Scottsdale Progress - 9.5.2021 by Times Media Group

City joins dam study / P. 4

Restaurant Week beckons here / P. 31

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

INSIDE

NEIGHBORS.............20 Healthcare exec works for vulnerable.

SPORTS......................... 27 Chapparal's Anthony Lucas aiming for title.

ARTS...................... ..........28

Scottsdale Quarter getting new moviehouse. NEIGHBORS..........................................20 BUSINESS................................................22 OPINION................................................. 26 SPORTS....................................................27 ARTS......................................................... 28 FOOD......................................................... 31 CLASSIFIEDS........................................ 34

FREE ($1 OUTSIDE OF SCOTTSDALE) | scottsdale.org

Sunday, September 5, 2021

City’s ‘resilient’ economy yields high growth BY J. GRABER Progress Staff Writer

cottsdale’s economy during last fiscal year can best be described in one word – resilient. “That’s the word that kept coming up,” city Economic Director Rob Millar said. The city’s economic department’s

Scottsdale Fire honors 9/11 heroes, victims

2020/2021 annual report shows businesses moving into the area, higher-than-expected wages and promising vacancy rates. “It was a good year,” Millar said. “Was it a great year, no, but I think that’s (the fault) of the pandemic.” The City processed 803 new business licenses last year, despite the pandemic, which is down from 980 in the previous year.

Beauty salons were the most common new business type with 48, followed by other personal care services at 41 and fullservice restaurants, 38. “New business brings in diversified new revenue in the form of taxes, capital investment, and consumer spending,” Millar said.

see ECONOMY page 12

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

he Scottsdale Fire Department is providing a special way for residents to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with a somber pop-up museum at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The museum, open until Sunday, Sept. 12, features photos of victims affixed to props that resemble the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and a wing of the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania 20 years ago this Saturday. This is the first time in five years the department is displaying the memorial.

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Names of the 9/11 victims memorialized by the Scottsdale Fire Department are mounted on props such as this image of the Pentagon. Other props call to mind the World Trade Center while one prop is fashioned into the likeness of an airplane wing. (Pablo Robles)

“We thought, ‘How could we create this display that meets their needs and honors the situation here in Scottsdale?’” department spokeswoman Lori Schmidt explained. Having been involved in the pop-up muse-

um since it was first created in 2009, Schmidt is always reminded of watching the horror unfold on television in her family’s home.

see 9/11MUSEUM page 10

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CITY NEWS

An edition of the East Valley Tribune Scottsdale Progress is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Scottsdale. To find out where you can pick up a free copy of Scottsdale Progress, please visit www.Scottsdale.org. CONTACT INFORMATION Main number 480-898-6500 | Advertising 480-898-5624 Circulation service 480-898-5641 Scottsdale Progress 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219, Tempe, AZ 85282 Publisher Steve T. Strickbine Vice President Michael Hiatt ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising 480-898-6309 Classifieds/Inside Sales Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@scottsdale.org TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@scottsdale.org Advertising Office Manager Kathy Sgambelluri | 480-898-6500 | ksgambelluri@timespublications.com Director of National Advertising Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@scottsdale.org NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor Paul Maryniak | 480-898-5647 | pmaryniak@scottsdale.org Staff Writers Alex Gallagher | 843-696-6442 | agallagher@timespublications.com John Graber | 480-898-5682 | jgraber@timespublications.com Photographers Pablo Robles | Probles@scottsdale.org Design Veronica Thurman | vthurman@scottsdale.org Production Coordinator Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 | production@scottsdale.org Circulation Director Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@scottsdale.org Scottsdale Progress 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

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

Scottsdale signs onto Verde River storage study BY J. GRABER Progress Staff Writer

ater storage capacity on Verde River is shrinking and that’s bad news for Scottsdale, which gets up to 15 percent of its water from there. That’s why the city has joined with other municipalities like Buckeye to help pay for a feasibility study on raising the Bartlett Dam on the Verde by either 62 feet or 97 feet in order to mitigate the problem. “The Verde River, though it makes up 40 percent of the flows of the combined (Salt River Project) system, it has only about 7 percent of the storage, so any decrease in storage is significant,” Scottsdale Water Resources Executive Director Brian Biesemeyer told City Council Aug. 26. Cities like Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe and Glendale are all considering signing onto the project as well. The problem is actually upstream at Horseshoe Dam. Sediment – a lot of sediment – is collecting at the Horsehoe Dam, which is causing a loss of up to 46,0000 acre-feet of reservoir capacity. An acre foot of water is roughly enough to supply three families with water for a year. Removing all the sediment would be a logistical nightmare, so engineers from the Federal Bureau of Reclamation are proposing increasing the storage capacity at the Bartlett Dam by raising it and letting the Horseshoe serve as a sediment collection point. The federal government will pick up half the bill, which is expected to run in the several millions of dollars, for the study, leaving SRP and its municipal partners to pay for the rest. Scottsdale has earmarked $300,000 for the project, but Biesemeyer said he could see an additional $100,000 possibly being needed. “It does get us in on the ground floor for possible of additional water storage space in the SRP system,” Biesemeyer said. The study itself is expected to take two to four years with a build-out date somewhere around 10 years down the road. When completed, the project could

Sediment has been steadily piling up at the Horseshoe Dam in Rio Verde, causing a domino effect that threatens water capacity on the Verde River, the source of up to 15 percent of Scottsdale’s water. (Courtesy SRP)

add up to 300,000 acre feet of storage on the Verde River, said SRP Project Manager Ronald J. Klawitter. That means water from wetter years can be saved and used during drier years, which will be increasingly important as climate change continues to make wet seasons more severe but less frequent. That excess can be used to complement water from the dwindling Colorado River, Klawitter said. City Manager Jim Thompson activated the first stage of the city’s drought management plan Aug. 17 in connection with the federal Bureau of Land Management’s announcement of water rationing on the Colorado River to the state that will begin in January. Stage one of the five-stage plan enlists city staff in a communications campaign

to urge city residents to voluntarily conserve water and use it more efficiently. Arizona will see an 18 percent reduction in its water supply in 2021 that will primarily be absorbed by the state’s agricultural industry. Mandatory rationing will not occur in Scottsdale. “Given the recently declared Tier One shortage on the Colorado River and more than 20 years of dry conditions throughout the watershed, Scottsdale recognizes the need for enhanced water conservation,” Thompson said. “By declaring Scottsdale’s 'Stage One' of its drought management plan, we activate the drought management team whose goal is to examine recommended (steps) and execute targeted conservation measures in city water use as well

see DAM page 6

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

Council OKs homeless study, but wary of shelter here BY J. GRABER Progress Staff Writer

cottsdale’s Human Services Department got 41 people off the streets and into more permanent housing as part of its Temporary Hotel Shelter Program that ran through February. The program got homeless people off the streets and into a local hotel where “wrap around services,” such as help finding a job or medical services could be had. “It’s about getting people to calm down and think about what they need other than their immediate needs,” Scottsdale Human Services Director Greg Bestgen said. Like most East Valley communities, Scottsdale has seen a rise of homelessness during the last five years, Bestgen said. That’s why the city is pursuing a regional approach to the problem. City Council last month voted 6-1 to have Bestgen continue talking with Mesa, Tempe and Maricopa County on a shared project to build a permanent transitional housing facility.

Councilwoman Linda Milhaven cast the lone vote against the approach. “While we have a homeless issue in Scottsdale that we need to (address), I think some of the other East Valley communities have a bigger problem than we have and I’m not sure we want to build a warehouse for the other communities to send their homeless to Scottsdale,” she said. “It’s ironic that we are discussing building a high-rise homeless shelter when the conversation in town suggests there is hesitancy to build luxury apartments. That contradiction is quite mind numbing.” But Bestgen reiterated the project is not an emergency shelter just to get people off the street for a single night or two. The idea is to build a facility where people can stabilize their housing situation for a short period while they get back on their feet. Mayor Ortega said the idea is in its infancy and no possible locations for such a facility have even been discussed. When the time comes for something like that, he said it would be on a “neu-

tral site,” that would be “not in your backyard.” The key is the wrap around services that would keep people off the streets. Resident Benny Gonzales urged Council to continue on with the idea. “I want to thank the council for taking on these hard looks,” Gonzalez said. “Its time we did these types of structures. We have kicked the can down the road far too long. Now is the time to do something ... It is to our benefit, to all our benefits, that we address this situation and cure this situation as much as we can. It’s going to be a long process. It’s not a top priority for anybody however, these people can’t wait.” Councilwoman Betty Janik liked the idea. “I think this is a bold move forward and I want to thank everybody on staff and council who has taken that brave step to move forward on this,” she said. “It is a problem. It’s not going to get any better and I think this is a very novel and progressive model which I think has a very strong chance of success.

“I also know this is the way forward that (the Maricopa Association of Governments) keeps proposing -- that we work together with other communities because it makes it much easier to solve the problem,” Janik added. Councilwoman Kathy Littlefield supported the regional approach but added, “It would not involve, from what I’ve heard and from what I’ve had people talk to me about, a homeless shelter multi-stories high being built in Scottsdale. That is not happening and I would not be for that.” But she like the regional approach to the problem. “I am a very conservative person, okay, probably one of the most conservative the city has ever put up here (on the city council) but that doesn’t mean we should not be willing to extend our hand and help those who need it,” Littlefield said. “That’s part of our American way. That’s part of who we are and who we’ve always been as Americans. These people want help and we should be able to help them.”

“This program has an incredibly positive impact on the lives of some of the most underserved children in our community,” said Billie Jo. “We’re excited to help raise awareness and funds for this organization that so effectively shares the uplifting power of the arts with kids who so desperately need this bright light in their lives.” The nonprofit uses photography to help children starting at age 7 who come from backgrounds of poverty,

homelessness, neglect, and abuse. Calling the Herbergers “two of Arizona’s most beloved philanthropists,” Kids in Focus Executive Director Karen Shell said, “We are unbelievably blessed that they have chosen to serve as our Honorary Chairs again this year.” The event is a Day of the Dead- inspired celebration for adults featuring performers, including contortionists, jugglers, tarot card readers, a mentalist, and other jaw-dropping surprises.

