San tan Sun News - 01.03.2021 by Times Media Group

January 3, 2021 | www.santansun.com

Relentlessly local coverage of Southern Chandler

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

CUSD board member alarmed by district’s COVID response BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

A Chandler Unified School District board member struck out on her request late last month to hold a special meeting to discuss the district’s response to the surge in COVID-19 cases. After observing data metrics continue to worsen in Arizona and Chandler, board member Lara Bruner said she requested an emergency board meeting on Dec. 23 to review the district’s instructional options as students prepare to return to school Jan. 5. The governing board last met Dec. 9 and is not scheduled to hold a regular meeting until Jan. 13. But Bruner told parents last week in an email that she became concerned when all three metrics for virus spread hit the “substantial” level on Dec. 17. The most recent available data prior to the SanTan Sun News’ deadline

showed that while cases per 100,000 dropped from 710 to 573 – still nearly six times the threshold for substantial spread – positive new COVID-19 test results increased from 16 to 18 percent and hospital visits with COVID-like symptoms jumped from 10.2 to 12.6 percent. The threshold for substantial spread in those two latter categories is 10 percent. Bruner said she asked on Dec. 18 for the meeting to solely discuss the “instructional modality” for students. District administration is allowing allow students to choose between online and in-classroom learning the first two weeks of January, though the district also states on its website that “providing quality instruction for students in-person will continue to be the primary focus for classroom teachers.” Bruner said, “The ostensible reason

Chandler rocker Ryan Butler and his wife Amy celebrate his recovery that was made possible by a liver transplant. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

Chandler musician sees brighter 2021 with new life Chandler Council updates residential property code See

CUSD on page 3

BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA Contributor

BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

The city has changed enforcement codes dictating how Chandler residents must maintain their properties to include new restrictions on signs, parked cars and “animal excrement.” Chandler officials recently updated its neighborhood codes for the first time since 2007 and said some of the new rules are intended to maintain the aesthetics and vitality of its communities. Residents will not be allowed to have stagnant pools of water on their property, post signs on street lights or utility poles without the city’s permission or let their pets go to the bathroom wherever they want. “No person who keeps or controls any animal shall permit any manure or liquid discharge of such animal to be unloaded, left or dumped in or upon any ditch, street, alleyway, sidewalk, vacant lot or public property within the city,” the code states. City Council authorized its new list of neighborhood codes earlier this month and they are expected to take effect in 2021. Stephen Erno, the city’s neighborhood services manager, said the revised codes are meant to be more concise, comprehensible and relevant to problems impacting Chandler residents. “It’s intended to both deal with the current conditions as well as the longterm sustainability of neighborhoods,” Erno said.

City staff spent months cleaning up the code’s language, he added, so that residents would be able to better understand when they needed to correct something on their property. “It increases transparency by having this type of code that is easier for the public to navigate,” Erno said. The codes revised some rules outlining how residents can sell cars on their property. Chandler residents can now display only one for-sale vehicle at a time and display no more than three cars within a calendar year. The sale cars must be registered to the property’s owner. Any resident doing repair work on their car at home only has 10 days to complete the work and vehicle paint jobs are prohibited, according to the new codes. The city is further prohibiting parked cars from being covered in bed linen, plastic sheeting or any type of tarp. Cars visible from the street can now only be enclosed with a manufactured vehicle cover. Another revised rule prohibits residents from letting their yards deteriorate into dirt lots and requires all exposed dirt to be covered with some sort of natural or artificial material. “No person shall allow or permit any portion of the front or side yard of any residential property that is in public view to be absent of landscaping material,” the rule states. The updated codes also require all See

PROPERTY on page 10

Two months ago, Ryan Butler was cutting his hair and stopped, hair trimmer in hand, and wondered aloud why he was bothering. “I was thinking why am I even doing this? What am I doing it for? I might not even be here next week,” he recalled thinking that October day. Ryan had been diagnosed with Wilson’s Disease, a rare and hereditary liver disease that causes copper to build up in the liver. His mother Lou Butler had passed from Wilson’s Disease at age 43 – Butler’s age when he received the diagnosis following more than a year of downward-spiraling health that included nausea, sleeplessness, extreme fatigue and difficulty walking. Looking in the mirror last October at age 44, he contemplated his face and future, feeling hope was gone. “I just felt I was done: I didn’t think I’d make it,” he recalled. And right at that pensive moment, his phone rang. A liver had become available and

Butler was to report immediately to St. Joseph’s Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation for a possible transplant that very afternoon. It wasn’t the first hopeful call he had received, but the other liver donations hadn’t worked for various reasons. This time he was told that rather than the typical 50/50 chance for a donor match, it looked to be a 90 percent or better possibility. And it was. The life-saving donated liver came from a Colorado male donor – all the information he was given. “Amy and I walked in the main door at the very moment the man with the cooler carrying the liver walked in,” he recalled. Butler, who started Arcane Digital Recording Studio in Chandler in 2004, is a well-known and widely-respected guitarist who toured with heavy metal bands Landmine Marathon and Northside Kings throughout North America and Europe. Even touring, the hard-driving, allout heavy metal guitarist didn’t drink alcohol or take drugs. See

F E AT U R E STO R I E S Chandler baby killer dies by suicide . . . . . . . . . . . . . COMMUNITY . . . . . Page 8 Beauty in the eye of this local business . . . . . . . . . . BUSINESS . . . . . . . Page 26 Chandler woman helps Coyotes' expansion. . . . . . SPORTS . . . . . . . . . Page 30 Chandler charity helps the needy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NEIGHBORS . . . . . Page 33 Hall of Flame a secret treasure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ARTS . . . . . . . . . . Page 36

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

New year brings hope, challenges BY GARY NELSON Contributor

This is what we think we can say about 2021: The beginning is going to be far worse than the beginning of 2020. The end has a chance to be far better. Between that beginning and that end, worlds of uncertainty cloud the horizon. As 2020 dawned, not a single person in Chandler and throughout the East Valley had died or been sickened by a terrible disease we were only beginning to hear about. As it ended, the pall of death and anxiety cast upon communities by COVID-19 was palpable, with some families literally torn to shreds. And as 2021 begins, there is hope that some semblance of normalcy will begin to return as science does for a stricken nation what its political leaders could not – and in some cases would not – do in the face of the worst pandemic in more than a century. For now, we do know that COVID-19 will not magically melt away with the turn of the calendar. We know, for example, that there won’t be any Rock ’n’ Roll marathon here in January. That and other events already have been knocked out by the disease. But will there be a Cactus League season? Will crowds return to the East Valley’s array of cultural and performing arts centers? What about the movies? Will graduates get to walk the stage? Will we stop fighting about masks? Can we ever pack a restaurant again? At this point, with the pandemic raging unabated during the North American winter, such things seem a long way off. And for many, COVID-19 is not just a question of going out for Friday night pizza. For them – our neighbors, our friends, our grandparents – COVID-19 in 2021 will be a matter of existence or nonexistence. Already in December, vaccines were beginning to arrive. With them came painful decisions about who should get them first, and how, and at what cost.

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The degree to which 2021 becomes a better year than 2020 depends greatly on the vaccines’ efficacy and the willingness of sufficient numbers of people to accept them. Recent studies have suggested that resistance to vaccines is disproportionately higher in the East Valley than in other regions, a potential complication in efforts to create a postCOVID-19 world. Resistance to precautions such as face masks has been strong in the region. For example, two of the region’s major political players – Republican Congressman Andy Biggs and Republican state Senator-elect Kelly Townsend – have cast doubt on masks’ effectiveness. Townsend already has said she will defy state Sen. President Karen Fann’s directive that when the legislative session begins Jan. 11, anyone with business in Senate buildings must wear a mask. As all that plays out, there are various other events that we can predict with reasonable certainty for the coming 12 months. No special prognosticative power is required. It is simply the norm for an East Valley still under construction, and in a post-election year where we now get to see the results of the most recent ballot-box decisions.

Assuming the course of COVID-19 remains the one great unknown – that no other life-rattling shocks are in store – here’s a look at what does seem to be on tap for the city and the region in 2021: Chandler City Council will have its first Black woman member and two Black members altogether as Christine Ellis and OD Harris take their seats. Chandler is in the early stages of forming a list of public-works projects to be presented in a bond election tentatively scheduled for Nov. 2. East Valley cities will receive the results of the 2020 U.S. census. These numbers will be used to redraw congressional and legislative district boundaries and, in the case of Mesa, City Council districts. The 2021 session of the Legislature is set to begin eight days from now and Chandler’s six delegates have vowed to make pandemic-related issues a top priority – including more aid for K-12 education and for struggling businesses. A four-year construction project to widen Interstate 10 from just north of the Salt River to Loop 202 in Chandler is scheduled to begin in the summer. A major highway will take shape in southeast Mesa as the state builds the first phase of State Route 24 from Ellsworth Road to Ironwood Drive. Construction will end in 2022. Chandler Public Schools will open a large high school in the fall on Gilbert Road south of Ocotillo. Major road work on Gilbert Road will accommodate the new school. After years of planning and construction, streetcars will be deployed in downtown Tempe, with testing to begin early in the year. The Women’s and Children’s Pavilion, a 378,000-square-foot addition to Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, will begin accepting patients in the spring. The center is in partnership with Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Also this spring, Chandler Regional Medical Center will begin seeing patients in its latest tower, which adds 96 beds and brings the hospital’s total to 429.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

CUSD

from page 1

given for the refusal was that a committee will be forming after break to discuss COVID-19.” “I believe considering the most current and reliable data, which includes the county recommendation to go to virtual instruction, does not undermine district committee work that has not yet begun,” she told parents. “It is in fact our duty and responsibility as a governing board to address this in a timely manner. And as soon as community members and employees in direct contact with students present the committee recommendation, we will certainly revisit this issue to include their feedback.” She also suggested the board had a bigger role to play in deciding when campuses should reopen. “In addition, this is not a decision that should rest on the superintendent’s shoulders. Boards give direction; superintendents implement that direction. I have made my views on this clear in previous board meetings, but wanted to make sure you were aware in case you did not have the opportunity to watch the numerous hours of discussion on this topic,” she wrote. In a statement to SanTan Sun News, Bruner declined to elaborate on her email and did not say who rejected her meeting request. The board’s policies allow special meetings to be held whenever neces-

sary as long as a public notice is published 24 hours before their start time. Board President Barbara Mozdzen, who was recently elected to another four-year term, presides over board meetings. She did not respond to questions regarding Bruner’s request for a special meeting. Board member Lindsay Love, who has been openly critical of CUSD’s handling of the pandemic, said she was disappointed Bruner’s request was denied – especially since Bruner is a teacher in Tempe Union High School District, which has yet to allow five-day in-class learning this school year. Tempe Union had allowed students to be in classrooms two days a week beginning in mid-October, but shut down campuses a month later when virus metrics began trending upward. “It is concerning that a request for an emergency board meeting from the only board member who is closest to the situation as an educator was denied,” Love said. “It sets a tone that we do not value the voices of our educators.” Bruner and Love have often sided with each other in arguing for a more cautious approach to reopening the district’s schools. Over the summer, they voted against allowing students back on campuses in September, when the metrics were considerably lower than they are now. During the board’s Dec. 9 meeting, Bruner said she was disheartened to not see CUSD “follow the science” by continuing to allow in-person instruction. “We know that we should be follow-

ing the metrics of the county,” she said. “And we know that we are putting lots of people at risk.” Despite the district-wide virus data, active COVID-19 cases reported at individual CUSD campuses currently don’t meet the district’s threshold for triggering a temporary closure. Bruner said many CUSD families expected the district to take action when the metrics worsened and feels like the district is not responding to concerns she’s made multiple times. “It kind of feels like I’m Bill Murray in ‘Groundhog Day.’ We’ve had this conversation many times,” Bruner said, referring to the 1993 film about a man stuck reliving the same day endlessly. The district’s current position has not sat well with some parents. One parent wrote new board member Joel Wirth, a former CUSD administrator, that there are no signs the virus surge will ebb soon and told him how her fourth-grade daughter at a Chandler school had contracted COVID-19. She said she was concerned her son, a Casteel High student, risked infection if he returned to the campus but that keeping him home for online learning was not feasible. Because his sister had tested positive, she said, her son “has already been forced to quarantine and missed all his finals.” “I try not to worry about grades because it’s crazy right now, but if the rest of the school is carrying on as if we are not in the worst time of this pandemic yet, how is it fair that those of us actually exercising caution watch our kids

fail?” she wrote. “Teachers cannot teach both virtual and in person with full classes. The current situation and options are totally unacceptable even by the low bar set by the county and state.” She also said, “I personally know 4 infected families and a very ill infected teacher who is believed to have spread COVID to at least 1 confirmed student who then infected her family. This is first hand. Not a rumor I heard. “I don’t understand why an emergency board meeting has been blocked by your leadership, but it feels like an abdication of duty not to address this. If it’s true that one board member is blocking action, it’s time for new leadership.” Along with Wirth, Jason Olive, a parent and architect, also is joining the CUSD Governing Board this month. The two men are replacing Karen McGee and David Evans – who often teamed up with Mozdzen to make majority decisions that overrode the concerns of Bruner and Love. Yet it is not known how Wirth or Olive might vote on future matters involving school closures or virtual instruction. Wirth has previously said he felt CUSD was doing an “adequate” job handling the pandemic and Olive thought the district’s initial response “was not as good as it could have been.” Bruner has openly encouraged the public to contact Wirth and Olive with their pandemic concerns, apparently hoping their arrival will dramatically shift the district’s pandemic approach.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

CGCC enrollment still sliding into spring semester BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Chandler-Gilbert Community College is preparing to have 1,500 fewer students during its spring semester as it continues to grapple with the impacts of the pandemic. The college served 5,500 students in the spring of 2020 as the coronavirus started spreading and currently has about 4,000 students enrolled for the spring of 2021. CGCC started its fall semester with a 22-percent drop in enrollment and,

community college students have cited the coronavirus as the primary reason they’re hesitant to continue, according to the Community College Research Center. As of early December, Chandler-Gilbert had the biggest percentage drop in spring enrollment out of the 10 campuses in the Maricopa Community Colleges District. Only the Scottsdale, Gateway, and Rio Salado campuses have reported positive enrollment growth. Overall, the district’s seen a 15-percent decrease in enrollment and a

“Students that complete FAFSA are indicating to us they want to come to college and are seeking the resources to do so,” the provost said. In order to curtail the enrollment slide, the district plans to extend its deadline for dropping students from their classes for unpaid tuition fees. The district said this will allow students more time to sign up for a payment plan or seek additional financial aid. CGCC administrators hope the college’s enrollment will pick up as

We know 2020 has been particularly challenging and saw many of our “students step away from their academic goals with us earlier this year. We completely understand the importance of evaluating what works best for them in this new environment. ”

– Felicia Ramirez-Perez

like most other community colleges in Maricopa County, hasn’t seen much improvement over the last few months. “The narrative hasn’t changed,” said Maricopa Community Colleges Provost Karla Fisher, “what we’re seeing nationally is what we’re seeing at Maricopa.” National data shows enrollment at community colleges has declined by 10 percent since the pandemic started and students are holding off on pursuing their education plans at twice the rate of students attending four-year universities. About 33 percent of prospective

13-percent drop in the number of credit hours students plan to take in the spring. Fisher said the 10 colleges have collectively managed to narrow the district’s enrollment gap by about nine percentage points through “herculean” marketing efforts deployed over the last couple months. The district could soon see another boost in enrollment, Fisher added, based on the 3-percent increase in applications for Federal Student Aid scholarships recently observed among the district’s prospective pupils.

