Santan Sun News - 01.31.2021 by Times Media Group

January 31, 2021 | www.santansun.com

Relentlessly local coverage of Southern Chandler

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

Chandler’s homicide rate increased in 2020 BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Last year was one of Chandler’s deadliest in recent history with the city recording 11 homicides. Chandler Police have not reported that many deaths in the last decade, according to data published by the FBI. Chandler had four homicides in 2019, 2018 and 2016 and five in 2017. The decade’s deadliest year had been 2010, when six homicides occurred. Despite its rise in violent deaths, Chandler Police reported a decline in burglaries, assaults and thefts in 2020 compared to the previous year.

Overall, the city has been experiencing a decline in crime rates for the last few years – making 2020’s homicide rate stand out as a bit of an anomaly. When examining each death investigation from last year, there’s not much of a pattern that could illustrate some sort of crime trend. Some deaths were premeditated, some were allegedly accidental and some were seemingly random. It’s unclear whether the pandemic and its economic repercussions had any impact on Chandler’s death rate since the circumstances surrounding some cases are ambiguous. But COVID-19 has been cited for the

spike in homicides elsewhere – including Phoenix, where police reported that even before 2020 ended, there was a 52 percent increase in murders – fueled by a 175 percent increase in domestic violence homicides. It also said homicides were up by 20 percent over 2019. Phoenix’s increase in homicides was higher than increases recorded in Chicago, New York City and Los Angeles. Nearly three-quarters of all homicides in Phoenix involved a firearm, the report adds. Other large cities also reported significant increases in homicides in 2020 while property crimes nosedived – the result of what some experts said came

from so many Americans staying home during the pandemic. According to the Council on Criminal Justice, homicide rates jumped 32 percent during the pandemic and assaults increased by 11 percent in most American cities. One of the keys to bringing violent crimes back down, the council believes, will be to reduce the pandemic’s impact on local law enforcement. “City leaders continue to face policy challenges posed by the recent rise in violent crime,” the council’s report states. “Several evidence-based See

HOMICIDE on page 4

Chandler woman leads redistricting panel BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Among the more than 1,400 Chandler Unified educators who have received their COVID-19 vaccinations are Antonio Alcala, principal of Arizona College Prep Oakland Campus, and his wife Kristi, a Bogle Middle School teacher. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

CUSD educators roll up their sleeves for shots

BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

At least 1,400 employees of the Chandler Unified School District have already received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and several hundred more are expected to get vaccinated in the coming weeks. The school district was partnering with the Arizona Department of Health Services and local pharmacists to set

up two point-of-distribution sites this weekend at Hamilton High and Perry High where teachers can line up to get vaccinated. Any childcare workers or K-12 teachers living within the district’s boundaries – regardless of whether they work for CUSD – can visit one of the campuses on Saturday, Jan. 30, or Sunday, Jan. 31, to get one of the 6,000 doses See

SCHOOLS on page 6

A Chandler woman has been selected to lead the commission that is redrawing Arizona’s congressional and legislative districts. Erika Schupak Neuberg, a licensed psychologist-turned-life coach with a practice on Dobson Road, will spearhead one of the state’s most powerful citizen-led commissions that will make decisions that could significantly impact the composition of Arizona’s congressional delegation and the Legislature for the next decade. The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission convenes with a new set of members once every decade to adjust the boundaries of congressional and legislative districts to account for population shifts. Two Democrats and two Republicans are picked by the Legislature to sit on the commissionl they in turn interview and select an independent voter to preside over the five-member panel. Commissioners cannot be anyone who has been elected to public office within the last three years nor has served as an officer of a political party. Neuberg was picked earlier this month from a list of five candidates. She said her first priority will be to create a “fair” district map that will be

able to withstand any litigious challenges. The commission is obligated to draw districts that are roughly equal in population, appear compact, attempt to adhere to city and county boundaries and are electorally competitive. The new commissioners may be faced with having to make some dramatic revisions in the coming months. Arizona has gained about a million new residents since 2010 and is projected to add a 10th congressional seat to its delegation. Neuberg, who has lived in Arizona for the last 40 years, said she hopes the commission’s members can establish “mutual trust” for one another and be able to make unanimous, nonpartisan decisions. “I believe I have the unique skill set, as well as the integrity and character, to successfully chair this process,” Neuberg wrote in a statement. Neuberg will likely have to deal with political pressure from both sides, especially considering the hostility that previous chairs have encountered. Colleen Mathis, the last person to hold the job, was forced off the commission in 2011 by then-Gov. Jan Brewer amid accusations of drafting unfavorable maps and holding secret meetings. The Arizona Supreme Court later de-

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termined Brewer had overstepped her powers and overruled her actions by reinstating Mathis to the commission. Though Neuberg has been politically engaged for most of her life, she described herself as being “fiercely independent” and “agnostic” to party politics. The commission needs a chairperson who can “resist external pressures and criticisms,” she said, and continue an unbiased dedication to the commission’s constitutional duties. Neuberg earned a bachelor’s degree in political science at Colorado College in 1986 before receiving a doctoral degree in psychology from Arizona State University. She said her educational background has instilled in her a lifelong respect for civics, history and community activism. “As a student of political science, I developed a deep appreciation for our Constitution and the freedoms it affords us,” Neuberg said. Between 2010 and 2013, Neuberg was president of a bipartisan committee that aimed to strengthen America’s relations with Israel and made several trips to Washington D.C. to lobby lawmakers. “I have seen first-hand when citizen advocacy works and when it does not, and when government is effective and when it is not,” she said. During her interview with other commission members, Neuberg was

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Chandler life coach and psychologist Erika Schupak Neuberg will lead the five-member Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

asked about her many financial contributions to politicians – both Republican and Democratic – and whether that might compromise her ability to remain neutral. Neuberg said her campaign donations were solely made to get the attention of elected officials and inform them of international matters involving Israel. “Every single check I wrote was for

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the intention of having educational opportunities and to create the type of relationship such that we can have time to teach about foreign policy,” Neuberg said. Arizona’s legislative and congressional districts had been drawn by state lawmakers until voters passed a proposition in 2000 to establish an independent commission. The state filed a lawsuit in 2012 challenging the commission’s constitutional authority and attempted to shift district-drawing powers back to the Legislature. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected the state’s arguments and upheld the commission’s validity. Neuberg said she understands the magnitude of her new position and all the ethical responsibilities she’ll be expected to maintain over the next several months. But the rewards of participating in the commission’s meaningful process are deep, she said, and worth the personal sacrifice. “My years of political advocacy have taught me how to bring people from different backgrounds and perspectives together to find consensus for the common good,” Neuberg added. Her professional background also might come in handy, given the challenge ahead of her A licensed psychologist for over 20 years, Neuberg in her professional life treated issues ranging “from severe pathology to everyday life stress,” according to her website. “Regardless of the presenting problem, I consistently discovered that my clients achieved the best results when I employed forward-thinking and positive techniques that sparked excitement for change,” she says on her website. She says she “made a slight career adjustment and now practices exclusively as a life coach.” “When you combine the science of psychology with the power of partnership and motivation, you get success,” she explains.

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strategies are available to address the increase in violence but subduing the COVID-19 pandemic also remains a necessary condition for reducing violence.” During the first couple months of the pandemic, Chandler Police reported noticing a spike in vehicle thefts and domestic violence calls. Many law enforcement officials throughout the state have said they expected domestic violence to become more prevalent in 2020 since residents were forced to spend more time at home with abusive family members. Some of the deaths reported in Chandler last year appear to have started out as a fight between domestic partners. Ben Beasley, 35, was shot and killed by his girlfriend on Aug. 8 outside her home near Pecos and McQueen roads. The couple had been arguing and Bea-

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 31, 2021

sley allegedly threatened to harm his girlfriend before she shot him. A domestic dispute call turned deadly back on March 13 after Rosario Alvarado, 41, threatened to cut his girlfriend with a knife. When police officers arrived at the scene, Alvarado allegedly ignored commands to put down his firearm and was shot at multiple times. He died at the hospital a couple days later. The gruesome death of Amy Leagans on Oct. 27 reportedly started out as a fight with Timothy Sullivan, whom she had met through a mutual friend. Sullivan admitted to strangling and killing Leagans inside her Chandler apartment during their fight. He later dismembered her body and disposed of her remains in the desert after first burying her in Scottsdale and then digging up the body for fear of discovery. Other Chandler deaths were committed while in the process of completing another crime.

Amber Joy Patton, 34, was killed on Sept. 19 by a pair of 16-year-old boys at her residence on Augusta Avenue before the suspects took off in her vehicle. Her murder ended up being one of several felonies committed by the suspects during a month-long crime spree across the Valley. The death of Bobby Sanchez on Oct. 5 started out as a drug transaction between a group of men outside an apartment complex on Arizona Avenue. Sanchez ended up getting shot and four men were later arrested for their involvement in his death. Jordan Sullivan, 21, originally set out to steal a car on April 9 outside a Circle K in south Chandler and inadvertently ended up with a murder charge. Sullivan shoved an elderly man pumping gas outside the convenience store and fled in the victim’s vehicle. The man later died from injuries sustained during the carjacking, resulting in prosecutors adding a homicide charge

to Sullivan’s indictment. Not all homicides were murders, however. The officer-involved shooting of Kevin Smallman on Jan. 27 began as an investigation into a stolen vehicle. A Chandler officer attempted to arrest Smallman inside the stolen car but the suspect tried to drive off with the officer still hanging on the vehicle. The officer eventually fired his gun at Smallman and the car crashed into a block wall, leaving the felon dead. Some deaths reported last year still have a shroud of mystery wrapped around them. The motive behind Danita Hunter’s death on Aug. 29 is not yet publicly known and remains unclear. The 47-yearold mother was allegedly shot by Nozre Ware, 22, at the victim’s residence. Ware had allegedly visited Hunter’s residence several times previously but his relationship to the victim or his motive for killing her has not been disclosed.

Teen shot by Chandler officer succumbs to injuries SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

A 17-year-old boy shot by a Chandler police earlier this month during a chase has died. Anthony Cano, a former Chandler High School student, was shot the night of Jan. 2 after he allegedly ignored commands from an officer who was chasing the teenager through Gazelle Meadows

Park. Cano was holding a firearm at the moment he was shot twice in the back, Chandler Police said. The officer was not harmed during the incident. Cano spent several weeks in the hospital before succumbing to his injuries on Jan. 23. The teenager’s family say his death has caused great stress at a time when

the Canos have had to deal with several other tragedies. “Our entire family is completely devastated to have lost such a vital part of our family,” said Eva Cano, the teen’s aunt. “Anthony was the fourth loss in our family in the month of January.” Known as “Peanut” among his family and friends, Cano was remembered as a joyful, fun-loving kid who loved sports

and clowning around. Cano’s family declined comment on the circumstances surrounding his death but said they hope that “truth and justice” will come to light after all the investigations conclude. Eva Cano said she hopes her nephew’s death might spur a positive impact See

CANO on page 8

Cactus League seeks spring baseball season delay BY GARETH KWOK Cronkite News

The Cactus League board has asked Major League Baseball to delay the start of spring training in Arizona due to high COVID-19 infection rates in Maricopa County. In a letter addressed to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, the board wrote: “In view of the current state of the pandemic in Maricopa County – with one of the nation’s highest infection rates – we believe it is wise to delay the start of spring training to allow for the

COVID-19 situation to improve here.” The board’s decision is “based off data from the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, which projects a sharp decline in infections in Arizona by midMarch,” the letter stated. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, the state has over 727,000 reported cases of COVID-19. The letter is signed by Bridget Binsbacher, the executive director of the Cactus League; Martin Harvier, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community President; the city managers of Phoenix

and Tempe; and the mayors of Mesa, Surprise, Peoria, Scottsdale, Goodyear and Glendale. “We just wanted to let MLB know that if there was any opportunity to postpone the season that we collectively, as the host cities, the host municipalities, and the tribal community, would support that,” Binsbacher said. If spring training were to be delayed, MLB would not be able to make this decision unilaterally. It would have to reach an agreement with the Players Association, which has been adamant about starting spring training on time.

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Binsbacher made it clear that the Cactus League is “not part of those discussions” between MLB and the Players Association. Cactus League spring training is scheduled to begin on Feb. 27. Whenever it starts, it will look different because of restrictions prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chicago Cubs sent out an email Friday that said it will not be able to offer spring training season-ticket holders their same seat locations for the 2021 season. See

CACTUS on page 13

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allotted to the distribution sites. “We anticipate being very busy on Saturday and Sunday,” said Superintendent Camille Casteel. “This really is going to be a team effort.” Attendees will be receiving a dose of the Moderna vaccine, which requires a second dose at least four weeks later. Therefore, the district plans to host a second vaccination event on Feb. 27 and 28. More than 100 volunteers will be helping to distribute vaccines this weekend, Casteel added, and CUSD aims to model its campuses after the drive-thru distribution site that’s been stationed at Chandler-Gilbert Community College for the last few weeks. Unlike the CGCC distribution center – which is open to anyone eligible for vaccination – attendance at Chandler Unified’s distribution sites will be exclusively limited to education workers. CUSD has spent the last week sending out letters to nearby charter and private schools, inviting them to have their staff sign up for a timeslot during this weekend’s distribution events. Educators without health insurance are still eligible to receive a vaccine from CUSD at no cost to them. Chandler Unified is one of several school districts that agreed to partner with the state to speed up the distribution of vaccines for essential workers. The Phoenix Union High School District turned four of its campuses into distribution centers earlier this month to administer up 1,500 vaccines over the weekend of Jan. 22 while several more districts are in the process of setting up distribution sites of their own. School districts have also been tracking which employees have already gotten vaccinated through information that’s shared with local hospitals and health departments. The push on vaccinations comes as the county health department on Thursday released data showing substantial virus spread in Chandler Unified and the city. All three metrics for measuring spread were well above the moderate spread levels. COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people were up to 886 from 790 the previous week and positive new test results rose slightly to 21.9 percent. Percentage of hospital visits with COVID-like symptoms dipped slightly to 14.5 percent. According to CUSD, between 1,400 and 1,600 of its employees have voluntarily received their first vaccine dose at another site and are waiting for their second dose. If all 6,000 vaccines are distributed this weekend, then most of the district’s 5,000 employees could potentially be vaccinated by the end of this month. The rapid vaccination could offer some comfort to parents like Swati Kadam, who has been agonizing for weeks about sending her daughter back to Hamilton High for in-person learning. The district is offering five-day in-classroom learning. Kadam’s concerns about the pandemic have been heightened since her mother succumbed to the deadly virus in July.

