The Mesa Tribune - Zone 2 - 10.24.2021 by Times Media Group

••

Come meet Mortimer

Mesa cancer warrior

/ P. 24

/ P. 15 An edition of the East Valley Tribune

Sunday, October 24, 2021

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

Domestic violence cases soaring in Mesa BY TOM SCANLON Tribune Managing Editor

NEWS ..................... 8 Mesa schools see COVID slink away.

s a prosecutor for the city of Mesa, Stacey Good takes scores of domestic violence cases to trial every month. Most of the cases of husbands punching wives and boyfriends knocking down girlfriends are quickly forgotten, but there’s one the prosecutor can’t shake: Viridiana Gonzalez-Saavedra. Valley newspapers and TV stations reported the shocking stabbing of the pregnant,

28-year-old woman June 30, 2017. Her husband, Gustavo Lamar, was quickly arrested and charged with murder. But those reports didn’t tell the back story Good knew all too well: It wasn’t the first time Lamar assaulted his wife. “This is a case that kind of haunts me,” Good said. Months before the murder, Lamar was arrested for domestic violence. As his trial approached, his wife “did not want to participate in the prosecution,” Good recalled. “She diminished his conduct, blaming herself for

Honored teacher

BUSINESS ............. 18 More healthy eating on way in Mesa.

SPORTS ............... 22

Zone

see DOMESTIC VIOLENCE page 3

Mesa detective saluted for shoplifter busts BY TOM SCANLON Tribune Managing Editor

Red Mountain High's golf team settling in.

COMMUNITY ............................... 15 BUSINESS ..................................... 18 OPINION .. ..................................... 20 SPORTS ........................................ 22 GET OUT ...................................... 24 PUZZLES ...................................... 25 CLASSIFIED ................................. 27

everything that happened. She started recanting her testimony.” At the victim’s request, Good offered a plea deal to Lamar with a jail sentence suspended. “Within a year, he stabbed her to death – and her baby,” Good said. “That one sticks with me,” the prosecutor said. “I wish I could have done more.” In the hope that situations like that will be avoided, Good will speak at Mesa’s Domestic Violence Awareness Night at 5:30 p.m. Tues

Even though she won the top award a teacher in Arizona can win, Mesa Public Schools teacher Nancy Para-Quinlan was on the job last week For the story, turn to page 6. (David Minton/Tribune Staff Photographer)

hoplifting. No big deal, right? Don’t say that around Det. Jerry Davis. The Mesa Police Department detective specializes in busting big-ticket shoplifters. He stresses two reasons people should be concerned about shoplifting. For one, “It hurts everyone. When people steal stuff, prices go up,” the mild-mannered Davis said. But there’s a second reason police are on the alert for the snatch-and-run crowd. “It’s a ‘gateway crime.’ It’s a running joke in the office,” Davis said. “When we catch some

Milgard® offers beautiful, comfortable, energy efficient vinyl windows and doors for your home Whether you’re building a new home or renovating your existing one, your choices are wide open when it comes to selecting beautifully designed Milgard windows and patio doors. Strong, beautiful, long lasting and durable. Milgard windows and patio doors are designed with stunning architectural style and superior performance. Plus, you’ll feel secure in your investment with an industry leading, Full Lifetime Warranty that includes parts and labor. Stop by our Showroom today! 4454. E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018 Call 602.508.0800 or vist liwindow.com for more information.

see SHOPLIFTER page 8

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

MANUFACTURED EXCLUSIVELY FOR ARIZONA IN ARIZONA!

ARIZONA’S TRUSTED WINDOW & DOOR COMPANY

WINDOW SPECIAL

NOW N OW OFFERING

VIRTUAL ESTIMATES Please Pl se s send: end: en Exterior • Ex Exte teri te rior ri or ppicture ictu ic ture tu re ooff yo your ur hhome omee om Exterior window • Ex Exte teri te rior ri or ppictures ictu ic ture tu ress of yyour re ourr wi ou wind ndow nd ow or do doorss Width Height window • Wi Widt dthh & He dt Heig ight ig ht ooff ea each ch w indo in dow do w needed ed

$3,250 Installed

EMAIL TO: q quotes@energyshieldwd.com uote uo tes@ te s@en s@ ener en ergy er gysh gy shie sh ield ie ldwd.c ld .com om

Max Size 30 Sq. Ft. per Window

• • • • •

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

0% INTEREST OAC • ROC#310824

FACTORY DIRECT INSTALLERS LICENSED GENERAL CONTRACTOR

AFFORDABLE MULTI SLIDE DOOR SYSTEMS

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATE COVID-19 Protocol Compliant More Than Ever Factory Direct Matters

602-562-4495 6

SUB-

CONTRACTORS

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

EnergyShieldWindowsAndDoors.com Se Habla Espanol

Factory Showroom Open

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

ROC# 310824

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE from page 1 The Mesa Tribune is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout the East Valley.

Times Media Group: 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219 Tempe, Arizona, 85282

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

Publisher: Steve T. Strickbine Vice President: Michael Hiatt ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Senior Account Sales: Ryan Brown | 480-898-6482 | rbrown@timespublications.com Local Advertising Sales: Chris Ross | 480-898-5649 | cross@timespublications.com Classifieds/Inside Sales: Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@evtrib.com TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@evtrib.com Advertising Office Manager: Lori Dionisio | 480-898-6309 | ldionisio@evtrib.com Director of National Advertising: Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@evtrib.com NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor: Paul Maryniak | 480-898-5647 pmaryniak@timespublications.com Managing Editor: Tom Scanlon | 480-278-6903 | tscanlon@timespublications.com Reporter: Kevin Sain | 480-898-6825 | ksain@timespublications.com Sports Editor: Zach Alvira | 480-898-5630 | zalvira@timespublications.com Get Out Editor: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | 480-641-4518 christina@timespublications.com Photographer: David Minton | dminton@timespublications.com Designer: Ruth Carlton | rcarlton@timespublications.com Production Coordinator: Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@timespublications.com Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@evtrib.com The Mesa Tribune is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegatedmedia.com.

day, Oct. 26, at Pioneer Park downtown. The event comes at a time when severe domestic violence in Mesa is increasing at an alarming pace. In 2019, there were 119 aggravated assaults linked to domestic violence and four murders in Mesa. Then came the pandemic. Last year, the most serious cases of domestic violence nearly quadrupled, with 403 aggravated assaults in Mesa and eight women killed by their partners. In the first nine months of 2021, seven homicides are linked to domestic violence, with 248 domestic violence aggravated assaults. Among the conditions for aggravated assault, according to state law: resulting in serious physical injury, disfigurement, use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument or “If the person commits the assault while the victim is bound or otherwise physically restrained or while the victim’s capacity to resist is substantially

impaired.” Shelly Ward has a word for people who do things like that: “monsters.” Ward is the Victim Services administra-

tor with the Mesa Police Department’s Mesa Family Advocacy Center. The civilian

information, counseling services, support groups, immigration assistance (special visas), outreach/awareness education Personal assistance: court accompaniment, liaison with employers/schools/ landlords, childcare, transportation, interpreter, assistance with victim impact statements, restitution, Victim Compensation Program and protective order assistance, forensic medical examinations Emotional support and safety: crisis

intervention, safety planning, emergency financial assistance (phones, changing locks, food, gas cards, bus/light rail cards, clothing, car seats, hygiene products, emergency hotel, transportation assistance) Criminal/civil justice assistance: victim notification (hearings, release conditions), family law assistance.

see DOMESTIC VIOLENCE page 4

Where victims can find help in Mesa TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

helly Ward, Victim Services administrator with the Mesa Police Department’s Mesa Family Advocacy Center, offered a summary of services provided for domestic violence victims: Information and referral: connection to shelter, housing, legal services; victim’s rights information, criminal justice process education, crime-specific awareness

For more information, call Mesa Victim Services at 480-644-2036. ■

Warning signs in abusive relationship

ccording to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, “red flags” and warning signs of an abuser include: • Extreme jealousy. • Possessiveness. • Verbal abuse.

• • • •

•

Extremely controlling behavior. Forced sex. Blaming the victim for anything bad that happens. Sabotage or obstruction of the victim’s ability to work or attend school. Controls all the finances.

• • • •

Accusations of the victim flirting with others or having an affair. Control of what the victim wears and how they act. Demeaning the victim either privately or publicly. Harassment of the victim at work.

Court orders getting served quicker on abusers TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

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

Mesa Police Department Det. Karrie Flanigan, left, and Victim Services Administrator Shelly Ward, deal every day with the tragedy of domestic violence. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

system established by the state Supreme Court to help domestic abuse victims get protection or-

ders more quickly has produced dramatic results, according to a court commission. The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission said that since the new Arizona Protective Order Initiation and Notification

Tool (AZPOINT) began in January 2020, 70 percent of court orders are served on abusers within seven days.

see DV COURT page 6

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE from page 3

branch works in tandem with investigators like Det. Karrie Flanigan. Both of them blame the pandemic for the spike in domestic violence here. “Victims of domestic violence tend to be isolated—the pandemic didn’t help that,” Ward said. “There are forces keeping you at home with the monster.” Flanigan nodded in agreement. “We’re seeing new victims. They’re not used to being home together so much,” Flanigan said.

Candlelight vigil

Tuesday’s event is sponsored by the Mesa Family Advocacy Center, which brings together police, social workers, prosecuting attorneys, physicians and others to assist victims. “Domestic violence can have a devastating impact on individuals and families in Mesa, and this event is intended to raise awareness of that impact and to help stop violence before it occurs,” Mayor John Giles said. A candlelight vigil featuring purple candles will honor those lost to domestic violence. Two survivors of domestic violence will speak at the event, as will Giles and Ward. The theme of the event: If things are bad, get out. While you can. “My hope is the door – this is the opportunity to change,” Ward said of the event. Flanigan seconded that. “I wish this will help people understand they don’t have to live with domestic violence in their relationship,” Flanigan said. She added she hopes more awareness will help victims “see it, recognize it, say ‘I’m not going to have it.’ And then make a choice.” It’s a complex, heart-breaking issue, Ward said. “There’s a lot of reasons why people choose to stay in a relationship that’s abusive,” she noted. “Shame, guilt, obligations...There’s a lot of fear.” Victims of even escalating levels of abuse cling to hope that things will get better. “They want that person to go back to being that loving person – not the monster,” Ward said. According to the National Coalition

In 2017, Gustavo Lamar of Mesa was arrested and charged with murdering his pregnant wife, Viridiana Gonzalez-Saavedra. (Special to the Tribune) Against Domestic Violence, “Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. “It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats, economic, and emotional/ psychological abuse. The frequency and severity of domestic violence varies dramatically.” While the great majority of domestic violence is unreported, DV-related 911 calls are on the increase. Domestic violence calls in the city “rose an extreme amount last summer,” Flanigan said. “It dipped at the end of 2020 and beginning of 2021. Now, it’s increasing again.” And lately, she added, DV calls have been “more extreme,” with aggravated assaults rising sharply. “Much more aggressive,” Ward agreed. “Much more violent than we’ve seen in a while.” The civilian and investigative departments often work in tandem. Ward’s department provides supports while Flanigan digs into interviews and evidence finding. “We do home visits together. Knock on doors to talk to victims,” Flanigan said. Asked if there is a geographic trend, or if wealthy or working-class neighborhoods have more DV cases, Flanigan shook her head. “It does not matter,” the detective said. “The thing about domestic violence,”

Ward added, “is it crosses all boundaries: age, gender, socio-economic. It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor.” After 23 years as an officer responding to DV calls throughout the city, Flanigan decided to finish her career by digging deeper into the crimes and became a detective in March. “The majority of victims are women. That’s just how it is,” she said. “I think they’re more comfortable talking to a woman.” Flanigan and other DV detectives assist in obtaining and serving orders of protection, potentially providing surveillance and making arrests for violation of orders. The Mesa Police Department also does referrals to Mesa social services provider A New Leaf, which has domestic violence programs “dedicated to providing trauma informed services to men, women and children in need of support and assistance to safely move forward in their lives.” (For more information, call 480-464-4648.) Ward said this is the chance for a big-picture change: “What we’re doing is not just for the victims. We also want the community to be aware…We want the community to stand up and say, ‘We don’t do that here!’”

Teeth knocked out

Before talking to the Tribune, Good was pleased to hear a judge sentence a man to 180 days in jail for punching his wife, knocking out five teeth. “He had two prior domestic violence

convictions...it was time for him to do some serious jail time,” Good said. The case was prosecuted as a misdemeanor as “we didn’t know about the broken teeth before today,” Good said. But, she added, the Maricopa County prosecutor’s office is so backed up, only the most severe assaults are considered for felony prosecution. At his misdemeanor trial, the abuser admitted guilt, Good said. “He tried to show remorse. There were some tears shed by the defendant. But it’s hard to take apologies sincerely when it’s happened so many times before,” the prosecutor said. “It is frustrating seeing these cases. I’m a passionate prosecutor. That case today, I was pretty riled up,” Good said. “But it’s gratifying knowing I help people. I know I helped that victim today. She’s got 120 days of safety where he can’t be showing up.” As for Gustavo Lamar, last month he celebrated his 30th birthday in jail. It has been more than four years since he was arrested and charged with killing his pregnant wife. After numerous motions by his attorney, he still awaits trial, which was recently rescheduled to July 22, 2022. He remains an example to a Mesa prosecutor of what can happen: “As a domestic violence prosecutor, I know it’s common for a victim to go back to the abuser—the manipulation and power and control,” Good said. “It’s very common for victims to go back, that’s the nature of the crime. “Unfortunately, it opens them up to more harm.” ■

Important domestic violence numbers

Mesa Victim Services 480-644-2036. Domestic Violence Hotline 480-890-3039 or 1-844-SAFEDVS. Community Information and Referral 602-2638856. Empact Crisis Hotline 480-784-1500. PREHAB Counselor at the Mesa Family Advocacy Center 480-644-4066. CONTACS Shelter Hotline 800-799-7739. Legal Advocacy Hotline 602 279-2900. National DV Hotline 800-799-7233. A New Leaf (DV assistance and shelters) 480-464-4648. DV Shelter Overflow (when shelters are full) 480-890-3039.