flex-start classes, which allow students to enroll at any time during a semester, become more widely available. Felicia Ramirez-Perez, the college’s dean of enrollment, said Chandler-Gilbert is attempting to be more accommodating and supportive to students who feel overwhelmed by the pandemic’s impacts. “We know 2020 has been particularly challenging and saw many of our students step away from their academic goals with us earlier this year,” she said. “We completely understand the importance of evaluating what works best for

them in this new environment.” CGCC wants students to know the college wants to work with them on creating a schedule that fits with their current circumstances, Ramirez-Perez said. “Whether it is returning in spring, summer or fall, their next step might be one course rather than a full course load, and we are here to help them take that step,” she added. The majority of CGCC courses have shifted to online formats and only a handful are still being taught in-person. Some courses include a “live-online” option that allow students to interact with instructors and classmates virtually through applications like Zoom. According to surveys by the district, many students have indicated they’re waiting until in-person classes become available again before deciding to enroll or they don’t feel prepared to take an online course. Since the pandemic began, several new health protocols have been implemented throughout the CGCC campus that require visitors to wear masks, greater utilization of bigger classrooms, and restrict access to empty buildings. Jenna Kahl, the college’s vice president of community relations, said CGCC wants the public to feel safe when they come to the campus and the college will continue to make adjustments in order to minimize the risk of contracting the virus. “We hope our students feel welcomed and safe as we continue to keep their safety and education at the forefront of all we do,” Kahl said.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

Chandler judge demoted for ‘problematic’ behavior BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Chandler City Council has demoted presiding City Magistrate David Fuller after an investigation sustained allegations that he behaved inappropriately round his subordinates. In reaction to an internal inquiry that found some of Fuller’s workplace actions “problematic,” Council amended the judge’s contract to strip him of his title and reassign him to work under a new presiding magistrate. City Court Judge Alicia Skupin was promoted to replace Fuller as the acting presiding magistrate until her contract expires in June. Skupin and Fuller essentially switched positions since Fuller will continue working as one of the other magistrates helping to adjudicate traffic tickets, code violations and petty crimes. Council has the option to appoint a new presiding judge before Skupin’s contract ends and the city plans to start the recruitment process for a permanent replacement soon. Fuller’s new contract is set to expire at the end of June. As part of the contract amendments, Fuller’s salary was reset at $166,000 and Skupin will now be paid $175,000. The shakeup was the result of a complaint by Nicole Countryman, a former City Court commissioner, who accused Fuller of threatening and retaliating

David Fuller against her. Countryman, who is Black, filed a $2-million claim against the city in November that alleged she was subject to racial discrimination before her employment in Chandler ended in September. The city hired a Scottsdale law firm to investigate Countryman’s complaint and interview the court’s staff. According to a summary of the firm’s findings, investigators were unable to substantiate Countryman’s racial allegations but concluded Fuller may have mistreated some of his employees.

Witnesses told investigators Fuller’s behavior was “angry” and “paranoid” during a staff meeting on March 20, when he accused the court’s other magistrates of meeting behind his back to plot against him. “Fuller’s allegedly unpleasant behavior was broadly directed at numerous people,” investigators wrote. “Several female employees reported feeling that Fuller treated women with disrespect or in a demeaning manner.” Countryman said her relationship with Fuller began to deteriorate around the time of the March 20 meeting because she felt Fuller was not taking enough precautions to protect court staff from COVID-19. Countryman alleged Fuller’s attitude toward her worsened after she filed a complaint against another court employee with the city’s Human Resources Department. Countryman claimed Fuller started making her work on weekends and forfeit some of her vacation time. The investigators could not find evidence of Fuller retaliating against Countryman because their workplace problems seemed to have started before she had filed her complaint with the city. “Fuller’s allegedly discourteous behavior was not focused on Commissioner Countryman but rather was directed toward a wide array of people,” investigators wrote.

Fuller told investigators Countryman stopped speaking to him after he attempted to advise her on how to dismiss cases involving speeding tickets. Fuller claimed Countryman rejected his instructions and proceeded to work at her own discretion. Fuller further suspected city officials of trying to oust him so Countryman could take his job – an assertion that investigators called “speculative.” The investigation found that Fuller treated female employees differently by giving them tasks that felt “demeaning” and beneath their education level. Women told investigators Fuller would often support ideas made by male employees but not those from females. One court employee claimed Fuller commented on her physical size and eating habits, which Fuller denied. “It is significant that Fuller’s interactions with so many women were problematic,” the report states. Fuller was appointed to preside over the Chandler court in June 2019 after serving as assistant director of Phoenix’s Office of Court Appointed Attorneys and working as an assistant prosecutor for the Town of Gilbert. His work history has not turned up any other known instances of workplace misconduct and the Arizona Bar Association has not taken any disciplinary action against Fuller since he joined the Bar in 1990.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

Now, keep your hands on the wheel – or else BY JIM WALSH Staff Writer

After a long delay, it’s time for drivers to finally put down their cell phones unless they want to see red and blue flashing lights in their rear-view mirror. Arizona’s distracted driving law went into effect three days ago, Jan. 1, and Chandler police officers and their counterparts throughout the East Valley and beyond are planning to write citations right away, trying to break motorists’ dangerous habits of texting or checking emails behind the wheel. The law originally was passed in 2019 after a driver struck and killed a Salt River-Pima Maricopa tribal officer along the Loop 101, but it included an 18-month educational window during which officers could only issue warnings. While officers will still have discretion to issue warnings, their advice is simple: don’t count on it. The new law makes it illegal to touch a cell phone while driving – or even to rest it on your lap, another habit police have noted – with a call to 911 one notable exception. Drivers are still allowed to use hands-free devices, such as Bluetooth, that are commonly built into the dashboards of most modern cars and trucks. The penalties are civil fines ranging from $75-$149 for the first offense, and $150-$250 for the second or subsequent offenses. And a violation is considered a “primary offense” – meaning that police can stop drivers for talking on the phone alone and do not need any additional violations to pull them over. The Arizona Department of Public Safety has issued 15,000 warnings, as directed by Gov. Doug Ducey, who signed the bill into law, said Bart Graves, a DPS spokesman. “The whole reason for the law is to keep people safe on our roads. The best thing we can do is keep them from being distracted,’’ he said. Traffic safety advocates say that distracted driving causes the same level of danger as an impaired driver with a .08 percent alcohol level, the minimum level at which Arizona drivers are presumed to be impaired under state law. Police in Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert and Chandler all say they have been issuing warnings. Gilbert took a somewhat different approach, designating a series of six “hands free duty’’ days in which officers made traffic stops and issued warnings to drivers holding a cell phone in their hands, said Brenda Carrasco, a Gilbert Police spokeswoman. The last of these warning events is planned for this week. Carrasco said activity on the department’s social media pages indicates that some residents are irritated by distracted drivers and look forward to enforcement of the hands-free law.

“I think it will depend upon the circumstances,’’ whether some is cited or warned for violations noted in the new year, she said. After issuing a long series of warnings, Mesa police traffic Officer Mike Kuntz is looking forward to issuing citations, saying that they tend to make a longer-lasting impact on the behavior of drivers. “I educate a lot of people. Every time I drive past a car and they are on the phone, I make them put down the phone,’’ he said. Kuntz said drivers have been backsliding into their old habits during the educational campaign rather than improving their safety by putting down their phones. “A year ago, a lot of news agencies reported it. I would say that initially, it improved,’’ he said. But Kuntz said authorities now need to regain the momentum lost during the long delay in enforcing the law. “You drive down the road, we all see there are so many people on their phones. It’s ridiculous,’’ Kuntz said. “There will be no more warnings from me. There will only be citations. I have been waiting for 1 ½ years to give citations. “I need to gain compliance from you,’’ Kuntz said, adding he’s not buying excuses. “Just put it down. If you can’t put it down, put it in the trunk,’’ he said. Alberto Gutier, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, said he is planning a public service campaign to remind drivers that the state law takes effect on Jan. 1. Chandler and Gilbert police said they also are planning to post safety videos about the new law’s requirements on the social media as another method of reminding the public that it is becoming effective. “No one likes to be pulled over. Being pulled over is the best message for people who are driving distracted,’’ Gutier said. “I think the momentum will come right back.’’ Gutier said he believes the new law will save lives and that it represents a direct opportunity to improve public safety. “Even though we had more than a year of warnings, now it’s the real thing,’’ he said. “People need to put their phone down.’’ Sgt. Jason McClimans, a Chandler police spokesman, said it’s not realistic to think all drivers will suddenly put down their phones and pay attention to their driving on Jan. 1. “It’s going to continue to happen. It’s so ingrained in people’s heads,’’ McClimans said. The public needs to understand that driving is a complicated act requiring their full attention and that the vast majority of texts and messages can wait until they are parked, he said. See

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

Chandler baby killer takes her life day before jail

she was expected to be sent to prison to begin her sentence. Folwell had bonded out of jail shortly after her arrest in October 2018. Chandler Police arrested her after discovering evidence on Folwell’s cell phone that indicated she had planned to kill Rainer. Folwell made more than 100 searches for information on why parents kill chil-

dren, missing baby cases and how long it takes for babies to drown. Folwell initially told authorities her son had been kidnapped from a nearby park. Her story was quickly contradicted by the discovery of Rainer’s body in the mother’s apartment. She later confessed to drowning Rainer in the bathtub and never told Chandler Police her motive for wanting to kill her son. Folwell’s arrest attracted national media attention and sparked a public outcry over why nobody around her had spotted any warning signs of a mental illness. The Arizona Department of Child Safety had not received any reports of child abuse or neglect involving Folwell before Rainer’s death. Eric Canku, the baby’s father, previously said he wished Folwell would have let him take custody of their son before she decided to drown Rainer. The father felt Folwell’s actions should result in her getting the maximum possible prison sentence. “I want her to have a life without parole,” Canku said during one of Folwell’s court appearances. “She can live every

day knowing what she did to that poor innocent child. The pain she has caused me has no definition.” Canku’s family said they have mixed emotions about Folwell’s recent death. They had wanted her to be held accountable for her crimes, yet they hadn’t expected Folwell to pay with her life. “This was definitely not something we would have ever wished for her,” Canku’s family wrote in a statement. “Eric did not want the death penalty and wanted her to serve her time.” Because Folwell died before her case could be fully adjudicated, prosecutors have asked Gates to dismiss her criminal charges “without prejudice,” a legal term that leaves the door open for the state to refile charges against the same defendant. Folwell’s attorneys objected to the prosecution’s request, asking the judge to dismiss the case “with prejudice” because it is impossible for Folwell to be charged again. “The finality of her case is evident,” Folwell’s attorney stated. “Justice requires that the dismissal be with prejudice.” Gates has not issued a ruling.

“There are certain people out there who understand warnings. We feel they won’t do it again,’’ he said. Marc Lamber, a personal injury attorney, said he has represented many clients who have lost a loved one or have suffered serious injuries from distracted driving. He recalled a time when there was

more tolerance for impaired driving before extensive public education campaigns changed people’s attitudes. Because almost any hazard can pop up suddenly while driving, “you need to have full attention with your hands and cognition with your brain,’’ Lamber said. “I see more and more accidents involving someone who is on the phone

and distracted. Ninety-three percent of accidents are caused by human error,’’ he said. He also said that the law taking effect and Bluetooth being widely available, when it comes to motorists keeping your hands off their phone behind the wheel, “I hope it will become as automatic as wearing a seatbelt.”

SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

A Chandler woman who pleaded guilty to drowning her month-old son died by suicide last month, the day before she was scheduled to be sentenced for her guilty plea to murder. Jenna Folwell, 21, apparently took her life Dec. 13. Police found her body on a Tempe street. Investigators believe she jumped from a nearby building and found no evidence of foul play, Tempe Police Det. Greg Bacon said. Court records show Folwell had been scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 14 for her plea to second-degree murder of her son, Rainer, who was found dead in the mother’s Chandler apartment two years ago. The baby had been drowned in a bathtub and his wet body was stuffed into a duffle bag. Folwell, who had been free on bond, pleaded guilty in November and agreed to serve at least 14 years in prison. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office notified Judge Pamela Gates of Folwell’s death on Dec. 14, the same day

DISTRACTED

from page 7

“We believe the number of distracted driving citations will increase dramatically,’’ McClimans said, adding that he thinks there are circumstances where a warning will suffice in changing someone’s behavior.

Jenna Folwell

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TRANSPLANT

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He said from the minute he awoke following the transplant surgery at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital, he felt better. “I felt the symptoms were gone and I felt a sense of hope,” he said. With him when he awoke was his wife of 12 years, Amy Butler. He credits her for standing strong through the entire process even as she herself suffers from health issues, including fibromyalgia. “She’s just been amazing; she’s really pushed through all this and been there for me,” he said. Butler’s transplant operation was a success and though still recovering, the 20-year Chandler resident said he’s thankful the liver symptoms he’d been living with for years are gone “There had been a lot of major fatigue and I itched all the time, which is weird,” he laughed. “And I’d get the hiccups, sometimes 15 times a day. I just always felt kind of sick, like I had a bad flu. And I had glaucoma in one eye which resulted in cataract surgery.” Certain symptoms had begun as early as 2014 and worsened in 2018. He started having glaucoma issues. He couldn’t help but think of his mother. “Every time I had antibiotics, or they’d put me under, I’d get sick. I kept telling people to check for Wilson’s disease but they said, no, you don’t have that.” After losing the sight in one eye, he was checking in for his second cataract surgery and his eighth eye procedure when it was determined Butler had a 103 degree fever he hadn’t even been aware of. His ophthalmologist told him something wasn’t right. “I was told to go get a full blood work-up and that’s what led me to Dr. (Justin) Reynolds. He said I had Wilson’s Disease and if they’d caught it earlier, I possibly could have managed it with medication,” he said. Instead, Butler was facing liver failure and was placed on a liver transplant list. Even when he moved to the top of the list, the matches weren’t there. As he struggled with his failing health and increasing financial worries, friends gathered to aid him and his wife. A GoFundMe page was launched by friend and former Landmine Marathon bassist Matt Martinez. “As a member of the bands Land-

PROPERTY

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

from page 1

driveways and walkways be free of any “blighted appearance” or “hazardous conditions.” Over the last few years, Chandler annually sees about 5,000 reported cases of residents not following one of its neighborhood codes. Though a resident found in violation of the city’s codes is subject to a civil citation, Erno said it’s rare for Chandler to quickly penalize a resident and take them to court. Less than 1 percent of violations result in a citation, he noted, and only 12 citations were issued in 2019. Chandler has relaxed its enforcement even further this past year in order to not burden families who may

Ryan Butler wants to start playing his guitar again but for now he has to wait and hope that numbness in several fingers - the result of them being taped to an IV pedestal - will eventually go away. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

mine Marathon, Unruh, Northside Kings and many more, he has released music to critical acclaim, toured the world and established countless lifelong friendships,” Martinez wrote. “As the owner and engineer of Arcane Digital recording studio, he produced, engineered, mixed and mastered an impressive catalog of music that fills our record collections.” The GoFundMe site remains open. Nearly $50,000 of the $80,000 goal has been raised. A virtual concert, ButlerFest was held in November, organized by Martinez and Mesa’s Nile Theatre owner Michelle Donovan and her crew. Bands from around the nation filmed 20-minute sets for the event, including Jimmy Eat World, Dropdead from Rhode Island, San Jose-based Exhumed and Bob Bruno from Best Coast. The outpouring of support and love from some people he hadn’t seen in decades, was extraordinarily moving Butler said. “So many talented musicians put together an amazing streamed festival that also raised a great deal of funds to help us,” he said. “It makes me count my blessings daily and really value others even more than I did before. The support of friends and family was so touching and amazing.” The advent of a new year brings memories of last January when Butler started feeling the dreaded hereditary disease start kicking in.

