Queen Creek Tribune 070322 by Times Media Group

Sextortion a problem / P. 4

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Suddenly, uncertainty surrounds QC battery plant’s future BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

COMMUNITY...... 17 American Leadership Academy alumna returns as teacher.

BUSINESS............ 19 Little Queen Creek café has a big menu and heart.

SPORTS................ 23 Cassius Peat leading revival of Heritage Gateway football.

COMMUNITY.........................17 BUSINESS...............................19 OPINION..................................21 SPORTS....................................23 GET OUT..................................24 CLASSIFIEDS.........................26

Sunday, July 3, 2022

nly days after Queen Creek, Pinal County officials and company representatives assured residents plans for the lithium battery plant were proceeding, LG Energy Solution indicated the project’s future might be up in the air. On June 24 – three days after a town hall cosponsored by the town and county – AZ-

BEX, a digital news site serving the local architecture, engineering and construction industry, reported that two contractors associated with the project said it’s been put on hold. That report was confirmed by Ian Calkins with Copper State Consulting Group, a public affairs consultant for LG Energy Solution, in a June 28 email to the Tribune. “Given the unprecedented economic condition and investment circumstances in the

Early voting begins Rockin’ the 4th at this week here the farm

BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

arly voting in an election that will change the face of Queen Creek Town Council begins this week and residents have only until tomorrow to register if they haven’t already. Three Town Council seats are up for grabs and while one incumbent is seeking another term, at least two will have a new occupant because Councilwoman Julia Wheatley is running an uncontested race to be the town’s next mayor and Councilwoman Emilena Tur-

see

PRIMARY page 16

see LITHIUM page 6

Schnepf Farms posted this picture from its previous July 4 fireworks displays online and that’s a good way to let Queen Creek residents know what awaits tomorrow night when it holds its Hometown Fourth celebration. While some cities in the East Valley have been forced to cancel their traditional fireworks displays because of supply line disruptions, Mark and Carrie Schnepf got ahead of the curve. For the story, see page 8. (Schnepf Farms)

Central Arizona College www.centralaz.edu

US, LG Energy Solution is currently reviewing various investment options, but no decision has been made,” Calkins wrote. Town spokeswoman Constance Halonen-Wilson said the town is “continuing to work with the company on this milestone project.” “We remain excited about what this advanced manufacturing corridor will do

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Around Queen Creek

Queen Creek to say last goodbyes to Mayor Gail Barney Family, friends and colleagues will say their last goodbyes to the late Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney this week. A viewing will be held 6-8 p.m. Friday, July 8, at the LDS Stake Center, 22035 E. Ocotillo Road, Queen Creek. Services will also be held at the Stake Center at 10 a.m. July 9. Mayor Barney died June 22 following a monthslong battle with a lung infection.

Queen Creek man slain in shooting near Sedona The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office said a Queen Creek man was killed in a shooting outside Sedona June 26 that involved two other people. The fatally wounded victim was identified as David Chesney, 53, though no other details about him were released. A call for shots fired occurred in the Red Rock Crossing area, southwest of Sedona city limits, came in around 7:11 p.m., according to the sheriff’s office, and that when deputies reached the scene, they found one man was deceased and two others being detained by Sedona police until YCSO arrived, Green stated.

Details of what occurred are still under investigation by sheriff’s detectives, but it was reported that Chesney allegedly fired shots into a trailer home where another man and his wife were staying, and that he also pointed a gun at the wife. The other man involved stated he then shot Chesney. The relationship between the two men and what prompted the confrontation was unknown. Olive Mill launches ‘Chill at the Mill’ summer specials The Queen Creek Olive Mill has launched a “Chill at the Mill” series of specials through Sept. 4 with special discounts. Founded as an agritainment destination by Perry and Brenda Rea and their five children, the mill at 25062 S. Meridian Road specializes in fresh, local, extra virgin olive oil and features a farm, market and restaurant. The specials include: •T uesday:- Antipasto board with any bottle of house wine, $35. •W ednesday: $35 Bruschetta Sampler (pick any four) with any carafe of Sangria and 30% off select bottles of house wine. •T hursday: Any pasta and wine for two with two

cannolis, $35. • F riday-Sunday: two pizzas and two pints, $35; also, $3 off bar items from 5-8 p.m. •T uesday-Thursday: $5 off all flights and $3 off all bar menu items •T he Queen Creek Olive Mill also offers daily specials that include $2 off single scoops of gelato, any pizza and four-pack of sprizzeri (mix and match) for $35; and a tour ticket for the farm and a glass of prosecco for $10. Information: queencreekolivemill.com Popular Portillo’s eyeing expansion into Queen Creek Chicago-based chain Portillo’s has submitted initial plans with the town to build a 7,700-square-foot restaurant with a drive-through on the southeast corner of Ellsworth Loop and Walnut, just south of Queen Creek Road. A wildly popular purveyor of Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and Italian sausages, Portillo’s currently has four locations in the Valley, including Tempe and Scottsdale, and plans to open in Gilbert near San Tan Village later this year. The Queen Creek venue is not expected before next year.

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QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 3, 2022

Sextortion targets teenagers in Queen Creek An edition of the East Valley Tribune Queen Creek Tribune is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Queen Creek CONTACT INFORMATION Main number: 480-898-6500 | Fax: 480-898-562 Circulation: 480-898-5641 Publisher: Steve T. Strickbine Vice President: Michael Hiatt ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising: 480-898-6309 Classifieds/Inside Sales: Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@TimesLocalMedia.com TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@TimesLocalMedia.com Steve Insalaco | 480-898-5635 sinsalaco@TimesLocalMedia.com Advertising Sales Executive: Jane Meyer | 480-898-5633 | jane@TimesLocalMedia.com NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor: Paul Maryniak | 480-898-5647 pmaryniak@TimesLocalMedia.com Managing Editor: Cecilia Chan | 480-898-5613 |cchan@TimesLocalMedia.com Reporters: Josh Ortega | 480-898-5610 | jortega@TimesLocalMedia.com Ken Sain | 928-420-5341 | ksain@TimesLocalMedia.com Photographer: Dave Minton | dminton@TimesLocalMedia.com Design: Nathalie Proulx | nproulx@TimesLocalMedia.com Production Coordinator: Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@TimesLocalMedia.com Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 customercare@TimesLocalMedia.com Sports Editor: Zach Alvira | 480-898-5630 | zalvira@TimesLocalMedia.com

Queen Creek 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@azintegratedmedia.com

BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

growing crime problem across the country is hitting home in Queen Creek. On June 14, the FBI Phoenix Field Office warned of an “increase in sextortion schemes targeting young boys.” Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice said his department has seen 15 cases of “sextortion,” including eight cases of sexual exploitation of a minor. Victims range in age from 13 to 18, but most are under 15. “Parents need to talk to their kids about how scary this is,” Brice said. “The mental and monetary issues that arise could be extensive and ongoing.” Sextortion falls under five different state statutes, including theft by extortion, sexual extortion, sexual exploitation of a minor, commercial sexual exploitation of a minor, and unlawful disclosure of images depicting states of nudity or specific sexual activities. The FBI said most cases begin when an adult contacts a minor online, such as via a game, app or social media account. The suspect poses as a young girl and exchanges direct messages with a young boy until they convince them to engage in sexually explicit activity via photo or video. The suspect will then use the photos or videos against the victim and extort money to prevent releasing the material online. Brice said most of the time the suspects will ask for funds via Bitcoin but victims have used credit cards to make payments. He said one case reported approximately $10,000 charged between two credit cards. In 2021, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than 18,000 sextortion-related complaints, with losses topping $13.6 million. This number reflects all

types of sextortion reported, not just this scheme. The results also can be tragic. In May, a 17-year-old San Jose, California, boy took his life after an encounter with a sextortionist. The victim’s mother said her son told the cybercriminal he could not pay the full amount, and the demand was ultimately lowered to a fraction of the original figure – $150. But after the boy paid the scammers from his college savings, “They kept demanding more and more and putting lots of continued pressure on him.” At the time, the mother knew none of what her son was experiencing. She learned the details after law enforcement investigators who reconstructed the events leading up to his death. Brice said it is “very difficult” to catch these criminals because of the sophisticated methodology. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have grown in popularity over the past several years due internet privacy concerns. VPNs allow data to remain private and encrypted over a public network and that makes tracing a suspect’s IP Address very difficult, law enforcement authorities said. The FBI and Queen Creek PD said they understand the embarrassment that victims for engaging in this activity but to make the victimization stop, children typically have to come forward and tell someone. “The embarrassment children feel from the activity they were forced to engage in is what typically prevents them from coming forward,” FBI said in a statement. Officials said the main tactic to stop this crime is prevention and that starts with parents talking with their kids about the issue before it begins. Sean Kaul, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Phoenix field office, said disrupting these criminals is difficult but awareness, education and