She said losing her mother during the pandemic has made her think more carefully about how best to protect her family and that she became concerned for her daughter when CUSD reopened its classrooms on Jan. 19. More than 100 new active cases of COVID-19 have been reported across the district’s 42 campuses over the last month and another 850 cases have been resolved after the student was cleared to return to school. Some families still hope there may be another alternative to sending their child into a confined classroom with their peers. Several parents have been contemplating their options, Kadam said, since the district decided not to set offer a temporary virtual learning option for students. “There are many like us right now,” Kadam said. “We’re all in a strange place right now trying to figure out what to do.” The pandemic has introduced a wide range of challenges for CUSD since it began almost a year ago. Nearly every decision the district’s made in response to the health crisis has angered some parents while relieving many others. When the district’s Governing Board decided to start the spring semester with virtual learning for all students the first two weeks of this month, some hoped the trial period would be extended until COVID-19 levels drastically dropped. “That’s what we are asking for,” Kadam noted. “We’re asking for a real, teacher-led virtual option.” Chandler’s online school doesn’t work for many high schoolers, Kadam said, noting it lacks advanced courses and is incompatible with certain learning styles. Parents like Kadam had hoped CUSD would keep its virtual option that has classroom teachers engaging with students through video applications. Other nearby districts had found a way to maintain that choice for students who wanted it. Kadam and some other parents attempted to protest the district’s decision by keeping their student home from school on Jan. 19. The tactic garnered little attention from administrators so Kadam had her daughter return to school the following day. “I don’t think it was big enough to make an impact,” she added. Some parents and teachers tried circulating an online petition to get CUSD administrators to reconsider its switch back to in-person learning. By Jan. 27, more than 1,300 people had signed the petition. “I want my children and I to stay safe,” one parent wrote on the petition. “The infection rates are way too high for us to safely be back to in-person instruction.” Several Chandler Unified teachers have attempted to protest the district’s decisions by collectively calling in sick on certain days. And some have gone so far as to leave their job altogether. One such teacher, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said she voluntarily resigned at the start of this semester. See

SCHOOLS on page 8

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 31, 2021

SMILE AND EAT CONFIDENTLY This chart shows how enrollment in Chandler Unified schools has dropped in recent months. (Courtesy of CUSD)

Virtual learning could cost CUSD another $12M BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Virtual learning cost the Chandler Unified School District $12 million this school year and eventually result in the layoff of nearly 200 employees. Though many teachers and families have been advocating virtual learning over opening classrooms, CUSD officials said online instruction has already had a financial impact on the district’s budget. The cost is driven partly by lower state reimbursements for online students and partly by an enrollment loss. Virtually every East Valley district has lost enrollment this school year, and to some extent what happened to those students is unknown. Estimates are that as many as 40,000 students across the state simply dropped out and are not on enrollment rolls for either public or charter schools. Per-pupil state reimbursement is 5 percent lower than what the state gives districts for each student in the classroom. Gov. Doug Ducey’s proposed 2021-22 budget indicates he won’t be equalizing those rates despite pleas by school administrators across the state. Chandler Unified officials expected the enrollment decline to hit their spending plans but now the district released details on the impact of the lower reimbursement for online students. The pandemic forced CUSD to keep schools closed until mid-September, meaning the district stands to lose about $12 million due to the number of days students weren’t physically in classrooms. “This has been a huge hit,” said Lana Berry, the district’s chief financial officer. Berry said Chandler’s current financial situation could potentially result in the elimination of 186 staff positions during the next school year. The district will be spending the next couple of months reviewing its personnel and expenditures to see how it might make a major reduction in staffing, she added. Tough decisions will likely have to be made by administrators in the 2021-2022 budget unless enrollment numbers quickly reverse and return back to

pre-pandemic levels. “Without that, we can’t fund certain programs and staffing at the levels we currently have,” Berry said. In December, the district reduced its budget by $13 million because of an unforeseen drop in enrollment. More than 2,300 students left CUSD over this last year as the district continuously shifted between virtual and in-person instruction. Parents lamented the district’s inconsistency and many threatened to pull their children out and take them to a charter school. Other families reported not feeling safe about sending their children back to school now that CUSD has returned to in-person learning and have made plans to enroll them someplace else. Chandler’s elementary schools have experienced some of the district’s biggest drops in enrollment. As of this month, the district has more than 2,700 fewer K-6 students than it had in 2018. “We knew we were going to decline in elementary (enrollment) but not at the rate that we have,” Berry said. By contrast, high schools have seen enrollment grow by more than 300 students over the last year. But the growth is not enough to supplement the lost seen in lower grade levels. The enrollment loss combined with funding disparities has left the district feeling uncertain about its near future and increasingly dependent on the state government to come up with some sort of intervention. According to the Arizona Department of Education, the state’s districts have collectively lost $266 million because of the lower funding rate that’s applied to virtual instruction. Ducey announced last summer that school districts could receive additional grant funding to offset the enrollment shortfalls seen throughout Arizona during the pandemic. The state set aside $370 million from its allocation of federal pandemic relief money to be doled out among Arizona’s 230 school districts. CUSD had expected to get a $20-million grant from the governor’s relief program, but Berry said the district ended up with $14 million due to limited resources. See

CUSD on page 8

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on the community by possibly preventing a similar incident from happening to someone else. “If this incident saves another teenager or another family from having to go through a tragedy as we have, I’m positive Anthony’s heart would be more than happy,” she added. According to Chandler Police, one of its officers noticed Cano riding a bicycle without a front headlight near Nevada and Erie streets at about 9 p.m. on Jan. 2. The officer observed Cano moving through both lanes of traffic and attempted to stop him. After Cano ignored the flashing lights of the officer’s vehicle, a chase ensued that eventually led to a nearby park. The officer’s body-worn camera documented Cano running away from the officer as commands were being yelled out for him to stop. Cano allegedly dropped a firearm he had been carrying while running through the park. As he stopped to pick up the gun, the officer fired two shots at him. Chandler Police did not disclose the officer’s name. He has been placed on administrative leave while an internal and criminal investigation is conducted. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will ultimately decide whether criminal charges should be filed against the officer. The case will additionally be reviewed by a panel of local residents

Anthony Cano assigned to probe police incidents involving violence. Cano’s death comes after a year that was dominated by civil unrest caused by officer-involved shootings seen throughout the country. Several peaceful protests took place across Chandler last summer after the high-profile death of George Floyd, who was killed during an altercation with police officers in Minnesota. In response to the protests, Chandler Police announced in October it was implementing extra layers of accountability to its review process for incidents involving officers who use force against a civilian.

from page 6

“The need across the state was more than this $370 million that was allocated,” Berry said. “We heard it was closer to $600 million.” CUSD also has had to grapple with several unexpected costs accrued during its response to the pandemic. The district has had to spend more than $18.5 million on technology, protective gear and cleaning supplies to keep schools operating while the virus continued to spread. CUSD has so far has received only $3 million to cover its mitigation costs. The district is hoping the Arizona Legislature may intervene soon and revise funding formulas to account for the millions of dollars taken out of Chandler’s budget. “We could see a revision with less of a hit and we’re hoping our legislators eventually could maybe remove or

SCHOOLS

from page 6

“I don’t want to be forced to be in a situation where I know I’m not safe,” the teacher said. As a mother to young children, she said she felt like she was being forced to choose between her family and her career. “The pandemic has pushed a lot of people into these corners,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking.” If the pandemic was to drag on into

change this,” Berry added. It is not yet clear how state leaders may address education funding gaps, especially since Gov. Ducey recently indicated he doesn’t want to pay for “empty seats” in classrooms. District leaders have expressed concerns over Chandler’s budget woes and remain hopeful the issue may be resolved if enrollment numbers get back to where they were less than a year ago. “Our budget problems would be solved if we get the kids back,” said Governing Board President Barbara Mozdzen. “It won’t be solved if we don’t.” Board member Joel Wirth, a former CUSD administrator, said he cannot recall a time during his 37-year tenure when the district faced the prospect of laying off so many employees. “I don’t think we’ve ever experienced having to lay off 186 staff members,” Wirth said. “Hopefully, those individuals will find a job.” the next school year, CUSD would be led by a new interim superintendent because Casteel intends to retire in June. An interim superintendent will be appointed by the board soon and will preside for up to a year or until the board hires a permanent replacement. While a new superintendent could possibly redirect the district’s approach to handling the pandemic, whoever occupies that position would still have to convince a school board that has voted repeatedly to remain committed to in-person learning.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 31, 2021

EV lawmakers push emergency powers curbs BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

State lawmakers took the first steps Monday to trim the powers of the governor -- this one and all successors -- to enact and enforce unlimited emergency orders and legislators from Mesa, Scottsdale and Chandler say it’s long overdue. On a party-line vote, members of the Republican-Senate Government Committee approved several measures to require governors to get legislative approval once they declare an emergency. In each case, the failure of lawmakers to ratify the action within a certain number of days would end the emergency powers. “Our government isn’t set up as a monarchy,’’ complained Sen. Kelly Townsend, R-Mesa. “We are not subordinate to the executive branch.’’ Townsend said she believes that Gov. Doug Ducey overreacted with the restrictions he put in place last year due to the COVID-19 outbreak. What happened, she said, is that some bars in Scottsdale allowed customers to act recklessly, with people packed in and dancing in a way that would spread the virus. But Townsend said the governor put in place lockdowns that affected everyone from Page to Bisbee. “It was just an arbitrary and capri-

dale, however, said this is not about stripping the governor of the power to declare an emergency. That would remain. Instead, it gives lawmakers “a seat at the table’’ when deciding, after the immediate crisis passes, to review what the governor has done and, as appropriate, determine whether a different course of action is appropriate. “It’s bringing back a balance of power,’’ she told colleagues. “I don’t know why you would South Chandler state Sen. J.D. Mesnard is helping to lead handicap yourselves.’’ the charge to curb the governor's emergency powers. Sen. J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, was more blunt about why he cious decision that had no input from believes there needs to be some checks us,’’ she said. on the governor’s power. He said there But Sen. Jamescita Peshlakai, D-Winseems to be a belief that anyone with dow Rock, said she’s not convinced emergency powers won’t hang on to that adding 90 legislators to the decithem any longer than necessary. sion-making process will improve man“That’s just a fallacy,’’ Mesnard said. agement of the pandemic. And she’s “Under that line of thinking there is particularly skeptical about adding this no purpose to checks and balances becurrent group of lawmakers, many of whom she said do not believe there is a cause it’s all so obvious that there is not need for a check,’’ he said. “You don’t pandemic, to the decision-making mix. want to let the cook run away with the “And a lot of them can’t even keep a kitchen.’’ mask on their face,’’ Peshlakai said. Most of the measures would have no Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, R-Scotts-

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immediate impact. In fact, in a bid to avoid a gubernatorial veto, they were crafted as constitutional amendments that would go on the 2022 ballot. So the earliest the restrictions on future emergencies could take effect, assuming voter approval, would be the end of next year. But lawmakers also took aim at Monday the current emergency, using the little bit of power they already have to end it. Under the current law, an emergency continues until the governor decides it is no longer necessary or until both the House and Senate, by a simple majority, decide to override that action. SCR 1001, approved by the panel, would do just that – assuming it gets through the full legislative process. “We have moved past an emergency into a chronic situation that needs to be handled in a different way,’’ Ugenti-Rita said. Ducey declared the emergency on March 11. Since then, he has issued various orders dealing with everything from what hours individuals can be on the streets to how many customers certain businesses can serve. “No one’s articulated when this may end,’’ Ugenti-Rita said. And she said her constituents have had enough. “They don’t want a new normal,’’ she said. See

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 31, 2021

Mesnard, other senators OK election changes BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

In the wake of protests over the election results in Arizona, Republicans on a Senate panel approved two changes in election laws designed to audit more votes and require automatic recounts in more situations. “There are hundreds of thousands of people ... that think the election was fraudulent or full of irregularities or breakdowns in process,’’ said Chandler Sen. J.D. Mesnard. Changing the laws on recounts and audits, he said, will increase voter confidence. But Sen. Juan Mendez, D-Tempe, said the legislation approved on party-line votes by the Government Committee is built on the flawed assumption that more counting will change minds. “There will always be people that are never going to accept election results because they just don’t agree with their perception of reality,’’ he said. Sen. Martin Quezada, D-Glendale, “The reason that there’s doubts out there about our elections right now is because of uncorroborated claims, misinformation and flat-out lies that have been told over and over again about this past election, from the president’s office all the way down to this very body. As elected officials, we lied to them.’’ Mesnard suggested the opposition of Democrats has a political component. “I am a little dismayed at the seem-

ing dismissiveness that I sense from people who have no problem with the outcome of the election or don’t have any doubts but don’t care that others do,’’ he said. Mesnard is the sponsor of SB 1010 which would increase to 5 percent the number of precincts where there has to be a random hand count of votes following each election. The current figure is 2 percent. But Mesnard also wants to allow anyone who has the money to demand a full recount of any race. He conceded that the only people who would likely take advantage of that are those who are on the losing side. But that, said Mesnard, does not make it a bad idea. Mendez doesn’t see it that way. “Allowing rich people to demand a recount simply because they can afford it will never restore confidence in our elections,’’ he said.

