Queen Creek Tribune 08/20/2023

Police to crack down on minors

BY MARK MORAN Tribune Contributing Writer

The Queen Creek Police Department is launching a public awareness campaign about the dangers and consequences of riding ATVs, motorcycles or other motorized vehicles that are not part of the town’s micro mobility plan, on city streets and sidewalks, especially for minors, which can result in cita-

tions, charges and vehicle impoundments.

“This isn’t just some campaign we came up with because we felt like it,” Police Chief Randy Brice said at the Aug. 16 Queen Creek Town Council meeting, adding that the department will initiate a grace period for violators but will start issuing citations and impounding violators’ vehicles after a time. Brice was not specific on a date.

The action, Brice said, was promoted by a

Former councilmember dies at age 51

BY TRIBUNE STAFF

Former Queen Creek Vice Mayor and Councilmember Emilena Turley died on Aug. 7 at the age of 51 after a long battle with cancer.

An Arizona native, Turley was first elected to the town council in November 2014 and was re-elected in August 2018, serving as vice mayor in 2018. She was extremely supportive of the town’s transportation improvements, major economic development projects and public safety, retiring from the council in 2022.

She also served on numerous boards and

commissions, including the town’s Economic Development Commission and Transportation Advisory Committee.

“Emilena dedicated her life to her family and her community,” Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley said in a statement. “She was an advocate for limited government while being a friend to all. Her kindness and passion for helping others was evident in every decision she made, and she will be greatly missed.”

Turley was born in Chandler and graduated from Mountain View High School in Mesa, later attending Phoenix College,

see TURLEY page 3

significant number of recent complaints received by the department. Brice said in the last six to eight months, the department has fielded roughly 20 to 30 complaints about motor vehicles being ridden unlawfully, specifically on municipal sidewalks.

“Some of the complaints are a little scary,” Brice continued. “These devices are moving

QC’s Steven Hunter teams up with United Cerebral Palsy

Emilena Turley, former Queen Creek vice mayor and town council member. (Town of Queen Creek/Submitted)

down the sidewalk at 20 miles per hour, and people are maybe not literally diving off the sidewalk but having to move quickly out of the way.”

Brice said most of the complaints center on inexperienced operators thinking the sidewalk is a throughfare for large vehicles.

“They are motor vehicles,” he continued. “They are not allowed to be there.”

Brice said there were other complaints about vehicles on trails or on streets and other high-speed areas where they should not be, and attributed the illegal operations to “underage teenagers.”

“Nobody wants to sit on this council and take away anyone’s fun, right?” asked Vice Mayor Jeff Brown, who explained that he has been personally contacted about the problem. “That’s a horrible place to be in, but we are charged … with ensuring safety for everyone. We are not necessarily intentionally taking your fun away. We’re going to give you as much heads up as we can, but the police department has to follow state statutes.”

Brice said that when the department receives complaints like this, officers are bound by law to act. “We can’t let it go. We have to respond,” he said. That can include citations, charges and vehicle impoundment.

According to town council materials, the following conditions constitute a violation of Arizona motor vehicle laws and are grounds for the police to act.

The person has not ever been issued a valid driver license or permit by this state, and the person does not produce evidence of ever having a valid driver license or permit issued by another jurisdiction.

A person is driving a vehicle in violation of section 28-693 (reckless driving), and the peace officer reasonably believes that allowing the person to continue driving the vehicle would expose other persons to the risk of serious bodily injury or death.

A person is obstructing a highway or other public thoroughfare in violation of section 13-2906, and the peace officer reasonably believes that allowing the person to continue driving the vehicle would expose other persons to the risk of serious

WHY SETTLE FOR ORDINARY?

bodily injury or death.

Councilmember Robin Benning echoed Brown, saying the council does not want to take anyone’s fun away, but noted that some residents may be frustrated by the impending police enforcement.

“It is frustrating for some residents who feel like, ‘Oh, the kids are just playing with their toys,’” Benning said. “But there is a great danger in these (vehicles) mixing in with high speed, bigger cars. … I don’t want to see anyone getting hurt.”

Benning is supportive of a phased-in approach, which gives residents plenty of notice that the police department will begin enforcing state law regarding motorized vehicles after the public awareness campaign.

Mayor Julia Wheatley said such an initiative is key in Queen Creek, where some people are still getting used to the idea of being in a bigger and more sophisticated town.

“There are residents who are just used to doing it a certain way, whether it’s legal or not,” Wheatley said.

Brice said the police department will

notify residents of the impending uptick in enforcement via a social media campaign. He added that parents should pay attention, too, because in addition to minors facing legal action and having vehicles impounded, parents, guardians or caretakers can also face charges or citations related to the minor’s offense.

“We just want to get the information out there,” Brice added. “This is our first step.”

TURLEY from page 1

where she received an AAS in legal secretarial studies.

She worked as an independent paralegal in the East Valley and served on the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce Education Committee.

She and her family moved to Queen Creek in 2010 because they love the small town feel and tight-knit sense of community that it offers.

Turley is survived by her husband Aaron and eight children.

Creek

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Passing Prop 400 could repair roads

BY MARK MORAN Tribune Contributing Writer

Queen Creek stands to reap more than $303 million if Proposition 400, the extension of a half-cent transportation tax that funds roads and public transportation, is approved by voters in November.

Prop 400 was among the last and most contentious measures passed in a marathon, 204-day-long legislative session during which the tax extension measure appeared dead, or at least on emergency life support, several times. Lawmakers finally approved it, which puts the issue before voters. It is not a new tax but an additional 25-year extension of a tariff that was originally approved by voters in 1984. The 2023 $24 billion countywide plan means hundreds of millions in money for critical Queen Creek roadway infrastructure.

