The Mesa Tribunue - Zone 2 - 01.10.2021

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Retooling its outreach / P. 8

Food park in E. Mesa / P. 18

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

INSIDE

This Week

COMMUNITY .........

12

This dog is a veteran's lifesaver.

BUSINESS .............. 14 Mesa's Asian District digging out of pandemic.

SPORTS .................... 17 New fields for Mesa school athletes.

COMMUNITY ............................... 12 BUSINESS ..................................... 14 OPINION ....................................... 16 SPORTS ........................................ 17 GET OUT ....................................... 18 PUZZLES ...................................... 20 CLASSIFIED ................................. 20 Zone 2

Sunday, January 10, 2021

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

Relief money spent, Mesa ponders next moves

BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Writer

M

esa’s pandemic relief efforts combined millions in federal dollars, a redeployed army of city employees and a strong network of non-pro�it organizations to aid thousands of people in different ways.

But the once powerful outreach from Mesa

CARES has run out of gas, leaving behind a patchwork of programs to help the needy while a second wave of COVID-19 rages through Arizona.

“It’s kind of a work in progress,’’ Deputy City Manager Natalie Lewis. “We spent all the dollars. They are no longer available.’’

She said the funding expired at the end of December and Mesa will not need to return

2 major high school projects on new MPS board’s plate

any money to federal of�icials because “the entire amount was invested in eligible programs and services.’’

In all, the city received $132 million in federal funds to combat the economic fallout from the pandemic. It included $90 million in direct funding from the federal government

A 'pick me up'

��� CARES ���� 4

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Tribune Executive Editor

O

pen classrooms, learning gaps and other issues related to the pandemic may be at the forefront of decisions awaiting the new Mesa Public Schools Governing Board, but the condition of many district schools won’t be far behind.

This summer voters could see construction beginning on two of the biggest projects funded by the $300 million capital bond issue that they approved in 2018: an extensive overhaul of Mesa High and Mountain View campuses with some new buildings and additions, revamped athletic �ields and other improvements that will cost an estimated $35 million for each school.

So far, the board has only approved contracts for �inal proposed designs and cost estimates for the two projects.

The board must also decide whether the Mesa High project should include a new campus for Franklin East Elementary School. Nine of Franklin’s 15 buildings are in such a deteriorated condition that replacing the complex at $20 million would make more sense in the long run, district ad

��� SCHOOLS ���� 6

Mesa teen Nevaeh Gable has invented a game called 52 Card Pick Me Up that she and her dad say helps ease some of the stress her peers and their parents are feeling during the pandemic. For the story, see page 12. (Staci Hauk/Special to the Tribune)

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | JANUARY 10, 2021

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | JANUARY 10, 2021

NEWS

Mesa slates Little Library raf�le this month

and the borrowers can bring them back or leave a new tome esa is giving residents a chance to replace it.

The program started when a to win their own Free Little LiWisconsin man named Tod Bol brary. in 2009 built a little schoolhouse The city’s Little Libraries program is rafin his backyard and stuck it on a �ling one library in each council district post like a birdfeeder - as a tribas part of a special project for the Love ute to his schoolteacher mother, Your City Day to celebrate neighborpacking it with books that people hoods. could borrow.

Residents have until Jan. 19 to enter The idea gave birth the next their name for one of the libraries paintyear to a nonpro�it organization ed by volunteers during Mesa’s 2019 that wants to “promote literacy Love Your City Service Day. Visit mesaaz. and the love of reading by building gov/littlelibraries. free book exchanges worldwide Little Free Library is a free book exand to build a sense of commuchange program. The owner leaves nity as we share skills, creativity books in often uniquely designed structures that often stand on a post and wisdom across generations,” The City of Mesa helps some people install Little according to its website, Free Libraries. (City of Mesa) littlefreelibrary.org The founders’ initial goal was tive, Balinkie said, to encourage con2,510 birdhouse-like libraries nectivity among Mesa’s many neighbor– the same number of libraries hoods.

But raf�le winners, like successful apthat philanthropist-steel baron Carnegie built in the late 19th plicants to the regular program, do have to follow rules – although a permit is not and early 20th century.

Today, there are more than required.

For example, raf�le winners must sup96,000 libraries in 50 states and 50 other countries that have put ply written permission from their HOA if more than 165 million books in they live in one or else an alternate winner will be chosen. people’s hands.

Winners must be willing to install the The city’s Imagine Mesa launched the Mesa Little Librar- little libraries at the address submitted ies Program in July 2018 “to in- on their entry form.

Little Libraries can be up to 2 feet wide spire a love of reading through book exchanges and to foster and between 3 feet and 10 feet tall and connections in neighborhoods” must be installed on the front or side lawn and is modeled after the interna- and not interfere with motorists’ sightline at intersections or near driveways. tional program.

We would love to see more little librarLindsey Balinkie, the city’s community engagement ad- ies popping up in Mesa. The Mesa Little ministrator who is coordinat- Library program is a funding source for ing the Little Libraries program, libraries, but you do not have to particisaid the city program has spon- pate or be funded by us in order to move sored 30 little libraries since ahead on your own.

In order to share the bene�it of little July 2017, though she believes “there are many more outside libraries with as many Mesa neighborhoods as possible, the city also does not our program.”

Indeed, the program is so pop- provide a Little Library if there is already ular that the city isn’t even taking one on the same street or nearby.

And although the city’s regular program new applications because it is The city will raffle off a Little Free Library in each provides materials to erect a Little Liworking through a backlog. council district later this month. (City of Mesa) The raf�le is a separate initia- brary, raf�le winners are on their own.  TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

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

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

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NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | JANUARY 10, 2021

EV cities gain in survey’s economic rankings

BY GARY NELSON Tribune Contributor

S

ometimes, it’s not good to be No. 1.

Case in point: The annual rankings of America’s “neediest” cities, published by WalletHub.com, a personal �inance website.

On the other hand, being close to No. 1 is pretty good when the rankings involve the availability of jobs.

And in both surveys, the East Valley is doing well in comparison with many areas in the United States. But according to the area’s leading social services agency, those numbers don’t speak to the widespread economic desperation that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

When it comes to the �irst survey – economic need – cities across the region generally improved their scores compared with WalletHub’s pre-COVID rankings re-

CARES ���� ���� 1

as well as money from the county and interest earned on the funds.

The Mesa CARES program provided millions of meals, thousands of food boxes, millions in grants to struggling small businesses and hundreds of thousands in utility assistance to help the needy limp through the pandemic.

Elementary school students got laptops and WI-FI service to cope with distance learning.

Even hundreds of homeless found shelter in hotels courtesy of federal aid, addressing not only a potential COVID-19 hotspot but also complying with a federal court order that allows police to enforce urban camping laws.

“This is one of my proudest moments,’’ City Manager Chris Brady said. “What we’ve done with Mesa CARES has had more of an impact on families than anything we have done here.’’

He said residents were “�labbergasted’’ when the city was able to use the federal aid to pay off large balances on their utility bills that had built up, with many customers having lost their jobs.

“It was a very important moment, where what we can do can have a dramatic impact on people’s lives,’’ Brady said.

While money the federal government allotted Mesa through the Coronavirus Aid,

leased in early 2020.

As was the case last year, Gilbert had the best ranking.

Out of 182 cities surveyed nationwide, Gilbert ranked No. 175 in terms of need. In 2020, it stood at No. 170.

Other rankings: • Phoenix, No. 63 – an improvement from last year’s No. 49.

• Tempe, No. 113, compared with No. 105 last year.

• Mesa, No. 128, compared with No. 121 in 202.

• Scottsdale and Chandler swapped places in the rankings. In 2020, Scottsdale was No. 162 and Chandler, No. 166. This year the standings are reversed, meaning that Scottsdale was the only city in the region to actually slip.

In a more detailed set of numbers, Gilbert was found to have the fourth-lowest rates of child and adult poverty in the na-

tion. Chandler and Scottsdale are among the nation’s leaders in terms of fewest homes with inadequate plumbing.

While national surveys such as this one can suggest a positive story, social service agencies and governments still must deal with those left behind.