“In January 2020, I was beginning a steady descent. A few months later, I was scouring Amazon for canes. Things just got worse from there. “Around the time COVID hit, I became extremely hypoglycemic and didn’t know it. Amy had to bring the paramedics in one morning when my blood sugar was below a fifty,” he recalled. “There were so many problems after that, but I just learned to work with them. That’s all gone now and I hope to have this January and 2021 be one of the best years in my life.” With 2021 at hand and his new liver making life easier, Butler is optimistic for his future. “I’m very much looking forward to the new year,” he said with a chuckle. “Hopefully, we’ll be all caught up on bills and the business will be running again smoothly. Hoping to not have any health hiccups,” said Butler. “They’ve said that at the four-month mark, I can really start exercising hard again, so I plan on mountain biking and camping again as soon as I can build myself back up to it and get this water weight off that’s built up from my liver being so bad for so long. My wife and I would like to travel a little more too, but we’ll see how that pans out.” One disheartening side effect he’s still experiencing is the numbness in his thumb and two fingers of his left hand, a result from having them taped to an IV pedestal during the operation. “I’m hoping that the sensation in

my fingers gets back to normal and I can maybe start playing music again sometime. Not nearly at a level that I did a few short years ago, but at least in a local capacity. “Touring is tough financially and physically and I don’t plan on adding that stressor back into my life. I just really look forward to getting back to the life I led before my platelets dropped, anemia kicked in, then fatigue, and all the snowball that ensued afterwards,” said Butler. “And once COVID lightens up, I plan on spending as much time with family and friends as possible and just enjoying life again.” Butler said especially in the last month, he’s enjoyed continual and daily improvement. “Everything has a different meaning now,” he says. “This is my chance to keep going and enjoy what I have been given by science, the doctors and a selfless person who donated their organs.” According to the United Network for Organ Transplants,there were 8,896 liver transplants in the U.S. in 2019, an increase of 7.8 percent from the previous year. Butler has great praise for his physicians. “Doctor Reynolds and his team at St. Joseph’s really guided me through all of this over the last year and a half, and will most likely be my team for life. Dr. (Thomas) Chaly did an amazing surgery and it blows my mind what these people were able to do with science and their talents to save me,” he said. “I couldn’t be more grateful.”

have been economically impacted by the pandemic. The city will only issue a citation when it’s exhausted all other remedies, Erno said, and every citation must be pre-approved by a supervisor before it’s issued. Financial penalties have been changed to include a fee structure that increases fines for every violation a resident commits within a two-year period. Fines are now $250 for the first violation, $500 for the second and $750 for the third. In order to prevent code enforcers from having to issue penalties, the city partners with nonprofits whose volunteers clean up the messy properties of elderly homeowners unable to do the work themselves. About 150 households have received such help over the last three years.

The updated code further streamlines the city’s abatement process, which takes place after a resident doesn’t respond to notices to fix the hazardous conditions of their property. On average, it would take about 100 days for the city to gain legal authority to go on the property and remove the hazard. The new code shortens the timeline to about 60 days. Before bringing the revised codes to Council this month, city staff spent several weeks gathering input from residents – who had mixed feelings about the new rules. While some supported the changes and called them long overdue, others felt they are oppressive and onerous. “I do not agree with these ordinances,” said Leticia De Los Santos, who lives in northern Chandler. “It is a far reach

of (the) government and the poor citizens of Chandler will not stand for it.” Eric Vogel, another resident, found the rules pointless and objected to the additions that regulate parked cars and vehicle repairs. “The City of Chandler should not be concerning itself with how pretty someone’s private property looks,” Vogel said. “Anyone who cares about this already lives in an HOA.” But some city leaders believe the revised codes are fair and written in a way to target the residents who repeatedly refuse to maintain their property. “This makes it cleaner, quicker to get these neighborhoods cleaned up,” said Councilman Matt Orlando. “We’re giving them another tool in their toolbox to go after some of the bad actors.”

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

SRP launches effort to block wildﬁres

BY GARY NELSON Contributor

With Arizona locked in an epic drought, Salt River Project is launching an effort to prevent its watersheds from going up in smoke. The utility, which delivers water and electricity to vast swaths of the East Valley, does not expect the program to be an overnight success. Indeed, the timetable stretches 15 years into the future. But SRP sees the program as essential to preserving the region’s water supply over time. The focus is on asking SRP customers to contribute $3 a month or more when they pay their electric bills. The money will be earmarked for forest-thinning projects in northern and eastern Arizona, with SRP donating up to $200,000 a year in matching funds. SRP hopes to thin up to 50,000 acres of forest per year, eventually covering a half-million acres by 2035. That should be enough, the utility believes, to mitigate some of the most disastrous effects of the wildfires that have been tearing through Arizona with frightening regularity for the past 30-plus years. Elvy Barton, who oversees forest management for SRP, said customers already have been donating to assist the utility’s reforestation efforts in some of Arizona’s burn scars. “We are now transitioning into more of a focus on strategic forest thinning projects that reduce wildfire risk,” she

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Devastated forest areas like this near the Superstition Mountains are prompting SRP to thinning forest to reduce the chance of still more wildfires in the state. (File photo)

said. “Our focus with this new program really is just to not have these large, devastating wildfires across our watershed.” Of those, there have been plenty in recent years. This year’s Bush Fire, which began northeast of Mesa and covered some 193,000 acres, was the fifth-largest in state history. The four larger ones all have occurred since 2002. The immediate impacts are obvious: Scorched earth, imperiled communities, lives in danger. But, Barton said, the fires also threaten the quality of the water that SRP delivers to the thirsty East Valley through water-

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sheds along the Salt and Verde rivers. “The reliability and sustainability of the water supply … comes from these forested watersheds,” she said. Even a blaze such as the Bush Fire, which burned mostly desert, can affect water quality, she said. “If there’s a high-severity burn on those acres, a lot of that material – the ash, the debris and the dirt – following precipitation still flows into the streams and rivers, eventually making its way into the SRP reservoirs,” she said. “If those flows are below the reservoirs, they will actually go straight into our delivery system.”

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

High court to decide lawmaker’s immunity with Mesnard suit BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

The Arizona Supreme Court has agreed to decide the scope of immunity provided to state lawmakers, using a case involving a South Chandler legislator. Without comment the justices last month agreed to hear arguments by former House Speaker J.D. Mesnard that he cannot be sued by ousted state Rep. Don Shooter because he released an investigative report nearly three years ago concluding that the Yuma Republican was guilty of sexual harassment of others. Mesnard claims that falls “within the sphere of legitimate legislative activity’’ which generally immunizes legislators from legal action. The court also has agreed to decide whether that “sphere’’ covers the separate decision by Mesnard, now a state senator representing Chandler, to issue a press release explaining his actions. Shooter contends that release falls outside any official legislative action. And that, he argues, allow him to sue Mesnard over alleged “false and misleading statements’’ about the report and its findings. The Supreme Court likely is Mesnard’s last remaining effort to have the lawsuit filed by Shooter dismissed. His attorney, Steve Tully, has made the same arguments to both a trial judge and the state Court of Appeals. But in both cases the courts declined to grant blanket immunity and said they needed to hear more before deciding whether

J.D. Mesnard Mesnard’s actions are legally shielded. That, however, means the state, which is providing Mesnard’s defense, continues to accumulate legal fees. Potentially more important politically, if Shooter gets to proceed with his case that could publicly expose what the former lawmaker contends are provisions of the original report that were favorable to him, provisions he says Mesnard removed before it was presented to lawmakers and the public. That report was the basis of a 57-3 vote by the House in early 2018 to expel Shooter. Attorneys for Shooter contend that report was “materially altered’’ from what the outside investigators originally

produced. Among the items missing from the final report, the lawsuit says, is evidence that then-Rep. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, who had been one of Shooter’s accusers, had herself sexually harassed a female former legislative staffer. That information, Shooter contends, could have undermined Ugenti-Rita’s credibility. And Shooter says Mesnard’s press release, with its alleged false and misleading statements, was defamatory because it made him appear to be untruthful. But if Mesnard gets his way and the Supreme Court decides he’s absolutely immune from being sued, all that will be legally irrelevant. There is no specific provision in the Arizona Constitution granting broad immunity to state legislators. What there is, however, is a section saying that lawmakers are not liable in any civil or criminal prosecution “for words spoken in debate.’’ Tully, himself a former legislator, told the Supreme Court that the question that needs to be resolved is whether a lawmaker’s actions “fall within the sphere of legitimate legislative activity.’’ If they do, he said, the “speech and debate clause’’ of the Arizona Constitution prohibits them from even being questioned about them, much less sued. He argues that covers not just pure speech during legislative sessions. Tully said that includes legislators “performing a legislative function.’’ In this case, he said, the investigation was conducted and the report was pre-

pared as part of the constitutional power of the House to investigate claims against its own members. “The report was an integral part of the work of the investigation and well within the legislative sphere,’’ Tully told the justices. But Shooter’s lawyers said that all changed due to “Mesnard’s surreptitious editing’’ of the report to remove exculpatory information about Shooter. “Mesnard was not performing a legislative function but rather was engaged in an attack on Shooter,’’ wrote attorney Philip Byler. Tully, however, denies that Mesnard either altered the report himself or directed investigators to make changes. Mesnard’s attorney also contends the press release is protected because it “occurred during a legislative session and concerned legislative matters.’’ “It was issued from the speaker’s office on government letterhead,’’ Tully argued. “It informed the public of the actions taken by the speaker in response to actions taken by Shooter as a member of the Arizona House of Representatives.’’ Byler, however, said the press release was not legislative but “political in nature,’’ similar to lawmakers preparing newsletters for constituents and speeches delivered outside the legislative chambers. “While these are legitimate actions for a legislator to perform, the U.S. Supreme Court has held they are not protected by the privilege,’’ Byler told the justices. No date has been set for the hearing.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

Study shows erratic nature of COVID-19 spread

director of the Arizona Public Health Association, said this kind of data is particularly useful for those making policy decisions regarding smaller geographic areas, such as school districts. The virus can crop up in clusters, he suggested, because it can pass so easily from one person to another, especially in certain environments. “It is distinguished from influenza, for example. What you see with influenza is a more sporadic type of situation,” Humble said. “This virus is more contagious than influenza … especially with certain environments like bars and nightclubs.” According to data compiled by hc1, the COVID-19 positivity rate for those 20-29 years old in Scottsdale was 24 percent in May, when hordes of young people were seen at local bars and clubs. In August, after bars were closed most of the month under an executive order from Gov. Doug Ducey, the percent positive for that age group in Scottsdale dropped to 8 percent. Research from around the world supports the idea that transmission of the virus can be feast or famine. In one notable case from Washington state in March, one sick member of a choir sang in a room with 60 other people for two and a half hours. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

BY ANTHONY J. WALLACE Cronkite News

Research from Arizona and beyond suggests the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can spread erratically, making some infected people “superspreaders” and others dead ends for transmission. This can create clusters or “micro-hotspots” – neighborhoods, schools, towns or other small geographic areas where the virus runs rampant – even while communities next door remain relatively unscathed. These concentrated outbreaks aren’t included in the Arizona Department of Health Service’s COVID-19 data dashboard, which breaks down cases by county. Dr. Peter Plantes, an internal medicine specialist, works with hc1, a health care data analysis company that recently launched a COVID-19 dashboard explaining the dynamics of the pandemic in new detail. The company partners with more than 20,000 labs across the U.S. that quickly share the results of COVID-19 tests, along with the patient’s address. The firm then calculates the percentage of positive COVID-19 tests by city and, in some cases, neighborhood. Plantes said the patient information they receive from labs is subject to privacy laws. For example, the platform’s Maryvale east zone in Phoenix, showed a percent

Efrem Lim, a virologist with Arizona State University, said research indicates that it is possible that some people may shed more virus than others, but an undoubtedly important factor is the choices an infected person makes. (Cronkite News)

positivity of more than 29 percent – nearly double the recent positivity rate for Maricopa County and is second only to the Yuma zone for highest in the state. Conversely, the Tempe north zone just 10 miles away had a positivity rate of about 11 percent over the same time period – the lowest of all zones across Arizona. “I often think of it like radar in weather,” Plantes said. “A weather front

can go through a town, and a tornado, thunderstorm or hailstorm can be happening in one part of the county and yet the other part of the county has sunshine.” Plantes’ dashboard uses data from about 1.1 million COVID-19 tests administered in Arizona – or about 42 percent of the total reported by the Department of Health Services. Will Humble, former director of the department who now is executive

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report found that 87 percent of the people there got sick; three were hospitalized and two died. On the other hand, stories abound about people living in close contact with an infected person for weeks without getting sick. With COVID-19, it appears that a small number of infected people often are responsible for widespread transmission. Efrem Lim is a virologist with Arizona State University who leads his institution’s collaboration with the Arizona COVID-19 Genomics Union, an alliance of researchers from across the state that collects viral samples, sequences their genomes and shares the findings. What they’ve found is the virus is constantly mutating, albeit usually in a

way that doesn’t make it more or less dangerous to humans, Lim said. These tiny changes, however, do cause it to leave a paper trail in its genetic code as it spreads from person to person. If someone has an identical version of the virus as another, they likely contracted it from that person, or at least the chain of transmission between

the two is short. The researchers have examined more than 3,000 positive samples and recently published an analysis of their data in the American Society for Microbiology journal mBio. They found that the virus started circulating in Arizona in February and these first instances of community spread were imported from the outbreak in Washington state. Lim’s group determined that the state’s first COVID-19 case – a member of the ASU community who had recently returned from China – resulted in no additional cases. “So that was the opposite of a

superspreader, someone who was very compliant, followed the rules, isolated, and there you go,” Lim said. “You see evidence of it completely shutting down the chain of transmission.” Their data also showed where one infection resulted in many others, whether through a single superspreader event or through a chain of transmission. This quality of the virus – that some can give it to no one and others to many – does not have to do with its genetics, Lim said. For various reasons, he added, it is possible that some people may shed more virus than others, but an undoubtedly important factor is the choices an infected person makes. “A lot of it is actually driven by human behavior, which is why it’s important that people should still keep wearing a mask,” Lim said.

