Queen Creek Tribune 072422 by Times Media Group

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QC begins move toward $23M park land purchase BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

NEWS..................... 9 TV to broadcast some high school games live.

COMMUNITY...... 16 Snakes really don’t like hot weather.

BUSINESS............ 19 QC dental practice goes gladly to the dogs.

COMMUNITY.........................16 REAL ESTATE.........................17 BUSINESS...............................19 OPINION..................................20 SPORTS....................................22 GET OUT..................................23 CLASSIFIEDS.........................25

Sunday, July 24, 2022

he Queen Creek Town Council voted 4-1 to “acquire interest” in purchasing 76.5 acres of land along the south side of Riggs near Crismon High School for $23 million for a new park. The purchase didn’t sit well with Councilman Leah Martineau, who cast the lone vote against the move. “I don’t believe this is the right time to be buying land at all,” she said. “It’s too

expensive right now.” The land purchase would help implement the Town’s 2018 Parks and Recreation Master Plan approved by Council on May 16, 2018. On June 2, 2021, Council approved a pre-annexation development agreement with owner Jorde Farms, Inc. for approximately 630 of a total 789 acres that will comprise the Jorde Farms development. Shea Homes in April bought 38.5 acres from Jorde Farms for $8.5 million and plans to build a total 401 homes on its

parcel, according to Valley real estate tracker vizzda.com. According to the project narrative submitted by the law offices of Pew & Lake on behalf of Jorde Farms, Qiueen Creek 10 LLC and the state Land Department, “Jorde Farms is a planned community with a mix of high quality residential and specialty commercial uses.” While 547 gross acres will be devoted to single-family residential construction,

see

LANDBURY page 14

QC Unified ready for the new school year Wednesday

BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

n the blink of an eye, summer break is over this week for some 13,700 Queen Creek Unified School District students as the new school year begins Wednesday. As the district continues to grow, the district is beginning the year with 150 new teachers, a new high school and a new infusion of additional funding as the result of state Legislature’s last-minute bipartisan spending plan that increased

see SCHOOL page 8

Teacher Corey Rislund cuts out laminated signs as she prepares her kindergarten classroom at Frances Brandon-Pickett Elementary School for the beginning of the new school year. (David Minton/Tribune Staff Photographer)

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Town gives seniors a cool place to socialize BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

he heat is on but the town gives Queen Creek seniors a cool place to socialize one day a week. The free Senior Program meets every Wednesday 9 a.m. to noon in the Library Recreation Annex at 21802 S. Ellsworth Road. “The main goal is providing a social program for the senior residents of Queen Creek to be able to get together, spend time together, grow in community,” Recreation Manager Adam Robinson said. Robinson said about 85 seniors on average use the center, with most of participants coming in the winter. “People that do participate in the program, have enjoyed it and continue to come back,” Robinson said. “And I think that leads to the continued year-over-year growth.” The program operates with two part-time town staffers, as many as a dozen volunteers

Diane Nelson leans across the table to highfive Barbara Sapp during Queen Creek Senior Program day at the Queen Creek Library Recreation Annex. (David Minton/Tribune Staff Photographer)

and a budget of just over $12,000 per year. The Recreation Services Division is responsible for community outreach programs, including senior adult programs, special interest classes, and special events. Robinson said the program doesn’t necessarily struggle with finding volunteers currently, though he always accepts the help when it comes his way. “We’re looking pretty good in terms of our week-to-week volunteer needs,” he said. “But we always are look-

ing for additional motivated volunteers.” The town shut down the program during the pandemic from March 2020 to June 2021. Currently, the program offers weekly events including snacks, bingo, guests speakers addressing a variety of topics for seniors, and exercise classes, when possible.

Robinson said the program helps ensure participants avoid isolation, creates friendships and gives them something to look forward to every week.“It really provides a social outlet, so that the senior community can stay connected to both other seniors and to the community as a whole,” he said.

Correction

3 vie for seats on Queen Creek school board Two incumbents and one challenger are vying for two seats on the Queen Creek Unified School District Governing Board on Nov. 8. Current members Ken Brague and Samantha Davis as well as James Knox are on the ballot. The Queen Creek Tribune last week erroneously said a fourth candidate was on the ballot. Brague, who returned a request for a brief interview after the Tribune’s print deadline, moved to Queen Creek in 2007 and, in the time since, all five of his children have graduated from Queen Creek High School. He said he’s loved the opportunity to serve the community for the 13 years he’s served on the governing board. He said he’s concerned with the hyper growth of the district and managing that growth will remain his top priority if he wins re-election, along with preparing students as well as possible for college and future careers. “We’re the fastest growing area in the state and at times the country,” he said. “We need to pass our bond so that we can build the schools to match that growth.”

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QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 24, 2022

Inflation creates new challenges for EV food banks 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

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ising inflation and sharp increases in rent are putting a dent in people’s wallets, prompting East Valley residents to turn to food pantries for help while donations to support food banks are on a downward trend. “Midwest Food Bank is seeing a 25% increase in the need for food within our communities due to the rising cost of rent, fuel, and food,” said Marilee Baptiste, executive director of the nationwide nonprofit food bank in Gilbert. “In addition, food donations are down nationwide, thus requiring Midwest Food Bank to find new sources of donated food or purchase food to continue meeting the increased need.” The Gilbert warehouse hands out food to 225 nonprofits in the Valley such as churches and food pantries. Midwest has 10 locations in the country. “The last three months have been the most noticeable,” Baptiste said. “The nonprofits we give food to say, ‘our numbers are going up, we are serving X number of people, we need more food to give out.’ “Been a lot of people trying to keep up on the treadmill as it becomes faster and faster,” she added. Baptiste said the people coming for food include the homeless, the working poor and seniors on fixed income. “There’s not a lot of affordable housing,” she said, adding food banks “keeps them going, helps eliminate some of the expenses they have and they can direct the income they do have to the housing.” Baptiste said Midwest budgeted $50 million worth of food for distribution this fiscal year and anticipated it would likely be $55 million. While the need increases, the food supply has been extremely erratic and not dependable, according to Baptiste. “We rely mostly on donated food from manufacturers and that has been down nationwide,” she said. “We are having to go out and find new sources or purchase food and that’s only possible with grants and donations.”

She said Midwest encourages its nonprofit partners to have multiple avenues to get food such as also going to United Food Bank and St. Mary’s Food Bank. “So the lines are increasing, getting scary,” Baptiste said. “Our goal is to remain having that uninterrupted source of food for these nonprofits. We are committed Volunteers, from left, Wanda Taylor, Rhonda Coe and Terry Carstens load a pallet with an order at Midwest Food Bank in Gilbert. (David to meet that need.” Mesa Salvation Minton/Tribune Staff Photographer) Army on 6th Street in Mesa saw first-hand the need, report“It’s a perfect storm,” said Jerry Brown, ing about 1,000 walk-ins in April. Last spokesman for St. Mary’s Food Bank in month, that number was closer to 3,500 Phoenix. “The price of food, gas, rent. people, said David Sauer, social services Everything is going up. The need is overdirector. whelming.” “Being that we are part church, there St. Mary’s serves 900 families Monday are people who believe that we are look- through Friday, or about 300,000 people ing at those end times,” Sauer said. “It’s statewide. insane, honestly.” “We are seeing a 60% increase in At United Food Bank in Mesa, demand demand over the same time last year,” for emergency food bags from its 150 Brown said. “We are 200% over our food partner agencies went from 25,000 to budget for the year, and we will have to 28,000 between June and July. purchase more. At the same time that “Three thousand bags is a significant demand is going up, our donations are increase month over month,” United going down. We need food. Corporate Food Bank President and CEO Dave donations from large retailers are a huge Richins said. “When you look at that help.” over a longer timeline, the trend is much St. Mary’s stores between 7 and worse.” 8 million pounds of food at its Making matters worst is that dona- 120,000-square-foot warehouse, about tions are flat. a third of which is refrigerated to hold United Food Bank’s three primary frozen food as well as fresh produce sources – food drives, 9-million pounds that is trucked up to the Valley routinely of food from local grocers, and grant from an area near Nogales. money, are about what they were last Brown said that for the immediate fuyear. ture, supply will sustain the demand. While demand is up and donations are The question, he said is “not can we down, United Food Bank is also getting feed people tomorrow, but can we feed pinched at the gas pump, according to them next month?” Richins. “We have people who know where the The nonprofit was spending about food bank is because they used to do$7,000 a month on gas in June, which nate,” he added. “Now, they’re coming jumped to $12,000 in July, he said. because they need our services.”