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

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

Mesa Public Schools teachers score big honors TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

here are plenty of great teachers in Arizona. But there’s only one “Teacher of the Year” – and that is Nancy Parra-Quinlan, a veteran teacher for over 27 years who has taught at Mesa’s Kino Junior High for the past 15 years. Jeff Meshey, president and CEO of Desert Financial Credit Union, presented her with the Arizona Educational Foundation’s annual award Oct. 16. She teaches her junior high students robotics, engineering, aerospace, as well as a medical detectives course. Parra-Quinlan earned a Master of Education at Northern Arizona University, with Bilingual (Spanish) and ESL endorsement. “Nancy Parra-Quinlan is an innovative and phenomenal educator who embodies the Mesa Public Schools Promise,” MPS Superintendent Andi Fourlis said. “Nancy’s dedication to her students is evident in the smiles on their faces and their excitement for coming to class. “Nancy engages students by sparking their creativity through real-life projects that include robotics, forensics, engineering and technology.” Parra-Quinlan is also the director of the Mesa Public School’s summer Aerospace Academy, the coach of the Lego League Robotics team for Kino Junior High and the sponsor of Kino’s STEM Club. On top of all that, she also volunteers with the Civil Air Patrol and with the 305th Squadron at Falcon Field in Mesa as the Aerospace Education Officer. She holds the rank of captain in the Civil Air Patrol.

DV COURT from page 3

Under the old paper-based system, it took an average 23 days between the time a judge granted an order of protection and the time it was served. “AZPOINT is one of the most significant technological innovations that protect victims of inter-personal violence that I have seen in my career. Here at ACJC, we are incredibly pleased with the improvement in the number of individuals timely served with Orders of Protections,” stated commission Chairwoman and Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk. “The primary role of government is to

She said she loves preparing the next generation for STEM opportunities. “Arizona is a magnet for technology companies, including aerospace, electronics and other manufacturing industries,” she said. “We must sufficiently fund public education in our state in order to Nancy Parra-Quinlan of Mesa’s Kino Junior High was named “Teacher prepare our students of the Year” by the Arizona Educational Foundation. (David Minton/ Tribune Staff Photographer) to work in the industries that will be most abundant in Arizo- STEM careers. na over the next few decades.” As Arizona’s Teacher of the Year, ParraParra-Quinlan plans to spend her “year Quinlan becomes a candidate for National of service” as an Arizona Teacher of the Teacher of the Year. Year advocating for STEM education, espeShe will receive $15,000 from the Aricially the inclusion of girls and Students of zona Educational Foundation as well as Color, who are vastly underrepresented in a trip to the White House to meet President Joe Biden and will spend a week at International Space Camp in Alabama. She will also be given professional speech and media training, consideration to receive an honTaryn Tidwell, the choir and musical theatre director of Shepherd Junior orary doctorate High School, was the first winner of the Tancer Arts in Education Award. from Northern Here she is putting her class through some paces. (David Minton/Tribune Arizona UniStaff Photographer) versity and an

keep our citizens safe. By making the system more streamlined, accessible, and online, survivors of domestic violence have the assistance they need in the most efficient manner, which provides greater protections all the way around,” Polk said. Under Arizona’s old system, individuals seeking protection through the courts had to fill out their orders of protection/ injunctions against harassment in person. It was a paper-based system from beginning to end. Courts were issuing over 42,000 orders of protection a year, but only approximately half were actually being served. A number of issues caused these delays,

including an outdated statute, an existing statewide system that was paper-based, and a system that required the plaintiff to initiate the service of the protective orders, a court spokeswoman said. With these delays in the system, victims could be left in a volatile situation. Additionally, under the AZPOINT system, the percentage of orders that are granted by a judge and are actually served has increased from 50 percent to 67 percent. The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence stated, “At a time when many survivors are at increased vulnerability due to the impacts of COVID-19,

Arizona K12 Center Scholarship.

Tancer award

Another Mesa teacher scored a big honor: Act One announced the first winner of its Tancer Arts in Education Award, “given to an Arizona teacher dedicated to sharing a love of the arts with their students.” The award went to Taryn Tidwell, the choir and musical theatre director of Shepherd Junior High School. Her award was presented in a special ceremony in front of students, colleagues and Act One representatives at Shepherd Junior High on Tuesday morning. Tidwell was honored as “a powerful voice across the state for the importance and impact the arts have on the overall learning and social emotional well-being of students. “We are very pleased to present the firstever Tancer Arts in Education Award to Taryn for her inspirational story and her passion for the arts,” said Bernadette Carroll, Act One Executive Director. “It was very rewarding for us to see her personal reaction at receiving the award and to see first-hand her impact on her students and school.” Tidwell said she was “beyond honored” by the award. “The arts are such a meaningful and important part of my life,” she said, “and I am thrilled to be able to continue to advocate for the importance of the arts in education. “I had the honor of working with Bob Tancer before he passed, and it means the world to be able to carry on his legacy and love for the arts.” Michael De Alba, art teacher at Dobson High School in Mesa, was one of the five finalists for the award. ■

AZPOINT makes it possible for them to petition for an Order of Protection from any location and connect with an advocate to plan for current and future safety, all without a need for childcare or missing a day of work. “AZPOINT has been a critical advancement in protecting Arizona’s survivors and their families.” AZPOINT was established to increase public safety by enhancing access and efficiency for the order of protection and injunctions against harassment process for the public, law enforcement and the judicial system. Information: azpoint.azcourts.gov. ■

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

Test Drive W E Our 2022 N Carts

Fall In Love With The New 2022 Golf Carts!! Time to Upgrade Your Ride... Trade-in’s Welcome!

New for 2022

GROUNDS & EVENT C R I A ENT F AL ER N I P 512 S. 11 Mile Corner Rd.

Casa Grande, AZ

FALL-A-PALOOZA

Festival

OCTOBER 29-31 FRIDAY - SUNDAY

2022 E-Z-GO Liberty ELiTE

9AM - 11PM

*Full Schedule Online*

www.PinalFairgrounds.com | www.ArizonaGunShows.com

OAC

E-Z-GO RXV ELiTE Ask About The Industries Leading Lithium Battery Pack By Samsung. Standard 8 Year Warranty

• FULLY STOCKED PARTS DEPARTMENT • EXCELLENT SERVICE DEPARTMENT • USED GOLF CART SALES

G u n S h o w Arizona Gun Shows

Family Fun Carnival

MOSO Events 480.895.2000

www.A1GolfCarts.com 25820 S. Arizona Ave. Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

We Service What We Sell

Adults: $15 Kids: $5

Central Arizona Fair Association

Artisan Craft Market

••

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

MPS sees sharp drop in COVID-19 cases on campuses BY TOM SCANLON Tribune Managing Editor

hen Mesa Public Schools returned to operations after fall break, students did the most important thing: They showed up. The number of absences due to COVID-19 plummeted, compared to early in the school year. According to the MPS “COVID Dashboard,” there were 26 student and nine teacher/staff active COVID cases Thursday. The 35 total cases translate to only 53 cases per 100,000 – far lower than the county rate of 190 per 100,000 (Mesa’s rate is 170 per 100,000) and a huge drop from last month. On Sept. 24, the MPS COVID dashboard showed 289 active cases in a student and staff population of just under 65,000; that translated to 384 cases per 100,000, well above the county average of about 200 per 100,00. “We are seeing a dip in positive cases and our absences are running on average for what we have been seeing this fall,” Holly Williams, the associate superintendent of Mesa Public Schools, said. “I’m hoping this trend continues.” According to county data updated weekly, the area served by the Mesa Public

SHOPLIFTER from page 1

one and run their (criminal) history, they can be involved with so many things—but almost always, shoplifting was the first crime.” If a kid steals a pack of gum or an elderly man walks out of a store forgetting to pay for a newspaper, Davis won’t get involved. But when Target, Walmart and other big stores call about repeat offenders, Davis starts digging. For example, consider what can be called “The Musical Bonnie and Clyde.” A woman would go into a music store, grab a guitar and dash out, with a male at the wheel. Within hours, she would sell it in a pawn shop. After four or five similar crimes, surveillance video showed a license plate on the couple’s vehicle. Davis tracked them to a Tempe motel. “They confessed, right away,” Davis said. The couple, in their early 20s, said they

mained in double digits, rising from 15 to 20 percent.) T h e s t a t e continues to record around 2,000 new cases per day, with m o r e than half of those in Maric o p a County. W i l l i ams According to the MPS COVID dashboard, there were 35 cases reported this week, was caua steep drop from 289 COVID cases in the district last month. (MPS) t i o u s Schools district has 198 COVID-19 cases about celebrating the drop in COVID. Even so, she noted some of the “mitigaper 100,000, a drop from 231/100,000 the previous week. The number of new cases tion” strategies implemented by the disin Mesa was over 300 cases per 100,000 as trict last month. “What I see is kind of leveling off,” she September began. (Percent positivity re-

Det. Jerry Davis was named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award by the Arizona Retail Association. He targets big-ticket shoplifters. (Dave Minton/Tribune staff photographer) stole to support a drug habit. Drugs are “almost always” the motives for his shoplifters, Davis said. “I would say 95 percent of the time.”

Davis has been with the Mesa PD for 16 years, the last five as a detective. This week, the Arizona Retailers Association’s Loss Prevention Committee named

said. “It feels like we’re getting closer to consistent; it’s not spiking up.” District schools also have a supply of rapid COVID-19 tests, which are provided on a voluntary basis. Before having the tests, “Typically, if students had noses dripping, we would send them home to get a COVID test if they were not feeling well in 24 hours,” Williams said. “Now we can say, ‘You’re a student who is exhibiting (COVID) symptoms, would you like us to do a rapid test?’” “We’re having great success,” she said. “We just got 4,000 more (test kits).” MPS does not require students or staff to wear masks on school grounds. Students are “doing fairly well” in following the guidelines, Williams said. “If they show up on a bus without a mask, we hand them one. We find our kids to be fairly compliant. They put them on and do a good job. Our principals are handling the ones who are just openly defiant,” she added. Williams said she did not expect any major changes in MPS mask guidelines and hopes numbers continue to fall, particularly with changes looming. “Vaccine for children — that could be a game changer,” Williams said. “The two big things (to control COVID) are masks and vaccines.” ■

Davis Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award. “This year, Det. Davis participated in a joint effort with retail loss prevention personnel to apprehend and ultimately arrest multiple criminals committing organized retail theft in Arizona retail stores,” an ARA press release said. Davis said the committee praised him for his work in arresting a woman who figured out how to scam “scan-and-go” self-serve machines – ripping off nearly $1 million in goods. Her spree started at a Walmart near South Stapley Drive and East Baseline Road. After getting a description of the woman, Davis used police software to run a search. “Luckily, she was a prolific shoplifter in California,” he said with a smile. He was able to track down the woman and arrest her. Was she involved in drugs? “Yes,” Davis said, with a sigh. “Of course.”■

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

Mesa City Council OKs electric fire truck purchase BY TOM SCANLON Tribune Managing Editor

orget about those big, roaring, diesel-stinking fire trucks. A quiet, clean electric fire truck— the first of its kind not only in the city, but the county—is on the way to the new Station 221 in Eastmark. Mesa City Council voted Oct. 18 to purchase an $1.4 million E-One Electric Fire Pumper Truck. “This will be the first electric apparatus in the fleet and one of the first fully electric fire pumpers in the United States,” according to agenda material. A city press release crowed this is “the first of its kind made in North America and put into service in the United States.” “I’m an advocate for electric vehicles— it’s a better technology and this is one of many steps we can take to bring us closer to our Climate Action Plan goals,” Mayor John Giles said. Though it’s a big check to write, he praised a study showing “potential costsavings and efficiency of electric vehicles

in city operations.”In addition to “low to no carbon emissions,” the truck is much quieter than older models. Councilman Mark Freeman, a former firefighter, said this keeps Mesa on the cutting edge: “We’ve been leaders in technology with paramedic and medical response for some time and this is another step toward the future, helping the city to reach its sustainability goals.” Mesa is the second municipality in the United States to be in the process of acquiring an all-electric fire truck and will be the first to put a North American style electric fire truck in service. The truck will be assigned to Mesa Fire and Medical Department Station 221, which is opening this November and will be equipped with electric charging. Eastmark and Cadence residents will have to wait to see the electric pumper, as it won’t be in use until the end of 2022. The electric fire truck has the capacity to blast one fire with four lines for up to four hours “or run 10 medical calls backto-back on a single charge.” City Council also approved $1.6 million

Best Dentist at Affordable Prices!

for two other “regular” fire trucks, plus from Williams Field Road to Germann Road, establishing “a vital connection $1.4 million for five ambulances. The $5 million-plus for emergency re- to the new State Route 24,” according to sponse vehicles comes from the voter- agenda material. “The construction of the new roadway approved 2018 Public Safety bond and will provide additional access for comAmerican Recovery Act funds. Council will also consider approving an mercial, industrial and residential develagreement to receive $1.1 million in As- opment in southeast Mesa.” Nearly 95 percent of the project will be sistance to Firefighter Grant funds, with a required city match of $115,779. The reimbursed by an ADOT grant. ■ funds would be used for cancer screening physicals and other health screenings for Mesa firefighters. Watch your speed: Council voted to lowContact Paul Maryniak at er the speed limit from 45 mph to 35 mph 480-898-5647 or on Guadalupe Road east of Signal Butte Road to the east city limits, as recompmaryniak@ mended by the Transportation Advisory timespublications.com Board. Also on the east side of town, City Council gave the green light to a 110-acre industrial park near East Warner and South Sossaman roads. NothingBundtCakes.com With all that industrial development in southeast Mesa set to rev up truck traffic, Mesa City Council approved $14 million for a 2 mile extension of Signal Butte Road

GOT NEWS?