Guests will also enjoy a hosted bar, food from prominent Valley restaurants, a silent auction, raffle, and a display of photos created by participants in the Kids in Focus program. Stephanie Nowack, former CEO of the Tempe Tourism Office, is serving as the Noche para los Niños event chair. Pat Bondurant is leading the host committee. Tickets: aesaz.co/ELP/KIF2021. Information: kidsinfocus.org.

Herbergers tapped for nonpro�it’s Nov. 4 gala PROGRESS NEWS STAFF

cottsdale philanthropists Billie Jo and Judd Herberger are returning as Honorary Chairs for Kids in Focus’ third annual Noche para los Niños (Night for the Children) event Nov. 4. Kids in Focus provides what a spokeswoman called “resilience-building photography mentoring programs that empower at-risk kids to see life through a new lens.”

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DAM from page 4

as enhance water conservation communication and education efforts with the public.” In the meantime, Scottsdale was awarded the 2021 Utility of the Future Today recognition by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies for its exceptional water reuse program. The city was recognized in the specialty of water reuse as a zero-waste, 100-percent water reuse utility backed

by its programs, facilities and partnerships. The city achieved 100-percent of its goal, reusing 8.5 billion gallons of water in 2020. “We are very proud of the innovation and technological advancements we have accomplished at Scottsdale Water,” Biesemeyer said. “This recognition not only validates our achievements but does it at a national level, giving us recognition as a leader in the industry across the United States.”

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

PAC-12 elevates Scottsdale Stadium’s impact BY J. GRABER Progress Staff Writer

hampionship Pac-12 baseball is coming to Scottsdale and making Scottsdale Stadium an even bigger economic driver for the city. The Pac-12 announced the inaugural baseball championship tournament will be played this coming May at Scottsdale Stadium.

“Scottsdale Stadium is the perfect venue for the Pac-12 baseball tournament,” Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega said. “Our city has a long history with Major League Baseball, including a nearly 40year relationship with the San Francisco Giants, and we’re ecstatic to be able to add Pac-12 baseball to the mix. “We look forward to hearing the roar of fans at the ballpark as the conference crowns its champion in Scottsdale.”

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Scottsdale Stadium also serves at the spring training home of the San Francisco Giants through 2024. Attendance is expected to draw approximately 2,000 people per game, according to Scottsdale Tourism and Events Director Karen Churchard. “We expect hotels to be filled and attendant visitor business to be a buzz,” Ortega said. “The new Pac-12 venue is a significant economic driver because it infills the ‘shoulder season’ after seasonal visitors and part-time residents depart.” The double-elimination tournament will be spread over five days at the stadium. The top eight teams in the conference standings at the conclusion of the regular season will earn berths in the Pac-12 baseball tournament, from which the champion will receive the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. “Scottsdale could not be more excited to welcome fans of Pac-12 baseball to our community,” said Assistant City Manager Bill Murphy. “Beautiful Scottsdale Stadium nestled in our bustling Old Town area will be the perfect showcase for the nation’s top collegiate baseball

“Pac-12 excitement starts with exuberant athletes, includes baseball scouts and faithful fans from the entire region – all together (it’s) outstanding visibility for the Scottsdale Stadium in the sports world.”

teams and a wonderful destination for their fans. Let’s play ball!” The publicity for the Old Town area will also be invaluable, Ortega said. “Pac-12 excitement starts with exuberant athletes, includes baseball scouts and faithful fans from the entire region – all together (it’s) outstanding visibility for the Scottsdale Stadium in the sports

world,” he said. It will be the first time the Pac-12 has held a championship baseball tournament. “The Pac-12 Baseball Tournament is a marquee event that will serve to enhance the exposure of the conference’s baseball programs with competitive, late-season match ups prior to NCAA tournament selections,” Pac-12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff said. He said it gives student athletes “a first-class experience and the opportunity to compete for a championship in a premier destination for the sport on the West Coast.” “A lot of work has gone into the creation of this tournament and we are grateful for the partnership of the City of Scottsdale and The Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission in making it a reality,” Kliavkoff added. The Pac-12 is coming off of a season in which six teams earned NCAA tournament bids, tied for the second-highest total in league history. That includes three regional hosts for the sixth time since national seeding began in 1999. The conference has had a representative in all but seven NCAA College World Series fields since the championship began in 1947 and in 39 of those championships, a Pac-12 team has finished either first or second. USC has more NCAA titles than any other school in the nation with 12 and Arizona State is fourth with five. Four other Pac-12 schools have claimed at least two national titles, including Arizona (four), Oregon State (three), California (two) and Stanford (two). Pac-12 programs account for six of the 15 schools that have captured multiple college baseball national championships, double the number of schools of any other conference. Pac-12 programs have combined to win 29 of the 74 NCAA baseball championships all-time, 15 more than the next closest conference. The league also boasts nine Golden Spikes Award winners, tied for the most all-time, and paces its peers with eight No. 1 overall MLB Draft picks, including in four of the past 11 drafts and two of the past three.

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9/11MUSEUM from front

“I was visiting family back home in Kansas when we got a call from one of our cousins, who asked if we were watching the news,” Schmidt said. “That whole day, we were glued to the television in shock. I remember watching the second tower being struck and I was wondering if I was watching a movie and how this could possibly be happening.” Even though 20 years have passed since that dark day, Schmidt feels it is important to keep alive the spirit of those who risked their lives to save those trapped inside the burning buildings or lost their lives inside the planes. “These are people who had a life and had a job, and some were never found,” she said. “If you allow yourself to really look at this, you’ll find that this is someone that you could have been friends with.” The museum includes replica of the World Trade Center designed with metal poles and opaque plastic, a pentagon made from wood and metal and an actual plane wing with a light on it to recognize those who lost their lives on Flight 93. While those are the main exhibits of the museum, the more eye-catching exhibits include a piece of steel from the rubble and

A prop fashioned in the likeness of the World Trade Center carries the names of some of the nearly 3,000 people who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff Photographer)

a two-story flag called the “National Unity Flag.” “We are very fortunate to have this flag be part of our display,” Schmidt said. “It is

pretty awesome to see this flag that is as tall as the atrium when you walk in.” Another difference between this year’s museum and the 2016 exhibit is that Har-

ley Davidson will display custom motorcycles that represent each branch of the

see 9/11MUSEUM page 14

Horizon High chain project recalls 9/11 victims BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

arti Eldean had always wondered why her grandparents reminded her so often about the attacks on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. She never fully grasped what made them so upset about seeing an attack on U.S. soil that took so many lives. That all changed on Sept. 11, 2001. While watching the horrific events unfold at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and aboard flight 93, Eldean said, “I understood why they didn’t want us to forget.” Eldean came up with an idea to commemorate those who lost their lives 20 years ago – and show students why they needed to remember them. She had her students create chains out of red, white and blue paper with the name of a victim that fateful day. Nearly 15 years later and in her first year as an English teacher at Horizon

Horizon high school students, from left, Alex Leiferman, Keonna Sturkey and Rhia Pennell worked with the massive 2,998-piece chain that they will show outside the school this coming Friday. (Courtesy of Marti Eldean)

High School in Scottsdale, Eldean has kept her “all names matter” project alive and are to unveil the finished product Friday, Nov. 10. “I just wanted this to be for the victims, which is why I called it the ‘All Names Matter Initiative,’” she said. For the past month, students Fridays working on the project. Some students wrote the names of the deceased, others cut paper and stapled the chain together. The chain is the main focal point of the project and is accompanied by signs made by the students that say “2,998 names are written on our chain” and “where were you when the world stopped turning?” “We talked about what goes on at the World Trade Center, why those buildings were attacked and how that had an impact on the world,” Eldean said. Students were also shown the awardwinning documentary “9/11,” which initially began as a documentary detailing

see CHAINS page 16

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ECONOMY from front

The average wage of jobs created or retained was $105,273. That’s up from the department’s goal of $70,316. And it’s more than 185 percent of Maricopa County’s median wage. “Our goal is to attract companies and wages that provide the greatest likelihood that employees who work in Scottsdale will live in Scottsdale,” Millar said. Top industries located in the city by employment were: • Healthcare and social assistance with 31,948 with an average wage of $72,432; • Administrative support, waste management and remediation services at 26,397 jobs with an average wage of $56,394; • Finance and insurance at 22,003 jobs with an average wage of $110,664; Accommodations and food services at 21,805 jobs with an average wage of $30,406; • Professional, scientific and technical services with 21,372 jobs with an average wage of $95,510; • Retail trade at 20,084 jobs with an average salary of $47,241. The finance and insurance sector saw the greatest growth in the last five years at 46 percent. That’s followed by the professional, scientific and technical sector at 23 percent and the healthcare and social assistance industry at 21 percent. “The big take away from that is our highest growth came in our highest paying industries,” Millar said. The accommodation and food service saw the greatest reduction over the same period with a loss of 8 percent. “We’ve got a pretty diverse industry base,” Millar said. “We’re not all in financial services, we’re not all in retail, we’re not all in health care.”

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There are over 15,000 businesses in Scottsdale and 96 percent of them with fewer than 50 employees. Scottsdale’s largest private employers are Nationwide, the Mayo Clinic, HonorHealth, General Dynamics, Vanguard, Yelp and Axon. The retail and industrial sectors saw vacancy rates drop every quarter in the fiscal year while office space vacancy rates increased every quarter. Industrial space tends to have low vacancy rates in Scottsdale because so there is such a small supply of it while the opposite is true of retail space. The retail industry is so strong in the city that there is very little space available, Millar said. He attributes the rise in the vacancy rate in office space to COVID-19. “A lot of companies went virtual,” Millar said. The retail space vacancy rate was 6.6 percent in the first quarter, 6.4 percent in the second quarter, 6.1 percent in the third quarter and 5.5 percent in the fourth quarter. Likewise, the industrial space vacancy rate was 4.8 percent in the first quarter, 3.6 percent in the second quarter, 3.1 percent in the third quarter and 1.9 percent in the fourth quarter. However, office space vacancy rates were 12.3 percent in the first quarter, 13.1 percent in the second quarter, 15.7 percent in the third quarter and 16 percent in the fourth quarter. “It would be difficult to find someone who the pandemic has not impacted as it has reached every corner of our globe,” the report states. “In Scottsdale, our lives changed instantly, and our business community and residents stepped up in countless ways.”