The same panel gave the go-ahead to SB 1083 which alters the law on when there has to be an automatic recount. In most cases, that occurs when the margin of difference between the top two candidates is no more than 0.1 percent or 200 votes, whichever is less. Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, R-Scottsdale, wants to move that number up to 0.5 percent. That change is significant. Democrat Joe Biden won Arizona and its 11 electoral votes by 10,457 over President Trump, a margin of just 0.3 percent. Had this measure been in effect last year, it would have required a recount of the more than 3.3 million ballots already cast. Quezada said altering the floor for a recount might have made sense had it been brought up at almost any other time. “The problem is we’re bringing it forward in response to, again, people’s mistrust of these election results and

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lack of confidence in these election results that are based on complete lies,’’ Quezada said. Ugenti said this has nothing to do with the most recent election. “I have to dispel this idea that things were fine prior to 2020,’’ she said. Separately, the same committee agreed to set up a procedure to drop people off the state’s “permanent early voting list.’’ Current law allows anyone to sign up to get mailed an early ballot ahead of each election. They remain on that list unless they are placed on an “inactive’’ list for failing to vote at all for several election cycles or the notice to voters is returned as undeliverable. SB 1069 would remove individuals from the list if they did not use an early ballot in two consecutive primary and general elections. Ugenti-Rita said it’s just a matter of keeping the list as current as possible. The measure drew criticism from various voting rights groups that argued this throws an additional hurdle in the path of people who want to cast a ballot. Ugenti-Rita said the change does not affect the right of someone to vote. She said those removed from the list can still go to the polls and cast a ballot in person and still can reapply to get early ballots in the mail. All the measures go to the full Senate following a review by the Rules Committee of constitutional issues.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 31, 2021

EMERGENCY

from page 10

“They want to go back to the way it was.’’ But Democrats on the panel said the action, even if legal, is premature. “When did we get over this emergency?’’ asked Sen. Juan Mendez, D-Tempe. And Peshlakai said the evidence is that the underlying problems still exist. “People are dying right now with no one to hold their hands,’’ she said. “We are burying people at record rates.’’ Ugenti-Rita did not dispute the effects of the pandemic and even the possible need for some government action. “But doing it under an emergency order is no longer the responsible thing to do,’’ she said. What’s needed, Ugenti-Ri-

CACTUS

from page 4

“As part of updated guidance from MLB and in coordination with requirements and guidelines, we are shifting to limited, socially distanced pod-style seating.” Asked if no fans in attendance could be an option for Cactus League games this season, Binsbacher said “that is a possibility.” However, she is hopeful for a pod-seating concept for all facilities. “This pod seating concept, it works,” Binsbacher said. “You can sell tickets

ta said, is a more “holistic’’ approach, dealing not just with the disease but effects of restrictions, like depression – and doing it with legislative input and consensus rather than gubernatorial fiat. “You cannot handle a chronic situation with short-term solutions,’’ she said. “And shutting schools and businesses down is a short-term solution.’’ Ducey has told Capitol Media Services he’s willing to listen to ideas to “improve’’ the laws in light of the fact this is the first time they were invoked due to a pandemic. But the governor drew a line in the sand at ending the current declaration. “We’re still in that public health emergency,’’ he said. “That’s why state law and the constitution provide for executive emergency authorities in

situations like that.’’ SCR 1001 which would terminate the current emergency needs only a majority vote of both the House and Senate to take effect. There is no possibility of a gubernatorial veto. Still, Ducey believes it’s a bad idea. Arizona law allows cities and counties to declare their own emergencies. But Ducey’s own order declares that they cannot do anything he does not approve. That preemption was cited by a judge in Pima County in overturning the decision by the Board of Supervisors to impose a local curfew. Ducey, in his State of the State address, warned legislators that as much as they may not like what he’s done, they might be even less pleased if they strip away his authority which would

let each city and county do what they want. “I’ve been entrusted by the people of Arizona with this responsibility,’’ he told legislators in his State of the State address. “I’m not going to hand over the keys to a small group of mayors who have expressed every intention of locking down their cities.’’ But Townsend said that might be preferable to have the kind of one-sizefits-all rule that exists now. “I disagree with Tucson,’’ she said, referring to efforts by Tucson and, later, Pima County, to impose a curfew. “The people in that area want that and believe that’s what’s necessary in their area,’’ Townsend said. And she said they should be free to do that, unfettered by a statewide emergency declaration that preempts local control.

in small groups and structure them so that they’re not close together. You can meet all of the CDC guidelines and maintain social distancing and manage traffic patterns. “It can be done. We’re hopeful that there will be fans in the stands, but again, it changes all the time. We’re moving in the right direction and so we’re just trying to be as optimistic and ready for whatever comes our way.” If infection rates in Maricopa County show no sign of improvement and the Cactus League were to be canceled, Mesa Mayor John Giles says it would

have a detrimental effect on the local economy. The Cactus League generated approximately $363 million in economic last season before COVID-19 shut down the season on March 12, the league said. “Every year, we experience a tremendous boon in our local economy because of spring training,” Giles said. “Last year, we saw the impact of terminating the spring training season early and it did have a significant detrimental economic impact on the community. “Certainly this year is not going to be a normal year. No one is suggesting

that we return to business as usual but I think we are all stating the obvious of the longer we wait, hopefully, the better the situation is going to be for considering including fans.” While Binsbacher awaits a response from Manfred and MLB, she and the Cactus League executive board are optimistic for spring training this year. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel and whether that’s two weeks or four weeks or six weeks is again, completely out of our control and something that has to be negotiated between MLB and the Players Association.”

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 31, 2021

Arizonans getting higher, new pot data suggests BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Arizonans legally smoked, ate or otherwise consumed nearly 106 tons of marijuana last year. That’s up 27 percent from 2019 and nearly double the amount sold in 2018. And that consumption likely will grow exponentially as Arizona adults can now purchase legal weed for recreation as of last week. All this is a direct result of passage of Proposition 207. Approved by a 3-2 margin, it allows anyone 21 and older to possess up to an ounce of marijuana or six plants. It still requires presentation of a state-recognized identification card proving age, though that does not have to be from Arizona. And there’s that one-ounce limit. Still, Hurley acknowledged that nothing in the law tracks individual sales to the point that one dispensary can find out if another one just sold an ounce of the drug to the same buyer. Possession of more than an ounce remains illegal, though anything up to 2-1/2 ounces is a petty offense, subject only to a fine. The new law creates a fiscal conundrum of sorts for the state’s nearly 300,000 medical marijuana users: Should they keep their state-issued cards? The new law, however, requires imposition of a 16 percent excise tax

on recreational sales. And assuming a price of $200 an ounce – a figure that could vary widely – that additional fee amounts to $32. So that makes sales to medical marijuana users cheaper. But Hurley said it’s not that simple. Anyone wanting a medical marijuana card first has to get a diagnosis from a doctor that he or she has a condition for which the drug can be recommended. These range from glaucoma and AIDS to severe and chronic pain. Hurley figures an office visit can set someone back about $150. Then there’s the requirement for an identification card issued by the state, which carries its own $150 biennial fee. “I’m guessing most people that have

their cards will keep them until they expire,’’ he said. “Unless you’re a real heavy user, some people will probably not renew them.’’ In either case, customers should come armed with cash. Marijuana remains illegal under federal law. And banks which are subject to federal regulation have been unwilling to accept credit card transactions from dispensaries. Taxes aside, there is one other advantage to keeping a medical marijuana card. It allows individuals to purchase up to 2-1/2 ounces every two weeks, versus being limited to possession of no more than an ounce at any one time. The latest report from the state Department of Health Services has no figures on how much Arizonans spent, as any financial data from the state-regulated dispensaries is confidential. But if an ounce of average weed goes for $200 – and there’s a whole lot of variables – that’s more than $675 million expended in 2020 on medical marijuana. All that is just the stuff state health officials know about, based on the reports it gets from the more than 100 legal dispensaries around the state. The big unknown is how many medical mar-

ijuana patients are getting their drugs from other sources which may be more convenient -- or cheaper. And none of that counts for those who are buying and using the drug illegally. Other findings in the new report also show that: • On average, more marijuana transactions occur in December than any other month; • Male patients outnumber female by 3-to-2. • And if you divide up the number of legal medical marijuana patients by the amount of the drug sold in Arizona law year, the average user consumed close to an ounce a month. Health department figures also show that the vast majority of what was purchased last year was in whole marijuana form, meaning the leaves and flowers that can be smoked or made into tea. Only about 10 percent was in other forms, including edibles like candy bars and drinks, as well as pills and liquids. The increase in usage has been constant. Sales totaled 87,000 in 2017 and about 58,600 for the year after that. And that was a 52 percent increase over 2015 sales which, in turn, were double the 2014 numbers. The number of patients with medical marijuana cards from the state in each county varies from 196,397 in Maricopa to 275 in LaPaz, according to the Department of Health Services.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 31, 2021

Former COVID patients’ plasma sought BY HARRY CROTON Cronkite News

As vaccinations for COVID-19 continue nationwide, blood donation agencies are stepping up efforts to encourage those who have had the disease and recovered to donate their plasma to help treat the sick. January is National Blood Donor Month, a time when agencies typically work to recruit more donors as bad winter weather and seasonal illnesses reduce donations. This year, the American Red Cross and other groups are heightening calls for donations of blood and plasma, the liquid portion of blood that contains antibodies that can fight off infections. The Food and Drug Administration has authorized convalescent plasma therapy for COVID-19 on an emergency basis. Some studies show that plasma therapy may speed recovery time for COVID patients, but research is ongoing, and one study published in November in the New England Journal of Medicine found no significant differences between those who received plasma and those who did not. Vitalant of Scottsdale and other blood-donation organizations are collecting blood that hospitals can administer. “It’s an emergency need for more convalescent plasma donors, especially now as we’re seeing cases rising,” Vitalant spokeswoman Sue Thew said. “As people recover, that’s one way that they can give back in a way that nobody

Firefighters last fall gave plasma and blood in a special drive at the Hall of Flame Museum. (Cronkite News)

else can.” Phoenix police Officer Santos Robles contracted COVID-19 in July and experienced life-threatening symptoms that twice put him in intensive care. He said he received five plasma transfusions and believes with each procedure, his health improved. “It shortens the symptoms that you have,” Robles said. “The fevers start to kind of dissipate, and you start feeling a little bit better.” Carlos Sanchez, director of public affairs in Hidalgo County, Texas, received a plasma transfusion after contracting

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 31, 2021

State Senate GOP eyes even bigger tax cuts BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Senate Republicans have a message to Gov. Doug Ducey about his plan for tax cuts: We’ll see your $200 million in proposed cuts for this coming budget year and raise you another $250 million. Sen. David Gowan, R-Sierra Vista, told Capitol Media Services that revenues are running far ahead of anticipated expense and that legislative staffers anticipate a $2 billion surplus for the new fiscal year that begins July 1 – even on top of Ducey’s $12.6 billion spending plan. So the GOP caucus figures the state can provides even more tax relief than the governor believes appropriate. But Gowan, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, said Republicans are keenly aware of the changing nature of government finances. So, unlike the plan for a permanent $200 million cut that Ducey wants increased over three years to $600 million, the additional tax cuts would be for one year only. Sen. Vince Leach, R-Tucson, said who will get those dollars is yet to be decided. But he said that the nature of providing one-time relief suggests that the beneficiaries will be certain kinds of small businesses. Senate President Karen Fann, R-Prescott, said a good use of the funds might be to pay off the debt incurred by the state’s Public Safety Personnel

Retirement System. That, she said, will save the state millions in interest payments. Then there’s the fact that business property is assessed for tax purposes at 18 percent of what’s considered its full cash value versus a 10 percent assessment ration for residential property. Sen. J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, said the idea would be to lower that business assessment ratio to 15 percent, making the state more competitive. Only thing is, that would cause a shift in the burden of local and school taxes, which depend on property tax, to homeowners, meaning voters. And that would make it politically unacceptable. The plan would be to have the state use some of its revenues to backfill the difference to ensure that homeowners do not end up paying more. So far, House Republicans have not put down their own markers on what kind of tax relief they want. But House Majority Leader Ben Toma, R-Peoria, said this is not just about dollars and cents. “We’d like to see a much broader discussion around economic development, period, when it comes to tax cuts,’’ he said. And Toma said he’d actually like to see even more tax cuts over a threeyear stretch. Gowan said that conforms with the GOP philosophy. “As the economy gets a little stronger and stronger, we’re seeing the dollars come back,’’ he said. “We just

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thought it would be prudent to give back to the people who pay the taxes a portion of what they keep giving in,’’ he said. Any move to cut revenues will get a fight from Democrats. They contend the state is not now providing sufficient dollars to fund needs, particularly with the financial hit that some people have taken due to the pandemic. Then there’s the larger question of whether it’s prudent to make permanent cuts in state taxes given the up-and-down cycles in the economy. Reversing course is not a realistic option as it takes a two-thirds vote to raise taxes or even to cancel an already scheduled future tax cut. Gowan, however, said state collections have been healthy for several years, even with the downturn in revenues linked to COVID-19 as some businesses have been shuttered or are operating at reduced capacity. At the same time, however, there have been offsets. One is $32 billion in relief through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. That provided $13 billion in business aid, $10 billion in additional unemployment benefits, $6 billion through the one-time $1,200 per person stimulus checks and another $2 billion for hospitals. And that doesn’t include a new package approved by Congress last month, the one with the $600 individu-

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al checks. But Senate Minority Leader Rebecca Rios, D-Phoenix, noted that Ducey gave $400 million of the $1.9 billion in discretionary funding he got directly to state agencies. And they, in turn, returned $300 million they had received in state dollars. Rios said those federal dollars should have gone to helping those affected by the pandemic rather than beefing up the state’s bottom line to then use for tax cuts. Gowan said nothing is being shorted. “The economy is doing well in our state,’’ he said. “You can chalk that up to a lot of good Republican issues like deregulation and tax readjustment in the past that’s helped our economy grow with jobs. “We still have a lot of other dollars out there that we’re still trying to heal the state with,’’ Gowan said. Leach said there is sentiment among Republicans to alter the state’s individual income tax structure to “flatten’’ the rates. Right now, the state has four tax brackets, with rates ranging from 2.59 percent for the first $26,000 of income for individuals to 4.5 percent for adjusted earnings above $159,000. There also is a push among many legislators to at least partly offset Proposition 208 and its 3.5% surcharge on the incomes of individuals about $250,000 a year to add money for education funding.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 31, 2021

Chandler Children’s Choir sets auditions SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Pandemics are no fun for choirs – especially when, like COVID-19, a virus is easily spread by airborne droplets from people too close to each other. And masks aren’t necessarily the best thing to be wearing if you’re trying to sing. But taking her cue from a 200-year-old hymn titled “How Can I Keep From Singing?” Chandler Children’s Choir Founder-Director Aimee Steward has found some effective workarounds to get her kids stretching their vocal chords again. Driven by her knowledge of the benefits a choir can provide for youth and her passion to hear young people singing, Steward spent weeks doing research and planning before perfecting a way to start the community choir’s 13th season last fall. Singers ages 6-18 participate in weekly rehearsals outside, wearing masks and maintaining social distance. Singers have the option to rehearse in person or online. The repertoire features a wide variety of genres and often includes pieces sung in another language. “Singing and music help us process the world around us, help us express what we’re feeling, help us understand new ideas, histories and perspectives,” said Stewart. “Now more than ever, we must continue to give our youth the opportunity to sing in a community choir and experience the role music can play in

Chandler Children’s Choir Founder-Director Aimee Steward has found a way to keep her kids singing and safe from COVID-19. (Courtesy Chandler Children’s Choir)

their lives.” Directing a choir during a pandemic requires a new level of creativity. In October, the choir produced a choral music video concert that debuted on the big screen at a drive-in. That was made possible with help from recording experts and the Chandler Center for the Arts in partnership with Sound and Vision Motion Picture Company and Digital Drive-In AZ. In December the choir performed a “Calypso Christmas” concert featuring local steel drum band, Rhythm is Life. The outdoor concert was live streamed and enjoyed by viewers from as far away as Great Britain and Austria, a spokeswoman for the choir said. The second semester of Season 13 is

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well underway with concerts planned for February and May. The choir is also partnering with the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center through the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council to provide inclusive learning opportunities for children throughout the program. In the effort to introduce more children to music without a big commitment, the Prelude Choir was formed for singers as young as 6-years old with little or no musical training. That group gives them a chance to experience singing in a choir. Singers in the 6-week program meet weekly, learn a few pieces of music and perform them at the end. No audition is required. The program will begin Feb. 11. “We are working hard on expand-

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ing ways to reach more young people in less traditional ways to give them a chance to express themselves musically, regardless of socio-economic background, developmental limitations or racial background,” Steward said. Auditions to join the choir are taking place next month. Details about auditions or to join the Prelude Choir are at chandlerchildrenschoir.org. Steward said that at a time when choirs around the world are experiencing unprecedented challenges, she’s glad the Chandler Children’s Choir has found a way to keep young people singing, citing the lyrics from that hymn – “Through all the tumult and the strife, I hear that music ringing. It finds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing?”

