everyday essential used without a second thought, but to Joanna Couch, it means more than smelling good and being clean.

In 2012, following the closing of a decorative finishing business she had with her mother, the Mesa woman began making products with the leftover goat’s milk from her family farm.

Soap became the main product and eventually, her passion.

After entering the Arizona State Fair with no great expectations, Couch walked away with multiple blue ribbons for her soap and the confidence to keep going.

“People don’t realize when they go and look at all that stuff at the state fair, there’s a person with a passion behind that product,” said Couch.

Continuing with her passion, Couch took part in the 2012 Gilbert Art Walk, selling out of her inventory of 2,000 soap bars by her second showing.

“I thought that would last me forever,” said Couch.

With the support from her community

Joanna Couch stirs ingredients for soap in Broadway Road in Mesa. (Facebook) and family, Couch expanded her business into The Soap Gal, which now manufactures a minimum 800,000 bars of soap monthly and are sold wholesale only to retailers nationwide.

The Soap Gal specializes in cold-pro-

cessed soap. Oils such as coconut, shea butter olive, and castor are combined with a sodium hydroxide lye solution and safe additives such as pure essential oils and colorants.

She studied and refined product formulas for some of the biggest names in the soap business and is committed to using only food-grade oils, pure essential oils and phosphate-free fragrances.

“Once people become customers of The Soap Gal, they become family,” a spokeswoman for The Soap Gal said.

The leftover scraps – which Couch calls “bubble bits” – are donated to those her plant on in need.

Last month, The Soap Gal donated 4,500 pounds of bubble bits, roughly the equivalent of 70,000 bars, to the Phoenix Rescue Mission to help people experiencing homelessness.

“The Soap Gal creates quality skin products utilizing food grade oils and all natu-

ral ingredients, so these individuals will be provided with high-quality soap,” her spokeswoman added.

Couch sees her company – and her passion – as more than just a way to earn a living.

For one thing, she boasts on her website, “We support over 90 local families in our 33,000-square-foot facility in Mesa Arizona. We are proud to manufacturer our products here in the USA and support our local community…Quality is our philosophy. Natural products and world-class service is how we set the industry standard.”

But Couch also sees a broader mission in her work.

“When it all comes down to it, the reason I make soap is because there’s still 29 percent of this world that doesn’t have access to soap and water,” said Couch.

Although her products are sold only wholesale to retail businesses, they will be available to the public soon.

Couch looks forward to furthering her soap business by opening two new storefronts in the near future.

Bubble Factory will be a storefront open to the public where consumers can create

see SOAP page 18

LEFT: Joanna Couch last month donated the equivalent of 70,000 bars of her soap to the Phoenix Rescue Mission. (Special to the Tirbune) ABOVE: The Soap Gal factory occupies a huge 33,000-square-foot factory in Mesa that employs 90 people. (Special to the Tirbune)

BUSINESS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

His arcade business evolved from YouTube tutorials

BY GABRIELLA BURTON Tribune Contributor

F

ormer YouTuber Will Leinart, owner of the arcade company Joystick, now counts Chandler Fashion Center among his multiple locations of self-monitored machines throughout Arizona.

Leinart began YouTubing in 2011 with an unusual angle: throughout the years, he provided tutorials on claw machines that showed people how to get prizes.

Forming an LLC called Claw Master, the Tempe resident racked up a million subscribers in the process.

“It really helped grow my character, my YouTube helped me fund my career,” Leinart said.

His first company was called Zap, which he bought in 2014. For a few years he kept the name until he realized that the brand had developed a bad reputation and feared it might follow his career.

Enter Joystick.

“When I rebranded in 2018, I started over and then my YouTube started doing better,” Leinart explained. “Then every-

17

much competition because most other arcade businesses are either far smaller or much bigger than Joystick.

That advantage made it easier for him to navigate through the challenges of the pandemic, Leinart said.

Joystick’s only obstacle Entrepreneur Will Leinart made a reputation with YouTube tutorials showing throughout how people can get prizes on claw machines in arcades. (Special to the Tribune) the pandemic occurred when malls were closed and thing worked off each other.”

Now, with 10 years in the arcade in- therefore could not access his arcades.

And when malls reopened, he said, he dustry, Leinart feels that he has gained a lot of experience. And because he is not recovered more quickly than other family a large arcade company, he doesn’t have entertainment centers.

But that doesn’t mean Leinart has avoided all the economic woes associated with the pandemic.

Like many other businesses large and small, he has had trouble finding workers. He was elated when he recently found Zachary Mott to take on the role of fixing machines and checking security cameras.

“Working for Will is a great experience,” Mott said. “I’ve known him for a while because we met through an arcade enthusiasts’ group but working for him is usually a lot more fun than it is stressful. I also appreciate the flexibility of the job because there doesn’t need to be a person manning every store. We just watch the cameras.”

Leinart said he just always had a passion for arcades.

“It’s kind of funny because I did like it. I didn’t know I was going to own one, but I knew I enjoyed it. I posted my first video a decade ago which was like, literally almost half my life ago,” Leinart said.

He said he wants to continue creating new experiences for families that enjoy

power lines dancing and sparking on the utility pole between her home and the house next door just before the fire. She said she and her son fled to the street where she heard an explosion from the rear yard.