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 24, 2022

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QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 24, 2022

Gateway airport wins federal infrastructure grant BY SCOTT SHUMAKER Tribune Staff Writer

he Federal Aviation Administration has awarded Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport $14.4 million to replace one of its three terminal buildings with a more functional five-gate facility. Gateway was one of 600 airports that applied for terminal modernization funds contained in the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure deal. The law allocates $1 billion per year for five years for terminal work specifically. Including all types of improvement projects, airports are slated to receive $25 billion from the law. Only 90 of the airports, or 15%, that applied for the competitive grants this year received funding; Gateway was the only award recipient in Arizona. The money will be used to build a terminal for Gates 1 through 5 that is roomier, more energy efficient and accessible for individuals with access and mobility needs. The new building will replace a temporary structure first installed when the airport was undergoing rapid growth in commercial traffic after Allegiant Air started serving the airport, currently housing Gates 1 through 4 of the airport’s nine gates. Ryan Smith, Gateway director of communications and government

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport will use a $14.4 million federal grant to replace one of its three terminals. (Special to the Tribune) relations, said that one of the limitations of the existing building is crowding when multiple gates are in use. “During COVID, we kind of learned the hard way … (that) we really only had space to operate two gates at a time,” he said. The new terminal, he said, will be able to operate all five gates simultaneously. “When it’s all said and done, it’ll be a great experience for our passengers,” he said. The airport has been eyeing this upgrade for a long time and already had designs, but the funding was lacking. Airport officials saw an opportunity in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and while congressional negoti-

ations were underway on the bill last year, Smith said the airport reached out to Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema. Sinema held a strong hand as a swing vote in a U.S. Senate with a razor-thin majority, and while Smith and O’Neill said the entire Arizona congressional delegation helped with the project, both men singled out Sinema for praise. U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton, whose district includes Mesa, sent a letter of support for the project to the U.S. Department of Transportation in March. Airport officials had been waiting anxiously to see if their $20 million application to support the $28 million terminal addition would succeed.

Though Gateway didn’t get the full amount it requested, Smith said the airport is moving forward on the project immediately. At its July 19 board of directors meeting, Smith said airport staff will request funds for a large, tent-like “sprung structure” to house gate operations while the new terminal is under construction. Smith said the construction timeline is 12 to 18 months for completion. The airport’s shops and restaurants will not be affected by the project. The upgrade may benefit the airport in its quest to grow its passenger traffic and add commercial carriers. “We’re going to go out and sell this (upgrade),” Smith said. “We’ve got capacity and brand new terminals. … It’s certainly a great tool in our chest as we go out and talk to airlines.” Smith said the terminal replacement project “represents the last major expansion construction project on the west side” of the airport. Gateway’s long-range planning, decades away, calls for a larger-scale terminal costing $500 to $800 million would be situated on the east side of the airport, the opposite side of the current terminal. If and when that happens, the fivegate terminal the airport plans to start building this year would revert to a new use, possibly general aviation, O’Neill told the board.

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SCHOOL from page 1

support for districts across Arizona. “I am super excited to do hands-on activities, the different types of lessons and projects you can do that are not just limited to one subject,” said Mallori Enard, a fourth-grade teacher at Silver Valley Elementary who said she came to the district to be part of the community. “When you have that small-town feel, the kindness and the people that come with it makes it great,” she told the district for a profile on its website. For teachers like Ted Steinbrecher, who has taught band for over 40 years, the new school year is a welcome opportunity for fulltime work again. “I really started to miss teaching,”

said Steinbrecher, who moved here from in Pennsylvania and had taken a job in substitute teaching. “I thought I was going to sub again until I saw a position open up at the last minute,” he said. “I am very happy to be here.” The district currently has 2,000 employees on staff, including 240 substitutes, a 22% increase from last year. The new year also will see the opening of Crismon High School, where more than 900 students already registered as of July 5. The school will open to grades 7-10 initially and is built to accommodate 1,300 students and cover approximately 80 acres. With safety concerns still elevated as a result of the Texas school massa-

cre in May, Queen Creek Unified has added three more security positions with the opening of Crismon. That brings the total of school resource officers to 17 at the three high school and two junior high campuses in the district, according to a district spokesperson. On top of that, every school in the district has security and safety features including bullet-resistant glass in receptionist area, single-entry security access, interior locking doors for every classroom, and routine lockdown drills and practices. The district has also increased bus routes to 68 – up from 13 last school year – to transport nearly 3,500 students.. There are some other changes coming to the district that still re-

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

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quire approval from the governing board. The Child Nutrition Department suggested that school menus should be posted on district website including nutrition information and allergens. The district’s Child Nutrition Department also sought board approval for a plan to source its food offering, based on availability and access, from local vendors and farms and that nutrition education be made available to all K-12 students. It also recommended the high schools have health and wellness standards implemented into their PE, AVID, and Career Explorations classes. The department also recommended middle schools replace 45 minutes of physical education five days per week for one semester of 6th grade, and instead offer a choice of dance, PE or weight training. The recommendations are scheduled for a final vote by governing board’s next meeting Aug. 9.

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AIA, AZ Family partner on live game broadcasts BY ZACH ALVIRA Tribune Sports Editor

ueen Creek high school teams and their counterparts across the state have a new incentive for playing to reach a championship game after the Arizona Interscholastic Association announced last week that it has partnered with Arizona’s Family to broadcast select championship games live on local channels beginning this season. The announcement comes after the AIA announced a three-year deal with the station, which broadcasts live on channels 3 and 5. The deal makes Arizona’s Family the “Exclusive Content Partner of the AIA,” a position previously held by Bally Sports Arizona. “I think it’s an awesome step in the right direction,” Red Mountain football coach Kyle Enders said. “I think a big one for me is for people who can’t make it to the games, and to do it on a free platform if they’re local. We stream all of our games for free on YouTube because we have alumni out of state who want to support us. I think it’s awesome.” The three-year partnership begins this school year. As a result, the 5A, 6A and Open Division football championship games will be live on Arizona’s Family channels. It is the first time since 2015 football championship will be broadcasted on live television. In previous years, Fox Sports Arizona, which later became Bally Sports Arizona, recorded championship games and broadcasted them on a tape delay. One of those tape-delayed games was the 2019 6A Conference championship between Red Mountain and Liberty, an instant classic as it took overtime to decide a winner. Enders was the defensive coordinator for the Mountain Lions at the time. The game was streamed through a subscription-based service and showed a week later on TV. But with live games now, he believes it will help further establish Arizona as a high school football power. “It’s a chance to showcase our kids and the talent level we have,” Enders said. “It’s

great to see schools like Chandler and Saguaro getting ranked nationally where I think they should be. I think this only helps.” Chandler head football coach Rick Garretson, who coached the Wolves to six straight state title games as both an assistant and the head coach, including last year’s Open Division state championship where they fell to Saguaro. echoed Enders’ sentiment. He believes the live broadcast won’t, and shouldn’t, have much of an impact on the players’ overall mindsets for a game of that caliber. But he thinks it’s good for the growth of Arizona high school football as a whole. “I think for the notoriety of what’s going on, promoting the sport in Arizona, that’s a positive,” Chandler head football coach Rick Garretson said. “It gives everybody the ability to not have to pay but still watch the kids play and support them. I think it’s definitely a positive step for the promotion of AZ football.” Along with 5A, 6A and the Open Division football championships, Arizona’s Family will also broadcast all 5A, 6A and the new Open Division boys and girls basketball finals. The 5A and 6A baseball and softball championship games will also be live. Mountain Pointe head basketball coach Kaimarr Price, who led the Pride to two straight state championship games in 2020 and 2021, said it’s a big opportunity for the players. “This is a huge opportunity for these young student athletes to have the chance to play on live TV,” Price said in a text. “High school sports provide a unique experience which they will carry the memories of throughout life.” As part of the partnership, weekly stories on Arizona’s Family channel lineup and the ability to broadcast bracket release shows done for most sports throughout the school year. Since its inception in 2019, the Open Division football championship game has become one of the must-see events in Arizona high school sports. The first-ever championship game between Sagua-

ro and Chandler drew thousands to Sun Devil Stadium. In recent years, baseball and softball championship games have nearly filled Farrington Stadium at ASU and Tempe Diablo. Basketball championships, since moved to Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum, have also drawn large crowds and that is only expected to grow with the addition of the Open Division for girls and boys this year. But one constant complaint from Arizona high school sports fans has always been the lack of a working livestream. Now, that problem will likely be solved with the AIA’s new partnership with Arizona’s Family. “We’re thrilled to have a partner in Arizona’s Family that is able to engage fans in a way that will provide a great deal of excitement around high school sports,” AIA Executive Director David Hines said in a press release. “The content fans will enjoy are more

than just championship events. It’s also how the AIA impacts each school’s community. Now there will be many more opportunities to showcase the talent we have at our schools and those programs.”