discussion with your children about their online safety. The FBI said the best advice to prevent this activity includes to be selective about what you share online, especially your personal information and passwords. If social media accounts are open to everyone, a predator may be able to figure out a lot of information about a family and/or children. Be wary of anyone you encounter for the first time online and block or ignore messages from strangers. Be aware that people can pretend to be anything or anyone online, and videos and photos are not proof that a person is who they claim to be. Be suspicious if you meet someone on a game or app and they ask you to start talking to them on a different platform. The FBI said to encourage your children to report suspicious behavior to a trusted adult. They also said to remind children that once photos are sent on the Internet – through email or an app – that content is out there forever, and you can’t get it back. “If you send nude photos of juveniles over the internet, according to Arizona State Statute, that could be considered a crime,” Brice said. He said the ramifications from these crimes can remain for some time and reports two cases where the victims had suicidal ideations. The FBI said if you believe you or someone you know is the victim of sextortion, contact your local police department, do not delete anything before law enforcement is able to review it, tell law enforcement everything about the encounters you had online. It may be embarrassing, but it is necessary to find the offender. You can also contact your local FBI field office in Phoenix at 623-4661999, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (1-800-thelost or Cybertipline.org).

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 3, 2022

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QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 3, 2022

LITHIUM from page 1

for our region and State as it continues to grow and attract more interest from companies domestically, and globally,” Halonen-Wilson said in an email June 28. According to DATABEX—the research staff of BEX— spoke with Blount Contracting, Inc., the grading subcontractor based in Apache Junction, on June 22. Blount said in the article that LG Energy Solution “has pulled the contract for their civil work and that it will not be starting for the next two-to-three years.” Ironically, work is continuing quickly two other plants that are part of LG’s $4.5 billion plan to expand its American operations by 2025 as it tries to top its Chinese rival as the largest supplier of lithium batteries for electric vehicles and create 10,000 jobs in the United States. An American subsidiary of the company, ES America, was the sole bidder in April at a state Land Department auction of the 650.5-acre site at Ironwood and Germann roads where the Queen Creek plant will be located. ES paid $84.4 million for the property and the town is investing millions in road and other infrastructure work around the site. DATABEX also reported that Yates Construction, the general contractor for the project headquartered in Philadelphia, Mississippi, confirmed LG had placed the project on hold on June 17 and estimated the hold will remain in place for four-to-six months. LG is building advanced automotive battery manufacturing plants in Spring Hill, Tennessee, and Holland, Michigan.

Construction is forging ahead on the $2.3-billion, 2.8-million-square-foot battery plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee, a joint venture between LG and GM, and includes a 120,000-square-foot recycling facility on the 274-acre site. Construction also is proceeding on another LG plant in Holland, Michigan. (Spring Hill Home Page)

Construction “will continue as planned” for those two factories being jointly built with General Motors Co., LG officials said in an interview with The Korea Bizwire. Korea Bizwire reported on June 29 that LG had decided to reconsider its $1.31 billion plan for Queen Creek because its estimated cost has swelled to nearly $2 billion amid global inflation and the recent sharp depreciation of the Korean currency, according to the article. “We are thoroughly reassessing the timing, scale and details of the invest-

ment, due to a sharp increase in investment costs stemming from the deteriorating business environment,” an LG official said in the article. On June 23, the value of South Korea’s currency, the won, fell below the 1,300-won-to-1-U.S.-dollar for the first time in nearly 13 years, according to Korea Bizwire. It is expected to take at least four to six months before LG makes its decision on the Arizona plant, according to Korea Bizwire. According to Pinal County officials, a public hearing for the Queen Creek

plant’s air quality permit is still scheduled for July 12 at 6 p.m. at the Combs High School Performing Arts Center, at 2505 East Germann Road. The Industrial Permits Public Notice provides an opportunity for public comment before county officials take action on a permit. “Any person who may be adversely affected by the requested permit/revision may offer oral or written objection to the terms of or issuance of such permit/revision, and may request a public hearing,” according to Pinal County website.

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Schnepf scores last-minute fireworks reprieve BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

ueen Creek can celebrate the 4th of July with the “biggest” bang at Schnepf Farms. Hometown 4th at Schnepf Farms’s will go on after some last-minute preparations enabled the Schnepf Family to snag some pyrotechnics despite a nationwide shortage. General Manager Connor Schnepf said the festivities will go on and promises: “It’ll be the biggest fireworks display we’ve ever produced at the farm ever in history.” Tomorrow’s celebration starts at 4 p.m. at the farm, 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road and will include food trucks, craft vendors, concert stage, rides, water inflatables and other family activities. Admission is $30 per carload, although unlimited ride wristbands are extra. Tickets are available at schnepffarms.com.

Connor Schnepf said the farm’s pyrotechnics come from Firework Productions of Arizona, one of two commercial suppliers in the state. That company informed the Schnepfs of the fireworks shortage at the beginning of this year, The farm didn’t have any commitments for until recently. “We were just told ‘we’re going to play it by ear and see how it goes and see if we can get more product,’” he said. He said they got the call a few weeks ago and have fast-tracked plans to put together a show at the last minute and that will bring about some changes when compared to past years. “We are changing the whole model of the Hometown Fourth events than we’ve done in the past,” he said. “We’re actually hosting the event inside the Farm Park.” In past years, he said they use the wide-open festival fields that allowed

see FIREWORKS page 10

Jason Colt, owner of Santan Fireworks, whose Avondale company is the largest fireworks retailer in Arizona, said the shortage of fireworks this year resulted from supply line disruptions that started with the pandemic and worsened with inflation. (David Minton/Tribune Staff Photographer)

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QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 3, 2022

spectators to view the show from as close as legally possible. He said staffing has remained the biggest challenge for all their events since 2020 and this year the struggle continues. “Staffing is a huge challenge,” he said. “We’ve had a really tough time finding help.” Last year, he said the farm had approximately 1,800 cars in their parking lot, just 200 shy from its maximum capacity. He said this averages out to approximately 4,000 people for the event but the farm capacity sits at 7,000. “We are very strict on our capacities for the farm,” he said. “We hate when we attend other events and they’re overcrowded.” He said the family-owned business wants to ensure families can attend their events where they have space to feel comfortable and roam around to enjoy the festivities. This year’s festivities will take place in a more shaded area of the park that of-

fers grassy areas for viewers to comfortably sit and enjoy the aerial show. “The fireworks will actually be bigger and higher than they have in years past,” he said. The celebration will also have amusement rides, 20 food trucks, craft vendors, concert stage, and water inflatables—a first in the event’s history. They’re urging guests to check in with parking attendants, park their vehicle and walk to the gate because the event will take place inside the farm. The Schnepfs were lucky. Chandler, Tempe and Phoenix couldn’t get their hands on pyrotechnics and are holding muted public celebrations without the rockets’ red glare, although Tempe was presenting “fire flooms” on Tempe Town Lake during a free celebration tonight, July 3. Jason Colt, owner of Santan Fireworks, whose Avondale company is the largest fireworks retailer in Arizona, said the shortages are the result of “a domino effect that started when COVID happened in 2020.” According to Colt, here are the issues,

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all the manufacturing is based in Shanghai, China and factories started to get behind because of the pandemic, being forced to close and having a shortage of workers. All the shipping is out of Shanghai and controlled by one man and importer and exporters must stay on his good side to get their goods onto a ship and on their way to the U.S. Then, there’s the port in Long Beach, California, which had the same worker shortages other industries are facing, so it has led to a lot of goods sitting in the port for weeks before they ship out. The backlog has made it hard for the U.S. train system to keep up and many containers filled with fireworks sit and wait for an available train spot. At the same time there’s been all these issues in supply, consumer demand has seen an increase of more than 300%, Colt said. The supply chain issues have also led to price hikes. Colt said that he used to pay $10,000 to get a container shipped to him from Shanghai and have it delivered to Good-

