Scottsdale Progress 10-02-22

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Scottsdale Realtor gets 25 years for killing wife.

City Council may adopt new rental curbs

BY J. GRABER Progress Staff Writer

Short-term

rentals will soon be required to register with the city to stay in business in Scottsdale.

Armed with a recently enacted state law, City Council is set to vote on an ordinance

on Oct. 25 that would go into effect Christmas Eve requiring the name, address, phone number and email address for the owner or owner’s agent, the rental’s rental address and proof of compliance with transaction privilege tax license requirements.

The city could deny a license on very narrow grounds, such as the applicant’s failure

to provide required information or providing false information. The city could also deny a license if the owner or designee is a registered sex offender or has committed a felony with a deadly weapon or one resulting in death or serious injury.

Unwanted ‘guests’ loom over Gala Season

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

As Gala Season begins in Scottsdale, nonprofits are encountering unwanted “guests” in the form of inflation, supply chain shortages and the law of supply and demand.

Inflation has driven up the cost of nearly every item associated with a gala and high demand for spaces is forcing some nonprofits to reserve gala spaces as far as a year in advance.

“Overall, food, drink and venue prices have gone up the most,” said Meg Dufour, the director of events for the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children, which is hosting its third annual Ava’s Treehouse Gala Oct. 23 at The Phoenician.

She added that the soaring cost of throwing big fundraisers “makes sense since we’re seeing all of our grocery bills

go up and then we’re seeing that delivering something the day of is more expensive because gas is more expensive.”

Gas prices have increased by 15% com-

pared to last year and grocery prices have shot up by around 13% in that same time

GALA

Senior Partner

ARTS 33

Teen duo directing Desert Stages' "Matilda"

BUSINESS 28

WestWorld eyes 1M visitors.

As Gala Season begins in Scottsdale, nonprofits like the Valley of the Sun JCC have discovered that rampant inflation and supply chain disruptions are making it more challenging to hold their major fundraising celebration like its big event last December. (Special to the Progress)

unturned

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Local Realtor gets 25 years for stalking, killing wife

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Progress Executive Editor

InApril 2017, Scottsdale Realtor Ste phen Mora was on top of the world.

He had married Janell Leach, a then37-year-old divorced mom of two boys, ages 8 and 9. She had earned master’s degrees in education and business and frequently traveled around the world to recruit students in her capacity as associ ate director for international student pro fessional development for Arizona State University.

They had met 10 months earlier through the dating app Tinder and it didn’t take long for Janell to become enthralled with the then-50-year-old Mora, who had been a tennis instructor and started a tennis school in his younger days. The stylish, suave Mora changed careers and found success as a Realtor in Scottsdale.

And just before their elegant wedding, Janell gushed on Facebook about how Mora was “the most charming, kind-heart ed, loving…man I’ve ever known.”

Today, Janell lay in a cemetery in her Ar kansas hometown.

Mora last month began a 25-year prison sentence after beating a life sentence by taking a deal to plead guilty to second de gree murder for putting her there.

In early September 2020, Janell had taken her boys and moved to East Mesa, hiding in fear of a husband, who had spiraled into de pravity over the course of their three-year marriage. He had become addicted to cocaine but used other drugs with abandon, patron ized prostitutes frequently through escort services and secretly stashed a .38 re volved in his home.

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Janell Mora posted this picture of her with Stephen Mora on their wedding day in April. (Facebook)

Stephen Mora suffered extensive injuries after shooting himself in the head hours after he stalked and gunned down his wife of less than four years. (File photo)

The gun was the last straw for Janell, who filed divorce papers and had even sched uled a conference for the last week in September2020 with Mora and his lawyer in the hopes of amicably divid ing their property.

Mora had a different ending in mind. He had somehow tracked her down and

had been stalking her for several days.

In the early eve ning of Sept. 26, 2020, Janell was jogging near Power Road and the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway in Mesa.

Janell saw his latemodel Mercedes and frantically stopped a passing motorist, pleading, “Help me. He’s got a gun.”

Mora jumped out of his car, stormed after her and fired a single bullet that ripped into her left side, shattered several ribs and pierced her lung.

He then hid in the bushes for a while, watching his wife as she gasped her last breaths.

Then he drove to Mesa Police headquar ters, called 911 to say he had just shot his wife, and fired a bullet into his head. He suffered three heart attacks on his way to the hospital, but survived.

In a pre-sentence report last month, defense attorney Charlie Naegle told the court that his client “is not a malicious indi vidual but is an extremely mild-mannered and sensitive person.”

He said Mora was “working to address his mental and emotional deficiencies and to cope with and overcome the debilita tion psychological issues he has been faced with over the course of his life.”

Referring to 5,000 pages of Mora’s medi cal records, the lawyer said his client suf fered from a major depressive disorder “recurrent, severe with psychotic epi sodes.”

The bullet Mora fired into his head only

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District.

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

Spending cap again threatens SUSD's �inancial picture

BY J. GRABER Progress Staff Writer

specter of the Aggregate Expenditure Limit is looming over the Scottsdale Unified School District budget once again.

The limit caps what school districts around the state can spend in a year to a 1980-level plus 10% adjusted for inflation.

“I’ve had some business people say, ‘Didn’t we just do this?’ and the truth is we did and not only will it need to be done this year, it will need to be done next year,” Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel told the Governing Board last month.

The limit was given a one-year hiatus by the state Legislature in the 11th hour earlier this year, but it is still in place without waivers.

That means Arizona’s schools won’t be able to spend much of the $1 billion budget increase lawmakers gave them this year, Menzel said.

“We’re staring at a similar situation to the one we had last year,” Menzel said. “That is, if the Legislature doesn’t take action before March 1 of 2023, our district, as will every other public district that’s not a charter district, will have to amend their budget to reduce the budget by the amount we are over on a percentage basis. I think the estimated percentage is 17% across the board.”

For SUSD that comes to $28.4 million that would have to be cut from the district’s budget in the last two months of the year.

That represents six and a half weeks of staff salaries in SUSD.

“It’s not inconsequential,” Menzel said. Gov. Doug Ducey is not quite living up to

the promises he made last year when the state budget was passed, Menzel said.

Ducey vowed to hold a special session of the Legislature to address the aggregate expenditure limit, but that has not yet happened.

“We still don’t have one promised,” Menzel said. “Some reports are that the Governor has said there are three conditions which were not necessarily the case at the time of the handshake agreement before.

“That would be it – 1. it has to happen, so some sense of urgency (by lawmakers), 2. that we have support from the House and Senate leaders (to pass a waiver) and 3. that you can confirm that it will pass –with a two-thirds vote. That means 40 representatives and 20 senators.”

There have also been reports that Ducey was waiting until the lawsuit surrounding Prop 208, the Invest in Education Act, was finished, Menzel said.

But the Supreme Court ruled last month that the act, which adds a 3.5% tax on all income over $250,000 (or $500,00 for joint filers), is likely unconstitutional, though it left it up to the trial court to determine that.

“That has happened so that’s no longer an issue,” Menzel said. “Some others have raised new questions about whether or not the referendum on ESA (Empowerment School Accounts) gets on the ballot because signatures have been collected, whether that was a deal breaker … there are a lot of moving parts and pieces here and some of it is political in nature.”

ESAs are $7,000 vouchers given by the state to students who do not want to attend traditional public schools. The Save our Schools coalition opposed ESA but failed to get enough signatures to ask vot-

ers in 2024 to repeal it.

“While the governor encouraged us to spend the money when he made his budget statement, signed it, talked about the historic increase in public education, it was a $1 billion historic increase and that this should be spent on classroom teachers,” Menzel said. “That all could go away in a heartbeat if action isn’t taken.”

C.J. Karamargin, a spokesman for Ducey’s office, said the governor is waiting for an assurance that a waiver of the expenditure limit would pass in the Legislature before calling a special session.

“We have seen no indication there are the votes,” Karamargin said.

Rep. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, said,” Speaker (of the House Russell) Bowers (R-Mesa) has said there would be no special session and that the issue would be dealt with in January.

“I think part of the reason is that the votes aren’t there,” Kavanagh said. “I’m speculating but a lot of members were extremely upset with the Save Our Schools” effort to kill or at least postpone implementation of the universal school voucher program.

Kavanaugh noted that in the past he’s voted to waive the expenditure limit, “but like a lot of (legislators), I have concerns that the education community is refusing to take this back to the ballot to have the cap either raised or eliminated.

“They have enough money to send the vouchers to the ballot but the important spending cap, they don’t want to deal with. Some people speculate that’s because polls have shown that voters would not eliminate this cap.

“This cap was passed by the voters and it did give the Legislature the power to waive

it but not every year, I mean, not every time,” Kavanagh said. “This has to be dealt with by the voters. A lot of legislators are concerned about continually overriding the will of the voters … when the education people don’t want to go back and have it settled by the people who created it.”

School boards across the state are gunshy about spending the extra money in this year’s budget until they get the expenditure limit waiver, said Christopher Kotterman, director of governmental relations for the Arizona School Boards Association.

“They understood (the agreement for a special legislative session) to mean before the next Legislature comes in,” Kotterman said. “Obviously that hasn’t happened yet and school districts are anxious about this because they got a significant increase in their budgets, which they are grateful for, but some of them feel they can’t fully commit the money until they are sure the Legislature is going to override the expenditure limit because they don’t want to have to cut it after the fact.”

Governing board member Jann-Michael Greenburg said not getting the extra money state lawmakers earmarked for schools would put the district in a very tenuous situation.

“Without these funds I really don’t know what Scottsdale Unified School District, or any school district, would do in the final six weeks because really the only alternative is either to base our budget right now as though we do not have those funds, in which case we would not be able to offer the salary increases as an example that other districts are offering. I mean that would put us in a difficult position. Plan-

BY J. GRABER Progress Staff Writer

Acontroversial two-story house proposed for the single-storyonly Peaceful Valley neighborhood cannot be built – for now.

A Maricopa County Superior Court judge approved a temporary injunction on the house on Sept. 25.

“The neighborhood is very pleased at the outcome and the judge’s ruling,” said Keri Kirby about his suit against local attorney Rylan Stewart, who wants to build the home, and the City of Scottsdale. “We have families that are second generation. Some of the families moved in in the 1950s and want to keep the character of the neighborhood as is, so this is a huge win for the neighborhood.”

The ruling also requires Kirby post a bond of $332,241, noting that a preliminary injunction requires a plaintiff to post “security in such amount as the court considers proper to pay the costs and damages sustained by any party

Oh,

found to have been wrongfully enjoined or restrained.”

That sum is based on the fact that Stewart “presented evidence that (he) will have to incur the costs for a shortterm rental at an average daily rate of $910.25 until the intended home can be constructed and utilized as Mr. Stewart’s primary residence,” the court found.

Kirby said, “Our lawyer is looking into how we make that happen so we can comply with the ruling.”

Fun!

The city was named a defendant in the case because it issued a building permit for the home even though the neighborhood’s CC&Rs only allow single story homes.

Kirby has since filed a motion to dismiss the city from the suit if officials rescind the building permit in the event that a permanent injunction is ordered by the court. However, Judge Melissa Iyer Julian was silent about that in her ruling.

Kirby, whose home is across an alley from Stewart’s property, filed the suit because a two-story home would look directly into her backyard and eliminate any privacy she has.

Kirby filed the suit herself because the neighborhood has no HOA to champion the cause.

All sides had their day in court Sept. 19 as Kirby and her attorney R. Lee Steers Jr. sought a temporary injunction to block the start of construction.

Stewart’s attorney Ryan Bailey declined to comment.

His defense contends that there are so

many existing violations of the CC&Rs in the neighborhood, such as shrubs that are too high and walls too close to the curb, that they no longer have any weight.