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Health & Wellness

Winter 2021

Special Supplement to The SanTan Sun News

HEALTH

WELLNESS

Your Local Guide to Better Living

Winter 2021

COVID-19 clouds extent of cancer death decline impacted the treatment of cancer.” The report said a reduction in smoking is thought to have led to a decline in lung cancer – a driving force behind the falling cancer mortality rate.

BY KEVIN PIREHPOUR Contributor

A new study from the American Cancer Society finds that the U.S. mortality rate for cancer – the second leading cause of death in Arizona – has been declining for nearly three decades, with record-breaking declines in the most recent two reported years. The study found a 31 percent decline in the cancer death rate nationwide from 1991 to 2018, with a record single-year decline of 2.4 percent from 2017 to 2018, topping the previous years’ record 2.2 percent decline in cancer deaths. The decline is a testament to a widespread reduction in smoking, advances in early detection and new therapy options available for some forms of cancer. However, the report said it’s unclear how COVID-19 will affect the longstanding decline. “We’ve come a long way just in the past decade or so in terms of novel treatments, even when [patients] present with an advanced stage of the disease,” said Dr. Rogerio Lilenbaum, director of the Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert. According to Lilenbaum, drugs that target specific molecules involved in

state of Arizona.” Arizona ranks 47th in the nation for cancer-related deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“

We’ve come a long way just in the past decade or so in terms of novel treatments, even when [patients] present with an advanced stage of the disease.

”

– Dr. Rogerio Lilenbaum

Dr. Rogerio Lilenbaum cancer growth, combined with immunotherapies that help activate the immune system, have been “nothing short of revolutionary” in combating cancer. “Many of these patients who used to have a median survival of less than a year will be alive and free of disease,” Lilenbaum said. “So, it’s really remarkable how much immunotherapy has

Despite the downward trend, however, lung cancer accounts for more cancer deaths in Arizona than colorectal, pancreas, prostate and breast cancer. Treatment of lung cancer is most effective in early stages of the disease before it has time to spread. However, signs of lung cancer often surface at an advanced stage of the disease, leading to delays in detection and removing the option of early intervention. “We have not at a national level adopted lung cancer screening as widely as I think health experts and policy experts would hope,” Lilenbaum said. “My sense is that it’s even lower in the

In recent years, low-dose computed tomography scans, or CT scans, have been shown to improve early detection of lung cancer in high-risk patients, such as smokers, lowering the risk of dying from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. Lilenbaum said if patients “undergo a low-dose CT and are identified as having silent lung cancer, they will live longer than patients that are diagnosed by the time they develop symptoms.” Beyond advanced screening techniques, systemic racial inequities in our healthcare system have created a gap See

CANCER on page 26

Neighbors Who Care need volunteers who care SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Many who live in and near Sun Lakes consider Neighbors Who Care a treasure. For the last 25 years, aging homebound folks with no other way to get to their physician appointments or shop for groceries and medication, have been supported by volunteers who offer rides, respite care, meals, small home repairs, and more. Since March, Neighbors Who Care friends have had to rethink their volunteer experiences because of their own health concerns. With heavy hearts, one by one, at first, and then more and more, have had to change their status to inactive. As volunteer numbers dropped, NWC has also limited the services offerings. Rather than taking clients for shopping trips, remaining volunteers shopped for them. There were no more nail appointments, no more hair appointments. The attention turned to helping neighbors stay healthy and stocked with essentials. Neighbors Who Care has continued to follow CDC protocols and, similarly, has instructed volunteers and clients to do the same. Whenever possible, volunteer/client events are contactless,

As the pandemic shifts into its next phase of vaccines for folks older than age 65, Neighbors Who Care Executive Director Sheryl Keeme expects client needs to grow. With this expectation in mind, Keeme is on the hunt for more volunteers. “We offer a brief virtual orientation to help people new to volunteering feel comfortable,” says Keeme. Those who become volunteers also have the flexibility to choose what kind of volunteering they want between 9 am and 4 pm, Mondays through Fridays. A self-serve portal with volunteer needs is updated daily and extends flexibility Neighbors Who Care in Sun Lakes is looking for volunteers to help the nonprofit continue its mission of for browsing events and choosing independently. serving aging, homebound people. Interested volunteers (Facebook) can call during business hours 480-895-7133, email medical appointments are met and the masked and socially-distanced. Staff nwcvsc@gmail.com, or visit neighborand volunteers found a way to see that vital NWC support group has continued swhocare.com/volunteer. meals continue to be delivered, essential its support through ZOOM meetings.

Winter 2021

Kelly Jorn Cook’s dentistry has 3 decades of service SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Dr. Kelly Jorn Cook, D.D.S., offers a wide range of dentistry services to suit almost any dental need. Located at 3800 W. Ray Road, Chandler, his practice includes the most recent dental technologies to make a patient’s visit safe, convenient, painless and positive. “We offer full-service dentistry, including dental implants, Invisalign, and cosmetic restorations,” Cook said. “The entire team strives to provide the highest quality personalized dental care for patients of all ages in a stress-free, fun environment. Dr. Cook’s unique approach to dentistry is in the office atmosphere.” While providing “the highest quality of dentistry,” he said he creates an environment of more fun and less fear. Cook balances “being the doc that rocks and with keeping it simple” and is continually upgrading his ability and knowledge through continuing dental education and encourages and supports his staff to do the same. “What you see with the doc is what you get: great dentistry and a really good time,” he said. When not practicing dentistry, he is golfing with his wife or hanging out with their 12 dogs.

Dr. Kelly Jorn Cook, D.D.S. “The health and well-being of our patients and team members continues to be our top priority,” Cook added. “We practice all COVID-19 safety protocols and are seeing patients by appointment only. Many of these safeguards have always been a part of our practice, but we have taken additional precautions to ensure your protection for your appointment.” Information: kellyjorncook.com

Fynes Audiology’s experienced pros address hearing issues SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Fynes Audiology LLC, a locally owned and operated audiology practice in Mesa, specializes in hearing evaluations, hearing protection and hearing aids. Audiologists Cassandra Fynes, AuD, CCC-A, and Roger Knighton, M.N.S, CCC-A, each have over 20 years of experience at Fynes, located at 2058 S. Dobson Road. Fynes said it works with multiple manufacturer’s hearing aids “so that we can find what is best for your hearing needs and lifestyle” since hearing aids are not a one-size-fits-all device. “There are many factors that go into deciding what will work best for each individual,” the company noted. “Along with hearing aids we do work with many types of hearing protection. So, if hunting, shooting, loud music or heavy equipment noises are part of your everyday life, we can help find the right kind of protection to preserve your hearing as long as possible.” Because many people today also suffer from tinnitus, or ringing in the ears,

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Health & Wellness

Winter 2021

Village at Ocotillo offers safe, vibrant lifestyle SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

The Village at Ocotillo in Chandler offers a vibrant retirement lifestyle with exceptional care. The community promises “maintenance-free living with delicious dining options from the onsite restaurant, laundry and linen services, transportation and pick-up services and a full calendar of socially distanced or virtual cultural, educational and fitness activities – all delivered by a committed team of professionals dedicated to residents’ health and well-being.” Residents also have the peace of mind knowing they have an “extended

Following the guidelines set by the CDC and other health officials, The Village at Ocotillo implemented extensive safeguards, including rigorous cleaning, disinfecting protocols and stringent precautionary measures. A health and wellness Zest team offers both The Village at Ocotillo in Chandler offers a wide range of virtual and touch-free programs “that nurture the body and soul.” in-person programs “that ((TheVillageatOcotillo.com) nurture the mind, body and soul,” the company family” to provide support during these said. uncertain times. Supportive services are also avail-

able. The community offers licensed and accredited assisted living complete with wellness teams to help with daily activities, personal and supportive care, and medication management. The Village at Ocotillo’s supportive services have received the highest level of accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, an independent organization that sets exceedingly high standards and is recognized as the leading independent accreditation body for providers of health and human services. Information: 480-400-8687 or TheVillageatOcotillo.com to schedule a personal tour.

Don’t let your dog suffer from quarantines SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

The pandemic-driven quarantine has created a weight-gain phenomenon that’s been dubbed the “Quarantine 15.” And Dogtopia of South Chandler daycare, 4901 S. Arizona Ave., said pets can suffer weight gain, which can lead to serious health consequences. “Extra pounds for us can mean extra pounds for our pups,” a spokesperson for Dogtopia said. “While it may be too soon to know the full impact of social distancing or home quarantine on our waistlines, we know that many people are feeling a lit-

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tle thicker around the middle. Increase in stress, anxiety, less physical activity, new baking hobbies, indulging in comfort foods and more screen time are just a few reasons for the weight gain. “What is this doing to our pups? Pretty much the same thing.” Overweight or obese dogs face an increased risk in health conditions, including diabetes, osteoarthritis, orthopedic problems like knee injuries, heart and lung diseases, high blood pressure and skin diseases. Worst of all, the spokesperson noted, “life expectancy decreases by up to two-and-a-half years.”

But dog owners shouldn’t stress, since “there are many things you can do to help get them back in shape.” “Just like humans, results will not come overnight for your dog. Patience is key.” To help your dog keep a daily routine: stick to feeding schedules and routines; resist offering comfort food table scraps; teach new tricks; exercise and rest. And if you’re stuck at home and don’t have enough yard space for Fido, contact Dogtopia of South Chandler for open playtime, socialization and education. Information: dogtopia.com/ south-chandler.

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Health & Wellness

CANCER

from page 22

in the cancer death rate among ethnic groups, specifically in the Black community. Today, Black patients “have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any racial/ethnic group for most cancers,” according to the American Cancer Society. “I think that we’re still working to undo the legacy of that history and it’s an issue that deserves greater attention from health care authorities all over this country,” Lilenbaum said. “It’s not unique to Arizona.” Included in the report, are estimated U.S. cancer trends for 2021. However, the effect of COVID-19 is not included in this year’s prediction. Waves of COVID-19 cases since early 2020 have resulted in a “significant delay

in cancer diagnosis” as more patients have avoided taking unnecessary trips to the hospital at the risk of coming in contact with the virus, according to Lilenbaum. “I believe that once we become more comfortable – outside of COVID – we will see a higher number of cancer diagnoses and we will see patients with more advanced disease than we typically do,” Lilenbaum said. “But we will be prepared to manage those patients, to help those patients; to offer them all the options that are available to them.” Despite the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, he added, significant progress has been made in cancer treatments and mortality. “We continue to develop new treatments, we continue to investigate new options and we will remain on the cutting edge of this fight against cancer,” Lilenbaum said.

Winter 2021

Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert is one of the region’s major treatment providers for cancer victims. (SanTan Sun News ﬁle photo)

Your CBD Store boasts quality, transparency SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

The world of CBD can be daunting, confusing and vast, according to a Chandler business that ought to know. Your CBD Store-Chandler, at 975 E. Riggs Road, explained that cannabidiol, better known as CBD, “may be one of the most broadly therapeutic plant extracts of our time.” “Many people may be unaware that

the human body maintains a natural endocannabinoid system responsible for our body’s balance, the largest system of cell receptors that interact with our body’s physiological process,” a store spokesperson explained. “When CBD is ingested, our bodies regulate our physiological systems and bring them into what is called homeostasis. Once your body finds that balance, you can

start your journey to a better you.” Your CBD Store offers over a variety of hemp extract products manufactured by SunMed and that go through a special CO2 extraction process to eliminate the need for chemical solvents to produce a high-quality, full-spectrum CBD. The CBD is then processed again to remove all traces of THC for all our zero-THC products. All products are third-party

tested with easily accessible lab reports. Your CBD Store-Chandler also boasts red-carpet service and transparency, promising “the best product out there for our customers” and “a high-quality learning environment where customers can try our products and leave with a smile on their face.” Information: cbdrx4u.com/find-us/ arizona/chandler or 480-857-5999

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Winter 2021

Health & Wellness

Southwest Cardiovascular boasts added beneﬁts SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Southwest CardioVascular Interventional Center boasts added benefits to its partners in the local healthcare

readmissions, and significantly affordable procedural treatments, increasing patient satisfaction, proven outcomes and overall our patients peace of mind in uncertain times as we face today,” a

practice offers precision and awareness “toOursupport this new paradigm in high quality, affordable, outpatient medical procedural services for our patients. ” community. “These include more interpersonal and compassionate patient centered experiences, rapid response referral services, extended hours decreasing

company release said. Noting that “as a company, we must not only grow with the consciousness of our responsibilities to our patients and each other,” it said “an understand-

“Our practice offers precision and awareness to support this new paradigm in high quality, affordable, outpatient medical procedural services for our patients. This vision has led us to the opening of our newly built Cardiovascular Surgical Center which provides sigSouthwest CardioVascular Interventional Center has state-=ofnificant benefits to the overall medical the-art equipment to help patients. (Special to SanTan Sun News) community most especially in this new ing that future growth comes with addworld of COVID-19.” ed responsibilities of continual knowlInformation: https://swcva.com/ edge regarding safety and compliance.

Simplify and enhance life by decluttering BY KIM KUBSCH Guest Writer

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Nachiket Patel, MD.

Southwest Cardio EndoVascular Center

We did it! We are very proud to present, to the surrounding community and greater Phoenix area, our new CardioVascular and Interventional Ambulatory Surgery Center, located at: 7529 E. Broadway Road, Mesa, AZ 85208, now open.

Stuart C. Lipskind, MD.

Led by our founder and principal, Dr. Charles Jost, this hybrid facility incorporates our Cardiac Interventional Center and Endovascular Procedural Center. Combining these centers allows us to perform therapeutic cardiac catheterizations, electrophysiology studies, cardiac ablations, arrhythmia recorders, pacemaker and AICD implantations. We will also continue to provide peripheral arterial disease interventions, as well as a myriad of interventional radiology procedures performed by Dr. Minkus. These procedures include paracentesis, thoracentesis, drainage catheter placements such as gastric and G-J feeding tube placements, nephrostomy tube placements/exchanges, kyphoplasty for spine fractures, hemodialysis catheter and fistula treatments for diabetic patients on dialysis, embolizations for uterine fibroids and pelvic congestion syndrome, IVC filter and port placements, and pelvic venous outflow stenting. Our Cardiovascular Center is uniquely designed, not only for offering our patients the convenience of an alternative to surgery performed in a hospital setting but offering the sophistication our facility brings. We are providing the highest level of care in an outpatient surgery setting, geared towards proven quality measures. With over 50 highly trained and experienced physicians, multispecialty-disciplinary allied heroes, our skill-sets and diversity reflect our patient outcomes and overall patient satisfaction.

Nareg Minaskeian, MD.

