Scottsdale Progress 10-13-2019 by Times Media Group

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This Week

SUSD Board gives blessing to Kiva re-do.

NEIGHBORS .......... 16 Scottsdale woman in boomer anthology.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

5 anti-SUSD authors may not exist BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

NEWS............................... 6

Local �irm helps vets in many ways / P. 24

ore evidence is surfacing indicating fictitious names are attached to five of the six arguments against the Scottsdale Unified maintenance and operations budget override that appear in the official voter information pamphlet. “I got my ballot pamphlet in the mail yesterday for the SUSD override. As far as I can tell (besides Loyd Eskildson) the other ‘against’ writers appear to be ficti-

City mulling big e-scooter law changes

tious,” Rose Finocchiaro Smith wrote to the Progress. She may be on to something – especially since no one verifies the legitimacy of any author of statements in voter informational pamphlets. “Our office does not verify the identity of individuals who submit arguments for the publicity pamphlets. Current statute does not require or authorize us to verify the identity of individuals (e.g. notarized documentation),” said Shane Wikfors, spokesman for the county school super-

intendent’s office, which produces the pamphlet. While state law mandates the pamphlet to include arguments, it says nothing about verifying the authors’ identity – enabling anyone from anywhere in the world to submit an argument under a false name. County voting and property records give suspicion to some credibility. The five arguments in question were signed by Samantha Cartier, Hector Carrillo, Cynthia

Boys and their toys

see PAMPHLET page 4

BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

FOOD ........................... 32 The Mission shows off its Latin roots.

NEIGHBORS .........................16 BUSINESS .............................24

OPINION ..............................26

ARTS .....................................30 FOOD & DRINK................... 32 CLASSIFIEDS ....................... 35

cottsdale’s rules governing e-scooters could be in for changes following a city report suggesting not all companies or riders comply with regulations City Council passed last November. The ordinance also governed the rentable bicycles, which have disappeared from the city as scooters’ popularity continues to soar. Five scooter companies – Bird, Lime, Lyft, Razor and Spin – currently operate in the city. Uber’s Jump scooters are no longer active in Scottsdale. The five companies were responsible for over 292,000 rides between Dec. 13, 2018,

see SCOOTERS page 10

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CITY NEWS

An edition of the East Valley Tribune Scottsdale Progress is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Scottsdale. To find out where you can pick up a free copy of Scottsdale Progress, please visit www.Scottsdale.org. CONTACT INFORMATION Main number 480-898-6500 | Advertising 480-898-5624 Circulation service 480-898-5641 Scottsdale Progress 4301 N 75th St., Suite 201, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Publisher Steve T. Strickbine Vice President Michael Hiatt ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising 480-898-6309 Classifieds/Inside Sales Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@scottsdale.org TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@scottsdale.org Advertising Office Manager Lori Dionisio | 480-898-6309 | ldionisio@scottsdale.org Director of National Advertising Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@scottsdale.org NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor Paul Maryniak | 480-898-5647 | pmaryniak@scottsdale.org Managing Editor Wayne Schutsky | 480-898-6533 | wschutsky@scottsdale.org Copy Editor April Morganroth | 480-656-9667 | amorganroth@ timespublications.com Staff Writers Kristine Cannon | 480-898-9657 | kcannon@scottsdale.org Jim Walsh | 480-898-5639 | jwalsh@scottsdale.org Photographers Kimberly Carrillo | KCarrillo@scottsdale.org Pablo Robles | Probles@scottsdale.org Design Veronica Thurman | vthurman@scottsdale.org Production Coordinator Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 | production@scottsdale.org Circulation Director Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@scottsdale.org Marketing Director Lynette Carrington | 480-898-5621 Scottsdale Progress is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, and for subscription information, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegatedmedia.com.

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | OCTOBER 13, 2019

PAMPHLET from front

Majinsky, Jen Lopez and Sandra Lacey – individuals with little to no record of existence in Maricopa County. The sixth argument against was written by Loyd Eskildson, a former chief deputy with the county school superintendent’s office and a vocal override opponent. The arguments signed by Cartier, Carrillo, Majinsky, Lopez and Lacey have a few things in common. They oppose the increased property tax rate that comes with an override. “Our property tax money deserves to pay for Scottsdale students. This override is not necessary if we lived within our budget and didn’t accept students from surrounding communities,” reads the Cartier argument. However, there is no evidence Cartier actually pays property taxes in SUSD boundaries because there’s no property to tax. Samantha Cartier’s name appears nowhere in the Maricopa County Recorder's or Assessor's records. Not in Scottsdale or anywhere else in the county. The same is true to Cynthia Majinsky, Jen Lopez and Sandra Lacey. The Recorder’s Office records, which date back to 1947, have no recorded records of any kind with those five names. No liens. No judgments. No court records. Similarly, the Arizona Corporation Commission has no records of businesses owned by these individuals indicating a purchase of any property. The Maricopa County Recorder’s Office does have at least 80 records on file related to at least six different individuals named Hector Carrillo. However, none of those documents are linked to an address within SUSD boundaries. The Maricopa County Assessor’s Office has records of three properties owned by these individuals or associated businesses in Phoenix and Mesa, outside of SUSD boundaries. Other evidence also calls into question the validity of these arguments.

The arguments signed by Majinsky, Carrillo and Lopez were all recorded by the county superintendent’s office at the exact same time, 1:51 p.m., on July 17. County voter rolls also show there are no registered voters in the entire county named Samantha Cartier, Hector Carrillo, Cynthia Majinsky, Jen Lopez or Sandra Lacey. There are 60 individuals named Jennifer Lopez registered to vote in Maricopa County, two within Scottsdale Unified boundaries. The Progress was unable to contact those two individuals to determine if they submitted the argument against. If the authors of those arguments are not Scottsdale residents, it is unclear who submitted them. The arguments in the pamphlet include no further identifying information beyond a general description of the individual’s profession such as “architect” or “sales.” Additionally, the superintendent’s office redacted identifying information such as email addresses and physical addresses on copies of the original submissions provided to the Progress. A second request for those email addresses was denied by the Superintendent’s Office on advice from the Maricopa County Attorney. SUSD Board Member Jann-Michael Greenburg, who supports passage of the override, decried any attempts to include false statements in the pamphlet. “It is a shame that an individual or individuals have resorted to providing the (Office of Maricopa County School Superintendent) false statements in an attempt to harm our community and I hope they reconsider their own position on the matter and vote ‘Yes’ instead,” Greenburg said. The state law governing school district override elections says nothing about verifying the identity of those making the arguments. According to A.R.S. § 15-481, the county superintendent is only required to fact check arguments.

“The names of persons and entities submitting written arguments shall be included in the informational pamphlet. The county school superintendent shall review all factual statements contained in the written arguments and correct any inaccurate statements of fact. The superintendent shall not review and correct any portion of the written arguments that are identified as statements of the author’s opinion,” according to the stature. However, several ballot arguments in question do include statements indicating the writer may be a voter or resident within SUSD boundaries. For instance, the Majinsky argument included this sentence: “I’m voting no and I hope you will too.” The county superintendent’s office did not return a request for comment as to whether that statement falls under its fact-checking responsibility. Melinda Gulick, co-chair of the Yes to Children campaign, who supports the passage of the override, said she believes most of the community supports the override. “We respect the right of individuals in Maricopa County to express their opinion,” Gulick said. “The opinions that matter most to us are the registered voters in the school district –– the majority of whom are supportive of the SUSD M&O Override.” Greenburg stressed he believes the override is an important resource for the district to continue funding programs at existing levels. “Renewing SUSD’s Maintenance and Operations Override will continue to provide critical funding for our students’ education…” Greenburg said, adding: “It is supported by many wonderful leaders in our community, including state senators, mayors, city council members, former and current school board members, teachers and, most importantly, students and parents. Losing this funding would result in significant cuts which would directly impact the lives of our children and families.”

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SUSD board OK's Kiva school re-do BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

iva Elementary will be the fifth school in the Scottsdale Unified School District rebuilt or renovated under a bond approved by voters in 2016. Despite a contentious discussion over the district’s enrollment issues, the SUSD Governing Board unanimously voted Oct. 1, to name Kiva the next rebuild project. The school, originally built in 1957, is in Paradise Valley near the border of Scottsdale at McDonald Drive and 68th Place. The district, in 2016, said it intended to use a significant portion of bond funds to rebuild eight elementary schools. The district already rebuilt two schools – Hopi Elementary and Pima Traditional School and is currently rebuilding two additional schools – Hohokam Elementary, in southern Scottsdale, and Cherokee Elementary, in Paradise Valley. Incidently, the district used some bond funds to supplement insurance monies to renovate Navajo Elementary due to fire damage in Aug. 2018. In total, the district earmarked $129.6 million of the $229 million bonds for school rebuilds. Dennis Roehler, SUSD’s director of building services, said the two completed rebuilds cost the district $37.74 million and he is confident the district can finish all of its rebuilds using remaining bond funds. “Absolutely,” Roehler said when asked by Superintendent Dr. John Kriekard if he thought the district could complete all eight projects. Roehler said the district could potentially tap into a total of $219 million of the 2016 bond, if needed, not just the budgeted $129 million. That's because the single line item before voters requested $219 million account for rebuilds, athletic improvements and other

On Oct. 1, the SUSD Governing Board designated Kiva Elementary the ﬁfth school to be rebuilt or renovated in the district, using bond funds approved by voters in 2016. (Scottsdale Uniﬁed School District)

school environment improvements but were not separated into isolated funding allotments. “So, if, for whatever reason, we needed to spend more money on one thing or the other, it would just simply be making decisions about what goes or doesn’t go,” Roehler said. Approximately $10 million from the bond was allocated to transportation, safety and security projects. According to Roehler, the district is currently under budget on its completed bond projects. Of the 249 projects the district completed thus far, the district is under contract by $71 million. The original budget for these projects was $82.4 million, according to Roehler. Prior to taking its vote on Kiva, the board engaged, in a now-familiar discussion, about the need to address enrollment numbers. Board member Barbara Perleberg said the district has to address excess capacity

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issues to ensure it is not rebuilding schools it will not use in the future. “We have an excess capacity issue in our district that we have not dealt with for a decade,” Perleberg said. The district started a conversation about its declining enrollment when it brought in Applied Economics for its 2018 study. The district put four schools on enrollment plans based on the study, whch could result in consolidation plans - as soon as next month. Board President Patty Beckman supports the Kiva rebuild and argues extenuating circumstances caused declines in Kiva’s enrollment, like its conversion into a K-5 school and high turnover of principals as well as front office staff. She explains how the school has not had a meaningful face-lift since it opened in the 1950s, and fights issues like asbestos, failing bathrooms facilities and air conditioning concerns.