A fire investigator found that the fire was caused by arcing in the overhead electrical wires on the utility pole between the two homes.

APS convinced a trial judge to throw out the case.

McMurdie said it is true that the process used by the Arizona Corporation Commission to set rates does require the regulators to consider a utility’s liabilities. But he said there are limits.

“The commission may limit a utility’s liability for economic damages resulting from service interruptions, which are appropriately considered in ratemaking decisions because of their contractual nature and potential magnitude,’’ the judge wrote.

And he specifically noted that there could be huge implications and huge liability if a utility were subject to liability

from a single power failure that could affect hundreds, thousands, “or, in the case of an electrical blackout, millions of people.’’

But he said the commission is powerless to limit personal liability and property damages which do not have the same implications and magnitude.

The appellate court was no more convinced by arguments by APS that it was shielded in this case because of tariff language which exempts it from liability due to “fluctuations’’ in service.

“This argument fails because arcing along a service line is not a fluctuation in electric service,’’ McMurdie wrote.

“By disclaiming liability for damages occasioned by a fluctuation in electric service, the tariff eliminates liability for economic damages incurred when a customer receives voltage that is too high or too low to serve its purpose,’’ he continued. “But it does not eliminate liability for a fire caused by arcing on a service line.’’

The ruling does not mean the homeowners and the tenant will get to collect from APS. Unless overturned, it returns the case to the trial court. ■

see JOYSTICK page 18

Court nixes negligence shield for Arizona utilities

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

A

rizona utilities can’t legally shield themselves from being sued when their negligence kills or harms people or destroys property, the state Court of Appeals has ruled.

Arizona Public Service had argued that its tariffs, or the rules that govern its relationship with customers, shield it from ordinary negligence.

And that, said attorney David Gaona, precluded Chao Xie and Yit Kiue Szeto from seeking damages from APS after a fire allegedly caused by negligent maintenance of power lines, destroyed a home they owned in Maricopa County.

That same tariff, Gaona argued, also precluded a lawsuit by Lydia Briones who occupied the home.

But Judge Paul McMurdie, writing for the unanimous three-judge panel, said that misreads the law.

He said utilities can protect themselves against incidental damage, such as economic losses from power interruptions

and even damage to equipment due to voltage fluctuations. But McMurdie said none of that shields a utility from what happens when its negligence in maintaining the electrical distribution system actually does what is alleged to have happened here: cause a fire that burns down a house.

Potentially more significant, the judge noted that the Arizona Constitution contains a specific provision guaranteeing the right to recover damages and spelling out that the amount recovered “shall not be subject to any statutory limitation.’’ That is known as the “anti-abrogation’’ clause.

“A statute that effectively deprives a claiming of the ability to bring an action protected by the anti-abrogation clause violates the constitution,’’ McMurdie wrote.

And in this case, the judge said, the company’s tariffs, which had been approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission, are the functional equivalent of a statute.

Court records said that a 2017 fire destroyed two homes, one of them owned by the Szetos and occupied by Briones.

Briones testified that she saw loose

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SOAP from page 16

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their own candles, experience the process of soap-making as well as buy The Soap Gal products.

Located at Mill Avenue in Tempe, her Rosebud’s Candle Bar and Bath Boutique will focus on self-love and self-care. Envisioning a feminine and girly atmosphere inspired by the women in her family, Rosebud’s is more of a passion project, said Couch.

“I think it’s important for us girls to show ourselves love,” said Couch.

Driven by the support of her family and

JOYSTICK from page 17

his arcades, and said profit is not as important to him as creating more joy for customers.

It seems to work for fans.

“Some of the games I have played in the arcade are ones I have never seen before.

They have the best arcade games,” said Mark Stempel, a Joystick patron at the Chandler mall.

As arcade games begin to move with technology and innovate, Leinart said he might consider getting into the virtual re-

community, Couch’s ultimate goal through her business is to make sure her community is taken care of.

“Soap is my calling, but my community is my number one passion.”

And she isn’t leaving new entrepreneurs behind either: To this day, Couch still attends the art walk to support other new artisans.

“That was the encouragement I got from the community to get me to where I am today,” Couch said.

Information: thesoapgal.com or facebook.com/thesoapgal ■

ality industry or expanding into another state. Until then he plans on continuing to do what he loves, opening more arcades.

“I didn’t know I’d be making money because it started from my hobby. I think that’s how everything should start. Like, don’t think about the money so it will come later,” Leinart said.

Information: joystickarcades.com ■

GOT NEWS?

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OPINION

THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

Share Your Thoughts:

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

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@EVTNow

/EVTNow

Worst state? Hardly, when you look at the facts

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist

Y

ou live in Arizona for a few decades, you get used to our state’s inferiority complex: Reporters and residents here love to bash the place. I’ve never lived anywhere that so reveled in national studies and stories calling out its glaring shortcomings.

Some headlines ripped from the pages of real life: “Arizona Ranked One of the Worst States to Raise a Family, According to New Study.” And: “Arizona Ranked Worst State in the Country for Teachers.”

And: “Arizona Ranks Worst in the Country for Food Waste.”

The coup de grace, as determined by CNBC in July: “Desert in Distress? New Study Ranks Arizona as Worst Place to Live in 2021.”