• 2 OR and 1 procedure room • 6 recovery areas • 2 preoperative rooms • Joint Commission Accredited (pending successful accrediation survey) • ASCA Member • Physician peer to peer reviews • Value Based Program (moving the program toward rewarding better value, based on outcomes and innovations, instead of mere volume) • Quality measures, Lower infection rate, Lower complication rate, Less patients transferred to hospital, Increase patient satisfaction surveys, Increase satisfaction with surgical experience, Increase satisfaction with recovery experience, Increase Nurse/patient ratio in recovery area. Kirk D. Minkus, MD.

Cardiovascular Procedures we perform (CMS recently approved the following reimbursable procedures in an ambulatory surgery center setting): • Heart catheterization for the treatment of single vessel occlusive disease and stenting. • Diagnostic Left and Right heart cath for diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension and possible occlusive coronary artery disease. We also perform in a safe controlled environment: • Loop recorder implants and ex-plants • Pacemaker implants and generator changes • ICD implants and generator changes

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Michelle Gentsch, ACNP

In this new world of COVID-19, our broad outpatient cardiac, peripheral vascular, and interventional radiology service lines offered, will provide significant benefits to the medical community of skilled nursing and assisted living facility residents, by avoiding re-admissions for these patients to obtain these procedural needs, while offering them much more affordably, with faster scheduling and procedure completion times, greatly increasing patient satisfaction. Our Outpatient Interventional/Surgical Center will allow us to safely address the necessary changes our healthcare industry demands and will enable us to foster a culture of clinical innovation, in a center of excellence uniquely designed to offer all of these more affordable, cost-effective interventional procedures, in one environment. Our state-of-the-art, 13,500 square foot, JACHO accredited, Medicare Certified Interventional OR suites, Vascular lab and supported recovery rooms, will adhere fully to all regulatory mandates and requirements, as an Ambulatory Surgical Center. EAST MESA

Please visit our website www.swcva.com and follow us on GOOGLE, FB and TWITTER, for more information, as we continue on this extraordinary journey to what we believe is the future of healthcare today. Call us at 480-945-4343 to arrange a consultation or procedure. We look forward to taking care of your patients!

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Rapid Referral email: referrals@swcva.com Charles M.T. Jost, MD.

Charles M.T. Jost, MD. Principal, Interventional Cardiologist

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7529 E. Broadway Rd. Mesa AZ 85208 SOSSAMAN RD

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Michael D. Barry, DO.

Southwest CardioVascular Interventional Center

Nachiket Patel, MD.

Stuart C. Lipskind, MD.

size and remove unwanted stuff. Stop procrastinating – schedule a 30-minute free consultation to strategize how to downsize your home. We will address your wish list in three-hour increments - choose from either 9 amNoon or 1-4 pm Monday – Thursday. Sign up for my monthly e-news at JoyfulDownsizing.com. Information: 480-720 8566 or Kim@ Joyfuldownsizing.com

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Assistance is also available to donate to your favorite charity, dispose of unwanted items and/or sourcing the best method to sell your treasures, keepsakes or unwanted items. Working with me, you will enjoy the process and feel a sense of accomplishment. As a Certified Organizational Specialist, my services encompass numerous activities to include: declutter and simplify; organize remaining items; down-

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Clarendale of Chandler committed to residents’ health Clarendale’s Health & Wellness Navigation, although in place before the pandemic began, features trained wellness navigation team that partners with residents to anticipate health needs and address them – from day-today nutrition, fitness and life-enriching activities to preparation and follow-up for hospital care if ever needed. “When you consider all the creative ways Clarendale of Chandler has found to keep residents physically and socially engaged in life – following even the strictest safety guidelines – it’s no won-

SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

If you’re curious about why seniors choose to move to a retirement community, many Clarendale of Chandler residents say it’s because the community is committed to helping them set a course for health, wellness and total well-being. Clarendale of Chandler, managed by Life Care Services, an LCS Company, said it offers “the assurance and peace of mind of a program designed to help residents maintain a healthy lifestyle and navigate any medical challenges that lie ahead.”

der a nationwide 2020 Life Care Services survey turned up some surprising results,” the company said in a release. The survey was sent to more than 21,000 individuals considering a move to a senior living community. About 62 percent of the respondents reported the pandemic had no impact on their desire to move to a senior living community or that the pandemic increased their desire to move into one because they didn’t want to be alone in their own homes and/or wanted access to the available care and

services a community offers. Communities managed by Life Care Services ensure residents get access to critical vaccinations— including COVID-19 vaccine. Residents in Clarendale of Chandler will be among the first in the county to be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. To learn more, seniors and their families may schedule a virtual visit by calling 480-571-2407. The community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care. Information: ClarendaleOfChandler.com.

Paris Wigs is friendly, knowledgeable SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Heather Norton, owner of Paris Wigs & Extensions in Chandler, has been a hair stylist for 15 years and working with wigs and hair pieces for 10. She prides herself in going above and beyond in serving her clients, and strengthens that by staying current on new trends in wigs. Paris Wigs & Extensions has been in business for eight years, and its mission is “helping women all over the Valley feel good about the way that they look.” Paris Wigs & Extensions, 1964 N. Alma School Road, is a full-service

salon, offering cutting, coloring, alterations on all types of wigs and hair pieces and an atmosphere that is com-

women undergoing chemotherapy. The business also carries many different hair extensions, including halo

...helping women all over the Valley feel “good about the way that they look. ” fortable and welcome. The wig store has an impressive inventory of all styles in many different colors. The hairstylists are all professionally trained. They are knowledgeable about hair loss and have worked with many

extensions, clip-in and tape-in extensions. Paris Wig & Extensions offers free consultations and is prepared to offer solutions to any client’s hair needs. Information: 480-758-5185 or pariswigs.com.

Heather Norton

The Word is Out Clarendale Residents Say It Best.

Opinions vary, but one thing all Clarendale residents say: “I’m not old!” We’re delighted the lifestyle and programming at this senior living community keeps them feeling that way. Clarendale of Chandler

Call 480-571-2407 to learn more and chat with our residents.

“We’re very independent and love different things about the community. Even our dog Mandy loves Clarendale of Chandler. She has lots of space and easy access to the outdoors—especially important since she likes to play ball.” —Terry, Colleen and dog, Mandy Independent Living Residents

Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care web ClarendaleOfChandler.com

5900 S. Gilbert Rd. | Chandler, AZ 85249 12-20

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 31, 2021

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Waymo sticking with autonomous ride zone for now BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor

Chandler residents who are hoping to catch a ride to downtown Phoenix or Scottsdale in one of those odd-looking white Chrysler minivans or Jaguar sedans with no one behind the wheel will have to keep waiting. Waymo spokeswoman Amanda Ventura Zink told members of the PHX East Valley Partnership recently that the company has no plans at this time to extend its autonomous service beyond its current 50-square mile area that covers a good piece of Chandler and parts of Tempe and Mesa. That doesn’t mean Chandler residents can’t download the Waymo app and ride in one of its vehicles – for a per-mile fee, like Uber. They just have to make sure they stay in Waymo’s zone, which extends into part of south Chandler.

Waymo, whose service area is shown in green below, not only is rolling out autonomous passenger vehicles but it also is road testing autonomous semis on I-10 from New Mexico to Texas. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

Zink’s revelation brought some expressions of disappointment from some of the people who were on the Zoom meeting that EVP hosted to hear from Zink and Valley Metro CEO Scott Smith – who focused his presen-

tation mostly on what Valley Metro has been doing to the light rail system and the Tempe trolley system. The disappointed listeners complained how getting to downtown Phoenix from Chandler on a bus, let alone their own automobile, was a long and frustrating chore. But the fact that Waymo hasn’t expanded its service area doesn’t mean it has been idling. Indeed, Zink laid out an impressive list of advancements that Waymo has made since it opened its area headquar-

ters in Chandler almost five years ago. With the vehicles themselves, Waymo is now entering the fifth generation and working on technologies like advanced cruise control, “lane departure assist,” electric-powered and hybrid models and enhancements to the monitor passengers view as their vehicle takes them around. “No one needs to sit at the front seat or behind the wheel and an empty car can pick you up and take you where See

WAYMO on page 32

New retail center proposed in Chandler BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Developers are hoping to turn a three-acre dirt lot on the southwest corner of Pecos and McQueen roads into a retail center that could house several new businesses. Diversified Partners, a Scottsdale real estate firm, has submitted plans to the city for a project that could add 18,000 square feet of new commercial space. “The ultimate development of this site will provide an excellent opportunity to offer much needed neighborhood facilities and provide a visually appealing project on this corner that has remained vacant for decades,” Diversified’s developers wrote in planning documents. The center is expected to include three standalone buildings that may house a Starbucks location, a drive-thru restaurant and daycare center. “A daycare use at this site will support surrounding Chandler residents who need childcare assistance as they work at various industrial and commercial businesses in the larger area,” developers wrote. The center is expected to include 103 parking spaces and a wall of landscaping intended to buffer nearby residences from the commercial buildings. Developers believe its three build-

out the Valley and has been responsible for building retail spaces at Galveston Road and Alma School roads. The Chandler Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to review the Pecos Road project’s development plan and a request to rezone the property’s land for commercial uses at its meeting next month. The commission declined to vote on the project at a Jan. 20 meeting due to several concerns about traffic and congestion. This map shows the location of a proposed retail center at Pecos and McQueen roads in Chandler. Reese Anderson, an attorney representing (City of Chandler) the developers, said he felt a “little bit ings won’t be difficult to fill with tenfrustrated” by the commission’s deciants since the traffic generated by the sion to delay its review of the project. Starbucks location will likely be alluring The developers have already been to new businesses. “Development of the Starbucks build- working with the city for several months on the project, he said, and the ing, along with associated open space, parking and drive aisles, will attract users city’s staff seemed to be supportive of to the site given its popularity and credi- the development. Chandler’s planning department ble brand,” developers wrote. recommended the commission approve Diversified has a history of handling the project after considering some exseveral commercial projects through-

ceptions limiting landscape designs and operating hours of the businesses. “Staff finds the proposal to be consistent with the goals of the General Plan and recommends approval subject to conditions,” a city memo states. The commission decided to refer the project to its Design and Review Committee before bringing it back for another review at its next meeting. Anderson said he worries this postponement might negatively affect the project’s overall timeline. “We were supposed to close in early March and we’re nervous now with these delays it could really destroy the entire deal,” Anderson said. Rick Heumann, the commission’s chairman, said he wants to be extra cautious about vetting the project -- especially because Chandler is increasingly approaching build-out and soon won’t have acres of land available for retail uses. The commission strives to be friendly to new businesses, he added, but it still has a responsibility to ensure Chandler’s limited vacant land is developed appropriately. “As our land is dwindling in terms of what we have, we want to make sure this is the right thing,” Heumann said. The project could potentially be reviewed again by the commission on Feb. 17 and then proceed to City Council for final review.

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 31, 2021

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Residents snap up Gold Bars issued in 6 States

Heavy Gold Vault Bricks loaded with valuable Jumbo State Bars layered in 24 Karat Gold are up for grabs as thousands stand to miss the deadline to claim the gold bars; now residents in 6 states can claim the Gold Vault Bricks for themselves and keep all the valuable bars found inside just by covering the minimum gold fee set for state residents within the next 48 hours “It’s like a modern day gold rush,” said Mary Ellen Withrow, emeritus 40th Treasurer of the United States of America. That’s because actual Gold Vault Bricks™ still loaded with four 5-ounce Jumbo State Bars layered in valuable 24 Karat Gold bearing the name of the First Bank of the United States of America™ and the state they were once destined for are up for grabs as thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to claim the gold. Now any resident of those states can claim the Gold Vault Bricks for themselves and keep all the valuable gold found inside. That’s four massive bars weighing a full 20 ounces of high demand bullion copper layered in valuable 24 Karat Gold in all. And here’s the best part. If you live in one of the 6 states listed in today’s publication you cover only the minimum gold fee set for state residents of just $49 per ounce which totals $ 980 for the full 20 ounces locked away inside these gold vault bricks. That’s

(Continued on next page)

Who gets the Jumbo Gold Bars: Listed below in bold are the states that get the gold. If you live in one of these states immediately call the State Distribution Hotline at: 1-800-749-6917 GB1903

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 31, 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

(Continued from previous page) a real steal because residents living outside of the designated 6 states must pay $124 per ounce which totals $2,480 if any remain. “As special counsel to Federated Mint I earn my pay delivering breaking news. And today’s announcement confirming the release of Gold Vault Bricks to the general public is as big as it gets. Believe me, I know how valuable these Gold Vault Bricks are to resellers, collectors, dealers and anyone else who gets their hands on them,” Withrow said. “So my advice is this, anyone who gets an opportunity to get their hands on one of these Gold Vault Bricks better jump at the chance before they’re all gone,” Withrow said. “These Gold Vault Bricks loaded with massive 5-ounce Jumbo State Bars layered in valuable 24 Karat Gold make the most impressive gifts for Christmas, birthdays, graduations, weddings, and any other occasion, especially for that hard-to-buy-for person,” Withrow said. According to Ms. Withrow, since thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to claim the gold, today and tomorrow are intended as a “special 48 hour release” for the benefit of persons living in; AZ, CA, CO, NV, NM and UT. This gives residents of those states a fair chance to claim the Gold Vault Bricks and all the valuable gold loaded inside for themselves. But, Ms. Withrow added, “The Gold Vault Bricks are only available as inventory permits during the special 48 hour release and once they’re gone, they’re gone.” The emeritus Treasurer added, “Remember this, these Gold Vault Bricks contain a full 20 ounces of high demand bullion copper layered in valuable 24 Karat Gold and we have no power to stop dealers, resellers, collectors and the like from buying up all the Gold Vault Bricks they can get their hands on and reselling them for a big profit,” Withrow said. Anyone who fails to obtain them during this special 48 hour release may be forced to buy them later in the secondary market from a dealer, reseller or collector at a hefty premium. ”We already know the phones will be ringing off the hook. That’s why hundreds of agents are standing by to answer the phones beginning at 8:30am this morning. We’re going to do our best, but with just 48 hours to answer all the calls it won’t be easy. So make sure to tell everyone to keep calling if all lines are busy. We’ll do our best to answer them all,” Withrow said. “That’s why Federated Mint set up the State Distribution Hotlines in order to make sure residents in the 6 designated states listed in today’s newspaper publication can get them now,” Withrow said. The only thing readers of today’s newspaper publication need to do is make sure they live in one of the 6 states listed in today’s newspaper and call the State Distribution Hotlines before the special 48 hour release ends midnight tomorrow. ■

NEVER BEFORE SEEN: THESE FIRST BANK OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA JUMBO GOLD BARS ARE THE ONLY ONES KNOWN TO EXIST

VALUABLE: THESE ARE THE FOUR 5-OUNCE JUMBO GOLD BARS SEALED AWAY IN EACH GOLD VAULT BRICK BEARING THE STATE DESTINATION

How much are the Gold Vault Bricks worth: The answer is, it’s impossible to say. But, it would be foolish for anyone to try and determine the value of these Gold Vault Bricks based on today’s price of gold. Here’s why. Gold, silver and all precious metal values always fluctuate and there are never any guarantees. But what we do know is that these are the only Gold Vault Bricks still loaded with four 5-ounce Jumbo State Bars known to exist. In fact, the value of the pure 24 Karat Gold layered content is just a bonus for anyone lucky enough to get one of these Gold Vault Bricks because there’s no telling how much the actual collector value could be worth. That makes the minimum gold fee set for state residents of just $ 49 per ounce which totals $ 980 for the full 20 ounces locked away inside these Gold Vault Bricks a real steal since residents living outside of the designated 6 states must pay $124 per ounce, which totals $ 2,480, if any remain. Why the vault fee is so low: Since thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to claim the gold, Federated Mint has re-allocated Gold Vault Bricks to be sent out in the next 48 hours. That means the gold is up for grabs and now residents in 6 states can claim the Gold Vault Bricks for themselves and keep all the valuable bars found inside. These are the only Gold Vault Bricks known to exist and everyone wants them. That’s because they’re still loaded with four 5-ounce Jumbo State Bars layered in valuable 24 Karat Gold bearing the name of The First Bank of the United States of America and the state they were once destined for. That’s four massive bars weighing a full 20 ounces of 24 Karat Gold and valuable bullion copper in all. And here’s the best part. If you live in one of the 6 states listed in today’s publication you cover only the minimum gold fee set for state residents of just $ 49 per ounce. That’s a real steal because residents living outside of the designated 6 states must pay $124 per ounce if any remain.