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Beckman credited current Principal Alice Spingola for bringing stability to the school and points to Kiva’s excelling academics as reasons why enrollment is improving - thus should be restored. Beckman also pointed out Kiva’s enrollment was at 578 students as of August, well above the 461 Applied Economics projected. “Kiva has grown,” Beckman said. “I am voting yes to rebuilding or remodeling Kiva. These families deserve a new school.” The meeting briefly devolved into a shouting match after board member JannMichael Greenburg, pointed out Perleberg, and others on the board, had years to address enrollment issues. “It’s very odd to hear these statements about these (enrollment) discussions that have had to occur at some point, when, I’m relatively new to the board as is (Beckman), but the majority of the board has been on the board for 2.5-plus years,” he said, adding: “How it is possible that those discussions did not occur when you went out for the bond and are now holding schools hostage to this?” The board previously discussed the Kiva rebuild at an April 16 meeting, which ended with a 3-2 vote to table the discussion. At that meeting, Perleberg did not directly address closing Kiva but said the district would have to seriously look at consolidation. Calling consolidation “a reality our entire district has to face,” Perleberg said in April, adding: “We cannot put these conversations off any longer, and especially in our Coronado and Saguaro complexes, we cannot put any, one school in its own bubble.” At the time, Perleberg said she “would love” to tell the Kiva community the school would be rebuilt, adding, “I just don’t see how that’s possible right now.”

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Green living survey gives Scottsdale decent grade PROGRESS NEWS STAFF

cottsdale is the best city in Arizona when it comes to promoting an environmentally friendly lifestyle, according to WalletHub. The personal finance website ranked Scottsdale 35th among the nation’s largest municipalities for its efforts to promote sustainable living, in its 2019 Greenest Cities in America report last week. San Francisco ranked first while and Baton Rouge took last place in the survey. Of the seven Arizona municipalities included in WalletHub’s survey, four ranked near the bottom while Phoenix landed a few notches below Scottsdale. Phoenix and Tucson ranked 35 and 45, respectively, Chandler stacked at 80, Gilbert at 92, Mesa at 96, and Glendale came in at 86. “’Green living’ means a choice to engage in cleaner, more sustainable habits in order to preserve the planet as much as possible,” the website said, noting two-thirds of Americans believe “stricter environmental regulations are worth the cost.” It also reported most Americans think government is doing too little to improve water and air quality. “The biggest benefits from going green are improvements to health,” said Raphael Calel, a Georgetown University public policy assistant professor and WalletHub expert. “Cleaner air and water result in substantial health gains,” Calel said. “This allows people to be more productive and lowers health care spending. These benefits often far outweigh the financial costs of these policies.” To determine which cities promote a “green” lifestyle, WalletHub compared the 100 largest U.S. cities across 28 key indicators of environmental friendliness and sustainability, such as miles of bike lanes, accessibility of jobs near public transit and presence of plastic bag ban. The data set ranged from greenhouse-gas emissions per capita to green-job opportunities per capita such as the number of smart-energy policies and initiatives. The study did not look at the cities’

recycling efforts – considered vital to environmental sustainability – because it lacked comparable metrics, such as a measured availability of recycling programs or amount of waste recycled in each city. According to Calel, top indicators of a green community include air quality, amount of green space, walkability, public transportion and amount of waste sent to landfills. His tips for those wanting to reduce environmental footprint include: flying less, driveing less, set the thermostat a degree or two higher in the summer, eating more vegetables and less meat and avoid single-use plastics. Joseph F. C. DiMento, a law professor at the University of California in Irvine, said cities need to do more when it comes to “going green.” “Municipalities have commitments to promote the public health, safety and welfare, - ‘going green’ interpreted intelligently is using police power – and the power of finance – to make both the local and larger environments more livable for their and surrounding people,” DiMento said, adding: “Done intelligently and with appropriate research, these investments are fiscally sound. Third, some of these initiatives have side effects of improving the overall livability rankings of cities. Rankings can produce multiplier effects of investments.” Indiana architect William Brown added: “Walkability, outdoor recreation opportunities, choice in transportation options, opportunity to tap into clean energy, healthful water and air quality, protection of wildlife habitat, encouragement of 21st-century clean technology companies - contribute to a more sustainable community that enhances our chances to thrive within the means of the regenerative capacity of our finite planet. “They also happen to attract and retain talent, which builds new opportunity in a glorious cycle of community capacity building. Look at today’s most successful communities and you will see an emphasis on sustainable community development. The alternative is, well, unsustainable.”

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | OCTOBER 13, 2019

CITY NEWS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | OCTOBER 13, 2019

State probing preschool after toddlers wander BY CECILIA CHAN Progress Staff Writer

he state is investigating a Gilbert preschool, a corporate sibling to a Scottsdale preschool, after seven toddlers wandered off its campus, where a few were nearly hit by cars. Passersby were able to corral and safely capture the tiny tots who went on a jaunt from Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool on a very busy Val Vista Drive. Police investigated and said a gate at the school failed, allowing for the Oct. 4, escape. Staff were present in the play area but the faulty gate was outside their view. “The investigation is complete and no charges are being sought,” Sgt. Mark Marino said last week. Spokesman Chris Minnick said Arizona Department of Health Services, which licenses child-care facilities, was still investigating Little Sunshine and could not say when the result will be made available. The Gilbert preschool emailed par-

SCOOTERS from front

and April 14, 2019, and nearly 319,000 miles ridden. Lime accounted for over half of those miles with 170,000. Bird’s 2,197 scooters make it the largest operator in Scottsdale, followed by Lime (700), Lyft (660), Spin (531) and Razor (167). Lime had the most distance traveled at 134,700 miles – nearly half of the total scooter miles detailed in the report. Councilwoman Solange Whitehead said the level of usage in the city shows the scooters are filling a need. “The ridership demonstrates the value of having this transportation option,” Whitehead said. With the high usage, there is some conflict, such as some scooter companies failing to comply with local rules regulating their products. The new report includes several suggestions for City Council to further tighten regulations on these vehicles, in an effort to improve safety and respond to complaints – mostly from downtown residents and business owners – regarding e-scooter riders and companies are flouting existing parking rules. From Dec. 2018 to July 2019, the city’s ScottsdaleEZ system received 419 reports of alleged violations of the ordinance –

was suspended over the incident or what steps the preschool is taking to prevent a repeat breakout. The Gilbert facility’s supervisors directed media calls to their corporate headquarters in Springfield, Missouri, where officials did not respond to the Progress’ request for comments. The company has locations in 10 states, including three in Arizona. Its first school was in Scottsdale and accredited in 2005. A passing motorist went public on Facebook after nearly hitting two of the toddlers, who were about 18 months old, Friday morning. Little Sunshine's Playhouse and Preschool in Gilbert, a corproate sibling of one in Scottsdale, is “We’re talking screeching tires and honking horns,” under a state investigation after toddlers wandered off. (Kimberly Carrillo/Progress Staff Photographer) Samantha Crouch wrote. ents Oct. 4, stating it self-reported the The facility added it will not allow stu“There were about six more incident to the licensing agency and dents outside until the entire fence line is toddlers on the sidewalk and not an adult “suspended the teacher’s (sic) pending inspected. It was unclear if more than one teacher a full investigation.” see PRESCHOOL page 13

with 56 percent including complaints scooters were parked in prohibited areas. The next largest complaint – making up 15 percent of the reports – was companies violating a rule banning more than five scooters, from a single company, from staging adjacent to one another. The largest violator was Lime, the subject of 40 scooter-related citations. Lyft had 30 citations. Despite having the most scooters in circulation, Bird had just 10 citations. Whitehead, who said she supported having alternative transportation options in the city, such as scooters, acknowledged more work is needed to improve safety and compliance. “The ridership demonstrated this was filling a need and I support the City tweaking rules to improve safety, protect businesses and public sidewalks,” Whitehead told the Progress. However, not all council members feel the scooters are a valuable resource. Councilman Guy Phillips said he would like to boot scooters out of Scottsdale altogether. “I am of the opinion that we have tried to work the scooters into our city as a means of short-trip transportation, but I think it’s clear the liabilities far (outweigh) the benefits and will recommend removal altogether,” Phillips explained.

Beyond recommended improvements to the ordinance, the report also includes the framework for a potential licensing system requiring companies to pay the city if they want to continue to operate in Scottsdale. Such a system would have to be approved by the City Council. Brent Stockwell, assistant city manager, said a licensing option was originally presented to the City Council in Nov. 2018, as an alternative, if the current regulations were insufficient. Under the framework in the report, scooter companies would be required to pay a flat $1,000 license fee and a per-device fee of $150, meaning the city could potentially pull in millions of dollars if companies continued to operate at existing levels. Mayor Jim Lane said he opposes the idea. “Nothing I’ve seen to this point in time moves me in that direction,” Lane said. Lane said he fears entering a formal arrangement with the scooter companies could open the city up to increased liability if someone becomes injured while riding. Personal injury attorney Jonathan Negretti disagreed. Negretti, who specializes in scooter-related injuries, said the licensing program could include a requirement for companies indemnify the city in the case of injury or accident.

“I think the city has to adopt some sort of regulation that that limits the places where these scooters can be utilized and create some sort of licensing arrangement,” Negretti said. Lane doesn’t buy it, stating, “Any good attorney worth their salt is probably going to be able to get around that and find us” liable. There is still the unresolved question as to who is responsible if a scooter rider is hurt, Negretti said. Depending on the circumstances of an incident, Negretti said the companies, rider, city or automobile drivers could potentially be liable. He said the companies, which typically indemnify themselves in user agreements - riders must agree to, should make it clear riders may not be covered. Licensing could drive some scooters out of the city. Lime pulled out of Tempe when it adopted licensing. Tempe’s fee is higher than Scottsdale’s at $1.06 per vehicle per day or $386.90 per year. It’s unclear if operators would leave Scottsdale if it imposes a licensing fee. Representatives from Lime, Lyft and Spin did not respond to a request for comment. Bird provided a statement by Tim Al-

see SCOOTERS page 14

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | OCTOBER 13, 2019

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Mixed-use project proposed near Indian Bend BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

hile most major redevelopment talk in Scottsdale has centered on the city’s downtown in recent months, a regional apartment developer has plans for a significant new bikefriendly mixed-use residential project east of downtown along the Indian Bend Wash. The project, located along the wash near Camelback and Hayden Roads, is named Gentry on the Green after the late Scottsdale Councilwoman Billie Axline Gentry, who was a driving force behind the creation of the Indian Bend Wash greenbelt. Gentry on the Green would include residential, retail and public space and seek to activate the greenbelt in an area that is currently walled off and in lackluster condition. “The existing property turns its back on the Indian Bend Wash,” said architect Mike Edwards. “It kinda turns its back on the neighbors, on the citizens, and it’s not open to the public.” The new project would remove the existing wall between the property and the wash and create community gathering spaces on the property edge. John Berry, zoning attorney for the project, said the developer is working with the city to develop a plan to beautify the city land in the area, which currently features weeds and overgrown grass. “We’re going to figure it out, but it’s in our best interest to ensure that it looks good,” Berry said. The proposed Gentry on the Green site totals 41.5 acres between the Greenbelt to the east and Parkway Avenue to the west along Camelback Road. The site is currently home to several aging apartment complexes built in the 1970s, including The Glen at Old Town, Visctoni at Camelback and The Cortesian Apartments. The properties are already owned by various LLCs connected to ColRich, a San Diego-based residential and multifamily developer, according to records on file with the Maricopa County Assessor and state Corporation Commission. According to site plans submitted to the city, the first phase of the project would be located on 26.5 acres between the greenbelt and 78th Street and include 1,241 residential units and between 43,800 and 67,800 square feet of retail and other non-residential uses, including a coffee shop, public gathering space and bike-related retail. The apartment buildings will top out at four stories tall and lower to two and three