Memo to CNBC: I checked the primetime ratings for all TV networks. Don’t

feel bad about finishing 62nd, one spot ahead of the Motor Trend channel. You did pull 249,000 viewers at peak viewing time. In a country of 330 million people, that’s a whole lot of upside.

Anyway, rather than celebrate Arizona’s perpetual worstness, I’m here today with some uplifting news.

It’s likely you’ve been hearing that our country is in the midst of a national homicide epidemic, with the murder rate spiking about 30 percent in 2020. In the last few days, a dozen major American cities have set new annual records for killings – with three weeks remaining in 2021. In Philly, Indianapolis, Portland, and Louisville, folks are murdering one another like crazy. Even Tucson – which I’ve always considered merely boring – set a new record for homicides in the year, with 80 murders as of Dec. 7.

Given Arizona’s affinity for guns, you’re probably thinking, well, we must be atop the state list? Nope.

The homicide rate in Arizona jumped 30 percent between 2019 and last year.

But – and it’s a big but – that’s merely average. In South Dakota, the murder literally tripled over the same time span. It spiked 66 percent in Wisconsin and 54 percent in both Georgia and Delaware.

Pennsylvania saw murders jump by 49 percent.

At the end of the day, Arizona’s murder rate of 6.9 intentional killings per 100,000 residents ranks a mere 22nd out of the 50 states plus D.C. and Puerto Rico.

That’s right about the middle of the pack. A solid C. Ordinary. Who would’ve thought?

How do I explain this ranking? In two ways.

First, as one of the fastest-growing states in the country, Arizona has added about 800,000 new residents over the past decade. Our homicidal maniacs and gun loons can’t keep up with all the moving vans and California transplants.

My second explanation is slightly more complicated. In big cities around the U.S., there has been a push to demonize police officers and defund police depart-

ments, an absurd movement that has attracted support in Tucson (see earlier paragraph), Phoenix (where homicides jumped 44 percent between 2019 and last year) and Tempe (which logged eight murders in both 2019 and 2020.

The rest of Arizona has mostly rejected such nonsense, perhaps because most Arizonans have some common sense: We understand law enforcement is not perfect and should be both supported for the good it does and held accountable for its flaws and bad actors.

But communities – or a nation – that spend years screeching about evil cops should not be surprised when actual murderous evil takes root in place of the many quality officers who have found themselves under attack.

The moral to the story? Arizona is actually a fine place to live. Comparatively low taxes, solid economy, rising home values, incomparable weather. The Copper State is killing it. Just not like they’ve been killing it lately in South Dakota and Wisconsin. ■

remarkable victory.

Sixty-five was also the age of a one-time motel owner who used his monthly Social Security check of $105 to buy a white suit, wear it with a string tie, lay claim to an honorific from his home state, and start franchising what is now a fast food favorite.

Along the way, Colonel Harland Sanders concocted a “secret recipe” with 11 herbs and spices, but the real recipe for his success with Kentucky Fried Chicken was his own considerable life experience.

Far from the cliffs of Dover and the hills of Kentucky, a woman was further advanced in years than either Churchill or Sanders when her country called her back into government service. Golda Meir was 70 when she became Israel’s prime minister.

And back in this country, it’s worth noting that the two most recent occupants of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue were both septuagenarians when they took up residency in the White House.

A newly-minted senior’s aspirations may not include high political office or a fast food fortune; instead they may simply be seeking work in their chosen profession past age 50.

If so, they could very well confront a professional paradox. Several jobs may remain unfilled, yet an application is turned down by a Human Resources functionary with an email that calls the applicant “overqualified.”

“Overqualified” really means “over the hill.”

It’s rare these days to even receive the courtesy of a response; instead, most HR Departments simply acknowledge receipt

of the resume and a promise to get back in touch if they have any interest.

Think of it as the internet version of “don’t call us, we’ll call you.”

Occasionally, empowered HR executives will call attention to their new approach for screening job candidates.

At an area Chamber of Commerce social gathering not so long ago, a female human resources chief bragged that “when we get a resume from a white man over 50, it goes straight in the trash.”

Sure, that HR Director may have had one wine spritzer too many—but in this instance it served as a type of truth serum.

And the truth is that “wokeness” now prevails in the workplace.

“Equity” has replaced “equality.”

And “equity” demands vengeance.

Age is just a number – except to the ‘woke’

BY JD HAYWORTH Tribune Columnist

A

ge.

Encounter that word in any crossword puzzle, and its letters only fill three spaces.

Talk about its effects in real life and it becomes a “four letter word.”

George Bernard Shaw famously observed that “youth is wasted on the young.”

He recognized the enormous amount of untapped potential still present in those living “past their prime.”

History offers some examples worth remembering.

Winston Churchill did not become Prime Minister of Great Britain until he was 65, leading his nation through World War II and forging a grand alliance with the United States that led to a

see HAYWORTH page 21

OPINION

THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

Fashion is distorting our perceptions of sustainability

BY EMILY LADEWIG Tribune Guest Writer

A

s we expand our collective knowledge of sustainability and how our daily practices are detrimental to the planet’s health, we might focus on the more outright or intense environmental problems: CO2 emissions, agriculture, single-use plastic, etc.