Missing Teeth? Embarrassed to Smile? Tooth Pain? Loose Dentures? We Can Help, Call Us NOW!

SUPREME DENTURES starting at

EXPIRES 10-31-2021

999

PORCELAIN CROWNS from

699

Before

IMPLANTS from

799

each EXPIRES 10-31-2021

SNAP ON LOWER DENTURE With Two Implants

from

EXPIRES 10-31-2021

3,999

FREE $ Exam & X-Rays 150

EXPIRES 10-31-2021

After

EXTRACTIONS

from

Bundtinis® and our “Witches’ Hats and Boots.” Bundtini Toppers available by the dozen.

EXPIRES 10-31-2021

*All offers for New patients without insurance only.

We Accept Most Major Insurances • Interest FREE Financing with Low Monthly Payments Emergencies Welcome & Same Day Appointments Available

Gilbert 2285 E Baseline Rd, #103, Gilbert, AZ 85234 (480) 892-1667 NothingBundtCakes.com 10/30/21

1722 E University, Mesa

(W of Gilbert on N side of University)

480.833.9942

www.TRUVALUEDENTAL.com

Gilbert 2285 E Baseline Rd, #103, Gilbert, AZ 85234 (480) 892-1667 NothingBundtCakes.com 10/30/21

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

Mesa judge sentences young offenders to writing time BY CAMPBELL WILMOT Tribune Contributor

t’s not every day that a judge sentences someone to a number of pages. When it comes to sentencing juvenile offenders, Judge Elaissia Sears of the West Mesa Justice Court takes a different approach: she imposes a sentence of writing an essay instead of a more traditional punishment. Sears, who took office in January 2019 and is a product of Mesa Public Schools and Arizona State University, is a big advocate for education. She served as the youth and education assistant for Phoenix Sister Cities, taught English in rural communities and abroad and is passionate about serving and helping Mesa – the community in which she grew up. “Kids make mistakes and taking the time to educate them rather than immediately taking the punitive road makes more sense,” the judge explained.

“As an elementary school teacher, it was important to take the time to understand why students were behaving in certain ways and how to prevent it in the future. I would argue that an effective criminal justice system combines education with the consequences of one’s actions.” Sears handles civil, traffic, as well as criminal misdemeanors, which include underage drinking. Along with the diversion program or essay, Sears also assigns community service hours, counseling, restricts driver’s license privileges, and other sentences depending on the charge the person is facing. “I truly tailor it to that individual. Before we start talking about the sentence, I ask them what their interests are and how they see their life going in the future. We often talk about their family, where they want to go to college, etcetera.” Charlize Crawford was sentenced to community service, a behavioral class

and given the assignment to write about how a criminal record could affect her future. Charlize, who is turning 18 in a few days, wrote an in-depth piece on the effects of a criminal record when trying to become a flight attendant, which she hopes to do in the future. “The decision on whether or not your record affects if you get accepted to be a flight attendant or not ultimately comes down to the airline, and if they are confident that you will not get yourself into trouble, the airline into trouble, or affect the passengers,” Crawford wrote. Crawford’s mother, Miloye Deusner, felt that using essays as a sentence is beneficial for juveniles and thought it was impactful to her daughter. “I was surprised when I heard she was being told to write a 1000 word essay. I felt it was a unique and unusual sentencing but as her mother who was raised by a middle school teacher, I felt she would learn much more from her wrongdoings if she had to give it

thought in an essay,” said Deusner. Sears said that in the three years she has sat on the bench, she has not seen any repeat offenders. By implementing a new approach, Sears believes the defendants truly learn a lesson and are thankful to not have been given a greater punishment. “It is encouraging to see their reactions when they realize that they’re being given a chance to make a better choice and the gratitude is definitely there… We have to get away from treating people as a case number and recognize each other as human beings,” Sears said. “I wholeheartedly agree with Angela Davis, who once said ‘prisons do not disappear problems, they disappear human beings,’ and we need to stop it before it gets to that point. “Giving them time to reflect is much more impactful because they are being empowered and simultaneously taking responsibility for their transgressions.” ■

Mesa court pleased with new check-in system BY RENEE ROMO Tribune Contributor

he North Mesa Maricopa County Justice Court is getting tech savvy, utilizing a system called WaitWhile to monitor the number of defendants in their courtrooms. Court Manager Tammy Habros implemented the new system in May to help with social distancing and it has succeeded in its purpose. Habros heard about WaitWhile attending the Limited Jurisdiction Court Administrators Association meeting. The Arizona Supreme Court had offered it to any court in the state that wanted to use it. “If we can get people inside to see Judge (Kyle) Jones and still keep them socially distanced, then of course we will

try it,” Habros said. The system works as a QR code that defendants, who are attending court for arraignment hearings specifically, can scan with their phone. That takes them to a website where they can register and reserve a spot in line; security is present to explain the process to ensure a smooth process. Two texts are sent to the defendant, one to inform them that they are next in line and the second to call them up to the front desk, according to Habros. Staff members of the North Mesa Justice Court such as Carrie Wynn monitor an iPad that has the list of defendants that have registered and allows them into the courthouse accordingly. Wynn has found WaitWhile to be very beneficial for all parties involved, ex-

plaining. “Nobody has complained about the system, it is so easy to use, I want to keep it.” Out of the 26 Maricopa County Justice Courts, the North Mesa precinct is the only one using it, Habros believes. “If other courts have a need to have crowd control for their courtroom, I think it’d be very beneficial to use WaitWhile,” Habros said. Scott Davis, spokesman for the Maricopa County Justice Courts, said he has received interest from other courts around the county after seeing the success that North Mesa has had. Habros said that WaitWhile is only for arraignment hearings because “they are the only type of hearing that is not scheduled by the court” and due to that “there is no structure to control the amount

GOT NEWS?

of people that may come in after being stopped by a police officer.” Many defendants have found the process rather easy and quick. “I just opened my camera on my phone, scanned the code, the link to the website immediately popped up and had me register, it took no more than a minute,” said Christina Miranda after arriving for her arraignment hearing. Habros said that if the number of people that are being seen in person continues after the pandemic, the system would “certainly be helpful to be able to control the amount of people coming in at a time.” Habros especially hopes to see the system upgraded so that defendants can sign up for a specific date and time before they even arrive at the courthouse. ■

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

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 25

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN WARNING! Our clinic is taking every precaution and we follow strict CDC guidelines to ensure that our patients, clinic and staff are SAFE! Mesa, AZ — The most common method your doctor will recommend to treat your chronic pain and/or neuropathy is with prescription drugs that may temporarily reduce your symptoms. These drugs have names such as Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin, and are primarily antidepressant or anti-seizure drugs. These drugs may cause you to feel uncomfortable and have a variety of harmful side effects.

Great things are happening here

Chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and the most debilitating balance problems. This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet which causes the nerves to begin to degenerate due to lack of nutrient flow.

Open enrollment 2022–23 November 10–December 10 » Learn more at enrollbasis.com/mt1

3) How much treatment will your condition require? The treatment that is provided at Aspen Medical has three main goals. 1) Increase blood flow

3) Decrease brain-based pain

COMPLETE

ESTATE PLAN PACKAGE

795

Includes : • Living Trust • Pour Over Will • General POA

NOTE: Once you have sustained 95% nerve loss, there is likely nothing that we can do for you.

Aspen Medical will do a chronic pain and neuropathy severity examination to determine the extent of the nerve damage as a public service to you and/or your family and friends. This neuropathy/ pain severity examination will consist of a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and a detailed analysis of the findings of your neuropathy.

2) Stimulate and increase small fiber nerves

Grades K–12

determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation. As long as you have not sustained at least 95% nerve damage there is hope!

Fig. 2

This is the TOTAL

ONE TIME PRICE

Single or Married

• Healthcare POA • Living Will • Cmty Property Memo

• HIPAA Forms • AZ Quit Claim Deed

Attorney Prepared - Valid in all 50 states

Mature Asset Advisors Providing You Peace of Mind for 29 Years Mature Asset Advisors, LLC is a wealth preservation and distribution firm providing expertise and personalized financial services to help you reach your retirement goals.

Call 480-535-9655

To Schedule Your Free Consultation

428 S Gilbert Road Suite 113, Gilbert AZ 85296

www.matureassetadvisorsllc.com

The treatment to increase blood flow, stimulate small nerve fibers and get you back to health is our new $50,000.00 SANEXAS UNIT! As you can see in Figure 2, as the blood vessels that surround the nerves become diseased they shrivel up which causes the nerves to not get the nutrients to continue to survive. When these nerves begin to “die” they cause you to have balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling, burning, and many additional symptoms. The main problem is that your doctor has told you to just live with the problem or try the drugs which you don’t like taking because they make you feel uncomfortable. There is now a facility right here in Mesa that offers you hope without taking those endless drugs with serious side effects. (See the special neuropathy severity examination at the end of this article) In order to effectively treat your neuropathy three factors must be determined. 1) What is the underlying cause? 2) How much nerve damage has been sustained.

In addition, we use a state-of-the-art diagnostics like the TM Flow diagnostic unit to accurately determine the increase in blood flow and a small skin biopsy to accurately determine the increase in small nerve fibers! The Sanexas electric cell signaling system delivers energy to the affected area of your body at varying wavelengths, including both low-frequency and middle-frequency signals. It also uses amplitude modulated (AM) and frequency modulated (FM) signaling. During a treatment session, the Sanexas system automatically changes to simultaneously deliver AM and FM electric cell signal energy. THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT SANEXAS IS COVERED BY MEDICARE AND MOST INSURANCE! Depending on your coverage, your treatment could be little to no cost to you! The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be

Aspen Medical will be offering this chronic pain and neuropathy severity examination from now until October 31, 2021. Call 480274-3157 to make an appointment to determine if your chronic pain and peripheral neuropathy can be successfully treated. Due to our very busy office schedule, we are limiting this FREE consultation offer to the first 15 callers. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER ANOTHER MINUTE, CALL Call 480-274-3157 … NOW! We are extremely busy and if your call goes to our voicemail, please leave a message and we will get back to you asap.

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

••

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

EV animal shelter construction contract approved TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

new and larger animal care shelter in the East Valley came a big step closer to reality last week after the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved a $36 million construction contract. The shelter will be located on county land in Mesa at Baseline Road and Lewis Drive.

The “vote is another important step in our ongoing mission to find good outcomes for as many homeless pets in our community as possible while fulfilling our statutory responsibilities in this area,” said board Chairman Jack Sellers. “A larger, modern facility with a better layout will allow us to keep animals healthy and adoptable and the entire community safe.” Supervisor Steve Chucri said the project

is especially important to “the residents who have put their heart and soul into volunteering, adopting, or fostering at our current location.” “Building a new shelter on land we own will be good for animal welfare. It’s also smart financially because there’s no land cost and the infrastructure is already there,” he added. The new facility will replace the current shelter at Rio Salado and the Loop

101 which is 30 years old and due for replacement. A favorite of staff, volunteers, and community members, the Rio Salado shelter has consistently housed and treated thousands of homeless dogs and cats each year. It cares for about 200 adoptable dogs. Plans to replace it with a more modern animal shelter have been in the works for some time but were delayed due to the pandemic. ■

half of the thefts took place at apartment complexes or outside homes. Thieves also swiped 51 converters from dealerships. It was time for a sting, police decided. The Mesa Police Department’s “Operation Heavy Metal” led to three recent arrests. The Mesa Police Department and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office joined force, with undercover officers purchasing used and stolen catalytic converters from several suspects. Officers also sold catalytic converters to a suspect who bought them believing they

were stolen. “Six suspects were identified with three arrested for a variety of criminal charges. The other three suspects have charges pending,” Det. Brandi George of the Mesa PD said. “The suspect who purchased the catalytic converters from undercover officers was also charged with commercial burglary at an auto recycler in Mesa.” In the one case, she said, 141 catalytic converters were stolen with a value of over $40,000. “This burglary also caused over $50,000 of damage to the property of the victim,” George added.