Plans for the proposed Gentry on the Green mixed-use development include gathering spaces and bike-related retail options and an open development that blends seamlessly with the nearby Indian Bend Wash. (Special to the Progress)

stories along 78th Street, said John Berry, the project’s zoning attorney. According to site plans, phase one would also include onsite parking that meets or exceeds parking requirements set by the city. Berry said there are no firm plans for phase two, but the application states it could include office, retail, hotel, residential health care and residential units, according to the application. Though no timeline is set for the project, the earliest site work would begin on phase one is 2021, said Susan Bitter Smith, who conducted community outreach for the developer. Phase two would likely not begin for 10 years, Berry said. The developer is seeking to rezone the property to allow for the mixed-use project. Under current residential zoning on the site, it can only house multifamily residential, such as apartments or condos. This would not allow for the other retail and non-residential uses the developer plans for the project. The City Council will also have to approve a major general plan amendment for the site in order for the project to move forward under rules set forth by the city’s 2001 General Plan. Both the site’s size and proposed change in use triggered the need for the major amendment. The City’s 2001 General Plan states that a major amendment is required if a site is changing from an urban neighborhood

designation to a commercial, office or mixed use. The General Plan also requires a major amendment for changes in land use on sites in downtown Scottsdale that are 10 acres or larger. The developer plans to use the project to activate the adjacent section of the greenbelt and take advantage of the city’s plans to become a hub for bicycle tourism, said Jason Rose, a spokesperson for the project. Rose said the Indian Bend wash in this area is currently underutilized as a venue for pedestrians and cyclists. “This seeks to change that and capitalize on that existing infrastructure and create a whole new category of bicycle tourism in addition to being a kind of the first bikecentric community that we’re aware of in the Valley,” Rose said. The project will include an open-air event pavilion near the wash that could house bike-related vendors. The project will also feature a paseo that can connect the wash to the edge of the property near downtown Scottsdale. The project could also include a splash pad or water feature, outdoor gathering spaces, coffee shop and retail. With the exception of the community’s two pools, the rest of the property – which will not be walled off like the existing apartments – will be open to the public. The total public space in the development is 115,000 square feet, nearly double the 64,000 square feet at the Scottsdale Waterfront.

Berry said he envisioned similar uses for the space, such as concerts and other outdoor gatherings. Because of the size of the development, the project has the potential to displace hundreds of current residents if and when construction begins. The development team said it has performed public outreach over the past 10 months, including going door-to-door in affected communities and holding open houses and has received substantial support for the new project. “Existing tenants that are there are excited about new potential rentals,” said Bitter Smith, who conducted outreach for the project. “A lot of them only have a year there. They’re short term rentals and their lease rates are about a year.” One existing tenant, Kellie Fox, has mixed feelings about Gentry on the Green. She said she appreciates that the project does not have massive heights like new developments in downtown Scottsdale but is concerned about the uncertainty the proposed project brings to her living situation. Fox, who was not able to attend meetings with the development team due to conflicts with her work schedule, said she has had a hard time getting solid timeline information for the project from the apartment’s management. Fox works downtown and said she enjoys the convenience and affordability of

see GENTRY page 13

CITY NEWS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | OCTOBER 13, 2019

PRESCHOOL from page 10

in sight. Other drivers and I got out and ushered the kids to safety.” Crouch, who did not return a call for comment, said in her post the school staff didn’t even know the children had gone missing until she screamed and pounded on the lobby door. “I’m still shaking,” Crouch added. “I have kids that age.” The state Health Services Department has inspection reports available online for three years for child-care facilities. Records beyond three years are purged, according to a state official. The Val Vista preschool location had seven citations issued since 2018. Six citations were issued Dec. 6, 2018, and one issued last May 16. An investigation of a complaint was done on site on July 2, 2019, however, there were no evidence to substantiate the allegation, according to state records. Records for the Scottsdale location show 21 citations from 2017-19. In 2017, state inspectors issued seven citations; in 2018, 10 citations and for 2019, four citations. All were corrected. The Scottsdale facility appeared to have been opened since 2012, according to online Yelp reviews. Citations at the Scottsdale site includ-

ed children lacking written immunization records, diaper cream tubes labeled only with a child’s first name, an electric fan left on a diaper changing sink in the 1-year-olds’ room and a staff person who was left alone with children despite a lack of required education and experience for the job. A 2018 citation also noted a roster in the Scottsdale Pre-K room did not reflect the number of children present in the activity area – there were 23 children in the room and the roster documented 22. The day the Gilbert incident became public, more than 200 people posted comments on a social media site, many slamming the preschool, calling for it to be shut down and the teachers fired. “I was a toddler teacher and you are constantly counting kids throughout the day,” Michelle Martin wrote. “Safety is key. That’s unacceptable, dangerous and I’d be so upset, too.” Lynn Marble, who taught in a preschool program for Gilbert Public Schools for 12 years, questioned why it took adults so long to notice that it allowed for seven children to get out and go as far as the street. “This is so frightening,” Annie McCarville Crawford wrote. “They should be fined or closed due to this.”

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Fall decor and vintage items will be on sale 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at the White Dove Thrift Shoppe, 8461 E. McDonald Drive, Scottsdale, to beneﬁt Hospice of the Valley. The family event will have prizes and refreshments and, of course, lots of early holiday gifts to offer. Information: whitedovethrift.org.

GENTRY from page 12

the current apartment community. “It’s so close to everything and I can walk to work,” Fox said. Fox said if her current community closes there are few similar affordable options in the area. Bitter Smith said there are nine long term tenants, one whom has lived on site for 15 years.

Bitter Smith said she met with all nine of those tenants, and that the developer has created a phased development plan that could allow them to remain living on-site as construction progresses by relocating to units not under construction. The zoning and major general plan amendment case for Gentry on the Green will go before the Scottsdale Planning Commission on Oct. 23 and before the City Council on Dec. 3.

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SCOOTERS from page 10

borg, director of government partnerships, indicating it would work with the city to comply, citing its cooperation with Phoenix’s pilot program. “Like Phoenix, we are in close communication with the City of Scottsdale regarding rules regulating scooter use. We are one of the only companies that are following their rules regarding the deployment of scooters at bike racks and other designated parking areas. We plan to continue working with the City of Scottsdale to improve transportation options for everyone,” he said. The city’s report includes an option to ban companies from renting scooters on public property. The scooters would still be permitted to operate in Scottsdale but would have to be set up and returned to pre-set areas on private property. Both the licensing option and the ban are listed as “issues for future consideration” in the report, which also includes some more measured recommendations to address safety and parking issues. It also recommends the city council adopt a $50 impound fee and $25 relocation fee, if city staff has to relocate improperly parked scooters. Complaints from downtown business owners often cite scooters left lying in the

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | OCTOBER 13, 2019

middle of public and private sidewalks. Another question raised is how the city will pay for increased enforcement because staff is already expected to perform significant duties under the existing ordinance. Stockwell said the city has no plans to increase the police presence downtown for compliance, although any licensing option would require additional staff for parking enforcement. Just three staff members were responsible for reporting 61 percent of alleged violations to the ScottsdaleEZ system. Despite that dedication of resource, city court only assessed $9,295.80 in fines from December 2018 to July 2019. The city did propose additional revenue sources in the form of impound and relocation fees. Additionally, licensing would likely generate significant additional revenue. Stockwell said the city would take projected additional revenues into consideration before procuring additional costs. The report also looked into safety issues. Scottsdale Fire Department responded to 89 calls for service related to scooters between Dec. 2018 and July 2019. HonorHealth Osborn Trauma Center reported 116 scooter-related cases between Jan. 2018 and August 2019, including 66 involving alcohol.

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Driving a scooter while drunk is already prohibited in Scottsdale. “From Dec. 13, 2018, through July 13, 2019, Police calls related to scooters included at least 113 citations and five arrests… Of these, 92 (81 percent) were for parking violations, the rest were for moving violations, such as reckless riding, riding under the influence, failure to yield or failure to obey traffic control devices,” the report said. Only two of those injured reported wearing a helmet – something recommended by the CDC to prevent injury. The Scottsdale ordinance contains no helmet requirement. To improve safety, city staff recommends riders under 16 obtain written permission from a parent or guardian. Many scooter companies already have age restrictions. Stockwell said this rule is needed “to protect public safety since private restrictions are not enforceable by the city.” It is further recommended scooters not be allowed to operate between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Another recommendation would create transportation safety zones downtown, forcing scooters riders to move off downtown Scottsdale sidewalks or walk scooters in prohibited areas. “Most of the identified problems re-

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garding scooter usage have occurred in Old Town Scottsdale. Most sidewalks in Old Town are not of sufficient width for pedestrians, bicyclists and scooter users. As a result, the draft ordinance requires dismount zones on sidewalks in the Transportation Safety Zone, which includes most of Old Town Scottsdale,” the report said. However, the rule could actually cause a new safety concern by pushing scooter riders onto busy downtown streets. “This would result in devices being used in the travel lane on Scottsdale Road, Drinkwater and Goldwater Boulevards even though those streets do not have bike lanes,” according to the report. Negretti argued is scooters are pushed onto busy roadways it could result in more danger for all involved. “You put these on the streets and they’re not equipped to handle that,” he said, adding “flow of traffic and trying to then navigate the bike lanes even can be difficult.” Negretti said manuals from the escooter manufacturers state they are to be ridden with two hands on the steering mechanism at all times, which is not conducive to on-street riding that would require hand signals. Stockwell said the city did not study the effect the rule would have on traffic in the area but pointed out - riders are already allowed to ride scooters on the streets in question. Lane, the mayor, said he is a proponent of moving scooters off the sidewalks in Old Town but is concerned about increasing scooter traffic on busy streets. “I wouldn’t be an advocate for moving them out onto Goldwater,” Lane said. Whitehead said the e-scooters have been a valuable transportation resource to the city but safety, including automobile driver awareness, needs to be taken into account. “Any discussion on improved safety must also focus on drivers slowing down and focusing on the road,” Whitehead said. Negretti said riders still need to educate themselves on how to ride safely and what could happen in the event of an injury. He said many user agreements with scooter companies include stipulations for forced arbitration and some limit damages to a maximum of just $100. Negretti also said many auto and home insurance providers, which had provided coverage for scooter riders in the past, are now refusing to cover treatment for scooter-related injuries. “There’s really big concern because I don’t think people think that way,” Negretti said. “They’re getting on a scooter and they’re not realizing that they may not be covered at all.”