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CITY NEWS

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9/11: ‘I knew I would know people there’ BY TOM SCANLON Progress Staff Writer

tudents in Jim McNamara’s Fire Science classes at the East Valley Institute of Technology main campus in Mesa learn, according to the program website, “basic �ire science fundamentals and technical rescue.” McNamara was part of one of the largest, most complex, technical rescue efforts in American history: the 9/11 attacks response. On Sept. 11, 2001, McNamara was at his Long Island home, getting ready for a doctor’s appointment. “You better turn on the news,” his wife told him. Like millions of others, McNamara watched live footage of the World Trade Center as smoke poured out of the North Tower – and then saw a plane �ly into the South Tower. At the time, McNamara was the Nassau County �ire marshal, a teacher at Nassau

9/11MUSEUM �� 10

U.S. Military leading up to the piece of steel. The Fire Department is also asking people to donate memorial wreaths that will be put on display on Friday. “Some people have already donated because their company wanted to donate it in honor of 9/11 or had a connection to someone who died that day,” Schmidt said. On Saturday 11, there will be a larger event held inside the Scottsdale Center For The Performing Arts. The event will begin at 1 p.m. where the names of those lost on September 11, 2001, will be read aloud, followed by a ceremony inside the Virginia G. Piper Theater led by Mayor David Ortega and a procession by the Scottsdale Fire Department Honor Guard. Battery-powered candles will also be presented at this event and a 15-minute video created by Schmidt will be shown as well. “The big thing that we have to remember about 9/11 is that it is a national day of service,” Schmidt said. “Something that is so important about this tragedy is that we want something good to come

Fire Science students at EVIT learn from someone who worked on one of America’s greatest disasters: Jim McNamara, part of the technical response team at the World Trade Center Sept. 11, 2001. (Pablo Robles/Staff photographer)

County Fire Service Academy and volunteer �ire�ighter. “After the attacks, my technical rescue

team was activated,” he said. Within hours, his boots were on the smoldering grounds of the World Trade

out of it.” In the prior presentations of the memorial exhibit, Schmidt said she has received nothing but positive feedback from museumgoers and survivors of that day. “I have regular contact with the FDNY retirees and one of the guys who is with that has told me over and over again that this is such an outstanding recognition and means a lot to him,” she said, adding: “That is so special to me that we have made those folks – who were there on the line, there in the pile and there putting their heart and soul into saving lives –pleased with what we are doing with our pop-up museum.” Schmidt still gets the chills every time she hears stories of those who ran toward danger on that day. “It’s also amazing to hear One prop in Scottsdale Fire's pop-up 9/11 muse- the stories of the emergency um resembles the wing of an airplane. responders who stayed back (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff Photographer) as people ran away from

Center, where two giant towers collapsed, killing 2,606 people. (Another 125 were killed at the Pentagon and 265 passengers of four planes that crashed died.) Of the World Trade Center deaths, 343 were �ire�ighters who responded to the scene. Some were McNamara’s friends. “Almost all Nassau County was volunteer �ire�ighters, so a lot of them were New York City �ire�ighters. And police of�icers also were volunteers. I also taught at the �ire academy, so I knew other instructors who were New York City �ire�ighters or cops,” McNamara said. As he and 15 others on his team drove in a truck across the East River to Manhattan, they could see the huge columns of smoke. After seeing the �irst tower collapse on TV, McNamara instantly understood this was a mass-casualty situation. And that it would be personal.

�� FIREMAN 9/11 �� 15

those buildings,” she said. “When I think of those folks who ran towards danger, it gives me goosebumps.” While �irst responders are often the ones remembered for their work done that day, Schmidt also wanted to give a nod to those who rummaged through the rubble for months after the attacks looking for remnants of those who were in the wreckage. “We also have to remember that there were people going through what they called ‘The Pile,’ trying to find remains of people or anything that their families would be able to hang on to,” she said.

If you go

What: 911 Exhibit by Scottsdale Fire When: Through Sunday, Sept. 12, except tomorrow, Sept. 6. Where: Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. 2nd St. Cost: Free Info: Scottsdaleaz.gov; Masks are required.

CITY NEWS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

WHAT ’S TO COME for 2 0 2 1 From the historic estates of North Central Phoenix, to the stunning mountain foothills of North Scottsdale, and The late Mike Ritter, a cartoonist for the East Valley Tribune, published this work the day after the terror attacks.

FIREMAN 9/11 from page 14

“I knew I would know people there,” he said. His sense that faces he knew would be among the deaths came true. “From my battalion, we lost five firefighters. From the (fire) academy, we lost three instructors,” he said. Once his team arrived at the site, even as the sounds of responder distress units filled the smoky, dusty air, McNamara directed his mind away to what he was trained to do – away from “do I know the guy with that chirper?” As he recalled during a class break, “You kind of compartmentalize things. That was pretty much the thing the night of the 11th....When you’d run into friends, you’d immediately give them a giant bear hug. “Then you’d say, ‘Did you hear about Tommy?’ Or George. Or ‘Brian’s missing.’ You kind of go down a roll call.” Jim McNamara remembers the friends he lost every day – especially every Sept. 11. The smiling faces he forces himself to focus on will be sharp in his mind this Saturday, the 20th anniversary of 9/11. As 14 years in Mesa have not put a dent in his New York accent, so his memories will never fade. “What you try and do when you talk

about (9/11) is think of your friends before the incident. The good times you had with those people or working alongside of them. That’s what I try to remember,” McNamara said. “The day itself, those images you’ll never get out of your head. The smells will never get out of you.” On Saturday, Jim McNamara will honor not just those who died on that historic day in 2001, but those responders who passed away since. According to a Sept. 11, 2020, report by New York City TV station ABC Channel 6, “Twenty-seven former New York City firefighters have died of 9/11-related illnesses in the past year, bringing the total number of firefighters killed after the World Trade Center attacks to 227.” Asked about his own health, McNamara gives a short sigh. “I’m in pretty good shape,” McNamara said. “I had to get rid of my thyroid, I take a pill for that. And I’ve got some kidney issues. “But knock wood, I’m better than a lot of my friends.” As he points out: “More guys died since 9/11 than on 9/11.”

see FIREMAN 9/11 page 16

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CHAINS from page 10

the lives of rookie firemen and quickly turned into one of the most exclusive documentaries of the attacks on the World Trade Center. “They get to watch that whole process and get to know the firemen,” Eldean said. The most harrowing image of that day for the students was the number of people who jumped to their deaths at the World Trade Center. More than 200 people jumped and the velocity of their plummet was not sufficient to cause death as they fell, meaning they were alive until impact, experts say. “The most shocking thing to me is that people decided to jump from those buildings instead of trying to survive because it is so terrifying and so heartbreaking for them,” junior Alex Leiferman said. Teaching these students about an that occurred a few years before they were born reminded Eldean of herself when she was growing up. “These students are now just like I was with Pearl Harbor,” she said. “They had no clue, and it was so in the past for

FIREMAN 9/11 from page 15

Indeed, the World Trade Center Health Program says 3,496 deaths are attributed to a variety of illnesses related to the Sept. 11 attacks. Some of those who died lived in the area of the attacks. Others responded to the damage, breathing in toxic fumes in lower Manhattan and the other two 9/11 plane crash sites, in rural Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon. Twenty years ago, McNamara had extensive training and experience in technical rescue, which has six disciplines: rope rescue, confined space rescue, vehicle/machinery rescue, structural collapse rescue, trench rescue and water rescue. According to McNamara’s EVIT biography, he responded to the Avianca plane crash in 1990 and TWA flight 800 explosion and wreck in 1996. On Sept. 11, 2001, McNamara’s team quickly shifted from “rescue” to “recovery” mode. “Our heavy rescue (truck) had a big generator on it. We set up a command post on basketball courts or tennis courts on the northwest section of the center. We were all over the site,” Mc-

Horizon High School students Peyton Johnson, left, and Kadence Dressler display the signs that will be held along with the massive chain. (Courtesy of Marti Eldean)

them, but I always hope that by showing the documentary and making the chain that it lets them know how important that day is.”

Namara said. “My technical rescue team was trained on rope rescue, high angle rescue, building collapse, heavy machinery… “There were very few people rescued after that first day. The rescues were made predominantly before the towers came down.” His team was instructed to leave plane parts in place and focus on personal items. Many of those who died left hardly a trace, pulverized into dust by the weight of the towers collapsing. “It was important to get closure by bringing something home to (families),” McNamara said. “One cop was identified by the serial number on his gun.” Six years after the 9/11 disaster, McNamara, wife Gail and sons Jimmy and Joey left New York for Arizona. Being literally on an island outside Manhattan was part of the reason for leaving: “We always thought, could this happen again?” But coming here was mostly for practical reasons. “The No. 1 reason why we left was the cost of living in New York. It’s so much cheaper to live in Mesa than New York.

For many students, the magnitude of the lives lost that day is not felt until the chain nears its completion. “When they see the finished product all

I tease my friends back there that I pay in taxes in a year what they pay in a month,” he said with a laugh. McNamara, 56, was a civilian fire inspector with the Mesa Fire Department for three years, then a safety officer and coordinator with Community Bridges and inspector with the state Office of Licensing until 2017, when he started teaching at EVIT. No longer an active firefighter, McNamara enjoys teaching the next generation of responders. “A lot of kids have graduated (from EVIT) and gone on to become firefighters, EMT’s, wildland firefighters,” he said.

“The No. 1 reason why we left was the cost of living in New York. It’s so much cheaper to live in Mesa than New York. I tease my friends back there that I pay in taxes in a year what they pay in a month.”

put together and see how lengthy it is, I think that’s what hits them the most,” Eldean said. This was especially true for one student. “Just seeing all the names on all the paper, it truly is a lot of people,” said Jackson Taylor, a junior. “Even though we weren’t alive at that time, our families have been impacted and that impacts us a lot. It really shows you how much it means to a lot of people.” Eldean said, “I hope that people take away that this is a major event where lots of lives were lost and should be respected.” She also reminds her students of how so many volunteers and others rose to the occasion that day and in weeks afterward, helping with the recovery. She wishes that unified and unifying spirit would have continued. “Something that I tell the kids is that for a good year after 9/11, we all loved each other,” she said. “Everybody was kind and I wish we could have kept that feeling instead of where we now fight over everything.”