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

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Chandler to study Hunt Highway safety concerns BY KEN SAIN Tribune Staff Writer

unt Highway is an inviting target for anyone looking to drive fast. There are few impediments with only one stop sign between Cooper Road and Val Vista Drive for the highway, which marks the city’s southern border and lots of undeveloped land to the south. However, the Chandler half is very developed with lots of homes and people who like to go for walks and ride their bikes. Jason Crampton, city transportation planning manager, said those two things are in conflict and he wants to find out just how big a problem it might be. City Council was expected to approve spending $70,000 for a study to figure that out at its July 14 meeting. That vote came after the deadline for this edition. Complicating the study is that everything on Hunt Highway is likely to change once the Gila River Casino Santan Mountain opens. “Traffic speeds are very high and result in some safety issues,” Crampton said. “So yeah, this project is independent of the casino. But now that the casino is coming it does change the project a little bit.” Crampton said the city planned to take a look at pedestrian and bicyclist safety concerns along the Hunt Highway between Cooper and Val Vista in 2020, before it was announced the Gila River Indian Community intended to build a casino at Gilbert and Hunt Highway at the end of that year. “Our vehicle speeds on the highway prevent the average person from using the corridor,” said Ryan Peters, the city’s strategic initiatives director. “Additionally, a Gila River Indian Community casino is currently un-

der construction with the potential for future development expansion needs creating changes in traffic patterns that will need to be analyzed when considering bicycle pedestrian improvements, traffic calming and any other potential roadway changes. “This project will analyze several alternatives to that public outreach and recommend preferred design alternatives that could provide residents with a valuable and safe route in this underserved area.” Crampton said the city has no data on how many accidents or car-bike collisions have taken place on that stretch of Hunt Highway and that that is among the questions he hopes the study will answer. He said they have some options as far as traffic-calming measures. Dedicated bike lanes usually slows cars down. They could also narrow the roads further by putting a barrier of some sort between the car and bike lanes. So far, Gila River tribal officials are not involved in the study. Crampton said he intends to reach out to them to find out how much, if at all, they want to be involved. Crampton said it will take six-tonine months to complete the study. The Santan Mountain Casino is expected to open at the end of this year or in early 2023. If it does open then, it would come during the research phase of the study and they will be able to incorporate data into the study showing how much the casino opening changed patterns for pedestrians and cyclists. For now, the City is not planning on making a lot of changes in advance of the casino’s opening. “The City anticipates some additional traffic volume on Gilbert Road,

see SAFETY page 13

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 24, 2022

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QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 24, 2022

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Town approves $67 million Frontier Family Park BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

ueen Creek’s newest park will proceed as planned. Queen Creek Town Council on July 20 voted 4-1 to begin development of the $66.4 million Frontier Family Park, located near Ryan and Signal Butte Road. Councilwoman Leah Martineau represented the lone vote against the project. “I believe we spent too much money on that park, and the aquatic center and multi-generation center,” she said. On June 1, the town approved $1 million to guarantee certain construction timeframe commitments and adds to a total project cost of $67.4 million. Martineau said she continuously disapproved of the project along with Councilwoman Emilena Turley, who did not attend the meeting due to an unrelated matter, “I just am consistent and any

funds that are going towards that I vote no on since that’s my position” she said. The park is included in the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Capital Improvement Projects Budget and has sufficient funds available to cover the construction and completion costs. The project has a completion date currently of November 2023. The town will divide the timeframe of the project into three sections beginning this month with mass grading of the park, fishing lake and utility improvements In December 2022, plans should begin for construction of park road, parking lot, multi-use fields, athletic courts and hardscape. In April 2023, the construction of concessions, restrooms, ramadas, splash pad, grounds maintenance building and playground. Upon completion, the park will have six full-size baseball/softball fields, three multi-purpose fields, 24 pickleball courts, basketball courts,

see PARK page 13

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Frontier Family Park will include a multi-generation center and aquatics area. (Town of Queen Creek)

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 24, 2022

SAFETY from page 10

Lindsay Road, and Hunt Highway,” said Dana Alvidrez, the city’s traffic engineer. “All three roadways currently operate below capacity, and as such have the ability to handle the expected traffic generated by the casino.” She said the one change that is coming will be a traffic light replacing the stop sign at Hunt Highway and Gilbert Road. Alvidrez said traffic patterns in South Chandler are expected to change when the Loop 202 and Lindsay Road interchange opens up. “The opening of the Lindsay Road traffic interchange with the Loop 202 is expected to significantly change travel patterns in this area south of Loop 202,” she said. “The City is aware of this and will be evaluating

PARK from page 12

sand volleyball courts, fishing lake, and walking track around the park. It will also have a large playground similar to Mansel Carter Oasis Park. The recreation center and aquatic center currently are scheduled to be completed in mid-2024. Plans for the recreation center include multi-use indoor courts and a fitness center, while the aquatic center would have a lap pool, slides and lazy river. The cost includes the design and construction costs of the park, along with the construction of the lake and the necessary water and wastewater infrastructure. The park portion totals $62 million as established in the Parks Master Plan Phase 1 approved by town council on December 1, 2021. Funding comes from a combination of impact fees that’s limited by state law to cover 30 acres at a cost

these changes and recommending improvements as necessary. In the meantime, the City has had a Lindsay Road widening project planned for years, and is currently in the design stage of this project.” Most of the $70,000 Hunt Highway study is being paid for with federal funds (Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality). The city had to pay a small portion, which came to just under $4,000. Crampton admits there are some unknowns because of the casino. Still, he said it’s important to move forward. “That certainly will influence the findings of the study,” Crampton said. “But yeah, with or without the casino, I think we were still looking at these bike enhancements and potential traffic calming enhancements.” of $21 million. The other $41 million of funding comes from bonds that the town issued in June and will be repaid from the operating budget. The estimated construction cost of the lake is $2.5 million, with the other water and wastewater infrastructure totaling $2.95 million, and derives funding from operating revenues from the water and wastewater utilities. According to town documents, the per-acre cost to construct the park is about two times higher than the amount used to set the existing parks impact fee. The town intends to recapture the difference when the impact fees are next recalculated. According to the current budget, the town plans to double its park space as part of advancing the goals of the 2018 Parks & Recreation Master Plan.

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

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NEWS

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LANDBURY from page 1

the project also would include 45 acres of multifamily, 6 acres for assisted living and almost 13 acres for specialty commercial. The overall land also includes 100 acres for Crismon High and 75 acres for a park. “The proposed plan will provide a balance of compatible land uses as well as a diversity of housing types, all within the approximately 800acre master plan,” the presentation stated. At the heart of the project, an approximately 75-acre proposed Town public park with a prominent gateway entrance links the north and south portions of Jorde Farms,” it said, adding: “The main entry east of Crismon Road will be flanked on one side by a specialty commercial parcel where it is anticipated that boutique businesses will locate, such as a coffee house, retail, restaurants, and specialty commercial.” According to the current Parks Mas-

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This map shows the footprint of the massive Jorde Farms development that includes a town park that would be built on 76.5 acres that Queen Creek may buy. Town Council last week approved moving forward with a potential $23 million purchase of the land. The overall 789-acre Jorde Farms community would be largely residential but include specialty commercial, multifamily and a potential assisted living center. It also includes 100 acres occupied by the new Crismon High School. (Town of Queen Creek)