Still time to honor veterans who passed away SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

The holidays may be over but donations are still needed by Wreaths Across America, which honored dead veterans by placing wreaths on their graves at cemeteries across the country, including Chandler’s Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery. For every wreath sponsored during the campaign, which runs through Jan. 15, Wreaths Across America will match the number of wreaths sponsored. That

means donors can honor twice as many veterans with their sponsorship. For example, a Family Pack of four wreaths will honor eight veterans while the Small Business Sponsorship of 10 wreaths will honor 20 veterans. “More than 1,800 veterans were honored at the Wreaths Across America event at the Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery on Dec. 19, but there are more than 2,700 veterans interned at the cemetery,” said event coordinator Michael Whitaker of the Chandler

Exchange Club. An individual wreath sponsorship is $15, a Family Pack of four wreaths is $60 and a Small Business Sponsorship is $150 for 10 wreaths. Go to wreathsacrossamerica.org/AZ0084P. The Wreaths across America got its start in 1992, when the Worcester Wreath Company had a surplus of 5,000 wreaths and arranged for their placement at Arlington National Cemetery. It has since become a national project. Last year, 2.2 million veterans

received wreaths at more than 2,500 locations nationwide and abroad. The Chandler Exchange Club, chartered in 2013, is part of a national network of community service clubs across the nation. The club’s name is derived from “exchanging” ideas to better serve the local community. Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery since 1963 has been serving the East Valley and has been hosting the Wreaths Across America event since 2015.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

Mesa senator vows deﬁance of mask rule BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

With COVID-19 still flaring, the president of the State Senate has ordered that anyone coming into the building must wear a face mask to attend sessions – setting the stage for a confrontation with Mesa’s newly elected Sen. Kelly Townsend. Senate President Karen Fann said the directive is designed to ensure the safety of everyone conducting business at the Capitol, including people with preexisting conditions and those who care for vulnerable individuals. The Prescott Republican acknowledged that the issue of masks has become a political lightning rod, but said she hopes the rules will “eliminate some of the divisiveness we have encountered throughout this pandemic.’’ That does not appear to be working. Townsend, the east Mesa Republican who had served in the House and was just elected to the Senate, said she has no intention of complying. “I’ve already told them where I stand,’’ she told Capitol Media Services. “What are they going to do? Arrest me?’’ What can be done, if the rules are followed, is simply refuse to allow Townsend into the building. “They’re going to physically block me from the building?’’ she asked. “Well, that’d be fun,’’ Townsend added, promising to invite a reporter there

When she switches from the House to the Senate next month, Mesa Republican Kelly Townsend says she won't mask up. (File)

when she attempts entry. Townsend also is questioning Fann’s ability to enact what is formally being called a “protocol’’ as there has been no vote of lawmakers. But Fann believes she’s on solid ground, citing an existing rule that gives her, as president, not just control of the Senate chamber but “all parts of the Senate wing and all other areas and buildings used exclusively by the Senate.’’ Fann indicated she’s unlikely to back down – even if it brings legislative action to a halt.

“Failure to adhere (to these rules) could result in lack of quorums, inability to conduct voting and other work we need to accomplish,’’ she warned. And the ultimate result, Fann said, would be shutting down the session. The rules are designed to facilitate actual committee hearings, including allowing members of the public to actually participate in hearings. But it remains doubtful that supporters or foes of legislation will be able to pack hearing rooms the way they have until now. That’s because visitors will be allowed into the building only to actually participate in a committee hearing or for a prescheduled meeting with a senator or staffer. The House is expected to announce its own rules this coming week. They are expected to be similar, with Fann saying the Senate rules “were developed in collaboration with the House for uniformity and consistency for all within the Capitol community that participate in legislative proceedings.’’ The rules come as lawmakers grapple with how to conduct business amid the continued threat of infection from the coronavirus. It starts with the idea of limiting the chances that someone who is infected will even enter the building. Under the rules, anyone wishing entry, including lawmakers, staff and visitors, will be subject to temperature checks. Then there’s the requirement for

masks. A legislator or staffer in his or her own individual closed office will be free to unmask. And there even are allowances for people who have their own dedicated work space, which can include a desk or cubicle. “However, if one person enters another person’s dedicated work space, then everyone in that space must wear a mask or other appropriate face covering,’’ the rules read. “There are no exceptions.’’ And not just any mask or piece of cloth covering just part of the face. “Masks or other face covering must cover the nose and mouth and should fit snugly against the sides of the face,’’ according to the policy. There is a provision for those who are “medically unable’’ to wear a mask according to their doctor. They are required to wear a face shield that covers the mouth and nose. But that’s not a preferred solution, with the rules urging these people to work remotely. There is a separate rule for “social distancing’’ of six feet between individuals, along with no shaking hands or other physical contact. The rules also create a new duty for Senate pages, requiring them to disinfect hearing rooms and the caucus rooms after each meeting. And there will be free testing for staffers and lawmakers during certain hours of each day.

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Tourism officials hope Arizona’s climate trumps COVID-19 BY ANTHONY J. WALLACE Cronkite News

Winter in Arizona usually signals a reprieve from intense heat as well as a time of economic prosperity for local businesses as visitors flee winter for Arizona’s kinder climes. But the intensity of Arizona’s – and the nation’s – COVID-19 pandemic has left the season filled with uncertainty. Local economists and business owners are wondering whether the draws of Arizona this winter will be enticing enough to encourage the annual arrival of snowbirds. They’re banking that the attractions of Arizona’s weather and cultural offerings will trump pandemic concerns. “Arizona’s fantastic year-round weather is our best asset and number one selling point during winter. To be able to golf, sit on a patio or enjoy a hike during this time of year is impossible in snow-covered parts of the country,” said Kim Sabow, president and CEO of the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association. Gwen Gyug, a Canadian with a home in a 55-plus community, said there also are health benefits to spending time here during the coldest months of the year. “As you age, the winters in Canada do take a toll on you as a senior,” Gyug said. “Warmer weather also gives you a better chance of living longer.”

Signs of the times at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport remind arrivals of the need to protect themselves and Arizonans from COVID-19. (Special to the SanTan Sun News)

In Canada, many activities must be put on hold for winter, as “when the temperature drops to below 30 degrees Celsius, or negative 22 degrees Fahrenheit.” “Together with the added wind chill, it instantly causes the skin to freeze,” said Gyug. Additionally, many Arizona cultural attractions, closed due to COVID-19, have reopened to the public recently. The Phoenix Art Museum, the Arizo-

na Museum of Natural History and the Arizona Opera are welcoming guests back with appropriate safety measures in place. “They love the arts; they love going out and spending money in restaurants,” said Glenn Williamson, the CEO and founder of the Canada Arizona Business Council. “It’s not a vacation,” she added. “It’s a lifestyle, so they get up in the morning and they’re creatures of habit. They

get their coffees, and they want breakfast with their friends. Then they might go and do a sport together.” According to the Canada Arizona Business Council, tourism is a $2.4 billion industry in Arizona and about $1.4 billion of that comes from Canadians. After the initial outbreak of the pandemic in March, the U.S. and Canada acted quickly and temporarily See

TOURISM on page 22

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

from page 20

restricted non-essential travel across the US-Canada land borders. These restrictions have remained in effect and the most recent deadline for them to end is January 21. Both governments had initially hoped to be open by April. Since March, however, that date has been extended seven times. Non-essential travel is defined by these countries as recreational, such as tourism. Essential travel for work and study, economic services and supply chains, health reasons, safety and critical infrastructure support can continue. The ban on car travel has already made an impact on Arizona businesses. For example, Miguel Marquez’s RV repair company, Desert Mobile Home Services in Mesa, has felt the brunt. Noting as many as 160,000 winter visitors from Canada come to Arizona in RVs, he said, the ban “really affects towns like Mesa, Coolidge, Florence and Yuma.” He said some communities “double in size.” “This time, oh man, maybe a few cars from Canada,” Marquez said, describing the current state of his business. “Other years, it’s like hundreds of cars.” To combat these issues, the Mesa Chamber of Commerce is working to provide extra assistance to companies like Marquez’s, by providing personal protective equipment as well as legal and web development advice. “The city of Mesa received fed-

eral funding and put the Mesa Cares program in place to support small businesses,” said Sally Harrison, president and CEO of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce. Meanwhile in the skies, Gregory E. Roybal, the spokesman for Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, said his airport has seen “strong demand for domestic leisure travel and 70 percent of our passengers are origin and destination passengers.” He noted the precautions the airlines are taking, such as enhanced cleaning protocols, hand sanitizer, plexiglass barriers at customer service counters, reconfigured seating at various restaurants and new handrail cleaning technology. All these safeguards, he said, are convincing many travelers to feel comfortable boarding planes once again. Harrison agreed, saying that, “Many are coming back and flying into Gateway airport.” While a Canadian citizen could enter America by plane, they would have to quarantine for 14 days following their return home. To alleviate this issue, the Calgary airport is experimenting with a rapid-testing program that permits customers to get swabbed as soon as they land, and only quarantine for a few days until they get their result if the test shows they are negative for COVID-19. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported that this “voluntary screening option will be available for foreign essential workers — truckers, health care and other workers who are exempt from the current federal

travel ban — and any Canadian citizens returning to the country through Alberta.” Arizona, California, and Florida, the most popular destinations for these travelers, do not have any quarantine period. Many snowbirds have differing opinions on the matter of public safety and whether border restrictions should remain or be if they should be made looser to allow for more personal responsibility. “It’s pretty scary because I’m immunocompromised and because our numbers here in Canada are just growing incredibly, I don’t think they should have open borders,” said Bobbie McIntyre, winter visitor to Arizona for nearly 15 years. Alternatively, some visitors are willing to accept the risks if it means returning to a place “they almost consider home,” Williamson said. Rhonda Miller, who has been vacationing here for 12 years, said, “Talking to my friends, even if the borders aren’t open after Christmas, I think we’re all gonna fly.” However, this hinged on getting adequate travel insurance. McIntyre explained that she was looking at an insurance package that included airlifted medical evacuation if needed. “My daughter was surprised I would even consider that,” she continued. “Really you do have to think about if it’s worth it for one winter.” Sabow, who has headed the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association for four years, stated the main concern in her industry now is rebuilding trust and ensuring the comfort of these longtime customers.

“That is why AzLTA launched the AZSAFE+CLEAN Certification program in an effort to build consumer confidence and awareness about the safety and cleanliness of hotels and resorts in response to COVID-19,” Sabow said. The policy allows local businesses to adapt and continue providing valuable services while prioritizing the health and safety for their clients, especially those considered high risk. “Counting tourists that stay in hotels coming from Canada, we get about a million of those, and they bring in about $1 billion a year,” Sabow said. Furthermore, many visitors have a deep sense of community and belonging here. “We have friends that are American snowbirds, and we have those that we met on a cruise that go to Phoenix as well,” Gyug said, “We’ve got a lot of friends down there.” Overall, Arizona’s local government and entrepreneurs are doing everything in their power to reinvite and entice these valued guests back to their second home, and it appears the risk may be worth it to many. “I think this year, winter snowbirds are already coming down and I think it’s going to be a medium to good winter this year,” Williamson concluded. McIntyre recalled her first trip to Arizona to illustrate the state’s lure for Canadians and residents of wintry states. “It was like I had died and gone to heaven,” she said. “To get to go to these wonderful places all winter, I have no right to ever complain.”

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

State likely to add new congressional seat BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

All those folks fleeing from elsewhere to this state put Arizona on track for picking up a 10th seat in the U.S. House of Representatives beginning in 2022. And that’s going to result in some political jockeying among current and would-be federal lawmakers as current members of Congress weigh whether to seek reelection in their own redrawn district or run in another. There also is the potential for political musical chairs with not just an open race for governor but GOP lawmakers eyeing a chance to oust newly elected U.S. Senator Mark Kelly in 2022. All that is the result of new preliminary estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau showing the state’s population has increased by slightly more than a million since the 2010 Census – a growth rate of 16.1 percent, the fifth highest in the nation. By contrast, the entire country grew at just 6.7 percent. Only Utah, Texas, Idaho and Nevada had greater decade-over-decade growth. What makes that important is that the House has a fixed number of representatives at 435. If Arizona is growing so much faster than much of the rest of the country, it should get a bigger voice in that chamber. And states that haven’t

This map shows what states likely will lose or gain a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

grown as fast or whose populations have shrunk would lose. Only thing is, it’s not a matter of simple math. On paper, the current national

population of nearly 329,500,000 would translate out neatly to individual congressional districts of about 757,434 people. But Kimball Brace, president of Elec-

tion Data Services, which analyzes the data, pointed out that the U.S. Constitution requires that each state have at See

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

CONGRESSIONAL

from page 23

least one representative. That means Vermont gets one, as does Wyoming, North Dakota and Alaska. There’s also the fact that the population of the District of Columbia, estimated at about 713,000, effectively doesn’t count as it is not entitled to any representation at all. Factoring all that out, Brace figures Arizona with its growth since 2010 will get one more seat. There are even bigger gainers. The biggest is expected to be Texas – which Kimball figures will add three more seats, bringing its representation in the House up to 39. That’s based on adding more than 4.2 million new residents in the past decade. Florida also is likely to pick up two more seats, moving to 29 representatives. And along with Arizona, other states gaining a seat are Colorado, Montana, North Carolina and Oregon. Brace said New York, which actually lost more than 41,000 residents, according to the latest estimate, will drop at least one of its 27 seats in the House. He figures it actually could be a net loss of two. That’s due to the bid of the Trump administration to exclude from the count those people who are not lawful-

t? o G ws Ne

This map shows the current congressional district boundaries in Arizona, which are likely to change. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

ly present in the United States. The U.S. Supreme Court this month sidestepped the legality of that move, with the majority of the justices concluding the case was not ripe for review because the administration had not said which individuals it wanted to exclude from the count. That potentially paves the way for a future ruling. Brace figures if undocumented individuals are excluded, that likely would cost New York a second seat. And the winner in that scenario appears to be Alabama which might be able to hang

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when possible. Commissioners also are required to create as many politically competitive districts as possible. That means there is a mandate of sort to take what have proven to be “safe’’ districts, like those occupied by Republican Andy Biggs and Democrat Raul Grijalva, and find ways to try to even them up by party registration. The new lines, by definition, won’t match the existing districts. So incumbents will have to decide whether to continue to run in the district where they live or another district as nothing in federal law requires a member of Congress to live in her or his district, though it usually is politically advisable. Complicating matters is what else is up for grabs in 2022. Kelly, elected this year to serve the last two years of the term of Sen. John McCain, will have to seek his own six-year term. And that could prove tempting to Republicans like Biggs and David Schweikert. On the Democrat side there is the chance that Greg Stanton might choose to run for governor -- it will be an open seat with Doug Ducey unable to serve a third term -- rather than seek another two years in Congress. And with Ducey out of the way, GOP members of Congress might eye that office.

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on to all of its seven representatives. California also is likely to lose a representative, leaving it with just 52 members in the House. That still leaves it far ahead of anywhere else. Also declining would be Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. The analysis by Election Data Services of the newly released data shows that if Arizona gets 10 seats in the House, that means 10 districts each with about 742,000 residents to meet the legal mandate for equal population. But the fact is that all parts of the state haven’t grown equally fast in the past decade. The biggest growth rates have been in the Phoenix metro area, extending into parts of Pinal County. So, it’s likely that a new congressional seat would have to be carved into that area. That means even more clout for central Arizona: Six of the state’s nine congressional districts include parts of Maricopa County; add Pinal into the mix and now it’s seven. It ultimately will be up to the Independent Redistricting Commission to decide how to redivide the state. The bipartisan voter-created panel is required to consider a variety of factors, like respecting communities of interest and using county boundaries

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For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Chandler business carves a niche in beauty industry BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Christie Kerner thinks she has found one of the secrets to a woman’s happiness: a smooth, clump-free, stress-free brand of mascara. “Mascara is at the heart of what helps women feel good about themselves,” she said. The Chandler resident launched her cosmetics company, My Little Mascara Club, earlier this year and aims to carve out a special niche in the beauty industry. Rather than prioritize one-time purchases, Kerner’s company encourages customers to become subscribers to a unique brand of products designed to give women luscious eyelashes. Patrons receive little beauty kits in the mail that include the company’s signature formula of mascara in little tubes designed to last about six weeks. When the make-up runs out, the subscriber gets another kit in the mail. “We have the opportunity to change the shape of mascara,” Kerner said. The company’s little tubs are different from the standard size seen in department stores. Kerner said the small size helps reduce the possibility of mascara clumping together and becoming unusable.