Police charged Federico Guttierez and Christopher Frenci with multiple charges, including trafficking stolen property, burglary and possession of narcotics. Anthony Toledo was charged with unlawful sale of a catalytic converter. The Mesa Police Department also assisted in a catalytic converter marking event Sept. 13-14, giving tips to the community on how to prevent the theft of their catalytic converter. More than 250 citizens had their catalytic converters etched to track and prevent theft of the catalytic converter in the future. ■

had a firearm. The victim/teller complied and gave the suspect $120.” On Oct. 4, Stewart allegedly hit a US Bank inside a Safeway on Power Road. The court document states Stewart gave the teller a note, saying, “All the $ in the bag. Big Bills, 20-50-100’s. I have a gun. No alarms. No dye packs. I am being made to do this. Thank you.” This time, she got away with $2,160. Five days later, she gave a Chase Bank teller in Old Town Scottsdale a similar note and made off with $1,231. Following that robbery, FBI agents found footage from a nearby vape shop showing Stewart getting into a pickup truck. They tracked down the pickup truck in Apache Junction and put a tracking device on it. This led them to a motel in Tempe, where an employee told investigators Stewart and her boyfriend had been kicked out for using drugs in their room.

But the truck was still in the area. Investigators followed it to the Mill Avenue Chase Bank, where agents observed Stewart put a bandana over her face – as she allegedly did in the three other robberies – before entering the Chase Bank. A note demanding $4,200 gained her $3,700, which she possessed for a few moments before agents arrested her. Court documents state that, after agents showed her video footage of the four robberies, Stewart admitted she did the four bank heists. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in federal prison. On June 8, 2016, Stewart told a Gilbert Police officer who arrested her for shoplifting and possessing heroin that she was working at a Scottsdale retirement home and living in Mesa. On Nov. 14, 2017, Stewart was again arrested for shoplifting and possessing heroin. This time, her arrest was in Phoenix. ■

Catalytic converter thefts rising sharply here BY TOM SCANLON Tribune Managing Editor

hieves looking for a fast turnaround are getting under cars to detach and steal catalytic converters — a crime that is seeing a stunning increase in Mesa. The Mesa Police Department handled two stolen catalytic converter cases in 2018 and one in 2019. Last year, 69 stolen catalytic converters were reported. In the first 10 months of 2021, Mesa Police received 431 catalytic converter theft reports. According to police, more than

FBI snags serial bank robber after EV spree BY TOM SCANLON Tribune Managing Editor

27-year-old Mesa resident with a history of drug-related convictions allegedly went on a bank robbery spree including two Mesa locations. Taylor Stewart’s three-week, $7,000 binge – with scores ranging from $120 to $3,700 – ended when FBI agents arrested her Oct. 13 in front of a Chase Bank on Mill Avenue in Tempe. She was charged with robbing banks in Tempe and Scottsdale as well as two Mesa banks. According to an FBI release, “No one was physically injured during the bank robberies.” The bank robbery spree began on Sept. 23, when, according to a United States District Court document, Stewart robbed a US Bank inside a Walmart on South Signal Butte Road.

TAYLOR STEWART

Stewart allegedly “approached the victim/teller and passed a handwritten robbery demand note to the victim/teller. The note demanded money from the cash drawer, and indicated the suspect

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

Mesa moving company helps local food bank

portunity to donate their food when they move to a new home. “Since joining in 2019, Just-In Time has collected over 1.8 million pounds of food for Move for Hunger – that’s enough to feed 1.5 million people,” said Move for Hunger COO Meghan Longo. Just-In Time also provides free moving services and donations to an organization called Furnishing Dignity, whose mission is to donate gently-used furnishings, clothing and home items to those in need. In the future, Just-In Time hopes to grow their team, and in-turn, continue to help their communities grow and succeed. For more information, visit jitmoving.com. ■

BY MALLORY GLEICH Tribune Contributor

he season of giving is right around the corner, though Just-In Time Storage and Moving Company has been on that track since March 2020. That’s when the Mesa independent moving company that Justin Hart opened in 2005 began coming to the aid of United Food Bank. Hart and Business Development Manager George Phillips learned that United Food Bank needed help at the start of the pandemic shutdown and jumped into action. Their mission: to help transport emergency food bags between United’s warehouses twice a week. The company also collects food from their clients and donates to the food bank via the nationwide Move for Hunger program. Just-In Time helped to speed along the process of assembling and distributing food to people in need around the Valley. Since the inception of the partnership, Hart and his team have helped transport over a million pounds of food. “We were shocked when we realized how much food had been transported. We didn’t know it was going to happen so soon,” said Tyson Nansel, United Food Bank vice president of external affairs. “The partnership between us has been a game changer in helping to free up our drivers’ time to deliver food to our agencies,” Nansel added. The food bank has assisted hunger relief to people in eastern Arizona since 1983. As a Feeding America member, they collect, store and distribute food to around 165 partner agencies and programs in eastern Arizona. According to Nansel, the nonprofit has served over 345,000 households annually in five Arizona counties. In 2020, they distributed more than 27 million pounds of food and provided 22.5 million meals, which Nansel said was a 20 percent increase over distribution in 2019. Because of the shutdown, Just-In Time had found themselves at a sort-of standstill – there was a shortage of work and drivers, so they were in the market for a

Volunteers needed

Just-In Time employees Shawn Brooks and Alex Amaya helped United Food Bank with getting food to needy families. (Special to the Tribune) way to help. “We’ve actually dealt with a labor shortage since we opened our doors, but we continue to fight this first and foremost by taking care of our team,” Hart said. “We have a constant and focused effort to bring in good people to Just-In Time; it’s the only way we will prosper.” One of those efforts is through volunteering. The moving company helps the food bank three times a month delivering and dropping off food from their distribution warehouse to the volunteer center. “The food being dropped off at our volunteer center is assembled into food bags by our volunteers and Just-In Time takes the food back to our main distribution center, which then goes to the various agencies we help,” Nansel said. Hart and Phillips said that they have consistently found ways to give back to the community but the partnership with United Food Bank and Move for Hunger has “lifted the culture in our company to new heights with our ‘all-in’ mentality,” Hart said. Because of the success of their efforts, Just-In Time was awarded Mover of the Year by the national nonprofit Move for Hunger.

GOT NEWS?

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

Move for Hunger was established in 2009. Their mission is to eliminate food waste by providing people with the op-

United Food Bank is looking for volunteers. Duties include: • Sorting and boxing food donations • Building emergency food bags • Serving families at food distribution centers If you need help or can help, visit unitedfoodbank.org.

NO WEEKEND OR AFTER HOUR FEES Sales • Service • Repair • Installation One Hour Emergency Service Avaibale! Family Owned

FREE Service Call

We Service All Makes & Models

FREE 2nd Opinion

with any repair

on Unit Replacement or Compressor Change out

NO COMM T ISSION BASE D

IP NO TRGE R A CH

CALL TODAY

480.671.0833

ROC#247803 Bonded • Insured

Serving Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gold Canyon, Tempe

••

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

#1 Rated Shop in the East Valley Se Habla Español

Thank You for voting us

BEST AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

Your Trusted European Car Specialists We at Huffs Automotive are specialists in:

• Land Rover • Jaguar • Audi • Porsche • BMW • Mini Cooper • Volkswagen • Mercedes Benz

Serving the East Valley since 2009!

HELP WANTED Now hiring for European Automotive Technician , Top Pay, full Benefits package including healthcare, pay vacations, sick days. Great work schedule Monday thru Friday. Saturday Sunday off.

Call Now For More Information

Family Owned and Operated

95 N. Dobson Rd. • Chandler, AZ 85224 480-726-8900 • huffsautomotive.com info@huffsautomotive.com

Call For An Appointment!

COMMUNITY

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

TheMesaTribune.com |

@EVTNow

/EVTNow

Mesa boy, 9, honorary cancer run starter BY ASHLYN ROBINETTE Tribune Contributor

9-year-old Mesa boy was the honorary starter for the Children’s Cancer Network’s 11th annual run to fight last weekend at Salt River Fields. The Run to Fight Children’s Cancer celebrated Arizona’s cancer-fighting superheroes and honored those who have lost their battle while raising awareness and funds for Arizona cancer families in need. This year’s race featured two-time cancer survivor Christian Lopez as the honorary starter. “Each year we look for a family who represents all families and the challenges and hardships they face with childhood cancer,” said Patti Luttrell, co-founder and executive director of CCN. Christian’s journey hasn’t been easy. When Christian lost sight in his right eye in 2016, doctors discovered a “Spider-

Man-like” tumor weaving a web around his brain. Surgeons removed as much of the cancer as possible and monitored six other small tumors. The tumors grew, necessitating a regimen of oral chemo pills. Fortunately, the tumors are now virtually unnoticeable. Christian is now blind and on his second round of chemo. Yet, he hasn’t let cancer limit him. Instead, he stays busy riding his bike, playing the drums and doing karate, according to his mother, Brenda Lopez. While celebrating his own progress and resiliency, Christian inspired others as the honorary race starter. CCN played a large part in helping the Lopez family overcome challenges, Brenda said. “We saw so many families who haven’t had resources and the difference that it can make in a family’s ability to rise to the challenge and ability to cope,” Luttrell said, recalling her own experience when

her son had cancer. “You feel very alone,” she said. “That was somewhere we wanted to make a difference.” CCN picks up where hospitals and insurance companies leave off, serving as a primary point of contact for families from the time of diagnosis, throughout their cancer journey and into long-term survivorship. The nonprofit lends financial support to families, promotes education about cancer-related issues, and sponsors activities that build the self-esteem of childhood cancer patients and their siblings. When Grand Canyon University started the Run to Fight Children’s Cancer 11 years ago, CCN was just a beneficiary of the race, Luttrell said. It wasn’t until three years ago that the University handed over the reins for CCN to further the mission and grow it larger. The race raised more than $100,000 for pediatric cancer research and care. ■

Though cancer has left him blind, 9-yearold Christian Lopez isn’t letting the disease define him. (Special to the Tribune)

Mesa woman creates benefit concert for stricken dad BY CECILIA CHAN Tribune Staff Writer

eo Flake looked forward to his retirement in January after working as a truck driver and heavy-equipment operator. But before the 67-year-old Heber resident could enjoy it, he was diagnosed with ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in February. The progressive neurodegenerative disease affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, leading to eventual paralysis and death. But there is an experimental treatment the family wants to try but it comes at a hefty price – $1,000 a week for four weeks. The treatment is not FDA-approved and therefore considered experimental so Medicare and health insurance will not pay for it, according to daughter Taia Joy Flake of Mesa. So, in August Taia began putting out a call on social media for people willing to

LEO FLAKE

perform in a benefit concert to help her dad pay for the treatment. Over a dozen performers from through-

out the Valley answered her call for the benefits concert to be held later this month at a Gilbert church. Several performers are from Hale Centre Theatre, where Taia worked before the pandemic forced layoffs. “By the time he was diagnosed he lost muscles in his hand and in his thumb,” said Christine Flake, adding her husband had gone to nine doctors for almost three years before he was diagnosed. Today, Leo has lost 42 pounds of muscles in his chest and shoulders and he has lost the use of his arms. The 5’9” Heber resident went from 230 pounds down to 188 in a matter of months. “It went quite quickly,” Christine said. “His shoulders are like skin and bones now.” There is no cure for the disease and the two FDA-approved drugs for treatment such as Rilutek prolongs life by three months on average. “All they do is extend their life two

to three months and by that time, they don’t want their lives to be extended,” Christine said. Small-business owners and local artists have donated toward a silent auction to help the family. “I have lots of wonderful friends from Hale and from the Valley and in Gilbert that really rose to the occasion,” said Taia. The goal is to raise $4,000, enough for the first month of treatment, she said, adding her dad has remained hopeful through his ordeal. “Mentally, he has not changed,” she said. “He is optimistic. It’s a battle because you lose another part of yourself and that is really discouraging. He is trying really hard and doing what the doctors say and the most important thing is to stay active.” She added her dad is a man of faith who believes in God’s plan, which keeps him going.

see ALS page 16

COMMUNITY

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

EVIT Foundation breakfast raises bucks for scholarships TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

he East Valley Institute of Technology Education Foundation will host its annual gourmet breakfast fundraiser Nov. 3, and some of the best-known names in Valley politics are among those making an appearance. Slated for 7:30 a.m. in the Culinary Arts Banquet Hall on the EVIT Campus, 1601 W. Main St., Mesa, the event generates funding for scholarships that help vocational and career-minded Mesa students

learn a trade while simultaneously earning their high school diplomas. Featuring a gourmet meal prepared by culinary students, many of whom are also scholarship recipients, the event also includes a silent auction, stories from student beneficiaries and appearances Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone and Veronica Penzone, owner of BBV Salon in Scottsdale. Serving as emcees for the event are Kenny Sargent and Crash Gladys of SpeedFreaks, a nationally syndicated motorsports and lifestyle radio show they co-host.