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year. Now, he pays more than $31,000 and it’s only delivered to Long Beach. He has to pay another $6,000 to get it to Arizona. Sparing gas prices have contributed significantly to those increased transportation costs. He said his retail business will be fine this year, because he ordered his supply more than a year ago. He has more than 50 locations set up around the state. All aerial fireworks are illegal for residents to set off in the state. The organizations that have a license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms can set them off as part of shows. Of course, that will probably not stop some people. The only type of fireworks that are legal for residents to set off in Arizona are ground based. Council made it legal for residents to set them off in residential streets when they updated the fire code earlier this year. There is no restriction on when residents can set them off, so long as it’s within the dates approved by state law. However, that will likely change soon. The state Legislature passed a bill that allows cities to regulate the time fireworks can be set off, starting at 1 p.m. The town posted a reminder that the only legal consumer fireworks in Arizona are: ground and hand-held sparkling devices; cylindrical/cone fountains; illuminating torches; wheels; ground spinners; flitter sparklers; toy smoke devices; wire sparklers and dipped sticks. The consumer fireworks that continue to be illegal for use in Arizona are: sky rockets/bottle/missile-type rockets; helicopters, aerial spinners, torpedoes, roman candles, mine devices; firecrackers; reloadable shell devices; aerials and single tube devices that are shot up into the air. Fireworks can be set off through July 6. Schnepf said the family loves the Fourth of July and feels happy to continue putting on a good old-fashioned Independence Day party for the community for as long as they can. “We love producing this event because we feel it’s really important for our community to come together and celebrate our nation’s independence.”

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QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 3, 2022

Lawmakers take new steps on state’s water problem BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

tate lawmakers lined up the votes June 24 to look for long-term sources of new water for Arizona – but only after they concluded they need to do something more. And soon. With only token dissent, both the House and Senate agreed on the last day of the 2022 legislative session to empower a revamped Water Infrastructure Finance Agency to come up with and fund new ways to deal with the fact that the amount of water being used in the state is more than what is currently available. Given a drought of historic proportions, predictions are that it’s only going to get worse. But several legislators from both parties said the grandiose plan originally proposed by Gov. Doug Ducey, including desalinating water from the Sea of Cor-

tez, fails to recognize that the problems Arizona faces are more immediate than projects that could take a decade and carry an enormous price tag. They agreed to go along, however, when an extra $200 million in funding was added at the last minute. Those dollars are reserved for more immediate relief including reducing water consumption, increasing efficiency and various water-saving projects for rainwater harvesting and removal of turf to promoting “gray water’’ systems that use what comes out of bathtubs, showers and washing machines to water lawns rather than wind up going into the sewer system. Sen. Lisa Otondo, D-Yuma, one of the

see WATER page 14

Gov. Doug Ducey made water a key point in his final State of the State address to the Legislature last January. (Howard Fischer/Capitol Media Services)

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WATER from page 12

architects of the deal, said thinking more short-term is “essential at this point in Arizona.’’ What’s behind all this is the realization that the drought contingency plan adopted by Arizona in 2019 is not going to save Arizona. The idea was for Arizona and other states to reduce their use of Colorado River water in a bid to stabilize the level of Lake Mead. Only thing is the lake has continued to drop amid hotter and dryer weather. And while the state has followed up with what could be considered some stop-gap solutions, like acquiring water from the tribes that have a higher claim on water

from the Colorado and Gila rivers, it was realized that there just isn’t going to be enough to go around, especially if farming, which consumes 70% of the water in Arizona, is going to continue. So Ducey unveiled a grand plan to have the state invest $1 billion over three years to find new sources of water which, by definition, had to come from somewhere outside the state. And he proposed establishing a new state agency to acquire those rights, build the infrastructure and own the water. The idea of a new agency proved to be a non-starter among lawmakers reticent to create another bureaucracy. Instead they have settled on revamping the existing Water Infrastructure Finance Agency.

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And, after Democrats complained that the leadership would all be chosen by Republicans they were given some input. But that still left the fact that the lion’s share of the cash was still earmarked for big projects with long timelines. Rep. Andres Cano, D-Tucson, said that won’t do. “Arizona is facing a water crisis,’’ he said. “Temperatures are rising, wildfires are raging and water supplies are drying up,’’ Cano said. “We need to learn to live with less.’’ And doing nothing, he said, is not an option. “We are out of time and out of chances,’’ Cano said. So legislative negotiators found that extra $200 million that could go to something more immediate, with an emphasis on conservation and the kind of research and projects that can make what little Arizona has go farther. “And here’s the best part,’’ he said. “These dollars can be used as soon as this bill becomes law, not in 20 years, not in 30 years, now.’’ Rep. Gail Griffin, R-Hereford, said that includes recharging the state’s often-depleting aquifers. “Ninety five percent of the rain we get evaporates before it can get into the ground,’’ she said. Still, lawmakers acknowledged, they have to be thinking not just short-term water needs but finding a sustainable -and permanent -- source. And it has to come from outside of the state. “If I have a water right and you have a water right and we sell it to a third party, it kind of moves around, we trade paper, said Rep. Neal Carter, R-San Tan Valley. “It doesn’t create new water.’’ And Carter said while there should be conservation efforts, he’s not sure how much more can be saved.

“Arizona does pretty well with conserving water,’’ he said. “We’re using less water now than in prior decades.’’ What that means, Carter said, is the state has to find new sources. “Augmentation is needed,’’ agreed Rep. Sarah Liguori, D-Phoenix. But she said there’s a more immediate need. “Desalination is years and years out,’’ Liguori said. “In two years we could be facing the ultimate need of immediate water.’’ Senate President Karen Fann, R-Prescott, called enactment of SB 1740 with just one negative vote in the House and Senate nothing short of “amazing.’’ “Water is a difficult subject to work with,’’ she said. Still, not everyone was on board or willing to vote for the measure. “I applaud the work that’s been done,’’ said Rep. Mitzi Epstein, D-Tempe. But she said the state should not be spending $1 billion in a search for new water until it deals with the existing legal issues here. And that includes the laws on who is entitled to pump water from the ground. The problem is that, in about 80% of Arizona, there is no state regulation of groundwater pumping. “I disagree with the idea that the person with the most money can go to an aquifer, dig the deepest well, and take all the water away from everybody else who owns property around it,’’ Epstein said. Ducey is expected to sign the measure, as early as this week. “With the passage of this legislation, we are rising to one of the most consequential challenges of our time,’’ he said in a prepared statement. “We are securing Arizona’s water future,’’ the governor continued. “We’re protecting our water supply, strengthening our conservation strategies and ensuring that our future remains bright.’’

Know anything interesting going on in Queen Creek? Send your news to pmaryniak@timespublications.com

NEWS

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 3, 2022

QC Governing Board approves tentative $123M budget BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

he Queen Creek Unified School District Governing Board on June 28 approved a proposed 2022-23 budget of more than $123 million. District Chief Operating Officer Amber Stouard said the district made conservative estimates that allows for increases in spending. However, because the Legislature only days earlier finally signed off on a state budget that Gov. Doug Ducey signed last week, the district budget likely will have to be updated in the next month or two to reflect a more accurate total on the amount of state funding the district can expect. “We’re a growing school district, so we wanted to make sure that we captured that growth that was coming into Queen Creek,” Stouard said. “But we wanted to be conservative because it’s always better to add budget capacity within the year better than reduce your budget capacity.” As of June 28, the budget calls for spending $95 million on operations and maintenance costs – a 6.8% increase from last fiscal year, according to district documents. That includes a 14.8% increase in instruction costs for a total of more than $46 million, according to district documents. The largest increase occurs in capital expenditures with a 15% increase from last fiscal year to more than $9 million, according to district documents. This fund helps with textbooks, instructional aids, furniture and equipment, vehicles, and technology hardware and software, according to district documents. The district only reported a 1.2% increase in federal money for programs such as Adult Education, Homeless Education, Indian Education, and Helping Disadvantaged Children. The district anticipates an increase of