Asked why his students say they want to become firefighters, McNamara chuckled. “The profession chooses you,” he said. “It’s in your blood: wanting to help people.” His father was a firefighter, as well as several uncles and cousins. “It’s kind of a family business.” This Friday at the campus, he will give a presentation on 9/11. After the Saturday ceremony at the Mesa Amphitheatre, he plans to jump in his car and drive to Las Vegas, where he typically remembers 9/11 with firefighter friends who retired to Nevada. Though he wishes he could forget much of Sept. 11, the next day is a cherished memory. On the morning of Sept. 12, 2001, after working at the World Trade Center for nearly 24 hours, McNamara made his way back to Long Island. “Coming home on the 12th, you were tired, your eyes were all burnt, itchy, scratchy, red bloodshot. I remember pulling into my neighborhood and seeing American flags on every house. “Nobody wants to relive the 11th, but the 12th was a special day.”

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Juror exclusion on hunch going away in Arizona BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

rizona is about to become the first state in the nation to eliminate attorneys’ ability to strike prospective jurors based on what may only be hunches – a practice that often ends up culling minorities. The state Supreme Court will announce this week approval of a new rule eliminating what are called “peremptory challenges’’ – eliminating potential jurors in civil and criminal trials without citing any reason at all. As of Jan. 1, lawyers will need some specific reason to strike someone from the jury pool, like an admitted bias or their personal knowledge of the parties or the dispute. The move comes over the objections from several prosecutors who contend, as does Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel, it “will ultimately lead to trials that are less fair for all sides.’’ Instead, the Supreme Court justices accepted the recommendation of two judges from the state Court of Appeals, Peter Swann and Paul McMurdie, who argued that the move will go a long way to eliminating persistent problems with juries that often do not reflect the racial and ethnic backgrounds of their communities.

“The primary tool by which this discrimination is practiced is the peremptory strike,’’ they wrote in their petition. No one has disputed that lawyers have used peremptory challenges to fashion a jury they think will be more favorable to their arguments. But the appellate judges noted this is not anything guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution. In fact, they said, most states did not allow for it until after the Civil War. “A cynical observer might note that the power came into being in the years after Black Americans obtained the right to serve on juries,’’ they wrote. Since 1986, any time there has been a peremptory challenge to a minority juror, the attorney needs to articulate a non-racial reason for his or her decision. But Swann and McMurdie said the data they’ve seen convinces them that it still means fewer minorities on juries, even with lawyers citing what they claim is a legitimate reason. Data compiled by the Administrative Office of the Courts shows that in criminal cases, the proportion of white jurors seated varied only 3 percent from their representation in the population. By contrast, Black jurors were underrepresented by 16 percent. And

it was worse for Hispanics who were underrepresented 21 percent of the time, with a 51 percent gap for Native Americans. The disparities were even more pronounced in civil cases. Adel said the peremptory challenge gives prosecutors a chance to strike jurors who they believe, based on their answers to questions asked during the screen process, hold some bias. “Expecting a prospective juror to candidly admit that they cannot be fair is not realistic,’’ wrote Kenneth Vick, her chief deputy, on her behalf. Assistant Attorney General Nicholas Klingerman, writing for Mark Brnovich, his boss, argued that peremptory challenges help ensure that those who are unfit do not serve on juries and eliminates the need for a lawyer to find some “challenge for cause.’’ Instead, Brnovich wants more study of the matter. But Mikel Steinfeld, a Maricopa County public defender, said the move is long overdue. “There is near-uniform agreement that peremptory strikes have long been a tool for discrimination,’’ he wrote. He cited a 2005 survey which found that every lawyer interviewed considered race and gender when picking a jury.

Even the Arizona Black Bar, while taking no formal position, is concerned that complete abolition of peremptory challenges “could have unintended and undesirable consequences.’’ Not all the opposition to the change is coming from prosecutors. Attorneys defending doctors and hospitals in medical malpractice cases involving millions of dollars also want to keep their ability to strike jurors without having to articulate a reason. “These cases can be highly emotional,’’ they wrote. “It is especially important to have the peremptory challenge safety valve for ensuring that the jurors who are seated in these cases are not unfairly biased for or against one side or the other.’’ But McMurdie and Swann say there’s another – and potentially more practical – reason, aside from racial and ethnic balance, to eliminate peremptory challenges. Allowing these strikes means that more people have to be called for jury duty than actually will be needed. The new rule still allows attorneys to challenge a prospective juror “for cause.’’ But it will require the lawyer to prove “by a preponderance of the evidence that the juror cannot render a fair and impartial verdict.’’

for violating the provision gives them a basis to sue. The ruling, however, does not void the statute. Instead, it simply sends the case back to a trial judge to consider its constitutionality. Katie Conner, spokeswoman for Attorney General Mark Brnovich, said he will fight their efforts, calling the statute in question a “commonsense law that protects victims by limiting direct contact with criminal defendants and their attorneys.’’ But attorney Jared Keenan of the American Civil Liberties Union, which sued on behalf of the defense attorneys, told Capitol Media Services the decision by the appellate court to allow the challenge to the law is important.

“What we’ve seen is prosecutors using this statute as more than a shield to allegedly protect crime victims,’’ he said. “They use it as a sword to sort of undermine the truth-seeking function of our criminal justice system.’’ Hanging in the balance is a statute that says defendants, their lawyers and their investigators can initiative contact with crime victims only through the prosecutor’s office. That includes not just the actual victims but also family members. Prosecutors are required to pass on the requests. But they also can advise those the lawyer wants to interview that they have the legal right to simply say “no.’’ The basis is the Victims’ Bill of Rights,

a 1990 voter-approved constitutional amendment designed to spell out the rights of crime victims and their families. It includes things like the right to be present during all stages of the trial, to be notified of all events, and to refuse to be interviewed. In filing suit against Brnovich and Gov. Doug Ducey, the defense attorneys and the American Civil Liberties Union called the requirement to funnel requests for contact “an unconstitutional licensing requirement and prior restraint on speech.’’ What it also does, according to the lawyers, is make it difficult for them to meet their obligation to provide effective assistance to their clients.

Defense lawyers want pre-trial access to victims BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

federal appeals court has given the go ahead for criminal defense attorneys in Arizona to challenge a state law that prohibits them from directly contacting crime victims. In a new ruling, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower court decision declaring that members of the Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice have no legal standing to try to void the restriction because they suffer no injury from it. The appellate judges said just the fact that the lawyers can have their license to practice law suspended or revoked

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Mercy Care chief vows to help the vulnerable BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ Progress Contributor

fter graduating from Eastern Illinois University in 1999, Deborah Hillman Toll moved to the Valley to begin what would become a legacy of leadership and giving back. Initially, the northern Scottsdale worked with executives to build and execute human resources strategies. A signi�icant project with a local chief executive of�icer early in her career proved to be a pivotal moment on Toll’s professional path. “Serving as a trusted con�idant during the project and working hard to achieve the strategic objectives led to being asked to move from human resources into a business role in the company, ultimately aligning my profession with my passion for serving my community,” said Toll, who continued that path for 15 years. Today, as chief administrative of�icer at Mercy Care, Toll leads a team of individuals supporting its community reinvestment activities, community relations, strategic planning, marketing communications and the project management of�ice. “I am passionate about improving the health and wellness of the most vulnerable people in our community,” Toll said. “At Mercy Care, which provides access to physical and behavioral health care services for Medicaid-eligible families, children, seniors and individuals with developmental disabilities, I am able to do just that.” Among those Toll and Mercy Care serves

Deborah Hillman Toll is a dedicated community leader. (Courtesy of Mercy Care)

are members who are eligible for Medicare and Medicaid (AHCCCS). “We do this through our dual-eligible special needs plan called Mercy Care Advantage,” Toll said. She also serves as plan administrator for its contract with the Division of Developmental Disabilities serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Within the community, notably she is a member of Dignity Health’s Community Bene�it and Health Equity Committee and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council

(GPEC) Health Innovation Committee. A married mother of two, Toll joined the Arizona March of Dimes executive board in 2017 and became board chair in January. March of Dimes is a leader in the �ight for the health of all moms and their babies. “I joined the board to help improve maternal and child health outcomes in Arizona and to support women through pregnancy, especially when there are complications and loss,” Toll said. “I am honored to work alongside moms, families, advocates and Arizona business leaders to support the health of moms and babies.” This year, Toll is eager to begin work on a collaboration with the March of Dimes, funded by a $35,000 grant from Mercy Care, focused on supportive pregnancy care, an evidence-based group prenatal care model that brings pregnant individuals together for prenatal care with their obstetric providers. “The program addresses medical factors and social drivers of health in a �lexible and culturally relevant manner,” Toll said. “During group sessions, participants take and record their own vital signs, receive a private physical assessment from their provider, support each other and gain knowledge and skills related to pregnancy, birth, postpartum and infant care.” March of Dimes Arizona will host Heroes in Action (formerly March of Dimes Arizona Nurse of the Year Awards) on Sept. 14 at Chateau Luxe. On Nov. 14, March of Dimes and Talking Stick Resort will host “Signature Chefs,” a fundraising

event that will feature culinary creations from Arizona chefs. On top of this partnership and volunteer work, Mercy Care has an impressive community reinvestment program and supports more than 125 community events each year, providing thousands of employee volunteer hours across Arizona as well, including many from Toll. “I am also proud of the work our team at Mercy Care is doing to support addiction recovery, housing, school-based services, food insecurity and pandemic support,” Toll said. Its community reinvestments over the last three years are close to $6 million. “Mercy Care brings an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the members and families we serve by partnering with community organizations that address social determinants of health,” she said. Mercy Care’s Community Reinvestment program funds organizations that improve the health and well-being of children, individuals and families, enabling them to live independently, permanently and safely in their communities. “Our support also includes both �inancial investments and grants for organizations including Save the Family, Teen Lifeline, Valle del Sol, Activate Food Arizona, Arizona Home Matters, Barrow Neurological Institute, Area Agency on Aging, ACCEL, Hushabye Nursery, Central Arizona Shelter Services, Pinnacle Prevention and Sonoran Prevention Works,” Toll said. Toll and Mercy Care are also huge supporters of Special Olympics Arizona.