Sargent, a former sports anchor in Los Angeles, has appeared on Animal Planet and other television networks. Gladys was the only female to host a full-time sports radio show in Phoenix for seven years. The EVIT Education Foundation’s mission is to ensure that every student who wants to learn a particular trade or career path through East Valley Institute of Technology programs can do so – regardless of financial status. The foundation was able to bring on a new partner and the title sponsor of this

year’s breakfast, the Chapman Automotive Group. “We owe a great deal to our sponsors, without whom this event wouldn’t be possible,” said the EVIT Education Foundation’s Chairman Curt Krizan. “This year, we helped send almost 300 local students through vocational or career-training programs, and it’s because of these sponsorships – and our generous donors – that we have been able to increase the number of students served year over year.” Tickets are at EVITFoundation.org. ■

Young Mesa pianist performing in concert today TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

2021 Red Mountain High School graduate is returning from college for the weekend to appear as the featured pianist with the Musica Nova Orchestra today, Oct. 24, in Scottsdale. Sharon Hui, a Mesa native who is a freshman at the University of Colorado and the winner of the Arizona Piano Institute’s concerto competition, will be playing with the orchestra at 2 p.m. today at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets can be purchased at scottsdaleperformingarts.org. Hui, 18, holds an Associate Diploma in Piano Performance (ARSM) from the Royal Schools of Music. She has attended and performed in the

ALS from page 15

Christine said she and her husband were totally caught off guard by their daughter organizing the fundraiser and the people who willingly stepped forward to help. “These people are giving of their time and taken to help us fight this battle,” she said. “We are totally thrilled and in awe of this generosity.” That said, Christine and Leo know they

SHARON HUI

Arizona Piano Institute Summer Festival, the New Orleans Piano Institute Festival,

are up against the clock. The life expectancy for someone with ALS is two to five years and doctors in February have told Leo that he was already two years into the disease’ progression. “What was really upsetting is they literally told him to go home and eat ice cream, don’t lose any weight and do what you were going to do in the future now,” Christine said. “There are things that have been tested and the FDA will not approve them

the University of Houston International Piano Festival, and most recently, the Lamont Summer Academy in Denver, Colorado. In March 2020, she earned first prize at the East Valley Music Teachers Association Piano Competition. Despite the pandemic, Sharon continued to compete and was selected as state alternate in the Yamaha Senior Piano Competition. In 2021, she placed second in the Arizona Musicfest Young Musicians Competition and was awarded the Amy Fu Memorial Award for the best performance of a work by Beethoven at the Angelo and Micheline Addona Arizona Young Artist Piano Competition. She later won second-prize at the Arizona State Music Teachers Associa-

or has not. It’s frustrating for people who

HOW TO HELP ...

tion James R. Anthony Honors Recital and was named the recipient of the MTNA Pee-Yaw Lim Wilkes Endowment Award. She was also selected as a finalist in the Arizona Piano Institute First Virtual Solo Competition for North America and won honorable mention in the Steinway/Avanti Future Stars Competition. Hui is the recipient of the College of Music and Chancellor’s Achievement scholarships from the University of Colorado at Boulder, as well as the Arizona Musicfest Scholarship. Hui’s appearance with the Musica Nova Orchestra, performing Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor, marks her concerto debut as the first-prize winner of the 2019 Arizona Piano Institute Festival Concerto Competition. ■ have ALS. There is no time to wait.” ■

What: Benefits concert and silent auction for Leo Flake’s ALS treatments When: 6 p.m., auction, 7 p.m. concert, Thursday, Oct. 28 Where: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1010 S. Recker Road, Gilbert Cost: Single Ticket, $15; Single ticket plus Livestream, $17; Couple ticket, $24 (two people) and Family ticket, $40 (four people). Info: facebook.com/taia.flake

The latest breaking news and top local stories in Mesa!

www.TheMesaTribune.com .com

JUST A CLICK AWAY

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

contemporary furniture & accessories

Gilbert location opening Fall 2021

coming soon! 2000 S. San Tan Village Parkway Gilbert AZ 85295

Architectural rendering of the future Copenhagen, Gilbert. Construction is well under way!

In the very near future, Copenhagen will be announcing the opening of our brand new showroom, to be located in the heart of Gilbert’s thriving shopping district, and directly across from San Tan Village Mall. This newly constructed, 32,000 square foot showroom will offer inspiring furniture vignettes, with a specific focus on the contemporary and modern designs you’ve come to know at Copenhagen. Of course, our classic Scandinavian, our fine collection of teak furniture, as well as our fabulous collection of contemporary accessories, including art, rugs and lighting, will also be represented. This will undoubtedly be the area’s most unique furniture shopping experience. We can’t wait to show it off. On behalf of the entire Copenhagen team, we looking forward to seeing you very soon!

since

join our team now hiring

apply online at jobs.copenhagenliving.com

contemporary furniture & accessories

great prices great design

PHOENIX 1701 E. Camelback 602-266-8060 SCOTTSDALE 15804 N. Scottsdale Rd. 480-367-6401 TEMPE 2346 E. Southern

www.copenhagenliving.com

(at 101)

480-838-3080

BUSINESS

TheMesaTribune.com

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

SEND YOUR BUSINESS NEWS TO PMARYNIAK@ TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM @EVTNow

/EVTNow

Salad and Go opening 5th Mesa location Wednesday TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

esa is getting another healthy eating option as an East Valley drivethru chain continues to grow. Salad and Go is opening its fifth Mesa location at 10025 E. Southern Ave. on Wednesday, Oct. 27, and anyone who buys a $2.99 breakfast burrito between 6:3010:30 a.m. that day only will get a free salad or wrap. The Mesa location brings to nearly 50 the number drive-thru restaurant chain has opened since former Gilbert teacher Roushan Christofellis opened her first Salad and Go in 2013. She felt the world was ready for a drivethru restaurant that made healthy food convenient and affordable for everyone. And she opted for the drive-thru concept because her target market comprised people who “lead busy, dedicated lives” and wanted “better, healthier fast food.” “We want people to know, when they’re looking for a quick, healthy, great-tasting meal on-the-go, that they have an alternative,” Christofellis explained several years

ago. “We really believe that we can’t change the health of America with one location.” Salad and Go serves both breakfast and lunch, with the former being five different burrito options. It also serves several protein extras, such as tofu, chicken and shrimp. “We felt like we’re not really providing a true, alternative drive-thru fast food if we’re missing that huge part,” Christofellis said when she added breakfast to her lineup. Christofellis in various interviews over the years said she was inspired not only after hearing people complain about how hard it was to find healthy food to eat when they’re in a hurry but also by the health issues her parents and in-laws struggled with – a “combination of genetics and bad diet,” she said. She chose salads, then limited the number of ingredients so menu items could be prepared quickly and limited the size of her outlets to under 700 square feet. Both strategies also kept costs down and enabled her to pay the higher costs that come with healthy food. On her company website, she also not-

ed that she and her husband “noticed you could get food on-the-go that was cheap and convenient, but it wasn’t good for you; and you could get good-for-you food at a sit-down restaurant or even some fast-casual places, but it wasn’t cheap or convenient.” So, with the help of Executive Chef Daniel Patino, they said, they “reengineered the restaurant model to create a microfootprint and focused menu that would help balance their high food costs.” “Chef designed a flavor-forward, proteinrich menu that would appeal to carnivores and vegans alike, and loaded with items that could easily be ordered gluten-free, dairyfree, or further customized,” they said. “I always knew I wanted to make a positive difference in people’s lives,” Christofellis says on her company website. “What has surprised me the most is how much my teaching experience has transferred over.” “We started Salad and Go to solve a problem. What I didn’t realize is how much the community would let us in on their struggle and share with us how Sal-

ad and Go has provided a solution in their lives,” she says. “I didn’t expect to have people reach through the drive-thru window, touch my arm and say, ‘I just want you to know you saved my life.’ You truly can’t work a shift without someone coming through the drive-thru and expressing how excited they are to have this in their neighborhood. “From those battling cancer and needing more organic fruits and veggies in their diets, to the person who just learned of food allergies and now needs to learn a completely new way of eating, to the parent looking for a healthier option for themselves and their kids. We believe in removing the barriers to eating great tasting, good-for-you food.” ■

Healthy farmers market slated

Fellowship Square Historic Mesa is holding a Get Fresh Farmers Market and Fair noon-2 p.m. Oct. 29 and Nov. 5 along the Fountain Faraway Center side of the community on 35 W. Brown Road, Mesa. Information: fellowshipsquareseniorliving.org.

Gila Community starts 4th casino project TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

onstruction is about to begin on the fourth casino on Gila River Indian Community land. Named Santan Mountain Casino and located on a 160-acre site on the southeast corner of Gilbert Road and Hunt Highway 160-acre, the $150-million project will feature more than 850 slots and table games, a BetMGM Sportsbook and dining. It also will create and will create more than 650 new jobs, according to Gila River Hotels & Casinos, which described the new development as a “modern, inviting desert oasis” that “was cultivated to bring a desired entertainment destination and convenient location to the growing Southeast Valley.”

The Gila River Indian Community operates Gila River Hotels & Casinos – which include Wild Horse Pass, Lone Butte and Vee Quiva. “The development will boast lush décor, breathtaking mountain views and stateof-the-art amenities set against the backdrop of the pristine, picturesque desert,” the release stated. “Not only will Santan Mountain bring additional revenue, sustainability and critical services to our community members, it will elevate our prestige in the gaming and hospitality industry as we continue to craft an entertainment dynasty,” Gila River Indian Community Governor Roe Lewis said. Gila River Hotels & Casinos hired inter-

see CASINO page 19

The new Santan Mountain Casino is similar in design to the Vee Quiva farther west on the Gila River Indian Community just off the South Mountain Freeway. (Courtesy Gila River Hotels

& Casinos)

BUSINESS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

CASINO from page 18

national architectural and interior design firm, Steelman Partners, and The PENTA Building Group to design and construct the casino, which is expected to take 18 to 24 months. Steelman is a designer of global entertainment, hospitality, and gaming architecture and was the lead architect for the new Resorts World Las Vegas. It has designed buildings for gaming industry leaders like including Kirk Kerkorian, Steve Wynn, Sheldon Adelson and Stanley Ho. Gila River Hotels & Casinos CEO Kenneth Manuel praised Steelman Partners for their innovative design concepts. “We are thrilled with the architectural renderings and design components that Paul and Steve have presented to us – they are ensuring that Santan Mountain will be a premier gaming destination for years to come,” he said. Steelman said a key focus of the project is to bring the texture, light and elements of the outdoors inside. The main casino will feature lush, blooming saguaro carpeting, natural light cascading from circular skylights, custom bubble glass and colors inspired by the rising and setting

in,” said John Cannito, president of PENTA. As project lead, the Tynan Group has been involved in projects on the Gila River Indian Community’s land for more than two decades. “The comfort of Gila The casino will include a BetMGM sportsbook and restaurants. (Courtesy River’s guests Gila River Hotels & Casinos) is a top priority. Whether a guest is playing the slots sun that bring unique serenity to the caduring the day or playing at a high-energy, sino floor. The PENTA Building Group, a general live table at night, Santan Mountain design contractor with extensive gaming and elements will provide a striking, serene hospitality experience in Arizona and backdrop for memorable entertainment,” across the U.S., is also part of the project Steelman said. When complete, Santan Mountain will team along with the Casino Expansion include more than 850 slots and table Owners Team and Tynan Group. games including mini baccarat, craps and “Large-scale casino/entertainment projroulette as well as an exclusive High Limit ects like this are a core competency for Gaming Salon. PENTA, and we look forward to delivering a The BetMGM sportsbook will extend world class property we will all take pride

the casino floor and offer plush seating, multiple large-screen TVs for viewing live games and sports betting. The new property will also provide multiple dining options and a lively bar in the center of the casino floor featuring entertainment. A hotel may be added in the future. The project also calls for road and other infrastructure improvements in the surrounding area. Gila River’s Casino Expansion Owner’s Team \Chairman and tribal Councilman Anthony Villareal, Sr., called last week’s groundbreaking for the casino an “historic moment.: “We will have many exciting milestones ahead with Santan Mountain, and all of them will be beneficial to our community,” he said. The gaming enterprise is also slated to open a $143 million expansion project at Wild Horse Pass later this year —bringing 205 additional guest rooms, new meeting space, two pools and a rooftop restaurant and lounge to the Chandler property. The project marks the first expansion since Wild Horse Pass opened in 2009. Information: PlayAtGila.com. ■

••

OPINION

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

Share Your Thoughts:

