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Wednesday, September 16, 2020

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With God on his side, he aims to restore Lakes course BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

CANDIDATES SPEAK

. 14

SELLERS RULE

o one skipped a beat last month during the early part of Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course owner Wilson Gee’s testimony in his contempt of court hearing when he matter-of-factly disclosed that one of the parties interested in acquiring the site “told me that God told him to buy it.” As unusual as that might sound to some, the man Gee referred to is deadly serious – not only about buying the course but the motivation driving his offer. “Recently, God has put on my heart to restore an ugly patch of dirt that was once a nice little golf course called Ahwatukee Lakes,” Brad Butler told AFN weeks before Gee’s testimony. The Chandler golf pro and his long-time friend Robin Wood have submitted $1 million

see LAKES page 16

The expansive wasteland behind Brad Butler is the Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course, which he hopes to restore if owner Wilson Gee sells him the 101-acre site for $1 million. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

Pecos Center, Ironwood Library not likely to reopen soon . RE1

BRICK, MORTAR AND TACOS

. 28

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

ix months after they were closed at the onset of the pandemic, the seven fields at Pecos Park reopened last week, joining the tennis and pickleball courts, the outside basketball courts and the dog park – which were never closed in the face of the pandemic. But the bathrooms are the only parts of the Pecos Community Center that the public can use and when anything else will reopen is anybody’s guess. That means no hoops inside the center and only virtual activities for those who in prepandemic days attended the senior center.

And the teams that reserve playing time on the Pecos fields – or any of Phoenix’s other 154 fields – are required to appoint someone to make sure players, spectators and coaches are wearing masks, that physical distancing is observed as much as possible and that anyone using them passes a checklist of COVID-19 symptoms. And park rangers will be roaming Pecos Park and other city fields to make sure the rules are being followed, with a possible penalty of teams losing their right to reserve the fields for play. Phoenix is the only city enforcing health guidelines, with other municipalities relying instead on self-enforcement. Meanwhile, Ironwood and the other Phoenix

Library branches also remain closed and City Council is not planning to discuss a phased reopening until mid-October. Council’s 7-2 vote on Sept. 2 to reopen the fields came on a request by city Councilman Sal DiCiccio and two of his colleagues, who argued it was time for kids to play ball. Acting city Parks and recreation Director Tracee Crockett had reported that Phoenix was the only city in Arizona that had not reopened its fields, though only six municipalities in the state have opened them for tournament play. That dubious status, DiCiccio said, meant children in poor households were stuck be-

see PECOS page 9

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 16. 2020

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 16. 2020

The Ahwatukee Foothills News is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Ahwatukee Foothills.

Times Media Group: 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219 Tempe, Arizona, 85282 Main number: 480-898-6500 Advertising: 480-898-5624 Circulation service: 480-898-5641

PUBLISHER Steve T. Strickbine

VICE PRESIDENT Michael Hiatt

ADVERTISING STAFF National Advertising Director Zac Reynolds 480-898-5603 zac@ahwatukee.com

Advertising Sales Representatives: Karen Mays, 480-898-7909, kmays@ahwatukee.com Laura Meehan, 480-898-7904, lmeehan@ahwatukee.com

Classified:

Elaine Cota, 480-898-7926, ecota@ahwatukee.com

Circulation Director:

Aaron Kolodny 480-898-5641, customercare@ahwatukee.com

NEWS STAFF Executive Editor:

Paul Maryniak, 480-898-5647, pmaryniak@ahwatukee..com

GetOut Editor:

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, 480-641-4518, christina@timespublications.com

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Reporters:

Jim Walsh, 480-898-5639 jwalshe@ahwatukee.com Wayne Schutsky, 480-898-6533 wschutsky@timespublications.com Cecilla Chan. 480-898-5613, cchan@timespublications.com Ahwatukee Foothills News is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@ azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@ azintegatedmedia.com.