However, Julian wrote that Stewart’s “efforts to establish a waiver by pointing to other violations relating to unsightly items, walls and shrubs does not support a waiver as to the two-story covenant.”

Stewart’s attorneys also noted there is already a two-story home in the neighborhood.

However, Kirby said that the owner of that home reached out to the neighborhood before it was built in 2002 and no lawsuits were filed against it because the second floor was added to make room for the care of a disabled adult child living in the home.

“The credible evidence presented showed only one violation of the twostory restriction,” the judge said. “This is insufficient as a matter of law to demonstrate that the covenant has been waived.”

Judge blocks controversial 2-story home’s construction Jury convicts Scottsdale man of not paying $700K in taxes

PROGRESS NEWS STAFF

into his personal bank account rather than his business accounts.

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Afederal

court jury has convicted the Scottsdale businessman on three counts of income tax evasion for unpaid taxes totaling more than $700,000.

Ryan C. Patterson, 33, who owns a number of remodeling, plumbing and flooring businesses as well as real estate investment companies, was accused by a grand jury of concealing total taxable income of $2.1 million between 2014 and 2016 by having customers write him personal checks that he then deposited

The grand jury indictment in September 2021 charged that as result of his deception, he failed to pay $701,000 in income taxes on those earnings.

Court records show Patterson waged a year-long legal fight before he came to trial last month by challenging the qualifications of witnesses who analyzed his accounts and other aspects of the prosecution’s case.

Judge John J. Tuchi has allowed Patterson to remain free on bail pending sentencing on Dec. 5.

“We have families that are second generation. Some of the families moved in in the 1950s and want to keep the character of the neighborhood as is, so this is a huge win for the neighborhood.”

Mesa, AZ – When it comes to chronic pain and/ or neuropathy, the most common doctor-prescribed treatment is drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin. The problem with antidepressants or anti-seizure medications like these is that they offer purely symptomatic relief, as opposed to targeting and treating the root of the problem. Worse, these drugs often trigger an onset of uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes harmful side effects.

The only way to effectively treat chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is by targeting the source, which is the result of nerve damage owing to inadequate blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. This often causes weakness, numbness, balance problems. A lack of nutrients causes the nerves degenerate – an insidious

cannot survive, and thus, slowly die. This leads to those painful and frustrating consequences we were talking about earlier, like weakness, numbness, tingling, balance issues, and perhaps even a burning sensation.

The drugs your doctor might prescribe will temporarily conceal the problems, putting a “Band-Aid” over a situation that will only continue to deteriorate without further action.

Thankfully, Mesa is the birthplace of a brandnew facility that sheds new light on this pressing problem of peripheral neuropathy and chronic pain. The company is trailblazing the medical industry by replacing outdated drugs and symptomatic reprieves with an advanced machine that targets the root of the problem at hand.

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Th is ground-breaking treatment is engineered to achieve the following, accompanied by advanced diagnostics and a basic skin biopsy to accurately analyze results:

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Aspen Medical begins by analyzing the extent of the nerve damage –a complimentary service for your friends and family. Each exam comprises a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and comprehensive analysis of neuropathy findings.

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New-home buyers can sue builders over defects, court rules

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

weighs enforcement.’’

Buyers

of new homes are entitled to sue builders for hidden defects for up to eight years -- even if they have signed contracts waiving that right, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled Wednesday.

In a ruling with wide implications, the justices said that the common law “implied warranty of workmanship and habitability’’ recognizes the fact that home buyers are not experts in all the things that are required in constructing a house.

“A homebuyer must ... rely heavily on the builder-vendor’s knowledge of construction quality, as builders are skilled in the profession, modern construction is complex and regulated by many government codes,’’ wrote Justice Ann Scott Timmer. “And homebuyers are generally not skilled or knowledgeable in construction, plumbing, or electrical requirements and practices.’’

She acknowledged that, in general, people are legally entitled to sign contracts defining the responsibilities of each. That presumes both parties are “sophisticated’’ and equally aware of the risks and terms.

But in cases of new homes, Timmer said, there is an “inequality in bargaining power’’ between the builder and the buyer.

“The implied warranty was created in recognition of this disparity, and undoubtedly reflects the homebuyers’ reasonable expectations that a newly constructed home would be properly designed and built,’’ she wrote.

Wednesday’s ruling was not unanimous. Justice Kathryn King said it runs afoul of the state’s public policy favoring freedom to contract.

And King, joined by Justice Clint Bolick, pointed out that right of implied habitability exists nowhere in state law. Instead, she noted, it was created by a 1979 ruling of the State Court of Appeals.

Timmer said that’s irrelevant, noting subsequent state laws have implicitly affirmed that decision.

“The freedom to contact has long been considered a paramount public policy under common law that courts do not lightly infringe,’’ Timmer wrote. “But courts will refuse to enforce a contract term ... when an identifiable public policy clearly out-

That public policy, she said, goes back to 1979 when the state Court of Appeals eliminated what she described as the “buyer beware’’ philosophy of new home purchases, replacing it with the implied warranty of workmanship and habitability.

“The warranty is limited to latent defects that are undiscoverable by a reasonable pre-purchase inspection and service to protect innocent purchasers and hold home builders accountable for their work,’’ Timmer said.

On the other side of the issue, the justice said, is “diminished interest’’ in enforcing waivers of the implied warranty like the one at issue here.

“Modern homebuilding frequently occurs in large-scale developments, leaving the buyer to either purchase the home under terms directed by the builder-vendor or forego the purchase altogether,’’ Timmer said. And in this case, she said, Zambrano signed the purchase agreement and accepted the warranty terms “with no variation to the preprinted terms in either document, without representation, and without any negotiation about warranties, suggesting she was in a take-it-or-leave-it situation.’’

Also weighing in favor of the implied warranty, Timmer said, are the “multiple ways’’ it protects buyers.

“Warranting that a home was built using minimum standards of good workmanship conforms to a homebuyer’s reasonable expectations,’’ she said. And Timmer said it “discourages the unscrupulous flyby-night operator and purveyor of shoddy work who might otherwise blight our communities.’’

Timmer acknowledged that an unhappy purchaser can file a complaint against a builder’s license with the Registrar of Contractors and potentially get money from a recovery fund. But she said this is no substitute for enforcing the implied warrant, noting recovery fund payments are capped at $30,000 and do not reimburse for other consequential damages.

And there’s something else.

Timmer pointed out those who buy older homes have an opportunity to determine how it has “withstood the passage of time,’’ something not available to new home buyers.

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RENTAL from front

Prior to the first rental, the owner must inform adjacent single-family homeowners or units on the same building floor in a multi-family setting.

In order to suspend a license, “We have to go to court three times to find a property in violation of an ordinance that was established to protect public health and safety, such as for a nuisance party,” Scottsdale Assistant City Manager Brent Stockwell said.

The city could also levy fines if the owner does not verify renters are not sex offenders, does not display the city regulatory licensing number on advertisements or doesn’t respond to emergencies to within one hour of notification.

Suspensions are for one year but can be shortened to six months if the owner has taken “substantial and significant steps to prevent the re-occurrence of the actions that led to the suspension,” according to the proposed ordinance.

“It’s not trying to be punitive here, it’s trying to create a situation where we can have the right actions happen in our community most of the time,” Stockwell said.

There are also extreme violations that would only need one verified instance to allow for a suspension.

Those include a violation resulting in a felony by the owner, serious injury or death due to reckless conduct, allowing adult-oriented businesses or maintaining a sober living home.

“Those one-strike-and-you’re-out things are for very serious things that the owner knowingly and kind of willingly did it and was found responsible for,” Stockwell said.

The license will cost $250.

SB 1168, which paved the way for the ordinance, “says a city may set a fee not to exceed the actual cost of issuing the license or $250, whichever is less,” Stockwell said, explaining:

“Our city treasurer’s office went through an extensive process and is recommending setting the fee at $250 because it is lower than the actual anticipated cost to the city to actually issue the license.

“In estimating the cost we considered the cost of additional licensing, the licensing system we use, the centralized data base we have to create, the city incurred credit card fees, digital equipment, such as computer servers and the staffing cost to review.”

The city can still track short-term rental properties that do not register for a license

through their online advertisements, Stockwell warned.

Under the proposed ordinance, properties that operate without a license can be cited and receive a $1,000 fine and an administrative penalty of $1,000 for each month they fail to apply for a license.

Based on a question from Councilman Tom Durham, Stockwell noted that every person staying in a short-term rental will have to be vetted to ensure compliance with the sex-offender ban.

Durham said that also would help ensure there aren’t more than the allowable number of people staying in the home.

Councilwoman Linda Milhaven said she saw a need for additional outreach as well as clarification of some key portions of the ordinance before it is passed.

“For example, for the sex offender (stipulation),” she explained, “it says the review should be done within 24 hours of the booking date. Is that the date they make the reservation, is that the date they get the deposit, or is the booking date the date of the stay? It could be interpreted as any of the three.”

Councilwoman Solange Whitehead said she was disappointed the ordinance does not do enough to help neighborhoods or conscientious short-term rental owners by getting rid of the “bad actors.”

But something has to be done, she said.

“Clearly, without laws and without penalties and without doing something different, we’re not going to get compliance,” Whitehead said.

She also referred to Durham’s question about requiring everybody staying in the home to be listed.

“When you rent a home, a single-family home or a condominium long-term, absolutely you require a list of every single person who will occupy that premise so I would like to definitely see that,” she said.

Councilwoman Betty Janik wanted to see casitas added to the short-term rental category but Stockwell said that cannot happen because that would effectively turn a single-family residence into a multi-family designation.

City resident David Mason applauded the ordinance.

“It protects residents and its provisions help toward managing the growth of short-term rentals already threatening the meaning and character of Scottsdale,” Mason said.

He encouraged things like penalizing the property instead of the owner so a change of ownership does not wipe out the complaints against a particular property.

He also suggested multiple legal violations discovered during a police officer’s visit to a property should be counted as individual violations instead of one.

However, SB 1168 says all violations identified in a single trip count as one violation.

Several people also expressed concern about the proposed ordinance.

Not everyone was happy with the proposed ordinance.

Peter South is the owner of itrip Vacations, which manages short-term rentals. He is also a short-term rental owner and a member of the Arizona Responsible Tourism Board.

“Some of these regulations are great but I want to point out a few that are a real undue burden on owners around town,” South said. “(One) of them is background checks. I mean this is a real difficult requirement from both a technology and a privacy rights issue.

“I’m also concerned about the violation system, we are all for getting rid of bad houses but we’re concerned that frustrated neighbors might call the police and harass the people coming to this town. That poses a real risk to this town and having harassing of local businessmen. That’s who we are, we’re local business owners.”

He also raised concerns with the requirement that there can be no more than six adults and their related, dependent children in a single home.

“People come to these houses because they want multi-family experiences, whether it’s reunions or weddings or kids’ sports. They want to be under one roof,” South said.

The proposed ordinance can be viewed by going to scottsdaleaz.gov and searching for short-term rentals. Feedback can also be left there.

Brent Stockwell

GALA from front

frame, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

Other gala staples that have seen a spike in prices include decor, paper, photographers’ fees, entertainment and flowers.

“Everything is expensive. from the dinner we provide to even decor,” Du four said.

When it comes to décor, she ex plained, “We often order samples to see things in person and this year. As we’ve gone back to order the bulk of what we like, the price has gone up in a month or six weeks of seeing the decor in per son and then going back and ordering what we need.”

The Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children wasn’t the only nonprofit that found itself ordering supplies much earlier than usual.

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West found itself ordering paper for its pamphlets much earlier than usual and was limited in what it could order from its supplier.

“We were warned by our printer that paper stock was going to be hard to come by and we were not necessar ily going to have as much selection on

Gala Calendar

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

Teen Lifeline Connections of Hope Gala

When: 6 p.m. Oct. 7

Where: Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, 4949 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale

Cost: Individual tickets start at $300.