If these issues are of concern to you, congrats- you’re in the majority: 77 percent of US adults consider themselves “particularly concerned” about protecting the environment.

Let me pose another question. Have you ever purchased an item of clothing from a store, say, in a mall, such as Nike, Zara, or H&M? If yes, you are part of the majority, again.

Just 20 fashion brands make up 97 percent of the global economic profit in the garment sector, most of which dominate commercial and digital retail outlets worldwide- and many of which are some of the cheapest options available. Most of these brands have something in common: volume-based, price-based, speedbased clothing: AKA, fast fashion.

If you haven’t heard this term before, it’s time to get to know it well. Fast fash-

HAYWORTH from page 20

Today’s 50-year old male was an entry level employee when the “Old Boys Club” of company executives obstructed or perhaps even harassed young female workers. Maybe that happened to the aforementioned female HR director.

Whatever the case, one prominent business website features entry after entry from female executives bemoaning the old days and emphasizing that they’ve “paid their dues.”

But many of their former male colleagues now find themselves paying dues for a “club” to which they never belonged. Reparations are not paid in cash; instead the cost comes in unrealized income for these now-unemployed senior professionals.

These men may eventually find work in a service industry – maybe retail or fast food. (Kentucky Fried Chicken, anyone?)

It’s either that – or stay home and try to solve crossword puzzles. ■

ion makes up the vast majority of our wardrobes, with 88 percent of US consumers now preferring it as their main clothing source.

This term refers to a business model that prioritizes cheap production and sourcing, rapid trend replication, and shortened renewal cycles- in simpler terms, putting trendy, cheap clothes in the hands of literally any consumer. At this point, you might be able to guess why its popularity has skyrocketed.

Companies like Forever 21 and Shein can replicate designer trends in the blink of an eye and at a fraction of the price.

And who doesn’t want to pay next to nothing for the most popular styles?

But don’t stop reading yet if you’re thinking, this doesn’t apply to me, though. I don’t shop at Forever 21. Here’s why it does: fast fashion doesn’t just include those brands recognized to have the cheapest clothing known to mankind, and non-fast-fashion isn’t just “$100 organic natural cotton designer recycled” t-shirts, either. The fashion industry entirely has changed.

Many brands that employ some of the same detrimental practices as the more well-known fast fashion companies don’t reflect this on their price tags. Ur-

ban Outfitters, Lululemon, Aritzia, and Gymshark all charge substantially higher prices for their garments than Uniqlo or Forever 21- but receive environmental ratings that are just as low.

These brands might boast sustainability, yet continue producing prodigious amounts of waste, using hazardous chemicals, harming animals, and/or underpaying workers. These high prices despite low environmental standards can make it nearly impossible for the everyday consumer to distinguish fast fashion from others, as markets expand now to affluent demographics as well as lower-budget ones.

This doesn’t just pose problems for the environment, it’s a serious social and ethical dilemma.

This complicated consumer-producer dynamic goes to show how deeply integrated and virtually inescapable the fast fashion system is in our consumerist world. Every demographic can be taken advantage of, and the power of these companies grows every second – especially with the increased prevalence of

“greenwashing.”

But the worst part about all of this?

Buying sustainably isn’t easy, nor desirable, for the majority of people. The low prices of most fast fashion brands makes sustainable options pale in comparison, which are also few and far between.

This doesn’t mean there isn’t anything we can do, though. Conservatively buying second-hand, from thrift shops or online retailers like The Real Real or Depop, can steer us away from constantly buying new clothing (while still spending less). Spreading the word and making informed choices can be made easier by websites like Good On You and The Sustainable Apparel Coalition.

But most importantly, resisting the urge to follow constant trends or repurchase new clothes as often as most people do may be our best bet. Invest in high-quality, versatile pieces- and you may just end up more satisfied.

Ahwatukee native Emily Ladewig is studying sustainability, fashion and business at Arizona State University. ■

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12/6/21 7:27 PM

SPORTS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

23

TheMesaTribune.com @EVTNow /EVTNow

Germaines brighten Mountain View football’s future

dominant 37-7 win over Mica Mountain on Oct. 14.

Jack has turned heads with his stelhe Mountain View High School foot- lar season stat line, going 124 of 180 for ball team proved this season it has 2,341 yards and 22 touchdowns. Those a promising future ahead, especially numbers, along with zero interceptions at the quarterback position. earned, him a passer rating of 151.2, the Sophomore quarterback Jack Germaine highest in the state. This was the first high took charge of the Toros this season, be- school season that Jack actually competed coming the primary quarterback after a in, as he was sidelined with an injury for his freshman year.

“It was a pretty smooth transition,” Jack said. “Good practices and getting a feel for the tempo of the game, and how much faster it is compared to younger years of football, it has all kind of started coming in.”

The mastermind behind the Mountain View football team is Jack’s own father, Joe. Joe took the head coaching job at his alma mater in April and has quickly propelled the program to success. The dedication that his team demonstrated during the season is something that stood out to Joe. “The most special thing for me this year was the buy-in from the players in our program.