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | OCTOBER 13, 2019

Lawmaker wants ban on vaping, smoking laws BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

key House Republican leader is trying to get Attorney General Mark Brnovich to curb efforts by some Arizona cities and towns to raise the age of smoking and vaping to 21. In a letter to Brnovich, T.J. Shope who is the House speaker pro-tem, acknowledged that the Legislature has not specifically preempted local ordinances on the subject. But the Coolidge Republican also says there is nothing in state law specifically authorizing local regulations. “Accordingly, incorporated cities and towns and county governments lack any legal authority to established age restrictions on transactions involving tobacco or vapor products – irrespective of whether such measures are preempted by state law,’’ Shope wrote. Shope is seeking is a formal opinion from Brnovich declaring that local laws on smoking and vaping are illegal and unenforceable. That falls short of an actual court ruling, but could be cited as precedent if and when there would be such a legal challenge. Potentially more significant, a conclusion by Brnovich that Shope is correct then could pave the way for the lawmaker to file a specific complaint with the attorney general that the cities and towns that have enacted these laws have done so illegally. That would allow Brnovich to order the state treasurer to withhold half the state aid each community now gets, effectively forcing local officials to choose between raising the smoking age and state funds. Yet Shope said he would oppose any effort to set 21 as the age statewide to purchase or use tobacco and vaping products. “I don’t necessarily believe in it,’’ he said. “I do believe that if you’re 18 and can go serve in the armed forces you should be able to go ahead and be a full-fledged adult.’’ Shope conceded that, by that logic, Arizona should lower its drinking age to 18. But he pointed to a 1984 act by Congress that trims federal highway aid to states that do limit alcohol consumption to those 21 and older. Shope also acknowledged that vaping interests, including a constituent of his in Florence, are concerned that local governments are going to enact sweeping new rules that will cut into their business and subject them to stiff fines for violations. Shope’s request to Brnovich came as a

surprise to Sen. Heather Carter, R-Cave Creek, who has been at the forefront of efforts to curb vaping by teens. “No kidding,’’ she told Capitol Media Services. Carter introduced legislation last session to set the age for purchase of tobacco products at 21. And a separate measure sought to treat vaping products the same as cigarettes. Neither measure was adopted. New versions are anticipated when the Legislature convenes in January. But their fate remains uncertain amid opposition largely from both retailers as well as some of the manufacturers. Carter said she sees nothing wrong with local elected officials doing what they can in the absence of legislative action. In fact, she said, local action can help move the needle statewide. “Some of the most transformative smoking initiatives have started at the local level,’’ Carter said. That included a ban on smoking in most indoor places adopted by Tempe voters in 2002, two years before it became a state law. Shope’s request comes as council members in several Arizona communities already have adopted their own age restrictions. Shope, in his letter to Brnovich, contends these are all illegal. “Cities’ authority is limited to those powers expressly, or by necessary implication, delegated to them by the state constitution or statutes,’’ he wrote, quoting from a 2007 appellate court ruling dealing with a different question of local rights. “Incorporated municipalities and county governments must predicate any enactment upon an express grant of authority in state law,’’ Shope continued. Shope contends that local governments can act only by “clear and explicit’’ authority. On the other side of the equation, Shope cites a series of court rulings which have overturned local ordinances because they interfered with “matters of statewide concern.’’ That includes everything from what cities can do with seized firearms and public intoxication to whether they can regulate “sign walkers’’ who stand on sidewalks. Shope, whose family owns a grocery store, said this isn’t an effort to protect his own business. He said that store does not sell vaping products at all and its tobacco sales are only about 1 percent of its business.

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Scottsdale author in baby boomer anthology BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

very Friday at 12:30 p.m. since 1977, southern Scottsdale resident and former elite hairdresser Trudy Wells-Meyer, washed and styled her client Margaret Benson’s hair. But when long-time client Benson passed away in 2008, Wells-Meyer had one last appointment with her - inside the mortuary upon Benson’s final request. “She always said to me, ‘When I die, I want you to do my hair at the mortuary.’ And I said, ‘Oh, no, I can’t,’” Wells-Meyer said. “I had never done that. I simply thought I couldn’t.” But, Wells-Meyer kept her promise. In exchange, Benson gifted Wells-Meyer her beloved, treasured ring embedded with 17 diamonds, Benson’s husband Stewart bought on their 17th anniversary. “I still get goosebumps,” Wells-Meyer said. “It was a very emotional time but at the same time, so beautiful.” Wells-Meyer wrote about Benson in a short story titled “The Ring,” which was chosen to be included in the third edition of “Stories Through the Ages Baby Boomers Plus 2019” published in September.

Southern Scottsdale resident Trudy WellsMeyer recently won a short story contest.” (Kimberly Carrillo/Progress Staff Photographer)

Wells-Meyer is one of 15 writers born before 1964, whose short stories were included in a book published by Living Springs Publishers. But this isn’t her first contest win. Wells-Meyer placed in a Writer’s Digest poetry contest and won first place in The Poetry Society of Tennessee poetry contest and in the Dream Quest One poetry and writing contest. She has also been published in five anthologies. However, Wells-Meyer’s most compelling, most interesting story? Her own life story. Wells-Meyer – who writes only in her second language, English; the first being German – grew up in a small village in Switzerland and moved to New York in 1965 when she was 23. Wells-Meyer, a hairdresser at the time, embarked on a fiveday trip, alone, aboard a massive German ocean liner from England.

Speaking and understanding very little English, Wells-Meyer waited 11 months for a green card. “I left [for the U.S.] on July 18,” WellsMeyer said, emphasizing the significance of the No. 8 in her life. “Eight is my lucky number,” she said, adding she didn’t move to Scottsdale until 1968, and she was 28 when she met her husband, Lewis, on Aug. 28. It wasn’t until 2008 when she wrote her first poem, “The Dog That Could Not Walk.” “I won $250 first prize in Chicago and I’d never written poetry,” Wells-Meyer said. And the book she’s working on now, “Some Things Are Simply Meant to Be.” It’s 308 pages long and throughout the book, the number eight is bolded. “I believe in life things happen for a reason,” Wells-Meyer said, hence the name of the aforementioned book, an anthology comprised of her poetry and short stories, including “The Ring.” “The day I went to the funeral home, I couldn’t believe how beautiful she was. She had her favorite dress I helped her

see TRUDY page 18

Wheels helped family flower business blossom

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

ric Louma’s late mother Sharron Louma loved three things: flowers, the color purple and actress Goldie Hawn. And after watching the 1969 romantic comedy, “Cactus Flower,” Sharron founded the family-owned and operated floral business, Cactus Flower, in 1972. “We had a hitching post out front and people would pull up on their horses and we’d wrap flowers and hook them around the saddle horn,” recalled Eric, Cactus Flower President and southern Scottsdale resident. “It was still a pretty small town back in ‘72.” Since, the Louma family has grown Cac-

tus Flower from one location in northern Scottsdale to five locations Valley-wide, delivering floral arrangements to more than 20 cities across the metro Phoenix area and beyond. But what most may not realize about Cactus Flower’s decades-long success story is it also stars a major player and a very important character among Eric, Sharron and the rest of the Louma family: Cactus Flower’s purple workhorses, Ford Transit Connect vehicles. Cactus Flower has used Ford vehicles since the business’ early days to not only deliver upwards of 200 floral arrangements per day and about 80,000 gifts per year companywide but also serve as its

see CACTUS page 18

Scottsdale-based siblings Eric and Kristina Louma run the daily operations of family-owned and operated Cactus Flower. (Annika Tomlin/Progress Staff Photographer)

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | OCTOBER 13, 2019

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | OCTOBER 13, 2019

CACTUS �� page 16

billboard on wheels. “It serves as a sign. It’s also a delivery piece. It’s multipurpose and we could not operate the business without the vans,” Eric said. Sharron coined the term “purple workhorses” for the hundreds of Cactus Flower’s Ford vehicles they’ve gone through over the years. “We’ll put [a] quarter of a million miles on these cars before we trade them in,” Eric said. Cactus Flower started with the Ford E series, also known as the Ford Econoline, and eventually transitioned to Ford Transit Connect vehicles when they were introduced to the U.S. in 2013. Currently, they have 16 Ford Transit Connect vehicles; their biggest truck is a 26-footer. “We deliver to 1,000 square miles. We deliver to 20 different cities in the Valley. We go out to Litchfield, we deliver to weddings in Sedona, we’ve delivered to weddings in San Diego. “We’ll go to a lot of places and we couldn’t do that without vans. They’re just such an integral part of what we do,” Eric said. Ford has been America’s best-selling commercial van brand for 40 years, with

Cactus Flower, owned by the Scottsdale-based Louma family, has used Ford vehicles since the its early days. (Cactus Flower/Special to the Progress)

Transit Connect America’s best-selling small cargo van for 10 years, based on total U.S. reported sales between 2009 and 2018. This year, alone, more than 21,000 Transit Connects have been sold in the U.S., and sales continue to gain momentum heading into Q4. “Small business owners are incredibly important for Ford to stay connected to because their needs are so diverse and much more fluid with changing times,” said Tim Maes, transit assistant brand manager for Ford. A wide range of businesses use Ford Transit Connect vehicles, from floral business and plumbers to contractors and electricians. Cactus Flower’s vehicles are customized to fit its needs, with dualair conditioning and specially designed carriers in the back. Cactus Flower has two types of vehicles: one for special events complete with a pegboard system, allowing them Cactus Flower’s purple workhorses are more than just the company vehicle; it used to be the family vehicle for to lock arrangesouthern Scottsdale resident Eric Louma and his immediments in place in ate family. (Annika Tomlin/Progress Staff Photographer) the back of the ve-

TRUDY �� page 16

pick out. She had on her favorite pearls,” Wells-Meyer said. “She was like my Arizona mom.” “The Ring” is Wells-Meyer’s favorite and most personal piece of writing. Wells-Meyer spent a year and a half writing “Some Things Are Simply Meant to Be,” which originally started as a book about the power of prayer. Now, the manuscript for “Some Things