Christie Kerner “By bringing the size down, not only is it a better experience and easier to create beautiful lashes – but it is also less wasteful,” she said. The company also emphasizes its mascara’s sustainability and safety since it contains mostly natural products. “Mascara is known for being highly

toxic and women kind of put up with it,” Kerner noted. Kerner said she spent more than a year researching mascara formulas before settling on a group of ingredients that offers stunning results without all the harmful chemicals. Mascara isn’t the only selling point to the company’s beauty kits. Every subscriber is regularly supplied with lifestyle tips and inspirational messages geared towards uplifting their spirits. A woman’s emotional health is a top priority for Kerner and her staff. That’s why the company’s website is filled with blog posts offering advice on how to navigate relationships, motherhood, and overcoming common insecurities that plague women. Cosmetics aren’t just about making someone look pretty, Kerner added, because women can build intimate communities around their beauty knowledge. She recalled how she would give mascara tutorials to her childhood friends as an 11-year-old girl and the joy they all felt sharing a ritual that made them feel more connected. Despite her take-initiative attitude, Kerner’s professional background consists of helping other entrepreneurs bring their ideas to fruition. She ran

Arizona State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship while she worked at making her own idea for a business become a reality. She had been “Frankenstein-ing” her own mixture of mascara brands for years and longed to find a singular formula that could give her the dark, noticeable lashes Kerner wanted but without any hassle. Once she had done her research and assembled a team, Kerner decided she was ready to start selling her own brand of mascara in March 2020. The timing wasn’t great to start a new business venture, she noted, considering the economic ripples that were about to be unleashed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were building the company in a bit of a crazy year where the first couple months were pretty intense,” Kerner said. “So, it was a rocky start.” But Kerner seems to revel in the challenges that come with starting a business from the ground up. The thrill of running a business involves the obstacles that arise unexpectedly, she said, and force the entrepreneur to think with greater innovation. “You really get in there and try to solve a problem in the best possible way,” Kerner said. Information: mylittlemascaraclub.com.

Gila Community likely site for new soccer stadium ARIZONAN NEWS STAFF

Ahwatukee could be within a stone’s throw of Arizona’s highest-level professional soccer team. Phoenix Rising FC, announced it is relocating its stadium and professional training facilities from south Scottsdale to Wild Horse Pass within the Gila River Indian Community from the Casino Arizona site at McClintock Drive and Red Mountain Loop 202 Freeway. “The move will immediately increase seating capacity at the stadium, improve VIP luxury suites, speed entry and exit from the stadium complex and add additional training fields,” the team said in an announcement. “Since the launch of Phoenix Rising FC in 2016, fan support has been consistently increasing,” said Phoenix Rising FC Governor Berke Bakay, noting it sold out 23 consecutive matches at the Casino Arizona Field before the pandemic closed sporting events to spectators. Bakay also said the move “will immediately increase stadium seating by more than 35 percent and also provide room for future expansion.” In addition to increased seating, the stadium will include an enhanced video board, a larger press box, improved sound and a new family-friendly general admission section. Plans also call for a “lively supporters’ area anchored by two of USL’s top fan

This rendering represents Phoenix Rising’s vision for its new stadium on Gila River Indian Community land. (Courtesy Phoenix Rising)

groups Los Bandidos and Red Fury” as well as a permanent ticket office, new locker rooms and an on-site administrative office. “The Gila River Indian Community has a history of successful partnerships with many professional and collegiate sports teams in the Valley,” said Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Lewis. “We are very much looking forward to having Phoenix Rising be the first to play its games within our community.” The Gila River Indian Community and Wild Horse Pass Development Authority have been working for some time on the deal for the facility, which will be located just south of Gila River Hotels & Casinos Wild Horse Pass near the junction of the

I-10 and 202 freeways. “The new stadium complex will feature multiple paved roads for quick entry and exit, a paved VIP parking lot and permanent bathrooms for fans,” the team said. The team expects the facility will be open for the start of the 2021 USL Championship season, which is projected to begin on or around May 1. USL is delaying the start of the 2021 season to give clubs the best chance to play a full season schedule in front of fans. Prior to selecting Wild Horse Pass for its stadium and training facility expansion, Phoenix Rising officials said they spent the past four years discussing possible stadium locations with many local

governments including Maricopa County, Mesa, Phoenix, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Scottsdale and Tempe. “We appreciate everyone from these governments who spent time exploring stadium location options with us,” said Bakay. “We will be forever grateful to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community families comprising the Solanna Group for embracing us in 2016 and providing a home on their land for our initial success. We intend to continue working with them well into the future, as their development plans include construction of a multi-purpose stadium and more sports fields.” Established in 2016, the club has won the 2020 and 2018 Western Conference Titles as well as the USL Championship’s 2019 regular season title. Scottsdale Unified School District several weeks ago had announced the club is also negotiating to take over an abandoned school campus for a training facility at 68th and Oak streets, and that deal is apparently still on the table. “As one of the most successful professional soccer teams in North America playing in the USL Championship, Phoenix Rising needs to accommodate its growing fan base with a larger stadium, welcome visiting teams from around the world See

RISING on page 29

BUSINESS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

Mom and daughter team up on gourmet granola, ‘dog-nola’ BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor

About six years ago, Ahwatukee resident and corporate trainer and coach Dena Patton seized on what became a popular holiday gift to give her friends and colleagues. She made her own granola. It wasn’t just any old combination of nuts and what-have-you, but an all-natural concoction of nuts, real vanilla and other all-natural ingredients that merge into a not-too-soft and not-too-hard snack or, with milk, breakfast. But this year, Patton’s friends got something else for Christmas. Because that granola – along with an all-safe canine version – has evolved into a business for Patton and her 12-year-old daughter Alli, a seventh grader at Kyrene Altadeña Middle School. It started as a result of the pandemic, Patton said. “When you’re in the middle of the quarantine and you have a daughter that’s an only child and all the sports and all the camps and everything were canceled, you know, we’re sitting around twiddling our thumbs and we thought, ‘You know, how could we change this time for good – for good for us for good for others? Like what could we do that’s quarantine-safe?’ “And we thought, ‘You know, we make that granola that everybody loves and can we turn that into a business?’” Alli – whom her mother credits as not

Dena Patton of Ahwatukee and her daughter Alli are teaming up on making and selling their own granola, along with “dog-nola” for canines with the munchies. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

only a baking whiz since she was 5 but also a gifted artist – got busy working up a logo and labels for jars while her mom secured the necessary city permits to operate a cottage food business. But Alli also is deeply involved in making the granola – the result of many months six years ago of trial-and-error to get the right combination of ingredients that become a treat that’s not too salty and not too sweet, Patton said. Alli has loved baking since she was in kindergarten and even attended summer baking camp two years, learning “all about measurement and precision and baking and ovens,” her mom said. They adopted the trade name Soul

Granola – inspired by a remark from a colleague of Patton’s after he tasted her concoction and declared “it had soul.” Mom and daughter also decided to make their product especially meaningful by adding a note with each jar. “This is such a hard year,” Patton said. “We always add an encouraging note. It sounds small but I think it’s the small things that make a difference right now.” Patton is all about encouragement as well as granola making and corporate training. She is one of four founders and the CEO of a nonprofit called Girls Rule Foundation, which aims to empower girls’ leadership skills.

As the mother-daughter duo plunged into their micro business, the pandemic inspired them to get a puppy, a goldendoodle they named Archie. And like any red-blooded canine, Archie got pretty interested in all that bustling in the kitchen – or rather what emerged from all that bustling. “He’s very food motivated,” Patton said, explaining that because dogs should not be given salt or sugar, another light bulb went off for her and her daughter. “I thought, ‘maybe there’s something here’ and Alli said ‘why don’t we turn this into treats for him?’” Alli and her mom got to work, staying up all night one night on their laptops to research healthy food items for dogs so they could begin experimenting with a treat that Archie liked. They settled on two kinds of “dog-nola” – one with the ﬂavors of a Christmas – special pumpkin cranberry and the other a peanut butter and banana. Archie loved them both – and so did his fellow canines at the Pecos Park dog park, where Alli and her mom had fourlegged visitors taste-test their recipes. Indeed, the dog-nola even carries a label saying “Archie-approved.” “Pumpkin and cranberries are supposed to be very good for dogs,” Patton said. And so are bananas – Archie’s favorite treat. Making all that granola and dog-nola is no easy feat. Patton said that it takes as long as See

GRANOLA on page 29

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

2019 DV grad starts her own apparel company

have my own business, and I would never be where I am today without her love and encouragement.” And she continued to follow her dream. By July, she had amassed enough custom designs to feel confident about putting them online for sale. She named her business Threads by Grace, incorporating her middle name. “I wanted to focus on the importance of sustainability within my brand because people need to be more aware of the unethical process that is within the fashion industry. I upcycle old clothes as well as use all scrap fabrics and deadstock fabrics within my work. I love that each piece of mine is a oneof-a-kind piece, meaning that no pieces are the same,” she explained. Ervin credits her family for being “incredibly supportive” of her business and her drive to continually improve. “My mom and dad and my two

younger brothers – we’re all very close and supportive of each other,” she said, speaking of her parents Jerry and Allison Ervin and brothers Elijah and Noah Ervin. “My parents are upbeat in the midst of everything. Even in this time of COVID, we’ve each found ways to utilize the time we have to grow.” She said the pandemic’s downtime offered her more opportunities to focus on her business. “Even before I graduated in 2019, I was always sewing and making clothes but I had a lot going on with school and outside activities,” said Erwin, a member of the Thunder girls’ track and field varsity team for three years. “I’ve always wanted a business of my own, but never had the right timing.” Following her graduation from Desert Vista, Ervin had some soul-searching decisions to make. “Thanks to my parents’ support, I

took a gap year and went to Hawaii and Brazil with YWAM where I was training on ways to work with foster kids through art,” she said. “When COVID brought me home, I spent most of my time practicing my (sewing) skills and learning more statistics on the fashion industry. I started out just selling to friends. Then those friends and my family saw my designs and really started motivating me.” As a tenet of her new business, Ervin donates 10 to 15 percent of her profits to nonprofits, each month selecting a specific theme and recipient. One of her first was Phoenix Dream Center where she still volunteers in the administration office once a week. Founded in 2006, the nonprofit Phoenix Dream Center helps at-risk youth and needy families, and is committed to stopping human trafficking, fighting drug addiction and ending childhood hunger. “I tithe on my own but this is something I wanted to do for my company; I just want to give back,” explained Ervin. The youthful entrepreneur is looking forward to furthering her education once travel is possible again. “In the future I do plan on studying abroad in design school, specifically in the UK area as well as Milan, Italy,” she said. “I love to travel and draw a lot of inspiration from surrounding people and cultures, and it’s important for me to immerse myself in a variety of cultures and respect their fashions and beliefs.” At present, Ervin’s clothing line is available on Instagram @threadsbyGrace.co, and her website at depop. com and search “Hannah Ervin.” She said she is working on putting herself on Facebook. She said she likes to encourage others to follow their own path, regardless of what others may think or say. “I didn’t take the typical route and go to college directly after high school. At first, I felt a bit ashamed like I was not making the right decision or that I’d be judged, but I had so many goals and dreams that I wanted to pursue and I felt the best way for me to do that was not going to college right away but exploring my options,” she said. “I think it’s important for young adults to understand that they don’t have to always conform to what society says is quote-unquote, normal. It’s important to find your passions and pursue your dreams -- pursue yourself as well as your happiness.”

makes Soul Granola taste special. But turning those ingredients into Soul Granola isn’t the only outcome of their work. “I don’t know what’s more fun – creating a new business or watching my daughter,” Patton said. “As a mom, it’s just been really amaz-

ing to see her. She’s very, very artistic and we’re a good match because she’s artistic and she has that precision baking and I have the business side. “So, when it came to building the website and getting the permits and all the logistics and ingredients and the pricing and all of that, I could step in and do that.

“She has that whole creative side, doing the logo and the names of everything and how the jars look.” There are two ways people can check out Soul Granola and the Archie-approved dog-nola. People can go online to soul-granola.com.

tournament, and provide for its thriving non-profit youth soccer organization with more fields,” said Jordan Rose, president of Rose Law Group.

The Wild Horse Pass Development Authority is an enterprise of the Gila River Indian Community and oversees the development and management of Wild

Horse Pass, including a 3,300-acre master planned commercial development with retail, restaurants, resort and recreation, indoor/outdoor entertainment and office.

BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA Contributor

Before the pandemic struck, 11-year Ahwatukee resident Hannah Ervin had traveled to Switzerland, Hawaii and Brazil. They were journeys with other purposes but the inspiration from absorbing other cultures helped fuel her passion for fashion design using sustainable materials. When COVID-19 brought her home from Brazil last March, she decided to use sketches she had made in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Fortaleza and other cities to begin designing her own line of handmade recycled and repurposed clothing. She had also gained exposure to other cultures while in a three-month training program with Youth With A Mission in Kona, Hawaii, learning about connecting with and teaching foster children and orphans through art. “Because YWAM is an international program, even in Hawaii I was with people from all over the world - Asia, South America, Europe,” said Ervin, a 2019 DVHS grad. “And then I went to Brazil, working with orphans and foster care children. “I was inspired by how the people had such a unique way of dressing, especially repurposing clothes. They had such style. Each little region had their own style. And color! Lots of color. I was so inspired and I started drawing designs on paper.” In April, when nearly half the planet was under COVID-19 lockdown, the 20-year-old decided to make good use of her newly-found time to bring her designs to life by sitting down at her Husqvarna Viking Jade 20 sewing machine and her Brother serger machine, perched atop two tables. She has a designated space for her nascent business in the family’s loft area with shelves and bins for fabrics and a garment rack for finished clothes. April was also the month Ervin lost her maternal grandmother and mentor, Patricia Patlen. “I’ve always been inspired by my grandma to pursue my dreams in fashion and sewing. She taught me how to sew at a young age and constantly encouraged and supported me to use my talent,” said Ervin. “I lost my dear grandma to cancer and it was the hardest thing I had to go through, especially in the midst of COVID. Her legacy is what inspires me to keep pursuing my dreams and pushing forward even when I feel discouraged,” she continued. “It was always her dream for me to

GRANOLA

from page 27

eight or nine hours to whip up enough for about 125 jars. Then there’s the time it takes hunting down healthy ingredients – like real vanilla, not some imitation stuff. Patton thinks that’s one of the ingredients that

RISING

from page 26

with more training sites for its expanding spring training professional soccer

Hannah Ervin of Ahwatukee designs and sells apparel made from sustainable materials and gives some of her profits to a charity that helps at-risk youth. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

AIA pushes back start of winter sports to Jan. 18 BY ZACH ALVIRA Sports Editor

The Arizona Interscholastic Association is pushing back the winter sports season for a second time, moving from a Jan. 5 to Jan. 18 start. The decision comes amid a continuing surge in COVID-19 that has forced many school districts in the state to begin the second semester this week with virtual learning for all students. “Our focus continues to be on keeping students in school and on the playing field safely,” Associate Executive Director Joe Paddock said in the release. “We believe this decision will help us preserve the winter sports season.” The AIA Executive Board said the delay would also allow teams to practice for two weeks after students return from winter break. The same guidelines and recommendations from the AIA’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee that governed fall sports will remain in place once the winter season begins. With those recommendations, the winter sports season will not stop once it begins unless state health or government officials order all extracurricular activities to suspend operations. The recommendations allow teams to begin competition on Jan. 18 regardless of what key COVID-19 metrics used to determine the start of fall sports show. The metrics will only be used to determine whether fans are able to attend competitions. At this time, the

Chandler girls basketball coach Glenda Skalitzky said her team was disappointed to see the season was delayed again by the AIA. (Courtesy Glenda Skalitzky)

metrics call for empty stands. The AIA said conferences will be given the opportunity to decide the total number of weeks of competitions for winter teams. That decision will be made in the next couple of weeks, according to the AIA. The winter sports season will conclude on March 5, with the spring season beginning March 1. Conferences will have the ability to modify the length of the spring season.