“What’s in it for us in Queen Creek?”

Public Works Director Mohamed Youssef asked at an Aug. 10, 2023 meeting of the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting. “We have about

$148.8 million going to the ultimate section of State Route 24, meaning that we are going to add more lanes from Ellsworth to Ironwood. There is different funding from Ironwood to the CAP canal.”

Prop 400 would mean an additional $156 million for the town’s arterial roadway network, including work on the intersection of Germann and Sossaman roads and improvements to Hawes Road, for example, Youssef said.

“It’s huge,” he continued. “And it’s coming to a vote in November.”

Leaving the future of hundreds of millions of dollars in critical infrastructure in the hands of new and potentially uneducated voters worries transportation committee member Cindy Barnes, who, having grown up locally, has a long history with Prop 400.

“So, I just ask that please everyone just talk to your neighbors. Especially people who don’t know because this is a crucial time to vote on this. We’ve got to get this money. This is huge for us,” she said.

Barnes questioned the process of having voters approve such critical in-

frastructure money and contends the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors should not leave this up to voters. She said the supervisors should take it upon themselves to ensure the future funding of such an important issue.

“But that’s just the way we’ve done it,” Barnes said. “Things in Arizona take forever to change. We’ve been paying for it since 1985 and never had trouble getting it passed, but people don’t vote like they used to.”

She added that the state of existing Valley freeways is the worst she has ever seen.

Public opinion polls currently show support for Prop 400, which voters last approved extending again in 2004. It is set to expire at the end of 2025 and has funded the light rail; SR 51; SR 24; and the 101, 202 and 303 freeways.

While funding for future roadways is uncertain, Queen Creek is on a mission to preserve its existing pavement — and save a lot of money in the process.

According to the committee, the town spends more than $4.96 million annual-

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ROADS from page 4

ly on pavement preservation, and while that might sound like a lot of money, it is miniscule compared to what it costs to wait until the pavement needs to be replaced.

“For 25 cents a square foot, you can extend a road’s life for five years at least,” said town Traffic Engineer Janet Martin, who oversees Queen Creek’s roads and bridges. She added that by maintaining the pavement of surface streets, roads built to proper specifications using good materials should last decades.

“I could expect 40, 50 or even 60 years,” she added.

That 25-cent-per-square-foot preventive maintenance cost increases exponentially if the roads are not maintained and kept in good condition. Figures show it costs $2.77 per square foot to fill and overlay a damaged section of road, and they balloon to a whopping $15.78 per square foot to remove damaged pavement and rebuild part of a roadway that requires reconstruction.

While the traffic loads on surface streets and highways are not the same, Barnes wondered aloud why areas of freeways have not been more well maintained if costs can be kept so low to

maintain pavement before it becomes too damaged for small fixes.

“It’s amazing we have formulas like this, and we have freeways in the state we have,” Barnes said of the rugged condition of Valley highways such as sec-

tions of the State Route 202 and U.S. 60. About 85% of the town’s roads are in good condition and can be maintained with relatively minimal expense, according to information released by the committee.

Chamber, QC to host For Our Town meeting

BY TRIBUNE STAFF

The town of Queen Creek and the Chamber of Commerce have partnered for a new community initiative called “For Our Town Queen Creek.”

The initiative is a quarterly meeting to bring together local nonprofits and service organizations, businesses and faithbased organizations in Queen Creek and the surrounding area to tackle pressing issues.

“I am so excited for this incredible partnership that is bringing together nonprofits, businesses and faith-based organizations,” Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley said in a statement. “Communities are most successful when everyone comes together to share ideas and inspiration, and this new initiative will help Queen Creek thrive.”

In March 2023, the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce hosted its biannual Non-Profit Summit.

Local nonprofit organizations, from small startups like the Chosen Warrior Cancer Support Foundation to established, large organizations such as Dignity Health, came together to find new ways to work together to support those in the Queen Creek and San Tan Valley area. Queen Creek Councilmembers Robin Benning, Bryan McClure and Dawn Oliphant were in attendance.

Individuals were given the opportunity to network and share the issues seen in their community and organizations.

The meeting also addressed the community needs survey conducted by the chamber.

“Coming out of the pandemic, organizations were telling us they were seeing rising mental health issues such as depression, substance abuse and domestic violence,” Chris Clark, Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, said in a statement. “Our survey also told us that most organizations are still recovering from various effects of

the pandemic.”

The survey reported that the three biggest needs for organizations are volunteers, increased funding due to inflation costs, and connecting with other nonprofit organizations and community partners.

Other areas of need in the community are affordable housing, substance and mental health resources as well as general help in areas of employment, housing and food services.

The next For Our Town Queen Creek meeting will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, at the Queen Creek Library.

All area community service organizations, businesses, mental health and health care providers, and faith-based organizations are welcome to attend.

More information about the event and the complete community needs survey can be found at explorequeencreek. com/forourtown.

For Our Town is a quarterly meeting to bring together groups in Queen Creek and the surrounding area to tackle pressing issues. (Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce/Submitted)

Fund highlights LG’s investment in QC

BY MARK MORAN Tribune Contributing Writer

The U.S. Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is highlighting LG Energy Solutions’ (LGES) $5.5 billion investment in Queen Creek to create two new EV battery manufacturing plants, scheduled to be operational by 2025, as a key achievement of the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act.

LGES’ expansion is one of the latest in a series of major battery and electric vehicle manufacturing investments that Arizona has landed since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act — helping to cement the state’s reputation as “an innovation hub for renewable energy,” the EDF highlighted in a news release.

“Queen Creek, a suburb southeast of Phoenix, is now the site of the largest investment in a single battery facility in all of North America,” it continued.