Are Simply Meant to Be” is a blush pinkhued book with a photo of the Statue of Liberty and a photo of an Arizona sunset on the cover. The cover represents both Wells-Meyer’s journey and the significance of the color pink in her life. For starters, Wells-Meyer’s home is accented with dusty rose furniture, home decor and artificial flowers. She and Lewis, whom she calls Lew, frequently have matching, pink-hued

hicle. One for regular deliveries, customized with containers, allowing them to maximize their delivery runs. “The ability to build out a van to suit whatever experience a small business owner wants to bring to market is an amazing value proposition,” Maes said, explaining: “It helps them reimagine their own brand, define their go-to-market strategy however they see fit, and not be limited to one configuration or roof height to make their vision come to life.” Cactus Flower started off with beige-colored vehicles labeled with a purple script. “I remember it was in the late ‘70s, early ‘80s, talking to our guy that would do the sign — and all the signs were hand-painted; they didn’t have stickers or labels,” Eric said, adding: “He said it’d be a lot easier if he just got a purple van and then we could just write ‘Cactus Flower’ in black or whatever other color. We’d never seen anybody have a purple van before, so we tried it.” These purple vans were more than vehicles for the business; they were also the family car. “I was so embarrassed,” Eric said with a laugh. “I was like, ‘Oh, I’m never going to be available to go to school in this van.’ But it was a signature color which just blossomed. It really took off and is so recognizable.” In addition to its vehicles, Eric atoutfits, too. “I looked out the window, and down by the pool, I see this guy in a blue bathing suit and pink polka dots,” WellsMeyer said, explaining on that day, she was wearing a pink bathing suit, one she describes as the “best bathing suit” she ever had. “We matched before we even met,” she said. For Wells-Meyer, her writing is largely inspired by her life and her memories.

tributes Cactus Flower’s success to its employees. Currently, they have about 65 employees and will increase that number to 150 once the holidays come around – and Halloween is just around the corner. “We’ve got fabulous employees, some that have been here 20-plus years,” he said. “And, we have designers and drivers that have been here for 25, 30 years. They stay because it’s a great family business, too.” Sales Manager Lisa Kellum is one of those long-time employees. “I love coming into work. It just feels really good to be able to be somewhere you love. [Eric] will say, ‘Oh yeah, you can’t plan on leaving,’” she said with a laugh. Eric said he’s considering expanding the business into the Arcadia area — though, a second Scottsdale location could still happen. “We keep going back to downtown Scottsdale, but we need the residential component. We need more people that live there besides us,” he said. “I just haven’t had found a really cool retail area.” However, the current Scottsdale location off Shea Boulevard, is the busiest location, accounting for 30 percent of its total revenue across all five stores. “We have a great relationship with our customers that we get to participate in all their life ‘til death. It’s pretty amazing,” Eric said. Information: cactusflower.com “The biggest thing is I write from the heart,” she said. “I am not a writer on command. I write at a red light, a few words. Sometimes I get up at three in the morning.” Wells-Meyer hopes to publish “Some Things Are Simply Meant to Be” soon. In the meantime, “Stories Through the Ages, Baby Boomers Plus 2019” can be purchased on Amazon or through the publisher’s website at livingspringspublishers.com.

NEIGHBORS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | OCTOBER 13, 2019

Rising Young Professionals

Days OCTOBER

Sunday

13 Scottsdale Philharmonic concert

The Scottsdale Philharmonic will perform a free concert featuring Beethoven, Handel, Lehar and Bach from 4 to 6 p.m. at La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road. Information: 480-951-6077.

Tour de Scottsdale

The 16th annual Tour de Scottsdale, a 70-mile and 30-mile bicycle ride, will start at 6:30 a.m. at Market St. at DC Ranch, 20645 N. Pima Road. Family and friends of the cyclists can cheer on the riders and enjoy fun on Market St. in DC Ranch with live music, special promotions and a beer garden. Information: TourdeScottsdale.net.

Beethoven concert

Commemorating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven, world-renowned pianist Sam Rotman will perform a concert from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, 34605 N. Tom Darlington Road. Information 480-488-3384.

Meet the Artist

Reserve a ticket to attend world-renowned pianist Sam Rotman’s session focusing on the importance of musical study and the way to prepare for a career in music from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, 34605 N. Tom Darlington Road. Information 480-488-3384.

Monday

14 New Faces AA meeting

Find recovery from alcohol ad-

diction alongside this support group at 7:45 a.m. at North Scottsdale Fellowship Club, 10427 N. Scottsdale Road. Club membership is not required to attend meetings.

Breakfast Babies

Parents and their babies can enjoy a delicious gourmet breakfast 9 a.m. Mondays at Brunch Café, 15507 N. Scottsdale Road. Families will meet in the large, private dining room and will receive complimentary coffee and a chocolate-covered strawberry with the purchase of any meal. Grandparents are also welcome to join in on the dining, socializing and read-aloud storytime. Information: 480-3987174.

Tuesday

15 Let’s knit

Learn or practice knitting with others from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road. Free. Information: 480-483-7121.

Drums, rhythm and relaxation

Group drumming empowers people to more effectively express themselves while enabling them to move beyond their perceived limitations. Bring a drum or borrow one from the instructor. Join a class from 6 to 7 p.m. at Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 8880 E. Desert Cove Ave. Information: 480-314-6660.

Twos and threes together

Children 2 to 3 can learn social and literacy skills from 10 to 10:30 a.m. with short stories, finger-plays and action rhymes at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-3127323.

Wednesday

16 Speedy bridge

Join others in a fast round of bridge at 10:30 a.m. at Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda. Registration is required. Information: 480-312-5810.

Walkin’ Wednesdays

Make friends while exercising during a brisk 1.5-mile walk through The J neighborhood from 9 to 10 a.m. at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road. Bring water and walking shoes and meet at the campus’ flagpole. Strollers, dogs and all walking paces are welcomed. Information: 480481-1797.

Digestive health

Everyone is welcome to join integrative oncologist Dr. Rula in a lunchtime conversation about digestive health from noon to 1 p.m. at Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 8880 E. Desert Cove Ave. Attendees should bring a packed lunch. Information 480-314-6660.

Mass Historia presentation

Learn the history you most likely did not learn in school from 2 to 4 p.m. at Holland Community Center, Black Mountain Campus, 34250 N. 60th St., Building B. This presentation will focus on the American Civil War. Information: www.azfcf.org.

Women in Leadership

Guest speaker Ruffin Chevaleau will explain how she gained the skills and knowledge to lead Uber and climb the ladder by taking on challenges from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McCormick Ranch Golf Club Pavilion, 7505 E. McCormick Pkwy. Cost is $75 to $95. There is an additional $5 fee for at-door registration. Information: www. scottsdalechamber.com.

Scottsdale Rising Young Professionals is a program of the Scottsdale Chamber designed to involve, connect and engage young professionals ages 23 through 39 in the Scottsdale area with local business and community leaders and with each other. Learn more about Classic Cooking Academy and participate in a group cooking class followed by networking, door prizes and more from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Cost is $15 to $30. There is an additional $5 fee for at-door registration. Information: www.scottsdalechamber.com.

Thursday

17 Tai Chi

Everyone is welcome to join a class that focuses on gentle and controlled movements that center the mind, body and spirit for health benefits from 3 to 3:45 p.m. at Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 8880 E. Desert Cove Avenue Information: 480314-6660.

Sphinx Date Company

Between 3 and 7 p.m., guests are invited to stop in and explore a sampling tour featuring dates, date shakes, date salsa and chips and more at Sphinx Date Company, 3039 N. Scottsdale Road. Information: 480-941-2261.

AM Connect

AAM Connect offers great monthly networking opportunities. Today’s meeting takes place from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road. Open to Scottsdale Chamber members and non-members. Guest pre-registration is $30. There is an additional $5 fee for at-door registration. Information: www.scottsdalechamber.com.

Friday

18 In stitches knitters group

Gather with other knitters to work on individual projects, share advice and talk with others from 1 to 3 p.m. at Scott-

sdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323.

Advanced beginner bridge

Join others in playing a fun game of bridge from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Drive Information: 480-312-7323.

Chair Pilates

Pilates improves the cardio system, eases back pain, improves bone density and boosts heart rate. Join a class to better physical health from 1 to 2 p.m. at Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 8880 E. Desert Cove Avenue Information: 480-314-6660.

Book club

Discuss Gerry Soufer’s “Frieda Kahlo: Beneath the Mirror” at 10:30 a.m. at Holland Community Center, Black Mountain Campus, 34250 N. 60th Street, Building B. Information: www.azfcf.org.

Saturday

19 Crown Kings

With cooler temperatures around the corner, Scottsdale Quarter is holding another free fall concert from 5 to 7 p.m. featuring Crown Kings, a high-energy cover band who will play the best rock ’n’ roll songs over the last three decades. After shopping or dining this Saturday, be sure to stop for music at The Quad at Scottsdale Quarter, 15059 N. Scottsdale Road.

Etiquette classes for children

Registered students, ages 9 to 12, will practice proper dining skills, how to set a table, proper eye contact, shaking hands, phone skills and more from 1 to 3 p.m. on Oct. 19, 26, Nov. 2 and 9 at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church, 10755 N. 124th Street Attendance is $250. Information: 480-510-6346.

Citizenship workshop

This workshop provides an opportunity to study for the civics portion of the USCIS Naturalization Test from 10:30 a.m. to noon, at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323.

Desert Rose writers

Attendees will enjoy presentations on the art and business of writing to inspire and encourage their written projects from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323.

Sunday

20 Story stop (Ages 0-5)

Build children’s literacy with a free picture book program from 2 to 2:15 p.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323.

Tail waggin’ tales

Children 6 to 10 can practice their reading skills with a certified therapy dog from 2 to 2:45 p.m. at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street Information: 480-312-7323.

In Your Face art

Appreciate bold, brave, colorful self-portraits on display from 1 to 5 p.m. in the front lobby Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323.

Monday

21 Business Energizer

Learn about setting weekly goals and generate business ideas with fellow business owners from 9 to 10 a.m. This group meets virtually. To join, meet the group online through the “Monday Business Energizer” group LinkedIn page. Free. Information: edgar@ compasscbs.com.

USCCA basic pistol class

Those 12 years and older can learn the basics of using pistols safely from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Scottsdale Gun Club, 14860 N. Northsight Blvd. Cost is $119 and includes a gun rental. Information 480-348-1111.

Tiny tot time

Develop babies’ literacy with songs, rhymes, movement and board books from 11 to 11:20 a.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480312-7323.