800 students for the upcoming school year to more than 12,300 students across the district, according to documents. That number represents less than half of what the district reported from 9,800 in 2021 to 11,500 in 2022, according to documents. The state adds funds to account for 2% rise in inflation but that doesn’t factor in the current gas prices, Stouard said. She said this budget doesn’t factor in how the final state spending plan will affect funding just yet. “They’re two separate items that went through the state Legislature,” she said. The new state budget includes $8.45 billion for K-12 education—an increase of $1 billion from last year, according to a the governor’s office. This includes approximately $330.5 million to completely eliminate the State Equalization Tax Rate, a statewide tax currently applied to personal property to fund K-12 education, and backfilling lost property tax revenue to K-12 with General Fund support. Also, approximately $329 million to raise the base support level education spending and $183.3 million to maintain school facilities through Building Renewal Grants, and $100 million in special education funding for Arizona public schools. The state also allocated $50 million in ongoing funding for school safety, supporting school resource officer salaries, and $20 million for the school safety interoperability program, which provides funding to county sheriffs for real-time communication solutions between schools and public safety agencies in the event of an emergency. Stouard said the district will adjust its numbers with the new state budget and still must gather public input on the proposed budget at a public meeting scheduled for July 12 at 6 p.m. “Usually we have to wait until September for revision,” Stouard said. “We don’t have to do that this year.”

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NEWS

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 3, 2022

PRIMARY from page 1

ley has decided to seek re-election. People can register at BeBallotReady. Vote. The campaign has evolved into an interesting dynamic as candidates Bryan McClure and Matt McWilliams have joined incumbent Councilwoman Dawn Oliphant as part of a team effort with Wheatley while businessman Travis Padilla looks to spoil that trifecta with his “political outsider” campaign. “I hope that during the next four years working as mayor of Queen Creek that I will be able to help navigate the difficulties of such a rapidly expanding town,” Wheatley said. Wheatley has served on council for the past 12 years along with raising her four children with her husband Benjamin. She said the biggest issue facing the town will be managing its rapid growth, maintaining a high level of services and amenities residents desire and planning for an influx of new residents. “A small town is a town that is connected to amazing nonprofit entities, faithbased organizations, school districts and charter schools, a growing business community all working together with a spirit of collaboration,” Wheatley said. She said her biggest priorities entering office will be public safety, roadway improvements, securing water rights, staying business friendly and maintaining fiscal responsibility. “I hope that during the next four years working as mayor of Queen Creek that I will be able to help navigate the difficulties of such a rapidly expanding town,” she said. As opposition grows against a commuter rail in Queen Creek, Wheatley said no funding or construction plans currently exist and doesn’t consider it a high priority. “There are much higher priority infrastructure needs that need to be addressed,” she said. Travis Padilla has owned a payment-processing business in the merchant services industry for the last 18 years and wants to throw his hat into the ring for Town Council. “I’m the lone wolf out there,” Padilla said. “And that’s because of my ideas.” He moved from Texas to Queen Creek

Dawn Oliphant

Julia Wheatley

and has raised his five children with his wife Janine here for the last 13 years. Padilla said the number one issue remains managing the town’s growth and it’s the main issue he keeps encountering when he meets with residents. “This rapid growth that we have had and will continue to have because it’s the number one place to raise a family,” he said. “We want to keep it a great place.” He said his biggest priority if elected will be fiscal responsibility and less debt for the town. Recently, whispers of a push to bring commuter rail through Queen Creek has evoked some opposition, and Padilla said he joins that opposition. He said it’s very expensive for the town, doesn’t make economic sense and doesn’t fall in line with keeping a small-town feel. “I want to make sure that I live up to my promises to the people that I make to them and not do things like that,” he said. Bryan McClure, Dawn Oliphant, and Matt McWilliams are all running for council on the same ideals – “to maintain our town’s family-friendly feel and high quality of life,” according to their website. They’re campaigning together on the primary principles of family friendly, public safety and strong economy. Oliphant has served on council since 2010 and has lived in town for nearly 17 years with her husband and two teenage boys. McClure was raised in Queen Creek and has raised his five children here with his wife Michelle. McWilliams moved from Arkansas to Queen Creek 11 years ago with his wife and has served on the Planning and Zoning Commission for more than two years. Their team understands that for families to thrive, the town must continue to construct more roads and parks. The three also say they are committed to keeping taxes low and ensuring the town

Travis Padilla

Bryan McClure

government operates within its means, according to their website. “I will work hard for the citizens of Queen Creek,” McWilliams said. “It is you that make Queen Creek such an incredible place to live.” Two propositions will also be on the August ballot in Proposition 464 and 465. “Proposition 464 - Permanent Base Adjustment” would provide local control over the town’s spending limit, currently controlled by the level of spending – called the “base limit” – that existed in the 1979-80 fiscal year. The base limit is multiplied by inflation and population; the state Economic Estimates Commission adjusts the inflation and population figures each year. While the 1979 formula accounts for some growth, it falls short of how much the town has grown since it was incorporated in 1989. Queen Creek’s current base limit is $818,277 for a population of 2,525. According to the state Constitution, Queen Creek needs voter approval to permanently adjust the expenditure. If approved, the Town’s 1979-1980 base expenditure limitation will be increased by $5,500,000 adjusted annually for population and inflation growth since 1979- 80. With voter approval, the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Town expenditure limitation will increase by more than $520 million – from $77 million to $598 million, according to town documents. The Permanent Base Adjustment doesn’t raise existing taxes, impose new or additional taxes, nor permit the Queen Creek to spend more than it receives in revenue. It simply gives local control of the town’s annual budget to meet local needs, instead of using the state-imposed formula based upon the Town’s 1979/80 budget. The town currently has a “Home Rule

Lamar Keener

Matt McWilliams

Option” that requires voter approval every four years. Voters last approved of Home Rule in the 2018 primary election by a 75% margin, according to town documents. Proposition 465 looks to grant a Franchise Agreement between the Town and Southwest Gas Corporation. The proposition would grant the authority to Southwest Gas Corporation to serve customers within the municipality and to utilize the Town’s public right-ofway for gas utility purposes for a period of 25 years. The utility company has an existing franchise agreement that began November 19, 1997 and is set to expire on November 18. The utility company would pay the town a franchise fee equal to 2% of its gross revenue from the sale and/or delivery of gas within the corporate limits of Queen Creek, according to town documents. Election facts

July 5: Last day to Register to Vote July 6: Early Voting Begins July 27: Last day to Mail Your Ballot (suggested) August 2: ELECTION DAY August 17: Last day to Remove Political Signs Candidate’s names, emails and website: Julia Wheatley Email: reelectjulia@gmail.com Travis Padilla Email: VoteTravisAZ@gmail.com Website: http://www.votetravisaz.com/ Bryan McClure Email: bryanmcclureqccouncil@gmail.com Website: http://voteteamqc.com/ Matt McWilliams. Email: titleco@sbcglobal.net Dawn Oliphant Email: dawn4towncouncil@gmail.com Website: http://voteteamqc.com/

COMMUNITY

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 3, 2022

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QC school alum returns as a teacher cKenna Hosek graduated from American Leadership Academy Queen Creek High School in 2016 and now, she will return as the new 10th grade English teacher. School officials said they’re excited to welcome the first teacher to join the staff after graduating from the school. While teaching runs in Hosek’s blood, she wants to help foster the same environment that made her successful when

school begins on Aug. 8. “The reason she is choosing to come back to ALA is because of the high standards we instill in our students,” a school spokeswoman said. Hosek grew up the oldest of four children and said she remembers when the few activities in town included hiking and going to QuikTrip. She moved away six years ago and said it’s great to see how much the town and school have grown since then. “It’s been really fun to see all the activities that they’ve implemented here and

to see the youth participating in that as well,” she said. The Queen Creek native graduated from Grand Canyon University with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. She spent the last three years as a ninth-grade English teacher in Orlando, Florida, before she decided to return to her hometown with her husband Daniel. The couple met in junior high but lost touch before they both met up again when they attended ALA together. They started dating their junior year and got

married in 2018. She said she had numerous mentors in her childhood who inspired her own career tract both at school and home. Her mother worked as an English teacher for more than 15 years at various schools around the Valley including ALA. Another mentor that she also continues to reach out to today is her 10th grade geometry teacher. “It’s just been super great to know that