LGES originally announced a $1.4 billion investment to build a cylindrical battery factory to power electric and clean-energy vehicles. After a long period of silence, the company said this year that it would quadruple its investment in the plants, scheduled to be constructed near Ironwood and Germann Roads and expected to be among Queen Creek’s largest employers.

“These Arizona-made batteries will power green, sustainable technologies around the world, cementing Arizona’s reputation as an innovation hub for renewable energy. We’re grateful to LGES for their legacy investment and for committing to making thousands of good-paying jobs for Arizonans,” a statement from the town said after announcing the revised, $5.5 billion investment.

“Our decision to invest in Arizona demonstrates our strategic initiative to continue expanding our global produc-

tion network, which is already the largest in the world, to further advance our innovative and top-quality products in scale and with speed,” said Youngsoo Kwon, CEO of LG Energy Solution, after the revised investment was announced.

“We believe it’s the right move at the right time in order to empower clean energy transition in the U.S.”

According to the EDF, Arizona has an estimated $10.9 billion in investments and 11,500 jobs associated with EV manufacturing and the batteries to power them.

“That means announced EV investments in the state have almost tripled in the last six months alone,” the EDF said.

“We expect Arizona won’t be alone in seeing huge job growth and investment from the Inflation Reduction Act,” the EDF reported. “The law has turbocharged EV markets in the U.S. And more EV’s on our roads will ultimately mean

more Americans will save money on fuel and maintenance costs, and we’ll all have cleaner air to breathe and a safer climate.”

EV Investments in the U.S. continue apace a year after the IRA’s passage, key tax credits of which were helpful to LGES’s Queen Creek plants. LGES said its decision was partly driven by the IRA, which include federal incentives for the sale and production of electric vehicles and batteries in the United States.

LGES’ customers include GM, Ford, Honda and Tesla.

A handful of other companies have announced EV-related facilities in Arizona recently as well.

In March, the EDF released a report that found more than $120 billion in investments and 143,000 new U.S. jobs had been announced in the last eight years, but more than 40% of those announcements happened since passage of the Inflation Reduction Act last year.

QC hosting student art, essay contest

BY TRIBUNE STAFF

Queen Creek is hosting an art and essay contest for K-12 students who attend a school in Queen Creek in honor of Constitution Week.

Selected entries, including the winners, will receive a gift card to a QC business and be displayed at Founders’ Day and the QC Community Concert.

The contest will accept submissions until Tuesday, Aug. 22, in two categories. The first category, “The Benefits of the Constitution,” invites students to produce an original piece of art or write a one-page essay depicting how they have benefited from the freedoms embodied in the U.S. Constitution.

Students can also submit to the “Mayor for the Day” category where they are asked to create an original

art piece or write a one-page essay on “What would you do if you were mayor for a day in Queen Creek?” Contest entries can be dropped off at the Municipal Services Building, 22358 S. Ellsworth Road, with the entry form from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday. The Downtown Arts & Placemaking Advisory Sub-Committee will select the winners, which will be announced at the Wednesday, Sept. 6, town council meeting.

The QC Community Concert in honor of Constitution Week will be held at the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9.

The free concert will see high schools from throughout Queen Creek coming together in song. For additional details about the arts and essay contest, please visit queencreekaz.gov/constitutionweek.

QC’s Steven Hunter teams with United Cerebral Palsy

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tribune Executive Editor

United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona and former Phoenix Suns center Steven Hunter have a common mission: to help kids in the disability community live a life without limits.

Hunter is the first Valley person named to the new UCP of Central Arizona Community Ambassador program, launched in August.

“I’m so excited to be partnering with them,” Hunter said. “I, too, am a crusader for kids living with special needs. I have a son, Blaise, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3. Through hard work and services from organizations similar to UCP, my son is now 11 years old, and he’s thriving in a lot of different areas.”

The goal of a community ambassa -

dor is to support the nonprofit organization’s cause, increase awareness

of the work being done by UCP for children with motor disorders, and

create a positive impact on the community. This program complements UCP’s existing ambassador program comprised of children with cerebral palsy who speak on the nonprofit’s behalf about their personal experiences.

A Phoenix Suns’ center during the 2004-05 season, Hunter is the former community ambassador for the team. He also helms Queen Creek’s Steven Hunter Youth Foundation and the Steven Hunter Life Skills & Basketball Academy.

“I’m a firm believer that if you supply kids with special needs with early intervention, resources and services, they can truly be the best version of themselves,” he said. “They can reach their potential. That’s why we have that synergy. We have the same

Former Phoenix Suns center Steven Hunter is the first person from the Valley named to the new United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona Community Ambassador program, which launched this month. (Steven Hunter/Submitted)

mission.”

Hunter and his wife, Erika, have three other children, Nylaa, Steven II and Zoey. The couple moved from Chicago to the Valley in 2011 because Hunter enjoyed his time here playing for the Suns.

“I embraced the community, and the community embraced me,” he

said. “I wanted to be a part of the Phoenix Suns’ organization post my basketball career. So I started doing ambassador work for the Phoenix Suns, doing speaking engagements, making appearances and community outreach with their charity programs. It’s been a really, really good experience.”

When Blaise was in elementary school, Hunter’s wife, Erika, wanted

to learn more about kids with special needs and autism, so she started working as a special education aid.

“With that, she saw the struggle that special education classrooms have with resources,” Hunter said.

“Here in Arizona, I feel classrooms are underfunded. They don’t have as many iPads as they need or up-todate resources for the classrooms. The teachers have to purchase things for these students.”

The Hunters started the Steven

chairs, for increased mobility.

As a UCP community ambassador, Hunter aspires to dedicate time and resources and use his platform to drive meaningful change in the disability community.