NEIGHBORS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | OCTOBER 13, 2019

Scottsdale mom finds hope for her little girl BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

North

ven before northern Sco ttsdale Scottsdale resident Season DeAngelis gave birth to her second daughter Sylvie, doctors found a cyst on her brain. Sylvie had brain surgery at 5 weeks old, but this was only the start of her frequent visits to the hospital. At 5 months, Sylvie was diagnosed with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC), a rare liver disease affecting about one in every 50,000 to 100,000 live births worldwide, according to U.S. National Library of Medicine. “We didn’t even know about PFIC until I kept complaining to the doctors that she was super itchy,” Season said. “Then, she was super, super yellow and I knew that only newborns were jaundice. So, I’m like, ‘Why is my 3-month-old turning Northern Scottsdale resident Season DeAngelis describes her daughter Sylvie as a yellow?’” “little ﬁghter.” (Kimberly Carrillo/Progress Staff Photographer) In people with PFIC, liver cells are less able to secrete bile, this buildup of bile in biero Pharma, Inc.’s A4250 PFIC treatment. Squires added: “The potential of maraliver cells causes liver disease in affected The U.S. Food and Drug Administration lixibat to alleviate the intense itch and individuals. granted rare pediatric disease designation control elevated bile acid levels associated Of the five types of PFIC, Sylvie has PFIC to Albiero in June 2018. with PFIC2 could represent an important Type 4, a less common type; and she cur“This drug will help the bile excrete nor- new option for physicians, patients and rently takes four different medicines to mally; it’ll give them the transporter to get caregivers.” treat it: extra bile salts twice a day, ri- it out, so it won’t go back through their Season discovered Albiero through a fampin, a multivitamin, 10-times the nor- blood,” Season explained. Facebook group for parents with PFIC kids. mal dose, and lactulose. “I think this drug will hopefully be just “What helped me was to not be in denial. With no approved therapies for PFIC, the start and they’ll just keep making it I just immediately asked questions,” Seamost families opt for surgical interven- better and better.” son said. “Definitely to get into some type tions, like liver transplants. Season said she is hopeful Sylvie will of support group. For me, it was that FaceBut Season vetoed surgery immediately. pass the screening process. book group. It’s more just surrounding Season calls this on-the-spot decision di“It’s definitely exciting,” Season said. “We yourself with knowledgeable people that vine intervention. will be like the guinea pig of the PFIC 4 can help support you.” “We’re Christian, and I believe it was a kids. We’ll probably be the only one on it, To other parents with PFIC children, SeaGod thing,” she said. “When she was re- to my knowledge.” son’s advice also includes acting quickly ally bad, [the doctors] at CHLA [Children’s Albiero is one of two treatments in its and doing research immediately. Hospital Los Angeles] said, ‘Do you want third phase; the other is Mirum Pharma“The first word is ‘progressive,’ so you to put her on the transplant list?’ ... I was ceuticals’ maralixibat. have to go fast before things get really bad,” like, ‘I don’t want her to go on it.’ It just “There is an immediate need for effec- Season said. kind of came out of my mouth and thank tive treatment options for children with Sylvie is now 2 years old and Season deGod I didn’t because if she was even on PFIC currently suffering from the life- scribes her as a fighter. that list and removed, she couldn’t be on dominating manifestations of this disease,” “There’s ups and downs, but when she’s this trial.’ said Robert Squires from the University of not sick and we can keep her comfortable In November, Sylvie will undergo a Pittsburgh Medical Center Children’s Hos- and nice and cool, she’s a little fighter,” she screening process to get approved for Al- pital of Pittsburgh. explained. “She’s spunky, and she thinks

she rules over her sister. She’s dramatic, but she knows she’s cute, for sure.” Season also has a 3-year-old daughter, Cosette, who was a year old when Sylvie was diagnosed. Having two young daughters was hard on Season, who said she rarely slept when Sylvie was first diagnosed. “The most challenging time for us was when [Sylvie] was diagnosed, but then her blood sugar kept plummeting because her liver was doing so bad. So, I would have to wake up every hour to feed her 24 hours a day. “I did that for at least three months. I was just a walking zombie, and I have another daughter, so not being able to be present for her was hard,” she said. Season and Sylvie have made hundreds of trips to both CHLA and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Although Season spent most of the time at the hospital alone, she said she has a large support system, including her friends, family and husband. One friend, Lisa Brian Leone, even set up a GoFundMe in 2017 on behalf of the DeAngelises to help them cover the costs of medical bills. “I was a dance teacher, so I had 120 students and parents all making ‘Pray for Sylvie’ bracelets, and one of the moms started that GoFundMe page,” Season said. “She put it on for $5,000, and then she was like, ‘People keep asking to give.’” They raised more than $12,000. Now, Season continues to raise Sylvie “as normal as possible.” “We had an amazing pediatrician in Santa Monica who said, ‘She’s going to be out of the hospital one day and then she’s going to be a normal kid. So, you need to make her a normal kid while she’s in the hospital. You need to get on a sleep schedule. “You need to do all the things that you did with Cosette. You’re doing the same thing with Sylvie, just her room is in the hospital,” Season recalled. “That really helped us get through it, too.” For more information about PFIC, visit pfic.org.

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | OCTOBER 13, 2019

5,000 YEARS OF CIVILIZATION REBORN

A journey through 5,000 years

SHEN YUN presents an epic production that expands the theatrical experience across time and space. We invite you on an inspiring journey into one of humanity's greatest treasures—five millennia of Chinese civilization. Featuring one of the world’s oldest art forms—classical Chinese dance—along with patented interactive backdrops and all-original orchestral compositions, Shen Yun brings to life ancient China’s enchanting beauty and profound wisdom.

“It is breathtaking! I am walking away deeply inspired and profoundly moved!” —Rita Cosby, Emmy Award-winning journalist

“The energy, the precision, the beauty... I’m just overwhelmed. It’s so beautiful!” —John Anthony, retired judge

“ I’ve reviewed about 4,000 shows. None can compare to what I saw tonight.”

ALL-NEW PROGRAM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

Early Purchase Special Code: Early20

Get best seats & waive fees by 11/30/2019

—Richard Connema, theater critic

FEB 22–23

MAR 3–8

MAR 12–15

TUCSON

PHOENIX

MESA

Tucson Music Hall Orpheum Theatre Mesa Arts Center

Tickets 800.880.0188

ShenYun.com/AZ

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | OCTOBER 13, 2019

Toy testing helps parents, worthy cause BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

South

oys, kids, dogs and Sco ttsdale chocolate: This is KidStop Toys & Books’ recipe for success. And it’s working out for the southern Scottsdale-based toy store started by owner Kate Tanner’s, on her dining room table. Not only is KidStop the last standing toy store in the Valley, but it’s also celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. “In 20 years, I have inputted over 138,000 different skews,” said owner Kate Tanner. “[The anniversary] doesn’t feel like a milestone; we have fun every day.” To celebrate, KidStop will host its popular Official Toy Tester Event on Oct. 19. “With the holidays coming up, it’s prime time for making those wish lists and this is a great way for kids to test out the toys to ensure it’s a must-have,” Tanner said. Kate Tanner is the owner of KidStop Toys & Books, a toy store in southern Scottsdale celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The entire parking lot in front of the (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff Photographer) store will turn into an obstacle course of demo areas for kids – ages toddler to “Kate Tanner is an important friend of Darts, Fire Station, Grand Central Sta“When you love what you do, I think teen – to test out toys and vote for their Arizona Helping Hands and lends her ex- tion, Hape Pop-Up Shop, Knuckleheads, you genuinely come through to your cusfavorite of the year. pertise and professional connections to Marble Racers, Pop & Pass, Puzzle Cubes, tomer and we really do care,” she said. “When they’re done playing, they vote, assist our team in locating the best pur- Scooters, and Viking Castle. In addition to the event, KidStop is and our manufacturers eagerly await to chasing options to fill gaps not met by “Them knowing that the possibility of celebrating its 20-year anniversary hear who wins,” Tanner said. “When I got product donations,” Shufelt said. them getting that toy, I think it reinforces with an Instagram contest where two home that night, I was counting ballots “Arizona Helping Hands appreciates the magic because they fell in love with families can each win more than $200 and saw how some of the chicken scratch you caring for the 14,000 children in fos- it,” Tanner said. “They talk about it and in prizes. is adorable. To see the way they spell ter care!” all of a sudden it’s under the tree.” To enter, families must post an image things, it’s too cute.” KidStop hosted the Toy Tester Event Tanner said the toys at KidStop are “on of their kids with their favorite KidThe event is free, but KidStop will set for eight years, with its best year attract- the cutting edge.” Stop-purchased toy to Instagram with up 20 toy drive boxes for guests to doing about 3,000 people. “They won’t see [the toys at the event] the hashtag #ToyTester2019. nate a toy for local nonprofit Arizona But, two years ago, Tanner said they again because it’s not in the aisle at TarAdditionally, to qualify, families must Helping Hands. had to stop hosting the event due to get,” she said. “Where else can you go and be following @kidstoptoys on Instagram, KidStop will match the value of every toy complaints from neighboring businesses see your kids walk into a store and play RSVP to the KidStop Toy Tester 2019 donated in addition to donating proceeds about lack of parking. and know that that $100 toy is going to event on Facebook, invite three friends from the sale of $1 water bottles to the “I asked my staff a couple months ago, be worth every penny you spent? You to the Facebook event page and must be nonprofit’s Birthday Dreams program. ‘How should we celebrate?’ And [KidStop don’t know that on Amazon.” in attendance at KidStop’s Official Toy “Arizona Helping Hands is honored to assistant] Chris looked at me and he said, And that’s the benefit of this event for Tester event. be the beneficiary of KidStop’s Official ‘Oh, you’re not going to like my answer, parents: to be the first to discover and The two entries with the most likes Toy Tester Event,” said Dan Shufelt, pres- but I think we need to do another toy tes- purchase certain toys. will win. The contest is live and ends on ident and CEO of Arizona Helping Hands. ter,’” Tanner said. “When you have children, you want to Oct. 17. In the past, KidStop donated toys to Tanner called their landlord, who be the cool parent. Amazon doesn’t make support Birthday Dreams, which pro- agreed to do it one more time. you a cool parent,” Tanner said. vides personalized birthday packages to “They would take the heat for anybody KidStop also matches Amazon’s prices. foster kids. who didn’t like us taking up all their “I have no doubt that if Amazon wasn’t “We assist 300 children each and every parking spots because a lot of people here, this business would be tripled what KidStop Toys & Books’ Ofﬁcial Toy month with their own gift package. With come. It’s fun,” Tanner said. it is today, but we stay competitive,” TanTester Event such huge demand, we rely greatly on Some of the toys featured for testing in- ner said, adding they also provide gift When: Oct. 19, 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. the assistance of caring companies like clude American Ninja Warrior Ninjaline, wrapping services for free, which AmaWhere: 6990 E. Shea Blvd., #103 KidStop,” Shufelt said. EZyRollers, EZyRoller Basketball, Marky zon does not. Tickets: Free KidStop has also supported the non- Sparky’s Faux Bow Pro and Faux Bow Tanner attributes KidStop’s success Call: 480-609-9012 profit’s Holiday Toy Drive, which provid- 130, Birdie Golf, Carpool Karaoke, Clack!, to her and her employees’ overall love Website: kidstoptoys.com ed toys to 17,000 children last year. Cosmic Glow Mini Golf, DeJaVu, Doinkit for the job.