BY MELODY BIRKETT Tribune Contributor

District were diagnosed with brain tumors and ultimately died. Students Sup-

porting Brain Tumor Research is the largest student-run non-profit in Arizo-

na. So far, it has raised over $3.7 million. The organization provides opportunities for students to work with managers of large companies, do media interviews, talk with researchers and observe live brain surgery. Ayush Kothari, who just graduated from BASIS Mesa and is the current cochair for SSBTR, already has plans to extend the organization’s reach to other states. He joined the group three years ago, explaining that it was disturbing enough “to hear about statistics and what demographics brain tumors affect and how they disproportionately impact the youth population.” But when Ayush talked to a survivor, he decided to join SSBTR and applied to become an ambassador. “Having that connection with the person who was a survivor and hearing about their journey, the emotions,

BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

see TEACHER page 18

Students run group to fight brain tumors

he statistics are alarming. Within the next 12 months, over 200,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor. Brain tumors are now the leading cause of solid tumor cancer deaths in children through high-school age and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in young adults ages 20 to 39. Even benign brain tumors. Due to their location, they are difficult to treat and often severely compromise the quality of life. The cure rate for most brain tumors is significantly lower than that for most other types of cancer. Amid these gloomy statistics, a non-profit was started in Arizona in 2002 to raise funds for brain tumor research. It was founded shortly after three students from the Paradise Valley School

Brie Dragonattie, assistant principal of Notre Dame Preparatory, is flanked by Radia Wong, left, and Lillian Mueller, a member of the student-run nonprofit Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research. (Special to the Tribune)

see TUMOR page 18

COMMUNITY

TEACHER from page 17

teachers out there had impacted me and I can have that same effect on students that I teach now,” she said. Originally, she wanted to become a nurse but after working at a Boys & Girls Club in Thatcher, Arizona, she decided to change course. “I decided that I wanted to be a teacher to help kids who needed someone to advocate for them and be there for them,” she said. She said compassion became the biggest lessons she learned from both mentors and it’s an important aspect she instills her own curriculum. “They would see them as people and want to help them, be an ear for them,” she said. “So I feel like I’ve tried to take that same compassion into my own teaching.”

TUMOR from page 17

brought an incredibly personal touch which statistics themselves weren’t able to provide,” Ayush said. “Just hearing that story is what made me want to become involved in the organization.” Ayush recently talked to a doctor researching Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, a fatal condition in children with a zero survival rate. “It’s not curable,” he explained. “Current treatments improve quality of life but they can’t extend life itself. It’s an incredibly complex disease but we’re making steps to combat it and creating a treatment plan that can help these children recover. And being able to help contribute towards that is very fulfilling.” He said the organization has two main goals. “One is increasing awareness about brain tumors and the second is raising funds,” Kothari explained. “To accomplish these two goals, first, we get researchers to talk with us. We hear directly from researchers and they can talk to us about different areas they’re working with and what research is being done with the funds that SSBTR has provided. “We hear cutting-edge research from phenomenal institutes like Barrow Neu-

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 3, 2022

She said Arizona’s education curriculum seems “a little bit more direct” than Florida and noticed a system lacking structure she grew accustomed to. She said the major difference between the two school systems is not only the morals and high expectation but it’s literally in the name of ALA: leadership. “They really teach students how to lead and they also teach them how to be accountable,” she said. For example, ALA implements tutoring twice a week for students, a feature she said helped her immensely when she had trouble understanding a subject. She said the high expectations combined with the administrative support helps push students to strive for success. “Not only being told it’s important to be successful, but being shown how to do so,” she said. She said teaching requires her to re-

main proactive and plan ahead because it’s what the school instilled in her and she wants to pass that along to her own students. “I think I just want to make sure that I also teach my kids the importance of being proactive, and what that can do for their life and how that can impact their lives,” she said.

rological Institute, T-Gen, the National Brain Tumor Society, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and University of Arizona Medical Research,” he continued. “From these different areas, we can see what SSBTR’s tangible impact is. That helps increase awareness among

the people we’re reaching out to.” He noted that 93% of every dollar raised goes directly to these institutions to fund brain tumor research. “Second, for raising funds, we have ambassadors conducting their own fundraisers where they have their own events to increase awareness and response,” Kothari said. “At a “cur-a-thon” event earlier this year at Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, the group raised $22,000. Radia Wong, a newly minted Notre Dame Preparatory graduate, has been involved in SSBTR since her freshman year and is also a student co-chair. “We help lead the meetings and we organize our fundraisers so that we can help raise money for SSBTR to donate to brain tumor research organizations,” she said. She knows a lot of people at SSBTR who’ve been impacted by brain tumors and said, “I’ve met a lot of these wonderful people who have lost their children, brothers or sisters to brain tumors.” Radia is also an advocate for the National Brain Tumor Society, talking and lobbying congressional representatives and senators and their offices. “I also try working with other volunteers who are doctors and relatives of people who’ve passed away from brain

BASIS Mesa Class of 2022 member Ayush Kothari co-chairs the student-run nonprofit. (Special to the Tribune)

Queen Creek native McKenna Hosek is excited to be returning to American Leadership Academy as a teacher after having been a student there. (Special to the Tribune)

tumors. We’re all working together to try and persuade the congressional officials to help pass legislation to increase funding for brain tumor research and also to help patients and caregivers.” As she heads off to college, Radia wants to continue with the organization. “SSBTR helped me develop my interests in the brain and how humans think,” adding she’s considering a career in brain research. “My advice to others thinking of joining is SSBTR is it’s a wonderful cause where volunteers, students and adults, are passionate and inspired to make a difference to help improve patient’s lives,” she said. “We are a team working through establishing and bringing together everyone’s different ideas and strengths to create these wonderful events.” She said the group is expanding this year, starting at lower grade levels such as elementary and middle school and going into universities. “We’re a growing organization and we’d love for other people to get involved,” added Ayush. “And the more people that are involved the closer we get to finding a cure.” Information: ssbtr.org or admin@ssbtr.org

BUSINESS

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 3, 2022

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For Gateway Grand industrial park, size matters BY SCOTT SHUMAKER Tribune Staff Writer

fficials celebrated the groundbreaking on a 2.1-million-square-foot industrial park on the northwest corner of Pecos and Sossaman Road that may add to Mesa’s stock of 1 million-plus square foot industrial buildings. These large footprint buildings are increasingly in demand from manufacturers looking to set up shop in the East Valley, and the project may help the city maintain its economic momentum as the possibility of an economic slowdown in the wider economy looms. Mesa City Council gave the green light for the Gateway Grand project on March 21, and contractors are not wasting time getting started. At the June 28 groundbreaking, work was well underway as dignitaries spoke over the rumble of heavy machinery leveling the land in preparation for the project’s three titanic buildings. Gateway Grand, originally called Unbound Gateway, was re-christened after real estate giant Greystar purchased the

City and Greystar representatives broke ground for the 2.1-million-square-foot industrial park called Gateway Grand. (David Minton/Tribune Staff Photographer) property from Phoenix-based Unbound Development earlier this year. The price tag for the 155-acre property was $43.7 million, according to the Valley real-estate tracker vizzda.com. It’s a sizable bet by Greystar that the market is strong for these behemoths, as the project is being built “on spec,” mean-

ing there isn’t a tenant already lined up. Greystar started in 1993 as a blue-chip developer and owner of rental housing developments, and recently it has aggressively entered the industrial real estate sector. The company currently manages 733,377 rental units in 290 projects across North America, including several in Mesa,

fore we took over,” Chris recalled. “The previous owners just wanted out of the business. Nothing against the business. They were getting tired of the restaurant business so they offered it to my wife. “And she said to me, ‘Do you want to run a business with me?’ We said ‘ok’ and went through a year jumping through hoops with finances and loans. Come December 2019, right after having our first baby, we took over the business.” Several years before that, Chris had

worked at the Village Inn and Carrabba’s when his wife lured him over to the momand-pop cafe with two rooms and 17 tables. Though he said that at those jobs “the money was fantastic,” he quit both to work as a server at a place with hours better suited to family life. The cafe is open 6 a.m.-2 p.m. with a Friday fish fry from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Chris is enthusiastic about the café. “Nothing like corporate franchises, rules and regulations,” Chris said. “It’s whatever