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

@EVTNow

/EVTNow

Getting older has made me look differently at aging BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist

he first time I poked fun at the Rolling Stones for being too old to rock-n-roll was in 1997. The band, led by then-54-year-old Mick Jagger, was in Tempe to play Sun Devil Stadium. Lead guitarist Keith Richards was a few weeks shy of turning 54 – a couple years younger than I am today. The Stones must have torn it up that night, because news reports from the concert indicate that sparks from their pyrotechnics set off a huge blaze in some bleachers behind the stage. So much for my jokes about that being The Depends Tour. I raise the point out of a desire to clarify some things concerning the concept of old age. One, despite having multiple college

degrees by the time I reached my thirties, I was still a naive jackass. Retrospect is startling that way, helping you know what you don’t know. Two, the older I get, the more distant old age feels. Part of that is wishful thinking. But also, it seems to take longer to get old in the 21st century, with all our technology and science than it did back a couple decades ago. Or so I’ve deluded myself. In addition to swabbing away some of my naivete, aging has also increased my tolerance. One example is the newfound respect I have for Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, who at 44 is leading the National Football League in passing yards and completions while chasing an unfathomable eighth Super Bowl ring. For context, Cardinals QB Kyler Murray was 3 when Brady made his NFL debut. Brady peaking again this late in athletic life makes you wonder how long he can

go without a noticeable decline in performance. I had the same thought a few weeks ago while listening to Don Henley, lead singer of The Eagles, hit some impossibly high notes on classics like “One Of These Nights” and “Desperado.” At age 74, Henley sounds no different than he did back in the day. If his voice is being helped along by autotune or technical wizardry, I couldn’t tell. What’s more, I didn’t care. On a Saturday night in September in downtown Phoenix, surrounded by 15,000 other lunatics who also knew every lyric – and didn’t mind coming out in the midst of a pandemic – you could close your eyes and be transported back to 1977, when “Hotel California” first hit FM radio and shot up to Number One on Casey Kasem’s American Top 40. That’s something age has taught me about music, movies, television and books: The best art not only captures a unique story, it helps us capture a unique

state of self. Great songs are like thumbtacks affixing certain moments in time in our minds and hearts. It’s a quality that my older self appreciates, in the same way I have a new appreciation for The Rolling Stones. I plunked down a small fortune the other day to see them in Las Vegas next month, nearly 24 years to the day after I skipped them in Tempe. Jagger is 78. Richards and Ronnie Wood are 77. Drummer Charlie Watts passed away in August at age 80. Used to be, I found something mortifying about the idea of Mick cavorting about bare-chested in leather pants, singing “if you start me up, I’ll never stop” at an age when most of his peers were worrying more about sitting up. Not anymore. Now I get it. Whoever barked “act your age” was some know-it-all in his thirties who’d read a bunch of books but hadn’t really lived at all. ■

dealing with drought in the west. Kelly’s scripted opening remarks included a shoutout to the home folks: “We’ve got this old saying in Arizona: ‘Whiskey is for drinking and water is for fighting.’” There’s accuracy in that anecdote, as Kelly is discovering. An emerging controversy over water has delayed cocktail hour indefinitely, and this fight goes well beyond the Colorado River and a shrinking Lake Mead. The radical leftists in the House who so often outmaneuver Speaker Nancy Pelosi have also thrown a monkey wrench into Kelly’s re-election plans. It comes in the form of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). PFAS, or polyfluoroalkyl substances, comprise a major class of heat-resistant chemicals found in products like nonstick pans, adhesives, wire insulation and waterproof clothes. House Democrats thrust the “PFAS Action Act of 2021” into

the NDAA because it wouldn’t likely pass both chambers as standalone legislation. As written, the PFAS verbiage is so extreme that it would derail military procurement. It was even too much for the Biden White House, which quietly pushed back, noting such a provision “would prohibit DoD from procuring a wide range of items.” While the manufacture of PFAS has been phased out in the United States over long-term health concerns – primarily residues from fire-fighting foams – it is still produced overseas. Because our military has about 750 installations internationally, an immediate halt to buying all products that might contain PFAS would basically render the supply system useless. Prior to his time as an astronaut, naval aviator Mark Kelly and his shipmates relied on PFAS, most notably contained in aqueous film foaming foam (AFFF). Our

Navy regards AFFF as the most effective way to extinguish fuel oil fires aboard ship. The development of AFFF occurred in the late 1960s, following the tragic fire aboard the USS Forrestal off the coast of Vietnam. That blaze was narrowly escaped by another naval aviator who later served Arizona in the Senate: John McCain. In the 2020 special election to fill the late Sen. McCain’s seat, Mark Kelly persuaded Arizona voters to favorably compare him by emphasizing similar military service, while downplaying different party labels. But while McCain relished “going rogue” in the Senate, Kelly cast himself as a “practical problem solver.” Now that he is completing the remainder of McCain’s final term, striking a balance between environmental protection and military readiness will test that claim. The most important principle for an of-

Mark Kelly may be getting tutorial in Arizona politics BY JD HAYWORTH Tribune Columnist

f airline and orbital miles were interchangeable, Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, would never have to purchase a plane ticket. Kelly, who logged more than 22 million miles orbiting the earth as an astronaut, hopes voters will upgrade his status and grant him a full six-year term in November 2022. Currently, he’s on “standby.” Facing the prospect of a spirited Republican challenge next year, the freshman Democrat hopes to employ the advantage of incumbency to keep his job. That’s growing increasingly difficult, given the poor presidential record of Joe Biden. So, Kelly welcomes the chance to focus on Arizona issues, as he can be seen an advocate for the state. That was the case earlier this month when he chaired a water and power subcommittee hearing

see HAYWORTH page 21

OPINION

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

HAYWORTH from page 20

ficeholder to remember is what they see and hear at home. This columnist came to understand that Arizonans’ concerns about clean water and a strong national defense are not mutually exclusive. Sen. Kelly faces a similar tutorial. The bumbling of the Biden administration has turned the political skies unfriendly for Democrats. Given his considerable experience aloft, Mark Kelly knows he’ll need to keep his seatbelt fastened. There is severe turbulence ahead. ■

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

Inspire The World Publish Your Book Today

Your book made available at all major secular and specialty Christian bookstores including: Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, and many more.

Call today for your Free Publishing Kit!

480-378-8183

MENDOZA Cleaning & Sanitization General Cleaning, Laundry & More

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

480.984.5555 oslcaz.org

1 time • weekly bi-weekly • monthly Ask about Windows & Sanitization Services

FREE ESTIMATES Call Mireya Mendoza Now!

480-259-0935

Live, On-Site Worship Saturdays @ 4 pm Sundays @ 7:30, 9:00, & 10:30 am Sunday School at 10:30 am

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

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

1.888.700.9845

••

SPORTS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

TheMesaTribune.com @EVTNow /EVTNow

Red Mountain golf makes it home, now looking to settle in BY JAKE HEDEBY Tribune Staff Writer

t’s one of the few sports that practices and competes off-campus, with players donning collared shirts and a pair of shorts for a uniform. Golf in high school is an extremely unique realm, but Arizona has become the perfect setting for teams like Red Mountain to flourish, no matter who is at the helm. Opened in 1988, Red Mountain won its first golf state title only seven years into the school’s existence. The 1995 season was the beginning of the program’s impressive history, with a total of nine state championships as of this year. The last time Red Mountain hoisted a banner for golf was in 2013, but the current players have not lost any appreciation for the program they are leading now. Senior Carter Wilkes knew since seventh grade that he wanted to be a Mountain Lion. “I didn’t know anything about the golf thing, I just knew they were a really good program and that I wanted to be a part of it,” Wilkes said. The man that sold Wilkes on joining the program was Frank Campos. Since taking over the program in 2016, Campos had one goal in mind, to get to a point of competing for state championships every year. Otherwise known as consistency. The three previous seasons, however, were led by three different coaches, which can cause a lot of ups and downs. “When I came here, my expectation was to be here for the long haul, and hopefully create some stability in the program that we were lacking a few years before,” Campos said. One difficult part of running a smooth program without many setbacks is the

From left: Evan Bryan, Sean Moore, Marcus Guzman, BEAR, coach Ryan Campos, Carter Wilkes, and Ului Fotu are all part of the Red Mountain golf program that aims to stay on track toward a potential championship this season. (Courtesy Red Mountain Golf) constant talent turnover. With losing seniors every year, it forces a coach to put forth effort with the younger players just as much as he does with the starters. “On every team, every personality is different, and everybody brings something else to the table that makes them unique,” Campos said. One of the underclassmen who has received attention from his coach and teammates is sophomore Sean Moore. He started playing golf just over a year ago, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced many families to find a new way to enjoy their time together outside – or, for the most part, inside – of the home. Golf has always been there for his family. But for him, it was something new. “Golf has always been in the family, but I didn’t start picking it up until COVID started,” Moore said. Less than two years in, Moore is already

thinking about how golf can be a part of his future. There are older students on the team currently searching for destinations to play at the next level, giving Moore an idea on how to pursue the same goal when he is in their shoes. The Mountain Lions do not lack any veteran leadership, which is another strategy to combat the loss of athletes. Wilkes discussed what it is like to witness the difference between coming in as a freshman, to being a leader to the younger golfers. “They love the game as much as I did, but they bring new aspects to it,” he said. “When I was a freshman, it was all about who could hit the longest drive. Now, we see Sean, and he’s all about that short game. Dude has the best short game I’ve ever seen.” As a freshman grows in the program, encouragement from upperclassmen can prepare them to take over when the se-

Have an interesting sports story?

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

niors move on to bigger things. Wilkes explained the tournament style, tee box location and playing within a team can be some of the biggest adjustments entering the high school game. He tries to show them what it takes. All golf-related activities being off-campus is a difficult reality for high school athletes, but it can also bring new opportunities that few will experience at that age. Such as out-of-state tournaments. Red Mountain has participated in three tournaments outside of Arizona in the last four years. The global pandemic stopped high school sports almost entirely in the spring of 2020, but before that, they played in tournaments in Texas back-to-back years. This season, the team went to Florida. The experience is second to none, as playing in different conditions is a big part of taking golf to the next level, and Campos wants to give them every opportunity. “We have to show coaches everywhere that if one of our golfers gets to a bigtime school they can adjust,” Campos said. “The weather conditions are just something we usually don’t have to deal with in Arizona, so giving the kids that chance is why we travel.” Oddly enough, the journey home proved much more difficult than the tournament itself in Florida. With a layover in Texas, the team’s connecting flight to Phoenix was canceled, along with thousands of other Southwest flights across the country. The coaches wasted no time getting back for the next week of school, renting a 14-person van and trekking the final 14 hours home in one drive. Ending a quick, but stressful experience for the golfers and their parents.

see GOLF page 23

SPORTS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

Quality Healthcare Begins with Us! Begins Quality Healthcare

GOLF from page 22

“My mom just wanted to make sure I was going to be back for school on time,” Moore said. “It was a great bonding experience, though, all of us in a car together having a good time.” The culture for the golf program this year is centered around motivating each other on and off the course. It’s paid off so far in impressive showings out of state, and they hope to keep that going when the state tournament rolls around on Nov. 3-4. “The thing about our team this year is we got five guys that can play, and so if one isn’t having a great day, you’ve got four other dudes that got his back right there,” Wilkes said. “And that’s something we try to incorporate in practice, if one guy is gone, the rest need to step up.” ■

PHOENICIAN MEDICAL CENTER with Us!

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

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

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

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

Charles Alan Richardson, MD • Mark Kent, FNP • Cesar M Rodarte, DO (spanish speaking) Stella Bernard, APRN,MSN,FNP-C (spanish speaking) • Mehdy Zazandy, MD Kathyayini Konuru, MD • Kristal Munez, MD • Ann Reiff, NP • Madison Zieser, PA

Same day new patient appt available

The Red Mountain golf program prides itself on being able to support one another while allowing individuals to rest if needed. It’s come into play so far this season playing three out-of-state tournaments, including in Florida. (Courtesy

480-963-1853 www.pmchealth.care

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

480-963-1853

Red Mountain Golf)

20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Join us as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Mesa Community College’s Red Mountain Campus!

Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, 4-6 p.m. Free and open to the public. Outside event, masks optional.

First 100 to sign up get a commemorative t-shirt

Festivities include: Native Blessing, multicultural entertainment, music, food and beverages, time capsule presentation, group aerial photo and more. See our campus critters and explore the Sonoran Desert environment.

mesacc.edu

MCC RED MOUNTAIN CAMPUS 7110 EAST MCKELLIPS ROAD, MESA, AZ 85207

mesacc.edu/red-mountain

The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

••

GET OUT

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

Like us:

TheMesaTribune.com

@EVTNow

GetOutAZ @GetOutAZ

/EVTNow

Teacher to roll out new ‘Mortimer the Moose’ book BY SRIANTHI PERERA GSN Contributor

ilbert music and elementary school teacher Kathie McMahon has found the perfect way to influence kids now that she is retired. She is writing a middle-grade chapter novel series featuring fictional 8-yearold Jimmy Robertson, whose clumsy new friend happens to have a pair of antlers: A moose called Mortimer who teams with him in “Mortimer and Me.” McMahon taught children from fourth to sixth grade at Roosevelt and Kerr elementary schools in Mesa for 20 years and retired in 2005. “I realized my voice is with the kids that I taught,” she said. Hence, she delved into middle-grade fiction. Book one is “Mortimer and Me,” book two is titled “The Bigfoot Mystery,” book three is “Moose for Hire” and book four is “Moose in Space.” The first three books received Story Monsters awards. McMahon will launch book five – “The House on Briarwood Lane – during a Halloween-themed event from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Oct. 30 at HD SOUTH Home of the Gilbert Museum. The books, self-published with illustrations by Tom Tate, are available on Amazon, and suitable for kids ages 6-9. In “The House on Briarwood Lane,” an old abandoned mansion suddenly has a “sold” sign in the front yard after sitting vacant for more than five years. A light in the attic glows every night and Jimmy swears he sees a face in the window. But no one ever notices anyone going in or out. Things get even more mysterious when Lily’s cat, Muffin, goes missing, and an anonymous ransom note is delivered. The series was born from the bedtime tales the author’s dad used to relate about a donkey named Mortimer. McMahon decided to make him a moose during a trip to Alaska, inspired by a gift store picture of a moose wearing sunglasses. Because Arizona is not moose habitat, McMahon placed him in Wisconsin, where her family descended from. She moved the red-haired and freckled Jimmy from Ari-