Tables and sponsorships are also avail able.

Info: All can be purchased online at Teen Lifeline.org/connections-of-hope-gala.

13th Annual Buckles and Bangles Gala

When: 6 p.m. Oct. 14

Where: Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E Prin cess Drive, Scottsdale

Cost: $350 Info: aesaz.co

Saddle Up III

When: 6 p.m. Oct. 15 Where: Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Mu

the colors and the stock so we prepurchased it about six months ago,” said museum spokesman David Scho lefield.

Another shock involved hiring pho

tographers for these events.

“With photographers, it went from paying $400 to now we’re looking at $1,700,” said Amy Runon, CEO of Assis tance League of Phoenix — which will

host its annual Celebration of Caring gala next March.

“I think that a lot of that is that this industry suffered during the pandem ic since there were no events and no gatherings. So now, they’re trying to make up for that,” Runyon said.

The Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children also has discovered that ven dors who once offered the nonprofit discounts or donations have done away with those practices.

“We’ve been very loyal to a lot of our vendors because they’ve been willing and able to discount or donate (items) and we’re seeing a lot of those dis counts or donations go away based on the fact that they need it to survive or they can’t comp the delivery because gas is outrageously expensive,” Dufour said.

Venues became another issue in and of itself.

Although venue costs have risen across the Valley, according to sources that spoke to the Progress, the big ger issue seemed to become finding a venue that had the right availability for when nonprofits wanted to host their events.

seum of the West, 3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale

Cost: $325

Info: scottsdalemuseumwest.org/ saddleup

Heart of the House Island Party presented by La-Z-Boy

When: 6 p.m. Oct. 15

Where: Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale

Cost: $500 Info: rmhccnaz.org/party

3rd Annual Ava’s Treehouse Gala

When: 6 p.m. Oct. 21 Where: The Phoenician Scottsdale, 6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale

Cost: $500 Info: azcancerfoundation.org

Open Your Heart Gala

When: 5:30 p.m. Oct. 22

Where: Hunkapi Programs, 12051 N. 96th St., Scottsdale

Cost: Tickets start at $250 Info: hunkapi.org

Folds of Honor Red, White & Boots Arizona Gala

When: 5 p.m. Nov. 4

Where: Hunkapi Programs, 12051 N. 96th Street, Scottsdale

Cost: $500 Info: arizona.foldsofhonor.org

Passport to Empowerment

When: 6 p.m. Nov. 4

Where: The Mick Brasserie + Bar, 9719 N Hayden Road, Scottsdale

Cost: $375

Info: bit.ly/passporttoempowerment

Gala season is set to begin this week, here are some gala’s happening around the city. (Special to the Progress)

Organizers of galas like Saddle Up, which benefits Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West and is hosted every November, saw increases in pricing for almost all items needed to hold the big fundraiser. (Special to the Progress)

Because of this, some nonprofits have begun scheduling their galas over a year in advance.

“I think it’s less about inflation and more about just venues playing catch up from COVID that dates are less available,” Dufour said. “The three to four new places we toured were all very similar in their pricing so it was more about what do we like the best and who’s available in the time we liked the most.”

Even nonprofits that alternate venues annually are finding a need to book a location at least a year ahead of time, reducing their ability to negotiate a favorable deal.

The Valley of the Sun JCC – which will host its 20th-anniversary gala this year at the JCC – already has booked the Biltmore Hotel for next year.

“We’ve already signed a contract with The Biltmore for next year and we did that a few months back to make sure that we had the venue that we need,” said Valley of the Sun JCC CEO Jay Jacobs. “We believe it’s getting tougher and tougher because we’ve already got our December of 2023 contract signed.”

Another nonprofit that is thinking ahead is Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West as it will not be able to host its annual Saddle Up gala at the museum next year because of the Museum Square construction.

“The first thing we’ve decided is we’re going to get out of the gate a little earlier next year. Next year we may be faced with another dilemma: moving our event because of the development that’s going on around the museum called Museum Square” Scholefield said, adding:

“They are looking to break ground sometime this fall and when they do so, part of the land where we have our event will disappear.”

Despite the economic pressures, most nonprofits opted against sharply raising ticket prices even though, as Jacob observed, “the cost of the ticket does not cover the cost of an individual.”

For example, the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children did not change ticket prices for this month’s Ava’s Treehouse Gala.

“We kept our sponsorship and tickets at the same price because we have

a very loyal donor community that has been supportive through some of our most challenging years with COVID-19,” Dufur said.

Noting supporters were “still making their donations,” Dufour said, “We felt it was in our best interest to keep that there for them.”

Some nonprofits that opted for holding the line on ticket prices are saving money by building their own props for events.

“We’re actually building our own props and core items and we did that last year too because we were already seeing a rise in the cost of items then,” Runyan said. “Otherwise, there’s no way we could afford it. We just wouldn’t make enough money.”

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West did make a compromise when it came to the topic of raising ticket prices.

“When we had our recap meeting last year, there were two schools of thought; there’s one school of thought that says there’s an inflationary increase that should be applied and then there’s another school of thought that says, ‘you know what, this is where we should be, this is the price we should be at,’” Scholefield said.

“So, what we did is we came up with a compromise for this year and our compromise was that we held the price the same until Aug. 31 and then from Sept. 1 on, we then had an increase (of $25).”

He added, “It will be something that we would look at doing next year, again, because some of the prices started to increase after we’d already locked in our pricing.”

Because of these trying economic times, nonprofits have had to become more flexible than in the past.

“Like with everything else, I think everybody just needs to be a little flexible,” Jacobs said. “One of our favorite phrases is that we must continually adjust to meet the needs of the community.”

There are also times like these when donors feel an added appreciation.

“I think it’s times like this where you always feel grateful for every donation,” Jacobs said. “Because everybody has a different situation and to one person $10 may feel like $1,000 so, we’re always so grateful for the generosity.”

GALA CALENDAR from

Beaux Arts and Champagne 2022

When: Nov. 10-12 with the in-person event at 6 p.m. Nov. 12

Where: Scottsdale Artists School, 3720 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale

Cost: $150

Info: scottsdaleartschool.org/beauxarts-2022

Mission of Mercy 25th Anniversary Celebration

When: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 10

Where: Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale

Cost: Free *donations greatly appreciated Info: giftmercy.org

Geek Gala

When: 6 p.m. Nov. 19.

Where: McDowell Mountain Community Center, 16116 N. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road, Scottsdale

Cost: $25

Info: bit.ly/GeekGala

Saguaros NiteFlite Gala

When: Nov. 12

Where: The W Hotel, 7277 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale

Cost: $250 Info: saguaros.com

Jewish Community Center in Scottsdale 20th Anniversary Gala

When: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 3

Where: Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

Cost: $325 per member, $375 per nonmember

Info: vosjcc.org/gala22

Brainiac Bash Soirée Supporting Brain Health

When: 5:30 p.m. Jan. 14

Where: Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia, 4949 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale

Cost: $250-$750 per person

Info: biaaz.org/brainiac-bash-2023

The Big Night Out

When: March 3, time is TBD

Where: The Westin Kierland Resort, 6902 E. Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale

Cost: $250

Info: bbbsaz.org/bignightoutgala

3 SUSD candidates address issues in forum

BY J. GRABER Progress Staff Writer

Policy and school safety took center stage during the Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board Candidate Forum Sept. 27 presented by the Scottsdale Parent Council and the Scottsdale Progress.

Candidates Mary Gaudio, Andrea Keck and Robb Vaules participated in the fo rum. Candidates Amy Carney and Carine Werner did not participate and Keck took them to task for not showing up.

“I see that some of the candidates did not come and I note they didn’t meet with the teachers either,” Keck said. “I really don’t know how a person can run for the board of a school district and not be will ing to meet with parents and teachers.

“If elected, a board member has the responsibility to represent everyone. I

Gaudio said they strongly support it, but Keck said she does not.

“It’s important for the district to pro vide better academic results, provide extracurricular activities, to service the child, the whole child,” Vaules said, noting the money would provide for technology in the classroom that the capital budget doesn’t fund as well as safety enhance ments.

Gaudio said, “We’re talking $4 extra a month per household on average…. I real ly do believe in offering robust programs for the students to engage learners keep them active in their schools, the more connected they feel, the better that they do academically.”

teachers, staff members with the respect and dignity that they deserve.”

Vaules also named teacher retention as his No. 1 priority.

“Teacher pay is very important,” he said. “We can’t argue that we want better academics and not be willing to pay for it. We need to keep the teachers that we have, that have the experience, so we can raise our test scores and teach our kids.”

Vaules listed as his other top priorities were representing special needs students and families on the governing board and funding extracurricular activities. Vaules is the father of a special-needs student.

them that they know what they’re doing.”

Keck echoed those sentiments, say ing, “Parents should certainly have input into to our curriculum but there comes a point at which that the ultimate decision and the ultimate responsibility is through the administration. We are not experts in pedagogy.”

Gaudio noted that the district has par ent committees to review books and sup plemental materials.

can’t just choose to associate with people who think like I do. We might not agree on everything but I certainly respect you enough to be here.”

Two board seats are open since JannMichael Greenberg and Patty Beckman are not seeking re-election. Early voting starts Oct. 12 for the Nov. 8 election.

Also on the ballot will be the question to extend the District Additional Assis tance override for a minimum of $13.5 million and a maximum of $14.5 million per year for seven years. School officials are seeking a range, rather than a straight amount every year, to address inflation ary issues.

The candidates were asked if they sup port the override and while Vaules and

Keck noted the current DAA override doesn’t expire for another year and said she would like “to understand what costs we are facing to physically address safety on campus.”

She also questioned the classroom spending from the override, stating that while 25% “goes directly to academics, the rest of it goes literally to thinks like their sound systems and eSports.”

The candidates were asked to list their top three priorities for SUSD.

Gaudio named teacher retention and recruitment as her top priority, stating, “We need to make sure in order to move the bar at all in academic proficiency we need to make sure we are attracting and retaining top talent in education.”

Gaudio also listed improving acces sibility of programs to all students and making sure “we are treating everyone, including families, parents, students,

Keck said, “My No. 1 priority, without question, is academics. How do we im prove academics? We do that by setting specific, aggressive, measurable academ ic targets that we expect to be met within certain time frames and then holding the superintendent, and, ergo, his staff, ac countable for achieving those results.”

Her other top priorities include safety in schools, parent’s rights and fiscal re sponsibility.

The candidates were also asked, “What role do you think parent input should play in curriculum decisions?”

Vaules said, “I think they need to have input, absolutely. I think they have the opportunity to review the curriculum. They need to be able to respond to things, have questions about things and have their concerns heard, but ultimately, we have to lean on the experts. We hire these teachers and these administrators with decades of experience; we need to trust

“I think that we do have parent input and we should be grateful for that,” she said. “However, I think there is a fine line. There are some parents who want to control curriculum, control what our teach ers can even say in the classroom and what our kids can even read in their li braries. That is a precarious line we have to address.”

Another question posed to the candi dates was, “How will you ensure consis tency across schools in terms of safety policies and rules, including parent ac cess to campus and student discipline?”

Keck noted, “There’s $50 million in the new budget, the state budget, to provide a school resource officer on every cam pus. We certainly should take advantage of that and we need … to culturally hold the principals accountable for the policy that is set by the governing board.”

Gaudio said, “Nothing is foolproof, not even an SRO. I think every single one of us needs to take security at our schools seriously. We all have a stake in this.”

Vaules said, “Any suggestion that the

Andrea Keck

Mary Gaudio

Robb Vaules

“I see that some of the candidates did not come and I note they didn’t meet with the teachers either. I really don’t know how a person can run for the board of a school district and not be willing to meet with parents and teachers.”