An ‘itty bitty’ place to start one’s day BY MELODY BIRKETT Tribune Contributor

ight before the pandemic hit, Chris and Kelli Ruiz took over the San Tan Café in Queen Creek. “It’s been a little bit of a struggle since then but we’re getting through,” said Chris Ruiz, adding the restaurant at 18911 E. San Tan Blvd. had been open seven years when they purchased it. “It was a well-established business be-

such as The Grove on Main. Gateway Grand will be the company’s first Class A industrial project in Arizona. “We wanted to plant a flag in an area where we knew we would have success,” Greystar Managing Director Billy Cundiff said of the company’s decision to invest in the East Valley. City officials at the groundbreaking touted Gateway Grand as a step in the growth of Mesa’s Pecos Advanced Manufacturing Zone, an area Mesa has targeted for job centers with investments in infrastructure and incentives. In his remarks, Mesa Mayor John Giles noted the success of other large industrial projects in recent years. “I think this is what’s called a safe bet, right?” Giles said of industrial development in this area. “I mean, how many empty big buildings do you see around here? That will be zero. So it’s going to be fun to see how quickly these buildings go out and what additional really cool logos we add to the city of Mesa moniker.” The Gateway Grand buildings will offer

see GATEWAY page 20

The Friday fish fry is a popular offering at the San Tan Café. (Facebook)

see CAFE page 20

BUSINESS

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 3, 2022

GATEWAY from page 19

prospective tenants big spaces suitable for manufacturing products like electric vehicles, medical devices and batteries – industries that have found their way to the East Valley. In the first phase, contractors will build two 500,000-square foot buildings, planned for completion in May of 2023. The second phase consists of a single building with over 1 million square feet under roof. Marketing materials for the project boast of the buildings’ 7-inch concrete slabs with 40 feet of interior height – features that accommodate heavy machinery. Greg Ringle, the vice president of construction for project contractor Derek Builders, said the company would be pouring 50,000 cubic yards of concrete at the site in the next year, or enough to build a sidewalk from Mesa to Tucson. Ringle threw out other stats to highlight the scale of this project. “We’re gonna put over 156,000 man hours into this site,” Ringle said. “We’re go-

CAFE from page 19

the owners decided, we went with. It just opened my eyes to what the restaurant business can be when you’re just a little family-owned business vs. the big corporations. “ “We’re just a little itty bitty breakfast and lunch joint that helps everybody get through the day.” Since he said customers liked the menu as it was, he and his wife made few changes to their offerings. “We got rid of some things that weren’t high sellers,” he explained. “We added a few things more personal to us. For the most part, the menu is 95 percent the same since when we took over.” Some of the more popular menu items include chicken fried steak and egg breakfast. “We also have a signature sweet and crunchy French toast,” said Ruiz. “A lot of people come in and order a side of that with their breakfast. It’s a little twist on a traditional French toast. It’s got a crunchy, sweet coating on it vs. just plain French toast.”

Greystar has been touting the advantages of its Gateway Grand development to prospective tenants. (Greystar) ing to move 40,000 cubic yards of dirt, and we’re gonna to burn 160,000 gallons of fuel getting that done, and y’all know how that feels going to the gas pump today.” Pete Wentis, senior vice president of CBRE, the firm in charge of signing up future tenants for Gateway Grand, said the “The way we do them here is better than a lot of the burger joints around here.” Queen Creek has experienced a lot of growth recently with more restaurants opening up. But that hasn’t impacted business for Ruiz. “The thing we hear a lot from people that have tried to venture out and have tried other places is that our prices are better than everybody else’s, our portions are fantastic, the food itself is great, and then just the mom-and-pop atmosphere,” Ruiz said. The cafe has 17 employees. “Most of us are really close friends to family that work here. I have my sister who works here, my wife has her nephews who work here, and my mom works here,” Chris said. “Some of our servers have their family members who work here. We all just keep it close-knit and have very comfortable home feelings so we can talk and joke with our guests. “We know half if not more than half of the guests by name and we can share life stories. It’s like a home away from home. You feel like you’re having breakfast in your own kitchen. And that’s what a lot of people like to come out and do when they go

market is currently strong for manufacturing space in the East Valley. “We can’t build the buildings fast enough” to keep up with demand, he said, noting that many new projects are reaching completion fully leased. The arrival in the East Valley of high tech

manufacturers has created momentum, Wentis said. He said of many national companies, “if they’re not in Phoenix (yet), they’re trying to get in Phoenix.” But while Mesa’s industrial real estate market has been hot, there are signs of cooling in the broader economy. The Federal Reserve raised interest rates .75% to combat inflation, and Mesa’s financial planners are anticipating an economic cool down in 2024. Wentis said that higher interest rates could make financing for business expansions more challenging, but he said “the demand side of the equation is still very strong.” He said there is good access to power, water and fiber beneath Pecos Road, and the area has good access to transportation, including the freeway and possibly rail in the future, as Union Pacific Railroad is working on adding a 6-mile track through the Pecos manufacturing zone “If you’re backing that industrial cake … we’ve got all the ingredients for success,” Wentis said.

Chris and Kelly Ruiz took over the San Tan Café in Queen Creek only a few months before the pandemic struck. (Facebook) out for breakfast and lunch.” While the pandemic impacted business, regulars kept them in business with to-go orders. “We had a group of guys that would come here and put up some fold-up chairs and tables in our parking lot and just order food to go and chill out there like they do every

Monday and Tuesday morning,” said Ruiz. “They talked and hanged out with us here and showed us some support.” Expansion plans could come down the road but for now, Ruiz and his wife are focusing on the current location. https://thesantancafe.com/ - #149, Queen Creek, AZ 85142 - (480) 840-6425

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Sports Illustrated story abandons balanced reporting BY JD HAYWORTH Tribune Columnist

egular readers of this column will recall the lament expressed earlier in this space about ESPN’s descent into leftist political dogma. As previously noted, ESPN now stands for “Expect Sports Politicized Nonstop.” But that media outlet is no outlier. Another well-known brand name in sports journalism has also proven itself ready and willing to choke you with “woke.” Sports Illustrated, which during the glory days of the magazine age was accustomed to a yearly outcry following publication of its “Annual Swimsuit Edition,” recently opted to clothe opponents

of public prayer in robes of righteousness. Writer Greg Bishop and his SI Editors will never be accused of subtlety, as Bishop’s cover story carried the title, “When Faith and Football Teamed Up Against American Democracy.” The sub-headline spelled out Bishop’s dubious assertion with greater clarity, stating “The U.S. Supreme Court will soon decide the case of a football coach at a public high school who was told he wasn’t allowed to pray on the field in front of players. The expected result is a win for the coach—and the further erosion of the separation between church and state.” Got that? While a balanced assessment might compare the legal fight to a metaphorical “line of scrimmage” where different

views of the First Amendment are in conflict, Bishop and Sports Illustrated choose to embrace and advocate a doctrine that does not appear anywhere in our Constitution. The story chronicles the saga of Joe Kennedy, an assistant football coach at Bremerton High School in the state of Washington, who ended up taking the school district to court. It contrasts Kennedy’s assertion of his First Amendment rights with the opposition of Rachel Laser, the President/CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Laser, who also served as the lead lawyer for the Bremerton School District in this matter, is portrayed sympathetically, “because this case, and others like it, have transported her to an alternate universe of disinformation and propagan-

da—and, in that world, even democracy is in danger,” writes Bishop. But in the real world, democracy is not endangered. Instead, legitimate dissent from leftist orthodoxy is imperiled. The strategy is fiendishly clever: employ the pressure of popular culture and amplify it through the press to ridicule, diminish, and ultimately disregard constitutional principles. Greg Bishop’s narrative seeks to employ one portion of the First Amendment, freedom of the press, against another: freedom of religion. And undergirding it all is (surprise, surprise) a rather unflattering assessment of Christian conservatives. Bishop writes that the base of that group “was reinvigorated over the past seven years,

sum of money. In the end, the girl and the boy talked themselves into a decision. They drove one mid-August morning to a small town named Elkton on the Maryland border. They brought with them two witnesses, themselves barely adults. The elopement complete, they returned to Queens, married. I was born six months later. My mother told me the story of her choice not to illustrate a political point, I believe, but to underscore that I was a choice, a defining one, a decision that changed the course of her life and my father’s. She eventually became a nurse, but it wasn’t for another 25 years. My father worked three jobs to put himself through night school to earn a college degree.