■ FIRST LOOK INSIDE THE GOLD VAULT BRICKS: Pictured above are the Gold Vault Bricks containing the only Jumbo State Gold Bars known to exist bearing the name of the First Bank of the United States of America and the state they were once destined for. State residents are rushing to get them because the Gold Vault Bricks are still loaded with four 5-ounce Jumbo State Bars layered in valuable 24 Karat Gold. To claim you Vault Brick, just call 1-800-749-6917 GB1903 before the deadline ends. Everyone lucky enough to get them better hold on to them because there’s no telling just how much they could be worth.

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FEDERATED MINT, LLC IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. MINT, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, A BANK OR ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY. IF FOR ANY REASON WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM SHIPMENT YOU ARE DISSATISFIED, RETURN THE PRODUCT FOR A REFUND LESS SHIPPING AND RETURN POSTAGE. THIS SAME OFFER MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE AT A LATER DATE OR IN A DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. OH RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% SALES TAX. FEDERATED MINT, PO BOX 1200, MASSILLON, OH 44648 ©2020 FEDERATED MINT

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 31, 2021

Chemical-gas shipping ﬁrm expands in Chandler SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

A New Mexico chemical-gas shipping company is investing $10-million in the 50,000-square foot expansion of its Chandler facility. Rinchem Company, Inc., is already working on the expansion of its existing building on West Morelos Place and expects it to be finished by June, the city announced last week. Rinchem is a chemical management solutions provider that creates and manages “safe and efficient supply chains for high purity, pre-packaged chemicals and gases,” according to the company’s website. It provides warehousing, trucking, international freight forwarding, and logistics technology and analytics through a network of temperature-controlled, regulatory-compliant warehouses across the globe with more than 500 hazmat-trained drivers in temperature-controlled, hazmat-customized trucks and trailers.

WAYMO

from page 29

you need to go while you sit in the back seat – that’s truly autonomous and that’s what we’re pursuing at Waymo,” she said. “Our mission is to make it safe and

It also boasts a transportation-warehousing network linked through a proprietary software system “that provides customers with real-time visibility into inventory location and status.” The primary industries that Rinchem serves include pharmaceutical, biotech, semiconductor and aerospace. Rinchem’s existing building on this site is 100,000 square feet and was completed in 2015. The expansion is expected to add a couple dozen jobs with room for future growth. “Rinchem is in a great location for growth with the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway expansion providing further access to talent for West Chandler employers,” stated Mayor Kevin Hartke, noting the West Chandler employment corridor already is home to 30,000 jobs. Rinchem CEO Chuck Breinholt said he and his company “look forward to the expansion and to adding well-paying jobs to Chandler’s local economy.” easy for people and things to get where they’re going,” she said, noting one million people annually lose their lives and 15 million are inured in traffic accidents around the world. “We believe that fully autonomous technology holds the potential to save lives, make roads safer, offer new

Rinchem Company Inc. is expanding its location on West Melrose Place in Chandler. (Courtesy Rinchem Company)

mobility options to millions of people and improve their independence,” she continued, reporting that the passenger vehicles have driven 20 million actual miles and another 20 billion miles virtually as Waymo tests the sensors and other components of its technology. Many of those miles also have involved

weather-testing vehicles in 25 other cities around the country. It’s not just cars the company is working on either. Zink said Waymo’s autonomous semitrailers have been long-hauling See

WAYMO on page 34

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 31, 2021

Laser component company expands in Chandler SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

A Germany-based manufacturer of semiconductor detectors is extending its international growth with a new plant in Chandler. Laser Components Detector Group eventually will employ 70 to 80 people involved in the manufacturing of optoelectronic components for key technologies such as those used in medical treatments and autonomous driving. “We are ramping up our hiring and are looking to fill some operator and engineer positions,” said Raj Chakraborty, general manager of the facility at 2277 N. Nevada St. “Our current headcount is 37 and we are looking to progressively get to 70 over the next year or two.” The Chandler operation is Laser Components’ first fully owned all-American manufacturing, engineering and R&D installation,” Chakraborty said. “Chandler was picked due to the concentration of skilled labor, other electronics suppliers and manufacturers that enable our supply chain, favorable economic and tax climate for new business growth and expansion,” he said. Besides, he noted, “Chandler is turning into the high-tech hub of the Phoenix metro area.” The 29,000-square-foot building, designed by LGE Design Build, “comfortably accommodates 80 employees;

Laser Compnents Detector Group's new building in Chandler is the German company's latest production facility, one of only two in North America. (Special to the SanTan Sun News)

approximately 200 in a three-shift rotation,” the company said in a release. Over 12,000 square feet are devoted to cleanrooms with air locks in the entrance and hallways to ensure strict particle control. In addition, the floor, work stations and cleanroom clothing are protected against electrostatic discharge. “During the planning stages of the building, great importance was assigned to elements that have been tested and proven at the headquarters in Germany: spacious social rooms such as a cafeteria with open areas and ultra-modern

offices that support working in small teams,” the company added. Laser Components includes all steps in the development and manufacture of semiconductor detectors. The company specializes in a wide variety of technologies: In addition to silicon and InGaAs avalanche photodiodes for the detection of the smallest amounts of light, their product range also includes pyroelectric detectors for flame detection and photodiodes mainly used for gas measurement. “For us, the new production center is also a clear commitment to the

Phoenix metropolitan region,” Laser Components CEO Patrick Paul said. “In recent years, Chandler in particular has developed into a center for future technologies such as autonomous driving. We look forward to continuing to operate in such an exciting and dynamic environment.” Paul also noted the new facility is near a building that Laser Components had occupied and said staying nearby “will allow us to continue to benefit from the expertise of our long-standing See

LASER on page 34

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LASER

from page 33

employees and to expand our close ties with Arizona State University.” Chakraborty said the building enables the company “to meet the rapidly increasing demand for our technologies and create a basis for growth in the coming years.” Chakraborty assumed management of the site from Laser Components co-founder Dragan Grubisic, who will continue to be available to the company for special developments. “We are thrilled to welcome Laser Components and their highly skilled workforce to our Uptown Chandler Employment Corridor,” stated Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. “This advanced technology company is truly pushing the frontiers of innovation and we wish them many years of success at their state-of-the-art building.”

WAYMO

from page 32

goods along I-10 from New Mexico to Texas while it’s also using its minivans and sedans to deliver car parts for AutoNation within its service area and working with UPS to make deliveries in Tempe. Waymo also is trying to get the driving public to quit referring to their vehicles as “driverless.”

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 31, 2021

In an earlier interview, Grubsic also praised LGE, stating, “From our first meeting with LGE Design Build, we were very impressed by their approach to the project and their professionalism. We have quite some experience with construction projects in different parts of the world, but we have never met such a good, skilled, well-organized and well-balanced team as LGE.” Laser Components was founded by Günther Paul as a sales company in 1982, when neither the European Union nor The new facility has state-of-the-art clean rooms to prevent contamination of any equipment the euro existed. “It was almost impossible for manufactured by Laser Components. (Special to SanTan Sun News) companies to import components from abroad; we became electronic components and it now has smaller, start-ups have become major the reliable partner for imported production facilities in Chandler and players, and last but not least, we have components,” the company says on Canada as well as Germany and sales also continued to develop.” its website. “Much has changed since offices in France, Great Britain, Sweden The core of its business is the prothen: The internet has made the world and U.S. duction and sale of optical and opto-

“As more people join the conversation around autonomous driving technology,” Zink explained, “researchers are finding that people maybe don’t fully understand what their own technology and their vehicles are capable of and they might equate it with autonomous driving technology and think that they don’t need to be as attentive as they should be. This is a safety risk on our roads and we think that by helping drive

that conversation around the differences between driver-assisted and autonomous driving technology that we could be helping them be safer drivers.” While the autonomous vehicles might not yet become a presence on some south Chandler streets in the near future, Smith said that eventually Waymo vehicles will become an integral part of his grand vision for public transportation throughout the Valley, where a Waymo

vehicle might take someone to a bus stop or light rail station, for example. “There’s a ton of potential for us to help integrate that into public transit,” he said. “It will be seamless. It will be efficient. I think that’s the real future and I think it will make it so that people won’t have to have cars because for their local transportation, there will be a series of micro-transit, point-topoint” stops, Smith said.

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Carson Kelly’s toughness, leadership paying dividends for Chandler BY ZACH ALVIRA

Sports Editor

Chandler senior point guard Carson Kelly knew entering the season he would be relied upon not only for his leadership but toughness on the court as well. It took just two games of the pandemic-delayed season for him to showcase both of those attributes. Against Valley Vista on Wednesday, Jan. 19 in the Capital Classic at Saint Mary’s High School, Kelly was forced to leave the game after he went up to block a shot and ended up toppling over the back of the opposing player, somersaulting midair and hit the back of his head on the court. He was put through testing in the nearby tunnel and after about 15 minutes, was cleared to re-enter the game. “Right when it happened, I was kind of dizzy and my head hurt a little bit,” Kelly said. “But I wanted to get back in there and play for my team.” Kelly’s return helped the Wolves capture their first win of the season. The senior scored 25 points in the process. The level of toughness Kelly showed against Valley Vista has become the norm over the course of his high school career. At 5-foot-10, Kelly has widely been one of the most under recruited

Chandler senior point guard Carson Kelly has showcased his level of toughness and overall leadership qualities so far this season for the Wolves. (Zach Alvira/Staff)

players in the state due to his size. But on numerous occasions he has risen up

to the level of highly recruited opponents and at times, came out on top.

It was his leadership that led Chandler to the 6A semifinals a year ago, and his lack of desire to transfer to a club program like some of his teammates did, that has boosted the Wolves’ chances of returning to the playoffs. Though they admit they do not want to replicate the success of last year’s team. They plan to make this year their own. “This is a new team,” Chandler coach Jonathan Rother said. “The guys who stayed are unbelievable captains and role models to our younger. Our juniors and sophomores, they look up to them. “Their leadership has not only helped them mature but has helped the younger guys as well. That’s how successful programs are built.” Chandler has already been put through a rigorous test to start the season. The Wolves played four games in four days, two of which against district rivals Basha — an up-and-coming program that appears primed to make a run toward the 6A title — and Perry, a perennial power. Kelly was held out of the Wolves’ game against Perry on Jan. 26, which they subsequently lost. Kelly’s floor general attributes put the rest of the Chandler players at ease in dire situSee

KELLY on page 37

Players, coaches take in unusual basketball atmosphere BY ZACH ALVIRA

Sports Editor

Players sat staggered in three rows of chairs or bleachers, much like what has been seen in the NBA and in college basketball. A personal water bottle sits next to the player’s designated seat, which remains their own throughout the duration of the game. Whether on the bench or in the middle of a fast break on the court, masks remain above the mouth and nose. If it slips down, coaches or referees remind players to pull it up. Often times, however, players are disciplined enough to remember themselves. It’s that type of discipline that the coaches and players across the state hope remains intact throughout the duration of the winter sports season, which was almost lost after the Arizona Interscholastic Association Executive Board voted to cancel the season altogether. Four days later, however, a re-vote reinstated the season. Now, the main focus is on keeping it going. “It was kind of weird,” Perry coach Sam Duane said after his team’s win over Hamilton. “When we went on a run, we didn’t have that crowd to get us pumped up. We told our guys we had to bring our own energy.” Duane, a longtime coach at Perry, anticipated the possibility for a mask

With his players sitting staggered on bleachers behind him, Hamilton boys basketball coach Doug Harris praised school administration for its plan to safely host games. (Pablo Robles/ Staff)

mandate for all participating athletes about a month ago. It was at that time he began requiring his players to wear masks while in practice.

The same rule was adopted at other schools across the East Valley, including at all those in Tempe Union High School District, which required masks in the

fall during practice for all athletes. But what Duane didn’t anticipate was the See

ATMOSPHERE on page 37

SPORTS & RECREATION

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 31, 2021

KELLY

from page 36

ations. Against Valley Vista before his injury, he would consistently lead his team back from a deficit in the final two quarters of play. Even after his spill, he returned and helped Chandler go on a run to secure the victory. “My teammates, they knew I was hurt,” Kelly said. “But I had to get back in there and be there for my team and to lead by example. In practice, I try to be the first one in there and encourage everyone to play hard. But I really try to help the younger guys who don’t have a lot of varsity experience. “I just teach them the little things I’ve learned in my four years that will help, for sure.” Along with Kelly, Chandler also has 6-foot-5 power forward Elijah Johnson, who had the game-winning bucket and foul shot over Valley Vista. Nicholas Riley, a 6-foot-9 forward, is the only other senior on a roster filled with youth. Despite several other players with varsity experience in lower grade levels, Rother still said he considers this year’s team to be inexperienced due to lack of playing time in past years. But they’re all quickly adjusting to the speed at the

ATMOSPHERE

that were caught off guard by the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s initial decision to cancel winter sports. Then, four days later, it was back on. The Wolves continued to practice in the event of a reversal. That proved to be beneficial as they only had a short time to adjust to new guidelines set forth by the AIA for the season to continue, including wearing masks. The game overall feels somewhat normal for players, as they get to compete at a high level in the sport they love. But there is still some adjusting that needs to be made with masks and an overall less thrilling environment with limited fans in attendance. Those adjustments will be made over time as the season progresses. In the meantime, Chandler hopes to lean upon players like Kelly to lead it back to the 6A playoffs and make yet Chandler boys basketball coach Jonathan Rother explained the important role Carson Kelly plays another deep run. “Every game is a blessing,” as a floor general for the Wolves. (Zach Alvira/Staff) Kelly said. “(The AIA) could have taken it away from us. Wearing varsity level thanks in part to Kelly. and he’s waited a long time for that this jersey, it’s special to me. I’m happy I “He’s a four-year varsity player,” opportunity.” get to keep doing it.” Rother said. “He’s the soul of our team Chandler is one of several programs

from page 36

ominous feeling in the gymnasium with limited crowd. When the Pumas faced Hamilton on the road to start the season Tuesday, Jan. 19, only a crowd of about 20 people were in the stands opposite the benches. A small handful of that crowd was media. Per AIA guidelines, only two parents per a player on the home team are allowed to attend games. That means no cheer for some schools, no band and no student-led chants that make high school basketball one of the rowdiest sports throughout the season. And for Perry, that meant playing a game with no fans of their own. “Not having my family there to support me, it made it feel more like a practice or scrimmage,” Perry 7-foot junior Dylan Anderson said. “The energy definitely wasn’t there from the crowd.” While music played between quarters and at halftime, the feeling wasn’t nearly the same. Parents, who at times can become rowdy, virtually sat in silence throughout the game. Anderson said he and other players had to watch what they say in frustrating situations because their voices are no longer drowned out by home or opposing student sections. Coaches have to proceed with caution, too, as even the slightest elevation in the volume of their voice against a referee will no longer go unnoticed. “You definitely have to watch your mouth while playing,” Anderson said. “They can hear everything you say. But it feels great. First game, first win, I’m just glad to be in this position.” Schools like Hamilton are taking extra steps to ensure maximum mitigation efforts.