Scottsdale Unified School District doesn’t take security seriously is irresponsible. If you spend time on the campuses, if you try to take your kid into school, you see how the district schools are built. You see how the new schools are built and how they’re secured. You see how some of the other campuses, like Cheyenne, have been retro-fitted for security. You understand the district takes this thing very seriously.

“We have had a threat assessment already,” he continued. “There’s a report out on it. It would be great for you to read it Andrea. I would suggest people look into what has been done before we as a group start talking about what should be done.”

Keck, responded to Vaules by saying there are obviously holes in the system because an Arcadia High School student was expelled earlier this year for having a gun in his backpack at school last May. She also said the district’s former security director told her a new security assessment was planned but never done because of COVID.

Asked how they would address con-

tinuing teacher and support staff shortages, Gaudio replied, “More than anything, making sure our teachers feel valued and respected and not targeted would go a long way in retaining teachers and paying them what they deserve.”

Vaules noted there are 56 openings for teachers in SUSD, which he said means there are classrooms without professional teachers. “I do believe that people want to teach here and if we are just aggressive in paying better, we’ll be able to fill those gaps,” he said.

Keck said, “Certainly pay is an issue. I think we also have to recognize there are certain positions that have higher than average retention issues – math teachers, science teachers, special ed teachers, as Robb just mentioned – and perhaps they need to have … additional resources in terms of support and perhaps they need to have additional pay as well.”

She also recommended having local businesses sponsor classrooms or schools and provide employees as volunteers. “The other thing that’s always mentioned though is it’s the culture created by the principal,” she said.

The entire debate can be seen at youtube.com/watch?v=L2Hu3gbVLyg.

City holds seminar on proposed building code changes

BY J. GRABER Progress Staff Writer

Agroup

of about 50 residents got a look at changes to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) Sept. 27 that Scottsdale City Council is scheduled to approve in November.

The scope of the IECC has increased in the 22 years since its inception, said Scottsdale Senior Building Consultant Anthony Floyd: It’s gone from looking at the energy efficiency of buildings to looking at it over the life of the building, he said.

Changes to this year’s IECC center on keeping roofs on new construction projects cool, creating the charging infrastructure to accommodate electric vehicles in single and multi-family buildings, and additional efficiency package options for residential solar panels.

The intent of the IGCC is different than the IECC, Floyd said.

“It’s not just health, safety and public welfare,” Floyd said.

“It’s also in terms of the public welfare, the extended public welfare – reducing emissions from buildings that can contribute to climate change, enhancing building health, conserve water, use sustainable and regenerated materials and enhance resilience to natural and human caused hazards.”

Changes to the IGCC for commercial buildings include requirements for electric vehicle charging stations, heat island mitigation for 50% of asphalt parking areas; water efficient irrigation systems and solar panel systems.

Commercial buildings also would have to have low gas emitting paints, sealants, adhesives, flooring and acoustical ceiling tiles for commercial buildings, construction waste management and “reduced impact” material options.

Audience members were allowed to ask questions about the changes.

For instance, one question was whether there would be any incentive to repair solar systems if they go down after they are installed.

“No, typically with building codes, once

the (approval) is issued, we’re not monitoring the performance of the building,” Floyd said.

Daniel Ishac asked, “Is there a threshold at which a renovation project would become subject to any of the new requirements and if not has there been any thought given to creating that threshold?”

The building codes do not require buildings to be brought up to today’s code if they were built and approved under a previous building code.

There are exceptions and there is a certain premise that if you touch something, it’s not necessary to bring the whole building up to code, Floyd said. But, he added, whatever is done does need to be up to today’s code.

The city also plans to adopt similar measures for new home construction as well as multifamily residential developments.

Information: scottsdaleaz.gov/greenbuilding-program.

Scottsdale Senior Building Consultant Anthony Floyd discussed green changes to building codes. (J. Graber/Progress Staff)

Court upholds Ducey cut of jobless bene�its

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Gov. Doug Ducey broke no laws when he unilaterally cut off the extra $300 a week the unemployed in Arizona were getting last year, the state Court of Appeals has ruled.

Judge David Weinzweig acknowledged that Congress in 2020 agreed to supplement the state benefits that was available to workers displaced by COVID. And Gov. Doug Ducey directed the state Department of Economic Security to join.

But Weinzweig, writing for the unanimous three-judge panel, said the governor was entitled to withdraw from the program early even though it left what the attorney for those challenging the action said were about 100,000 people who had their benefits cut back to the state maximum of $240 a week, the second lowest in the nation. The judge rejected arguments that state law required Ducey to pursue the maximum benefits available, saying that’s not how the law is worded.

The court did not address the fact that Ducey, in halting the extra payments on July 10, 2021 -- 58 days before the federal program actually ended -- made it clear

MORA from page 4

made things worse, he said.

Naegel told the court that his client required reconstructive facial surgery for bullet injuries to his lower face and throat, only recently became capable of eating solid food, “will mumble most likely for the rest of his life” – and can’t remember killing his wife.

More than two dozen friends and relatives pleaded with the judge to “have mercy” on the killer, though his plea involved a charge carrying a minimum 16 years behind bars.

“I refuse to think the funny, calm and loving fried I know could harm anyone,” one Scottsdale man wrote the judge.

“This is not, and never was, the behavior or actions of a man loved by all his friends,

SPENDING from page 6

ning for this is important but I don’t think it can be planned for at this time.”

However, Greenburg wasn’t convinced

he was hoping that lower jobless benefits would help certain Arizona employers, particularly in the restaurant and hospitality industry, find the workers that they needed.

Central to the legal fight is the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program. Approved by Congress in March 2020, it initially provided an extra $600 a week on top of state benefits.

Arizona agreed to accept that money.

The amount was later cut to $300.

Attorneys for Unemployed Workers United and several individuals who lost their jobs due to the pandemic charged that the legislature essentially required Ducey to go along. They cited state statutes which require the Department of Economic Security, which administers the unemployment fund, to “take such action as may be necessary to secure to this state and its citizens all advantage available under provisions of the social security act that related to unemployment compensation.’’

Paul Gattone, one of the lawyers, said there were about 100,000 Arizonans still collecting benefits who should also have been getting the extra $300 for the past eight weeks. That comes out to $2,400 per individual, money he said the state should

peers, family and ex-wife,” the friend wrote.

“Although extremely saddened by Janell’s death, my wife and I refuse to accept this deed was inflicted by one of the greatest people we have known.”

An Oklahoma real estate investment company owner wrote, “Steve really cared and wanted the best for others” and that “his gentleness and compassion for life and love of others was so great, I can’t fathom these actions from him.”

Other letters attested to his devotion to family, his cheerful and loving disposition and his skills and honesty as a Realtor.

Not surprisingly, Janell’s family did not share those loving testimonies to the lethal stalker, who had evidence of methamphetamine and marijuana in his bloodstream after his arrest.

“She tried to help him but while he said

the board should pass a resolution calling on the Legislature to lift the cap.

He acknowledged that while some school districts do pass resolutions, it’s not clear that they have the legal authority

go back to the feds to secure.

Only thing is, Weinzweig said, is the new benefits were not created under the social security act, making that state mandate inapplicable. And the judge said federal law specifically allowed states to withdraw with 30 days notice.

Ducey, in making the announcement in May said the move was justified, citing the shortage of people willing to work.

The governor, however, attached a carrot to the plan.

He said anyone who was collecting benefits would get a one-time $2,000 bonus if they take a full-time job by Sept. 6. And the state also offered some child-care assistance and even a semester of community college tuition for those who go back to work.

“In Arizona, we’re going to use federal money to encourage people to work ... instead of paying people not to work,’’ Ducey said in a video announcement of his decision.

In making the announcement in May, Ducey press aide C.J. Karamargin said there were plenty of jobs out there and little reason for people to be collecting benefits. More to the point, he said that restaurants and hotels are struggling to find workers.

he had changed, he had not,” wrote Peggy Leach, who is married to Janell’s brother George Leach.

“After finding a gun in their home, she no longer felt safe,” she recounted. “She made the decision to remove herself and the boys to a safe place. She was feeling stronger and planning to end the marriage.”

George Leach told the judge that his sister’s slaying left their mother with PTSD.

“My mom has become frail, experiencing lots of muscle loss. She has lost so much sleep, constantly worries and needs anxiety medication to make it through the day.”

He said his other sister “passed out twice” in the days after the killing.

George, a former military bomb technician who had been deployed to war zones twice, told the court, “I have had many sleepless nights due to nightmares where I

to do that. He wanted a clarification from the district’s legal counsel on the matter before supporting the resolution.

“I also would want to make sure that this doesn’t in any way conflict with the use of

“The hospitality industry in Arizona, a critical part of our economy, was perhaps the hardest hit sector,’’ Karamargin said.

“They cannot find enough workers for the jobs they have to fill,’’ he continued. “And this plan is aimed at helping them fill those positions.’’

But Karamargin said that problem extends to other sectors of the economy where employers are having trouble finding workers.

Inherent in that is the governor’s belief that there are those for whom the total benefits -- the $240 a week maximum paid by the state plus the extra $300 -provided a disincentive to get out and find a job. That total came out to $13.50 an hour, before taxes are deducted.

CITY NEWS22 SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | OCTOBER 2, 2022 By contrast, the state’s minimum wage at the time was $12.15 an hour; restaurants can pay $3 an hour less if the tips that servers get bring them up to the minimum.

Since that time the minimum wage has risen to $12.80; it is going to $13.85 in January. Lawmakers also boosted the maximum jobless benefit to $320 a week, but lowered to 24 weeks from 26 the maximum number of weeks someone can collect.

am unable to do anything to save my sister.”

“I needed to visit the doctor and be prescribed medication for the first time in 37 years of my life to help me cope with her loss,” he continued. “I am currently having to watch my mom slowly kill herself from the devastation this has caused.”

And that devastation was so extensive from the purportedly “calm, kind individual” described by one friend as someone who “was affected deeply whenever he lost a pet” that the county probation officer who prepared Mora’s pre-sentence report urged a long sentence.

He told the judge that “considering the violent and premeditated nature” of the killing, “and with consideration for the safety of the community, a sentence of imprisonment greater than the presumptive term is recommended.”

school resources for political purposes,” Greenburg said.

Greenburg asked that the proposed resolution be placed on the board’s Oct. 4 meeting for discussion.

Neighbors

Scottsdale.org l @ScottsdaleProgress /ScottsdaleProgress

Scottsdale Adaptive Services names new mascot

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

Eversince the year 2000, members of Scottsdale Adaptive Services have only known one mascot, Bob the Bobcat.

But that all changed when Bob officially retired Sept. 23 during a tailgate to kick off the next season of Special Olympics.

After 22 years of service, Bob, one of the country’s first adaptive services mas cots, handed the torch over to a new mas cot named Bandit – who is also a bobcat –who will cheer on athletes at their events for the foreseeable future.

“He was originally brought as a way to give our neurodiverse population some normal sporting activity fanfare and fun,” said Stacy Yoder, Scottsdale Adaptive Services recreation leader senior, adding

that they figured “what better way than to bring in a mascot.”

The department was drawn to the idea of a bobcat.

“Scottsdale has a lot of mountains and deserts and the bobcat is just, a natural resident and something that is seen as very interesting, agile, quick and strong,” Yoder said. “It just seemed like a natural fit with what our athletes are doing.”

For the past two decades plus, Bob could be seen dancing, tumbling and twisting his way around sporting events, sharing hi-fives and spreading smiles with those he encountered.

“When you see a Special Olympian and … they look in the crowd and see not only their family, their teammates and the staff who’s coached them, and they see

Scottsdale native builds on Seabee legacy

BY ALVIN PLEXICO Progress Guest Writer

GULFPORT, Miss. - Since 1942, sail ors assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Construction Force have been building and fighting around the world and Constructionman Lucas McDonald, a Scottsdale native, is one of those sail ors.