During the December Season of Giving, Hunter and UCP will also host a Suns Father’s United for Kids with Autism and Cerebral Palsy basketball clinic at Footprint Center in Downtown Phoenix.

“By establishing the community

WHEN: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 WHERE: Desert Canyon Golf Club, 10440 N. Indian Wells Drive, Fountain Hills

COST: Tickets start at $250 INFO: shyfoundation.com or ucpofcentralaz.org

Portillo’s to open new QC restaurant

BY TRIBUNE STAFF

Portillo’s Hot Dogs, the fast-casual restaurant concept known for its menu of unrivaled Chicago street food, will open the doors of its seventh restaurant in Arizona on Tuesday, Aug. 29.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. at the new location, 20745 E. Walnut Road, on the southeast corner of Ellsworth and East Walnut.

The ceremony will include Portillo’s Vice President of Restaurant Support

Michael Portillo as well as present its charity partners, Queen Creek 4-H and Queen Creek Schools Education Foundation, with a check for the funds raised during the brand’s sneak-peek training meals on Aug. 21 and Aug. 22.

The 7,800-square-foot restaurant is the first Portillo’s built with the Kitchen 23 format, including a grab-and-go retail area, self-serve soda fountain and other

efficiencies in the kitchen.

It will feature indoor seating for more than 180 guests, a seasonal outdoor patio with seating for 50, and double drivethru lanes. Just as all other traditional Portillo’s, it will include a diner-themed interior, drawing inspiration from the 1950s and 1960s.

Once open at 10:30 a.m., guests can expect to enjoy Portillo’s signature menu items like Chicago-style hot dogs, famous Italian beef sandwiches, char-

grilled burgers and Portillo’s famous chocolate cake.

Guests are invited to sign up for Portillo’s Birthday Club to receive the most up-to-date restaurant information. Those who sign up also receive a slice of Portillo’s homemade chocolate cake on their birthday.

For more information on this location and others, visit portillos.com or follow Portillo’s on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @portilloshotdog.

ASU senior living high-rise no cheap date

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Tribune Columnist

Aslick brochure arrived by mail recently, addressed to the “lady in residence.”

Neither she nor her spouse had attended Arizona State University, but here was an invitation from ASU, complete with eye-catching graphics and clever sloganeering.

“A higher degree of luxury senior living,” it proclaimed, promoting a property called “Mirabella at ASU.”

Pictured was a silver-headed, silver-bearded man. With a bit more padding around his midriff and clad in the garb of an old prospector, he might have once been

cast as a real-life “Windfall Willie,” the original mascot of the Arizona Lottery.

Clutching a pen in his right hand, with a notebook resting on his knee, outfitted in a fashion that might be called “refined campus bohemian,” it became obvious that this was an introduction to “Joe College Sr.” And in this case, the suffix denotes his demographic group — not his fourth year in pursuit of an undergraduate degree. Call it a combination of campus life and the “golden years” for those who back the maroon and gold. But this type of arrangement is not unique to Arizona State — it’s just that the Sun Devils opted for an opulent approach to a “university-based retirement community,” or UBRC.

It won’t come as a surprise that those who stay true to UArizona contend the concept first took root in Tucson — with a “university-affiliated community.”

The late Henry Koffler, the first UArizona alumnus to serve as president of his alma mater, was inspired to reflect upon retirement and aging. Koffler thought there should be a place “for people who wanted to retire from work, not life.” And so, he founded “Academy Village.”

Though physically located 22 miles from the UArizona Campus in the Rincon Valley, it maintains a close relationship with the university. Residents who trek to Tucson can check out books from the university library and enjoy discounts on campus-based activities.

In turn, the university’s School of Music takes its shows “on the road” to the academy with a “dress rehearsal” for musicians prior to a major performance on campus. But in Tempe, “on campus” is the operative term.

Located on East University Drive, Mirabella at ASU is senior housing that is as far removed architecturally from a typical dormitory as an 80-year-old man is separated chronologically from his 18-year-old grandson.

Ensconced in a 20-story skyscraper, the Mirabella amenities include personal con-

see HAYWORTH page 16

Rise of independent voters is encouraging

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist

Mixed between news of former President Donald Trump’s multiple indictments and the latest investigation into our current president’s troubled son, I happened across a local news story that provided a glimmer of hope concerning our ongoing partisan warfare.

Last month, the number of registered Independents in Arizona surpassed the number of registered Republicans and Democrats to become the largest single voting bloc in our state.

At last count, Arizona is home to 1,450,697 independents versus 1,445,127 Republicans and 1,260,659 Democrats. There are another 40,000 folks who are either Libertarians or members of the No Labels Party, which appears to dislike labels and winning elections.

I registered as an independent way back when, after concluding that neither Team

Red nor Team Blue seemed all that interested in representing me as opposed to raising money, consolidating power and winning elections.

I have sometimes temporarily flipped my voter registration, however, to vote in a primary election a right denied independents per Arizona law, though our tax dollars certainly pay for them.

Given that I’ve lived in districts where whoever won the primary would undoubtedly win the seat, changing my registration was the only way to have a voice, even if it was the equivalent of whispering into a tornado.

The headline about this rising tide of independents fueled a longtime fantasy of mine that’s still a longshot: that I wake up one day and our two dominant political parties are on life support, supplanted by voters who are more interested in solving problems than in voting a straight ticket meanwhile screaming at everyone who disagrees with them. Unfortunately, politics in our state and the U.S. have never been more tribal. Where once upon a time, each party had a

moderate element that functioned as a persuadable middle, now it appears that voters on both sides have drifted toward the extremes.