McMahon is also involved in the Ahwatukee Foothills Concert Band, where she plays the flute and piccolo. Over the years, she held many responsible volunteer positions there as well. Add travel to that, and retired life is fulfilling Above: Teacher/musician Kathie McMahon is the author of a chapter book series for 6-9-year-olds. Right: Kathie and busy. McMahon’s “Mortimer and Me” series features an 8-year-old boy, Jimmy, and his friend, Mortimer the moose. Ever the (Courtesy of Kathie McMahon) t e a c h e r , aunt and my grandmother were all music McMahon finds equal contentment in zona to Peabody, Wisconsin. nudging children, especially boys who Friendship, team effort, co-education teachers,” she said. She taught music for 12 years, including don’t read, toward books. and acceptance are recurring themes in the She meets many 10-12-year-olds without stories because they are issues that pertain a five-year stint teaching band in southern California. penchant for the written word. to her young readers. In Mesa, her work included writing musi“My motivation was to write a series that “Overall, the whole series is about: find out what you’re good at, and accept what cals that were absorbed into the curriculum. was easy enough and entertaining enough you’re not good at and just shine wherever The integration was especially for students to keep their interest and still be at their abilities, so it wasn’t going to be a big book,” you can shine and just accept other people who exhibited learning difficulties. That led her to community theater, spe- she said. “Challenging enough that they where they are,” McMahon said. Thanks to Jim and Mortimer’s growing cifically the Mesa-based East Valley Chil- can read it and still not feel like they were clientele of fans, the author doesn’t lack for dren’s Theater, which workshopped one of reading a lower-level book.” “Everything is supposed to be gender ideas. During school visits to promote the her musicals with its students. “I absolutely fell in love with the pro- neutral these days, but when those boys get books, McMahon receives plenty. McMahon is working on another middle- cess, as well as the group itself. EVCT was hooked on to my voice’s main character, the grade novel about a 10-year-old on a cross still fairly new, so I was asked to be on the moose, that gives me a lot of satisfaction,” country trip with his eccentric grand- board in 2000 and have been a part of it she said. ever since,” McMahon said. Boys were her first audience, but increasmother. She went on to compose original music ingly, girls are also becoming readers. She has also completed a first draft of a At bookstore events, she hands a reluchistorical fiction novel for young adults for seven of EVCT’s productions, and based on her own family’s ancestry: her received six ariZoni nominations, with four tant reader her book and says “look at this and tell me what you think?” Sometimes it father descended from a family of Cornish of them translating to awards. Many moons later, after serving on its works, and the child wants the book. miners in England who came to the United board and also as an instructor in many “That gives me a lot of satisfaction just States during the Civil War. Where a genealogical search lacks, she variations, McMahon will volunteer for its seeing the kids get excited about my book,” 25th season this fall. It will be her last. McMahon said. “That’s more important to fills the gaps with her creativity. “I’m heading the committee for our 25th me than how much money I make or how “It’s fascinating,” she said, of the novel’s anniversary celebration this year, and that many sales I make. It’s just getting it into the content. McMahon hails from a musical family will be my final gift to EVCT before retiring hands of the kids that make a difference.” and her primary education is in music from the board,” she said. Her teacher husFor more on McMahon’s book launch with band, Don, who handled its website for Halloween-themed children’s activities on Oct. education. “I knew from a very young age that I many years, will also step down from vol- 30 at HD South, visit hdsouth.org. More on the wanted to be a teacher; my mother and my unteering simultaneously. author at kathiemcmahon.com. ■

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

King Crossword ACROSS

1 Request 4 Lawyers’ org. 7 Jab 11 Grub 13 Sinbad’s bird 14 Way out 15 Spanish greeting 16 Somewhat (Suff.) 17 Memorandum 18 You’ll get a rise out of it 20 Iowa crop 22 Owned 24 Beginnings 28 Pudding variety 32 Lebanon’s neighbor 33 Press 34 Rage 36 Joyful tune 37 Plaintive poem 39 Sees the world 41 Country singer West 43 “Caught ya!” 44 Frank 46 Gold mold 50 Writer Didion 53 Flushed 55 Fascinated by 56 Byron or Tennyson 57 Nest-egg acronym 58 Car 59 Oil cartel 60 Many millennia 61 Drunkard

With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Contributor

T 42 Haunting 45 Sleuth Wolfe 47 Wildebeests 48 “Beetle Bailey” dog 49 Horn sound

50 “The Wedding Planner” actress, to fans 51 “Alley --” 52 Exist 54 Dapper fellow

Sudoku

DOWN

1 Needing liniment 2 Oxford, for one 3 Caffeine source 4 “Entourage” character 5 Pear type 6 Sneeze sound 7 The White House’s “Avenue” 8 Kitchen gadget brand 9 Tool set 10 Tours season 12 U.S. capital on the Potomac 19 Eastern “way” 21 ER workers 23 601, to Nero 25 Canal of song 26 Cash drawer 27 Pre-college exams 28 Even 29 Woody’s son 30 Bard 31 Illustrations 35 Historic time 38 Shrill bark 40 Sushi fish

PUZZLES ANSWERS on page 11

Pork tenderloin homage to the Crock-pot

hank you, Irving Naxon, for inventing the crock-pot. Your cooking wonder found a place in our kitchens in 1940 when you won the patent for it, and we’ve never given it up. In fact, slow cooking is as popular as ever, especially when it produces such delicious meals like the crock-pot glazed pork tenderloin with apple-bacon slaw. (Perfect for next day pork sandwiches!) Also, if you ever wanted to know a bit about the iconic Crock-pot, here’s an excerpt from a Huffington Post article: “Naxon called his devise the Naxon Beanery. He said his mother, Tamara Nachumsohn, inspired him. She had told him stories about a beanbased stew she used to make in her village bakery at home in Lithuania. The stew, known as cholent, is a traditional Jewish dish that cooks all day. It’s rooted in the Jewish Sabbath, the day of rest in which observant Jews aren’t supposed to work. “The stew goes on the heat before sundown Friday night, when the Sabbath begins, and cooks all the way until the end of Saturday services the next day. As the ovens were turned off for the Sabbath, the pot of cholent would be put in the oven, and that slow residual Ingredients for the pork tenderloin 1 (2-3 lb) Pork tenderloin or pork roast Olive oil for coating 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1-2 cloves garlic, chopped fine Sprig of fresh rosemary For glaze: 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 teaspoons honey Directions: Brush olive oil over tenderloin. Season with garlic, salt, pepper and a few leaves of rosemary. Place in slow cooker with 1/2 cup water. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. About 1 hour before roast is done, combine ingredients for glaze in small sauce pan. Heat and stir until mixture thickens, about 4-5 min-

heat over the course of the 24 hours would be enough to cook the cholent.” Naxon sold his design to Rival Mfg. in the 70’s, which rebranded his Beanery as the Crock-pot. It was marketed toward working mothers with the slogan, “Cooks all day while the cook’s away,” ■ utes. Brush roast with glaze 2 or 3 times during the last hour of cooking. Ingredients for apple-bacon slaw 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons plain yogurt 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon hot sauce 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 (16-ounce) package coleslaw mix 1 large apple, matchstick cut (Julienned) 1 stalk of celery, matchstick cut 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled Directions: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, yogurt, mustard, lemon juice, hot sauce, sugar, and salt. Add coleslaw mix, apple, celery and bacon, tossing to coat. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. ■

••

THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

1 AY 2 0 2 OCRTS.DAY – SATURD

Join the Mesa Public Schools family!

P.M. 9 7 /

THU

Perks include: • Competitive pay • Excellent health, dental and vision benefits for full-time employees • Arizona State Retirement System matched contributions

THURSDAY / OCTOBER 28

NEON CIRCUS

• Flexible hours

FRIDAY / OCTOBER 29

• Holidays off

PEOPLE WHO COULD FLY

Make a positive difference in the lives of children in your community.

Indie Pop

SATURDAY / OCTOBER 30

JALEO

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

mpsaz.org |

Brooks & Dunn Tribute

Latin

www.GlendaleAZ.com/LiveAtMurphyPark

@mpsaz

on the Desert Belle Tour Boat in October Fri - 1st 2:00 pm. - Ian Eric Sat - 2nd 4:00 pm - TBD Sun - 3rd 4:00 pm. - Ivan Harshman Weds - 6th 2:00 pm - Eric Miller Fri - 8th 2:00 pm - Kniffen Project Sat - 9th. 4:00 pm - Scott Hallock Sun - 10th 4:00 pm - Eric Miller Weds - 13th 2:00 pm - Kniffen Project Fri - 15th 2:00 pm - Ian Eric Sat - 16th 4:00 pm - Moondog

Sun - 17th. 4:00 pm - Scott Hallock Weds - 20th. 2:00 pm - Eric Miller Thurs - 21st. 4:00 pm- Southwest Surfers Fri - 22nd. 2:00 pm - Ian Eric Sat - 23rd. 4:00 pm - Pete Pancrazi Sun - 24th. 4:00 pm - Ivan Harshman Weds - 27th. 2:00 pm - Eric Miller Fri - 29th. 2:00 pm - Ian Eric Sat - 30th 4:00 pm - Pete Pancrazi Sun. 31st. 4:00 pm - Kniffen Project

480-984-2425 • www.Desertbelle.com

Explore Saguaro Lake on a tour boat cruise. Beautiful sightseeing tours daily. Desert Belle has been cruising the waters of Saguaro Lake for over fifty years. Relax in air-conditioned comfort on one of her 80 minute narrated cruises and see exotic Arizona wildlife, towering canyon walls and dramatic desert vitas. Available Cruises Include Narration Cruise, Live Music Cruise, Wine Cruise.

BESTOF

2021

Best Kept Secret

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

The East ValleyTribune

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

Deadlines

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

Scholarship Winner!

Employment Employment General

United Recyclers Group Scholarship Foundation is pleased to announce Emma Sewell as a $500 college scholarship award winner for 2021. Emma is the daughter of Ann and Russell Sewell. Russell is employed by Arizona Auto & Truck Parts, a URG member in Phoenix. Emma says, ”I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to accept this scholarship. I am in my senior year of college, studying Political Science at BYU. Being awarded this scholarship from a group that does such incredible things for the recycling industry is a true honor. I am able to take an internship class this upcoming semester in part because of the award being given and it will surely bring great things for me in the future. I look forward to the continued opportunities awarded because of this scholarship!”

Northwest Exterminating is Now Hiring Pest Technicians/Laborers in Phoenix and Tucson. NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. Call 520-631-5953. TechMileage has openings for Software Engineers in Scottsdale, AZ area. Reqs US Masters degree/foreign equiv or Bach degree + 5 yrs experience w/ skills in Java/Jscript/SOAP/CSS/ Clear Case to dsgn/dev/implement/test apps/systems. Email resume to techmileagejobs@gmail.co m with ref #2021-19 & ref EVT ad.

Now hiring for fulltime Day Porter positions in Chandler, Scottsdale and Tempe. For further information apply in person at 7020 N 55th Ave Glendale AZ 85301 or Call 623-937-3727 Virtuouspros has openings for Software Engineers in Phoenix, AZ. Reqs US Masters degree/foreign equiv or Bach + 5 yrs exp w/ skills in MS SQL/Oracle/J2EE/JSP/HTML/ Java to analyze/design/develop/ implement/test systems & apps. Email resume to Tanya at tanya@ virtuouspros.com with ref no 2021-19 & ref ad in EVT

Obituaries

Dennis Ivan Klopshinske

H E A D STO N E S

Klopshinske of Farmington, MO, formerly of Mesa, AZ, entered into eternal rest on October 17, 2021, at his residence surrounded by his loved ones at the age of 78. He was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan on June 27, 1943, to the late Ivan and Marjorie (Denike) Klopshinske. Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, JoAnne (Gray) Klopshinske, his daughter, Sheri (and husband Keith) George, his grandchildren, Dylan George and Kailyn George, his sister, Donna Pearson, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends. Dennis proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Navy during the Vietnam era. He enjoyed camping, hiking, the outdoors, and visiting “ghost” towns. He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Private interment will be held at Mt. View Cemetery in Mesa. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Libertyville Christian Church, 1737 Wesley Chapel Road, Farmington, MO 63640.

Employment General

IPL/Leaktite West a leading North American manufacturer of injection-molded plastic products. Come and Join our Production Team as a Machine Assembler. 12 Hr. Shifts, Day Shift $17/Hr. & Night Shifts $18/Hr. No Experience Necessary! Must have the ability to assemble product parts, follow directions and work as a team!

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

Announce

Merch

Prayer Announcements

Wanted to Buy

ments andise Thank You St. Jude For Prayers Answered - JRH

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

Classifieds 480-898-6465

If you are reliable, have good attendance and the ability to work in a fast paced manufacturing environment then Apply Today in person at 105 S. 41st Avenue Suite # 200, Phoenix AZ 85009 or you may also apply by calling 480-524-0975.

Sell Your Stuff! Call Classifieds Today! 480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Employment General

NOW HIRING Peter Piper Pizza

Location: McDowell and Miller Road We are now hiring Full Time / Part Time, Team Members for Day, Evenings and Night positions.

EVERLASTING MONUMENT Co.

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

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

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

Make your choice Everlasting

Apply at: 7607 E. McDowell Road Scottsdale, Az. 85257 (480) 947-9901 Located between Hayden Road and Scottsdale Road on the southwest corner of Miller Road.

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

Garage Sales/ Bazaars

COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE

Sat. Oct 30 7am-1pm Sossaman/Baseline SunLand Village East Active Adult Comm

2145 S. Farnsworth

HUGE COMUNITY SALE! Entrada Del Oro 18437 E. El Buho Pequeno - Gold Canyon AZ 85118 Friday October 22nd, Saturday October 23rd & Sunday October 24th 7am-3pm

Need to hire some help? Call Classifieds Today!