A New Leaf is a Mesa-based social service agency that in its 50 years of existence has grown into a countywide operation.

Kathy DiNol�i, the agency’s chief program of�icer, said the pandemic has created a �lood of people who need help.

“COVID puts a whole different lens on it,” DiNol�i said. “Before COVID, I would say we were improving in our homelessness services and our availability and the need was, I would say, going down. But since COVID we have a newer population that has lost their jobs, that can’t pay their rent because their hours have been reduced or they have to be home and home-

from the COVID relief package approved by Congress last month, local governments are in a “holding pattern,’’ awaiting word on details about additional funding, Lewis said.

“We don’t know how much, or when it’s coming, or what we can use it for,’’ she said.

Overall, programs not contingent on CARES Act funding are continuing. Food boxes Lines were long at the onset of the pandemic when United Food Bank are still being began handing out boxes of food at Mesa Convention Center. (Tribune distributed at file photo) the Mesa ConRelief and Economic Security Act is gone, vention Center on Fridays, and at House the pandemic’s deadly spread lingers. of Refuge in East Mesa on Thursdays and Mesa City Council plans to meet tomor- Fridays.

But the catered meals cooked at the row, Jan. 11, to hear a report from Lewis and discuss what can be done to continue Convention Center by Personal Touch Catering and distributed to social service helping the needy.

While there is some cause for hope agencies such as Paz de Cristo and St. Vin-

school their children.”

In recent months, she said, A New Leaf has handled 5,000 applications from Mesa residents alone who needed help paying rent. The city provided much of that funding.

“We help a lot of families,” DiNol�i said.

“Those families are now coming back and saying I don’t have January rent. … I’ve heard from a lot of families that were on the brink of eviction and still are, despite our help.”

Mike Hughes, CEO of a New Leaf, said the needs will continue even after the pandemic abates. “The pandemic has just heightened and exposed the need, and I think the community is doing as best we can to respond to these challenges, but they are certainly not going to go away when we get the pandemic under control,”

��� NEEDY ���� 8

cent DePaul have been halted because of a lack of funding.

“It was a major bene�it. It was helpful while it lasted,’’ said Joe Tansill, executive director of Paz de Cristo, “but we expected it was going to dry up.’’

“Everyone is hoping 2021 will be better.

It’s going to take a while to dig out from this pandemic,’’ Tansill said. “The need continues and it is likely to expand with the drying up of federal funds.’’

In the meantime, Paz de Cristo is more dependent than ever before on volunteers and donations as resources are stretched to meet demand, he said.

Other parts of Mesa CARES also have been suspended because of a lack of funding.

The city stopped accepting applications for mortgage and rent assistance, not knowing if there will be money available to grant requests. It has been replaced by a digital preference form on the city’s web site, mesaaz.gov.

Utility assistance and the Small Business Re-emergence Program, remain in limbo.

“There will be a direct and catastrophic impact if there is no funding,’’ Mayor John Giles said in December before Congress approved a new relief package.

“A lot of federal programs are feeding people but it also was keeping restaurants

��� CARES ���� 9

THE MESA TRIBUNE | JANUARY 10, 2021

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NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | JANUARY 10, 2021

SCHOOLS ���� ���� 1

ministrators told the board last October.

While the board signed off on preparation work for the two high school projects, it ended its October brie�ing with no decision on what to do about Franklin East – which Assistant Superintendent Scott Thompson said is so deteriorated that “this is a campus that needs to be rebuilt.”

He explained most of the buildings require so many repairs that the district faces “severe costs one way or the other” and that it would make more �inancial sense in the long run to replace the 43-year-old Franklin East with a new school on the northern edge of the Mesa High complex.

The two high school projects may be among the sexiest parts of MPS’ capital spending, but they are far from the only ones among 75 school buildings.

The district last school year spent the remainder of a $230 million capital bond issue voters approved in 2012, using $8.3 million for various repairs and another $4.6 million on technology equipment. The 2018 bond was the �irst capital bond issue put before voters since that 2012 issue.

Bond issues are not the district’s only source of capital funds. Its capital budget is fueled by other sources as well, including State Facilities Board money and secondary property tax revenue.

But the 2018 bond issue gave a big shot in the arm to the district’s never-ending efforts to address its aging infrastructure.

Last summer alone cost the district the following: $12.5 million in various repair projects, $11.3 million on security to keep schools safer and $9 million to replace or upgrade 311 HVAC units at various schools in an effort to reduce high electric bills.

Both the Mesa High and Mountain View projects have been long in the making, as district of�icials met with parents, students and teachers to assess what they felt was needed at each campus.

Board member Marcie Hutchinson hailed that process as “refreshing,” recalling that she would wonder “what they were thinking?” during her 28-year career as a history teacher in three different MPS high school buildings.

The centerpieces of the Mesa High project include a new science/biotech building, a new student services building and upgrades and additions to playing �ields.

The two new buildings, architect Saravanan Bala of the �irm Orcutt-Winslow said, would result in “a pretty substantial net

This rendering shows some of the proposed upgrades on the Mesa High campus, including a new campus for Franklin East Elementary School. (Mesa Public Schools) gain in instructional square footage” totaling more than 67,880 square feet, better address student needs in the areas of performing arts, physical education and athletics and career technology and improve security on campus for students and staff alike.

The science/biotech building will have 32 fully equipped labs and classrooms as well as a career technical education wing that will offer separate shop space for welding, auto repair and construction. The student services building would house all social workers, administrators and counselors.

Also planned are new sand volleyball courts, improvements to softball �ields

and tennis courts and a football �ield that may have arti�icial turf.

These projects are part of the �irst phase of renovating Mesa High’s campus. Community members and district of�icials said they one day envision a new auditorium and gym on the campus.

But those projects may not see the light of day for a decade or longer.

“One thing you guys need to understand about this,” Thompson told the board, “is this is only about one-third of what the campus needs and it may be a while before we get back to that campus because we have other high schools that have other needs.”

He said during brainstorming sessions

The proposed upgrades for Mountain View High School include a variety of enhancements throughout the east Mesa campus, including more green space for students. (Mesa Public Schools)

with the community, “we tried to be very clear that this could be 10, 15 years before other parts of the master plan are done.”

He said it could cost $90 million alone for all the improvements and upgrades that parents, staff and students sought for the Mesa High campus and that “that’s $90 million that we don’t have right now. So, we had to whittle it down…We had to prioritize something and this is kind of what that campus really needs right now.”

The �irst phase of the Mountain View project also calls for a new building and a new addition.

A two-story performing arts center would become what lead architect Neil Pieratt called a “signature building right in the middle of the campus” that would include a “white box” that would become a “lighthouse or a beacon for the middle of that campus” and would also include student assembly space.

The addition would have recording studios, new spaces for the orchestra and choir and performance space.

The project also envisions a new competition gym as the centerpiece for a number of athletic-related improvements that include new turf for the competition and practice �ields as well as the HIIT training �ield, new sand volleyball courts and upgraded tennis courts.

Other plans call for a new concession area, an expanded cafeteria with a bistro, consolidation of all science classes and labs, improved security and lobby area.

Besides adding new parking, drop-off and bus lane areas, the project also would include new outdoor spaces for students.

“The thing that was most impactful for me was the student input,” Pieratt said, stressing that “the kids said they want socialization space. There’s not enough places just to be with their peers on the Mountain View campus. They feel like there’s just too much concrete.”

Associate Superintendent Holly Williams said that the depth of community involvement in planning the two high school projects was best illustrated when Pieratt �inally presented his vision to the community panelists - which he said he based on their input over weeks of brainstorming.

“They had no questions,” Williams said.

“They had all been involved in the process so much along the way that they knew what was going on. They knew what to expect in the presentation and they were just thrilled to see the progress.”

��� SCHOOLS ���� 7

THE MESA TRIBUNE | JANUARY 10, 2021

NEWS

SCHOOLS ���� ���� 6

The board approved Scottsdale-based Nations Group as the project manager for the Mountain View renovation.