“I joined to become an officer and aviator,” said McDonald. “I also wanted to serve my country while honoring my family’s legacy.

“My great grandfather served in the Air Force and my step grandfather was in the Navy during Vietnam. My other great grandfather served in the Army during World War II.”

Eighty years ago, members of Navy Construction Battalions were fittingly nicknamed, “Seabees,” a play on the C

and B initials.

They are responsible for building military bases and airfields, supporting humanitarian efforts and conducting underwater construction projects.

McDonald graduated from Desert Mountain High School earlier this year.

“I’d like to thank my parents for their support,” said McDonald. “They gave me the morale and perseverance to keep going even when I doubted that I could finish.”

The values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Scottsdale.

“I appreciate my grandmother’s ad vice of taking one day at a time,” said McDonald. “This helped me make it through boot camp.”

McDonald currently serves as a build er with Naval Construction Training Center at the headquarters for naval

construction forces in Gulfport, Missis sippi.

Serving in the Navy means McDon ald is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in sup port of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy is important to national defense to not only protect our nation here at home but also to provide power projection for peace and security for our country and that of our allies,” said McDonald.

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor,

After 22 years of service, Scottsdale Adaptive Services bid adieu to its mascot Bob the Bobcat during a tailgate event on Friday, September 23 to kick off the next season of Special Olympics sports. (Courtesy of Kara Fleming)

Scottsdale native and U.S. Navy Con structionman Lucas McDonald graduat ed earlier this year from Desert Mountain High School.

Scottsdale woman overcomes voice disorder

BY EDWARD FEINBERG DMD Progress Guest Writer

Esther Zack’s dance with adversity started as a young adult when her husband collapsed and died on the golf course, leaving her with two children to support.

The stress was enough to bring on a virus that took her voice away. She needed her voice for her job, which consisted of long hours on the phone on behalf of her company “Debbie Temps.“

No one knew what to do for her. Her friends and colleagues thought the cause was psychological trauma. She went to ENT doctors who had no clue what was wrong. Nothing worked.

But one day she received a recommendation to visit an ENT at the Mayo Clinic who did know something about her condition—and it had a name: spas-

modic dysphonia.

Spasmodic dysphonia, or laryngeal dystonia, is a disorder affecting the voice muscles in the larynx. Muscles inside the vocal folds spasm and make sudden, involuntary movements. This spasm causes voice breaks during speaking and can make the voice appear strained, breathy or trembling (vocal tremor).

It is a chronic condition that can develop suddenly, start with mild symptoms, and worsen over time.

Zack tried every conceivable treatment – even crystals and voodoo.

So, she and her new husband started a video business for which she was the marketing director, a position which required a lot of talking to promote the business.

But even cancer did not stop Esther! She continued with ca-

reers and hobbies that involved a great deal of talking—financial advisor, customer service shopper for Sears, advocate and host of jazz concerts for her neighborhood clubhouse, and volunteer for various organizations.

After her second husband passed away, she served for 2 ½ years as a fulfillment representative for Charity Benefits Unlimited. As a representative she had to use her voice for eight hours a day on the phone, doing 500 calls a day.

How she was able to do this with spasmodic dysphonia is a testament to her incredible fortitude.

Zack attributes her ability to lead a normal life to some of her adjunctive treatments. Tai Chi has been a godsend because it has taught her how to breathe

ZACK ����

Esther Zack has battled a voice disorder called spasmodic dysphonia and is leading a walk in Scottsdale Oct. 22 to raise money for research into treatments of the ailment.

to the Progress)

correctly with her diaphragm rather than through her chest.

CBD oil also provides her with much relief, along with the Lifewave stem cell activation patches. Even singing has helped her voice.

Zack supports and volunteers for Dysphonia International, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by the ailment.

She advises that people with dysphonia seek relief by visiting neurologists, consulting with speech language pathologists, taking up Tai Chi and joining support groups. Both the Mayo Clinic and Banner Health have programs available to patients with voice conditions.

Zack co-chairs the committee that leads Dysphonia International volunteers in Arizona in fundraising efforts. She is organizing this year’s “Walk for Talk” event on Oct. 22 around the lake at the Mercado Del Lago Mall on North Hayden Road in Scottsdale.

Sign up to walk, give a donation or sponsor the event by visiting dysphonia.org.

this larger than life Bobcat mascot jumping up and down, giving them encouragement, giving them high �ives doing some tricks and maybe holding up some signs, there is nothing like that moment,” said Yoder.

“They know the whole city is there cheering them on and supporting them in their sport of choice.”

But the wear and tear of over 20 years of those activities eventually took its toll on the beloved mascot.

“Bob is feeling the aches and pains of always being the one to pump up the crowd, energize the athletes, support everybody and bring the fun to the events and Bob is ready to retire,” Yoder said. “He’s just not as agile and �lexible and we’re �inding that as some of our events go into the evening, he gets a little tired.

“So, we needed a younger, more youthful mascot to take this next generation of athletes to hopefully some state games, the USA games and beyond.”

Searching for a new mascot proved relatively easy, according to Yoder.

Scottsdale Adaptive Services didn’t hold a tryout to �ill the role, instead once

word got out internally that Bob was retiring, a new volunteer decided to �ill the big shoes – and head – left by Bob.

With a new mascot on board, the athletes are looking to keep the ball rolling in the right direction as they enter a new season of sports.

Currently the program is offering four sports; golf, bowling, bocce, and swimming and the swimmers have already brought home the hardware winning �irst place at a competition at Skyline Aquatic Center in Mesa.

Yoder pointed out that the athletes re-

ceive strong support from the city they represent.

“The Special Olympic athletes in Scottsdale are so thankful and successful due in part to the support that they get from the city, the staff and the volunteer coaches who give their time to not only just come and support these athletes, but supply countless weeks of coaching and training to prepare our athletes to be competitive at both a local and a state and even a national level,” Yoder said.

Information: scottsdaleaz.gov/humanservices/adaptive-services

Navy of�icials continue to emphasize the importance of accelerating America’s advantage at sea.

“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “The U.S. Navy—forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power—deters con�lict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships, and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans.”

McDonald has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I’m proud of graduating boot camp and continuing my training here at Seabee builder school,” he said.

McDonald said he takes pride in continuing an 80-year legacy of service in the United States Navy.

“Serving in the Navy gives me a sense of purpose as well as a stepping stone to my future goal of being an astronaut,” added McDonald.

Business

WestWorld looks to build on a record year

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

Lastyear proved to be a banner year for WestWorld of Scottsdale as the fa cility set new records.

After seeing record attendance in 2019 that moved nearly a million bodies in and out of the facility, 2020 saw fewer people but more horses gallop into the facility.

“We had more horses last year than we’ve ever had before,” said WestWorld general manager Brian Dygert. “We were excited in 2019 because 917,000 people came through WestWorld in 2019 and we were all kind of chomping at the bit because we were going to break a million people.”

Although the pandemic disrupted West World’s attendance numbers, the facility still saw 600,000 people enter last year and “every other category broke records” according to Dygert.

“We’re on the third record-setting bal anced fiscal operational game plan and that’s been 30 some years in the works

from a city level,” Dygert said. “We had a summer that was a busier summer than ever before.”

In the past year, more than 70 events at WestWorld spanned 579 event days at the facility, attracting an array of vastly different activities and attractions from a sewing expo, the Abilities Expo for the dis ability community, fitness and powerlifting competitions, equine, car and motorcycle events along with the city’s annual indoor/ outdoor 4th of July celebration, Scottsdale 4th.

A more notable event made its return in June as the NRCHA Western Derby wel comed more than 1,400 entries and 800 horses – nearly a 30 percent increase in entries from the previous year.

The city also had a trickle-down effect as attendees flocked to local hotels and res taurants in the neighboring areas.

Although the venue prides itself on holding events that could not fit else where, WestWorld attributes its renovated

Father-daughter insurance team serves many clients

BY JUSTIN LIGGIN Progress Contributor

From an early age, Robert Wernecke was inspired by his mother to know his worth and then add tax – a mes sage that influenced him to work hard, chase goals and find joy in his craft.

He took that knowledge in 1985 and parlayed it into his ECA Financial in Scott sdale. Approaching its 40th anniversary, ECA Financial is focused on financial ser vices, benefits, retirement strategy and more needs for families and businesses.

He also served in several leadership positions within the industry, most nota bly as president of the National Associa tion of Insurance & Financial Advisors.

Wernecke’s pursuit for success started 30 miles outside of Titletown in Mani

towoc, Wisconsin, where he looked to break the mold and escape the traditions of his town.

“I came from a town with only two in dustries, ship manufacturing and alumi num cookware production. You worked in one or the other for your whole career and then you retired – that just wasn’t for me,” Wernecke recalled.

Wernecke met his wife, Diane, in high school and in 1968, a year after they mar ried, moved to the Scottsdale Airpark area, which became their home base for life and business.

“Fifty years later and we still have no regrets about moving here, even in Au gust,” Wernecke says.

Wernecke went headfirst into an in

Scottsdale.org l @ScottsdaleProgress /ScottsdaleProgress

WestWorld of Scottsdale is chomping at the bit to break the 1 million attendance mark next year. (Courtesy of WestWorld)

Robert Wernecke and daughter Lisa Martin serve a wide client base at ECA Financial, which he founded in the Scottsdale Airpark area 35 years ago. (Special to the Progress)

dustry where he could determine his own worth and help others: insurance.

“My mother told me, ‘If you want to get paid what you’re worth, go into commission sales,’ so I took her advice and made it my goal to go into insurance,” Wernecke said. “And she was right! I quickly learned that you get paid exactly what you put in.”

Wernecke landed his first job at MetLife in 1968 at 22.

“I was hired almost as soon as I walked in the door and said I wanted to start selling,” Wernecke said. “I was told that no one my age had ever said they wanted to sell insurance. The sheer anomaly of it caught their attention.”

“I definitely wasn’t an overnight success,” he continued. “It took me 10 years to truly understand the meaning of my work, which is the client. I also learned more about the meaning of value and found out that if you want to become more valuable, you must give more of yourself and always be willing to help others.”

In addition to his role as an insurance salesman, Wernecke and Diane wel-

comed their daughters, Lisa and Pamela, in 1970 and 1973, respectively.

Wernecke joined the team at General American Life Insurance Company in 1978 following his 10-year stint at MetLife — providing another opportunity to build the foundation for what would eventually become his own insurance business.

Upon graduating from Saguaro High School in 1988, Wernecke’s daughter, Lisa Martin, attended Scottsdale Community College and Arizona State University before heading into a full-time position at Biltmore Insurance Group.

She moved into human resources and administration roles – first with Surface Tek in 1994 and then at Mobility Electronics in 1999. Upon departure from Mobility Electronics in 2002, Wernecke offered her an opportunity to join ECA.

“I was hesitant because I didn’t even

know what my father did for a living, not in a day-to-day way at least,” Martin said.

Starting as an executive assistant to her father, Martin quickly picked up the job and within six months had earned her health and life insurance license and began an individual role in 2003. Eventually, she became firm vice president.

With Martin’s strengths in life and health insurance and the administrative side of the business and Wernecke’s specialization in life and disability insurance, benefits planning and sales, the duo serves a wide client base.

They have not only made a difference in their clients’ lives but in the community as well. The team has served as guest speakers at St. Mary’s Food Bank Community Kitchen for seven years to help students learn money management skills.

Martin assists at Scottsdale Bible

Church as a budget coach and children’s ministry assistant. Martin also volunteered with Gabriel’s Dreams, an organization aiding Sudanese refugees in Arizona.

Wernecke is a lector at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and was among the initial donors to launch A Stepping Stone Foundation, which helps provide high quality multigenerational learning to children in Phoenix.