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ter Plan, with a buildout population of 150,000, the Town would require 758 total park acres. The town master parks plan calls for the purchase of 334 acres of vacant land, adding to the 245 acres it already owns. The Town would then develop on those 579 total acres. The Adopted Master Plan would require approximately 51 acres per 10,000 population. Currently, with a town population at more than 68,000, the plan requires 26 acres of parks per 10,000 population, according to town documents. This puts the town 170 total acres under the adopted plan. The Jorde Farms presentation stated, “The distinct character, theming, and thoughtful design of Jorde Farms will reinforce the quality of the adjacent Queen Creek developments and will be competitive in the marketplace with respect to the nearby communities in Santan Valley. “The property owners envision that this development will celebrate the farming history of the site and Queen

Creek’s agrarian heritage through an agriculturally themed design, while also providing sustainable land use planning that is key to the Town of Queen Creek’s economic vitality.” It also notes that the commercial portion would prohibit “traditional fast-food drive-thrus” and encourage cafes, coffee shops and unspecified specialty uses. And it says the town park will mean that 25% of the development would be devoted to open space. Martineau said she wants to see a “reasonable” park size that falls within the bounds of the law in order for the Town to use the impact fees. “I’d like to see us using the impact fees instead of going into debt over spending on those [properties],” she said. A state law approved in 2011 allows impact fees to be used to develop parks less than 30 acres and prohibits their use for developing aquatic centers or multi-generational centers. An appraisal by Nagy Property Consultants, Inc. on May 12 put the value of the 76.7 acres that might be bought by the town at $24.9 million, or $350,000 per acre. Part of the property includes developing a 200-foot-wide section of the Sonoqui Wash, which totals 6.2 acres and was appraised at $35,000 per acre for a total $217,000. Town documents stated that purchasing the property now will save taxpayers approximately $2 million and allow for financing at a lower interest rate. The development of the park would take place within 10 years as part of the Parks Master Plan. The town could choose to take no action on purchasing the property immediately because the Jorde family agreed to reserve up to 80 acres until May 31, 2031, but that may result in a higher price and interest rate, town documents indicate. But delaying the purchase could risk the loss of an additional 25 acres that Jorde Farms has agreed to donate. Instead, town staff noted, the town would then face the possibility of having to buy that land at a later date.

NEWS

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 24, 2022

VOTERS! OF QUEEN CREEK

IN PINAL COUNTY ONLY

An official message from Pinal County

Errors were identified on early voting ballots that have impacted city and town contests in seven municipalities which includes Queen Creek plus Casa Grande, Eloy, Mammoth, Maricopa, Superior, and the Apache Junction portion of Pinal County

How are you impacted? If you received an early ballot, you will now be sent a municipal-only ballot that you must use to vote in your city or town contests. You should complete the Federal, State, Legislative, and County contests on your original ballot and return it by August 2, 2022. If you voted in person at an early vote site, you will need to return to any early vote center before July 29, 2022, to complete a municipal-only ballot to vote in your city or town contests. If you plan on voting on Election Day (August 2, 2022), you will vote your city or town contests on a separate municipal-only ballot at your Polling Site.

Questions? Call 520-509-3555 Visit www.pinalcountyaz.gov/ballotissues or scan the QR code with your device.

Scan for FAQ and Ballot Drop Locations

VOTANTES! DE QUEEN CREEK

SOLO EN EL CONDADO DE PINAL

Un mensaje deloficial Condado de Pinal de Pinal Unoficial mensaje del Condado

Se identificaron errores en las boletas de votación anticipadas que han afectado las contiendas de ciudades y pueblos en siete municipios que incluye Queen Creek más Casa Grande, Eloy, Mammoth, Maricopa, Superior y la porcion de Apache Junction del condado de Pinal

¿Cómo te impacta? Si recibió una boleta anticipada, ahora se le enviará una boleta Municipal que debe usar para votar en los concursos de su ciudad o pueblo. Debe completar los concursos Federales, Estatales, Legislativos y del condado en su boleta original y devolverla antes del 2 de Agosto de 2022. Si ya votó en persona, deberá regresar a cualquier sitio de votación anticipada antes del 29 de Julio de 2022 para completar una boleta solo Municipal para votar en las contiendas de su ciudad o pueblo. Si planea votar el día de las elecciones (2 de Agosto de 2022), votará las contiendas de su ciudad o pueblo en una boleta separada solo Municipal en su sitio de votación.

¿Preguntas? Llame al 520-509-3555 Visite www.pinalcountyaz.gov/ballotissues o puede escanear el código QR con su dispositivo.

Escanee para las Preguntas Frecuentes y las Ubicaciones para Entregar las Boletas Electorales

COMMUNITY

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Snakebites can be a life-death matter for dogs BY MARK MORAN Tribune Staff Writer

isinformation alert: The hottest summer months are not the most dangerous time of year for you or your pet to encounter a rattlesnake. Snakes don’t come out to “sun themselves” on the rocks, “emerge from hibernation,” or prey on you or your pet. “When it gets to be a 100 degrees, they shift to night time,” said Cale Morris, venom manager at the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary in northern Scottsdale. “The heat burns them just like it burns you,” Morris said. When it’s like 82-degrees at midnight, they are moving, but they’re moving to find a place to get out of the coming sun.” The truth is that the most likely times for a rattlesnake encounter are at night during the hottest summer months and during April and August, he added. There are 13 species of rattlesnake in Arizona, the largest variety of rattlers in the United States.

Other reptiles also find a home at the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary. (Courtesy of Cale Morris)

While a bite is painful and dangerous, the good news is that medical treatment is available and its administration straightforward. “People will try to capture them or kill them and it delays medical attention,” Morris said. “You get bit. You go to the emergency room. All the emergency rooms have anti-venom and they have plenty of it.” There is only one anti-venom that is an antidote for every venomous snake in America, a relatively new phenomenon. “The beauty of that,” said Morris, “is that you don’t have to know what you have been bitten by.” But the same can’t be said for dogs. “It’s a life and death situation for dogs,” said Morris. “If a dog gets bitten by a rattlesnake … when they run right up to it and bark and get bit in the nose, in the muzzle, it swells up and makes it hard for them to breathe, they definitely need anti-venom. They can die from it.” Veterinarian Dr. David Haworth that while “humans are more often bitten on their hands, arms and ankles,” the location of the dog’s snakebite makes it so much more dangerous. “Due to the extraordinary swelling associated with snake venoms, the closer to things like airways and GI tracts, the more urgent the need for intervention,” he said. For some reason, cats are not nearly as susceptible to snakebites. First, Haworth says, because they are much less likely to be bitten due to their size and quick reflexes. And for whatever evolutionary reason, cats are better able to weather a snakebite. “The impact of the venom on them seems to be less than for dogs,” Haworth said. “Same thing for horses and even more so for cattle.” “There are also approaches to demotivate dogs who are really into snakes,” Haworth says. “Usually it involves getting the dog to run away when they hear a rattle or see something that looks like a snake.” The population of Arizona has grown

Cale Morris, venom manager at the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary, holds up one of the many varieties of slithering creatures that are housed at the Scottsdale facility. (Courtesy of Cale Morris) dramatically over the past two decades, but somehow, the number of reported snakebites has not increased along with it. “Our averages really haven’t changed,” said Dr. Bryan Kuhn, a pharmacist and clinical toxicologist with the Banner Poison Control Center. “ “If you think of where people move, Maricopa County has been expanding outwards for quite a while. We don’t really grow up, we grow out,” he said. “That’s putting residents closer to the boundary of where the natural habitats of snakes are. So, intuitively you would expect more bites.” So why hasn’t the number of reported snakebites increased? The Herpetological Sanctuary’s Cale Morris credits a focused and extended informational campaign. “We have been doing education outreach programs for the past 21 years here in the valley,” he said. “We taught a total of 250,000 people last year through tours and outreach programs. This year will be even more.” He also credits an increase in social me-

dia activity and the Sanctuary’s one million TikTok followers. “It definitely is making a difference,” Morris said. Dan and Debbie Marchand started the sanctuary in 2003 when someone illegally had two American alligators in their Phoenix swimming pool, which were rescued by wildlife officials. With nowhere to take them, the wildlife officials called Dan Marchand, a known wildlife enthusiast. The alligators – named “Charlie” and “Lucy” after the Peanuts comic strip characters – were rehomed in a shallow wading pool on Marchands’ land, two and half acres of wild Sonoran Desert at North Scottsdale and Dynamite roads and the sanctuary was born. The most improbable of Sanctuary residents was the result of a prank one friend played on another. Chuck Simmon was a homesteader in northern Arizona, near a place called Pakoon Springs. A friend somewhere across the country thought it would be funny to mail Simmons a baby alligator, which he kept and fed on his land until 2017. Having disappeared from view for a while, Simmons left the alligator for dead when he vacated his place, now part of the Parashant National Monument in the Grand Canyon. When the Bureau of Land Management went in to clear the overgrown reeds, they discovered Clem, severely malnourished, underweight, and in need of a home. The BLM called Marchand, and the sanctuary bolstered its reputation as the go-to place for rescued reptiles of all sorts. It’s currently home to more than 200 venomous snakes, bearded dragons, crocodiles, gila monsters, tortoises and a host of other creatures over its 2.5 acres. “It’s like a no-kill animal shelter,” Morris said. We don’t euthanize the stuff,” Morris said. “We educate people.” Information: phoenixherp.com