“Mesa Public Schools has not traditionally used a third-party project manager but given the scope and complexity of this project we felt the project would bene�it by adding Nations Group to our team,” said Thompson. “We want to make sure we can deliver on our commitment to good �inancial stewardship of our taxpayers’ dollars. We believe Nations Group has the expertise and knowledge to make sure we maximize every dollar spent.”

Chris Nations, president of Nations Group, added, “There are unique intricacies that are inherent to every school project. These details can easily drive up cost and delay completion. It’s vitally important to lead a project with a comprehensive strategy that takes every aspect into account.”  The addition to Mountain View High's performing arts space would create more performance and recording areas for student musicians and thespians.

(Mesa Public Schools)

* Valid only at Historic Mesa Community

Tours can be in person or virtual. If in person, health screening and other infection control precautions will be required.

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NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | JANUARY 10, 2021

Mesa United Way on front lines of pandemic help

BY MELODY BIRKETT Tribune Contributor

W

hile many non-pro�its were scrambling to �ind new ways to do outreach when the pandemic hit, Mesa United Way was already one step ahead.

Three years ago, the organization started reinventing itself and �inding a new way of reaching the community and putting more emphasis on helping foster children.

“The idea used to be you would do the workplace campaigns, put together community groups to review contracts with the non-pro�its and then allocate those dollars to non-pro�its,” said Mark Young, President/CEO Mesa United Way, adding that all United Ways have changed signi�icantly over the last 15 years.

“It’s been really tough for us this year because there are not very many companies that want us to come to do a campaign. So, we’ve created a lot of electronic ways to do that but it doesn’t have anywhere near the impact as being able to meet people face-to-face.”

In a smaller community like Mesa, Young said United Way found itself competing with the same agencies it was giving money to.

“It didn’t make a lot of sense,” Young said. “With everybody having an internet presence, with everybody having their own development team, people don’t need that middle group to decide where the money needs to go.”

For those who do donate to Mesa United Way, Young said, “I think we may be one of the only United Ways in the country that does that without an admin fee. So, if you send $500 and you designate it to a speci�ic organization, we send $500.”

“One of the things we try to encourage is if you want to give to several organizations, you write one check, tell us how you

NEEDY ���� ���� 4

Hughes said.

Vicky Elias, associate professor of sociology at Texas A&M University/San Antonio, said while the pandemic has affected people in higher income brackets, experiences differ across the economic spectrum.

“For professionals who can work largely at home,” she said, “the biggest stress may

Mesa United Way President/CEO Mark Young said the longtime Mesa nonprofit has developed new ways to reach the community, both donors and the needy. (Special to the Tribune) want it divided up and we’ll get it to all of those places.”

Contributors can also let United Way choose where to allocate the money.

“We try to support a lot of the smaller non-pro�its that just can’t get their hands on money,” said Young. “They do it mostly with volunteers so we can help provide them with some money and direction.”

One way Mesa United Way has changed over the years involves foster care, which led to helping veterans and developing literacy and other programs while still working with partner agencies in the community.

One program is Helen’s Hope Chest,

be cabin fever or the wayward relative who will not wear a mask. But for those who are facing unemployment and/or evictions, the goal is simply survival.”

In the rankings of neediest cities, Detroit was No. 1. Pearl City, Hawaii, was found to be the nation’s least needy city.

WalletHub also has issued a report on America’s best cities for job-hunters. In that category, which looked at the same

which Mesa United Way founded in 2009 to provide basic needs to foster children and the families caring for them.

The program started as a small patchwork of volunteers working from two rooms in the back of a church. Helen’s Hope Chest now serves upwards of 900 children per month.

Getting volunteers has been another challenge during the pandemic.

“That’s been a problem primarily for Helen’s Hope Chest,” explained Young.

“We use a lot of volunteers over there and in our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Almost all of those are mature

182 cities nationwide, Scottsdale was rated sixth-best in the country.

Other area rankings include: Chandler, No. 13; Tempe, No. 32; Gilbert, No. 33; Mesa, No. 57; Phoenix, No. 74.

WalletHub found that Chandler and Gilbert were tied at No. 1 for the highest median annual household income in the country – $97,934. That’s almost 3.5 times higher than in Newark, N.J., which has the

folks. Early on in the pandemic, I didn’t want to be in a position – when we didn’t know what was going on – of putting the most susceptible people on the front lines.

“So, we stopped a lot of that. And as the pandemic has gone on, those folks are really hesitant, understandably, despite really strict health guidelines. It’s just been hard. We primarily rely on our mature folks to help us out in volunteer areas and we’ve had some struggles with that.”

The Mesa Veterans Resource Center continues to provide employment training and placement, mental and physical health counseling, and other services to about 250 veterans each month.

During the summer, Mesa United Way hosted drive-through book drives and worked with Arizona Brainfood, providing meals for kids on weekends.

“When school stopped in March, that became a problem,” Young said. “We worked all summer long getting food into the hands of those families through an AmeriCorps program called Mesa Youth Unite,” Mesa United Way’s summer AmeriCorps program for young adults between the ages of 18 and 25.

“We did a drive-in with Helen’s Hope Chest,” added Young. “We do this big thing called JaKelle’s Christmas box where foster families can come and shop for free for their kids or their foster kids. We usually do that at a church and serve 3,000 people in a week so it’s just jammed packed in there with folks. We did all of that outside over the course of two weeks.”

Young is concerned about what’s going to happen once people start getting evicted and don’t have any place to live, who’ve never been homeless.

In March, Mesa United Way established a COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund supported by individual and corporate

��� UNITED ���� 10

lowest household income at $28,227.

WalletHub uses a variety of metrics from numerous academic and government sources to come up with its rankings.

Information: wallethub.com/edu/ cities-with-the-highest-and-lowest-population-in-need/8795 and wallethub. com/edu/cities-with-the-highest-andlowest-population-in-need/8795. 

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | JANUARY 10, 2021

CARES ���� ���� 4

from going under,’’ he said.

Gov. Doug Ducey last week provided an additional $2 million to help restaurants expand outdoor dining.

Giles said Mesa was fortunate to receive funding directly from federal of�icials.

“People were scared to death,’’ Giles said.

“The good news is that we didn’t have to start from scratch. We were already in the human services business.’’

Giles was “horri�ied’’ when he saw seniors waiting in food lines that stretched around the Convention Center and launched the Adopt-A-Grandparent program to deliver food to needy seniors and check on their well-being.

Lewis said city of�icials learned a great deal from implementing the CARES Act funds that should make the rollout of any new funding more ef�icient and smoother.

“It felt like all of my experience from the last 20 years led me to this moment.

I feel proud that I was in a place to help,’’ Lewis said.

She said Brady laid out the plan and that she and former Deputy City Manager Kari Kent put it in motion, creating layers of programs after the Mesa CARES survey

documented the need.

In the meantime, some city workers were redeployed. Librarians conducted the needs survey and helped business owners apply for grants, while a team of parks employees distributed food boxes.

Dave Richins, executive director and president of the United Food Bank, said the number of food boxes distributed each week soared to a high of 2,800 to a low of about 1,500, still triple the 400500 boxes distributed weekly before the pandemic.

CARES money paid for $800,000 in food and nine refrigerated trailers to store and distribute food, Richins said.

“We were ready to roll. We have not wanted for a supply of resources during the pandemic,’’ Richins said. “We were able to take that CARES Act money and go into overdrive. We had food resources up and running. We were able to take this to a much larger scale.’’

The impact of Mesa CARES spilled over onto other communities, with about 75 percent of food box recipients from Mesa.

Giles reported meeting people from Glendale at the food box distribution events, but he was happy to help anyone who is hungry. 

What Mesa CARES accomplished • 525 Mesa small businesses received $4.6 million in grants covering such expenses as rent and mortgage payments, with a median value of about $7,000 each, to stay afloat.

• 250 businesses got technical assistance to launch web sites and improve other business practices. The HUUB digital platform remains available, with more than 70 webinars offered.

• More than 6,200 customers received utility assistance.

• 912 households received grants paying their rent to avoid evictions.

• More than 420 homeless people got to stay in hotel rooms and more than 1,300 obtained food boxes. Police contacted more than 4,300 homeless.