“Life is all about giving, not getting. My dad always made sure we gave back to the community and realized that you can’t always take. The farmer always puts back into the field what he gets out, and life is just the same,” Wernecke said.

“If you want to grow then you must meet people who are more intelligent than you and can provide the mentorship you need. If you’re not growing, you’re dying.”

equestrian center, which was expanded by 300,000 square feet and renovated back in 2014, to its success.

“It’s as the saying goes ‘if you build it, they’ll come,’” said WestWorld business manager Gloria Storms.

“With building the Tony Nelson Equestrian Center and climatizing all of this space to where a horse can start over here in the South Hall, go down ramps to warm up in the paddock come up a ramp and go compete in the North Hall, that’s changed our whole calendar,” she said, adding:

“A highlight for me would be seeing May and June fill up with horse events, specifically in the North Hall.”

The calendar is filling up quickly as Dygert and Storms are already receiving calls for hosting events at the space next summer and the two have landed a big contract with the National Reined Cow Horse Association has signed on to host its DT Horses Western Derby for the next three years at WestWorld.

However, event producers are still figuring out ways to utilize the full potential of the unique venue.

“It takes time for event producers, it

doesn't matter the industry, to think of doing things differently when a market creates an opportunity that didn't exist before,” Dygert said.

“So, in all of our spaces, it doesn’t matter equine or non-equine, the fact that we have this climate control event facility from the Fourth of July event to dressage and cow horses in June to Europa games, the Pinterest event, the sewing piece,” she continued.

“It takes those kinds of event producers time to figure out new ways of doing stuff when it didn’t exist before.”

Because the interest is spiking so high for events at WestWorld, the city is pushing to-

ward even more cooperation between the venue and new multi-use sports fields being built adjacent to the 386-acre complex.

The venues create a recreational and events core that make Scottsdale even more attractive to big international events, small local sports tournaments and everything in between.

Overall, the city and Storms hope to see more events and fewer slow days at the facility.

“(We want to see) more events and bigger events filling the calendar. We just want to keep going and we might take it to the next level,” Storms said.

Local music school faculty includes 2 accomplished artists

BY AVA CALECA Progress Contributor

From piano performances across the world to awards celebrating their accomplishments, Svetlana Obregon and Vitaly Serebriakov are experienced music professionals. Now they use their expertise to instruct children and adults at Desert Hills Community School of Music, 34605 N. Tom Darlington Road, Scottsdale.

The school expanded its course offerings in August, adding group piano, group guitar, music exploration, saxophone ensemble, private piano, private woodwinds and private guitar classes.

Obregon and Serebriakov are artistic directors, which combines teaching and providing artistic guidance.

Serebriakov teaches group classes for adults and teenagers and gives private piano lessons. Obregon teaches music exploration to kids ages 6 to 10. They both teach group and private piano classes.

The dynamic duo has had a fair share of experiences promoting their passion for performing arts around the world.

Obregon has won prizes for her work internationally, including her presentation at the Musica Classica in Ruza, Russia. Serebriakov has performed around the globe at popular venues, such as Carnegie Hall in New York City and Hoch Konservatorium in Germany.

Students under the pair's instruction of Obregon have been triumphant Royal Conservatory of Music exams, which builds “self-confidence” amongst othertalents, according to the Royal Conserva-

tory website. Educators have also passed the Arizona Study Program, a 12-year graded course designed to the study of piano.

Gail Thiele, 79, a current student of Serebriakov, calls it one of the best musical education experiences she’s ever had.

“He explains things in ways that I’ve never had explained before, he insists on techniques that I’ve never done before, and I am learning those techniques now,” Thiele said. “Particularly a singing tone, which I find is one of the most important things a person needs for being a pianist.”

Thiele said that the lessons she has attended are almost equivalent to 12 hours of a graduate level course.

The institute features two divisions, conservatory and community. Obregon and Serebriakov are instructors for the conservatory division, which focuses on a more performance-based path.

Conservatory students have the opportunity to participate in competitions, participate in state-level and international examinations and perform throughout the Valley. The Community division emphasizes recreational music-making for those who want to learn an instrument for their own and others’ enjoyment.

“We are trying to cover all of the ages, the groups and all the needs of the community,” Obregon said.

“We were, and still are, performing artists and that’s the core of what we do; we’re teaching artists,” said Serebriako, who has participated in piano competitions and traveled all over Europe.

Information: deserthillsmusic.org.

Opening late 2022

Sports & Recreation

Scottsdale.org l @ScottsdaleProgress /ScottsdaleProgress

Desert Mtn. quietly becoming powerhouse in north Scottsdale

BY ZACH ALVIRA Progress Sports Editor

Formany years, Chaparral’s football program has been the face of north Scottsdale high school football, with Saguaro dominating the south.

Notre Dame Prep, a conference below the Firebirds, has had its fair share of success, too, making it to back-to-back 5A Conference title games in 2017-18.

Chaparral has played in the last two 6A title games and has been a contender every season under coach Brent Barnes.

Then there’s Desert Mountain. The 5A school nestled in the hills north of Shea Boulevard. It’s a quiet area with mountain views. But on the football �ield, the Wolves have become a threat.

“It’s been challenging and fun,” Desert Mountain coach Conrad Hamilton said. “We have a lot of support here. The community has welcomed us, and I think our players are hungry for success.”

Since Hamilton took over the program in 2019, the mindset among players has changed.

Their work ethic is stronger, they believe they can compete with and beat any team in the state. They know they aren’t a destination school that receives in-state transfers on a yearly basis.

Aside from a couple of transfers from out of state — something Hamilton was surprised by — the Wolves have found success with players that come from the surrounding neighborhood. That’s rare in today’s high school football world, especially in Arizona with open enrollment.

Many of the freshmen that enter the program are kids who have never played football before. That’s why Hamilton and the rest of the staff’s job has been astounding. They don’t just teach football concepts to football players.

They teach the game to ordinary students and athletes from other sports.

“We’ve recruited our own school,”

Desert Mountain’s rise as a 5A power has been short, but the Wolves have something special brewing under head coach Conrad Hamilton, junior quarterback Brady McDonough, “left,” and junior wide receiver & safety Dylan Tapley. (Dave Minton/Progress Staff)

Hamilton said. “We have a number of soccer players in our program. We don’t have very many basketball kids, but we’ve gotten lucky with kids who have moved in from out of state.”

Desert Mountain went 3-7 in Hamilton’s �irst season. The following year, when COVID hampered all programs, the Wolves went 4-3.

In 2021, they took a giant leap toward powerhouse status. Desert Mountain �inished 12-2 overall and made a trip to the 5A Conference semi�inals. It was the best season for the program since quarterback Kyle Allen and tight end Mark Andrews were juniors. Both are now in the NFL.

A large majority of players from that roster were underclassmen, setting the stage for more success to come in 2022.

Heading into their matchup with Arcadia on Friday, Sept. 30, the Wolves were a perfect 4-0 to start the season. That included wins over 6A Mountain View and rival Chaparral for the �irst time since 2017.

It’s a nod to what Hamilton and his coaches and players have been able to ac-

complish.

“It’s grown a lot since coach Ham came in,” junior quarterback Brady McDonough said. “The offense, defense, we’ve all been in sync, and we’ve been clicking. Every day we have a championship mindset. That’s our motto. We do that, we’re going to be good to go.”

McDonough has been one of the key reasons for the Wolves’ success so far this season. He missed most of last year with an elbow injury but has stepped back in to �ill his role now as a junior.

He still splits time with senior Drew Tapley, who threw for over 2,000 yards last season. The two have become a dynamic duo, as they have combined for nearly 900 yards through the air and 15 touchdowns.

One of their favorite targets it’s Drew’s younger brother, Dylan, a 6-foot-4 wide receiver that doubles as the team’s safety. His long frame allows him to go after jump balls on both sides, and his speed and long strides helps him outrun defenders with the ball in his hands.

The chemistry he has been able to create with both quarterbacks — especially

Drew — has been key for Desert Mountain’s success. He feels the team has what it takes to continue its run of wins. And they’re aiming for the Open Division.

“We’ve gotten better every year,” Tapley said. “It would be great to shock the world. We just want the best competition. We don’t want to back down from anybody. If we make it to the Open and have to play Chandler, Basha, Saguaro, any of those, we’re not going to back down.”

Desert Mountain is by no means deep with its roster. On a good day with no injuries, Hamilton estimates 35 players in total. Everyone plays a key role on the team, and many are asked to play multiple positions on both sides of the ball.

The grittiness is something the team thrives off of. And it has players that genuinely love the game.

Nolan Clement is one of the top defensive ends in the 2023 class. He has taken 6-foot-5 freshman defensive tackle Tony Cumberland under his wing and together they have made Desert Mountain’s defensive line a force alongside 6-foot-6 defensive end Dillon Hipp, who is also a threestar tight end.

On offense, Max Shefrin leads the back�ield while other wideouts such as Jack Freeburg prove to be weapons for the two quarterbacks. Desert Mountain’s offensive line is also primarily made up of juniors.

Hamilton knows the season is still young and there is plenty of room for improvement. But he aims to continue building something special in north Scottsdale at Desert Mountain.

“We’re doing some good quality things here,” Hamilton said. “All the hard work from a lot of different people are starting to pay off. All you want in life is an opportunity to be successful, an opportunity to compete and an opportunity to go out on the football �ield and overcome new challenges.

“That’s what we’re doing right now.”

Arts & Entertainment

Scottsdale.org l @ScottsdaleProgress /ScottsdaleProgress

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

DesertStages Theater opened its production of “Matilda” Sept. 23. highlighting the talent of 17-yearold directors Noah Sucato and Lexi Archer and 32 cast members ages 7-17.

Noah and Lexi both acted in productions with Desert Stages Theatre, and then de cided that they wanted to give directing a shot and had their eyes set on directing one show in particular: Matilda.

“Around April, we were told that the sea son announcement was coming soon and I had wanted to be a director,” Noah said. “I reached out to Ellen (Versen) and asked if it was a possibility and I also talked to my girlfriend, Lexi, about it and we both wanted to direct Matilda.”

“Being an actor my whole life, I’ve had so

many amazing directors before and I love that when I am acting, I see visions of what something could be and that’s very much what directing is,” he added.

As excited as Noah and Lexi were to direct, they realized that there would be some bumps in the road in their new roles.

For example, some of the cast Lexi is di recting are her age.

“One of the things I was kind of antici pating was, as a youth director, kids being a little bit younger than me and not seeing kids showing up the same age as me,” Lexi said. “I was (initially) scared that I wasn’t going to be respected.”

The two were also surprised to see how much work went into production before the characters were even cast.

“A lot of the work came before audi

‘Matilda’ spotlights teen directors, young cast Flamenco Íntimo is more than a performance

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

ulia Chacón will be taking the stage at the Scottsdale Center for the Per forming Arts every Friday and Sat urday this month, sporting vibrant attire, dancing to intricate and soulstirring music and carrying a heavy heart.

This year, “Flamenco Íntimo” – dedi cated to Chacón’s aunt, Lucy Vigil, who recently passed away after a six-year battle with cancer – will explore love and loss.

“This particular show has an arc that is somewhat built around my aunt’s experience,” Chacón said. “It follows an arc of connection where the first half is about connection, celebration and joy – all things beautiful and light

– and then the second act explores mo ments of isolation.”

For someone who has been dancing since she was 3 – and began dancing fla menco over 25 years ago – Chacón said the dance form has become therapy for her.

The highly-expressive, Spanish dance form is characterized by hand clapping, percussive footwork, intricate hand, arm, and body movements and is usu ally accompanied by a singer and guitar player.

“Flamenco, in every performance I’ve done in the course of my life …has a way of being a kind of place of sol ace for the artists who perform it and I think that’s inherent to the form,” she said.

This show will be even more thera peutic for Chacón as she has devoted the

past six years to develop the show’s arc.