That’s given rise to abysmal behavior all around, with the loudest voices (crackpots like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for the conservatives and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez for the progressives) whipping their base into a frenzy at the slightest provocation.

This angry streak isn’t merely depressing as hell.

It effectively poisons potential conversations on issues of substance, from how best to keep our communities safe to what to teach in our schools to how to spend our precious tax dollars.

My result? If we can’t have a serious conversation about what a sixth grader should learn in the classroom without cleaving into opposing teams to scream about critical race theory or the politics of pronouns, then Arizona’s K-12 schools are likely to continue to struggle for eternity.

As you read this, there’s a ballot measure

meant to create open primaries that might declaw the two dominant parties a bit but it needs more than 350,000 signatures to get on the 2024 ballot, where it will surely be opposed by Dems and the GOP.

Amid that backdrop, we’re about to have an interesting three-way fight for a U.S. Senate seat between Dem Congressman Ruben Gallego, now-independent incumbent Kyrsten Sinema and though she isn’t officially in yet retired newsreader turned full-time bulls--t artist Kari Lake.

The conventional wisdom seems to be that Gallego and Sinema will savage each other on the left, splitting the Democrat and left-leaning independent vote, thus opening a path for Lake to win on the right. I’m not so sure.

Those of us who have quit the old parties did so because we have an independent streak. Left or right don’t describe us quite so easily.

At nearly 1.5 million strong and counting, we’re mostly wondering what the heck is keeping the rest of you from joining us?

AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Lessons learned riding the wave of ‘ultimate’ freedom

BY JUDY BLUHM Tribune Columnist

Iam a surfer. OK, I should clarify: I have surfed. For one minute. Yes, dear readers, earlier this year, I caught a wave on the longboard. In other words, I spent a couple of days in San Diego and have figured out the art of paddle, wait, stand and pray. Oh, and I got to wear a wetsuit, which, in my opinion, is the ultimate spandex “outfit” that makes everyone look fabulous.

I was walking on the beach and a woman in her late 50s had a little sign that said, “Surfing lessons for women.” I stopped to chat. Her name, Bella Splash, intrigued me. She charged $50 for an hour lesson and had several surfboards and wetsuits to choose

HAYWORTH from page 14

cierge services, secure underground parking, a fitness and aquatic center and, as its promotional brochure heralds, “four dining venues… with views!”

Prospective residents are also enticed by the promise that they can “take advantage of all ASU has to offer, just like a student,” attending classes and taking part in campus life.

But one element of campus life struck a sour note and spawned subsequent lawsuits.

“Shady Park” may sound like the name of an old-fashioned “rest home,” but it is a Tempe concert venue located across the street from Mirabella. The loud sound emanating from Shady Park wasn’t exactly “The Sound of Music” — at least not to the ears of many senior neighbors.

That’s why some of those seniors filed suit, hoping to force Shady Park to turn down the volume, but that just amped up unwelcome publicity. The Wall Street Journal chronicled

from. I have surfed over the past 20 years, mostly with grandsons who ended up mastering the sport. But I usually paddle out, stand up and fall off the board. I never took a lesson. What did I have to lose? (Except my life.)

Bella Splash lived in Iowa, happily married to a doctor, until she found out he was having an affair with his receptionist. So, the former Betty Brown did something amazing. She bought an RV and headed to California, learned to surf and changed her name. She teaches surfing to “empower” women. Evidently, she thought I needed a lot of empowering, because she spent two hours with me.

Bella showed me how to handle myself on the board. Standing, balance and “being centered” is everything. Oh, and catching

the dispute last fall for its national readership — not exactly the kind of coverage that ASU or the Mirabella developers desired.

More welcome news came this spring when a settlement was reached. It was reported in March that all lawsuits were dropped when Shady Park promised to work with the city of Tempe to implement enhanced “noise abatement procedures.”

But for many seniors, it’s not the volume of the music… it’s the “cost of living” that serves as a disincentive for moving into Mirabella at ASU. With initial housing fees that range from $440,000 to more than $1 million — and additional monthly payments from $4,000 to $8,000 — it’s clear that this new “university community” is quite an exclusive neighborhood.

For the lady and her spouse who perused the slick marketing brochure that arrived in their mailbox, one major event would enable them to make the move into ASU’s UBRC: winning the lottery.

Windfall Willie, where are you?

How to get a letter published

E-mail: christina@timeslocalmedia.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. Queen Creek Tribune 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.

the “right wave” is key. Not powerful enough and you do not get the right “send off.” Too big and you will certainly crash. Bella said since it “takes years” to pick the right wave, just follow her lead.

Before I ever entered the water, Bella had me stand on the board. Lay, paddle and pop up. We went through that drill dozens of times. Hmm, I have not taken the technique seriously! Bella talked me through the correct posture and how to properly position on the board. She said if I catch “one good wave” I will experience the “ultimate” in freedom. Gliding on a wave, being in the present moment, pure joy and exhilaration, is what she was selling. OK, I was skeptical. And then it happened. Bella shouted, “This is the one!” And suddenly we were paddling back toward shore as the perfect

swell came rushing.

A small miracle occurred that day. I paddled, pressed up and with Bella yelling, “Now!” I stood, riding on the top of a shimmering wall of water. For one blessed minute, I “became” a surfer. No worries, spray of water, blue ocean below and flying on the edge of a wave heading into shore is about as good as it gets.

I left the beach pondering “Bella’s Rules” (for surfing or life?). Choose the wave wisely. Practice. Be patient. Then commit. Keep moving forward. Don’t look back. Stand tall, chin up. Be fearless. Never let age stop you. Embrace the moment. Feel the joy. Seize the day. Enjoy the ride.

Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Contact her at judy@judybluhm. com or at aroundthebluhmintown.com.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Ex-Visit Mesa board member disputes chair’s remarks

Editor:

The Sunday, Aug. 13, Queen Creek Tribune featured an article detailing issues surrounding resignations from the Visit Mesa Board of Directors. Mine was one of those.

I felt the article was an example of then excellent journalism, fair and balanced.

I’m writing to respond to statements apparently made by Carl Grupp, the Visit Mesa board chair. Mr. Grupp seems to feel that the issues raised in my letter of resignation are “meritless or biased individual opinions,” a view to which he is entitled.

I wonder, however, if he is interested in putting facts to the test.

I invite anyone interested to read the emails the VM board member sent inquiring about an unbudgeted expenditure of $60,000 and a contract entered into without board approval. These emails are in the public domain.

Readers can decide if the labels “wrong and… unprofessional,” which Mr. Grupp assigns them are accurate or not.

The assertions made in my letter of resignation are all based on documented facts. As to the opinions expressed, I suggest that actions speak louder than words.

If everything VM is doing is transparent, then why the intention to require confidentiality agreements and selectively exclude board members from communications involving board issues?

These are not opinions, these are facts. I am happy to defend with documented facts anything contained in my resignation letter. As to the end game which Mr. Grupp finds confusing, it should be a return to good governance, an engaged board of directors, fiscal responsibility and an environment that will not tolerate the retaliatory conduct directed at board members who question authority. In other words, let’s get back to truth.

Richard J. Adams Jr.

Football preview: ALA embracing move to 6A Conference

BY ZACH ALVIRA Tribune Sports Editor

American Leadership Academy

- Queen Creek opened the eyes of many across the state last season when it was the only 5A team to make the Open Division Playoffs, a tournament that pins the best eight football programs against each other at the end of the season.

The year prior, the Patriots were the only 4A team to make the premier tournament. The success of both seasons prompted the Arizona Interscholastic Association to move them up a conference two years in a row as part of the realignment done each year for football programs.

Moving up two levels in as many years is a drastic move for any program. But it’s especially difficult for one that just four years prior was still in the 3A Conference and considered a “small school” by both population and athletic placement.

But ALA sees it as a sign of respect, to an extent. The Patriots have been one of the top programs in the state for three years. Now, they have to prove it with a gauntlet of a schedule.

“The schedule and we’ve gotta replace 19 starters from last year, so a big task ahead of us there,” ALA head coach Ty Detmer said. “We’ve got some good young players that got a little bit of work in mop-up opportunities, but we feel good about where we’re at.”

ALA attempted to petition down last spring when the initial conference placements came out. But due to its success, it was denied by the AIA. So, Detmer and his coaching staff dug in and went to work preparing their players for a new challenge. In return, the players worked harder to better themselves both physically and mentally.

ALA won its first 3A title in 2016, the program’s second season. The academic rigor of the school, along with stateof-the-art facilities that were the first of its kind in Arizona before more schools followed suit, quickly allowed it to become a destination for incoming freshmen and transfer student-athletes.

The Patriots won the 3A title again in 2019, which prompted the move to 4A in 2020. They lost in the playoffs to a Ty Thompson-led Mesquite team their first year in 4A. In 2021, they made the Open Division.

Last year in 5A, ALA drew the No. 7 seed in the Open Division playoffs. The Patriots traveled to nearby Basha and hung around with the Bears. Basha went on to win the state title.

“We showed what we can do and that we can compete,” senior wide receiver Jayden Williams said. “Yeah, it might seem like we’re an ALA school, but we’re still at the same level (as other 6A teams). It gives us a chip on our shoulder.”

To make the Open yet again this season, ALA will have to rely on the senior class for leadership.

Williams is the veteran of the wide receivers’ room. He was key to ALA’s success last season alongside Ryan Meza. Now his role will expand even more as the top target for Coconino transfer quarterback Enoch Watson.

On the opposite side of the ball, Nate LaDuke has become a standout safety for the Patriots. A ball hawk who also headhunts in the secondary, he’s caught the eyes of college scouts this off-season.

Arizona State, Weber State and Utah Tech have all offered LaDuke. He plans to make his decision in due time. But for now, his main focus is helping prove doubters wrong about this year’s ALA team.

“Our goal now is to be in the Open every year,” LaDuke said. “It’s a standard. Let’s just keep it going.”

The Patriots will be young at key positions, most notably the offensive and defensive lines. They also have to replace star running back Mitch Jensen, who also played linebacker, as well as 25 other seniors.

They know it’ll be a challenge at the 6A level. They open with Saguaro and face last year’s 4A champion ALA - Gilbert North, the 6A runner-up Pinnacle, 6A semifinalist Red Mountain, twotime defending 6A champion Highland and Open Division qualifier Sandra Day O’Connor.

Despite the brutal schedule, Detmer knows his players will be ready to embrace the adversity.

“There’s an unknown out there,” Detmer said. “What is it going to be like? A gauntlet every week. We’re not blessed with a lot of D1 guys walking around

campus. But we’re blessed with guys that love football. They love competing and they work hard.”

Casteel

Junior quarterback Paul Palmer is ready to take over the Casteel program after learning behind Landon Jury the last two seasons.

He will have plenty of weapons at his disposal, including Oklahoma commit JJ Newcombe, a do-it-all type of player for Casteel the last three seasons. He will also have protection from an offensive line led by Camden Jury, a 6-foot-7, 315-pound senior tackle.

Braden Greene and Elijah Beamon, two of the top wideouts a year ago, return as well. On defense, JJ Newcombe will man the secondary alongside Gerayas Grimes, making the two one of the best defensive tandems in the state.