• More than 4 million meals were distributed. Another 4.25 million pounds of food was distributed in drive-thru food box programs, serving over 66,000 households.

• 252 seniors received food delivery from 168 volunteers through the Adopt-A-Grandparent program.

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | JANUARY 10, 2021

‘Stand Up’ rally for students online this year TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

F

or the last four years, hundreds of East Valley middle and high school students joined their counterparts from across the Valley to �ill Grand Canyon University’s Arena for the Speak Up, Stand Up and Save Lives, a day-long assembly that enabled them to network and address solutions to bullying, self-harm, mental health stigma and suicide.

But as with so many other things in those students’ lives right now, the pandemic has required organizers to shift the gathering online – just at a time when more students are feeling isolated, depressed and disconnected, according to the National Association on Mental Illness.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges to students, educators and parents,” the association said. “Children already coping with mental health conditions have been especially vulnerable to the changes, and now we are learning about the broad impacts on students as a result of schools being closed, physically distancing guidelines and isolation and other unexpected changes to their lives.”

UNITED ���� ���� 8

donors.

The funds were used to bolster the emergency hotel stay program for those experiencing homelessness and supply some PPE to partner agencies.

In the few months that followed, Mesa United Way hosted two virtual Zoom parties with games, musical performances and raf�le prizes along with a virtual 5K called the “Home Run 5K,” in which more than 200 people signed up to complete a 5K using at-home workout equipment, walking, and even kayaking to support the agencies work with people at risk of losing their homes.

“This last year has been really problematic,” Young said. “For a lot of people, once we get to the vaccine and schools reopen, it’s going to feel really normal to them.

In each of the last four years, Grand Canyon University's arena has been packed with hundreds of middle and high school students for the Speak Up, Stand Up and Save Lives Conference but this year, it will be virtual. (Special to the Tribune) This year, the �irst virtual conference for Speak Up, Stand Up and Save Lives will run 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Jan. 19 and is free and open to any student, even those in elementary schools.

There will be interactive breakout sessions with age-appropriate topics “designed to connect students with mental health professionals who will engage,

There’s going to be a lot of pain and suffering coming down the pike for people who haven’t been able to pay rent, who’ve lost their jobs.

“We can’t forget the human need once we get past this virus thing. We’re not done dealing with this…Kids are struggling. Teachers are struggling.”

He added that many people are standing in long lines for the �irst time to get food.

“That’s not going to get better at the same time we’re �inishing up with COVID.” “We’ve raised some of our own money,” said Young. “We use that primarily for housing, rental assistance and utility assistance and some medical emergency stuff. We have a partnership with the City of Mesa where they granted us some CARES dollars. We spend that on a local hotel and then we hook-up homeless families with Community Bridges and put

educate, and inspire lasting change,” organizers said.

With the theme of Building Resilience, the agenda calls for presentations titled “Fizzling’s Funhouse” for K-2 students, “Focus on Well-being” for grades 2-5, “Resilience! Dale Ganas! With the UBU Project” for middle schoolers and “Learn to Vibe When Life has Other Plans” with the

them in a hotel until they can �ind permanent housing.”

Mesa United Way’s 12Books literacy program has continued working with Mesa’s Title-I schools to provide students in grades 1-3 with books and is also in the process of piloting and launching a virtual reading tutoring program.

“Phase 1 was getting some kids from the foster care families we work with and hooked them up with staff people,” said Young. “We did about 10 of those and ran that for about 6 weeks. That worked really well. And then we partnered in Phase 2 with Mesa business San Tan Bear and did another round. That also went very well.

“So, we’re looking to launch that in a much larger way. It allows people to volunteer without being face-to-face with anybody. And it’s amazingly helpful for kids just to have somebody that will read

Arizona Psychological Foundation for high schoolers.

There also will be an adult session on strategies for building resilience in the classroom.

The presentations at all levels, organizers said, are aimed at “building coping skills and lasting relationships for all attendees with action plans created to strengthen classrooms, schools and communities.”

Dr. Lily Matos DeBlieux, Pendergast District Superintendent and Gina Godbehere, Maricopa County Attorney’s Of�ice Bureau Chief, are leading the event.

“We want every student throughout Arizona to participate in this day and to continue the work through campus clubs, organizations and connections,” they said in a joint statement.

“Our youth are precious and deserve to be given the necessary tools for social and emotional well being during these challenging times.”

Sessions also are open to school staff and parents, as well as government leaders and law enforcement of�icers.

Information/registration: standsave.com. 

speak-

with them. There are programs like this out there but they are super expensive. So, we �igured out a way to do it virtually for nothing.”

Other plans for 2021 include opening up a campus with condos in downtown Phoenix for aging out foster kids, many of who have nowhere to go when they turn 18. The goal is to tackle the homelessness issue with this population. Young said, “Many end up on the streets, prostituting, self-medicating… Houseparents, navigators will help them put their life back together.”

Young encourages anyone with the �inancial means to donate to their favorite charity and/or to donate their $600 stimulus check.

Information: mesaunitedway.org, 480-969-8601. 

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

THE MESA TRIBUNE | JANUARY 10, 2021

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | JANUARY 10, 2021

@EVTNow

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Mesa veteran calls his dog his ‘battle buddy’

BY CIERRA LUNA Special to Cronkite News

S

taff Sgt. Terry Stallings of Mesa served in the Army for 23 years, including posts in Iraq, Balad, Kuwait, Desert Storm, Mexico, Central America, Alaska, Portugal and Germany.

After six combat deployments overseas, he returned home and was diagnosed with post- traumatic stress disorder and looked toward companionship to help him cope.

“He’s basically my battle buddy,” Stallings said. “Wherever I go, he follows me. If I’m laying down, he lays down at the foot of our bed. If I’m in the living room, he lays down next to my chair. He’s always ready to help me.”

“He” is Stallings’ service dog, a 135-pound Anatolian shepherd named Koda.

“Koda’s learned when I’m having

nightmares, he’ll come up and he’ll comfort me,” Stallings said. “He’ll put his wet, cold nose on me at night when I’m sleeping and wake me up because he knows I’m having a bad dream or an episode or something like that.”

“So he’s always there.”

Stallings and his wife, Debbie, picked up two Anatolian brothers with the intention of eventually training one or both as service dogs.

They turned to Soldier’s Best Friend, an Arizona nonpro�it that trains dogs to work with veterans with PTSD or a combat-related traumatic brain injury. The organization either pairs the veteran with a dog adopted from a local shelter or they train a dog already owned by the veteran.

Soldier’s Best Friend, formed in 2001, comes at no cost to the veteran and is funded through donations, grants and fundraisers.

It has helped hundreds of veterans, with nearly 300 dog-veteran teams

that have graduated with the help of a staff made up of veterans, PTSD therapists, service dog trainers, veterinarians and nonpro�it professionals.

Not all dogs at Soldier’s Best Friend start out like Koda, already belonging to the veteran; many come from local shelters around the Valley.

Sarah Eccleton, the organization’s dog adoption and placement coordinator, said she tries to understand the veteran’s lifestyle and needs, then pair them with a dog to complete the training program.

“I get an understanding of what they’re capable of training and working with,” Eccleton said, “how active

��� DOG ���� 13

Staff Sgt. Terry Stallings of Mesa calls his service dog Koda “my battle buddy” in his fight with PTSD. (Special to the Tribune)

Mesa teen, dad create pandemic coping game

BY STACI HAUK Tribune Contributor

Mesa teen Nevaeh Gable invented a card game she says will help families weather the stresses of the pandemic.

T

he teen years can be challenging enough but when coupled with the pandemic’s impact on routines and the lack of social, educational and emotional opportunities, you have a recipe for depression and anxiety.

Enter 13-year-old Nevaeh Gable of Mesa and her father Dennis Gable, who created a card game that addresses the common issues that teens are facing in these unconventional times.

52 Card Pick Me Up is a colorful and fun way to identify feelings, needs, actions and af�irmations that are oftentimes overlooked.