Especially the seniors,” Joe Germaine, Jack’s father, returned to Mountain View this sea- Joe said. “To be able to son as head coach. He won the 1993 state title with the Toros go out there with this at quarterback before going on to start at Ohio State. Now, he new era of Mountain hopes to coach the program in a successful manner alongside View football, for them Jack. (David Minton/Tribune Staff) to be accepting of that

BY NICK BORGIA Tribune Contributing Writer

T

and for them to take that on will always be special to me.”

Joe is no stranger to success by any means.

Nearly three decades ago, Joe led the Toros to the 1993 state championship and went on to play at Ohio State, where he led the Buckeyes to win the 1997 Rose Bowl. Joe was named the Big Ten Conference Most Valuable Player and got drafted to the St. Louis Rams in 1999.

After Joe’s professional career, he stuck with football as a coach.

In 2012, he led Queen Creek High School to a 4A state championship.

During his time at Queen Creek, Joe coached alongside Travis Schureman, who was also a part of the Mountain View sophomore quarterback Jack Germaine helped 1993 Mountain View lead the Toros to an 8-3 overall season this year and a spot in the state champion squad. 6A playoffs. With him under center, the future is bright for the Schureman, who has program. (David Minton/Tribune Staff) been an incredibly close family-friend of is a junior lineman at Queen Creek. Jack the Germaines over the years, has the ut- and Griffin grew up playing flag football and Pop Warner with their fathers watchmost respect for Joe and his family.

“It’s a pleasure for me to call them ing every step of the way.

Schureman had the chance to watch friends. I love them like family,” Schureman said. “Joe’s been my best friend for Jack play at the high school level for the many years. We’ve been through a lot. It’s first time in Mountain View’s 6A playoff sure neat to see him go back to Mountain loss, where they fell 40-35 to Mountain View and be successful and turn that pro- Ridge. Despite the loss, Jack went 30 of 37, throwing for 483 yards and recording five gram around.”

On top of that, Jack has a very close relasee GERMAINE page 24 tionship with Shureman’s son, Griffin, who

Do you have an interesting sports story?

Contact Zach Alvira at zalvira@timespublications.com and follow him on Twitter @ZachAlvira.

24

THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

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total touchdowns.

“It was really neat for me to see Jack,” said Schureman. “To see him go out and just play at a high level, I mean, he is a special player. He’s a special young man who is going to do great things. I think we are just seeing the surface of what Jack Germaine is going to do.”

The father-son-coach dynamic is not unusual in youth sports, but at the high school level, it’s a little more uncommon.

Finding that middle ground on being a coach and a parent, or at least choosing the right time to be one or the other, is something that Joe focuses on.

“It’s a really fine balance,” Joe said.

“That’s something that I hope I am okay at, and something I hope I can improve at.”

The Germaines keep their football lives on the gridiron and in the film room. Joe feels that it’s extremely important to his relationship with Jack to have a separate home and athletic life.

“We have a really strong relationship,” Joe said. “What happens on the field stays on the field. When we are at home, we are able to separate that, which is healthy.”

Joe’s wife, Natalie, has the luxury of

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viewing the relationship that Joe has with their son from a different point of view. As Jack grows and matures into a young man, Natalie has started to see traits emerge in Jack that are also major characteristics of her husband.

“Joe is a very humble man who has many accolades, many of which I didn’t know about until after we were engaged,” Natalie said. “I didn’t learn about any of them from him. They both do not like being in the spotlight, unless they have to be as a team player.”

Natalie notes how important Joe’s calm and collected demeanor is when it comes to parenting and disciplining their children, and she believes that the mutual respect that is demonstrated throughout the family is something that is brought to the football field.

“I think there is also a sense of comfort for Jack knowing that when he goes onto the field, he knows that his dad has probably experienced the same feelings and scenarios, so he trusts his dad that things will be okay,” Natalie said.

The Germaine duo will return to Mountain View next season, as Joe enters his second year as the head coach of the program, and Jack will work to add to his col-

lege recruitment resume as a junior.

After such a successful first season together, the two have gathered a lot of attention around the community, especially from people close to them who have been able to watch their story develop from the beginning.

“I think that Jack is going to be a big-time football player when this is all said and done,” Schureman said. “It’s neat for me to see him carry some of the qualities that he has from his dad. The toughness in him, the way that he gets up and goes to work, not a big rah-rah guy, he’s just a leader. We’re excited to watch Jack’s journey continue and see where it takes him.” ■

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GET OUT

THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

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Theatre company showcases ‘Black Nativity’

BY ANNIKA TOMLIN GetOut Staff Writer

T

he traditional nativity story of Mary, Joseph and Jesus is retold through song, dance and poetry by the Black Theatre Troupe through Dec. 19 at the Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center.

The second show in the troupe’s 50th anniversary season, Langston Hughes’ “Black Nativity” features new musical selection and text filled with dynamic gospel choruses, soloists and dance ensembles.

“Black Nativity” is directed by Walter Belcher with choreography by Alexander Patrick. The music staff boasts Brenda Hapkins, musical direction, and Jennifer Robinson and George Johnson as musical supervisors.

This will be Belcher’s fourth time directing the production in his over 15 years with the troupe.

“Every time I direct this show, it has lots of powerful things to unpack, even from

a base level,” Belcher said. “It clearly has Christian connotations so however you grew up there is just something around the music that is fun and heartwarming.”