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Acronis SCS unveils veterans training program BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

rom Baltimore to Atlanta to the Flagstaff Uni�ied School District, local governments of all sizes across the country are falling victim to cyberattacks at an unprecedented rate. That is one reason why Scottsdale-based Acronis SCS, a cybersecurity �irm serving the public sector, launched SCSVets, a new initiative to give veterans the skills and certi�ications needed to obtain employment in the cybersecurity space. “In launching this initiative, we’re doing our part to narrow the cyber workforce shortage while providing American veterans and their spouses with the skills they need to succeed in this demanding �ield,” Acronis SCS CEO John Zanni said. Through its SCSVets Initiative, the company has committed to providing 300 veterans, active-duty military personnel and their spouses with the skills and certi�ications needed to begin a career in cybersecurity. The program is part of the larger Arizona Roadmap to Veteran Employment program launched by the state in 2015. Acronis SCS, opened shop one year ago, and launched the initiative, in its new southern Scottsdale headquarters on Oct. 8, with a standing-room-only crowd consisting of Arizona business leaders and public of�icials, including U.S. Sen. Martha McSally and U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton. Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane also attended alongside council members Virginia Korte and Suzanne Klapp. The company marked the occasion by holding an art competition showcasing work by local veterans, which will remain on display in the company’s headquarters. John Fontana, a Navy veteran and 2017 inductee into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society, won the $3,000 �irst-place prize for his painting “Always a Patriot.” The new SCSVets initiative will help inject much-needed talent into a cybersecurity workforce that is woefully understaffed. McSally said there is a “growing threat in the cybersecurity space, not just from organized crime, but from sophisticated state actors, state-sponsored actors.”

$3,000 ﬁrst-place prize for his painting “Always a Patriot” at the veteran art competition held by cybersecurity ﬁrm Acronis SCS during the launch of its SCSVets Initiative. (Kimberly Carillo/Progress Staff Photographer)

Stanton echoed those comments, saying the need for more trained professionals in the industry is urgent. According to Cyberseek, a project from the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, there were over 313,000 un�illed cybersecurity positions in the U.S. between 2017 and 2018. In Arizona alone, over 7,000 cybersecurity positions were open during that time period. Zanni said this shortage comes at a critical time as local governments across the country are facing imminent threats and are not prepared to protect their infrastructure. “The other concern frankly is a lack of urgency in the public sector around this problem of cyber attacks… For some reason, they all think they’re immune or they’re too embarrassed to talk about being attacked,” Zanni said. Zanni said the reason for lack of action on the part of local governments can often be due to lack of funding and understaffed IT departments – a function of the overall worker shortage in the industry. Zanni said the initiative is an attempt to meet shortage problems and match veterans with high-quality jobs. Too often, he ar-

gued, veterans returning to the workforce are matched with positions that do not take advantage of their skills. The current veteran unemployment rate of 3.2 percent in the U.S. is actually below the national unemployment rate of 3.7 percent, but Zanni said there is still an issue of veteran underemployment. The SCSVets Initiative will also provide training for military spouses. Active duty military spouses had an unemployment rate of 24 percent in 2017, according to the Department of Defense. McSally said veterans are uniquely suited to enter the �ield of cybersecurity, because of the “nexus” between cybersecurity and national security. Zanni said the program’s initial commitment is to provide training and certi�ication for 300 veterans, active-duty military members and spouses at a cost of $15,000 per student. The initiative is partnering with New Horizons Computer Learning Centers to provide training and nationally-recognized certi�ication. The program will rely on the use of military-related bene�its, such as those provided under the GI Bill. Acronis SCS is also partnering with the

non-pro�it Arizona Coalition for Military Families to secure donations to offset costs not covered by those bene�its. The initiative is partnering with the Veterans Transition Mission to connect with veterans interested in the program. Zanni said he has already secured funding for the �irst 100 students and he is con�ident the organization will raise enough money to meet its 300-student commitment and eventually train more veterans. The initiative launch coincides with Acronis SCS’s one-year anniversary in Scottsdale. The company, a spin off of Switzerlandbased Acronis AIG, launched in Scottsdale in Nov. 2018, with an eye on providing U.S.based cybersecurity solutions. Zanni said the Scottsdale company, which holds federal and local government contracts, is a separate entity from the parent organization and maintains all customer data on U.S. soil. In Nov. 2018, Acronis SCS employed three staff members and worked at a Deskhub coworking space. Now, Acronis SCS operates out of its own secure facility within The Quad development at Thomas Road and 68th Street and employs 37 employees. Zanni said the company plans to hire around 40 more employees over the next year because parent company Acronis received an investment of $147 million from Goldman Sachs. Zanni said he chose to locate in Arizona due to the talent pipeline from Arizona State University and the University of Arizona also noting the state’s quality of life. When asked why he chose Scottsdale speci�ically, Zanni pointed to Lane and the Scottsdale city government, commenting on the ease of accessibility to government leaders and ease of doing business. According to Lane, the decision was also a win for the city as it builds up a burgeoning technology industry to supplement the travel and hospitality sectors, the city’s bread and butter. “The City of Scottsdale has been known for a lot of great things, but it wasn’t necessarily as a tech center,” Lane said. “We’re quickly developing that aura about our city.”

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | OCTOBER 13, 2019

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | OCTOBER 13, 2019

Opinion

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This conservative supports bond measures BY VERNON B. PARKER Progress Guest Writer

once had the honor of serving as the mayor of Paradise Valley. There, I opposed unnecessary government spending and new taxes. Today, the town is better off because of those efforts. Now, I proudly live in Scottsdale. Scottsdale’s fantastic quality of life is elevated by our wonderful amenities, well-maintained infrastructure and well-equipped �irst responders. A world-class city doesn’t just happen. A premier community takes planning and smart investing. More importantly, it takes good infrastructure. That is where voting Yes on Questions 1, 2 and 3 on the Nov. 5, ballot comes in. This infrastructure package invests $319 million into 58 projects for all parts of Scottsdale. Does that cost homeowners a few bucks? It does, but it’s worth it, especially since the impacted secondary property taxes are projected to keep

going down due to a variety of factors. While this package is certainly not free, as some council members have noted, there is little question each taxpayer still comes out ahead. Taxes would go down a little more if people voted down the infrastructure, but that doesn’t make a lot of sense if taxes will still decline even if we vote Yes. That is why this �iscally conservative Republican will join others in voting Yes on all three questions. When I served as Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for former President George W. Bush, I learned about the need to plan ahead, and to shore up infrastructure in order to avoid future problems. Good infrastructure serves farming and small communities well. Scottsdale voters have not approved a major bond initiative since 2000, leaving citywide infrastructure in need of repairs and improvements. Some of our infrastructures are literally crumbling. We learned about these failures the hard way when Drinkwater Boulevard and parts of Civic Center Plaza were

forced to close because of emergency repairs. Those repairs could have cost lives. Now is the time to be proactive and address our infrastructure needs prior to them becoming unmanageable. I would oppose this initiative if I

public safety is more complex. A bar district, Old Town and Old Town residential development, Downtown and Downtown residential, the art galleries and gallery residential, Southern Scottsdale economic revitalization projects and creation of copious multi-family developments, Scottsdale Quarter, and infill development projects (residential and commercial) from Chaparral Road to Carefree – all bring the need for varied approaches to public safety. Breaking it down a bit more - officers need training/retraining, updated equipment and facilities to accommodate thorough community policing. Question 3 needs our YES vote. Infrastructure. That is Question 2. If the problems with the bridges requireing to shut down because they were

unsafe doesn’t say something about maintenance and replacement, then recall how the Civic Center Parking Garage was closed for necessary structural repairs. Everything ages and costs increases for maintenance and repairs. The jobs need to be done before unspeakable disasters happen. Finally, Question 1. We have a growing population. Our kids need places to play and just be kids. Think about that. By like token, our growing population of folks over the age of 65 need places and services where critical eyes do not cause discomfort. Places where they can just be themselves. And all those things require planning and forethought. These three bond questions provide for all of the above.

Voters should also have conﬁdence in an extra layer of transparency; It’s called the Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee. This committee will be put in place to monitor spending and make sure money is being spent properly on voter-approved projects.

believed our mayor and council were mismanaging our budgetary resources and spending unwisely. Scottsdale’s taxes are low and its bond ratings are high partly because of sound fiscal management. The bond initiative on the Nov. 5, ballot will complete repairs to the Civic Center, furthering its ability to host arts, community, cultural and other special events. Voters should also have con�idence in an extra layer of transparency; It’s called the Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee. This committee will be put in place to monitor spending and make sure money is spent properly on voter-approved projects. I am proud to call Scottsdale home and to make this city even better, stronger by voting Yes on Questions 1, 2 and 3 by Nov. 5. I hope you will also. –Vernon Parker is a Scottsdale resident and serves on the steering committee of For The Best Scottsdale: Vote Yes on Questions 1, 2 and 3.

Safety, repair and play all part of bond questions

BY NANCY CANTOR Progress Guest Writer

his bond election is important to me. It emphasizes the “needs” of Scottsdale and our citizens. It also casts a light on how disconnected some members of leadership have become concerning the everyday lives of residents. And yet, I do support all three questions on the bond ballot. This is not the first time some parts of Question 3 covering public safety have come before the voters. It really needs to pass this time. Public safety is one of the four elements required by law for a city to become incorporated. As Scottsdale residents continue to claim “world-class” status the need for comprehensive

I know. I hear you. You may not trust the city government who will spend those bond funds. But you can trust the citizen volunteers who serve on the bond committee to oversee the funds spent appropriately. Yes, we are “caught between a rock and a hard place.” Trust. If we don’t trust those elected then “We, the People,” have to be more attentive to everything the “electeds” do, how boards and commissions function and whether all residents are being fairly served no matter what part of Scottsdale they call home. I will vote “YES” on all three questions. –Nancy Cantor is a neighborhood and education advocate who is interim chairperson of the Community Council of Scottsdale.

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | OCTOBER 13, 2019

PLEASE JOIN US FOR

S AT U R D AY , D E C E M B E R 7 , 2 0 1 9 , 5 P. M . SCOTTSDALE ARTS CAMPUS Join us for a glamorous evening celebrating the 20th anniversary of SMoCA, and the people who made the dream of a contemporary art museum a reality. The honorees will be receiving the Herberger Award, named after our generous presenting sponsors. For more information and to purchase your tickets, please visit Gala.ScottsdaleArts.org or call Kelly Hicks at 480-874-4662. Squidsoup, Submergence, interactive LED light installation at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 2017.

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OPINION

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | OCTOBER 13, 2019

Bonds will keep Scottsdale a destination city BY TOM SILVERMAN Progress Guest Writer

cottsdale has been my home since 1953. I have owned and operated businesses here and had the honor of serving on the Scottsdale City Council. I served on the City Council in 2000 – the last time Scottsdale voters approved a major bond package. Now, voters have an important choice before them on the Nov. 5, ballot. Questions 1, 2 and 3 address a long list of infrastructure improvements and projects.