Know anything interesting going on in Scottsdale? Send your news to agallagher@timespublications.com

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BUSINESS

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Prestige Cleaners puts its neighbors and staff first BY BRIDGETTE M. REDMAN Progress Contributor

restige Cleaners has been committed to doing the right thing by its customers, employees and community since 1964. It wasn’t about to let a thing like a pandemic change that. President and CEO Denise Testori said she’ll never forget when the news of the pandemic and the lockdowns hit. “It was St. Patty’s Day and there were a lot of rumors swirling around of what was going on,” Testori said. “I called my team — meaning all my plant managers — and we came in for an emergency meeting. It was so awesome. With a click of your fingers, they adjusted the schedule. I had outlined what was happening and how we needed to pull together and devise a system to be able to survive through this. In other words, take care of our customers, take care of our employees and maintain financial

Offering exceptional dry cleaning and laundry services, fine tailoring and alterations, and wedding dress preservation, the company has grown to six Scottsdale locations plus a corporate office. (Facdbook) Denise Testori, Prestige Cleaners CEO, has been with the company for 36 years. (Special to the Progress)

health for the company.” A 36-year Prestige Cleaners employee, Testori assumed the title of president and

CEO in 2019, just before the pandemic hit. They have seven plants and when volume dropped overnight, they consolidated into three plants, keeping their equipment running and servicing their customers. They made very few changes in company

policy and procedures — they already had drive-thrus, after-hour drop-offs, free delivery and pickup and contactless payment through either their app or their website.

see PRESTIGE page 25

Tribe sues to halt sports betting in its tracks BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

ne of the state’s Native American tribes is suing to bring a halt to off-reservation wagering on sports just days before it is scheduled to begin. The lawsuit, filed in Maricopa County Superior Court by the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe, contends that state lawmakers have no right to permit sports franchises to start taking wagers on professional and collegiate games. Attorney Luis Ochoa said that’s because Arizonans went to the polls in 2002 and voted to confine certain kinds of gaming to reservations. Ochoa said noted that another mea-

The Diamondbacks and Caesars Palace unveiled renderings of the sportsbook that will open at Chase Field. The 20,000-square-foot, two-story venue will feature with both indoor and outdoor seating, bar and VIP lounge with 1,500 square feet of LED screens and 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor dining space.

sure on the ballot that same year to permit off-reservation gaming was defeated, with 80 percent of the votes cast against it. Ochoa does not dispute that other tribes state have signed agreements with the state to permit such off-reservation gaming. In exchange, these tribes got the right not only to accept similar sports bets at their gaming facilities but got to expand the number and types they can offer in their casinos. But he said that still doesn’t get around the 2002 measure which he said is subject to the Voter Protection Act. That constitutional provision allows lawmakers to alter what is approved at the bal-

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lot only if it “furthers the purpose’’ of the original law. “HB 2772 not only fails to further the purpose of Proposition 202 of granting the exclusive right to Arizona-based Indian tribes to engage in gaming activities classified as Class III gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act on Indian lands, it is directly repugnant to and inconsistent with the intent of Proposition 202,’’ Ochoa said in his court filings. He also claims the law is unconstitutional discrimination against Native American tribes. He said the gaming rules are more favorable to the sports franchises than they are to the tribes. There was no comment from Gov. Doug Ducey, the defendant in the lawsuit who negotiated what he called the “modernized gaming compacts’’ with the tribes that went along with the deal. But the lawsuit drew an angry reaction from Sen. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge, who sponsored one of the versions of the law. He pointed out that the lawsuit was filed not when the measure was signed by Ducey on April 15 but now, after applications have been accepted to operate the new sports gaming operations and with actual wagering supposed to start on Sept. 9.

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“The timing of these challenges, at the dawn of selection rather than during the legislative session or upon the bill’s enactment, amount to an end-around run on that qualiﬁcationsbased awarding process at the Department of Gaming.’’

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“The timing of these challenges, at the dawn of selection rather than during the legislative session or upon the bill’s enactment, amount to an end-around run on that qualifications-based awarding process at the Department of Gaming,’’ Shope said in a prepared statement. That first legal test is scheduled for an unusual Labor Day hearing before Maricopa County Superior Court Judge James

on an emergency hearing on Ochoa’s request to put an immediate halt to any new gaming until the legal issues are resolved. Arizona has had some form of tribal gaming since the 1990s. In 2002, a coalition of tribes crafted an initiative to give them the exclusive right to operate casino-style games in exchange for giving the state a share of the profits. By definition, that limited such gaming to reservations. The plan approved by the legislature earlier this allows not only wagering at sports facilities like the Cardinals stadium on all professional and college games, but also the ability for the private gaming companies with whom the teams have to associate to offer online wagering. The deal is set up so the state gets a share of gaming revenues, a figure that could exceed $100 million a year. In exchange, the state agreed to ink new gaming deals with tribes, giving them similar rights to wager on sports. But they also get to install more of the slot machines and poker tables they now have as well as the ability to offer things like craps, roulette and baccarat. Ochoa, on behalf of the YavapaiPrescott Tribe, says the deal is illegal, not only because of the 2002 initiative but because it also is unfair. It starts with the fact that there are only 20 sports gaming licenses being award. Half, he noted, go to existing sports franchises. And given there are more licenses than franchises, that means every franchise that wants one gets one. But with at least 21 tribes in the state, Ochoa said, that gives any one of them less than a 50 percent chance of landing one of the lucrative franchises. And there is no chance of the YavapaiPrescott Tribe getting one as the deal says only those tribes that agreed to the new gaming compacts get a shot at it. Ochoa said the tribe was “excluded from all negotiations’’ on that deal and has not agreed to sign it, as doing so would remove its rights under the 2002 deal for exclusive gaming rights. Anyone wanting a franchise has to pay a non-refundable $100,000 application fee “despite the stark differences in likelihood of obtaining a license.’’ All that, he said, amounts to illegal special legislation.

BUSINESS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

PRESTIGE �� page 22

“We were already using disinfectant and masks and gloves,” Testori said. “The only thing we had to add was the shield at the counter for walk-ins. Everything else was in place.” Prestige managed to get through the pandemic without layoffs, sometimes creating work such as painting the plants and doing chores that they previously didn’t have time for. “I was really proud of our team,” Testori said. “I said, you know we’re not getting as many pieces, but we want to keep everyone employed – everyone has to be open to wear different hats. We did a lot of renovating and just updating the physical environment.” They made accommodations for employees whose lives were thrown into disarray, especially those who suddenly had children at home when the schools closed. They committed to communicating what was happening to everyone in the company, using English and Spanish. They made sure things were in writing so employees could share it with their families to allay any anxiety about job loss. Prestige Cleaners produced a newslet-

ter that allowed staff to share the positives and negatives of the lockdowns, giving employees an opportunity to get to know each other better. As plants combined, employees worked alongside coworkers they had only met at company outings and events. “It was kind of neat to see the camaraderie between the different employees and teams,” Testori said. “It just really worked out.” Prestige Cleaners’ website extols its legacy of service, citizenship and community. It is something they carried on throughout the pandemic. They continued their partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, held clothing drives and gave complimentary cleanings to those in need. They also worked with Banner hospitals and the many individuals and organizations who were making homemade masks at the beginning of the pandemic. Prestige Cleaners became a collection site and cleaned thousands of newly made masks that were headed to hospitals. “We worked with Banner hospitals and cleaned many, many pounds of homemade masks,” Testori said. “That was the biggest thing we did —

cleaning free masks so that any of their affiliates, visitors or emergency room patients could be provided these clean, homemade masks donated by the community. That was all done complimentary.” Just as Prestige Cleaners took care of its communities, the community, in turn, took care of it. Testori said they had many customers with whom they had long-term relationships who took care of their staff, sometimes offering gift cards. “I just really want to thank our customers, our community, for supporting us through this,” Testori said. “They worked with our changes. My gratitude really goes out to the public for supporting our industry. I look back and I reflect on this: It’s really been a horrid thing and sad to see so many businesses that had to close. It was a struggle. I won’t deny it. The rules were changing weekly. I am so grateful to those who supported us.” Founder Don E. Frye opened Prestige’s doors in June 1964, offering exceptional dry cleaning and laundry services, fine tailoring and alterations, and wedding dress preservation, the company has grown to six Scottsdale locations plus a corporate office. When Don retired in 1981, he handed over the reins to his son Donn Frye, who

carried on his father’s commitment to community service and strong corporate citizenship while forging his own path. Testori is guiding Prestige Cleaners as it continues to expand and serve its customers. “From the customers’ perspective, we have the same core values as we did when Mr. Frye, the late founder, had,” she said. “I want to have those, but be able to embrace change and allow for us to be in the forefront of serving others, whether it’s our employees, community or customers.” Testori has been dedicated to working with regulatory and legislative agencies on issues pertaining to the industry, helped lead Prestige’s efforts to grow and expand pick-up and delivery services, was instrumental in developing an innovative Prestige app, and helped lead the company to be one of the first dry cleaners in Arizona embrace green practices. The Frye family’s work ethic resonates with Testori. “Family-owned business or not, they’ve always provided a professional culture not unlike what you would get in a big, public organization,” she said. “It allowed for that real personal attention, whether it’s with the employees, the customers or the community.”