REAL ESTATE

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Tex Earnhardt’s old ranch eyed for high-end homes BY KEN SAIN Tribune Guest Writer

he last major piece of land in Chandler available for a large single-family residential subdivision a historic property. And that ain’t no bull. “This is the last of the 40 acres – everything else is like peanuts,” said David de la Torre, the city’s planning manager. “Everything else is just smaller infill stuff. So this is kind of the end of an era for Chandler.” The property he is talking about is the former ranch of the late car dealer Tex Earnhardt on the northeast corner of McQueen and Hunt Highway. The city is currently reviewing an application to turn the property into a 100-home subdivision called Earn-

The late Tex Earnhardt was one of the Valley’s most successful car dealers and often used longhorns in his commercials. Two of the animals still live on his Chandler ranch. (File photo)

hardt Ranch. As one of the first steps in that process, the City Council held a public hearing on June 23 to consider annexing the county land into the city. Lauren Schumann, the city’s senior planner, said builder Blandford Homes wants to incorporate some of the history into the project. Naming it Earnhardt Ranch is just one step. She said they are also considering some kind of marker for the green space they hope to build in the middle of the subdivision: Something along the lines of a statue of a bull, for example. Two longhorns still live at the ranch. Earnhardt opened his first dealership in the early 1950s and often rode his longhorns while

filming TV commercials and saying his wellknown catchphrase. Tex Earnhardt died on April 19, 2020. He was 89. “So the subject site does fall within our southeast Chandler area plan,” Schumann said. “This plan was established to promote the historic, rural agrarian lifestyle of South Chandler. So in order to align with those goals, they’re coming in at, I believe we have 2.68 units per acre.” According to what he said he’s seen of the plans, de la Torre said it is clear that the developer will be building high-end homes on the site. City officials have said there is a lack of all types of housing, including luxury

cised in writing and in accordance with the option to renew clause. If the tenant does not exercise the option to renew but remains at the premises, the tenant will be considered a “holdover tenant.” Lease provisions addressing holdover terms usually contain a higher rental rate and the holdover period runs month-to-month (meaning the holdover term can be terminated with 30 days’ notice). Many tenants are left scrambling at the end of their lease periods and do not want to renew their lease at a higher rental rate. Ultimately, if the lease is properly terminated by the landlord, the landlord could proceed with an eviction of the tenant. In the residential context, the landlord is not permitted to “lock out” the tenant. Under the Arizona Residential Landlord Tenant Act, the landlord must pro-

ceed with a judicial eviction and obtain what is called a Writ of Restitution from the eviction judge. In the commercial realm, if the lease permits a “lock out” remedy, the landlord may simply change the locks if the tenant has defaulted under the lease and need not pursue a judicial eviction. Of course, a landlord cannot raise rent or charge the tenant unauthorized fees in contravention to the lease terms. In all cases, the parties should follow the lease. Patrick MacQueen and Benjamin Gottlieb created a different kind of law firm using state of the art legal software and technology combined with award-winning legal minds to provide the best real estate representation available. If you have additional questions, contact Ben Gottlieb at 602-533-2840 or ben@mandglawgroup.com.

see EARNHARDT’S page 18

How inflation can impact resident, business leases BY BEN GOTTLIEB Tribune Guest Writer

fter enduring the COVID-19 pandemic and navigating around a barrage of state and federal executive orders inhibiting landlords’ ability to carry out eviction actions, landlords and tenants are now living in a world facing the highest rates of inflation since the Great Inflation period transpired during the 1970s. High inflation in the overall economy is translating into higher rent being demanded by landlords and carries key implications in the landlord-tenant space, especially since most landlords and tenants have not paid much attention to it lately since inflation has not been a significant news headline in decades. Also, long-term leases – especially

commercial leases – usually provide the tenant with an option to renew the lease several years in the future from when the original lease is executed. Some leases (mostly commercial) have provisions addressing inflation in connection with the renewal period in the event a tenant exercises a negotiated option to renew the lease. Extra attention and care should be used in drafting options to renew in leases. Landlords may want to negotiate shorter rental periods and/or have lease provisions addressing escalating rent that accounts for rising rental rates in any renewal period, while tenants should attempt to negotiate rental rate “locks” or modest rent increases. It is important to note that most leases provide the tenant with the option to renew the lease. The option must generally be exer-

REAL ESTATE

EARNHARDT’S from page 17

homes for those who can afford it. City officials say that when people who can afford very expensive homes can’t find them, they buy less expensive ones and the process continues all the way down to the least expensive, making it harder for new families and young people to get into the housing market. So, city officials argue, part of addressing the city’s affordable housing shortage is to build homes for all income levels. Many of the projects the planning department has been dealing with lately are for multifamily housing. That reflects the reality that there are not a lot of large spaces left for single-family homes. But, de la Torre said there is room for smaller subdivisions and single-family homes will continue to be built. “We do have other lots that both Lauren and I have worked on that are smaller infill properties, but they do build single-family homes on,” de la Torre said. “It’s maybe not the same type of caliber as this, but it’s a smaller infill single-family detached subdivision. So that is still possible. But this is the

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 24, 2022

last of the big ones.” Earnhardt Ranch would have only single-level homes on its eastern border to give their neighbors on the other side of the fence some privacy. The entrance would be off McQueen Road and a park area would be built in the middle of the property for recreation opportunities for residents. These are very early plans that the city planning staff is currently reviewing. Staff can, and usually does, suggest changes. Then, there is usually a neighborhood meeting and more changes could be suggested and adopted. Then it goes before the Planning and Zoning Commission for its recommendation, and then City Council for approval. Both bodies can ask for additional changes. Another builder is eyeing a large undeveloped lot at the southwest corner of Arizona Avenue and Pecos Road, across the street from the Walmart shopping center. Schumann said the city just received an application for that property. but staff hasn’t looked in depth at it yet. Originally, it was zoned for a large development, say a hotel and retail. The application wants to rezone it for multifamily housing, offices and some retail.

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BUSINESS

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QC dentistry practice caters to dogs, cats BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

staff needs them to do rather than fight with them. new dentist office ensures its “Fear-free tactics are using more like customers don’t have a “ruff” positive reinforcement and just rectime. ognizing when an animal is nervous The Pet Dental Clinic at 18521 E. to come into the veterinary clinic,” she Queen Creek Road opened in May but said. held a open house for the general public While oral hygiene is critical to a pet’s recently to tout the “new concept” it’s overall health, signs of dental disease bringing to the town: A practice cater- often go overlooked especially when ing to dogs and cats. they appear healthy. According to the American Animal Dr. Curt Coffman, specialty director of dentistry for Thrive Pet Healthcare, said Hospital Association, veterinarians the dental-only, general practice veteri- found that 27.8% of dogs and 41.7% of nary clinic will focus on high-quality cats had diseased teeth. In cats and dogs with abnormal-looking teeth, those perpreventative dental care. “Although general practice veterinari- centages increased to more than 50%. Coffman said the practice focuses on ans provide routine dental care for dogs and cats, they often spend a majority of preventive dental care. “It’s our mission to assist other practheir time dealing with other general tices and help pet parents understand health issues,” Coffman said. Carrie Winckler, clinic vet technician that prevention is less traumatic and and staff manager, said the practice is less costly for their pet than delaying seeing a steady rise in patients over care until severe dental problems develop and lead to tooth loss.” their first couple months. The clinic is a dentistry-only practice “We’ve been a lot busier this month than we were last month,” she said. “So I whose five-person staff are focused feel like things are going good that way.” solely on pets’ oral health. The clinic provides comprehensive Their “fear-free” methods help to get the animals to volunteer for what the general veterinary dental care, supporting diagnostics and therapeutic services, including anesthesia, laboratory diagnostics and surgical treatments. Prices can run a little steep with an annuPet toothbrushing kits and a canine dental exam sheet are kept on a table at The Pet Dental Clinic. (David Minton/Tribune Staff Photographer) al cleaning