American Leadership Academy - Queen Creek senior safety Nate LaDuke, left, and senior wide receiver Jayden Williams have become leaders this season for the Patriots. They know the Open Division is the new standard for the program and it’ll take their leadership to get back there this season. (Dave Minton/Staff)

FOOTBALL

from page 18

Casteel kicks off its season on Friday, Aug. 25, against Boulder Creek.

Eastmark

Fresh off a championship in 3A, Eastmark has moved up to the 4A Conference and did so with a new head coach, Travis Dixon.

The former Higley assistant has brought a new sense of swagger to the Firebird program, which has been solidified with a new look by the Firebirds in 2023.

The team will be led on defense by standout defensive end Ramar Williams, who can also play tight end. On offense, running back Coleman Samples returns for a second straight season leading the backfield while Jaxon Bailey will emerge as the top target at wideout.

Eastmark begins its season on Friday,

Aug. 25 against Canyon Del Oro.

Queen Creek

Queen Creek saw two of its top players from last season transfer this off-season. Quarterback Mitch Ratigan moved out of state while top running back Davey Morales went down the street to ALA - Queen Creek.

That opens the door for younger players to step up to lead the Bulldogs. Sophomore Tait Reynolds is ready for the challenge.

The star baseball player will take over at quarterback for Queen Creek, going away from running back, the position his two older brothers played during their time with the program. The youngest Reynolds looks the part of a potential star at 6-foot-4, 195 pounds. He’ll have Nick Garcia at wideout to help him move the offense down the field.

Queen Creek kicks off its season on Friday, Aug. 25, against Mountain View.

Expires 8/31/23.

American Leadership Academy - Queen Creek head coach Ty Detmer said his team is embracing the challenge that comes with playing at the 6A Conference. The team has a gauntlet of a schedule each week. (Dave Minton/Staff)

‘Idol’ Megan Danielle shares her faith in concert

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tribune Executive Editor

Singer Megan Danielle said fans didn’t get to see the complete picture of her during her time on “American Idol.”

She’s determined to make that clear during her concert dates with fellow “American Idol” alum Maddie Poppe.

The two play at the Musical Instrument Museum on Friday, Aug. 25, and 191 Toole in Tucson on Saturday, Aug. 26. Danielle said it’s a great bill, their second tour together.

“I love her,” she said about Poppe. “I watched her when she was on ‘Idol.’ She’s such a genuine, sweet person. Her whole

team is great.”

In between songs — and within her tunes — Danielle will share her faith.

“I just wanted to be myself and let the world know about God,” she said about her time post-“Idol.” “If they don’t know about him, they do now.”

Among the songs on her set list is “Dream Girl,” her first post-“American Idol” single.

“It’s just amazing,” she said about the song. “It just talks about how the world can be so cruel sometimes. It really impacts your decisions about the dreams you want. It’s a reminder that every little girl can dream big and keep going no matter what. It’s just special.”

She has a collection of unreleased music, and “I just want to show myself as an artist and person,” she said. “I’m in the studio as much as I can. I’m writing a lot and hoping to release an EP, just to get something out there.”

A Douglasville, Georgia, native, Danielle hails from a close family of two sisters and a brother. Together, they watched their grandpa and uncles at the racetrack, and played ball and cornhole.

“I am really big on family,” she said. “We are all so close and do just about everything together. My grandparents mean everything to me; they have always been

“American Idol” season 21 runner-up Megan Danielle plays two Arizona shows — Friday, Aug. 25, at the Musical Instrument Museum and Saturday, Aug. 26, at 191 E. Toole Avenue, Tucson. (Megan Danielle/Submitted) see

Area band rocking 59 X Fest

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Tribune Staff Writer

For over two years, Ahwatukee-founded rock trio Viper Club and popsiclestickairport, comprising Queen Creek and Gilbert indie rockers, have been managed by Phoenix-based artist management company 59 X Records.

During that time, the bands toured the nation playing festivals as well as gigs around the Valley. But Saturday, Aug. 26, the two rock outfits will co-headline the inaugural 59 X Festival at The Rebel Lounge in Phoenix.

“This is a really cool festival because it has all of these really cool bands,” said Viper Club vocalist Jack Vanderpol, who grew up in Ahwatukee and attended Horizon Honors High School.

The festival features 10 acts with music beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Popsiclestickairport

Popsiclestickairport — often called PSA by its fans — began as a four-piece indie-pop act.

After a year of jamming as a band and a year of dormancy caused by the pandemic, members took a stab at making music in late 2021 and made a name for themselves with such exuberant shows that they caught the attention of Ami Rogers, 59 X Records artists development manager, who currently manages the band and others around the Valley.

“Before 2021, we were just playing

shows in backyards, at parks, a lot of small, DIY venues, coffee shops or record shops,” recalled vocalist Rhys Green, a Queen Creek resident who attended Benjamin Franklin High School.

“We got an offer to play at The Rebel Lounge — a venue we’re all fans of and have been there a million times to see bands play. … I think that show just gave us the pat on the back we needed.”

Since it came under the management of Rogers and 59 X Records, PSA has toured overseas while expanding its fanbase locally.

On Aug. 26, the band promises to jam a set list that will make fans want to dance.

“We always try to not be boring by switching up our sets each time,” Green said.

This set will be especially different for fans of the band, as Green said it will unveil tracks from an upcoming EP titled “EP For Fairies II.”

“A lot of our music is just centered around the sound the band creates when it is played live,” Green said. “I hope the audience thinks that we’re different, that we stand out, and I hope they feel comfortable and have a lot of fun.”

Viper Club

Although Ahwatukee area rock trio Viper Club boasts a slightly edgier sound than popsiclestickairport, the band took a similar route to come un-

der Rogers’ and 59 X Records’ management.