That one choice led to a million sacrifices, disadvantages that could have been avoided with a single decision, to remove the tiny clump of cells that were only a few weeks along and – in my view – not yet human, a life in potential only. I remember asking my mother, “Why not get an abortion?” Her response: “I just couldn’t. I thought about it so much. But I loved your father and I wanted to have his baby. So that was it.” My mother, as liberal as they come, didn’t live to see the Friday in June when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. I know the news would have been a gut punch for her – a woman who herself had a choice, and believed deeply that every woman should have the same freedom to choose. I can imagine her

phone call and where the conversation would have taken us: To topics like personal freedom, the right of a woman and a man to decide their own destinies. We would have discussed sacrifice, because it was a theme my mother drilled into me until the day she died. We choose what we become, and every choice we make negates countless other choices. So choose thoughtfully and with love in your heart, because that is the way your parents chose to have you, son. They were fortunate to have such a choice, because not everyone does. And now, after Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, that choice is gone for many women in many states. My mother, who chose one path for

see HAYWORTH page 22

Maybe we should each think of ourselves as a choice BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist

She was a 12th grader on the afternoon she got the news she was pregnant, in the humid summer days of 1964. The girl was 17, with a beehive hairdo piled to the sky and dreams of going to nursing school. She told her boyfriend the news after he got off work at the bicycle shop. The first of many conversations ensued. Abortion was still six years from becoming legal in New York, where the girl and the 18-year-old boy lived. Roe v. Wade was still nine years away from the United States Supreme Court. Still, there were ways. But they were illegal and dangerous and they cost an outrageous

see LEIBOWITZ page 22

OPINION

LEIBOWITZ from Page 21

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 3, 2022

herself, never once spoke ill of the 17-year-old girls who chose a ride that didn’t lead to a courthouse in Maryland. “I could have had an abortion,” my mother told me. “That wasn’t my choice. But I understand it, because my life was never the same.” To say I’m glad my mother chose as

she did will sound macabre, because without that choice there would be no column, no life, no me. So, let me say this instead: Imagine if we each lived with consciousness that we are a choice, a set of sacrifices. Then we might not so easily trample the freedoms of others. And America might not be in the sad state in which we find it today.

anyway. That owes mostly to Donald Trump’s presidency, his proposed Muslim ban and anti-immigration stances, his border wall and inciting rhetoric; and his appointments of religious conservatives to the judiciary’s most powerful positions.” It is that last assertion in Bishop’s “bill of indictment” that prompts the Shakespearean exclamation, “There’s the rub!” How dare President Trump follow the Constitution, and appoint prospective Supreme Court justices whose nominations were then duly approved

by the United States Senate! And how dare that new conservative Supreme Court majority vote to reverse legal precedents that were not based on the enumerated powers within that same Constitution! Greg Bishop’s writing is protected by the aforementioned First Amendment; so is freedom of religion. Please note— that’s freedom of religion—not freedom from religion. And again it’s worth noting that the phrase “separation of church and state” does not appear anywhere in the Constitution. To employ the shopworn saying from sports, “You can look it up.”

HAYWORTH from Page 21

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Cassius Peat leading Heritage Gateway revival BY ZACH ALVIRA Tribune Sports Editor

assius Peat’s football journey took him across the country and back with multiple stops. He’s played at nearly every level, including in arena for the hometown Arizona Rattlers. His journey was one filled with adversity, but he never let that get to him. He kept pushing. He kept his head up and even when he was counted out, he did what he could to prove to himself that he could be successful on the football field. Now, he’s taking those life lessons from his playing career and applying them to coaching as he leads the way for Heritage Academy Gateway in Queen Creek, a program that will play its first football season in five years. “It’s a huge blessing, man,” Peat said. “I know I’m at the place I’m intended to be. I love being here every day, it’s something I look forward to and it doesn’t feel like work. Football has taken me to a lot of places, a lot of venues and I’ve met a lot of great people and played for a lot of great coaches. “It’s taught me a lot of lessons and now being a husband and a father, I want to pass that down to the kids.” Gateway’s revival came after several years of begging and pleading from students. The Heroes, who share the same mascot as their sister schools in Mesa, Laveen and Maricopa, played tackle football up until 2017. But a decline in participation for the small charter school led administrators to pull the plug. Since then, however, there’s been a void within the athletic programs at Gateway. But now the Heroes will have a junior high team that Peat will also coach and be a feeder program to the eight-man high school team, a brand of football that Peat became familiar with during his tenure with the Rattlers.

YOUTH

Former Corona del Sol standout Cassius Peat is leading the charge as head football coach of Heritage Academy Gateway in Queen Creek, a program that hasn’t played since 2017. Players like senior Brodie Eagar, “middle,” and freshman Gentry Hill have bought into what Peat is building this summer. (Dave Minton/Tribune Staff) “As far as Xs and Os, it’s different and faster,” Peat said. “But in terms of the core values, it’s all the same. Having two stints with the Rattlers I was able to learn a lot about the eight-man game. It’s become familiar and I’m very knowledgeable about both eight and 11-man.” Hired in April, Peat and his program began off-season work in late May and early June. Right away, there was buy-in from players, especially seniors. Brodie Eagar, who will play running back, safety and return specialist for the Heroes, was one of the many athletes asking for football to make its return to Gateway. He always had an itch to play tackle football but didn’t have the outlet. It’s a game he has always loved. And now he gets a chance to fulfill that love. It’s an opportunity he is excited for. “I’ve asked our athletic director for this probably since I was an eighth grader at this school,” Eagar said. “Now that we finally have it, it’s my last year here and my first year playing tackle football. We have to come out hard and come out ready so the younger kids that step up in our position when we graduate can fill those

shoes and do what we do, work hard every day.” Eagar has been leaned upon right away by Peat as one of the seniors to lead the program. He’s been at the school longer than most players in the program, which will field just a varsity team this fall filled with players from all four grade levels. He’s led the way and has helped welcome players like incoming freshman Gentry Hill, who is actively competing for the starting quarterback spot. Like Eagar, Hill has yet to play a snap of tackle football. But the sport has always interested him. He’s excited for the opportunity to play in front of his teachers and peers. And he believes they will be excited to watch the team in its first season in half a decade. “I think this is going to be one of those schools where they announce the game over the intercom and everybody comes,” Hill said. “That’s how I hope it will be. I think that would be motivational for us.” Gateway won’t have the biggest roster in terms of the number of players or their overall size. They know they may be outmatched in that regard by other schools in the CAA.

Peat played football at Corona del Sol and spent time at Michigan State, Pima and Scottsdale community colleges, Virginia and with the Arizona Rattlers. Now as a coach, he aims to share his knowledge of the game with his players. (Dave Minton/Tribune Staff) But they plan to be among the most well-coached and conditioned teams in the conference. With those coaches come mentors who have played at high levels that will stop by and talk to the program from time to time. Those special guests include Peat’s father, Todd Sr., who played for the Phoenix Cardinals in the NFL. His oldest brother, Todd Peat Jr. played at Nebraska while his other older brother, Andrus, is currently a Pro Bowl tackle for the New Orleans Saints. Peat aims to give the Gateway players a unique and fulfilling experience while playing football, much like he encountered in his high school days at Corona. But for now, they will continue working toward the first day of pads on July 26. “I’m all jittery and ancy,” Peat said. “I want to put on the pads and go out there and hit with the guys. I’m a linebacker, I love hearing those shoulder pads pop. This is the most fun I’ve had, even more than when I was playing. “I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity. I’m going to take it and run and try to build it into something great.”