“These measures will allow us to start the season and I hope, that as we see hospitalizations go down, some of the restrictions regarding spectators, be lifted,” Executive Director David Hines said in the release. The AIA’s decision to once again delay the start of the winter sports season didn’t come as much of a surprise to several East Valley coaches. Chandler girls basketball coach Glen-

da Skalitzky said she entered the new school year knowing she, her players and other coaches across the state would have to be flexible. In many ways, she prepared for a further delay. As coaches we know we have to be flexible, especially this year,” Skalitzky said. “I’m just thankful they’re trying to get us a season.” See

AIA on page 31

Chandler native helps Coyotes win fans BY JAKE SANTO AND MICHAEL GUTNICK Cronkite News

From “Rookie of the Year” to “Little Giants,” sports movies captivated kids growing up in the 1990s. One of those was a young girl from Chandler, who fell in love with an unlikely sport – hockey. As someone who found her love from the Mighty Ducks film franchise, the fast-paced, bone chilling drama of Coach Gordon Bombay and his group of misfits overcoming the odds resonated with Lyndsey Fry. These days, the Olympic silver medalist in women’s hockey is a key figure in the Arizona Coyotes’ movement to increase youth hockey participation in the state, especially in non-traditional markets. With various youth development programs and outreach efforts, the Coyotes are making an impact. “The youth hockey market and the growth (in Arizona) is phenomenal,” said Coyotes President and CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez. “Every youth hockey fan that you can identify and convert leads to

Lyndsey Fry, participating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Coyotes Community Ice Center, is happy to have a home for the Arizona Kachinas, the organization’s female development program. (Michael Gutnick/Cronkite News)

3.3 more fans.” Arizona ranks second among all U.S. NHL markets in total growth percent-

age over the past five years, according to a 2019 study by USA Hockey. In addition, Arizona ranked first

in total percentage growth for female hockey players and first for total 8-and-under hockey participation percentage over the past five years. Fry leads the Coyotes’ female development program, the Arizona Kachinas, which looks to promote female youth participation within the Valley in a welcoming environment, while growing the outreach efforts of the Coyotes statewide. The NHL club is also reaching out to youth in the Hispanic community. Fry and the Arizona Coyotes have been instrumental leaders in growing the game. Girls hockey in Arizona has grown 53 percent over the last five years and 236 percent in the last decade, according to the Coyotes. The year before the organization relocated to Arizona from Winnipeg in 1996, just four female players were registered with USA Hockey, the governing body for amateur participation in the sport. In 2019, 779 females were registered in the state, including 91 players ages 6 and under. See

COYOTES on page 31

SPORTS & RECREATION

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

Left: Arizona Coyotes ownership wants to continue the growth of youth hockey. Arizona ranks second among all other U.S. NHL markets in total growth percentage over the past five years, according to a study by USA Hockey. Right: The Coyotes are committed to exposing more girls to youth hockey participation. (Jake Santos/Cronkite News)

COYOTES

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Since their arrival, the Coyotes have been proactive in their pursuit of getting more kids involved with hockey in the desert. Gutierrez wants to continue the trend. Within weeks of taking office, he and his team partnered with Eddie Hill, owner of the Arizona Made Ice Forum, completing the ninth full-time rink in the state with the Coyotes Community Ice Center. Located on Country Club Drive and First Street in Mesa, the Arizona Kachinas now have a permanent home for the dozen teams practicing and playing home games. “This is huge for the girls, not just for the girls who are playing hockey now but for the girls who are going to be playing for next 10, 15, 20 years. We’ve never had a home that’s exclusively dedicated to girls hockey,” Fry said. “Before, we were just putting our programs where we could. We were finding whatever ice time we could. Sometimes one program would be across three different rinks. “To be able to have one core place … to know that we’re here I think is going to be a game changer with getting more girls involved.”

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Skalitzky said her team was disappointed to hear the news. Especially given Chandler Unified School District shut down all school athletic teams for the week of Christmas. Skalitzky said they hoped to return to practice Monday, Dec. 28 but that wasn’t guaranteed. The suspension of team activities forced Chandler’s girls basketball program to be creative. They met through Zoom and Skalitzky sent workouts for the girls to do at home. But it isn’t the same.

When the Coyotes came to Arizona 24 years ago, a new rink sprouted from the ground in Chandler shortly after. Ever more inspired, Fry, now 28, laced up a pair of skates and took the ice for the first time. “It was pretty much lights out from there for me,” Fry said. “I started playing at Polar Ice Chandler and I never looked back.” She overcame the adversity that accompanied competing with boys until high school. Back-and-forth trips to Colorado followed before eventually competing for an Olympic medal with Team USA. And she wondered how she would utilize her degree from Harvard. She soon realized she could give girls the spark reminiscent of her childhood days. “I honestly thought doing something in hockey was a waste of my education, but I came back, ran a couple clinics and saw the impact I could have on kids and give them what so many people gave to me,” she said. “To be able to give them this new rink and be a part of the team that brought this all together has been an absolute honor.” Coyotes forward Clayton Keller was reminded of his youth hockey days in

St. Louis when a new rink opened up 10 minutes away from his home. “That was the biggest thing for me growing up,” Keller said. “Back when I started playing, the same thing kind of happened. A new rink opened up and I was just so excited to come play. It’s a huge part, having rinks and having somewhere you can call home.” On top of building rinks within the Valley, the Coyotes have made their presence felt in hard-to-reach communities. “I guarantee we make Coyotes fans because we were here,” Gutierrez said. “We introduced them to a sport most of them probably had not even known existed. No one had given them that stick and put it in their hand and said, ‘Here you go.’ This could be a part of their personal sports journey.” The Coyotes continue to grow its expanding fan base, appealing to a younger audience born in the state of Arizona. “It starts with the physical space, then you go to the clubs and the leagues while going to all of the young people who haven’t been exposed to it yet,” Gutierrez said. “First and foremost is how do all of these rinks get tied to us. It’s about building those relationships and becoming deeper and more engaged.”

With the COVID-19 pandemic taking place, the Coyotes have instituted a new program to help kids experience hockey from a home environment. Earlier this fall, the team created the Coyotes Virtual Hockey School. All done remotely via instructional videos, the course helps students learn new hockey skills with daily workouts and institute new mindset goals for students. An important goal for Gutierrez is to raise more awareness in the Latino community to experience hockey. The Coyotes, seeking opportunity, launched three Spanish-language social media accounts in September. Seven percent of Hispanic men ages 18 to 49 in Phoenix had a Coyotes game in the preceding year, according to the 2015 DATOS report by the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Somebody in this neighborhood is going to become an NHL player, simply by this ice sheet being created,” Armstrong said. “Some family will stroll in that are not hockey people, and the next thing you know, their kid just gravitates to it and the next thing you know there’s an ice hockey player that’s coming from Arizona that’s playing in the National Hockey League.”

“They were super disappointed,” Skalitzky said. “They were working hard and were excited to play Hamilton Jan. 8. We are just taking things day-by-day.” First-year Saguaro head boys basketball coach Lucas Ramirez said he and his program support the AIA’s decision to further delay the season. He knows it is with the best interest of everyone in mind. Unlike Chandler, Saguaro was able to continue practicing. “We are supportive of the AIA’s decision as we believe they have had our student-athletes best interest in mind from the beginning,” Ramirez said. “We will continue to practice as safe as possible as a program and look forward to

any and all opportunities of a season.” Mountain Pointe basketball coach Kaimarr Price said he anticipated some sort of delay but thought at first it would only be an additional week. Still, he accepts the two-week delay as long as it means the season will be able to get started at some point this winter. “We just need to focus on what we can control,” Price said. “Two more weeks of practice definitely won’t hurt us. It’s a time to bond and get better as a team. Whatever allows us to start and complete a season I’m on board with.” Mountain Pointe and Desert Vista’s basketball programs will continue to practice during winter break,

taking Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Day off. Especially for the Thunder, that allows for extra time to prepare for a team that has new cohead coaches this season in Bryant St. Cyr and Jordan Ballard. Like Price, St. Cyr thought a delay would eventually come, especially with rising metrics. “I wasn’t shocked, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the metrics,” St. Cyr said. “Just watching the numbers and seeing what they had us do to adjust, we just have to make sure we get our kids ready. But it’s definitely tough. “I know the kids were ready to get going on the 5th.”

Have an interesting sports story? Contact Zach Alvira at zalvira@timespublications.com and follow him on Twitter @ZachAlvira.

SPORTS & RECREATION

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

Open will go forward, but with far fewer fans BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Staff Writer

For the Waste Management Phoenix Open, the show must go on, but the typically crowded golf tournament will have a very different feel in 2021 as organizers implement safety protocols and drastically cut back admissions due to COVID-19. The event has still drawn criticism, though, for hosting in-person crowds as case numbers and hospitalizations continue to surge across the state. The tournament, scheduled Feb. 1-7, will scale back admissions by as much as 96 percent, according to estimates from the Phoenix Thunderbirds, the Valley charitable organization that runs the event. “The numbers are still fluid based on conversations with the PGA Tour and the City of Scottsdale, but I think ultimately if we could land at a range between 5,000 to 8,000 fans a day total for the tournament, that would be a home run for our organization and in turn local charities,” tournament Chairman Scott Jenkins said. That’s a significant decrease from a typical year, when the tournament can draw over 200,000 fans in a single day, with 16,000 of those at the popular 16th hole alone. Tickets are already on sale for packages for the 16th hole and the organizers will announce a decision on the availability of general admission tickets in the coming weeks. The Thunderbirds have scaled down the 16th hole as well. This year it will feature a single-story, open-air venue instead of the larger, indoor structures that usually surround the hole “We’re working with them on a new floor plan and making sure we have the square footage, so we can socially distance people and have everybody have a bunch of room,” Jenkins said. The event, which partnered with Mayo Clinic, has also implemented mitigation protocols to combat virus spread, Jenkins said. Temperatures will be taken upon entry, and all event goers will be required to wear masks unless they are consuming food or drinks. “It’s very similar to what we’re all experiencing in restaurants,” Jenkins said. “If you’re moving, you’re wearing a mask; if you’re actively eating and drinking, then it’s tough to do with a mask.” That part of the plan caused concern for Will Humble, executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association, because of the Open’s reputation as a party hub. He questioned how the typical atmosphere at the tournament could impact compliance with safety rules. The Phoenix Open is famous for its party-like atmosphere and the alcohol-fueled behavior of some attendees. In 2018, sports website SB Nation labeled the Phoenix Open “golf’s most democratic and obscene event.” Humble said that based on that past behavior, he is not confident compliance will be high.

The Waste Management Phoenix Open can draw over 200,000 fans in a single day in a typical year, but organizers are expecting to host just 5,000 to 8,000 attendees daily at the February 2021 event due to Covid-19. (Courtesy Waste Management Phoenix Open)

“So, you can say there’s masks required, but then you say ‘Oh, unless you’re having a beer,” Humble said. “That’s like saying ‘no masks.’” In a press release announcing the event’s new structure, the Thunderbirds emphasized the drastically-reduced admissions, scaled-back 16th hole and noted the “192-acre layout of TPC Scottsdale and the outdoor nature of the tournament is conducive to

Jenkins said the Open did not currently have a specific percentage of the daily attendees that would be admitted to the 16th hole, explaining, “We’re just not there yet.” But tournament organizers expressed confidence in their ability to “mitigate risks” for players, fans and volunteers. Ultimately, if the decision is made by local health officials to allow spec-

It’s very similar to what we’re all experiencing in “ restaurants, If you’re moving, you’re wearing a mask; if you’re actively eating and drinking, then it’s tough to do with a mask.

”

social distancing.” Humble, former director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, acknowledged that an outdoor event like the Phoenix Open is safer than any at indoor venues. “Outdoors is always better than indoors, that’s for sure; in fact, it’s 17 times safer than indoors,” he said. But Humble said, even with outdoor events, the devil is in the details and it will be up to event organizers and the city to ensure fans are abiding by restrictions. He said there is low risk if people are walking hole to hole but that changes if a glut of fans flock to the 16th hole and engage in high-risk activities like yelling and cheering. “Let’s say the 16th hole is going to be 3,000 out of the 8,000 people, and they’re all crammed together; even though it’s outside that’s a potential, super spreader event even though it’s outside, because you’re not moving around.”

– Scott Jenkins

tators, it will be a small fraction of the normal capacity at TPC Scottsdale and not any different from what many other professional sports are currently allowing across the country,” according to the Thunderbirds’ release. “The health and safety of fans is our top priority.” Unless something changes in the coming months, it appears state and local regulators will allow events to continue. In December, the governor stipulated that cities must post any approved event’s safety plans publicly and dedicate resources to ensure they are enforced. The safety plan for the Phoenix Open has not yet been posted to the City of Scottsdale’s website. The San Tan Sun News requested a copy of the plan from the city but that request was denied because the plan was “in draft and will not be released until it is final.” The City of Scottsdale has continued to allow large events and youth sports

tournaments in line with the Governor’s orders, with few cancellations. The Barrett-Jackson collector car auction, the city’s other signature winter event, pushed its 2021 auction from January to March. As of Dec. 17, the city had safety plans for 22 approved events posted to its website. Those events are approved administratively by city staff, not City Council. Scottsdale Councilwoman Solange Whitehead said she has concerns about the Phoenix Open and that the city should not rule out a cancellation if necessary. “Our state is topping national charts,” Whitehead said. “I also have confidence in the commitment and abilities of those planning the event including the Thunderbirds, the PGA and Scottsdale’s City staff.” “But these are uncertain times and in order to protect public health, every option must remain on the table including canceling the event.” Right now, a voluntary appears off the table for the Phoenix Open due to scheduling issues with the PGA Tour, according to city staff. “That date is set for TV and sponsorship. Barrett Jackson was able to move because we had (a) slot open in March that could accommodate his event, the Thunderbirds have only one slot. Their charities benefit from the tournament and that involves Scottsdale charities,” according to notes from Assistant City Manager Bill Murphy viewed by the Progress. Jenkins said the Open – which raised $14 million last year for area charities – was a reason why the organization decided to move forward with in-person attendance. “With the reduced attendance and the Covid environment, we’re not going to hit that $14 million number, but that’s why we made the decision to try to have fans, because that’s how we raise the money that we do,” Jenkins said.