Each deck includes four actions (af�irm, act, feel, need) with 13 corresponding words. This game can be used individu-

(Special to the Tribune)

ally or with family or a partner with the goal of exploring areas of life and bringing participants to deeper relationships, inner

peace and balance.

“My dad got the idea for this game from his client – she had notecards with words

on her desk and he pulled out the ones that resonated, which gave him the idea for a card game,” Nevaeh explained.

“He told me about his idea and how it could bene�it me and others like me and we proceeded to sit down and discuss the content,” she continued. We brainstormed the words we’d use and afterwards, I created the designs, further adapting the game from there.”

The card game is structured to help kids and adults address positive and negative emotions.

Nevaeh said participants get a “boost of positive energy” and that the game can “be used to reduce con�lict and make relationships go smoother within your own home.”

“The game cleverly uses thought pro-

��� CARD GAME ���� 13

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | JANUARY 10, 2021

DOG ���� ���� 12

they are, how much grooming they’re willing to do, what needs they have for their traumatic brain injury or PTSD.” “I evaluate them for temperament, good with people, good with dogs, good with other animals, trainability and if they’re food- or toy-motivated,” Eccleton said.

Veterans who are paired with rescue dogs are not charged for veterinary services and most supplies during the training process, the organization says, and veterans who own dogs will get veterinary services at a reduced rate during training.

Each veteran and dog go through a sixto nine-month training program. The program’s teaching is aligned with the Canine Good Citizen training – a 10-skill program that teaches dogs the basics of manners and obedience – and requires a minimum of three personal service tasks.

The veteran also is given a written test that covers proper care and training techniques for their dogs.

Allison Walker, a lead trainer, said they focus on training the veterans how to train the dog themselves.

While the primary focus of Soldier’s Best Friend is to train the dogs to be ser-

CARD GAME ���� ���� 12

voking cards as well, because humans are complicated and feelings of anxiousness, anger and a need for solitude are not only okay; they are normal,” she said.

She said the cards identify emotions participants might be feeling at the time and provides suggestions on how to deal with them.

“There truly aren’t any rules, but I prefer to lay all the cards out, face down and pick one from each category,” Nevaeh said. “Then, I’ll �lip them over and see if they resonate. If they do, I’ll keep them close until I feel I’ve done what I need to with them. Only then, can I redraw.”

Nevaeh is in eighth grade at Centennial Middle School in Ahwatukee and, like many East Valley youngsters, has had to confront a schedule in which classrooms aren’t always open for in-school learning.

“It has been really dif�icult for my daughter,” her father said.

“As a 13-year-old girl, she’s stircrazy and misses interaction with

vice animals, the program is equally as rig- Stallings said this trait is most bene�icial orous for training the veterans since PTSD for him when he’s in crowded places and symptoms often makes everyday tasks begins to feel anxious. nearly impossible for some.

“If I’m looking in one aisle and she’s in “We tell them that this program is going another, and I kind of feel like I’m getting to push their boundaries and test their amped up – my PTSD or whatever – and I limits,” Walker said, “because, although need to get back to my wife, I can tell Koda, we don’t want to overwhelm anyone, we ‘Find Mom.’ And what he’ll do is he’ll immediately go into want them when track mode and they are in the real he’ll take me back world to know Being able to help veterans how to respond to achieve that sense of independence to her,” Stallings said. things.” again,” Walker said, “especially Koda is his secStallings said the helping them communicate with ond set of eyes. training program their dogs more effectively and “I’ve always worchanged his mind connect with their dogs … because ried about people about repetitiveness they do come to trust each other. being behind me and perseverance. where I can’t see,” “There’s a saying Stallings said. ”So, in the program: It only takes a couple of weeks to train a dog; I taught him to watch my back. He would it takes six to nine months to train the vet- sit on my right side and look behind me. eran,” Stallings said. “The dog will usually He’ll actually nudge me, letting me know get it before the veteran gets it. You learn there are people behind me, that he can patience really quick, which is a skill that see them and it’s OK.” Koda also “has learned to turn on light when you go back into the civilian world, switches, to open up all the doors in the it’s really hard to have patience.”

Anatolian shepherds, like Koda, are house and close them,” Stallings said.

At the beginning of the program, Stalllivestock guard dogs and trackers that can detect, recognize and follow a scent. ings could tell that Koda did not un-

her friends greatly. We have had to change a lot of our hobbies as a family as well, some for the better, but most of the changes include not being around many people and she’s de�initely a socialite, so it’s rough.

“As a parent, it’s hard to watch the struggle, but we’re both grateful for tools like ‘52 Card Pick Me Up’ that help us to identify and clearly communicate some of our struggles,” Dennis said.

Added Nevaeh: “The pandemic has meant being in the same house with the same people, having no place to escape to, for almost a year. It took a toll on the relationship I had with my parents. I felt isolated and alone, causing anxiety and depression.”

But, she added, “With the game now at my side, I can at least be aware of what I’m feeling and some of the simple ways I can help myself.

I am not ‘�ixed’ but I am aware and therein lies the power.”

Dennis admits he has battled anxiety himself and thinks the game helps people tackle important topics.

“As a man who has had to overcome

13

derstand why he was training or going through such repetitive motions.

But it didn’t take long to see a change in himself and his dog.

“All of a sudden, the light would kick on, and he’d understand,” Stallings said. “It’s kind of cool to see him get it. It’s almost like he’s smiling, he’s �igured it out. ‘I know why I’m doing this.’”

Walker said she, too, can see a dog’s mentality change throughout the training.

“One day they come in and they realize they are no longer just a pet,” Walker said.

Walker said she began at Soldier’s Best Friend with the intention of learning to train and educate, but seeing the difference a service dog can make on a veteran is the most rewarding part.

“Being able to help veterans achieve that sense of independence again,” Walker said, “especially helping them communicate with their dogs more effectively and connect with their dogs … because they do come to trust each other.”

Stallings said Soldier’s Best Friend only strengthened the bond between him and Koda, and now they’re more than just pet and owner.

“He acts like he has a purpose,” Stallings said. 

quite a few hardships, I have allowed my own journey of mental and emotional health to drive the development of tools for others to use,” he said.

In 2012, he launched an app called VLNRABLE which was redesigned and updated during the pandemic.

In 2018 he started a podcast called “Self to Society” that is dedicated to “these experiences we face,” he said. “‘52 Card Pick Me Up’ was an opportunity for us to create a physical product and as an entrepreneur myself, it is something I wanted Nevaeh to get a taste of at a young age,” he said.

“Anxiety and depression are likely the two most prevalent for parents.

Anxiety is simply stated as a visceral response to the unknown, and there is certainly a lot of unknowns we’re facing every day.

“I hope this game opens up an evolving dialogue. Many parents feel so lost in trying to communicate with their teenagers and there is beauty in Nevaeh Gable and her dad Dennis Gable say their card game willingness to �ind common ground.” opens up communication between stressed teens and their Information: 52cardpmu.com.  parents. (Facebook)

14

BUSINESS

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | JANUARY 10, 2021

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Mesa’s Asian District weathering pandemic

BY KENZEL WILLIAMS Tribune Contributor

M

esa’s Asian District continues emerging as a hub for the Valley’s fast-growing Asian-American community despite the challenges posed by COVID-19.

The district – home to more than 70 Asian-owned businesses including grocery stores, restaurants and other retail services – has been hit hard due to the pandemic, but there are signs of recovery.

People can still plan a whole day out in the district.

Dine in at Unphogettable or Spicy Pot after going grocery shopping at H Mart or Asiana Market. Grab some tea at Cha Tea or Boba Tree before shopping at Hong Kong Gifts or TokTok Beauty. There are even a few karaoke bars to �inish off the night.

While most businesses are remaining open, the pandemic has affected all of them.

Yet, the sense of community remains strong.

Niquole Figueroa, who works at Wholly Grill, a Filipino cuisine restaurant, said everyone knows each other there.

“These Filipino old ladies come up to you and just start talking to you,” said Figueroa.

“It feels like I’m just talking to a family friend, which is both terrifying and kind of funny at the same time.”