The nearly two-hour show is split into two acts.

“Inherently, in the script, the first act is pretty much the same to its original connotation, but the second act is meant to be gospel music that is current and relevant in telling the story of where we are,” said Belcher about the production that was first produced in December 1961.

“The second act changes every year that we do it, unless there are some crowd favorites that we choose to keep. We kind of look at where we are in the world, and we build that second act accordingly.”

Belcher said most of the cast does not have an assigned role in the show.

“We of course have Mary, Joseph and an angel that are truly representing (those

see NATIVITY page 27

The cast of the Black Theatre Troupe’s “Black Nativity” provides a “fun and heartwarming” show. (Special to GetOut)

This bus drive will light up your holiday spirit

BY ALLISON BROWN GetOut Contributor

C

ruising neighborhoods looking at Christmas lights is a tradition for many families, but sometimes the logistics do not work out.

Kids complain because of the lack of lights, and/or parents miss the views because they have to watch the road.

Jarrod Riddle said this was the case for his family when he was a kid, and it inspired him to offer his own tour through Spirit of Arizona Tours “I thought, ‘What if I find a really good route where friends and family don’t have to worry about the route or driving, they can just hop on a tour and enjoy the lights how they were meant to be enjoyed?’ So, that’s where the idea came from, and it’s been a pretty successful one,” Riddle says.

“We get a lot of families that show up in

Jarrod Riddle he has a five-star rating on Google, TripAdvisor and Yelp. The company earned those stars because, he says, he cares about the customer experience. (Special to GetOut) ugly sweaters or dressed up or some bring Christmas cookies and it gets turned into a

nice little family event.”

The tours run at 6 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and

9:30 p.m. through Dec. 31 – except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Each tour starts in Tempe near the 101 and Warner and goes through Tempe and Chandler.

The 90-minute tours pass dozens of homes and stop twice for close-up looks.

A longtime Valley resident and certified historian, Riddle has been a tour guide for 10 years. Using his insider information, Riddle plans a perfect route that is guaranteed to have great decorations and even avoids traffic delays for an entertaining ride from start to finish.

“If I’m going to offer a Christmas light tour, it’s going to be above and beyond,” Riddle says. “It’s not just going to be random neighborhoods. I made sure to scout out several locations where each street keeps getting better.”

Riddle says the tour hits every decoration

see LIGHTS page 28

GET OUT

THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

Fellowship Square displays deliver Christmas spirit GETOUT STAFF

A

t Fellowship Square, people like to say “the Christmas spirit never grows old.”

The 400-unit nonprofit independent care senior living facility at 35 W. Brown in Mesa is holding a window-decorating contest for residents, awarding prizes in the form of rental credits in three categories: “Celebrating Our Savior,” “Jolly Holiday” and “Spirit of the Season.”

The public is invited to come enjoy the displays with a walking tour

NATIVITY from page 26

of the property 5-6:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 17. Ballots will be available for visitors to pick their favorite windows. Free cookies, cocoa, pictures with Santa and musical entertainment will add to the festive spirit of the occasion.

“Two of our residents – sisters Joan Horner and Gloria Petri – go all out every year as they decorate for Christmas,” said Tracey Biggerstaff, director of marketing. “They were our inspiration for this contest.” Joan’s son sets up a “huge” outdoor display every year, as well.

Visitors are asked to please bring an unwrapped toy donation

roles),” Belcher said.

“They are nonspoken roles, but everyone else is supposed to be themselves. They are supposed to be who they are, so they are not stepping into a character per se.”

The rest of the cast “represents the human experience” by sharing their stories.

“On a base level, there is just the enjoyment of coming to the theater and snapping and clapping along and hearing Christmas carols,” Belcher said.

“I think given where we are in the world and the last two years in the climate of the country, there is an even greater heightened sense of urgency around highlighting the African American experience. Instead of pushing people into the fact that Black lives matter, us celebrating ourselves in that way and us reaffirming those things (is important).”

A UA graduate, Belcher said that he is excited for the theater to reopen. He “totally sees the theater as a refuge” coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Theater across the world tried to do things virtually but quickly realized the magic of the theater exists because there is an in-person element,” Belcher said.

“Artists didn’t quite have the same connection as others may have in going physical to virtual.

“For the Black Theatre Troupe, this season is really special because 2020 would have been our 50th year anniversary and so that joy, that celebration, that level of

27

for area children in need. A health screen and mask will be required.

Masks will be provided if needed.

Fellowship Square is the independent living facility within a community that supports seniors as they transition between independent living, assisted living and memory care.

For more information, about the event or about Fellowship Squarecall: 480-834-0600. ■

Sisters Joan Horner and Gloria Petri inspired Fellowship Square’s window decorating contest with their love of Christmas. (Special to GetOut)

The spectacularly mounted “Black Nativity” includes gospel music and carols. (Special to the GetOut) accomplishment to celebrate all of the hurdles and challenges before that (didn’t get to happen). Now being able to step back into what would have been that season definitely speaks to us being able to celebrate 50 years of accomplishments and even the theater surviving through COVID when so many other organizations didn’t.”

With nearly 20 directing years under his belt, there is one thing that stands out as Belcher’s favorite part about being the director for “Black Nativity.”