480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

HUGE COMUNITY SALE! Peralta Canyon – 10893 E. Peralta Canyon Dr – Gold Canyon AZ Friday October 22nd, Saturday October 23rd & Sunday October 24th 7am-3pm

Air Conditioning/Heating

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship New 3-Ton 14 SEER AC Systems Only $4,995 INSTALLED! New Trane Air Conditioners NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 MONTHS!

Over 1,000 Five-Star Google Reviews ★★★★★

For Rent

Real Estate for Sale Manufactured Homes

THE LINKS ESTATES Why Rent The Lot When

YOU CAN OWN THE LAND And Own Your New Home

480-405-7588

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

602-402-2213

www.linksestates.net

Block Fence * Gates

East Valley/ Ahwatukee

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

Not a licensed contractor

Car for Sale?

2021

FALL TUNE-UP SPECIAL!

REG. $99.

Includes a 16-Points Inspection. LIMITED TIME ONLY. RESIDENTIAL ONLY

FREE INDOOR REME HALO® IN-DUCT AIR PURIFIER*

• Reduces common allergens from pollen, mold dander & dust • Eliminates pet, cooking and musty odors • Reduces airborne and surface bacteria & viruses, such as MRSA, e-coli, and Norwalk 99+%,

*With a qualified ac system purchase

YOUR HOMETOWN AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALIST FREE Service Call With Repair FREE Second Opinion ★ FREE Estimate

602-789-6929 Roc #057163 Lowest Prices * 30 Yrs Exp Serving Entire Valley

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

Advertise It Here!

Call 480.898.6465

Drywall

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Appliance Repairs

• Same Day Service • On-Site Repairs • Servicing All Major Brands • Quality Guaranteed

JOSE DOMINGUEZ DRYWALL & PAINTING House Painting, Drywall, Intall Doors, Baseboards, Crown Molding Reliable, Dependable, Honest! QUICK RESPONSE TO YOUR CALL! 15 Years Experience • Free Estimates

480.266.4589 josedominguez0224@gmail.com Not a licensed contractor.

480-659-1400 Licensed & Insured

BESTOF

Electrical Services HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

Carpet Cleaning

• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •

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

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

A + Rating

480-725-7303 www.BrewersAC.com SINCE 1982 ROC #C39-312643

We offer Big Savings and Great Financing!

FROM THE UPPER 100’S

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

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

Some restrictions apply. See website for additional information. Special rebates and financing offers are valid on qualifying equipment and pre-approved credit. Offers expire 12/31/2021.

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

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

If It’s Broken, We Can Fix It! Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252

Home for rent in Painted Mountain Golf Course community. 3bd/2Ba. 64th and McDowell. Fenced yard. No pets. $1k deposit. $2000 a month. 602-339-1555

Concrete & Masonry

Appliance Repair Now

Real Estate

Homes For Rent

Garage/Doors

Cleaning Services

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

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Marks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical “No Job Too ✔Small Flooring Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Man!” Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Electrical Decks • Tile • More! Quality Work Since 1999 Decks •Affo Tile • More! rdable, ✔ Plumbing 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 ✔ Drywall Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor “No Job ✔ Carpentry Too Small Marks the Spot for“No Job Too ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small Man!” “No Job Too Man!” ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry

Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More! ✔ Kitchens ✔ Bathrooms 2010, 2011 2012, “No 2013, Job Too Afford And More! 2010, 2011 Small Man!” 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 2012, 2013, 2014 Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor 1999 Since Ahwatukee / References Work ty Quali Affordable, 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor 2014 Bruce at 602.670.7038 rk Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Wo 1999 ceBSMALLMAN@Q.COM able, Quality Work Sin

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

Home Improvement

Glass/Mirror

GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS

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

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

Car for Sale?

Advertise It Here!

Call 480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

HOME REMODELING REPAIRS & CUSTOM INTERIOR PAINTING Move a wall; turn a door into a window. From small jobs and repairs to room additions, I do it all. Precision interior painting, carpentry, drywall, tile, windows, doors, skylights, electrical, fans, plumbing and more. All trades done by hands-on General Contractor. Friendly, artistic, intelligent, honest and affordable. 40 years' experience. Call Ron Wolfgang Pleas text or leave message Cell 602-628-9653 Wolfgang Construction Inc. Licensed & Bonded ROC 124934

Home Improvement

Landscape/Maintenance

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

One Call, We Do It All! 602-339-4766 Owner Does All Work, All Honey-Do Lists All Remodeling, Additions, Kitchen, Bath, Patio Covers, Garage, Sheds, Windows, Doors, Drywall & Roofing Repairs, Painting, All Plumbing, Electrical, Concrete, Block, Stucco, Stack Stone, All Flooring, Wood, Tile, Carpet, Welding, Gates, Fences, All Repairs.

GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

All Estimates are Free • Call:

520.508.1420

www.husbands2go.com

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

Hauling

• Yard Waste • Concrete Slab • Remodeling Debris • Old Tires

25 years exp. Call Now (480) 720-3840

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

www.irsaz.com

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

Painting

Email Your Job Post to: class@times publications.com or Call

480-898-6465

Painting

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

— Call Jason —

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

480.654.5600 azirrigation.com

Plumbing

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Insured/Bonded Free Estimates

ALL Pro S E R V I C E

People are looking at the Classifieds Every day!

(602) 502-1655

NTY 5-YEAR WARRA

T R E E

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

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

ROC# 256752

L L C

Prepare for Winter Season! LANDSCAPING, TREES & MAINTENANCE

Tree Trimming • Tree Removal Stump Grinding Storm Damage • Bushes/Shrubs Yard Clean-up Commercial and Residential

480-354-5802

• Old Paint & Chems.

25 Years exp (480) 720-3840

Not a licensed contractor

480.721.4146

PMB 435 • 2733 N. Power Rd. • Suite 102 • Mesa dennis@allprotrees.com

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

TRIMMING

Drip/Install/Repair & Tune ups!

CALL US TODAY!

Landscape/Maintenance

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

SPRINKLER

TREE

Irrigation

Handyman

• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations

Juan Hernandez

Free Estimates with Pride & Prompt Service!

Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

LLC

Juan Hernandez

HIRING?

Plumbing

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

ROC#309706

East Valley PAINTERS

ROC 3297740

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

10% OFF

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

Call us to place your ad online!

www.eastvalleypainters.com

480-688-4770

Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

SEWER CABLE COMPREHENSIVE, FULL-SERVICE PLUMBING COMPANY

20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

Voted #1

Family Owned & Operated

480-477-8842

BOOK ONLINE! STATE48DRAINS.COM

MISSED THE DEADLINE?

480-898-6465

HYDROJETTING

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Now Accepting all major credit cards

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

10% OFF

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

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-405-7099

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

Pool Service / Repair

Roofing

Window Cleaning

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

Professional service since 1995

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

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

130 - One Story 170 - Two Story

$ Bonded & Insured

Includes in & out up to 30 Panes

SUN SCREENS CLEANED $3 EACH

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com

480-584-1643

Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

Attention to detail and tidy in your home.

Roofing

aOver 30 Years of Experience

aFamily Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers! Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer! Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

PHILLIPS

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

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

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

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

Place Your Advertisement Here. Call 480-898-6465 to Advertise in the Service Directory.

Public Notices NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Matter of the Estate of James Charles Hess, Deceased NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as the Personal Representative of this estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or the claims will be forever barred. Claims must be presented by delivering or mailing a written statement of the claim to undersigned Personal Representative at 10056 E. Keats Ave, Mesa Az 85209 DATED this 06, day of October 2021 /s/ Kristina Romero PUBLISHED: East Valley Tribune, dates of the October 17,24,31, 2021 / # 42024

BROADCAST YOUR BARGAINS. REACH THOUSANDS OF BUYERS. CLASS@ TIMESPUBLICATIONS .COM

480.898.6465

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

Public Notices 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.

Oooh, MORE ads online! Check Our Online Classifieds Too!

www.EastValleyTribune.com

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

Public Notices CITY OF MESA MESA, ARIZONA REPLACEMENT WELL DRILLING: CITY WELL 9, DESERT WELLS 7 and 18 AND FALCON FIELD WELL 2

“Many a small thing has been made large by the right kind of advertising” - Mark Twain

City Well 9: 416 E. 8th Street Desert Well 7: 2357 E. Hawes Road Desert Well 18: 4161 S. Signal Butte Road Falcon Field Well 2: 1804 N. 46 th Street PROJECT NO. CP0642WD ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received until Thursday, November 18, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. All sealed bids will be received electronically at EngineeringBids@mesaaz.gov . Bids must be submitted as an unencrypted PDF attachment with a maximum size limit of 20MB. Any bid received after the time specified will be returned without any consideration. This contract shall be for furnishing all labor, materials, transportation and services for the construction and/or installation of the following work: The re-drilling of City Well 9, Desert Wells 7 and 18 and Falcon Field 2 per the Technical Specifications. Drill four (4) 15-inch diameter pilot holes, conduct well logs, perform depth sampling, ream holes to 32-inches in diameter, install four (4) 20-inch well casings, install gravel packs or glass beads, develop 4 wells and other items necessary for completion of the project in accordance with the Approved Plans and Specifications at four well sites.

480.898.6465

class@timespublications.com

The Engineer’s Estimate range is $6,000,000 to $7,000,000. For all technical, contract, bid-related, or other questions, please contact Donna Horn at donna.horn@mesaaz.gov. Contact with City Employees. All firms interested in this project (including the firm’s employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process. This policy is intended to create a level playing field for all potential firms, to assure that contract decisions are made in public, and to protect the integrity of the selection process. All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the authorized representative identified above. Contractors desiring to submit proposals may purchase sets of the Bid Documents from ARC Document Solutions, LLC, at https://order.earc.com/arcEOC/PWELL_Main.asp?mem=29. Click on “Go” for the Public Planroom to access plans. NOTE: In order to be placed on the Plan Holders List and to receive notifications and updates regarding this bid (such as addenda) during the bidding period, an order must be placed. The cost of each Bid Set will be no more than $35, which is non-refundable. Partial bid packages are not sold. You can view documents on-line (at no cost), order Bid Sets, and access the Plan Holders List on the website at the address listed above. Please verify print lead time prior to arriving for pick-up. For a list of locations nearest you, go to www.e-arc.com. One set of the Contract Documents is also available for viewing at the City of Mesa’s Engineering Department at 20 East Main Street, Mesa, AZ. Please call 480644-2251 prior to arriving to ensure that the documents are available for viewing. In order for the City to consider alternate products in the bidding process, please follow Arizona Revised Statutes §34.104c. If a pre-bid review of the site has been scheduled, details can be referenced in Project Specific Provision Section #3, titled “Pre-Bid Review of Site.” Work shall be completed within 360 consecutive calendar days, beginning with the day following the starting date specified in the Notice to Proceed. Bids must be submitted on the Proposal Form provided and be accompanied by the Bid Bond for not less than ten percent (10%) of the total bid, payable to the City of Mesa, Arizona, or a certified or cashier&#39;s check. PERSONAL OR INDIVIDUAL SURETY BONDS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.

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

The successful bidder will be required to execute the standard form of contract for construction within ten (10) days after formal award of contract. In addition, the successful bidder must be registered in the City of Mesa Vendor Self-Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz.gov/business/purchasing/vendor-self-service). The successful bidder, simultaneously with the execution of the Contract, will be required to furnish a Payment Bond in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, a Performance Bond in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, and the most recent ACORD® Certificate of Liability Insurance form with additional insured endorsements. The right is hereby reserved to accept or reject any or all bids or parts thereto, to waive any informalities in any proposal and reject the bids of any persons who have been delinquent or unfaithful to any contract with the City of Mesa. BETH HUNING City Engineer ATTEST: DeeAnn Mickelsen City Clerk Published: East Valley Tribune Oct. 24, 31, 2021 / 42182

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

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 24, 2021

Arizona’s Resort-Style Home Builder

MASTER PLANNED CELEBRATED COMMUNITIES BY BLANDFORD HOMES

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

A Dramatic New Gated Community

Vintage Collection • From the mid $500’s • 480-895-2800 Craftsman Collection • From the mid $600’s • 480-988-2400

B Palma Brisa – In Ahwatukee Foothills NOW SELLING A Dramatic New Gated Community

Vintage Collection • From the low $600’s • 480-641-1800 Craftsman Collection • From the mid $700’s • 480-641-1800

C Belmont at Somerset – Prime Gilbert Location NOW SELLING Luxury estate homes and timeless architecture From the low $1,000,000’s • 480-895-6300

D Monteluna – Brand New Gated Community

in the Foothills of Northeast Mesa COMING LATE 2021

McKellips Rd just east of the Red Mountain 202 Fwy • From the $600’s

E Reserve at Red Rock – New Upscale Resort Community

C GERMANN

in the Foothills of Northeast Mesa COMING IN 2022 Stunning views of Red Mountain • From the $600’s

F Estates at Mandarin Grove – In the Citrus Groves of NE Mesa CLOSEOUT

11 luxury single-level estate homes with 3- to 6-car garages plus optional RV garages and carriage houses • From the mid $1,000,000’s • 480-750-3000

G Estates at Hermosa Ranch – In the Citrus Groves of NE Mesa CLOSEOUT

12 single-level homes on extra large homesites with 5- to 6-car garages plus optional RV garages and carriage houses • From the mid $1,000,000’s • 480-750-3000

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

The Mesa Tribune - Zone 2 - 10.24.2021

Articles inside

GET OUT

Zone

COMMUNITY

OPINION

BUSINESS