Though the band formed in 2018, Vanderpol said, “2021 was the year that we really started making a name for ourselves.”

Since Rogers began managing it, Viper Club has released three singles and an EP and toured across the nation.

Vanderpol said one of his favorite memories from this partnership is emceeing the 59 X Fest in Atlanta last year. Viper Club played it again this year.

“It gave us an opportunity to have a broader network across the states,” he said, adding the Atlanta audience’s enthusiasm astonished him.

Because of this, he has high hopes for what the crowd will look like during the Phoenix festival.

“We do a lot of crowd participation during our show, so there’s a lot of jumping, singing, mimicking and stuff like that,” Vanderpol said. “We’re very loud and because we get everyone so involved, our set feels like it’s 15 minutes long even though it’s 45 minutes or longer.”

Though Viper Club’s performances can feel a bit brisk, Vanderpol said that the band’s tune “Retweet” is always a crowd-pleaser.

Vanderpol hopes to generate a connection between the audience and the festival’s supporting acts.

“Connection. That’s the biggest thing for us,” Vanderpol said. “What we want to see is some kind of connection and

we hope our show grabbed somebody in the right way so that audience members can wake up the next day, text their buddies and say, ‘I saw this band last night, and they were really great. I felt like I was a part of it.’”

59 X Fest

WHEN: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. WHERE: The Rebel Lounge, 2303 E. Indian School Road

COST: $15 plus fees in advance, $20 day of show INFO: therebellounge.com/events

there. I lost my grandpa about two years ago and miss him greatly. He really influenced me to become a better version of myself and pursue music.”

She didn’t connect with her faith until she was 18 and started to attend church regularly. Music has always been a strong presence in her life.

“Since I was a little girl, I have always enjoyed listening to music and singing along to anything I’d hear,” Danielle said. “I was always so shy to pursue it but

eventually around the age of 15, I booked my own show at a restaurant in Douglasville. Then at the age of 18, I was singing anywhere I could. … In bars, venues and any place that would have me. I always knew I wasn’t living up to my full potential and then one night at a show, my grandpa really influenced me to follow my calling. It was at that time, ironically, I quit performing altogether to learn more about myself, about God and what plans he had for my life.”

A year and a half ago, an “American Idol” producer messaged Danielle on In-

stagram asking if she’d want to audition. Initially hesitant, she mustered the courage to do it and placed second.

Fans watched her confidence grow during the ABC competition show.

“I went into the competition very doubtful,” she said.

“I didn’t think I’d make it on season 21. It helped me grow a lot and see how I am. I’m just grateful for it. I learned to really just trust myself and be myself.

“To be the runner up is still surprising to me. I’ve taken the time to realize this is a big accomplishment. I’m proud of myself.”

Maddie Poppe

w/Megan Danielle

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25

WHERE: Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix

COST: Tickets start at $33.50 INFO: 480-478-6000, mim.org

WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26

WHERE: 191 Toole, 191 E. Toole Avenue, Tucson

COST: Tickets start at $30 INFO: ticketmaster.com

Rhys Green of Queen Creek, a vocalist of the indie rock group popsiclestickairport, is excited to be co-headlining the inaugural 59 X Fest in Phoenix on Aug. 26. (Special to the Tribune)

to clean water runs deep

We’re committed to providing clean water while building and maintaining infrastructure that will provide plentiful resources for Arizona long into the future. Learn more at epcor.com

With JAN D’ATRI

Get Out Contributor

Do the bump with this Detroit delicacy

f you’re from Detroit, I hope this column brings you many happy and delicious memories. If you know someone from that area, just ask them about the iconic, fun and fabulous-tasting Bumpy Cake and then sit back and watch them smile.

Once you’ve heard of Sanders Bumpy Cake, you may become as obsessed as I am over this decadent chocolate cake with white icing “speed bumps” piped along the top and then covered in a rich and creamy pourable chocolate ganache. Think Hostess Cupcakes, only much more fun and just as tasty.

Sanders Bumpy Cake has been around since 1875. Ask anyone from Detroit and they will tell you that this is the go-to cake often purchased for special occasions

Ingredients

For the cake

• 2 cups all purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 teaspoon granulated espresso powder

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

For the speed bump

• 3/4 cup shortening

• 1/4 cup butter

• 2 teaspoon vanilla powder (or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla)

• 5 tablespoons half-and-half or heavy cream

• 6 cups powdered sugar

For the ganache

• 16 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.

like birthdays, anniversaries and holidays.

So get the electric mixer out, see why this is the ultimate treat for Michiganders, and have a blast going over the speed bumps!

Make the cake. In the bowl of a stand mixer or with electric beaters, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, espresso powder, sugar and salt. Whisk on low to combine.

Add the oil, buttermilk, eggs and vanilla. Blend to fully combine, creating a loose batter. Pour into prepared baking dish and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes up clean. Cool for at least 30 minutes and then freeze for several hours.

Make the speed bumps. Beat together the shortening, butter, vanilla, cream and powdered sugar until firm. Transfer to a piping bag with a large round top and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Pipe rows of speed bump icing in rows lengthwise on top of chilled cake, about 1/2-inch apart. Return to freezer until speed bumps are frozen solid. Make ganache. Place chopped chocolate in a medium heat-proof bowl. Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to gently simmer. (Do not bring to a boil.)

Pour cream over chocolate, and then let it sit for 2–3 minutes to gently soften the chocolate. With a rubber spatula, slowly stir until completely combined and chocolate has melted. Let cool slightly. When speed bumps are frozen or very firm, pour ganache over the cake and the speed bumps to cover completely.

Refrigerate until ganache has set up. Serve chilled or at room temperature.