“My aunt had been suffering for over six years and I had also lost my father, so the relationship is there,” she said. “It has unearthed to an older arc and often times in my choreographic expressions because Flamenco is more abstract and explores more broad genres of emotion.

“This particular arc is built on sort of harnessing those moments and those poignant, salient moments that make up our lives.”

Chacón also sees this show as an op portunity to explore the roots of fla menco dance and the different styles the dance lends itself to.

“Soleares is a song form that explores loneliness and Alegrías is a song form that explores joy. Soledad is the Span

Making her fifth trip to the Scottsdale Center for the Per forming Arts, Julia Chacón will bring a much more intimate show centered around the passing of two of her family members. (Courtesy of Life Photography)

Desert Stages Theater’s “Matilda” includes, from left, Anna Scales, 11, as Matilda; Alai na Lish, 16, as “Miss Honey; Ian Iangray, 17, as Agatha Trunchbull; directors Noah Suc tapo and Lexi Archer and musical director Rachel Self. (David Minton/Progress Staff Photographer)

Museum of the West planning new exhibits

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

Western

Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West recently was named one of the top western museums by True West magazine for the eighth consecutive year.

Delighted by the honor, the museum team plans to bring in new exhibits and keep the good times rolling.

“It’s just absolutely remarkable, you know, given that we’re relatively still young and growing and to receive that kind of an honor speaks to all of the hard work of the many people who have dedicated their lives and put their hearts into to bring us the great collections and exhibitions that we have,” said Dr. Patricia Loscher, assistant director of collections, exhibitions and research.

“Every story that the exhibitions tell has many, many people behind it from the teams that design and install the ex-

hibits to the people who collected, people have been passionate about the stories we tell,” she added. “The visitors who come here they want

to see something and take away something of the West – whether it’s the historic past or the present, or, in some cases, the future – and so it’s really exciting to be able to tell these stories about the great American West in so many different ways.”

Loscher has launched some contemporary displays, the most recent being an exhibition titled “Kids In Focus.”

“We’ve got a great show up right now that just opened called ‘Kids in Focus’ with a local organization and its children, who have taken the photographs and reflected upon their lives and it’s a beautiful exhibition on display upstairs in our gallery,” Loscher said.

Lining some of the museum walls leading from the showcase of 1,400 saddles, spurs, cowboy gear and other Old West objects towards the gift shop are paintings by female artists in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

34 SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | OCTOBER 2, 2022ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT see MUSEUM page 35

2 Scottsdale churches hosting special concerts

PROGRESS NEWS STAFF

TwoScottsdale churches are holding special musical programs next weekend.

“Arts at the Rocks” at the Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, 34605 N. Tom Darlington Drive, will kick off a new concert season with a performance by Urban Nocturnes at 4 p.m. Oct. 8.

And the Central Arizona Guild of Organists and La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church are holding a free hymn sing at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9, at the church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale.

The hour-long “Hymns for Him: a Hymn Festival Sing-Along,” will feature guild members playing La Casa de Cristo’s 91rank Berghaus Pipe Organ, which, with its 5067 pipes, is among the largest pipe organs in the Southwest. A reception will follow the hymn sing. For more information, call the church at 480-948-1234, or email Jeremy Peterman at jpeterman@ lacasadecristo.com.

Urban Nocturnes comprises six professional classical musicians whose mission is to “share their love of artistic ingenu-

ity and collaboration and to demonstrate music’s universal power to engage and enliven the mind and soul.”

The performance will feature Urban Nocturnes’s violinist Karen Sinclair, violist Christopher McKay, cellist Melita

Hunsinger, and flutist Viviana Cumplido Wilson, along with guest violinist Trista Wong.

Urban Nocturnes is a modular chamber music ensemble that an artist-inresidence position at Trinity Cathedral in

downtown Phoenix, where they perform a series of chamber music concerts every season and provide musical contributions for a number of the church’s liturgical services and cultural events.

In addition, Urban Nocturnes musicians perform at various other venues around town and collaborate with other Valley musicians. They have made numerous appearances on the Downtown Chamber Series, Downstairs at The Orpheum Theater series, Musician Encounters series at Mountain View Presbyterian Church, and have played at Lost Leaf Bar, the Musical Instrument Museum, St. Andrew’s Bach Society and at retirement communities.

Through the Phoenix Symphony’s outreach programs, many of the group’s members have played chamber music together at various hospitals, hospice care, and homeless facilities in the Valley.

Their programming encompasses a wide variety of combinations of their instruments and presents standard works of the classical repertoire, lesser known works and music by today’s composers.

Information: urbannocturnes.com.

Urban Nocturnes, a modular chamber music ensemble, will perform this Saturday at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church in Scottsdale. (Special to the Progress)

Tricia Loscher, assistant director of collections, exhibitions and research stands near “Shepherd in Monument Valley,” painted in 1928 by artist Marjorie Thomas. (David Minton/ Progress Staff Photographer)

“Right now, we have a teaser exhibition of women of the west from the Fran and Elliot collection of women artists,” Loscher said. “This teaser show premieres 20 or so artworks and will be part of a much larger exhibition of these women artists from the late 1800s, early 20th century in Arizona who were here painting.

That show is the first of its kind and is also one of the largest collections, if not the largest collection of early Arizona women artists.”

The full show in 2024 will feature nearly 300 pieces of women-made paintings and sculptures, some of which are inspired by Indigenous people’s artwork.

Loscher says she is eager to open this exhibition, explaining, “I’m anxious to get it up and 2024 seems like so far away. It’s not but it’s a great way to at least show some of these works."

The museum will also be adding new pieces of Hopi pottery created by Nampeyo – a famed Hopi visual artist who is regarded as the “Matriarch of Hopi Pottery” – gifted to the museum to its renowned Canvas of Clay: Hopi Pottery Masterworks from The Allan and Judith Cooke Collection

which will be added to the gallery.

The museum also added an exclusive book to its gift shop titled “The Call of Beauty: Masterworks by Nampeyo,” which focuses on the artist’s life.

One being cleared for a new installation is the Paul Calle exhibition, which shows images painted of NASA’s first man on the moon project. Paintings of fur traders and Native Americans will be replaced with an exhibition of photographs taken by famed photographer Scott Baxter of western ranches.

With exciting exhibits on the horizon, Loscher is buoyant about the future.

“I think it’s a wonderful reminder that we still strive to be the west’s most western town in terms of the ideologies and mythologies of the American West and what the west means to many people,” she said.

“I think throughout the museum, we find little gems and ways to talk about that and through our docent program, we find ways to connect the history here in Scottsdale to like the bigger West vision of the West.”

Information: Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is located at 3830 N. Marshall Way. scottsdalemuseumwest.org 480-686-9539

FLAMENCO

ish word for loneliness and valegría is the word for joy, so they squarely fit into certain emotional categories or expressions,” Chacón said, adding:

“The reason for that is when people would gather to play flamenco socially, it was a form through which they expressed their angst in their personal living experience in the community because it formed in a place where people lived in very tight quarters and they would come out in the patio and play music together.”

Chacón will be joined by singer-guitarist Gaetano, guitars Misael Barraza Diaz, flutist Max Perrault and fellow dancer Martin Gaxiola — whom Chacón has worked with for over two decades.

They will be performing several new numbers as well as an altered version of a number that some fans may recognize from last year’s performances.

“All of the different song forms are traditional and there will be some improvisation to some solos in the show,” Chacón said. “However, there is a piece that I am repeating from last year, but it was created around what my aunt was going through and then also exploring kind of her situ-

ation in parallel with what I had experienced with my dad.”

Because of the compelling nature of her story, Chacón is excited to share her experiences at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

“Fans can expect an emotional journey and they can expect to be taken into an entirely different way of experiencing the space around them through the sounds of the guitar as well as the singing,” she said.

She added that the overall performance “is so emotional and has such a huge depth and range” and that those ranges go from “a highly joyful and celebratory to deeply, deeply, profoundly sad, the sounds of the percussion.”

“It sort of permeates the sensory experience,” she added.

If You Go:

What: Flamenco Intimo

When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays beginning Friday, Oct. 7.

Where: Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts 7380 E. Second St. Cost: $30.50

Info: scottsdalearts.org

tions,” Lexi said. “We were trying to map out everything and we began developing little bits to help make the show our own.

“'Matilda,’ especially this season, has been performed a lot, but I feel like we were able to grab moments and have it be very individual. There are a lot of unique things that you won’t see from a Matilda production on Broadway at your church or anywhere else.”

Anna Scales, 11, in the role of the courageous and clever brainiac Matilda; Alaina Lish, 16, plays shy and introverted Miss Honey and Ian Gray, 17, is the villainous former Olympic thrower and now disgruntled school principal Agatha Trunchbull.

“What I have loved most about being a director is collaborating with the actors that we have and seeing what they think because I feel like when I was acting, one

of my favorite things from directors was when they talked to me and we collaborated on a vision that everyone understood,” Noah said.

This became especially important for the role of Agatha Trunchbull as Ian opted to give the traditionally masculine character a more feminine touch.

“I love Trunchbull and I think (the role) can be played in many different ways,” Ian said. “I do a more feminine interpretation of the role in that I make it less than like the school gym coach, or like a principal because that’s how I view the character. I view her as more feminine and, in her teachings, though, she’s still built and still strong.”

Alaina said her role forced her to step outside of her comfort zone and play a character that is almost the opposite of her outgoing personality.

“I kind of always play the more love interest type, so it was it was a different ex-

perience and she’s taught me a lot,” Alaina said. “(There’s) no springs you can put on Miss Honey because she’s super shy and I think that’s different from the person that I am.”

Anna said, “I’ve always wanted to do a show at Disney stages and when I saw ‘Matilda.’ I was super excited because Matilda is my dream role. I love playing characters who are brave and I was excited to play this type of character where I can just be very mischievous.”

Lexi said she felt a strong camaraderie among the cast, crew and directors.

“I felt like we had a lot of support and a lot of respect throughout the process,” Lexi said. “The most difficult thing I think was balancing the work and fun with the kids.”

Because of this, the cast is excited to reach as many audience members as possible before the shows closing date next Sunday, Oct. 9.

“I want them to take away how inspiring

going on in

it is that these kids are working so hard and putting themselves out here since some of them are doing something they’ve never done before and just having fun with it,” Lexi said.

“I want them to take away that you should never be scared of who you are because you should always strive to be the best as you can be,” Alaina added.

If You Go:

What: Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical Jr.

When: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Where: Desert Stages Theatre, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Suite 0586 Scottsdale. Cost: $25 Info: desertstages.org

Food & Drink

The Lunch Bag is like ‘Cheers’ without alcohol

BY MELODY BIRKETT Progress Contributor

der the same name but Sinclair said it was a different business model.

Sandy

Sinclair and her daughter Erica LaBate have been serving up sandwiches, soup and salads at The Lunch Bag near Via Linda and 90th Street in Scottsdale for 12 years.

And they’ve developed such a loyal and longtime clientele base that they feel like their restaurant has become a neighborhood landmark.

“We’re a fun place to come to,” Sinclair said. “The customers have been coming here so long it’s like the ‘Cheers’ of the neighborhood. They want to laugh. We’re always having a good time here. We don’t take life very seriously.”

The restaurant only serves lunch from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. It offers a small dinein area as well as take-out and delivery through delivery services.

A previous owner ran the business un-

“We have deli sandwiches and a long line of signature sandwiches,” said Sandy. “They are gourmet sandwiches and they’re huge. My popular ones are a New Yorker with homemade coleslaw, Thousand Island and hot pastrami; Turkey Green Chili, which is a turkey sandwich with green chilis and our own salsa mayonnaise. We have Italian sandwiches. We make homemade meatloaf.

“Everything’s homemade. We have homemade tuna which is albacore, chicken salad and egg salad. It’s a big menu.”