Perry boys basketball coach Sam Duane made masks mandatory in practice a month ago in the event the AIA made it a mandatory rule to continue with the winter sports season. (Pablo Robles/Staff)

In between junior varsity and varsity games Tuesday night, school administrators cleared the gymnasium of all fans before allowing spectators for varsity in. This allowed for limited number of people in the gym at one time. At Perry, where the varsity girls took on Hamilton, similar crowd sizes were seen. And unlike during the fall season, where there was limited action taken against fans who did may have pulled down masks while seated both in the gyms and football fields, policy was strictly enforced and followed. “I think they’re doing a fabulous job,” Hamilton boys basketball coach

Doug Harris said of the school’s plan for winter sports. “When one game is over, they clear out the gym and cleaned down the bleachers. I think they’ve been doing a tremendous job. “Credit to the people behind the scenes at Hamilton that are willing to do that.” While the atmosphere was far different from year’s past, when overflow crowds were common at games that feature teams of Perry and Hamilton’s caliber, all involved agree the strict guidelines are better than not playing at all. Harris believes as the season progresses and players, coaches and fans be-

come more accustomed to the unusual atmosphere, some games may return to some resemblance of normalcy. But regardless, he said his team is just happy to have the opportunity to compete. “I can’t commend these young players enough for what they’ve overcome and all the resiliency they’ve shown during these times,” Harris said. “We were practicing for two months then found out the season was canceled then back on. What they’ve endured, I can’t credit them enough. “I think they feel very thankful to play a game they love and enjoy. I think it gives them some sense of normalcy.”

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 31, 2021

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Businesses come to ICAN Center’s rescue

Nevarez had visited the ICAN Youth Center last month for The Gilbert Realtor Mindy Jones Nevarez Amy Jones Group’s “Live Love saw a need for teens in Chandler – and Local” series, a video series that rallied local businesses to fill it. features businesses within the And last week, teens who consider Southeast Valley. ICAN’s nationally-accredited teen cenIronDrive, a family-run busiter their second home got to see the ness offering quality flooring fruit of her efforts. installations, prepped the floors. Nevarez, owner of the real estate Complete Home Renovations, team Amy Jones Group, saw a chance a one-stop-shop for repairs and to give back after a recent visit to home remodeling services, put showcase the center in a Facebook live in new vinyl flooring, painted, video. and assisted with any additional “I left ICAN with the feeling that we repairs. needed to give it some love. Turns out, Elite Shutters and Blinds, a their own renovation plans were stalled full-service window covering by lack of funding,” she said. company, provided new window The Amy Jones Group partnered coverings. with businesses to update the center to Fairway Independent Mortbetter serve the up to 150 at-risk kids gage, a Top 10 ranked national who use it daily. mortgage lender, purchased new Teens who look at the ICAN center as a second home helped tear down the old furnishings and inte- technology for the room and a Those businesses included Fidelity rior to make room for the upgrade provided by a number of businesses. (Special to SanTan Sun News) National Title, Complete Home Renfridge. The Amy Jones Group, in ovations, IronDrive, Elite Shutters and partnership with Fidelity National healthy life skills feel this support in vibrant new space. Blinds, Fairway Independent Mortgage Title, providing title insurance and other their new space.” Her volunteers marked a MLK Day and Spice Up Your Home. real estate-related products and services, ICAN creates programs to tackle of Service by installing brand new Teens helped clear the room and purchased new furniture including couchsubstance abuse, gang involvement and Chromebooks, TVs, furniture, flooring then Nevarez’s group turned it into a es, conference tables, storage, desks, and support the teens’ families. and other amenities more. “Seven out of 10 teens who visit the at the ICAN Teen The final decor pieces were donatcenter live in extreme poverty, four will Center. ed by Spice Up Your Home, a Chango to bed hungry tonight and two will “We’re lucky to dler-based furniture and staging store. be gang affiliated by age 12,” an ICAN partner with local This project will help ICAN continue spokeswoman said. businesses who love its mission of giving teens a safe place She noted that as the pandemic congiving back, and who to go after school that not only keeps tinues, the upgraded space will enable understand what them off the streets and out of trouble ICAN “to positively impact the lives of we do to foster our but teaches them real-life skills that even more teens and their families.” community – our encourage academic success and career Nevarez agreed. home – will come development. “We are so grateful for the support back tenfold,” NevaThe Amy Jones Group of Keller that ICAN provides to our kids and rez said. Williams Integrity First is an all-female wanted to find a special way to give “We hope the company of real estate professionals back to them and our future generteens who use the that has helped thousands of families ations. We hope the work we do will space to get homebuy and sell homes. For more inspire others to keep their eyes open work help and as a Realtor Mindy Jones Nevarez is flanked by ICAN CEO Shelby Information: amyjonesgroup.com Peterson and Dan White as she waits for kids to get their first for how they can help someone else,” safe haven where and icanaz.org. look at the new teen center. (Pablo Robles) she said. they can develop SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Chandler teen raising funds for healthcare workers’ masks SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

A Chandler teen is doing his part to help frontline healthcare workers during the pandemic by working with the Dignity Health Foundation-East Valley to raise money for high-quality masks. Blake Su, a senior at Arizona College Preparatory, said there were two family members who indirectly inspired him – along with news stories he had read last year about shortages of masks and other protective equipment in hospitals and clinics. The son of a surgeon at Dignity Health’s Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert medical centers, Blake also has an elderly aunt who had just completed physical therapy at an assisted care facility. “I found myself deeply troubled by the idea that my elderly aunt might be

Blake Su

coming into contact with a mask-less nurse or by the fact that my father could get infected with coronavirus without the proper equipment on hand,” he said. As a member of his school’s Key Club – a student-run organization that organizes philanthropic activities on campuses and in the community – Blake said, “I have spent so much time in Key Club and other organizations helping others – and with everything going on – I wanted to see if there was any way I could directly assist.” He decided to do something with stickers. He ran his idea past Dignity Foundation’s philanthropic manager, Catrina Ulery: have people go to a foundation webpage, donate money for one or more masks, and get a sticker from Blake that showed they supported his Masks For Heroes campaign.

Ulery “loved the concept,” he said, adding that because the money goes to the foundation, it can procure more masks from a hospital wholesale supplier at a cheaper price. “Since then, I have been marketing the program to my friends on my social media account and telling anyone I come across about it,” he said. He also organized a videogame competition at his school and has raised over $1,200. “Health care workers across the country are working on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic and I am going to show my appreciation for the work they do every day by helping to raise funds to provide personal protective equipment needed to keep us and themselves safe and healthy,” he said. To help: go to supportdignityhealtheastvalley.org/what-we-support/ masksforheroes

NEIGHBORS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 31, 2021

Partnership helps Chandler area nonprofits BY SRIANTHI PERERA Contributor

The list of area organizations helped by the Arizona Women’s Partnerships is extensive. It includes the all-volunteer Pan de Vida Foundation of Queen Creek, which started in 2003 to assist needy children, seniors and families, and About Care, a nonprofit that provides free support services for the elderly and disabled homebound residents of Chandler, Gilbert and Queen Creek. Organizations such as these are grateful to the partnership, which has raised $30,000 to award in the next grant cycle. Among other recipients is the Mesa-based nonprofit Desert Sounds, which helps connect at-risk kids to the community by providing access to musical instruments. The $2,000 grant is modest, but it goes a long way in the organization that is cashstrapped even without a pandemic. “It doesn’t matter if we have one child here or 3,000 children, we still have to pay rent and utility bills, so it’s made it difficult,” said Desert Sounds President Jennifer Crews. “We have to cut back on what we offer because we can’t afford it.” Founded by Paula Cullison of Phoenix in 2002, the all-volunteer Arizona Women’s Partnership helps grassroots charities that assist under-served women and children at-risk in Arizona. To date, it has awarded more than $500,000 in grants. The recipients, in turn, assist more than 130,000 people annually, drawing from Hispanic, Black, Native American, Asian and refugee populations. They address critical issues such as domestic violence, child abuse, adult literacy, youth at risk, English as a Second Language training, foster children, refugees, homelessness, health and hunger. Cullison created two fundraisers to showcase women in the culinary field: Getting Our Just Desserts and Wine, Women & Jazz, which were the main source of donations for the first 13 years. As the charity gained recognition for its philanthropic efforts, the founder base increased to include the Violet M. Johnson Family Foundation of Scottsdale, now a major donor. “We gratefully acknowledge the very

About Care volunteers help homebound seniors and others in a variety of ways, including helping them learn new technology. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

generous donations given in honor of their late maternal grandmother; this philanthropy continues to help tens of thousands of women and children in need,” Cullison said. Asked why this work is important to the management executive, avid travel-

instruments in the public. The organization uses the grant funds to repair the instruments after use, and to replace used cases. “We don’t spend on rent or insurance, but spend on kids directly,” Crews said. The organization uses the help of

It doesn’t matter if we have one child here or “ 3,000 children, we still have to pay rent and utility bills, so it’s made it difficult, we have to cut back on what we offer because we can’t afford it. ”

– Jennifer Crews

er and arts advocate, Cullison said: “I am inspired by the generosity of our many donors and by the incredible results of our grant recipients who do phenomenal work on shoestring budgets. As an all-volunteer philanthropic non-profit, we rely on the kindness and generosity of many.” At Desert Sounds, needy kids are given access to musical instruments so they can participate in a school band or orchestra and also provided with music lessons and opportunities to perform in the community. It also runs a Mariachi program to share the Hispanic culture and an electronic orchestra program to play different types of music on electric

Queen Creek-base Pan de Vida Foundation assists needy families and children. (Facebook)

eight people, some volunteers and others part-timers, whose help and expertise are needed, she added. Crews “doesn’t count chickens before they’re hatched,” but with this grant, “I’m counting that as a chicken that I dearly need; it makes a huge difference in our bottom line,” she said. “Even $100 is a lot of money if you use it wisely.” Pan de Vida Foundation has been receiving a grant of $2,000 for two years and used it to create a garden for children and senior citizens. “We had been struggling to get the garden going, due to the lack of money,” founder Mary Gloria said. She had trouble with the paperwork because grants require a lot of it. “I know that there is a reason for the grants to require so much paperwork, but most of the non-profits that I know were started by people with the desire of assisting children, senior citizens, adults or families,” she said. “When I got the grant, I was so happy, that I cried. Since then, we have gotten a second grant, and at this time, I am preparing to ask for third time,” she added. The charity was started in 2003 and is manned by volunteers. “Therefore, when we

find a non-profit that helps assist our non-profit grow, we rejoice, and praise God,” she said. About Care’s goal is to allow the elderly and disabled homebound individuals to meet their basic needs, reduce isolation and remain independent in their homes. Its services include wellness checks, friendly calls, friendly visits, respite for caregivers, shopping and errands, minor home repairs, transportation and information and referrals. About Care has partnered with The Arizona Women’s Partnership for the past seven years and use the funding primarily for volunteer recruitment, background checks and training. “We feel very blessed to be a partner of The Arizona Women’s Partnership,” said AnnMarie McArthur. “The fact they are donating money to help women, is very satisfying. About 84 percent of About Care’s clients are low-income, elderly women.” With her involvement in the non-profit community, Cullison knew that the smaller charities have the most difficulty in raising needed funds. “They fill many gaps in providing critical social services,” she said. Information: azwp.org.

About the grants Grant applicants must be 501 c(3) non-profits with an operating budget of under $450,000; Arizona-based; in good financial standing; non-sectarian; non-partisan; non-school affiliated; and reflect its mission. The 2021 grant application must be postmarked by March 31. Grant awards will be distributed mid-year. Watch the Faces of Hope video of photography exhibit on the website featuring the faces of the women and children who benefit from the grants awarded to the non-profits.

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 31, 2021

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Chandler Museum chronicles Holocaust survivor’s story BY ALLI CRIPE

Contributor

Chandler Museum’s new exhibit, “Death and Diamonds: A Holocaust Survivor’s Journey from Krakow to Chandler,” chronicles the inspirational history of Samuel Soldinger, beloved father and diamond cutter. Born in 1924, Soldinger was raised in Poland before the Nazi invasion forced his family into the Krakow ghetto. He worked at Oskar Schindler’s factory and became the sole survivor of his family. After the war, Soldinger became an expert diamond cutter and moved from New York to Arizona in 1962 for the managerial position at the Harry Winston diamond processing plant, once located on Pecos Road. “Laura and I sat down a couple years ago when she donated her father’s diamond cutting tools,” said museum Collections Coordinator Nate Meyers, “And she said, ‘of course you know my dad’s story as a Holocaust survivor,’ and I didn’t.” Last February, Meyers shared Soldinger’s history in a lecture for Our Stories, a collaboration between the Chandler Library and the Chandler Historical Society. The packed crowd exceeded the 70-person limit and overflowed out onto the patio. This year, inspired by the lecture, the museum will host an exhibit.

In 1962, Samuel Soldinger arrived in Chandler to manage the new Harry Winston diamond processing plant on Pecos Road. (Courtesy Chandler Museum)

“We are always looking for compelling local stories and especially stories that help place people and events in Chandler,” said Meyers. “Just being able to share his incredible story has been an honor.”