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Chandler charity helping families in need BY ALLISON HURTADO Contributor

When Kelly and Jim Shewbridge met their three young foster daughters, the girls arrived with no shoes, clothes that didn’t fit the weather and not even a spare diaper to get through the next hour. “It was heartbreaking,” Kelly said. “We had to run straight to the store just to get through the night.” It’s a common story for many children entering the foster care system. That’s why an organization like FANS Across America Foundation in Chandler is important and why their new partnership with Child Crisis Arizona is so valuable. FANS has been in Chandler for more than 10 years, providing essential items like clothes, household items, hygiene items, diapers and more to families and youth experiencing homelessness, poverty and domestic violence. Many times the families are referred to FANS through their school district but they also get referrals from the Arizona Department of Child Safety, Tribal Social Services, domestic violence shelters and Chandler’s victim services department. In 2019, the foundation provided over 100,000 items of daily items of ne-

Marking a partnership are, from left, Maria Cruz Trotter, FANS Family Services Director; Torrie Taj, CEO of Child Crisis Arizona; foster parents Kelly and Jim Shewbridge; George Macedon, President/ Executive Director of FANS Across America. They’re showing off some of the gifts for foster children the two nonprofits distributed last month. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

cessity, over 97,000 diapers and diapering supplies, 700 fully stocked school

backpacks, and 2500 holiday gifts. Working with the Chandler Compa-

dres, the nonprofit this year started the FANS-Compadres Kids Closets, satellite locations of the FANS Locker Room. FANS provides on-site continuing emergency daily living necessities, as needed, consisting of daily hygiene items, lice shampoo kits, diapers, school needs, socks and underwear to help a child through the day and parents with one-time emergency assistance. Kids Closets were established at Chandler Care Center, CUSD Instructional Resource Center, CUSD Federal Programs, ICAN, Chandler Boys and Girls Club, CAAFA (Community Alliance Against Family Abuse), My Sisters Place DV Shelter (Chandler), St. Peter Mission School on the Gila Reservation, Jose’s Closet, Higley Unified and Family of God Ministry. The FANS-Compadres Kids Closets continues to expand and in 2020 over 25,000 emergency items See

FANS on page 34

Chandler officer-brothers get holiday surprise BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Two Chandler police officers who also are brothers received a special gift this holiday season after enduring a series of health challenges this year. Officer Mark Jordan, who retired last year from the Chandler force for medical reasons, received a $2,250 check from the 100 Club of Arizona, a nonprofit that offers financial assistance to law enforcement officers. It was overwhelming to be singled out in this way, the officer said as he stood outside his Gilbert home holding the oversized check alongside his friends and family. “I’m filled with happiness and thankfulness for such an amazing law enforcement family,” Jordan said. Jordan’s brother, Kyle, also a Chandler officer, also received $2,250 to help cover some of the expenses he accumulated after four surgeries this year. Kyle Jordan experienced several complications after his gallbladder was removed and will likely need additional surgeries before he can return to working for Chandler Police. Mark said his brother has lost 60 pounds and is going through rehabilitation to get his muscle strength back.

Mark Jordan, who retired from the Chandler Police Department last year because of medical issues, received a $2,250 gift from the 100 Club of Arizona. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)

Kyle’s wife, Melissa, has not been able to work while caring for him these last few months. The two brothers have been with Chandler Police for years and volunteered for the department as high school students. They said they were thrilled to see many of their old coworkers to witness the gift presentation

by the 100 Club. A couple Chandler officers escorted a Santa Claus-dressed volunteer to Jordan’s home to ensure their gifts were delivered without interruption. Mark first joined the agency in 2005 and quickly earned some praise for his heroism and quick thinking. During the first year on the job, Mark

saved two lives in the same afternoon by performing CPR on two unconscious adults. Mark said he doesn’t miss the grueling work of policing, but he still yearns for the camaraderie of his fellow officers. “I miss the people I worked with,” he added. “I had a ton of friends and so many good people I worked with.” The 100 Club’s gift will be greatly appreciated by Jordan’s family, which includes five children, especially during a year that’s had so many ups and downs. “It relieves some of the pressure over the holidays with all the health issues that have been happening,” Jordan added. Jordan’s wife, Jennifer, has recently had a cancerous tumor removed and is waiting to have another surgically taken out. The couple met through Chandler Police since Jennifer works as a crime scene technician and teaches forensic classes at Mesa Community College. The fact that three employees from the same agency have had to contend with medical issues this past year made the Jordan family particularly of interest to the 100 Club. Angela Harrolle, the nonprofit’s See

SURPRISE on page 35

NEIGHBORS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

100+ Women Who Care continues its assistance BY KIM TARNOPOLSKI Contributor

COVID-19 has drastically affected nonprofits and individuals across the county. As social distancing became a daily reality, annual fundraising events were put on hold, reconfigured to be held virtually or ultimately canceled. Fortunately, giving circles like 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun were able to step up and rapidly respond to the needs of our community using their combined dollars and advocacy efforts. Giving circles are defined as a group of people who pool charitable donations and collectively decide where to allocate their money. Members leverage their dollars to do something bigger – and perhaps better – than they could on their own. This model of philanthropy brings people together to accomplish some serious good in a joyful way. Philanthropists are often drawn to global problems, leading them to invest in the well-being and empowerment of people living thousands of miles away. Giving circles are one of the best vehicles to make an impact on a local community. Members who nominate a charity advocate for the mission and current needs of the nonprofit. When the members vote on which charity to support, they know exactly how their money is going to impact the organization. 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun members typically meet, in person, four times per year. The chapter has three sister groups – Ahwatukee, Scottsdale and East Valley. The groups were able to meet in person for their first quarter meetings. After COVID-19 began to spread in our community, the chapter leaned into technology and utilized Zoom to continue meeting virtually for the remainder of the year. “We didn’t skip a beat,” said Stephanie Millner, chief charity officer for 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun. “Canceling our giving circles was never a consideration for us. We knew the need in the community was significant and we knew we could help.” Aside from adjusting their meeting format, the chapter made concessions

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were distributed. The foundation also distributed over 97,000 diapers and supplies through its Diaper Bank. The foundation started the bank in 2016, noting “families didn’t have the financial resources to purchase diapers and supplies on a consistent basis. “Our research found that 32 percent of low-income families report re-using diapers because they lack the financial resources to purchase them,” the foundation says on its website. “Further studies showed that reusing diapers may result in severe diaper rash, staph infections and great discomfort to the child,” it said. “On average,

Above: Aris Foundation director Katherine Kouvelas-Edick, is surrounded by community members as they celebrate a donation from 100+ Women Who Care. Right: Dawn Katz, a member of 100+ Women Who Care, presents a check to Empowerment Through Sports founder Reginald Russell. (Special to SanTan Sun News}

for members who needed to skip a donation or contribute less due to personal circumstances. Distributing money quickly is a major benefit of the giving circle model. Within one month of the members meeting, thousands of dollars can be in the hands of the selected charity. The charity recipient is notified immediately so they know when to expect the money. Now more than ever, it is crucial that nonprofits receive funds timely to continue funding their programs. In 2020, 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun members donated over $115,000 spread across twelve charities. The East Valley group donated to Aris Foundation who cares for all individuals, homeless or housed, who need care; and the Arizona Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America champions and honors veterans of the United States of America by taking action to improve the lives of U.S. military veterans and all who have experienced Spinal Cord Inju-

ry, Disease/Dysfunction, and Disability. Also benefiting was Maggie’s Place, which provides houses of hospitality and ongoing support to help pregnant and parenting women in need reach their goals and welcomes them into a community filled with love and dignity; and Empowerment Through Sports builds and maintains a support mechanism for the young men and women that possess the ambition and drive to

be successful in life through sports. Since the chapter’s inception in 2015, almost $700,000 has been given to local charities. This group of women have learned that giving back is better together. To learn more about 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun or register for an upcoming giving circle, visit 100wwcvalleyofthesun.org or facebook. com/100WWCValleyOfTheSun.

a baby uses eight diapers a day and the FANS – Compadres Diaper Bank provides a five-day emergency supply of diapers and supplies (baby wipes and cream) for referred families.” Families can return to FANS by appointment three additional times without needing a new referral from their social services case manager. This year FANS has partnered with Child Crisis Arizona to provide more resources for those in need, especially foster families like Shewbridge’s. “The foster families we work with at Child Crisis Arizona are simply amazing,” said Torrie Taj, CEO of Child Crisis Arizona. “They give and give and give and this new partnership helps our agency enhance the support we give back to them. We also serve children and families in need in the community and our mission

aligns with FANS. We all have the same vision of safe kids and strong families.” George Macedon, president/executive director of FANS, said the organization began as a small operation, usually trading the promise of a tax credit for items at garage sales and re-distributing those items to families through the school district. Now the organization quietly serves thousands of families and children each year from their headquarters in Chandler. Over the holidays they provided gifts to about 1,200 children. “You get to a point where you’re too big to be small and too small to be big,” he said. “That’s why we’re partnering with Child Crisis Arizona. We’re elated to take our service to the next level.” The two organizations celebrated by filling the Shewbridges’ car with gifts

for the holidays and clothes for the children. “We’re just so grateful,” Kelly said. “The girls are just so genuine in their appreciation of all that they have now. We are just so grateful to have them in our lives.” The community can help support efforts of both organizations financially by utilizing their Arizona state tax credits. FANS is a Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO) and donations can be made at fansacrossamerica.org. Child Crisis Arizona is a Qualified Foster Care Organization (QFCO). Donations to either or both organizations qualify for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit against your Arizona state tax liability. For more information call 480-834-9424 or visit childcrisisaz.org or fansacrossamerica.org.

NEIGHBORS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

Twin hurricanes batter local woman’s projects It was the 2008 downturn in the U.S. economy that prompted Jenny and Sean Jenny Kast knows first-hand that old Kast to move and work in axiom, “when it rains, it pours.” Honduras. This fall, the Children’s Home Project “The economy was so – a nonprofit the Ahwatukee woman terrible and Sean lost his job founded in 2012 – saw two of her projand I was in a job I didn’t like ects in Honduras battered by back-toand we talked about what we back Category 4 hurricanes. wanted to do. I always wanted Water from a nearby river breached to be a missionary, so we said, a levee inundating their Proniño proper‘Let’s try,’” recalled Kast. ty and leaving tons of mud in its wake. The couple, who met while Fortunately, the day before Hurin AmeriCorps in South Caroricane Eta struck Oct. 31, all children lina, volunteered at a govliving at the nine-building compound ernment-run children’s home were evacuated by boat, finding shelter that had infants through with Nebraska native Haley Janssen, teens in their care. Proniño’s director. “Seeing what these kids Even then, Kast and staff imagined endured daily left me feeling the hurricane’s damage would be minia deep commitment to do mal and short-lived. something to improve the “Somehow, I doubted that we’d be lives of the children,” Kast said. affected. Some potential water damThough she’d started The Jenny Kast of Ahwatukee runs a center in Honduras that helps children from poor families in a number age? Sure. But nothing that a good Children’s Home Project of ways. (Special to SanTan Sun News) scrub and some time in the sun couldn’t earlier, calling on friends and fix,” said Kast. family to come volunteer, she she said. said. “I was incredibly wrong.” started her nonprofit in 2012, the same “At Proniño, we don’t yet know the Years of work, sweat and tears were She explained that Proniño, which year Sean became a Mesa firefighter. dollar amount of what has been lost washed away by the deluge and up to a means “for children,” is on a road that Even with two hurricanes and and what the cost will be to rebuild,” foot of mud. parallels the 150-mile long Ulua River. A mud-encased buildings, tough times Kast continued. Another project under the umbrella large levee protects the road during the aren’t new to the nonprofit’s Ahwatu“We’re praying that we’ll be able to of TCHP, called “Proyecto Crecer” or rainy season when the river is swollen. kee founder. rebuild on our land because we’ve looked “Growth Project,” is a daytime preven“That levee broke directly in front of The most difficult came three years at new land to purchase and the cost tion program that allows children to our property. This means that the river ago. remain with their families while attend- ranges between $300,000-$500,000.” has essentially forked and is now free “In 2017, the organization that If prayers are answered and they can ing school in the mornings and spendto run through Proniño when the water funded Proniño was in the process of rebuild, it still requires a lot of funds ing afternoons working on homework, rises,” explained Kast. closing and the home was receiving to refurnish and restock. Photographs vocational training, mentoring and just Less than two weeks after Eta, Hurless and less support each quarter. Our show overturned washing machines and being with their peers. ricane Iota hit and caused “extensive role in Proniño was to help from the refrigerators planted in the mud, tables That too was damaged, though not damage.” sidelines. We raised funds for scholartopped with eight inches of hardening as extensively, Kast said. “We know that all personal property ships, helped provide access to mental “The flooding also ruined many beds. mud on them. left behind in the evacuation is lost. healthcare and were deeply invested in “Every material item will need to Our focus with the Crecer community Once the water recedes, civil engineers our relationships with the kids, and we is to fix roofs and replace beds and oth- be replaced,” said Kast. “The kids left will visit the property to assess the wanted to maintain that role,” she said. Proniño with the outfits they were er damaged necessities in the houses. wisdom of rebuilding on this site,” Kast “I prayed and prayed that another wearing and one extra in a backpack. We have budgeted $50,000 for this,” organization would step up and fill the All beds, furniture, role of primary funder. By the end of toiletries, shoes, clothes, 2017, we knew that that organization school books and school needed to be us.” supplies, office supplies, Admitting that assuming the respontools, toilets, etc. will sibilities for running a home for children need to be replaced. “was far outside our expertise,” Kast There’s roughly two feet said, “These were kids that we loved of mud covering the and to whom we were fully committed. five acres of our propSo, we knew we had to try.” erty that will need to “The following year was spent be removed, as well as fundraising and preparing and we were the eight inches of mud amazed, terrified and ecstatic when in inside each building.” September 2018, we’d reached all of our Augmenting donagoals and knew we would be able to tions from supporters is move forward.” a Hurricane Eta Disaster She said she has faith God will proRelief for TCHP GoFundvide donors to help with the mountain Me page. of needs this newest calamity brought. Nearly half of the Contributions and/or donations $400,000 goal has been made to The Children’s Home Project raised for the registered are tax-deductible. nonprofit and Kast hopes Info: TCHProject.org. Donations can the goal will be reached. be made there or at gf.me/u/y72fp7. Back-to-back hurricanes this fall devastated Jenny Kast’s operation in Honduras. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA Contributor

SURPRISE

from page 33

president, said the organization doesn’t typically help multiple family members at the same time for varying problems. “This particular situation is very

unique,” she said. “I thought, ‘We have got to do something for this entire family.’” VIP Mortgage teamed up with the 100 Club to adopt the Jordan family and offer them financial relief. The 100 Club has traditionally helped officers injured while on duty since

it was founded in the 1960s. But the nonprofit has adapted to help officers who have encountered unprecedented challenges during the pandemic. The organization has spent the last nine months making sure Arizona’s law enforcement agencies are fully

equipped with an ample supply of masks and gloves, Harrolle said. “It’s really a blessing for us to be able to kind of change the way we’re doing things and provide additional benefits this year in ways that we don’t normally,” she added.