“My favorite part of the show is probably sitting in the audience or having a vantage point of seeing the audience and all of the diverse faces that come and clap and laugh and sing along,” Belcher said.

“I am aware that the Black American experience is inherently tied to our white

brothers and sisters, to our Latino brothers too, to the LGBTQ community, to our main friends and family. It’s a collective thing so to see so many diverse faces age wise and just watch all of them in this place of celebration it gives you hope.”

Belcher said he enjoys the audience becoming a part of the experience. Although he finds great joy in directing shows such as “Black Nativity,” sometimes it is difficult.

“I think one of the hardest parts of being a director is finding the purest form of honesty and truth and bringing that to the production,” Belcher said.

“How do we get actors to feel comfortable being vulnerable enough to share that truth and honesty? How do you — no pun intended — set the stage for the audience to hear and see that honesty and that truth

in it’s purest form?” Belcher elaborated.

“Because you can say, ‘Oh I’m just honest’ but that always is followed by someone thinking they can be an inappropriate smart behind. It’s not about insulting or calling anybody out, it’s just about presenting the purest heartfelt level of truth and honesty no matter what.”

Belcher said that it doesn’t matter if the production is “The Book of Mormon” or “Charlotte’s Web,” finding and executing the honesty and truth within can be difficult on top of figuring out the appropriate “light and sound to accentuate it in the right way.”

He calls “Black Nativity “a wonderful safe space of community and unapologetic pride that exists in the cast of sharing their lived experience through gospel music. “(The cast) all come with varied levels of experience on stage. Some none, some of them tons but what they generally all have in common is that they have grown up in the church, specifically in Black churches and they come excited with enthusiasm about sharing that part of their lives….Whether they go to the same church of they don’t, there is a commonality in their pride.” ■

If You Go...

What: “Black Nativity” Where: Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington St., Phoenix When: Various times between Friday, December 3, to Sunday December 19 Tickets: $42 Info: blacktheatretroupe.org

28

GET OUT

LIGHTS from page 26

imaginable, like music-synchronized light shows, Santa Claus, nativity scenes and, in true Arizona fashion, illuminated cactus.

The tour not only goes through some of the best displays in the state, but also the country.

“Two of the streets on the tour compete for best Christmas light displays in America, and one of those streets is basically like a street festival,” Riddle says.

“They have food trucks and Santa Claus who the kids come and talk to. They do horse carriage rides. So, for that street, I actually let my guests get out and walk it if they want. I give them about 20 to 30 minutes to get out and actually walk the streets themselves. It’s a good, fun experience.”

There is more to see than the classics, too. One of the unique displays on the tour is a giant, 25-foot-tall Christmas koala who takes up an entire front yard. Riddle says he spoke to the owner and found out the bear was originally from a storefront in Australia.

Apparently, the family brought it with them when they moved to the States and it was passed down to Phoenix residents.

THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

Riddle says that it is always a bit of a show-stopper and has a “Godzilla effect” on kids and adults.

Families and friends are transported to each sight on a luxury bus which is even decorated inside with garland and lights.

The bus has 14 captain’s chairs that have armrests and recline for a truly cozy and homey atmosphere.

“They can bring whatever they want on the bus as far as drinks are concerned,” Riddle says.

“Since I’m doing the driving, people like to bring hot cocoa for the kids and maybe some canned drinks for the grownups, which is totally fine by me.

“I’ve had people bring little Christmas cookies and stuff like that, so basi- The tour takes riders through some of the most eye-popping cally they can make it like Christmas displays in the East Valley. (Special to the Tribune) their own little holiday offering the Christmas Lights Tour. Riddle party.”

This is the Spirit of Arizona’s third year estimates he has about 900 guests on av-

erage per year.

He says the proof is in the pudding when it comes to his tours, as he has a five-star rating on Google, TripAdvisor and Yelp. The company earned those stars because, he says, he cares about the customer experience.

“Don’t worry about the route, don’t worry about the driving,” Riddle says. “All you need to do is show up, sit back, relax and enjoy the lights.”

Information: spiritofarizonatours. com ■

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

Thank You! %

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 29

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

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The East ValleyTribune

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Deadlines

The Place “To Find” Everything You Need | EastValleyTribune.com

Obituaries Christopher Dayton Thackeray

Christopher Dayton Thackeray, 48 years old, passed away early Saturday morning, November 27th, 2021. He was a loving father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. His infectious smile and laugh will live on forever. He is survived by his parents Vance and Melissa, his two son's Vance Morley and Dayton Oliver, his sister Amy Lou, his niece and nephew Cera and Joseph, his love Natasha and several other family members. "We will always carry your memory in our hearts."

A celebration of life was held on Dec 4th at Boone and Lorie's Home, Mesa.

Sign the Guestbook at: obituaries.EastValleyTribune.com

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

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H E A D STO N E S

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Employment General PayPal, Inc. has the following positions available: In Scottsdale, AZ: • Software Engineer 3 (Req.#: 20-7732): Design & implmnt CI/CD pipelines ensuring high lvls of quality. Req’s: MS(or equiv.)+3 yrs. exp. OR BS(or equiv.)+5 yrs. exp.