Figueroa saw the plaza’s struggle when the pandemic �irst hit Arizona. Many people avoided going to businesses, including Mekong Plaza on Dobson Road near Main Street.

“I was told I can’t come in because there’s no customers especially because Mekong is an Asian supermarket and COVID was associated with Asia,” said Figueroa. “So, it was barren for the longest time.”

Mekong Plaza is one of the district’s most recognizable areas.

Opened in 2008, the 100,000-square-foot facility lured many small business owners.

Jaye O’Donnell, the city’s assistant economic development director, said Mekong Plaza played a critical role in the district’s growth.

“I think it has really been a strong anchor for other Asian-related businesses to come

Sam Q. Kim, a director of H Mart, outlined the national Asian market chains plans for Mesa’s newly rebranded Asian District during a press conference early last year. (Tribune file photo) and open up because the natural �low of retail development is to cluster,” said O’Donnell.

“You can see over the last 10-12 years, there has been a great number of Asianowned or Asian-related businesses that have clustered in that area,” she added. “I think that catalyst was Mekong.”

Mekong Plaza provides many Asianthemed services, but it also creates a sense of belonging for the community.

More Asian-Americans have dubbed the Asian District as the go-to space for their community, especially after the closure of the Phoenix Chinese Cultural Center in late 2019.

The district’s in�luence on the AsianAmerican community goes along with Mesa’s recent initiative to promote diversity and inclusion within the city.

According to a 2014 report by the city Human Relations Advisory Board, about 79 percent of respondents said that the city should be responsible for promoting awareness of diversity, inclusion and tolerance.

The same report stated that more than 55,000 Mesa residents were born outside of the United States and that 13 percent of those came from Asia.

The U.S. Census estimated in 2019 that nearly 3 percent of Mesa residents identify as Asian.

Andrea Alicoate, the city diversity administrator, said Mesa is always looking for ways to support its various communities.

“Diversity and inclusion initiatives have been part of the city of Mesa for well over a decade when the Diversity Of�ice and Human Relations Advisory Board were developed as part of the City’s structure,” said Alicoate.

“In more recent years, we’ve strengthened that commitment by incorporating diversity and inclusion into our core values and equity as a priority in how we deliver programs and services,” he added.

Alicoate said that the city has helped develop the Asian District as part of Mesa’s commitment to inclusion.

“The city has also historically been very supportive of these communities through the attendance and promotion of cultural events such as the Lunar New Year and MidAutumn Festival,” said Alicoate.

The city used some of its federal pandemic relief money to help small businesses cover bills and build better marketing strategies.

“The small business community is really important to this economy and they’re the backbone of any economy,” said O’Donnell.

“It’s so critical that they not only stay alive and stay open, but they learn to thrive and they learn better practices for operation.”

O’Donnell says when the city was discussing branding efforts for the Asian District, Asian Americans in the district “just had really moving stories about why they felt comfortable there, why they chose to open up a business there and how special it is to have families, couples and students coming to this vibrant district and feeling like they belong.”

Today, most of the businesses in the district are doing better than when the pandemic started.

Most small shops have limited the number of people who can come inside the store at one time. Sanitizing high-touch surfaces has become a priority and restaurants are placing an emphasis on carry-out options over dining in.

Overall, the Asian District is growing again, the Korean grocery chain H Mart last summer and last month, Two Hands Corn Dog opened up in the same plaza.

Alicoate said the city is still looking for new and innovative ways to work toward their goals of diversity and inclusion.

“Although the way we celebrate cultural and diverse events has changed due to the pandemic in order to keep our community healthy and safe,” said Alicoate, “we still will be �inding innovative and fun new ways to honor, support and celebrate signi�icant moments in 2021.” 

THE MESA TRIBUNE | JANUARY 10, 2021

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16

OPINION

THE MESA TRIBUNE | JANUARY 10, 2021

Share Your Thoughts:

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

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@EVTNow

/EVTNow

Jan. 6 disgrace will live long in our memory

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist

A

fter a few hours, you had to switch off the television and stop scrolling the videos on social media.

Clowns attacking cops inside the nation’s Capitol. Morons taking over the chambers of the House and Senate, taking sel�ies all the while. A female rioter – a 35-year-old Air Force veteran somehow turned QAnon loon – shot dead inside “the People’s House.”

Meanwhile, the President of the United States, surely watching on TV inside the White House, poured more gasoline on the �lames like an arsonist with the heaviest of hands.

“These are the things and events that happen,” President Trump tweeted, “when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously and viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly and unfairly treated for so long. Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!”

And surely we will recall Jan. 6, 2021, for years to come – as a stain on a nation that feels more like Nero’s �laming Rome in ruins with each new spectacle.

I would say the day felt shocking to me, but that would be an utter lie. America has lost the capacity to generate new surprises lately.

A �lailing pandemic response. An election where the number of lies told about the �inal result far outstrips the number of actual voters.

The inability to keep protesters armed only with Confederate �lags and MAGA banners from temporarily disrupting the �inal tally of the 2020 election.

None of the above is much of a surprise anymore, is it?

To be honest, really only one thing has shocked me in the past few months, while I’ve been an ardent viewer of what feels like the season �inale of America: A Nation Unravels?

People’s capacity to believe their own bullsh*t.

Let me give you one easy example, though it would be easy to conjure up a few thousand.

In the heart of summertime, when Black Lives Matter protesters twisted the deaths of George Floyd and Jacob Blake into reasons to riot, we heard lamentations galore

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 20

about the violence that occurred in Minneapolis, Kenosha and elsewhere.

A police station burned to the ground; businesses torched; police of�icers attacked and shot; threats of mayhem spreading to the suburbs – these occurrences were all met with quick condemnation from many Americans, including the President.

How did the POTUS tweet go, back then?

Oh, yeah: “These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won’t let that happen. Just spoke to (Minnesota) Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way.

Any dif�iculty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!”

Once upon a time in this country – and not long ago – the majority of us seemed to be largely in agreement on the subject of social protests.

As a nation, we subscribed to the idea that they were protected under the First Amendment and a time-honored way to create social change.

Up until the moment they turned violent.

That’s precisely where we draw the line.

My point in a nutshell: If like me you were disgusted last May when an unruly mob looted Scottsdale Fashion Square, sacking the Apple Store and Nordstrom and in�licting millions in damage, then you damn well better be disgusted by rioters staging a failed coup in our nation’s Capitol.

If you see “THUGS” on the one hand, but “great patriots” on the other – if you believe in shooting to stop the looting, yet feel only love and peace for hundreds of red-hatted election vandals – then you, my dear friend, very much need to examine your soul.

To see if, in fact, you still have one. 

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

SPORTS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | JANUARY 10, 2021

17

TheMesaTribune.com @EVTNow /EVTNow

Mesa OKs installation of turf �ields at 2 schools

BY ZACH ALVIRA Tribune Sports Editor

T

he Mesa Public Schools District Governing Board voted in favor of arti�icial turf �ields to be installed at two of its schools for the 2021 school year.

The vote took place during the board’s Dec. 8 meeting. The approval allows for planning and construction to begin at any point during the second semester for new turf �ields to be installed at Mesa and Mountain View high schools. Eventually, all six of the district’s high schools will be out�itted with arti�icial turf.

“I know this is a project Dr. (Steve) Hogan, our district athletic director, has been working on for a long time,” Mesa High School Athletic Director Jay Schnittger said. “The school district is really investing in facilities, and it’s much appreciated. Two years ago we improved our school letter grade, this past year we were awarded the A+ School of Excellence. Now, the district approved a new turf �ield for our facilities.

“I know it’s COVID and it’s a tough time, but it’s really given our community some positive vibes.”

The contract for the new turf �ields was awarded to General Acrylics, Inc., a Phoenix-based company that specializes in arti�icial turf and other sport-court recreational projects.

The two �ields are estimated to cost the district $3.9 million, which will include the removal of the existing �ields at both locations, the installation of a new drainage and watering system, grooming equipment and a year of grooming from General Acrylics. Much like the �ields installed this past year at Desert Vista and Tempe high schools, the �ield will feature sewn in game lines for a variety of sports, including football, soccer and others.