Soup is also made fresh every day along with salad dressings, sandwich sauces and desserts.

“Every day I have oatmeal almond cookies, peanut butter, chocolate chip and a triple chocolate brownie,” Sandy said, adding,

“Our meat is cooked local so it’s always fresh, not frozen. I have a guy who cooks it for us. He owns a big meat company here in town and he sells to high-dollar restaurants. He’s been my friend forever so he cooks my meat, too, for me.”

Breakfast was once on the menu but Sinclair said it didn’t work out.

“It’s not competitive with fast food,” she explained. “I can’t get the prices they give to sell a breakfast sandwich for $3. Moneywise, it wasn’t good for us.

“Plus, we’re a family business. My daughter wants to be able to take her kids to school and pick them up from school.”

Despite the pandemic, customers remained loyal.

“We have the best customers,” said Sandy. “They really helped us a lot. They still wanted their food. They didn’t want us to shut down. They wanted to come here. And a lot of our customers - since we’ve been here so long - are older and they want to come here and get the tuna that’s already made or the chicken salad or the egg salad and buy a pint of it and hunker

down at their house. So, it worked out really well for them, too.”

She’s proud of the fact that The Lunch Bag offers “quality food for a good price.”

“I think my customer base is probably all of the doctors and dentist of�ices,” she said. “And I’m just in a great location.”

When mom and daughter started, Sinclair said, “We’d go around to all of the of�ices with our menu and free cookies. We gave away our cookies for a year or two. And everybody just started coming here.

She said 90% of their business is repeat customers and the other 10% is from people Googling neighborhood sandwich shops.

“We do anything for our customers,” Sinclair said. “If you don’t want to get out of your car and make payment over the phone, I’ll run it out to your car. We’ll do whatever it takes.”

And because she and her daughter com-

prise “a well oiled machine,” Sinclair said they have no need for employees.

Sandy said there are no plans for expansion, adding she started in the restaurant business when she was 15. She’s now 70.

“I’m never going to retire. I think staying at home is boring. I’ve been in this business for so long. This is all I want to do. I really like talking to the customers and enjoying our time here.”

LaBate said working with her mom “Is a blessing.”

And her mom feels the same way.

“She’s the best daughter ever,” said Sinclair. “Every day when I come in she always tells me �irst thing, ‘You look so pretty.’ She’s such a nice person.”

Sinclair has three other children and eight grandchildren and noted, “Another reason I can’t work longer hours: I got kids to see.”

Information: thelunchbagaz.com, 8989 E. Vía Linda, 480-860-6659.

Scottsdale.org l @ScottsdaleProgress /ScottsdaleProgress

Sandy Sinclair, left, and her daughter Erica LaBate boast that all their menu items at The Lunch Bag are homemade.

the Progress)

The Lunch Bag sports an extensive menu featuring generous sandwiches and other items. (Facebook)

Public Notices

Public Notices

S

NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Scottsdale, Arizona, will hold a public hearing on October 18, 2022, at 5:00 P.M in the City Hall Kiva, 3939 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, Arizona, for the purpose of hearing all persons who wish to comment on the following:

4-ZN-2021 (Alameda 5 Acres) Request by owner for a Zoning District Map Amendment from Single-family Residential, Environmentally Sensitive Lands (R1-130 ESL) to Single-family Residential, Planned Residential Development, Environmentally Sensitive Lands (R1-43 PRD ESL) zoning and approval of a Development Plan with Amended Development Standards for lot area, lot width, and setbacks for a 3-lot subdivision on a +/5.6 acre site located at the southwest corner of E. Alameda Road and N. 132nd Street alignment. Staff contact person is Katie Posler, 480-312-2703. Applicant contact person is Keith Nichter, 602313-7206.

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/bldg resources/Cases/

A COPY OF A FULL AGENDA, INCLUDING ITEMS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS AND ANY MEETING LOCATION UPDATES, IS AVAILABLE AT LEAST 24 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING AT THE FOLLOWING:

Online at: https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/ council/meeting-information/agendas-minutes

CHAIRMAN Attest

LORRAINE CASTRO

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

PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY MAY REQUEST A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION BY CONTACTING THE CLERK'S OFFICE AT (480312-7620). 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 (480-312-7620).

Published: Scottsdale Progress, Oct 2, 2022 / 49303

Read this carefully If you do not understand it, contact a lawyer for help FROM THE STATE OF ARIZONA TO: Manuel Lira Martinez Name of Opposing Party 1 A lawsuit has been filed against you A copy of the lawsuit and other court papers are served on you with this “Summons” 2 I f you do not want a judgment or order entered against you without your input, you must file a written “Answer” or a “Response” with the court, and pay the filing fee Also, the other party may be granted their request by the Court if you do not file an “Answer” or “Response”, or show up in court To file your “Answer” or “Response” take, or send, it t o Clerk of the Superior Court, 201 W Jefferson St Phoenix AZ 85003 or electronically file your “Answer” or “Response” through one of Arizona’s approved electronic filing systems at http://www azcourts gov/efilinginformation After filing, mail a copy of your “Response” or “Answer” to the other party at their current address NOTE: If you do not file elec tronically you will not have electronic access to the docu ments in this case 3 If this “Summons” and the other court papers were served on you by a registered process server o r the Sheriff, within the State of Arizona, your “Response” or “ A n s w e r ” m u s t b e f i l e d w i t h i n T W E N T Y ( 2 0 ) C A L E N DAR DAYS from the date you were served, not counting the day you were served If you were served by “Accept a n c e o f S e r v i c e ” w i t h i n t h e S t a t e o f A r i z o n a , y o u r “ R e sponse” or “Answer” must be filed within TWENTY (20) CALENDAR DAYS from the date that the “Acceptance of Service” was filed with the Clerk of Superior Court If this “Summons” and the other papers were served on you by a registered process server or the Sheriff outside the State of Arizona, your Response must be filed within THIRTY (30 ) C A L E N D A R D A Y S f r o m t h e d a t e y o u w e r e s e r v e d , n ot counting the day you were served If you were served b y “Acceptance of Service” outside the State of Arizona, your “Response” or “Answer” must be filed within THIRTY (30) CALENDAR DAYS from the date that the “Acceptance of Service” was filed with the Clerk of Superior Court Service b y a r e g i s t e r e d p r o c e s s s e r v e r o r t h e S h e r i f f i s c o m p l e t e when made Service by Publication is complete thirty (30) days after the date of the first publication 4 You can get a copy of the court papers filed in this case from the Petition er at the address listed at the top of the preceding page, o r from the Clerk of Superior Court’s Customer Service Cen ter 5 If this is an action for dissolution (divorce), legal sep aration, or annulment, either or both spouses may file a Peti tion for Conciliation for the purpose of determining whether there is any mutual interest in preserving the marriage or for Mediation to attempt to settle disputes concerning legal de cision making (legal custody) and parenting time issues re garding minor children 6 Requests for reasonable accom modation for persons with disabilities must be made to the division assigned to the case by the party needing accom modation or his/her counsel at least three (3) judicial days in advance of a scheduled proceeding 7 Requests for an inter preter for persons with limited English proficiency must be made to the division assigned to the case by the party need ing the interpreter and/or translator or his/her counsel at least ten (10) judicial days in advance of a scheduled court pro

N O

Public Notices

C N O

EyeBrow Threading With Farida, located at 4041 East Thomas Road, ste 113 Phoenix, Arizona 85018 & reputed owner Ahmadi Farideh given preliminary notice via Registered Mail #RF254 332 046US The Affidavit of Fact, Claim for Settlement with exhibits

A

livered July 19th, 2022 2:38pm via USPS in the sum of $63,000 negotiable for Sheba El Bey customer & claimant personally injured at EyeBrow Threading et

policy P100.253.312.3 with HISCOX Insurance ha s Non Coverage for any and all Professional services or injuries to customers provided professional ser vices at place of business Notice of Non Respons e July 28th, delivered August 1st, 2022 via US Posta l Service Priority Mail #9505511804382209519913 at 1:13pm Notice of Default Notice of Lien Notice of Acquiesce sent August 20th, 2022 via US Postal Ser

Threading with Farida and all alphabetical associ ations has been given notice and has not denied the

Sheba

Bey and is liable for the pain and suffering of said claimant

Published: Scottsdale Progress, Oct 2, 2022 / 49454

Notice of Creditors

named below has been appointed as Personal Representat ive of this estate Any person having a claim against the de cedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present th e c

2022 JEFF FINE Clerk of Superior Court

A MITTEL STAEDT Deputy Clerk A copy of this document can be ob tained by contacting Best Law Firm at 9383 E Bahia Dr

Suite 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, (480) 219 2433

lished: Scottsdale Progress, Sept 11, 2022 / 49049

LEGAL NOTICES

Deadline for Sunday’s Edition is the Wednesday prior at 5pm. Please call Elaine at 480-898-6465 to inquire or email your notice to class@timeslocalmedia.com and request a quote.

Deadline for Sunday's Edition is the Wednesday prior at 5pm.

Please call Elaine at 480-898-7926 to inquire or email your notice to: legals@evtrib.com and request a quote.

serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated be low a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the Court The claim must be presented within the later of: (A) thirty days after the Personal Representative serve d or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11 40 020; or (B) four months after the date of first publica tion of the notice If the claim is not presented within thi s time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11 40 051 and RCW 11 40 060 This bar is effective as to claims against both Decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: Oc tober 3, 2022 in Pierce County, Washington in the Tacoma Daily Index October 2, 2022 in Maricopa County, Arizona in the Scottsdale Progress PERSONAL REPRESENTAT IVE: David J Evenson ATTORNEY FOR THE PERSON AL REPRESENTATIVE: Gerald W Neil, for Neil & Neil, P S ADDRESS FOR MAILING OR SERVICE: 5302 P

PROCEEDINGS

IN STATE OF WASHINGTON

PERIOR COURT, PIERCE COUNTY CAUSE NO: 22 4 01838

David J Evenson /s/Gerald W Neil

a s e N u m b e r : F N 2 0 2 2 0 5 1 4 8 7

STEPHANIE LIRA, Name of Petitioner Summons Manuel Lira Martinez Name of Respondent WARNING: This is an of f icial d o cu men t f r o m th e co u r t th at af f ects y o u r r ig h ts

Andrew Bloom is the CEO and co Founder of BVO LUXURY GROU at Keller Williams Ari ona Realty. Collectively Keller Williams Ari ona Realty sold over 1. billion in 2020 and Year to date Keller Williams Internationally has sold 2 000 homes over 1M. KW continues to e pand globally and remains the number one real estate company in the world as ranked by Realtrends. The BVO Lu ury Group is now in it ’ s 3rd generation now being run by Austin Bloom who just is a recent graduate of Scottsdale Leadership. BVO Lu ury Group was voted Maricopa County ’ s #1 Real Estate Team of the year in 201 201 and 2020. The team has grown significantly to make 2021 the best year ever serving our clients right here in Scottsdale.

DID WE HIT THE PEAK? NOW WHAT? Top 3 factors affecting the market.

1. 2. 3. E perience matters most in this market

Inventory Shortages have caused buyer fatigue. Bidding on multiple houses has caused buyer e haustion Discount commissions on both the buyer side and seller side have resulted in more transactional fall out.

Stay nimble. Get ahead of any downturn the market takes. We are already seeing days on market increase as well as price reductions.

You never lose money taking chips off the table. We’ve had a great market for over 10 years. Equity in your home may mean now might be the best time to cash out and sit on the sidelines.

Downsize or upsize. Sure why not. Interest rates are low. Inventory is low. Only serious buyers are buying. The market is not as competitive today for buyers or sellers. There is a nice balance in today ’s market. Take advantage of the equilibrium in the market after the fren y. The pendulum is near a stand still (but for how long )?