• Senior Business Analyst AFI (Req.#: 19-7806): Mnge & support maintenance, config., reporting, and analytics data for the Finance organization. Req’s: MS(or equiv.)+2 yrs. exp.

• Business Process Analyst 4 (Req.#: 20-5990): Mnge the functional & tchncl design, config., testing & maintenance of the P2P sys. Req’s: MS(or equiv.)+3 yrs. exp. OR BS(or equiv.)+5 yrs. exp.

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In Chandler, AZ: • Senior Testing Associate (Req.#: 19-7125): Prfrm risk analysis, dvlp compliance testing plans & execute SLOD test plans. Req’s: MS(or equiv.)+1 yr. exp.

• Compliance Analyst 3 (Req.#: 21-1107): Dvlp & implmnt effective policies, advncd analytics & thorough investigative processes that consider risks posed by PayPal's products, customers, trnsactn volumes & jurisdictions in which PayPal operates.

Req’s: MS(or equiv.)+2 yrs. exp.

• Data Engineer 3 (Req.#: 21-2959): Anlyz s/w product req’s & trnsfrm them into scalable tech. designs. Req’s: MS(or equiv.)+3 yrs. exp. OR BS(or equiv.)+5 yrs. exp.

Bill Me Later, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PayPal Inc., has the following position available in Scottsdale, AZ: • Software Engineer 2 (Req.#: 20-2625): Design & implmnt cmplx, multi-tier distributed s/w apps, using REST API, SOAP & ORM Hibernate. Req’s: MS(or equiv.)+2 yrs. exp. OR BS(or equiv.)+5 yrs. exp.

Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. w/o sponsorship. To apply, please send your resume w/references, specifying the Req. # w/your application, to: By email: paypaljobs@paypal.com; or by mail: ATTN: HR, Cube 10.3.561, PayPal, Inc. HQ, 2211 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95131. EOE

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

Employment General

Announce

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33

Real Estate for Sale Manufactured Homes

Join our experienced inside sales team!

Do you have print media/digital advertising selling experience? We may be looking for you! The position is in Tempe (Broadway curve area) includes lots of outbound calls selling advertising all over Phoenix Metro and even Tucson!

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

34

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021

Plumbing

35

Roofing

Drain Cleaning Experts, water heaters, disposals, water & sewer lines repaired/replaced & remodels.

Rapid Response.

If water runs through it we do it!

602-663-8432

Your newspaper.

Your community.

Your planet.

Please recycle me.

Plumbing

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

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

HYDROJETTING

480-477-8842

SEWER CABLE COMPREHENSIVE, FULL-SERVICE PLUMBING COMPANY

BOOK ONLINE! STATE48DRAINS.COM 20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED ROC 3297740

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

Serving All Types Clean, Prompt, Friendly and Professional Service of Roofing: • • • •

FREE ESTIMATES

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

MonsoonRoofingInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

Sell Your Stuff!

Call Classifieds Today!

480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Public Notices

Advertisement of Sale NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property pursuant to the Arizona Self-Service Storage Act, Arizona Statutes 33-1704, Section H, Enforcement of Lien. The Undersigned will sell at public sale by competitive bidding on or after December 17, 2021 at 9:00am using an online auction at www.storagetreasures.com, said property has been stored and located at US60 Self Storage, 1661 S Alma School Rd, Ste 105, Mesa, AZ 85210.

Property to be sold as follows: Misc. household goods, personal items, furniture, clothing, toys and/or business fixtures and items belonging to the following: Tenant Name Unit # Prince Willis 228 Laura Cooper 517 Tyler Crocker 334 Jeff Lewis 2303

Tiles & Shingles sunlandroofingllc@gmail.com Installation Repair Re-Roofing

Sale subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party. Items sold “as is”, CASH ONLY, and Buyer must pay a security deposit and broom sweep/clean the unit.

PHILLIPS

Go to www.storagetreasures.com to bid on unit(s).

Published: East Valley Tribune Dec 5, 12, 2021 / 42827

602-471-2346

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

623-873-1626 Free Estimates Monday through Saturday

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

Public Notices

Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

It is understood that the Arizona Museum of Natural History (AzMNH) made an agreement with now deceased Mr. Richard Hupfer in Mesa, AZ to house archaeological material uncovered in the Riverview complex. The agreement was made in 2004 or 2005. It is the intent of AzMNH to claim title to these artifacts if no valid claims are made by Feb. 15, 2021. To make a claim or for further information, please contact Dr. Emily Early at emily.early@mesaaz.gov or (480)6445907. Published: East Valley Tribune, Dec 12, 19, 2021 / 43287

OUT WITH THE OLD, CHIP RETURN RETURN YOUR TABLE GAMES CASINO CHIPS AT HARRAH’S AK-CHIN BEFORE THEY EXPIRE! If you have Table Games Casino chips received before July 7, 2021, please redeem them at the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino cashier cage no later than March 31, 2022 for a full refund.

Disclaimer: Any discontinued Table Games chips not returned by March 31, 2022 will be void and hold no cash value. Redemption must take place at the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino cashier cage in person. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is not responsible for any unreturned Table Games chips.

LEGAL NOTICES

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

Roofing

aOver 30 Years of Experience

aFamily Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers!

Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net Meetings/Events?

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

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

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 12, 2021