Schnittger said the �ield will be used for all sports programs at Mesa as well as the band and physical education classes. Overall, it adds a revamped look to one of the district’s oldest schools with historic tradition.

“This expands opportunities in the

The Mesa Public Schools District Governing Board voted in favor of artificial turf fields to be installed at two of its schools, one of which is Mesa High School. (Pablo Robles/Tribune Staff) morning for our PE classes and it expands opportunities for practice times,” Schnittger said. “Hopefully, it will expand opportunities for the young student-athletes in our community and in the district. It really expands opportunities for kids in the community, not just the high school-aged kids.”

Schnittger is not yet sure about a design of the �ield. Though he did mention possibly incorporating the school’s “Carry On” motto into the �ield as well as the logo and classic purple and gold color scheme.

Greg Milbrandt, the principal at Mountain View High School, said he will also incorporate the school’s classic “MV” logo with the horns of a Toro in the center of the �ield. He also aims to highlight the tradition left behind by former Mountain View football coach Jesse Parker.

Parker, who led the Toros to four state championships from 1976-94, died in 2017 at 77 years old. A year before his passing, the football �ield at Mountain View he helped build was named after him.

Mountain View High School, which sits on less acreage than any other school in the district, will also be one of the first to receive a new turf field. The district is also mulling options to install a turf practice field, so the school is able to cater to its sports teams, band and classes without irrigation concerns. (Pablo Robles/Tribune Staff)

Milbrandt hopes to be able to incorporate Jesse Parker Field in the turf design.

“It’s exciting to christen it ‘Jesse Parker Field,’” Milbrandt said. “That’s one of the things we want to make sure we put on the �ield. That’s important to our community and it was established years ago with a tradition of excellence.”

Along with a new game �ield, the district is mulling options to install a regulationsized turf practice �ield at Mountain View just behind the scoreboard to the west of the main stadium. The �ield will �ill in the existing space currently occupied by a patch of grass and dirt near the main locker room facility.

Sitting on 300 acres of land, Mountain View’s campus is the smallest in the district and has little room to expand. With several sports teams and band practicing throughout the year, the natural grass typically available to teams quickly turns to dirt.

Milbrandt said if the school receives a new turf practice �ield, it will provide a safe environment for all sports teams to practice and potentially play on if needed.

“We are on a lot less acreage than the other high schools in the district,” Milbrandt said. “We just don’t have the space to service all of our teams and the band, especially when you get into the irrigation side of things.

“We want to make sure they have a space to practice on that is good for all of them.”

Both Milbrandt and Schnittger hope to begin construction on the �ields sometime in May, preferably after graduation.

Barring any delays in construction due to COVID-19 or other factors, the two hope to have the new turf �ields in place by the start of the fall football season in August.

“Our goal is to have the �ield ready for the �irst game in the fall,” said Milbrandt, who has been at Mountain View for eight years.

“That’s what we are hoping for. But I’m ecstatic. I love this community. I love this campus. All the excitement these changes bring, I’m like a kid in a candy shop.

“It’s not just for our kids here, it’s for the community. It’s exciting for them, too.” 

18

GET OUT

THE MESA TRIBUNE | JANUARY 10, 2021

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Food Park, farmers mart big in East Mesa

BY SRIANTHI PERERA GetOut Contributor

N

ortheast Mesa has a new open-air dining destination that also doubles as a community gathering spot.

The Power Food Park on Power Road between Brown and McKellips roads had two successful opening weekends in December and is now ready to serve its own brand of fare and fun.

Four to eight food trucks will be available 5-9 p.m. Monday to Saturday on a rotating basis.

Maui Wowi, Detroit Coney Cruiser, 4 Ate O, Classics Crepes Eatery and Bonzai Boyz are among those that have participated.

Some trucks sell new concepts, while others are established.

The Red Mountain Farmers Market is held at the site on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

The site has plenty of seating placed apart and features camp�ire pits that are available by reservation. Grassy areas are available for recreational backyard games such as cornhole.

David Darling of Mesa, who co-owns the business with Ray Johnson, is the owner of the one-and-a-quarter acre site and the adjoining acre that’s used for parking.

“I’m originally from the Paci�ic Northwest and there’s a big food truck community in the Paci�ic Northwest. We’ve always had an af�inity toward them and that community,” he said.

Darling owned the property for many years and attempted to do many projects on it.

“We felt like the best use for the property would be creating a community space and supporting a small business. Within that community space, I’ve created an outdoor gathering space especially during COVID,” he said.

“We decided we’ll create a food park where we can come together as a community in a safe way during COVID and support small businesses.”

Darling �igured correctly about the area

never has anything fun and �inally they have this.”

Usually, Gregory takes her family to a dining spot in Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe or Scottsdale.

“I love Mesa and I want to build Mesa. I don’t want to build Scottsdale, I want to build Mesa,” said Gregory, who’s a real estate agent.

Ryan Alarie, who grew up in east Mesa, created the Red Mountain Farmers Market three seasons ago.

He started at Mesa Community College-Red Mountain Campus and had to move because of the pandemic. He moved the market to the parking lot at Zaharis Ryan Alarie, who created the Red Mountain Farmers Mar- Elementary School, but Mesa ket three seasons ago, also sells a brand of seasonings Public Schools asked him to called RA Seasonings. (Special to GetOut) move – again because of the needing a community space: During the pandemic. two days in December that the park was Alarie thinks he’s found the perfect locaopen, there were more than 2,000 people tion in the Power Food Park. each night.

“One of the more encouraging aspects of what we’ve done is how supportive the community has been and how enthusiastic they’ve been about supporting the space,” he said.

Among his supporters is Amy Gregory, who decries the lack of dining spaces in the area. She took her extended family there recently; it is about four miles from her home.

“It was so great to have a fun dining option close to home, in the heart of Mesa: a great ambiance, awesome food and really East Mesa’s new Power Food Park is an open-air community just a fun environment for gathering spot with a collection of food trucks. (Courtesy families,” she said. “Mesa Power Food Park)

“It’s great; there’s plenty of seating, rides, games, it’s a real nice set up for a farmer’s market,” he said.

Open on Saturdays from October to April, the market features 60-70 vendors from across the Valley mainly selling meats, fruit, vegetables, artisan fare, pantry goods, spices, hot sauce and jewelry. It attracts about 1,000 people each day.

Alarie himself sells all-natural seasoning blends, called RA Seasonings.

Darling said his idea caught on easily because it has been a really dif�icult year for small businesses because of COVID. Husband and wife team Justin and Lindsey Olsen of east Mesa debuted their new mobile eatery, 4 Ate O, at the park; they created the business due to loss of employment.

Justin, a chef of nearly 17 years, has worked in many prestigious restaurants and was last employed by Scottsdale Beer Company, which laid him off because of the pandemic.

Lindsey is also a restaurant professional, who has worked at Lons at the Hermosa Inn and Sheraton Hotel Downtown Phoenix, among others.

“We started this business out of need and desire to do our own thing,” Justin said. “My wife and I decided to take a leap of faith and pour everything we have into our own business where we can make decisions that are best for us and our family. We ordered a custom-built trailer and within about four to �ive months we are up and running with perfect timing.

“Our �irst of�icial night open was with them on their grand opening as well,” he added. “It was a crazy busy night for us and we were so pumped for them to give us the opportunity to be there. It’s a great venue, nothing else like it in town or possibly the state.”

“That’s what we’re trying to foster,” Darling said. “It’s supporting these small businesses and the food trucks during a dif�icult time.”

Keep in touch with Power Food Park at facebook.com/powerfoodpark. 

T:10"

THE MESA TRIBUNE | JANUARY 10, 2021

19

This is what a hero looks like.

Every time you wash with soap, wear a mask and social distance, you’re protecting your neighbors against COVID-19. And if that’s not heroic, we don’t know what is.