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Chandler center lines up free summer concerts TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

for upcoming performances. Information: chandlercenter.org/ Summer2022 Here’s the lineup:

handler Center for the Arts has planned an electric series of free summer concerts Friday nights in July and August. All concerts are held at 7:30 p.m. and feature local artists. No ticket is required, but RSVP is requested with all seating done on a first come, first served basis. Attendees are invited to cool off with a soda, wine, beer, or the evening’s signature drink. Explore The Gallery at the Chandler Center for the Arts after-hours to see the latest exhibit and take advantage of exclusive flash ticket sale offers

Smokestack Lightning is a powerhouse band from the Gila River community that delivers both the gut-wrenching pull of the blues and the restless beat of rock ‘n’ roll. (Special to GetOut)

Brea Burns & The Boleros, July 15 Enjoy a night of classic country with a twist of rockabilly as front woman and songwriter Brea Burns’ well-crafted songs tell tales of cheating, heartache, honky tonks and everything in between. Put on your cowboy boots and vintage 50s wear, tease up your hair and join us for a swinging evening, minus the sawdust on the floor.

see CONCERTS page 25

Underground Railroad musical debuting in Chandler TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

he Chandler Center for the Arts will premiere “North,” a new musical by writer and composer Ashli St. Armant, in November. Set to a powerful score filled with jazz and historically Black music genres rooted in New Orleans, “North” tells the story of Lawrence and his mother, Minnie, as they escape the Deep South and travel north through the Underground Railroad, to seek freedom. “North The Musical” has been co-commissioned by four performing arts centers from across the U.S.: the Lied Center of Lawrence, Kansas, Chandler Center for the Arts in Chandler Arizona, the Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa, California, and Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio. Set in the 1850s, it is based on actual accounts of slave escapes through the Underground Railroad network, as well as St. Armant’s personal family history of over-

coming slavery in Louisiana. “In this beautifully crafted musical, ‘North’ brings forth the full experience of freedom-seekers: optimism, bravery, playfulness, wonder, suspense, and mystery,” the arts center said in a release. On Oct 25, it will premiere in Lawrence, Kansas, an important historical location of the Underground Railroad in the 1800s and one featured prominently in the story. The production then moves to Chandler, where it will premiere at Chandler Center for the Arts. Audiences attending the 2022 premiere performances will be the first to see it prior to its 2023-24 tour, which is setting its sights on Broadway. Chandler performances of “North The Musical” are Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 5 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave. Tickets are on sale at chandlercenter.org or 480-782-2680. Tickets are $42 and $32 with $15 tickets for youth. The musical is intended for intergenerational audiences

(ages 10 and up). Surrounding the public performances, Chandler Center for the Arts will hold discussions and events related to the creation of the new musical. The production will also be part of Chandler Center for the Arts educational programs with study guides, educator workshops, classroom visits and a student performance for area schools. “North is a testament to the ingenious, enduring, and multifaceted lives of Black folks throughout our nation’s history,” said St. Armant. “In our own family lineage, I learned that there were people who survived the unimaginable in the most creative ways, and they deserve to have their stories told. I want my children to know that their ancestors were more than just a line item on a bill of sale.” St. Armant created the original score to reflect the musical legacy of her roots in New Orleans. “You can’t tell the story of the people of New Orleans without our music.

This music is the glue that has held us together throughout the centuries.” To complement the story, the musical genres are equal parts jazz, musical theatre, and St. Armant’s own signature style. For inspiration she drew from an array of musical heroes, including Nat King Cole, Mahalia Jackson, Fela Kuti and Stephen Sondheim. Songs include “Never,” “Git On Board,”“Oh What These Trees Have Seen,” “On The Run,” “Head Straight, Shoulders Back” and more. The commissioning of the musical is part of Chandler Center for the Arts’ efforts to give voice to new works and artists through its community engagement and audience development programs. “Ashli St. Armant has captured through the intersection of music, storytelling and history a brilliant and uplifting piece of musical theatre. Chandler Center for the Arts believes that new work which reflects the stories of people of color are vitally import-

see MUSICAL page 25

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CONCERTS from page 24

Gabriel Bey & Friends, July 22 Playing trumpet since 1960, Gabriel Bey has performed jazz all over the world. Join him and his band for an evening of smooth rhythms and laid-back grooves with music from Miles Davis, Kenny Garett, Roy Hargrove and even Prince. Cisco & the Racecars, Aug. 5 Clap and tap your toes to the bluegrass, folk and Americana of Cisco & the Racecars. Known for their energetic style, diverse arrangements and a unique blend of old and new, see why they are considered one of the premier bluegrass bands in the Southwest.

Smokestack Lightning, Aug. 12 This powerhouse band from the Gila River community delivers both the gut-wrenching pull of the blues and the restless beat of rock ‘n’ roll. With heart thumping tempos setting the stage, expressive strings and vocals tell stories of pain, triumph, loneliness and joy.

Guitarras Latinas, Aug. 19 Guitarras Latinas will take you on a musical journey through Latin America with beautiful flamenco guitar, spicy castanets, romantic vocals and dynamic percussion. No need for a passport for this cultural tour. Information: chandlercenter.org

Brea Burn and the Boleros will offer a classic country music concert. (Special to GetOut)

MUSICAL from page 24

ment including her band, Jazzy Ash and Leaping Lizards, and her Audible mystery series, Viva Durant, which includes the New York Times bestselling story, “Viva Durant and the Secret of the Silver Buttons.” “North” is her debut theatrical production.

ant to people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds,” said General Manager Michelle Mac Lennan. “This piece, in particular speaks to the history of Black Americans during slavery, but also helps us relate to the characters as individuals with their own dreams, doubts and unique personalities.” A jazz vocalist, composer, musician and musical theater playwright, St. Armant is known for her award-winning work in education “North The Musical” is based partly on playwright-producer Ashli St. and entertain- Armant’s own ancestry. (Special to GetOut)

With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Columnist

You might come to love stuffed grape leaves with this recipe

’ve always sort of liked stuffed grape leave. But it wasn’t until this recipe that I now love them! What a difference a great recipe can make, right? Stuffed grape leaves, also known as Dolmas or Dolmades, can be a delightful appetizer or side dish to a wonderful Mediterranean or Middle Eastern menu. I found this dish to be really fun to make. The hardest part is taking the grape leaves out of the jar! I have no idea how they stuff them in there, but have patience and take your time getting them out. After that, smooth sailing to a memorable meal! Ingredients: • 2 5-30 grape leaves, plus more to line the pan • 1 pound ground pork • 5 tablespoons rice, partially cooked and rinsed • 1 large sweet onion, chopped fine • 1 tablespoon butter • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil • 1 small bunch cilantro, chopped • 1 0 large basil leaves, chopped • 1 0 medium mint leaves, chopped • 1 tablespoon ground cumin • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon black pepper • 1/4 cup lemon juice • 1 teaspoon salt • 2 cups water (or more depending on the size of your pan) Directions: Carefully take grape leaves out of the jar, and rinse well. Remove stems. Set torn leaves aside to line the pan later. Partially cook rice by adding rice and 2/3 cups of water to a small pan. Bring to a boil and let simmer 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a sieve and rinse. Add butter and vegetable oil to a medium pan over medium high heat. When butter is melted add onion and cook, stirring, until translucent and just starting to brown, about 3 minutes. Let cool slightly.

In a large bowl, combine pork, cooked onion, rice, chopped cilantro, basil, mint, cumin, salt, and pepper. On a clean working surface, place a grape leaf smooth and shiny side down. Put about 2 tablespoons of the beef/rice mixture in the middle of the leave, closer to the stem. Fold the bottom part of the leaf, covering the filling. Then fold two sides over and roll the leaf up, burrito style, seam side down. Repeat with all the remaining leaves and filling. Line a large deep skillet with grape leaves. Place the dolmas close to each other in the grape leaves lined pan. (You can make two layers if needed.) Combine lemon juice, water and salt and pour into the skillet just to barely cover the dolmas. Place an inverted plate or a smaller lid on top of the dolmas to prevent them from floating and unwrapping. (This step is essential!) Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer for 60-75 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 15-30 minutes. Serves 12 (Note: You can find a Dolmas Spice Blend at any Middle Eastern Market which can replace the fresh herbs. If choosing this option, replace the fresh cilantro, basil and mint with one heaping tablespoon of dried Dolmas Spice Blend)

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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

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

844-560-7755

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

REG. $119

480-725-3511

SINCE 1982 ROC #C39-312643

www.BrewersAC.com

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

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

PlumbSmart Plumbing

Over 1,000 Five-Star Heating & Air Google Reviews ★★★★★

Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252

833-777-8337

Handyman

• 20+ Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty LLC

• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations

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

GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES

480.345.1800 480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

Painting

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!

Roofing

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

— Call Jason —

(602) 502-1655

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

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 3, 2022