Carrie Winckler and veterinarian Graham Heuchert brush Ruby’s teeth during an open house at The Pet Dental Clinic in Queen Creek, Arizona. (David Minton/Tribune Staff Photographer) starting at $540 for cats and $600 for dogs, but the clinic accepts pet insurance to alleviate some costs. Those prices include the exam, teeth cleaning, full mouth x-ray, anesthesia, and IV fluids throughout the procedure. Winckler said pet dental care has become ever more important because life expectancies have grown and crossbreeding has changed some breeds’ bone structure. “We’ve kind of messed with their anatomy a little bit to make them be the cute pets that we want,” she said. Much like humans, cats and dogs become prone to the same dental problems as humans. Some suffer crowded teeth, which causes periodontal disease especially in smaller dogs. She said these dental hygiene problems are something to bark about because animals can develop serious conditions without showing symptoms,

and this is where prevention becomes paramount. “Our ultimate goal and message is that they need it pretty much as frequently as you and I,” she said. “And they need it kind of starting at age one for a lot of these little dogs, or at least be evaluated to see if they need it.” Clinic veterinarian Dr. Graham Heuchert is a Canadian native who earned his bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Calgary in 1996 and graduated in 2001 from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. He had been chief of staff and lead veterinarian at Banfield Pet Hospital before joining The Pet Dental Clinic. Heuchert and his wife, who also is a veterinarian, moved to Arizona in 2011 and have two children, four rescued pets – two dogs and two cats. Information: 480-281-0076 or thepetdentalclinic.com.

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More examples of agendas replacing facts BY JD HAYWORTH Tribune Columnist

his column previously suggested that The New York Times could improve its accuracy by amending its front page slogan “All the news that’s fit to print.” Now the so-called “newspaper of record” has again offered fresh evidence that it really features “All the news that fits its agenda.” It does so with a sympathetic profile of a curious figure who used to call Arizona home. Former Queen Creek resident Ray Epps, who initially appeared among the “Top 20” of the FBI’s “most wanted” for the unrest at the U.S. Capitol

on Jan. 6, 2021, and who was characterized as a “pre-planner” of the siege in the Times-produced video documentary about that day, now gets a dramatic “makeover” in a recent story written by reporter Alan Feuer. The July 13 edition features a headline that spells out what that publication has just “discovered” about Epps’ non-prosecution: “‘It’s Just Been Hell:’ Life as the Victim of a Jan. 6 Conspiracy Theory” presents readers with two value judgements in that one headline. First, that Ray Epps is a “victim” and, second, anyone who questions his role or the events of that day is a believer in a “conspiracy theory.” The sub-headline goes even further in this effort to persuade instead of inform. It reads that “Ray Epps became the

unwitting face of an attempt by ProTrump forces to promote the baseless idea that the FBI was behind the attack on the Capitol.” What the Times is really feeding us is the following blather: Ray Epps is an entirely innocent man. This “gentle giant” was shocked to learn that his well-intentioned, but admittedly misguided trip from Arizona to Washington would be used by extremists so enthralled by Donald Trump that they would ignore the pure and noble motives of the FBI, an organization so committed to true justice that it would never dream of seeking to entrap American citizens in questionable activities. That “translation” is only a slight exaggeration. What is greatly exaggerated is the

style of Alan Feuer’s reportage to reposition Ray Epps “on the side of the angels”—in other words, with the Times and its political allies. The writer goes to great lengths to “reimagine” Epps, as “a man whose life has been ruined by a Jan. 6 conspiracy theory.” Also “reimagined” is the video of Epps on the evening of Jan. 5, when he shouted out to Trump supporters gathered at Black Lives Matter Plaza. Here’s the way Alan Feuer recounts it: “During the event, he (Epps) was videotaped by a right-wing provocateur encouraging people to go inside the Capitol on Jan. 6 in what he described, even at the time, as a form of peaceful protest.” It’s more than passing curious that

leased last week. As the network tells it, “We put the states through an unprecedented 88 metrics in ten categories of competitiveness,” all to crown America’s best states for business and 10 worst states in which to live. On the positive side, Arizona ranked 34th for business. On the negative side, we’re dead last in states to call home. CNBC correspondent Scott Cohn’s Arizona write-up started off with a super clever, “It’s a dry heat” reference before knocking the state for having “some of the worst air quality in the nation,” which stresses our “poor health care system, short on hospital beds and staff.” In a nod at balance, Scotty touted

Arizona’s “stunning natural beauty and top-notch cultural and recreational attractions.” However, “that comes at a stiff price in America’s worst state to live in.” I contacted Scott to discuss his hometown, the hippie dippie central California enclave of Santa Cruz. Just FYI, in Santa Cruz the average monthly rent on a studio apartment doubled over the last year to $2,500, according to the website Zumper. Santa Cruz’s violent crime rate is 31 percent higher than Arizona’s, according to the Best Places website, while the property crime rate is 12 percent higher. Of course, all the maiming and stealing may be explained by Santa Cruz’s stratospheric cost of living – approxi-

mately double Arizona’s, according to Best Places. Sadly, Scott did not get back to me before my deadline. I hope he’s okay, living in such a hellhole. As far as the CNBC survey, I’m of two minds. One, let’s hope the 100,000 people planning a move to Arizona this year read it and stay home. All that migration is driving up the cost of housing and goods, plus hurting everything from traffic to air quality to the wait time between holes on one of Arizona’s 500 golf courses. Then there’s my other theory, which explains the mystery of Arizona being ranked so miserably, yet remaining so

see HAYWORTH page 21

CNBC state rankings say a lot about the network BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist

his week we ponder the greatest mystery in the 110-year history of the Grand Canyon State. No, not how does a noxious fraud like Kari Lake lead the Republican gubernatorial field in 2022, according to multiple polls. I’m talking about Arizona’s other great mystery. Namely, if this state is such a wretched place to live – as proclaimed yet again recently by the folks at CNBC television – then why do so many people keep moving here? My hypothesis follows, but first we should delve into CNBC’s analysis, re-

see LEIBOWITZ page 21

OPINION

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 24, 2022

LEIBOWITZ from Page 20

popular to new residents. It’s simple: While CNBC’s “unprecedented 88 metrics” sound impressive, their made-up criteria have zero to do with why people choose a home. Put simply, their analysis is all about the brain, crunching “empirical data,” while human beings choose homes

with the heart. When was the last time you asked someone, “Hey, what brought you to Arizona?” only to have them respond, “Well, I ranked my top choices on 88 metrics, like inclusiveness in state laws, including protections against discrimination of all kinds, as well as voting rights.” People move to Arizona for exactly

six reasons. A job. Family. The weather. And also: the weather, the weather, the weather. Cable networks can say what they want, but Arizona apparently has the essential qualities people seek in a home. Humans are fickle that way, falling in love with places for the oddest reasons.

It’s the same with TV channels. Maybe That’s why CNBC ranks 44th in the TV ratings, right behind Nick Jr, and with half the audience of The Game Show Network. I guess it’s tricky to outdraw Gene Rayburn and reruns of “Match Game” – even though Gene’s been dead since 1999. Apparently, fake state rankings aren’t doing the trick.

Feuer describes the person recording the video as a “right wing provocateur,” but fails to detail the crowd’s reaction to Epps. Those gathered respond to his call that “Tomorrow we need to go into the Capitol—into the Capitol!” with shock. They respond, “What? No!” Then, they accuse Epps of being a provocateur himself. “Fed, Fed, Fed, Fed,” they shout…but the reporter doesn’t mention it. Sadly, modern journalism has exchanged accuracy for advocacy. With increasing regularity, the goal of such

coverage is to portray conservative policies, pursuits, and politicians as targets worthy of unremitting invective. Of course, the Times isn’t alone in this effort. Lester Holt, the anchor of “NBC Nightly News,” added his energy, advocacy, and alleged insight to the cause when he stated in 2021 that “fairness is overrated.” More recently, the Pulitzer Prize Board refused to revoke the joint award it bestowed on The New York Times and the Washington Post in 2018 for articles concerning—as the

Board states it—”Russian interference in the U.S. Election and its connections to the Trump campaign.” Never mind the fact that in March 2019, the Mueller Report found no evidence that Trump colluded with Rus-

sia to interfere in the 2016 Presidential Election. Facts…full reporting…fairness…who needs ‘em? Just a free society, filled with citizens who yearn to remain free.