OPINION

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Vote YES on Scottsdale’s General Plan 2035 BY MAYOR DAVID ORTEGA Progress Guest Writer

am proud of Scottsdale’s General Plan 2035, which is truly citizen-driven, written by all stakeholders. Please vote YES, sign and mail-in the ballot as soon as possible. Why is the General Plan 2035 so vital for Scottsdale? It is the blueprint document, updated every ten years, which directs and guides city staff and city Council in their decisions. Scottsdale government is the most accountable,

responsible and responsive when it adheres to the General Plan. Having lived in Scottsdale for over 42 years, I know that Scottsdale is a unique place because of our community spirit captured in the opening Vison statement: Scottsdale will continue to be an exceptional Sonoran Desert experience and premier international destination, where our Western heritage is valued. Our diverse neighborhoods foster outstanding livability, social connectivity, healthy lifestyles and a sustainable environment. Scottsdale will thrive by at-

tracting and retaining business centers of excellence that encourage innovation and prosperity.” “Scottsdale will respect and be sensitive to the history and legacy found in the heart of Old Town, in designated Historic Preservation neighborhoods, at archaeological sites, in the equestrian community and within cultural and architectural resources, which de�ine our Sense of Place.” After scores of public meetings, hundreds of hours of discussion, eight Council work study sessions, and countless

public comments, your Council voted unanimously to forward General Plan 2035 for your approval. There are too many elements to recount here, but details are at ScottsdaleAZ.gov/ General Plan 2035. Citizen participation, resilience, and innovation inspire us as we embrace the past and step into the future. This is our plan, for our city. Together, we are Scottsdale, Arizona — the one and only one in the world! Be a part of our success by voting YES on General Plan 2035.

careers by running for election. You speak at public forums, knock on doors, stand in front of Safeway, anywhere you can meet a few voters, most of whom pay attention for 14 seconds before pushing past you like you’re a human turnstile. Then, say you win. That earns you the privilege of going to 25 or 30 weeknight meetings annually, many of which last for hours and involve a “call to the public.” If you’ve never been to a school board or municipal council meeting, lucky you. I’ve attended many, and trust me: Most members of the public who answer this call do so because no sane human being has ever listened to them for three minutes straight without dialing 911. It’s like open mike at an insane asylum, minus the lithium. And that was before COVID, before anti-mask protests, and before machinations over Critical Race Theory. Nowadays, your average school board meeting frequently resembles Jan. 6 at the U.S. Capitol. Minus the gunfire – so far.

Down south near Tucson, the April 27 meeting of the Vail governing board required sheriff ’s deputies before the meeting even started. About 150 antimaskers – some armed – stormed the meeting, pushing past school district employees, screaming and berating board members and refusing to wear masks, per Pima County’s mandate. “There was a handful of people – I don’t know exactly how many – who either don’t have kids in the school district, don’t live in the school district, don’t live in the county, who came with the express purpose of whipping up that group,” Supt. John Carruth told the Arizona Education News Service. Talk about needing more hobbies. The Litchfield Elementary School District has degenerated into chaos over the passage of an “equity statement” last December. Since then, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office has been involved and protests have become a regular feature of board meetings. Last week, Dr. Tara Armstead, the

school board’s only Black member, resigned and scorched the 12,000-student district on her way out the door. “I will not say thank you for the time that I served here,” said Armstead, “or express any gratitude or appreciation because, for the five months I have been here, I have been treated like I’m not an expert in the field and have no idea what I’m talking about.” The Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board has been equally protest-laden and chaotic. Last week, Board President Jann-Michael Greenburg lost his temper over thje distribiution of a neo-Nazi comic book on some campuses. Greenburg stage whispered an expletive into a hot microphone. He later publicly apologized. “I’m very sorry about that,” Greenburg explained. “I have to admit it was done out of frustration in the moment.” The wonder is that more school board members don’t drop f-bombs. Or outright quit. Because there’s surely no more thankless job in this state.

Arizona’s most thankless job: school board member BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist

ost of us like to believe we’re decent people. We give a few bucks to charity, we volunteer, maybe even help a friend move. But be real: There’s being a decent human and then there’s going above and beyond. Like by serving on your local school board. If there’s a volunteer role existent in Arizona today that I cannot wrap my head around, it’s that one. And the past year of headlines – full of protests, threats and extreme surliness – have only deepened my confusion. Our state has about 240 school boards and 1,200 board members. Each of them deserves a medal. Or our prayers. Because anyone who does that job for $0 a year deserves something in return. School board members begin their

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Anthony Lucas aims for title in �inal high school season BY DREW SCHOTT Progress Staff Writer

errick Nsubuga knows a good defensive lineman when he sees one. The Chapparal High School product played the position at Southern Illinois University — Carbondale, Arizona State and Lindenwood University before returning as a coach at his alma mater. When he �irst saw Anthony Lucas, Nsubuga recognized his athleticism. His size and strength stood out. When Nsubuga pulled the freshman aside and asked him to run, he was impressed by his speed and �luid movement. It took little time for Nsubuga to realize that he was coaching a future top college prospect. “I was like ‘This kid’s gonna be a superstar,’” Nsubuga said. “Ever since then, he’s been getting better and better every year.” Nsubuga’s prediction was accurate. Lucas is now the top player from Arizona in the 2022 recruiting class and a four-star recruit. Receiving 26 offers to play college football, Lucas in August announced his top-seven schools: Alabama, Miami (FL), Notre Dame, Oregon, Texas A&M, Southern California and Louisiana State. Lucas’ path to becoming one of the best defensive high school players in the country has been unconventional, in that he took the gridiron for the �irst time during his freshman year at Chaparral. However, it didn’t take long for his skill to stand out. During his sophomore season, Lucas �inished with 29 tackles and second on the team in tackles-for-loss (10) and sacks (6). Since then, the 6'5", 280-pound lineman has grown into a defensive stalwart for the defending Division 6A state champions. “Where he’s at is what I saw as the possibility for him,” Chaparral head coach Brent Barnes said. “It’s not shocking, but it’s not easy to get where he’s at. I’m not gonna say I’m surprised by any means, but to be con-

uate early. Yet they helped his performance on the gridiron. Lucas credited baseball with improving his speed, reaction and hand-eye coordination and basketball with bettering his endurance and footwork. “I’d probably say that it takes countless hours and days of making sure your body’s in the top physical shape it can be for you to perform the best you can at all times,” Lucas said. At the end of his freshman season, Lucas was elevated to the Varsity roster after showcasing promise on the �ield. Yet Chaparral senior defensive tackle Anthony Lucas, who his football journey was has become one of the top recruits in the country, is aim- just beginning, as Barnes ing for a second straight championship to cap off his casaid he needed to imreer with the Firebirds. (Courtesy Andy Silvas) prove his understanding sidered where he’s at and what he’s done, of the game to become a it’s rare. It’s been certainly an awesome more dominant player. thing to see happen.” Lucas then worked hard in the offseason When Lucas arrived on the Firebirds’ to get ready for the pace of Varsity football. campus as a freshman, he expected to play According to Nsubuga, Lucas’ work ethic sports, but not football. Ready to contrib- in the weight room, at practice and durute his talents on the baseball �ield and ing conditioning set him apart — a quality basketball court, he was approached by a that he believes will ultimately help Lucas parent who asked if he was trying out for reach the National Football League. the football team. In the 2019 season opener against HamBarnes felt Lucas was ready to make an ilton, Lucas debuted his sophomore year impact when he arrived with the Firebirds. with just two tackles. He then went on a He remembers telling him that he couldn’t tear, racking up nine tackles, four tacklestell what his future would look like in bas- for-loss and three sacks in the Firebirds’ ketball or baseball, but that he had a bright next three games. one in football if he pursued it. One of those matchups was a 38-24 loss And he did. to Saguaro High School, in which Lucas Lucas still played his original two sports �inished with three tackles and a tackleat Chaparral — he participated in baseball for-loss. However, his statline was not the freshman and sophomore year and Varsity storyline of his performance. basketball sophomore and junior year — During a play, he swallowed the black but will not in 2021 since he plans to grad- crumbs of the turf and came to the sideline

choking on the beads. Attempting to wash the pellets out of his mouth and throat, Lucas remembers thinking “it’s nothing” and that he still had a job to �inish. He returned to the game without missing a snap. “At that moment, I was like, “Ok, yeah, he’s talented,’” Nsubuga said. “I was like, ‘This kid is gonna �ight. He’s gonna give us everything he has and he’s a competitor.’” Added Lucas: “It’s gonna take a lot more than some turf to get me off the �ield.” His sophomore season not only represented his improvement in fundamentals such as his �irst step and getting out of a stance. It was when opportunities to play college football started rolling in. At this time, Lucas shifted his main athletic focus to football. “That’s when it kind of probably clicked for him,” Barnes said. “He started to see the future. He still loves playing the game of basketball. He still loves those other things. But again, (he) just knew where his future lies.” Lucas’ junior season saw him notch 46 tackles, 15.5 tackles-for-loss and seven sacks. Lucas also caught one pass for nine yards at tight end — a position he hopes to play in college. In making his Division I decision, Lucas will consider how a team uses him, academics and their performance during the 2021 college football season. Lucas’ fondest memory of high school football so far is the �inal seconds of Chaparral’s 24-14 win over Highland in the 2020 Division 6A State Championship Game. After missing its �irst three games due to COVID-19, the Firebirds de�ied the odds and won a title. “No matter where we start, it’s about the �inish,” Lucas said. Nsubuga can’t wait to see his star pupil chase that aspiration: “He’s gonna dominate every single football game and I’m really excited for that.”