The $319 million, 58-project program solves many longstanding challenges our city faces and moves Scottsdale forward for current and future generations. The infrastructure investments will help Scottsdale be a leader in solar energy by bringing new solar panels to city buildings and parking lots. It also increases solar energy production at Appaloosa Library and will install a new solar energy heating system at Eldorado Pool. Scottsdale is a world-class arts destination. The bonds help us keep it that way by renovating the Stage 2 Theater, at the Scottsdale Center for the Perform-

ing Arts as well as making Old Town Scottsdale even more hospitable to tourists and residents through more public parking and pedestrian improvements. WestWorld – another key tourism driver at the geographic heart of the city, generating $111.7 million in economic impact and close to 1,900 jobs, but needs upgrades so it can keep hosting events and stay competitive. Questions 1, 2 and 3 will repair WestWorld’s horse barns and renovate its arena so it can host more events. I don’t need to tell you how important parks and recreation is for Scottsdale’s quality of life and tourism. They are one of the things helping to make Scottsdale

different from other communities. This package repairs and improves existing parks in all parts of the city (Pinnacle Peak, Indian School, Vista del Camino, Indian Bend Wash and McCormick-Stillman Railroad parks). It also builds a new 17-acre park in the northern part of our city and adds a dog park at Thompson Peak Park. The positive impact on our community from Questions 1, 2 and 3 is immeasurable. I hope you will join me in voting Yes on all three questions, so we don’t keep saying that the year 2000 was the last time we really updated critical community infrastructure.

and facilities our communities and children rely on. This override is not new income; these are the funds we’ve counted on over the past years simply to remain solvent as a district. The loss of this override would result in the loss of an estimated $21.4 million per year for the next �ive years. Our highly rated schools attract families and businesses, and we simply cannot afford to lose tens of millions in funding. This continuation of funds is needed in order to maintain current class size ratios, maintain all-day kindergarten, continue an emphasis on technology, and continue to provide students opportunities to deepen their understanding of �ine arts, as well as participate in ath-

letics and extracurricular activities. As the president of SEA, as well as a fulltime middle school social studies teacher at Copper Ridge K-8, it is both my honor and pleasure to have met and worked with so many amazing students, teachers, parents, district leaders, and community members here in Scottsdale. Our schools are made of all of these citizens, and the best way we can make sure we continue to have a thriving city is to support them. Communities are based on great district schools, and here is an opportunity to demonstrate that we value our children and our teachers; that we support our community. SEA is working with Yes To Children in

the coming weeks to get out and walk in our learning communities to show and share our support for this override. We have offered to set up campus by campus listening sessions to educate our teachers and staff about this important vote. SEA remains committed to keeping the promise of quality public education. As Scottsdale Uni�ied School District’s professional organization for educators, the Scottsdale Education Organization requests that you join us in voting Yes on the SUSD override - and to tell your friends and neighbors to vote Yes, too!

Each year, some schools elect to provide a basic vision screening with an eye chart against a doorway down a hallway they deem to be long enough. The school’s nurse or other non-professional eye examiner determines the student can read well enough according to their interpretation of the state’s standards. No offense is intended towards school nurses, but they aren’t vision pros. No referral is made to an optometrist unless the child scores 20/40 or sometimes even as low as 20/50—a score which indicates “below average eyesight” and needing glasses. I spoke with Dr. Kelly De Simone of Eye Priority about her approach to vision in regards to children’s health and education.

At Eye Priority, she specializes in vision therapy, a neuro-optometric treatment that resolves eye behaviors and enhances the eye-brain communication processes. She claims that vision therapy can change your child’s life. “Those standards [for school vision screenings] were written before whiteboards and smartboards,” she explained, which “does not account for the amount of time kids are looking at screens within arm’s reach.” She described how parents might spend several thousands of dollars on reading tutors, behavioral treatments, occupational therapy, medications and more, without consideration for what the eyes might be seeing in the �irst place.

It’s no longer a matter of if you can see, but how the brain uses that information which enables learning to occur. Parents, a 20/40 test is simply not good enough anymore. An in-depth pediatric vision assessment could be the answer your child needs. If your child has an existing or suspected learning or behavioral problem, vision therapy could radically correct their symptoms. It’s well past time to look into the future of our children’s eyes.

Vote yes, tell friends about override election BY KRIS AMBRI Progress Guest Writer

he Scottsdale Education Association invites you to join us in supporting the SUSD override renewal – not only with your vote of YES, but also by helping us to get the word out about this important vote. Through this all mail-in ballot election, a YES vote authorizes the continued increase in our district’s budget. A YES vote allows our Scottsdale schools to remain a source of pride for this wonderful city. A YES vote preserves the programs

–Kris Ambri is president of the Scottsdale Education Association and a teacher in the Scottsdale Uni�ied School District.

The most important exam a child must pass

BY JANELLE MOLONY Progress Guest Writer

id you know that vision is directly involved in attention to tasks, interpretation of words, sensory input regulation, social-emotional learning, developmental progress and delays, handwriting and other �ine motor skills needed in a classroom? Many parents overlook the critical impact that vision has on brain development. A comprehensive vision exam could be a top contributor to your child’s academic success in school. But don’t look to the schools to take the first step for you.

–Janelle Molony, M.S.L., is a former occupational health & safety trainer, former K-12 teacher and author of AdoptionToLife.com.

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | OCTOBER 13, 2019

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Scottsdale College comedy offers laughs and more BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

his month, 11 Scottsdale Community College students will take the stage for “See How They Run,” a classic, fast-paced English comedy bound to leave audience members in stitches. From Oct. 18 to 26, SCC’s production of “See How They Run” offers tense comic situations, spot-on timing, wit, mystery and plenty of ridiculous characters. “The actors are literally chasing each other on stage throughout the production, creating a visually-stunning performance – and challenging the student actors with very sophisticated choreography,” said Don K. Williams, director and recent SCC faculty hire at SCC’s Scottsdale School of Film+Theatre. The plot in this 1945 era play, written by Phillip King, involves the Toop household in a post-World War II English countryside. The family expects houseguests, but �ind themselves greeting an escaped prisoner, a half-naked pastor, an actor-turned soldier, a shy priest, a Russian spy, a wickedly-smart cockney maid, a drunk spinster and a bishop among others. “It’s just really fun and funny and lively,” said Amanda Embry, SCC Theater Arts director and producer of the play. “Right now, in this time, it’s just really good to check out of the stressfulness of everything that’s happening in our lives and be able to check into something that’s funny and just enjoy things.” Embry said SCC chose the British farce to give students material to learn from as well as entertain the audience and students. “Whenever we pick shows, I have three boxes that I like to check. This was one of those plays that I think ticks all those three boxes. There’s a really great learning curve; plus, the audience is going to love it,” Embry said. The cast has been rehearsing for one month. “I just need to laugh more than anything these days. It just seems like everything is so intense. And we laugh a lot in rehearsal,” Williams said. “There are several moments in this show where Penelope and I get into a physical

Students Alexa Maez and Tyler Sorrels rehearse for SCC’s upcoming play “See How They Run” at Scottsdale Community College. (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff Photographer)

altercation, and I end up on the �loor bent over trying to catch my breath because I just got hit by a golf club or I’ve just collapsed onto the ground trying to escape someone,” said 20-year-old SCC theater major, Tyler Sorrels, who plays the role of Corporal Clive Winton. In the play, Winton is a young American actor friend of Penelope’s past who is now stationed with the U.S. Air Force at Waffhampton Air Base. “I relate to [the character] in his sarcastic, quick-to-the-punchline type of humor that he has,” Sorrels said. “It’s funny, when I leave rehearsal sometimes, I’ll call my mom and I’ll tell her about a funny moment that happened, and she’s like, ‘You’re not even acting. You’re just being yourself.’” Alexa Maez, a 21-year-old SCC sophomore theater major, plays Penelope Toop, an American former actress and current wife of Rev. Lionel Toop. “I think Penelope is my alter ego,” Maez said. “She says the thing she wants to when she wants to – maybe at the cost of her reputation and her reputation is everything now.” The most challenging part of putting on “See How They Run,” according to Williams and the student actors, is timing. “The timing is very much like a high beam,” Williams said. “There’s no room for even wobbling. If it’s off just by a second,

that throws you; you can feel it. It’s almost like an audience’s heartbeat.” “It looks like it’s frantic and wild and crazy, but the amount of detail that goes into making all of it is so important,” Maez stressed. “You have to make this line or this joke work at the exact time that someone drops a glove. It’s very dif�icult, but when that’s done correctly, it’s so rewarding – and that’s where the humor is going to come out for the audience,” Sorrels explained. A total of 30 students, including some from three different SCC production classes, have worked together building the set for the performance. “The whole set, every aspect of it, besides Amanda and I, are designed by the students – props, sound, costumes, everything. It’s such a great learning tool,” Williams said. Williams, who started at SCC in August, currently teaches Acting I, II and III courses. Previously, he served four years as the Head of Acting for the Stella Adler Studio/NYU Tisch BFA program and eight years as a senior acting instructor in the same program. More recently, Williams led the Los Angeles branch of the Stella Adler Studio as artistic director and master teacher, and also served as the artistic director for the award-winning HCLAB Theatre Company.

In total, Williams helmed more than 100 Off-Broadway, regional and collegiate productions, in addition to numerous short �ilms. “When the opportunity arose to work at SCC, I jumped,” Williams said. “I was married in Scottsdale, my mother-in-law lives here, my wife is an ASU grad and my daughter took her �irst �light, at 3 months old, to Scottsdale. So much happiness has followed me here that if felt like a no-brainer. Williams hopes to teach students a different, more imagination-based approach to acting. “My methodology ... deals with the Stella Adler acting methodology,” he said. “It’s really about using the imagination as the key component to creating character and life behind the character as opposed to, say, self.” Maez describes Williams as a very handson director. “Don gets in there and jumps around and all that. I can always see Don’s wheels turning and he’s always thinking,” she said. Next season, SCC will perform “Crave,” a 1998 play, written by Sarah Kane – a play tackling heavy themes, including suicide, drug addiction, rape and more. “Sometimes you lean into the climate and you want to make a statement. The next play we’re doing, ‘Crave,’ is about suicide and depression, so we’re leaning into the climate for that one,” Embry said. “See How They Run,” however, will give audience members an escape. “I hope they feel like they’re pulled by the back of their neck on a journey, but also that they can exhale at the end of it because it’s not their chaos. It’s ours,” Maez said. “See How They Run” is free to attend but registering ahead of time is encouraged.

If You Go

“See How They Run” When: Oct. 18-26 Where: SCC Performing Arts Center, 9000 E. Chaparral Road. Tickets: Free Call: 480-423-6356 Website: seehowtheyrun-scc-ssft. eventbrite.com

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | OCTOBER 13, 2019

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