HAYWORTH from Page 20

How to get a letter published E-mail: pmaryniak@timespublications.com

Queen Creek Tribune welcomes letters that express readers’ opinion on current topics. Letters must include the writer’s full name, address (including city) and telephone number. Queen Creek Tribune will print the writer’s name and city of residence only. Letters without the requisite identifying information will not be published. Letters are published in the order received, and they are subject to editing. The Foothills Focus will not publish consumer complaints, form letters, clippings from other publications or poetry. Letters’ authors, not Queen Creek Tribune, are responsible for the “facts” presented in letters.

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Divine Movement track club competing at nationals BY ZACH ALVIRA Tribune Sports Editor

ames and Tonisha McSwain wanted to make an impact on the lives of the youth, teens and young adults eight years ago when they founded Divine Movement. Their mission was simple: help the individuals build goals and achieve them by providing the tools and mentorship needed for them to be successful in life. They quickly began helping a large group of individuals and saw them succeed. Two years ago, they extended their work into athletics. James, a former track star for Washington State University, aimed to provide an outlet for athletes to compete at a high level in the club track & field scene, which is rapidly growing in Arizona. Once again, their work paid off. Divine Movement Club Track, which is based out of Queen Creek and Gilbert, sent five athletes varying in age to Sacramento, Calif. this week to compete in the USA Track & Field National Junior Olympics. A monumental feat for a program still in its infant stages. “It’s an honor to be able to coach them,” said James, who also coaches track at Williams Field. “It takes a lot of hard work. Especially out here in this weather. I do ask a lot of them so they can continue to improve and be at this point. That’s why they are where they are.” To qualify for nationals, Divine Movement first had to make a splash at regionals in El Paso, Texas earlier this month. There, the team competed alongside other clubs from Arizona, including Ahwatukee-based AZ Speed, which is also a new club in just its first season competing. James said Arizona as a whole dominated in El Paso, with several local athletes from around the state and Valley qualifying to move on to Sacramento.

From left: Aiden Albertson, Braeden Elliott, Ty McSwain, coach James McSwain, James “Junior” McSwain and Liz Ghartey are all part of the Divine Movement track club that competed in Sacramento this week at the USA Track & Field National Junior Olympics. (Dave Minton/Tribune Staff) Liz Ghartey, the oldest of the group who competes in the 17 to 18-year-old group, qualified after placing first in discus and third in shot put. She also has a twin brother on the team but he was held out of regionals due to an injury. Throwing events are still relatively new for Ghartey. She began competing in sixth grade but took a two-year hiatus due to COVID. She then joined Divine Movement. A junior at Basis Mesa who will graduate from high school early to pursue a computer engineering degree, she hasn’t had many athletic opportunities. So, she’s thankful for the McSwains and Divine Movement for giving her an outlet to compete at a high level. “I really appreciate this club for giving me the athletic opportunity that I haven’t been able to have,” Ghartey said. “I think this is a big opportunity. I was really excited to train for it and compete. I like the fact that I can prove my strength. I think it breaks a lot of stereotypes.”

Along with Ghartey, Aiden Albertson took first in the high jump and fourth in long jump for the 9 to 10-year-old age group. Braeden Elliott, who is in the 11 to 12-year-old group, placed fifth in long jump. Both qualified for nationals. Ty McSwain, one of eight children the James and Tonisha have together, placed second in high jump, second in the 400-meter run and fourth in the long jump. He qualified for nationals in every event. Ty is preparing to enter his freshman year of high school where he will compete for Williams Field. It’s an opportunity he is excited for as he aims to beat some of his father’s personal best times from when he competed. “He knows that we can always do better,” Ty said of James. “He pushed us to go the extra mile in order to be better. I’m going to try to beat some of his records. It’ll take a lot of practice. We worked hard to get (to Nationals). I think it’s going to

be fun.” Junior, who is entering his junior year at Williams Field, placed fifth in the 100-meter dash in El Paso to qualify for Sacramento. James said Junior, as of right now, has the best opportunity to challenge his times from when he competed. Overall, Junior is looking forward to the opportunity to compete in the National Junior Olympics. It’s something he sees as unique. Many of his peers have expressed their excitement for him, too. Now, he just has to go out there and compete at a high level. “This is a big opportunity,” Junior said. “It gives me something to prove. My dad is a lot to live up to. He has a lot of records that I am looking to break. I want to go to the same college he did.” No matter what transpired during the near week-long event that wrapped up Sunday, James remains proud of what his athletes were able to accomplish in a short amount of time. He has seen growth in every one of them as the season has progressed and is thankful he has the opportunity to coach them and represent the East Valley at a high level. “I’m so excited, I’m so happy to be able to be out here this late in the season,” James said. “It’s been a long season. Honestly, that is what is continuing to help me put a smile on my face. Just knowing they have another opportunity to compete and continue to improve. That’s what it is all about.” Following Nationals, Divine Movement will have a break before gearing up again for a new season. The club is seeking new athletes to join for next season or donations as a non-profit 501©3 organization. For more information, visit divinemove.org or email divinemoveorg@ outlook.com.

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Wild Horse Pass is upping its appeal to locals BY GERI KOEPPEL Tribune Contributor

f you haven’t been to Gila River Resorts & Casinos Wild Horse Pass just south of Ahwatukee Foothills lately, you might not know what the ubiquitous TV ads that promise a glitzy Las Vegas-style experience are referring to. And in fact, it boasts a range of new offerings designed to appeal to locals as well as visitors. In addition to a rebranding from Gila River Hotel & Casinos, the $180 million expansion includes an 11-story hotel tower, a sports book, Topgolf Swing Suite, a new rooftop steakhouse and patio bar, coffee and pastry

Gila River Resorts & Casinos Wild Horse Pass has spent $180 million on a massive expansion and upgrade as it woos locals to its many amenities. (Courtesy Gila River Resorts & Casinos Wild Horse Pass)

shop, pool renovations and additions, gaming tables on the casino floor and more conference and convention space. To be clear, the Gila River Resorts & Casinos Wild Horse Pass only refers to the casino and attached resort run by the Gila River Gaming Enterprise. Other businesses on its land, including the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, the Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass, and others are separate entities. The project, which broke ground in 2020, mostly was completed in January with the exception of the Topgolf Swing Suite, which opened in May. “It’s only been open a few weeks, but

see WILDHORSE page 24

Hall of Flame runs on passion for fire history

BY ZAKKARY BROG GetOut StaffWriter

hen COVID-19 shut the world down in 2020, mere months into Chuck Montgomery’s tenure as executive director of the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting, he didn’t panic. In fact, he viewed it as a chance to do something special. “It ended up being an awesome opportunity,” Montgomery said. “In the three months I evaluated this place before my arrival, I really felt like there was a need for a number of things to be addressed. Those items, by incorporating the employees and volunteers, we did everything possible to essentially gut the museum and start all over from the A/C down to the plumbing to the flooring. We just decided to rebuild this place entirely. We spent 90 days making it a better version of itself.” Montgomery’s passion for firefighting fueled his dedication to shine a light on the occupation at the museum.