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School of Rock plans four days of live music BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

fter months of rehearsals, students at the School of Rock are excited to be able to play an endof-summer show. Students playing covers of various artists across many subgenres of rock ‘n’ roll will perform hour-and-a-half setlists across two weekends. The shows – Sept. 11-12 and Sept. 1819 at the Revelry in Mesa – will feature students of all ages, including some adults. Despite the varying ages of the performers, School of Rock Scottsdale manager Michelle Worley said the show is a landmark for all the students. “I think this is part of where we really learn a lot about the student,” she said. “This is the time where their nerves are going to kick in. This is the time where they will either put their foot on the amp and rock out that solo or will step

School of Rock Scottsdale manager Michelle Worley smiles with excitement as her students prepare for another end of season show. (Pablo Robles Progress Staff Photographer)

on their chord and ruin the solo.” Worley naturally hopes the latter will not happen as students have spent three hours a week over the past four

months rehearsing the music of rock ‘n’ roll’s most celebrated artists. “We use rock ‘n’ roll as a foundation for learning and the kids are motivated

through different artists,” Worley said. Students sign up to play music from various artists early on and there are some artists that some students aim for as early as they can. “We noticed that some kids might be interested in learning Led Zeppelin specifically because the guitar parts are really great, or the bass lines are amazing. We’ll put together different genres each season and rotate each genre based on what the kids are interested in,” Worley said. This year, the performers will cover the music of Nirvana, Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, Stone Temple Pilots, Smashing Pumpkins and Soundgarden. They also will play genre sets, such as the best of the 80’s and old school punk. In addition, the adults across the School of Rock’s three locations – Ahwatukee, Gilbert and Scottsdale – will

see ROCK page 30

Landmark Theatres landing in the Quarter BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

andmark Theatres is set to make its presence known in the greater Phoenix area with the opening of its first theater in Scottsdale Quarter this fall. The theater will have eight screens to show its selection of sophisticated films and plans to have a bar and gourmet concession stand once it is fully operational. “They do a couple of different things really well. They’re the best in digital projection, they’ll have gourmet concession items and they try to anticipate

Scottsdale Quarter will have a new movie theater when Landmark Theatres takes over the former space of iPic theaters. (Courtesy of Scottsdale Quarter)

the different trends and opportunities for this area.” Scottsdale Quarter General Manager Richard Hunt said. “It’s definitely a good marriage of the two types of entertainment.” The theater will take the space of the former iPic theaters, which closed in January 2020, and plans to bring a complementary genre of films to the upscale area. “This theater is going to lean toward adult fare but there will also be a degree of family content,” Landmark spokeswoman Margot Gerber said. While the theater may show some

see THEATER page 30

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ROCK �� page 28

play their own setlists of various tunes. “They put together a really collaborative set of music and they do the same thing that the kids do but in a whole different way because they’re adults,” Worley said. Whether these students are young rockers or adults finally living out their rock n’ roll fantasy, this will serve as the first concert for many School of Rock students. While that may sound nerve wracking, Worley chose The Revelry due to its intimate setting that she hopes will calm any nerves the first-time rockers may feel and allows the show to operate in a safer manner. “It feels like being outdoors – in somebody's backyard almost; it’s really comfortable,” Worley said. “The outdoor part of it allows us to execute things safely.

THEATER �� page 28

Hollywood blockbusters, it has reported it does better with independent and foreign films as well as documentaries. “For example, in our theaters we played ‘Black Widow’ and some of the big blockbuster movies but those don’t tend to do well for us,” Gerber said. “Oscar pedigree films tend to play the longest.” Fans who go to watch these awardnominated films can expect to do so in style as the theaters promise top-ofthe-line technology. JBL speakers will broadcast the innovative Dolby digital sound system across the theater and customers will be able to relax in reclining mechanical chairs. The theater also will have topof-the-line digital projectors and a 3D system. “We always try to have state of the art projection and sound,” Gerber said. The theater will also accommodate people with hearing impairments by providing closed caption readers and audio headsets. It will utilize the already existing bar and offer a renowned gourmet concession items like ice cream sandwiches, trail mix, chocolate bars and sausages once it begins to see a steadier flow of traffic through the doors. “Depending on where we are with

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acts across the four days of live music, there is one act that she is particularly excited to watch. “One of the ones I’m personally most excited about is seeing the Radiohead show because my youngest son is performing his last show and is graduating from our program,” Worley said. She is also looking forward to the Stone Temple Pilots show as these students only had six weeks to put the show together. Fortunately, these students came in ambitious and ready to put together a great show. “They had high levels of energy and came in knowing their stuff,” Worley said. Worley is excited for the entire show and hopes this will be a day to remember for students and families alike. “I hope that fans can see how much the kids appreciate the music and I hope that they also see a musical community

of people that are trying to teach their kids something different,” she said. “We have a like-minded community that appreciates what rock 'n’ roll can bring to somebody’s life.” She also hopes it can serve as a good learning experience for the students. “I hope the kids grow in confidence and I think that every exposure to the stage helps build it,” Worley said.

things, we’ve been cutting down our concessions in terms of the food we would serve where there’s spoilage involved,” Gerber said. Another hurdle that Landmark Theatres must leap is the competition of streaming services showing new movies on the same day as theaters. “One of the big issues in our industry right now is that all the studios have been putting their films out for streaming on the same day that they release them in theaters,” Gerber said. “In order for theaters to thrive, we need a window of opportunity before the films start to stream.” Nevertheless, Gerber has reported that Landmark Theatres has seen a rise in its revenue and has high hopes for the theater The Landmark moviehouse will focus primarily on indethat she feels is a perpendent ﬁlms, including documentaries. (Special to the Progress) fect fit for Scottsdale

Quarter. “The demographic in the area is similar to other areas where we operate theaters so it was a perfect fit,” Gerber said. Landmark Theatres is slated to open sometime this fall, just in time to complement the new roster of retail stores coming to Scottsdale Quarter, incuding Levi’s, Yeti, Peloton and Brilliant Earth jewelry company. “It’s going to be a sophisticated setting that’ll blend itself well with some of the new additions we have coming,” Hunt said. Hunt also foresees customers flocking to the area making a day out of the new attraction. “What we will have are people making a day out of this,” he said. “They’ll be able to go to the movies then go to dinner and maybe shop around in any one of our unique stores.” Landmark Theatres management currently is working with contractors to assess the scope of work needed for a fall opening. “To be able to elevate that to our retail lineup that we already have and to be able to do a unique movie experience will be phenomenal for Scottsdale Quarter,” Hunt said. Info: Scottsdalequarter.com and landmarktheatres.com

“It has an outdoor area with picnic benches, outdoor service and an outdoors stage that has been comfortable for us because it has a misting and cooling system and is underneath an awning.” She also stated that having the shows at this venue gives the performers and audience members the same feeling they would get at a music festival. “This has more of a relaxed, festivallike setting,” Worley said. “People are set up with their chairs and some will pay close attention to the stage.” Despite the relaxed atmosphere, Worley hopes this will be the year that fans get on their feet and move to the music these future rockstars have worked to perfect. “We haven’t had too many dancers yet, which is kind of a bummer, but I’m hoping this year we can get them up and dancing,” Worley said with a laugh. While Worley hopes fans enjoy all the

If you go

What: School of Rock end of summer show When: Sept. 11-12: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sept. 18-19: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: The Revelry, 1065 N. Dobson Road, Mesa. Cost: $10 at the door. Info: schoolofrock.com and therevelry.com

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Scottsdale celebrates Restaurant Week BY MALLORY GLEICH Progress Contributor

or foodies, people looking to try a new restaurant, or those who are just hungry, Arizona Restaurant Week is Sept. 17-26. Restaurants statewide will offer a prix�ixe dinner menu for $33, $44 or $55 per person – and the dining options are endless. The Arizona Restaurant Association (ARA) started Arizona Restaurant Week in fall 2007. After its growing success, Spring Restaurant Week was added to the roster in 2010. The ARA was created to help members “become leaders in their communities through building customer loyalty, escalating awareness of food safety and healthy living, bolstering a thriving industry and rewarding workforce, and increasing �inancial success,” according to President Steve Chucri, who will celebrate 20 years with

Chef Christopher Collins of Twisted Grove Parlor + Bar says Restaurant Week offers “ a great opportunity for our team to go out and enjoy other local restaurateurs’ offerings.” (Special to the Progres)

Kona Grill puts an unusual spin on surf and turf. (Special to the Progress)

the association next year. Chucri, a Maricopa County supervisor, explained that the purpose of the Restaurant Week has always been two-fold.

“We want to cultivate an experience for diners to discover new restaurants and

wine across California for more than 100 years, this cab bene�its from aging in a selection of both French and American oak barrels, which allows for the wine to develop aromas of baking spices and vanilla before dark fruit and a balanced acidity takes over on the palate. $25

Vina Robles 2018 Petite Syrah Structured and elegant with hints of caramel throughout, this rich red comes alive on the palate with bursts of boysenberry and plum before offering a creamy finish that makes it ultra-drinkable all year long, but especially while stuck inside during a summer monsoon. $29

�� WEEK �� 32

Explore the best from an emerging wine region BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ Progress Contributor

aso Robles is a winemaking region on the rise. Located along California’s Coast, Paso Robles winemaking dates back to the 1980s, but it was the well-received Saxum brand in 2010 followed by Wine Enthusiast naming it the Wine Region of the Year in 2013 that really brought acclaim to the area. Today, there are more than 200 wineries and 40,000 vineyard acres producing at least 60 types of varietals. Here are a few of our favorites:

2020 Justin Vineyards Rosé Dry yet refreshing with a pale salmon color when poured, the nose is excep-

tionally floral at first before giving way to berry and apple notes. To the taste, there is an ever-so-slight hint of strawberry and then bigger flavors of melon, raspberry and chamomile. $20 2018 San Simeon Cabernet Sauvignon A triumph from the famed Riboli family, who’ve been making Justin Vineyards Rosé is dry yet refreshing with a pale salmon color. (Special to the Progress)

J. Lohr Pure Paso Proprietary Red Blend A perfect entrée to the bold-yetsmooth wines of the region, this blend of J. Lohr’s cabernet and petit sirah dances across the nose and onto the lips with a bouquet of cocoa powder, caramel and star anise. Then, black cherry joins the party, soon becoming the star of the sip. $27

Chronic Cellars 2019 The Unteachables Do not let the playful name fool you. This is neither a CBD-infused wine nor a kitschy cheap tourist one. A wild child of a bottle, there is a punch of blueberry in every sip as well as

�� WINE �� 33

FOOD & DRINK

WEEK �� 31

for restaurants to show off their creativity while welcoming new and returning guests to their tables,” he said. Restaurants in Scottsdale and around the Valley sign up each year through the ARA website. Once they are accepted, the eatery will upload a three-course menu within the price point so that diners can see what is being offered – and decide if they’re just hungry or really hungry. This year, the ARA added a third price point at $55. “The additional price option gives diners more choices when it comes to how they dine,” Chucri said. “Diners can opt for a more budget-friendly menu or choose to splurge a little more with the higher price point menu, while still getting an incredible deal from amazing restaurants around the state regardless of which price point they choose.” There are currently more than 100 restaurants signed up for the September event. The ARA hopes that there will be close to 160 options for diners to choose from. “On a personal note, it’s also a great opportunity for our team to go out and enjoy other local restauranteurs’ offerings,” said

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

Chef Christopher Collins of Twisted Grove Parlor + Bar. “I’m often too focused on our operations to venture out and see how our local dining scene is evolving,” Collins added. “During Restaurant Week, I make it a point to experience new concepts and even revisit established ones I’ve missed,” “We’ve participated for the past seven years,” Joe Ieraci of The House Brasserie said. “We always look forward to Restaurant Week because it gives us a chance to showcase our capabilities.” Chucri explained that one of the best parts of Restaurant Week is that diners enjoy the variety of their options. The participants range from small, independently-owned and hidden gems to upscale �ive-star dining establishments. “Guests can take themselves on a 10-night journey around the Valley,” he said. He continued, “We also hear from many diners that they enjoy being able to plan, looking through the menus offerings on the website, plotting out which restaurants to visit and spending each night with different family or friends. It’s an event many people look forward to twice a year, as a chance to splurge and treat themselves.”