T:10"

THE MESA TRIBUNE | JANUARY 10, 2021

20

King Crossword

Obituaries

ACROSS 1 5 8 12 13 14 15 16 18 20 21 22 23 26 30 31 32 33 36 38 39 40 43 47 49 50 51 52 53 54 55

Nile vipers Cistern Sprint Guitarist Atkins -- -de-France Formerly Antelope’s playmate Its days are numbered Degree of excellence Endures “Nova” airer Lass Regions Volcanic crater “Entourage” agent Branch Felon’s flight Trinidad music Fountain drinks Fine, at NASA Marry Dishonor Actor Rory Squid dish Big fair, for short “Oops!”

Drench Peruse Facts and figures Guitar master Paul Tolkien creatures”

Coralie Mann

Obituaries Jeanne Marie Hayes

39 40 41 42 43

Is patient Gulf War missile “Funny!”

Oodles Manitoba tribe

44 45 46 48

Sudoku

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 17 19 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 34 35 36 37

They can take a yoke -- the crack of dawn Agrees silently Piercing tool

Outlet letters The Mets’ old home Rind American flag feature Bad habits Winged Aviv preceder Disney duck &&&& Ella’s style Towel word Israeli airline Small ammo Leg, in slang Efron of “Parkland” Man-mouse link Zero -- -Magnon Right angle Squealer Early hrs.

Request Motorcycle maker “The Raven,” for one Actor Gibson Stick

Jeanne Hayes passed away in Gilbert, AZ on Tuesday December 29, 2020. Jeanne was born in Everett, WA on April 15, 1966 to Stuart Moyer and Kathryn (Moyer) McWalters.

She moved from Everett, WA to Gilbert, AZ in 2005 to continue raising her family with her husband, Vince.

Vincent and Jeanne were married on February 14, 1987 in New Almaden, CA and together they have five children. Alyssa (32), Kellie (27), Tyler (17), Christian (15) and Joshua (12). She was also an amazing Nana to three grandchildren, Jaxson (8), Alyvia (6) and Liana (4).

Jeanne is survived by her husband, Vince and their five children. As well as her mother, Kathryn, her sister Julianne and sister-in-law Tricia. Plus, her three grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

For most of her life, Jeanne was a homemaker, caring for her family. She loved to love on people and rarely had idle hands. She loved to cook and worked so hard to keep an immaculate house. But with a house full of boys, that was a heavy task; yet she always managed to get it done.

Her life was a living example of one of her favorite Bible verses; Ephesians 4:32 "And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgive one another just as God also forgave you in Christ."

Please join us in celebrating her life on January 22, 2021 at 6:00 pm at her home church, Life Community, 717 W Ray Rd Gilbert, Arizona 85233 A GoFundMe campaign has been started to help with the kids and expenses. gf.me/u/ zd4u9u Sign the Guestbook at: obituaries.EastValleyTribune.com

Need help writing an obituary?

PUZZLES ANSWERS on page 16

For assistance with Obituaries, In Memoriam or other Life Events, please call 480-898-6465 or visit obituaries.EastValleyTribune.com.

4/29/1929 – 1/1/2021 Coralie Ulvang Mann, 91, passed away January 1st, 2021, after suffering a stroke at her home in Chandler, Arizona. Born in Duluth, MN, and known as Cree, a nickname from High School, Cree graduated from Stanbrook Hall and then went on to Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., then Washington University in St. Louis, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Retailing in 1950.

There Cree met her lifelong love, Jim Mann, an executive with Coca Cola. She and Jim moved to Atlanta, Georgia where she worked as a model and TV fashion show commentator. They also lived in Mt. View, California (San Francisco Bay Area) for five years. There Cree modeled for The Emporium, Macy's, Merle Norman, Cadillac and several other prominent retailers. Jim’s job relocated them to the Los Angeles area (Northridge) from 1975 to 1990.

They retired to Santa Barbara in 1990, where she lost Jim to prostate cancer in 2007. Cree was a well-known watercolor artist in the Santa Barbara area, her home filled with paintings of local scenes. Cree was active in St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, and was a choir member. A very talented Cree played the piano and was a member of the Prime Time Band and Basin Street Buddies Dixieland bands.

She volunteered at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, Santa Barbara Historical Society, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and Braille Institute.

In 2019 Cree moved to the Enclave in Chandler, AZ, to be closer to her family.

Always active, she taught watercolor classes for the residents of the Enclave.

Cree is survived by two sons, John Douglas Mann of Phoenix and Bruce Andrew Mann of Tucson, daughter Saralee Mann of Phoenix and daughter-in-laws Trixie Mann (Bruce) and Karen Mays (Doug). Also two grandchildren, Richard Mann of Santa Cruz, California and Tawni Mann of Phoenix. She was proceeded in death by her husband, James Ellis Mann.

Services will be held in Santa Barbara, CA at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley at hov.org/donate

THE MESA TRIBUNE | JANUARY 10, 2021

21

The Mesa Tribune

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

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480.654.5600 azirrigation.com Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

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Small Man!” ALL RESIDENTIAL & ✔ Kitchens 9 199 ce Sin rk Wo y COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Affordable, Qualit ceBSMALLMAN@Q.COM ✔ Bathrooms 2010, 2011 9 199 Sin rk 2012, 2013, Affordable, Quality Wo And More!

2010, 2011 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 2012, 2013, Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932 2014 References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor Ahwatukee / References Call Ahwatukee BruceResident/ at 602.670.7038 Decks • Tile • More!

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Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Work

Over 28 Years Experience •Ahwatukee ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor Bruce at 602.670.7038

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

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

• 20 Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty

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Irrigation

ACTION CONTRACTING INC. WE DO IT ALL!

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

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

aaaActionContractingInc.com

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IN

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | JANUARY 10, 2021

23

Landscape/Maintenance

Plumbing

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

HYDROJETTING

Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

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

SEWER CABLE COMPREHENSIVE, FULL-SERVICE PLUMBING COMPANY

Call Lance White

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

www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

ROC 3297740

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480•376•9803 or 480•925•1418

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PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH! Beat Any Price By 10% • Lifetime Warranty Water Heaters Installed - $799 Unclog Drains - $49 FREE RO UNIT w/Any WATER SOFTENER INSTALL NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 Months!!

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Prepare for Winter Season!

Painting

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

480-354-5802

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

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

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PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR

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480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

Roofing

Harris Basin Park Project No. CP0934 Please join us for the live online Virtual Public Meeting to learn about the Harris Basin Park. The City of Mesa is developing plans to build a new playground at the Harris Basin located at 2421 N Harris Dr. Mesa, AZ 85203. To accommodate the new playground the City is developing plans to regrade the existing drainage basin to include a pad for the new playground while maintaining the basin’s ability to retain surface runoff. The playground will be designed with aim for children ages 2-12 and include ADA access. The project is being funded through 2018 General Obligation Parks Bonds.

A short presentation will be given followed by a questions and answer session.

Date: Thursday, January 14, 2021

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

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

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www.EastValleyTribune.com

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We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality Free Estimates!

Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

480-688-4770

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

NOTICE OF VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING

Time: 6:00pm to 7:00pm Location: Virtual Public Meeting: online at mesaaz.gov/engineering If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact Curt Albright, Michele Arrollado, Lucy Lopez, or Juanita Gonzales with the City of Mesa Engineering Public Relations Department at (480) 644-3800.

Si usted tiene preguntas de este proyecto, favor de llamar a Lucy Lopez, con la Ciudad de Mesa al (480) 644-4431.

Published: East Valley Tribune, Jan. 3, 10, 2021 / 35347

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Voted #1

Family Owned & Operated ROC#309706

CITY OF MESA MESA, ARIZONA

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

Painting

Juan Hernandez Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

480-706-1453

Insured/Bonded Free Estimates

T R E E

Public Notices

showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

480-477-8842

480.721.4146

Pool Service / Repair

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | JANUARY 10, 2021

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! e s a e l P s e Y

Your Residential and Commercial Roofing Contractor Has You Covered!  New Construction, Repairs, Recovers, Maintenance  Installation of Gutters  Shingles, Tile, Built Up Single Ply, Foam & Coatings, Metal, Shake

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tar

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www.JBSroofingAZ.com ROC #’s: 061127 - 287012 - 198009 - 082024 - 318282