Ian Seivwright tries his hand behind the wheel of an antique fire truck. (Special to GetOut) “For me, it’s meaningful on two fronts,” said Montgomery, who retired as Glendale Fire Department’s deputy chief. “It’s meaningful for me to see fire history preserved, having done it for most of my life. On a second note, the opportunity for us to educate the public—and I’m talking about youth—about fire safety is really paramount. It’s now difficult for fire departments and cities to deliver because of COVID.” The museum gives the staff the chance to

bring that information to kids, added Montgomery, who was a firefighter for 37 years. Recently, Montgomery and his staff trained 1,600 second-grade students from the Cartwright School District. He said it was rewarding. The museum’s education curator, Mark Moorhead, never worked as a firefighter. His resume includes stints as a journalist and stage actor. “I never really knew much about it or had all that keen of an interest on it,” Moorhead said. “I grew up in my small town, three doors down from the fire hall. Friends of mine from high school became firefighters. I never even really thought about it. I came to work here, because a friend of mine that’d I’d worked with in the theater had this job before I did. He hooked me up to get the job. I had no museum experience and no firefighting experience. They gave me the job anyway.” In his 16 years with the museum, Moorhead has turned into a self-proclaimed

Chuck Montgomery and Noel Guevara, are excited about the Hall of Flame Museum’s many offerings. (Special to GetOut) “fire buff.” “I’m really fascinated by this history, and it just turns out to be like the history of a hundred other things you never thought about,” he said.

see FIRE page 24

GET OUT

WILDHORSE from page 23

we’ve been pretty busy,” said Daniela Vizcarra, public relations manager for Gila River Resorts & Casinos. This is the only Topgolf Swing Suite in the state, Vizcarra noted, and includes two bays for up to eight people playing virtual sports against a screen, including golf, hockey, football, soccer and baseball. It also features a full bar, table games, three betting kiosks, a broadcast/DJ booth and more than 20 TV screens. It accepts walk-ins, and reservations are accepted on OpenTable. Topgolf is open Thursday through Sunday and can be booked for private events Monday through Wednesday, with catering and blackjack available. During regular hours, “You do not have to play Topgolf,” Vizcarra mentioned. “It’s an open bar—you can just hang out.” It’s housed on the second floor, where the old Shula’s Steak House was located, with a birds-eye view of the gaming floor below. Opposite Topgolf, also overlooking the gaming floor, is the sports book, which Vizcarra said was “packed” during March Madness. It was their first time taking bets for it since the 2021 Arizona Gaming Compact was signed. With a capacity of 246, Wild Horse Pass is the biggest of Gila River’s three sports books, which also opened at Vee Quiva and

FIRE from page 23

“It’s more complex and more interesting than you realize. Without organized firefighting, you really don’t have civilization. But, it’s something that most people, including me before I came here, never thought about.” Moorhead relishes the chance to share his love of fire history — especially with children. He takes them on Hall of Flame tours and teaches them about fire safety. “Really, in a way, that’s the most important part of this mission, of course,” Moorhead said. “I always think to myself that I would do these story times for kindergarten, and firstand second-grade kids and try to teach basic fire safety. “You never know — at least not in this life — what kid didn’t set fire to his house because you taught him. But even if you just entertained that kid, just gave them a chuckle, and gave them a really lasting memory, that’s better than most people get to do with

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 24, 2022

Lone Butte. It has a full bar and food service as well as rows and rows of big screens and 10 betting kiosks (there are two more near the River Bar). Although all bets are placed online, Vizcarra noted an employee is always on hand to help. “A lot of people have never done this before, so it can be a little intimidating,” she said, adding, “Because we are on the reservation, you can only bet here in person” and not on an app on your phone. The nonsmoking casino floor also got a refresh with new colors, carpeting and lighting as well as a giant LED screen. After the gaming laws changed, the casino also added a total of 51 table games like blackjack, craps, roulette and baccarat. “We are really catering to the Asian community” with baccarat, Vizcarra said, offering perks and incentives. The gaming floor still includes 1,100 slot machines and a food court, and just outside is the entrance to the 1,400-seat Showroom theater that hosts music, comedy and more. Also upstairs next to the sports book is a gift shop and a new café called Aroma Coffee & Pasticceria, selling Starbucks drinks as well as desserts and gelato. Just past that is the new, brighter, modern 11-story Sunrise hotel tower with 205 guest rooms and suites. their day.” Hall of Flame features antique fire trucks and artifacts. Among the items is a Ford F-750 transport buggy from Prescott used to carry the Granite Mountain Hotshots who died in the Yarnell Hill Fire. The museum places a premium on not only providing an informative experience, but a fun one as well. “We are a real historical museum. You actually can learn something here,” Moorhead said. “We’re an archive, and we preserve these artifacts and this history. But, we also don’t take ourselves too seriously. You know our corny name. We try to have fun here too. It’s really for a kid at heart.” Hall of Flame

6101 E. Van Buren Street, Phoenix 602.275.3473 hallofflame.org 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday

With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Columnist

Roasted veggies are worth some space on your plate

omething magical happens to vegetables when you roast them. The flavors seem to intensify and if you can get a char on the veggies, even better. The first step in roasting delicious vegetables is to sauté them in a skillet first. Why? That’s where they get browned and caramelized. (If you’re bored and want to do some fun reading, look up the Maillard Reaction. It is named after the French Chemist Louis-Camille Maillard who put a definition to the beautiful caramelization we get in cooking. The effect is a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives browned food its distinctive flavor.) Caramelization equals culinary lusciousness! Add a tasty cheesy cream sauce over top and you have a great side or main meal for the vegetarian! (With the cheese and milk, it will deIngredients: • 1 Vidalia onions peeled and chopped • 1 large shallots, quartered • 5 cloves garlic minced • 1 zucchini halved and sliced into ½” thick half moons • 2 cups broccoli florets cut in small pieces • 2 cups button white mushrooms, sliced in half • 1 large sweet potatoes, chopped into bite sized pieces • 2 cups cherry tomatoes cut in half • 2 red bell peppers, chopped into bite sized pieces •O live oil for drizzling over veggies • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp pepper • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 cup aged sharp cheddar cheese, shredded • 1 1/4 cup whole milk • 1 tsp smoked paprika • 1 tsp fresh oregano • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp pepper • 1 /8 tsp white pepper

pend upon which vegetarianism you follow.) Choose the vegetables below or add your own veggie twist. It’s well worth a space on your plate! Directions: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Heat 3 TBSP olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add onions and shallots and sauté for 4-5 minutes or until softened and lightly golden. Add garlic, zucchini, broccoli and mushrooms and sweet potatoes, sautéing another 6 minutes or until veggies are softened. Place all of the sautéed veggies, plus the cherry tomatoes and sliced red peppers in a large sheet pan sprayed with cooking spray. Drizzle with additional olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Roast vegetables in the oven for 15 minutes, or until the red pepper is tender. While the veggies are roasting, make the cheese sauce. In a saucepan over medium high heat, combine the cheddar cheese, whole milk, smoked paprika, oregano, olive oil, salt, pepper and white pepper. Stir continuously until a thick cheesy sauce is achieved, about 10 minutes. Pour the cheesy sauce over the vegetables and cook for 5 more minutes, or until all the veggies are fork-tender. Serve immediately. Servings 4

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Developing Good Search Habits Looking for work doesn’t have to become a full-time job

There’s so much fear and anxiety associated with being out of work that it’s easy to spend too much time searching for employment. There can be more stress involved with looking than there ever was while holding a position. That’s why it’s important to develop good search habits so that every moment counts.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT Burn out is a very real risk when you spend too much time looking for a job, in particular if a significant amount of time goes by and financial worries compound things. Incorporating more effective habits will help focus your search, while also potentially shortening the time between jobs. It’s important not to isolate yourself during this time, since the support of friends, family and peers is so important to mental wellness. Their support and encouragement can provide needed motivation when the job hunt becomes frustrating. Begin by discussing where you’ve applied and the experiences you’ve had. They’ve likely had a similar experience in the past, and can offer welcome advice. They might even help you make a connection you hadn’t thought of yet.

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS Beyond your social circle, don’t forget to continue networking — just as you would if you were already employed and trying to continue a professional development journey. These contacts might also alert you to job openings before they’re posted for the general public. Search out job-hunting groups, either in person or virtually, for additional support. They’ve likely been where you are before too — and you’ll be widening your possible contact pool for future employment. Search social-media sites like Facebook and LinkedIn for groups, or postings a jobsearch offices. You might even make a new friend.

SHARPEN YOUR RESUME Too often, job searchers get stuck on the latest version of their resume. It’s understandable since we often spend a lengthy amount of time adding and polishing this document in the hopes of effectively showcasing our candidacy. But reorganizing your resume and cover letter with an eye on a particular job or a position in a different field is critical to making the best impression — and making it quickly. Focus on specific keywords related to the industry, since some prospective employers use tracking systems to pre-screen applicants. That can speed things along, too.

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• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations

Roofing

• 20+ Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty

480.345.1800 ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

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

Need to hire some help? Call Classifieds Today!

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

844-560-7755

480.898.6465

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QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 24, 2022