The 1994 release of the Spielberg film, “Schindler’s List,” catapulted the little-known story of Oskar Schindler’s deeds during the Holocaust into the spotlight and Soldinger received sudden notoriety. Yotter remembers that he

took speaking engagements at schools, churches and universities. “He liked to tell his story,” Yotter explained, “Because it was so important to him that it would never happen again.” As a little girl, Yotter used to ask her father for his personal stories but, he usually declined. “He’d say, ‘I don’t want to give you nightmares. When you’re older I’ll tell you.’” When she grew older, he told her harrowing tales of near-death experiences, like what she remembers as the last day in Krakow when the Germans were exterminating a majority of the ghetto’s population. “When they got to my father, they sent him one way and then after that, they said, ‘Everybody else the other way,’ which was to the gas chamber.” Even after Soldinger escaped the Holocaust, it still surrounded his life until he passed away on Jan. 2, 2001. Soldinger had friends who’d survived the Holocaust with him and who lived as far away as Israel. They wrote to each other and visited each other around the globe, according to Yotter. Even the best man at Soldinger’s wedding was a fellow Holocaust survivor. “A lot of my dad’s friends would be like, ‘Sam, that’s behind us. Let’s not talk about what happened,’” said Yotter. “So, my dad was very rare in that he See

DIAMONDS on page 42

Chandler Sunset library named “resilience hub” for climate change BY KEVIN REAGAN

Staff Writer The Chandler Sunset Library has obtained a grant to fund its conversion into a “resilience hub” for combating the impacts of climate change. The Sunset Library Branch is one of only 25 libraries across the country picked by the American Library Association to develop new educational programs that specifically focus on climate science. Sunset was recently designated a “climate resilience hub” by Communities Responding to Extreme Weather, a nonprofit that trains volunteers how to prepare their communities for adapting to changes in the climate. The designation obligates Sunset, which is the only library in Arizona to be named a resilience hub, to provide educational events on how to hold out through floods, droughts, wildfires, or extreme heat. Hubs are encouraged to additionally offer shelter and emergency supplies to residents who have nowhere else to go during a weather calamity. Experts will be invited by Sunset’s staff to host seminars on sustainable practices and teach residents how to adopt daily habits that are more friend-

consciously about their carbon footprint. Climate change is a topic worthy of greater discussion, she added, so it’s up to the local library to help supply information on this important subject. “I feel like that’s one of the biggest issues that we’re all facing regardless of where you’re living,” Kowitt said. “I feel like as a library, I wanted us to be able to really provide some good learning opportunities.” Scientists have long been warning about the threat that rising temperatures impose on fragile ecosystems and Americans appear to be developing a growing interest in policies that can protect the Librarian Aubrey Kowitt obtained the grant for the Sunset Branch’s climate science programs. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer) Earth’s climate. Twenty-four percent of Americans believe climate garden. ly to the environment. change is affecting their local comLibrarian Aubrey Kowitt, who In the coming weeks, the library munities a “great deal,” according to a obtained the funding to start the plans to screen climate-themed doc2020 survey done by the Pew Research library’s new offerings of programs, said Center, and 65 percent think the govumentaries, offer resources to survive Arizona’s extreme weather, and instruct she hopes residents will be inspired by Sunset’s initiatives to think more See on page 42 residents how to start their own home

LIBRARY

ARTS

DIAMONDS

from page 41

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 31, 2021

Affairs to help lessen tribal unemployment at the time. “The BIA would provide funding for

always talked about it.” According to Yotter and Tiffani Egnor, education coordinator at the Chandler Museum, the atrocities Soldinger suffered also helped qualify him for the position at Harry Winston. “He thought he was a really good fit because he had the cultural sensitivity of being someone who’d experienced so much turmoil in his life because he was Jewish,” said Egnor. In 1962, Harry Winston had employed an approximately 80-90 percent Native American workforce due to a government program created by Barry Goldwater and the Bureau of Indian

Born into a Jewish family in Poland in 1924, Samuel Soldinger found himself and his family confined to the Kraków Ghetto after the Germans invaded. (Courtesy Chandler Museum)

Also at the Museum

EXHIBITS

Bigger than Boxing On March 22, 1967, in Madison Square Garden, two men vied for the Heavyweight Championship of the World – the Champ, Muhammad Ali. In the red corner, the Challenger from Chandler, Zora Folley. What followed was a fight at the crossroads of race, religion, sport, and the politics of the 1960s. “Bigger than Boxing” features the stories of these two boxers, the circumstances that weighed heavy on each man,and the fight that was a turning point in both of their careers. Through Aug. 29. Young at Art: A Selection of Caldecott Book Illustrations Feb. 3- March 10 Since 1938, the Association for Library Service to Children has awarded the Caldecott Medal annually for excellence in illustration in an American

LIBRARY

from page 41

ernment’s doing “too little” to save the environment. But the Pew survey found climate change is still a deeply partisan issue between political parties. Kowitt said she wants Sunset’s new programming to remain apolitical and serve as a productive outlet for residents interested in learning from experts who can objectively explain why the climate’s changing. “I really don’t want it to be a political issue,” the librarian said. “This is our planet. We all live on this one planet and we need to take care of it.” Starting Feb. 3, the library will be hosting a series of virtual discussions with scientists from Arizona State University who will teach attendees how to feel better connected with nature. The one-hour forums will delve into eco-friendly eating habits, nature journaling, water harvesting, surviving a desert climate, and overcoming the restrictions of a global pandemic. On March 20, a representative from the Chandler Environmental Education

the employment of Native Americans to learn the diamond cutting trade to work there,” Egnor explained. Yotter, who accompanied her dad to work sometimes, remembers personal details in bits and pieces because she was around 6-years-old at the time. She remembers the high security and the common presence of glittering diamonds and gemstones. She remembers picnics on the front lawn of the factory and that her father brought in a ping pong table for em-

picture book for children. Featuring original illustrations from twenty-eight award-winning artists, this exhibition celebrates artistic classics in children’s literature including works from Maurice Sendak, Barbara Cooney, and Chris Van Allsburg. ACTIVITIES Athletes in Action: A Sports History of Black Activism in Arizona Dr. Matthew Whitaker 10:30 a.m. Feb. 20, 10:30am, virtual program Registration: chandlerlibrary.libcal. com/event/7478463 Our Stories features Dr. Matthew Whitaker on how Arizona’s athletes have used their platform to seek and secure social, economic, and political justice for people of African descent. This talk coordinates with the exhibition, “Bigger than Boxing: Zora Folley and the 1967 Heavyweight Title.

Center will deliver an online presentation covering biodiversity, carbon emissions, and the country’s involvement in international efforts to control global warming. The Sunset branch will open up a seed library later this spring and provide materials for residents to plant new flowers and crops that can endure their local climate. Native Seed Search, a Tucson-based nonprofit that specializes in sustainable farming practices, will be donating its arid-adapted seedlings to the library and Sunset plans to start handing out gardening kits during the last week of January. Rachelle Kuzyk, manager of the Sunset Library, said her branch’s new programs will hopefully build a local network of professionals who can share ideas on how Chandler can stay ahead of the curve on climate problems. “Working in a desert community, we understand the significance of addressing critical issues like climate change, climate resilience and sustainability,” Kuzyk said. “We are looking forward to partnering with other local organizations

History Detectives Families can join a scavenger hunt in the Bigger than Boxing exhibit by focusing in on different portions of the exhibition.

ployee lunch breaks. “He tried to keep a good environment,” Yotter said. “For the holidays, I remember they’d give out hams and turkeys, and on Halloween, I’d hand out candy.” Out of all the fascinating stories surrounding Soldinger’s life, Yotter said that his positive outlook impacted her the most. “Even somebody that went through Hell and fortunately survived was able to flourish,” she said. “There are good stories no matter what people go through in life.” “Death and Diamonds, the story of Samuel Soldinger,” will show from Feb. 3-March 10 at the Chandler Museum, located at 300 S. Village Dr. Admission is free.

$18, Great for ages 7-10, includes enough supplies for two users.

Museum In A Box Dive into culture, history, and art at home with a themed activity box. Each Chandler Museum in a Box includes instructions and supplies for three-five activities. Museum in a Box is available for sale in the Museum Store.

Boxing Fun for Two Duke it out with your partner in a series of jump rope challenges. Find out who can talk the talk. Weigh in on issues that matter with conversation cards centered on the exhibition “Bigger than Boxing.” Includes a breather by expressing your artistic side, boxing style. This box also includes movie suggestions, drink recipes and a sweet treat. $24, Designed for adults.

Build It! Frank Lloyd Wright in Chandler Explore architecture with a Frank Lloyd Wright themed activity box. Design a city, test your building skills with edible construction supplies, and review shapes hidden within authentic Wright drawings. Contains all needed supplies for three activities, stories about Wright’s time in Chandler and the book “Who Was Frank Lloyd Wright?”

W is for Whirligigs Historic Toys This box includes three wooden toys from yesteryear, a peek into historic games & rhymes, and chalk to create various hopscotch designs. Your head will spin with merriment as you learn how lads and lasses engaged with these wooden whirligigs. $13, ages 3-8, includes 3 different toys, one game booklet and chalk.

that share the same goal of providing quality, fact-based programs.” The Library Association started handing out its education grants this past year after receiving a large donation from a family who felt compelled to find innovative solutions for stopping climate change. Loida Garcia-Febo, the association’s former president, said the donation perfectly arrived at a time when ALA had recently added sustainability as one of the core values of librarianship. “By adding sustainability to its core values, ALA is recognizing that libraries of all types can act as catalysts and inspire future generations to reach

solutions that are not only sensible but essential to sustaining life on this planet,” Garcia-Febo said. Kowitt said the “resilience hub” title sounds fancy, but it basically signifies the services that Sunset and most other libraries have been providing for years. Residents increasingly expect their libraries to be more than just a book depository, she added, so it’s up to librarians to help fulfill the needs they see in their community. “Libraries are doing way more programming than they were 20 years ago,” Kowitt added. “We’re almost like community centers in a way.” Information: chandlerlibrary.org.

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 31, 2021

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

We need to return to the nobility of equality RABBI IRWIN WIENER, D.D. Guest Writer

Just when we thought we had seen and heard everything in our lifetime comes the unthinkable: An assault on our Nation’s Capitol. Who would or could have thought that this was possible in the one country that understood, and maybe now understands better the value of civility and reasonable discourse; the one country that brought to the forefront the values of democracy and human dignity? I am not going to develop my comments into anything political as I have always endeavored to steer clear of the quagmire that can sink any reasonable discussion. Passions are inflamed. Reason seems to have been misplaced somewhere in

the maze of disbelief. Untruths seem to have developed a life of their own and sensible people have been drawn into the depths of mistrust. What a mess! Yet, there is a new dawn, a new freshness that will enhance the spirit of connection and fervor that will once more unite us as we begin the process of healing. We are strong and resilient. We have learned over the almost two and a half centuries of our existence that there is nothing we cannot overcome together. Our attention should continue to concentrate on the difficulties we face during this pandemic. Our efforts need to be directed to the safe and orderly distribution of the much-needed vaccine that will eventually free us of the scourge of the most difficult health issue of our time. We must endeavor to ensure that our country will remain strong and vibrant

as we turn our attention to the plight of the hungry, the homeless, the displaced and those looking for the ability to once again be beneficiaries of a vibrant economy. There is so much more that needs our attention. The distraction we encountered is just that, no more. We can overcome systemic racism, anti-Semitism, the distance between the haves and have nots, the disparity among the sexes, the lack of patriotism. Our country was founded on the principle of equality and we need to return to that noble concept which seems to have been lost over time. Hopefully we will see a return to the understanding that we need to join together as never before to continue the dream we inherited from prior generations that understood the desire for fulfillment. The Prophet Isaiah warned us that sometimes we hear but do not un-

derstand; that we will see but never perceive; that our hearts will become calloused; that we will hardly hear with our ears and close our eyes. (Isaiah 6:10) Perhaps the Prophet was visualizing the future of our country and time. Perhaps the Prophet was determined to teach us valuable lessons in the value of collective survival. Regardless, it is up to us to heed these words as we endeavor to right the wrongs, extend our efforts toward reconciliation. The most important lesson is that together we succeed, divided we will fail. May God watch over us. May God continue to bless this beacon of hope. May God protect all who serve our great country both in times of peace and war. May God’s countenance shine on us and bring us peace. Rabbi Irwin Wiener is the spiritual leader of the Sun Lakes Jewish Community.

God fills man’s soul with all good things BY LYNNE HARTKE Guest Writer

Spring is my favorite season in the desert. Golden poppies. Trumpeting red penstemon. Delicate purple asters. My husband Kevin and I always make it a priority to put in miles on desert trails when the flowers begin to arrive. But something occurs before the arrival of orange, red, purple and other blooming beauty. Something more subtle, yet necessary. We discovered it on a recent hike on the Pyramid Trail on South Mountain. At first, I was disappointed when we snapped a leash on our dog Mollie and headed up the dozens of switchbacks, making me aware of every hour I had

spent on the couch during stay-at-home mandates. I had known seeing flowers was unlikely, but I searched, nonetheless. The dormancy of winter is a challenging season. As a child, growing up in the Midwest, winter meant months of a whitened landscape. As a desert dweller, winter means brown. Miles and miles of brown. It is as if the exterior decorator took a trip to Home Depot and came home with the brown palette. Brown sugar. Chocolate sundae. Log cabin syrup. The color names of brown tell me one thing – when people gaze at brown, they get hungry. After limited summer and winter rains, even the cactus looked empty, like prisoners on starvation diets. We passed barrel cactus and saguaros that had simply given up and toppled, right next to the trail, as they succumbed to

New Year’s fad diets to lose weight. Too much weight. I had hoped time on the trails would lighten the load I carried of family responsibilities, news of political unrest, and a lingering pandemic, but instead I found my heart weighed down by brown. Simmering latte. Turkish coffee. Steeped tea. Long winter seasons not only make you hungry. But thirsty. So thirsty. “Look at that!” I exclaimed. Up ahead, an ocotillo plant sprouted tiny leaflets all along the spindly branches. Green! So much green! Like many desert plants, the ocotillo discards its leaves during drought in order to survive. At the base of the ocotillo, the silver green leaves of a brittlebush were evident. Where had the plants discovered sufficient moisture to

produce leaves? Suddenly, our brown-drenched eyes switched to green. Enlightened lime. Pale parsnip. Pea green. Sea green. Avocado. “The elephant tree has leaves too,” Kevin exclaimed, pointing to a short tree with white, shedding bark that smelled like frankincense. When we had hiked in the area two weeks earlier, the tree had sported no green foliage. Life was being pulled from the ground. Lucky shamrock. Ming jade. Breath of sage. Beautiful, green life. For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. Psalm 107:9 ESV Lynne Hartke is the author of Under a Desert Sky and the wife of pastor and Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. She blogs at lynnehartke.com.

St. Paul provides timely thoughts on love BY PASTOR MARVIN ARNPRIESTER Guest Writer

Reminders of February with Valentine’s Day and its emphasis on

love, I remembered the following quote by Maya Angelou to challenge and inspire our understanding of love: “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” Her statement reminds me of that

great statement of St. Paul regarding love: “Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in truth. It bears all things, believes

all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” Timely words for the days in which we live. Rev. Marvin Arnpriester is senior pastor of Sun Lakes United Methodist Church.