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Chandler author’s book rooted in her faith BY SRIANTHI PERERA

Contributor

Deep spirituality led Wei Wei Chang to shake off a successful corporate career and create a life-coaching service in 2018 to gather people toward God. Now, the Chandler woman has published “The Lens of Life: A Fresh Perspective on Increasing Intimacy with God, Enhancing Relationships, and Discovering Contentment,” a book that complements her business and furthers her goals. Chang embraced Christianity a week after she arrived in this country. “In the Christian faith, God is a Father to us and we are His children,” she said. “When we are deeply connected with God, we are at our best in fulfilling the purpose that we are created for.” Chang emigrated from China to the U.S. 29 years ago as a young student and studied for a master’s degree in statistics and then earned a Ph.D. in applied economics. However, for many years she struggled to find her voice and purpose. Chang progressed to work in a Fortune 500 company and had a successful career for 12 years. After a decade at

Above: Author, Wei Wei Chang Right: Wei Wei Chang’s debut book, The Lens of Life, offers a spiritual vision checkup. (Courtesy of Wei Wei Chang)

the company, she experienced an unexpected demotion from vice president to director of risk management. “This event helped me to put life into a better perspective and focus on the things that truly matter,” she said. “I

decided to be a stay-at-home mom to take care of my child and support my husband’s career.” Chang’s husband Steve, who hails from Taiwan and was raised in Brazil, is a linguist fluent in six languages; he works in a company as a business leader for Asia and travels there frequently. They have two daughters, Clarissa, 19, a junior majoring in biochemistry at Ar-

izona State University, and Noelle, 9, a fourth grader at Valley Christian School in Chandler. In “The Lens of Life,” Chang uses the analogy of an eye exam to describe a spiritual vision checkup in four sections. “When we visit the optometrist, we first recognize we have a vision problem and we go through the diagnosis, then the correction. Finally, with the correction, we can have 20-20 vision,” she said. In part one, “Vision Impairment,” through God’s lens, we see love faith, and hope, she said, observing: “Humankind acquired tainted lenses at the fall in the garden. The tainted lenses manifest as ‘hatred, fear, and hopelessness,’ which are the issues that we face today.” “The Diagnosis” is part two and focuses on diagnosing vision impairment and identifying where these tainted lenses come from by examining the spiritual, personal and emotional symptoms. Part three, “Vision Correction,” lays out seven keys to shed our tainted lenses and to allow the light of God to come into our sight fully. See

AUTHOR on page 38

Hall of Flame one of area’s best-kept secrets BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Staff Writer

Chicago-area industrialist George F. Getz Jr. and his wife, Olive Atwater Getz, were driving through Wilmette, Illinois, when they saw a broken-down fire truck on the side of the road. George casually remarked he would like the 1924, Type 12 American La France fire engine. Considering the Globe Corp. chairman had everything, Olive surprised him with the old fire engine for Christmas in 1955. The gift led to a hobby on his part of collecting antique and historic firefighting equipment. This resulted in his creating the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting, now located in Phoenix, in 1961. It houses the world’s largest collection of firefighting equipment and memorabilia. “Somehow they kept it a secret from him,” said Mark Moorhead of the Hall of Flame Museum about George’s present. “It was really, basically, intended as a gag gift, but he went nuts. He loved it. He gave the neighborhood kids rides in it. He just really became enamored of firetrucks. He started to collect more and more and more of them.” He organized the National Historical Fire Foundation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to promote the museum’s programs. The Hall of Flame Museum of Fire-

We have items from all over the world, really, to trace the social and technological history of firefighting.” The museum tells the story from the bucket brigade to the 21st century. “It’s like you see in the Western movies, when the church is on fire, for example,” he said about the bucket brigade. “You have the famous bucket brigade, where they pass up and down the line and the last person gets as close as he can to the fire, which usually isn’t very close. He tries to throw the bucket of water on it. “It’s a terrible way to fight a fire, but it was all Mack not only made semis but also ﬁre trucks like this one on display at the Hall of Flame. (Courtesy of Hall of Flame) they had. As civilization developed and towns and cities got bigger, they building, and administrative offices. fighting is one of the Valley’s best-kept had a lot of incentive to find a better In its 70,000-square-foot space are secrets. After a stint in Lake Geneva, way to fight fires in a more technologi130 wheeled pieces and thousands of Wisconsin, it opened its present buildcal way.” smaller artifacts. ing in Phoenix’s Papago Park in 1974. The oldest piece in the museum is “We’re the largest historical firefightThe hall has grown from its original from 1725—seven years before George ing museum in the world,” Moorhead single gallery to five exhibit galleries, Washington was born. said. “There are around 200 firefightthe National Firefighting Hall of He“This one is so old that it doesn’t ing museums in the United States and roes, the museum store, a theater, a quite a few in other countries as well. restoration shop, a collection storage See on page 38

FLAME

ARTS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

Fiddler’s Dream offers virtual open stages BY LAURA LATZKO

Contributor

Fiddler’s Dream Coffeehouse has long offered a space for musicians to perform. Although the Glendale nonprofit cannot offer the same opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic because of social distancing guidelines, the organization has been providing a Virtual Open Stage platform for musicians looking for a space to play. The virtual performance nights start at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays via Zoom and Facebook. Fiddler’s Dream started the Virtual Open Stage nights in March, almost immediately after it was forced to temporarily close its performance space. It’s open to musicians of various ages and levels and they are given the chance to perform multiple songs. Phoenix singer-songwriter Glen Gardner, who has performed at Fiddler’s Dream for the last two years, has been moderating the Virtual Open Stage. A member of Jif and the Choosy Mothers, Gardner performs as well. “It’s all about the music at that venue,” Gardner said about Fiddler’s Dream. “People are there to watch and to listen. At Fiddler’s Dream, the music is at the foreground. That is the focus, and that’s unusual in this day and age.” Gardner said the virtual performance nights have attracted musicians from around the United States, including those who are just starting out. The virtual shows are available to listeners around the world. Audience members have a chance to show their appreciation between songs, when Gardner unmutes viewers so they can clap for performers. There is also time before the performances for social interaction. Gardner said the virtual nights have been important for musicians who aren’t able to tour and can’t find places to play their music locally during COVID-19. “We get a lot of feedback that it’s the high point of the week for a lot of people,” he said. “We all very much miss the physical location, but we’re glad we’ve figured out a way that we can still

books the bands at Fiddler’s Dream. Music education is an important component of the organization. It regularly hosts workshops on topics such as songwriting or guitar playing, as well other events such as poetry readings. “We try to offer things that will be of interest and of value to the community,” Maxwell said. Located on the grounds of the Phoenix Friends Meeting, Fiddler’s Dream’s physical location is also used in other The Virtual Open Nights program on Thursdays gives Fiddler’s Dream Coffeehouse a chance to introduce ways. Local music organizations, such as online some of the best musicians in the Valley. (Special to SanTan Sun News) the Phoenix chapter of the Nashville Songwritstays around for years to come. do it right now.” ers Association International, uses it for He said with the way that bars and Gardner said the virtual events have meetings. restaurants have been hit financially by also helped to create community. Many of the same audience memCOVID-19, musicians will need other “There are so many people who are bers attend events each week at types of performance spaces. adrift because their normal routines, Fiddler’s Dream. Maxwell became “It’s going to be important on the their job even, everything has been acquaintances with regular patrons over upended. We just wanted to cast a life- other side of this that a place like the years. Fiddler’s Dream exists, so that musiline out there and say this small aspect “It’s about community and relationcians have a place to play outside of a of what you used to do is still there,” ships, as well as fabulous music and restaurant, bar or commercial venue,” Gardner said. really good coffee,” Maxwell said. Gardner said. “A lot of the people that come are Maxwell first attended a show at the The virtual performances are meant people that we used to be face-to-face with. It’s great to see them every week.” to serve a similar purpose as the in-per- venue with a friend and later got more involved. son venue in giving local and touring Adapting to Zoom took some time. One of her most memorable moartists a space for expression. The musicians had to invest in equipments occurred when she met her Nia Maxwell, a board member since ment such as USB audio interfaces and husband, Larry Hill, at the venue. Hill, August 1996, said for musicians, Fidmicrophones. They also had to learn a guitarist and banjo player, has been dler’s Dream offers a spot to perform how to adjust app settings meant to performing at Fiddler’s Dream since the different styles of acoustic music, inreduce noise. 1980s and has been a board member “There were certain things we had to cluding bluegrass, folk, light jazz, Celtic since 1995. figure out so that music would work on and blues. The organization has often The organization’s president, Hill spotlighted performers from other the platform,” Gardner said. moderates the in-person Open Stag“That was part of the challenge early countries, such as the United Kingdom, es and takes part in the Virtual Open Canada, Denmark, Portugal and Brazil. on, figuring out what type of equipStage nights. It has also hosted special flamenco ment you needed, what kind of settings “His music and his songwriting just in Zoom worked better, could you do it music and dance and western drama really drew me in. I thought, ‘who is this and music performances. on just a phone, did you need a mixer. Maxwell said Fiddler’s Dream is an ideal person?’ When I found out that they There were all of those things that had were his original songs, I had to get to space for young people to start out. to get figured out in a hurry.” know this man better,” Maxwell said. “It’s a great place to gain stage Gardner hopes through the virtual Fiddler’s Dream Coffeehouse shows to help to keep continuity within presence and learn with a friendly, refacebook.com/fiddlersdream sponsive audience,” said Maxwell, who the organization and make sure that it

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from page 36

The last section, “Through the Lens of Love,” describes the benefits of seeing through the lens of love, which includes miracles, generational blessings, discovering significance in Christ, deepened intimacy with God and walking with God in life. Chang wrote the book as a result of engaging in prayer, especially when she volunteered at Two Rivers Church in Gilbert. She prayed for people in physical healing, as well as inner spiritual and emotional healing. “The biggest reward is seeing people’s lives transformed. I have seen many people experience freedom from

FLAME

from page 36

have a good hose,” Moorhead said. “Instead of the last guy in line feebly throwing his bucket of water on the fire, he would pour it into a tub that held about 80 gallons of water. “You’d have the crew guys on either side pumping it out, up and down.” The water sprayed out of a rigid, brass pipe—a branch pipe—and it angled up so the firefighters didn’t have to get right on top of the fire. They could arc it through a front door or, perhaps, a porch window. They could also hose down trees, bushes and the neighbors’ houses. “It wasn’t just your house that would burn,” Moorhead said. “Three or four

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

past traumas through prayer ministry. A big part of the book draws from my experience in praying for hundreds of people in Arizona and Hong Kong from 2014 to 2017,” she said. “I have been learning and practicing hearing God’s voice since 2009.” The book captures different ways of hearing God for self and others, Chang said. “Through hearing God’s voice, I can effectively identify and remove tainted lenses that block me from seeing God as who He is, see myself as God sees me, and see others as God sees them.” With her spiritual clarity, Chang is able to coach others to see through the lens of love, which directly comple-

ments her book. That’s exactly what she does at Imagine Life. “It is for people who want some help in identifying their tainted lenses and moving closer to the lens of love,” she said. Her coaching program is for people who desire to grow in the area of identity, purpose and pathways to transform work-life by partnering with God for peace, significance and fulfillment. Chang plans to translate her book to Chinese and also to write more books. But just now, she’s focused on also enjoying living in Chandler, which she calls “a melting pot of cultures” and deems to be family-friendly. Her family enjoys dining in its many

Chinese, Vietnamese, Mediterranean, Korean and Indian restaurants. “I love Chandler,” she said. She’s also more satisfied in her new life away from the corporate world, where she identified significance through achievements, position and status. “My contentment comes from seeing God as who He really is and see myself as God sees me. This is one of the key messages in the Lens of Love,” she said. “The Lens of Love: A Fresh Perspective on Increasing Intimacy with God, Enhancing Relationships, and Discovering Contentment” is available at amazon.com. $16 paperback and $9.99 e-book. Details on Imagine Life at weiweichang.com.

of your neighbors’ houses could burn, or the whole city block. Whole towns were known to burn. “It seems really primitive, but it was this huge leap forward over the bucket brigade. It’s essentially just a giant squirt gun, but it’s a pretty powerful squirt gun.” From the old news to recent news— the Granite Mountain Hotshots are remembered in the museum. They were killed in the Yarnell Hill Fire, the sixth-deadliest American firefighter disaster, and the state’s deadliest wildfire. The museum houses one of two ambulances used to transport the hotshots on the last day of their lives. “This is one of the few pieces that’s here that we don’t own,” Moorhead said.

“This one belongs to the Los Angeles County Fire Museum. The vice president of that museum’s son died (in Yarnell). “The vehicles sat in a city garage up in Prescott for a number of years. Then, they took them out to be in that movie (‘Only the Brave’). Finally, Prescott said they were going to sell it as surplus city property. This guy in LA didn’t want to see this stuff sold. “So, he got an anonymous donor, who turned out to be the actor Randolph Mantooth to donate $25,000. He put up a single bid of $25,000. We’ve had it for years and we’ll probably have it for years more. If they ever build a museum of a facility of some kind in Prescott that would accommodate this, they’ll probably get it.”

Mantooth starred in the 1970s medical drama, “Emergency!” The Granite Mountain Hotshots exhibit is part of the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes, which opened in 1998. Other American firefighters who died in the line of duty are remembered, including those from 9/11. (Somber fact: “Saturday Night Live” comedian Pete Davidson’s father is pictured on a wall of 9/11 casualties.) “We think we’re a real world-class facility,” Moorhead said. “The building isn’t fancy at all. It’s just a big warehouse, really.” But what’s in it is worth the trip.

JANUARY 21-24, 2021

Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting, 6101 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix,

602-275-3473, hallofflame.org

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 3, 2021

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2021, a year filled with hope and fulfillment RABBI IRWIN WIENER, D.D. Guest Writer

In his classic novel, “A tale of two cities” Charles Dickens begins the opening paragraph with the phrase, “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” While it describes a different time and place, it surely could apply to what we are experiencing and have experienced this past year. I am not so sure there was “the best of times,” but it certainly was, and is, “the worst of times.” Hopefully, we are entering the “best of times” as we continue to conquer this dreaded disease, COVID-19. Time will be the judge as to whether we learned anything from the nightmare. If we look back, we can see that what was experienced over 100 years ago, taught us nothing as we face the same ordeals and frustrations, and losses. We struggle with the same rejections such as face masks or social distancing, as did that generation. People took to the streets condemning the loss of individual liberties. If we close our

ing. The many men and women who strived to ensure that our lives will have meaning have demonstrated over and over again their willingness to remain steadfast in completing their assigned tasks so that we will always have “the best of times” ahead. We will continue to weep for the hundreds of thousands of our fellow citizens, and the millions throughout the world who were lost to the destructive force of a disease that took control of our lives. The stories of suffering were and continue to be heart wrenching. The pain depicted on the faces of survivors is our pain, their loss is our loss, their memories are now our memories. Yes, a New Year gives us the opportunity to not only cast off the past but look forward to the future as well. Our responsibility to the betterment of society should be part of our awareness. And our devotion to the One who gave us the ability to survive is paramount in remaining strong and vibrant as we face the future cheerfully. Nothing in life is meaningless. Rabbi Irwin Weiner is spiritual leader of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation.

represents “the best of times,” as well as the best in us. Now we are involved in welcoming a new year. Perhaps we should look at this milestone as an opportunity to release the bonds of frustration. Perhaps we should try to understand that a New Year represents the willingness to start over with a new outlook on the future. Perhaps we should learn from those who were in the forefront of salvation so that our responsibility toward one another will continue to reflect caring and sharing. Nothing in life is meaningless, and surely nothing in life is useless. Every breath we take reflects the goodness that can be found in each of us because these breaths stem from the breath that was breathed into us at the very beginning (Genesis 2:7). It is the breath of life and fulfillment and meaning. It is the breath of the Divine reaching into us to announce that life is to live regardless of the detours that cause us pain and grief. By the time this is read, I am sure we will have received a great deal of help from those responsible for our well-be-

eyes, we could imagine it being today. Perhaps King Solomon was correct when he declared: “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless…generations come, and generations go...” (Ecclesiastes 1). He ends with “No one remembers the former generations, and even those yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow.” Are we destined to repeat that which was, and not learn from that experience? Read the newspapers, watch the T.V., listen to the pundits, all declaring the same theme of destruction and hopelessness. Nothing has changed except the date! And yet, I find that there is salvation stemming from the disastrous encounter with our mortality. People are standing up to the challenge. Tired and weary they continue to show compassion and sensitivity toward the stricken. Overwhelmed by the numbers of the afflicted, they persevere to bring us back to normalcy with their undying dedication and fortitude. This is the mark of greatness that we are capable of. This is the result of understanding, only too well, that we are connected with a common bond of survival. This

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