Here is a current list of Scottsdale restaurants that are participating in this year’s event: Ajo Al’s Mexican Café, 90th Street and Via Linda; 70th Street and Shea Boulevard, $44 per couple. Barrio Queen, Scottsdale, Stetson and 5th Avenue, $33. Citizen Public House, 5th Avenue and Craftsman Court, $33. Cobre Kitchen + Cocktails, N. Marshall Way and E. 1st Street, $44. Famous 48, Scottsdale Road and E. Doubletree Ranch Road, $55 per couple. Grassroots Kitchen & Tap, Scottsdale, Hayden Road and Via De Ventura, $33. Kitchen West Restaurant at The Scottsdale Resort, Scottsdale Road and McCormick Parkway, $44. Kona Grill, Scottsdale Fashion Square, $33. La Locanda, 5th Avenue and Indian School Road, $44. Los Sombreros, Scottsdale and Thomas roads, $33, $44 and $55. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria-Scottsdale, Scottsdale Road and Chauncey Lane. $33/ couple and $44/four people. Pasta Brioni, Camelback and Miller roads, $33 and $44.

Huh?

Paul Martin’s American Grill, E. Lincoln Drive and N. Scottsdale Road, $44. Preston’s Steakhouse, Pima and Pinnacle Peak roads, $55. Roaring Fork, Scottsdale and Chapparral roads, $44. STK Steakhouse, 6th Avenue and Stetson Drive, $44. TapHouse Kitchen, Scottsdale Road and McDonald Drive, $44. The Canal Club, Scottsdale and Chapparral roads, $44. The Capital Grille, Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, $55. The House Brasserie, 69th and Main streets, $55. The White Chocolate Grill, Scottsdale Road and Mayo Boulevard, $44. True Food Kitchen, Scottsdale Road and Greenway Hayden Loop, $44. Twist American Grill, Scottsdale Road and Ashler Hills, $44. Twisted Grove Parlor & Bar, Hayden Road and Via De Ventura, $44. Wally’s American Gastropub, Scottsdale and DoubleTree Ranch roads, $33. ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho, 68th Street and Indian School Road, $55. Information: arizonarestaurantweek. com.

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WINE �� 31

blackberry and mocha notes, both balanced by leather before finishing with one final knockout hit of juicy black fruit. $30 One Hope Paso Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon There is not a much better pairing than red wine with chocolate. That is what makes this varietal so special — the wine itself has just the teeniest flavor of chocolate! Mind you, it is not sweet. The chocolate is but one note in this rich offering. It is complemented by dried herbs and vanilla. $35

combination that will be a treat to many a tastebud. $40

2018 Smith & Hook Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon A 100% cabernet through and through, this seductive sipper is a glowing crimson to the eye, and sublime to the sip. It starts with cassis and cedar, and perhaps a note of edible flowers. Then, there is a roller coaster of tastes in constant motion on the tongue, notably plum and leather, before a bit of tobacco comes in to balance everything out. $45

2019 My Favorite Neighbor Named to honor the farmers who work closely with Barton 2020 Summertime winemaker — his “favorite Grenache Blanc neighbors” — this bottle is a A bright as the day is long, this delight of a white Barton 2020 Sum- true celebration of the land smells of lemon verbena, mertime Grenache and its people. Expect a green apples and a hint of Blanc is a delight complex nose of red cherry gravel. To the taste, mango of a white wine. and raspberry with a bit of toasted marshmallow here, and honeysuckle take cen- (Special to the Progress) followed by fig compote, ter stage before a crisp fincoffee and even crème bruish, making it perfect for lee to the taste. $50 drinking poolside or on a floaty with friends. $36 2016 True Myth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Epoch Estate White Meant to showcase the Central This is both a unique blend — Coast in all its splendor; this vaGrenache Blanc, viognier and rietal feels part good winemakRoussanne — but a unique means ing and good witchcraft. This of development as the wine is fer100% cabernet is dark and almented in what is called an oak luring, full-bodied and opulent. cask, offering both oak and conIt offers flavors of both red and crete. The result is a harmonic black fruits as well as a duo combination of ripe yellow of mocha and sweet spices in peach, lemon oil, green pear, every sensational sip. $55 fresh cream and maybe even a bit of wet clay, but in a Austin Hope Cabernet good way! $40 Sauvignon 2018 If layered flavors tickle Adelaida 2018 Counoise your fancy, prepare to be A popular Rhone varipleased. This deep ruby cab ety of grape often blended offers aromas of both curwith other types, Counorants and smoke before reise is known for its pepper vealing a spice on the nose. and acid. Done right, as it To the taste, expect the big, is here, the red grape can juicy flavors of blackberry shine on its own. To the eye, it looks like liquid rubies. Vina Robless 2018 and ripe cherry followed Petite Syrah is a by vanilla bean and then And to the taste? Beyond rich red. intoxicating brown butter. the spice, there is a won- (Special to the Progress) $56 derful red currant and clove

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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Scottsdale, Arizona, will hold a public hearing on September 22, 2021, at 5:00 P.M in the City Hall Kiva, 3939 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, Arizona. Planning Commission meetings are televised on Cox Cable Channel 11 and streamed online at ScottsdaleAZ.gov (search “live stream”) to allow the public to virtually attend, participate telephonically, and listen/view the meeting in progress. Instructions on the meeting forum, how to participate, and how to provide Public Comments will be provided on the posted agenda. 1-ZN-2021 (The Miller) Request by owner for a Zoning District Map Amendment from Highway Commercial (C-3) to Downtown/Downtown Multiple Use, Type 2, Planned Block Development, Downtown Overlay (D/DMU-2 PBD DO) Zoning, with a development plan and proposed development standards, including but not limited to, building height (76 feet inclusive of rooftop appurtenances), residential density (87 du/ac) and building stepbacks for a new multi-family development consisting of 148 units on a +/- 1.7-acre (gross) site, located at 7570 E. 6th Avenue. Staff contact person is Greg Bloemberg, 480-312-4306. Applicant contact person is John Berry, 480-385-2727. 4-GP-2021 (Pima McDowell) Request by owner for a non-major General Plan Amendment to the City of Scottsdale General Plan 2001 to change the land use designation from Mixed-Use Neighborhoods to Commercial on a +/- 7.22-acre site located 8705 E. McDowell Road. Staff contact person is Jeff Barnes, 480312-2376. Applicant contact person is Brian Krob, 480-225-7359.

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6-UP-2021 (Peoples Hangar and Heliport) Request by owner for approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a new heliport on a +/- 1.2-acre site with Industrial Park (I-1) zoning located at 15902 N. 80th Street. Staff contact person is Meredith Tessier, 480-312-4211. Applicant contact person is Scott Wahtola, (920) 3753430.

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3-GP-2021 (92nd Street Rezoning) Request by owner for a non-major General Plan Amendment to the City of Scottsdale General Plan 2001 from Commercial to Mixed-Use Neighborhoods on +/- 3.92 acres of the +/8.52-acre site located at 10301 N. 92nd Street, 10299 N. 92nd Street and 9301 E. Shea Boulevard. Staff contact person is Doris McClay, 480-312-4214. Applicant contact person is Kurt Jones, (480) 225-8937.

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6-ZN-2021 (92nd Street Rezoning) Request by owner for a Zoning District Map Amendment from Highway Commercial Planned Community District (C-3 PCD) and Commercial Office Planned Community district (C-O PCD) to Planned Unit Development Planned Community Development District (PUD PCD) Zoning with a Development Plan including amending building height to 60 feet on a +/- 8.52-acre site located at 10301 N. 92nd Street, 10299 N. 92nd Street and 9301 E. Shea Boulevard for a mixed-use development including 310 multi-family units. Staff contact person is Doris McClay, 480-312-4214. Applicant contact person is Kurt Jones, (480) 225-8937. For additional information visit our web site at www.scottsdaleaz.gov search "Scottsdale Planning Case Files" or in your URL search bar you can type in https://eservices.scottsdaleaz.gov/bldgresources/Cases/ A COPY OF A FULL AGENDA, INCLUDING ITEMS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS IS AVAILABLE AT LEAST 24 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING AT THE FOLLOWING: Online at: http://www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/Boards/planning-commission CHAIRMAN Attest BRONTE IBSEN Planning Specialist

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11-ZN-2021 (Pima McDowell) Request by owner for a Zoning District Map Amendment from General Commercial (C-4) and General Commercial Conditional (C-4(C)) to Highway Commercial (C-3) zoning on a +/- 7.22-acre site located 8705 E. McDowell Road. Staff contact person is Jeff Barnes, 480-312-2376. Applicant contact person is Brian Krob, 480-225-7359.

For additional information visit our web site at www.scottsdaleaz.gov

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

PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY MAY REQUEST A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION BY CONTACTING THE CLERK'S OFFICE AT (480-312-7767). REQUESTS SHOULD BE MADE 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE, OR AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE TO ALLOW TIME TO ARRANGE ACCOMMODATION. FOR TTY USERS, THE ARIZONA RELAY SERVICE (1-800-367-8939) MAY CONTACT THE CLERK'S OFFICE AT (480-312-7767). Published: Scottsdale Progress, Aug 29, 2021 / 409

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Scottsdale Progress - 9.5.2021

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