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Kyrene’s youngest students returning to classrooms Thursday BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

ust over 2,600 of Kyrene’s youngest students will return to classrooms for the first time since midMarch as the district’s rolling reopening begins Thursday. While those youngsters in kindergarten through second grade return to a far different environment than some of them left in March, about 1,557 of their classmates will continue learning from home under the district’s flex option, likely waiting at least until January to head back into classrooms. Next week, on Sept. 24, just over 2,700 students in third through fifth grade will go back to Kyrene’s 19 elementary campuses while about 3,000 middle school students won’t be back in classrooms until the second quarter begins Oct. 13. During last week’s Governing Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Jan Vesely and other administrators detailed the elaborate measures they have developed to maintain safe environments for the children whose parents have opted to send them back to school. By the time the phased reopening is completed, officials estimate, almost 8,400 students will be in classrooms – barring any significant surge in COVID-19 that warrants a full return to distance learning. Another 5,700 or so will continue learning at home in the flex model for the time being while another 1,300 are in the new Kyrene Digital Academy for the rest of the 202021 school year. The district’s reopening plan is similar to Chandler Unified, which started an identical rolling reopening on Monday. Higley Unified opened classrooms to all grades last week while neighboring Gilbert Public Schools reopened to groups of students who will be in classrooms two days a week. Mesa Public Schools, the state’s largest district, two days ago reopened its campuses along the lines of the GPS model. Tempe Union remains online only for all students, and it is unclear from the agenda for tonight’s Governing Board whether that will change before a promised reopening on Oct. 13. Kyrene’s mitigation strategies – similar to those in effect at other East Valley districts – include socially distanced desks, single-file movement through corridors during the rare times students will even leave their rooms and, of course, mandatory masks on school grounds and in buses. Signs of all kinds will be posted throughout buildings, many not only reminding students to wash their hands but also showing them how to do it properly. There will

see REOPEN page 6

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REOPEN from page 3

be no sharing of basic classroom supplies and students will largely stay together whether they’re in classrooms or on the playground, restricted from mingling with those in other classes or grades. The district itself implemented other measures, including high-performance HEPA filtering units in every classroom that will clean the air every 35 minutes and capture just over 99 percent of all air particles and nightly cleaning and disinfecting. There are some measures the district could not afford to enact, including more spacing of students on buses and in classrooms. Kyrene Chief Financial Officer Chris Herrmann noted that the district received a relative pittance in additional funding for virus mitigation. For example, the district’s share of federal pandemic relief amounts to $955,000. To have only one student for every school bus bench on a bus, Kyrene would need to hire approximately 60 additional drivers and purchase 41 additional buses for a total $7.7 million, Herrmann said. Hiring that many drivers would be “extremely challenging,” he added, because

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 16. 2020

each school has put in place – which keeps the same groups of students together all day long – will minimize continued risk of potential exposure and transmission of COVID-19.” While any gatherings such as assemblies have been canceled at least through Oct. 31, officials said performing arts teachers are exploring strategies for band, orchestra and theater so that those students can practice. The district also will be paying particular attention to all students’ social and emotional well being Board members appeared Kyrene administrators offered the Governing Board this table showing the numbers of students expected to return to pleased with the level of detail they classrooms over the next four weeks and those who will stay in at-home learning, likely for the rest of the calendar year. heard. (Kyrene School District) “I think you really did a phenomenal job really painting that picture “the district is not able to hire enough shortage of educators. for our families to help them understand bus drivers today to meet its current “The only other option for smaller class what schools are going to look like,” staffing needs.” sizes would be to implement a staggered board member Michelle Fahy told VeseTo reduce class sizes to 15 students schedule where students would only be ly’s team. “I think you really helped us and provide optimum spacing of desks, on campus for a couple of days a week see that while It’s going to look different, Herrmann said, the district would need and learn from home on the other days – it’s going to also feel a lot like the same. to hire 420 additional teachers at a cost which again has not favored by our famiI think that reassuring the families that of $30 million. Not only is this a budget lies and is disruptive to student learning,” when they come back it’s not going to be buster, but it’s nearly impossible to find Herrmann told the board. completely different.” that many teachers as Arizona confronts a “However, the cohort model which

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 16. 2020

PECOS from page 1

cause “people with a little bit of wealth can travel anywhere in the state to a ballfield” but poverty-stricken kids don’t have that luxury. His assertion didn’t sit well with Councilman Carlos Garcia, who noted that it was households in poverty that are bearing a bigger brunt of COVID-19 infections. While Crockett said Phoenix met the three benchmarks used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a guide for opening parks and ballfields, Garcia and Vice Mayor Betty Guardado voted against a reopening. They wanted parks personnel to confer with health officials before any decision was made. Garcia went one step further, asking if each council member could decide what could be done in his or her district. That measure, City Attorney Chris Meyer said was not legally permissable. Moreover, Councilman Michael Nowakowski noted, it’s not like the fields have been empty all this time. “People are using them and the city needs to get this under control,” Nowakowski argued, saying it was important

Phoenix City Attorney ruled it would be illegal for each council member to decide what could reopen in their district without the consent of the entire body. (Special to AFN)

that basic health guidelines be enforced instead of waiting even a few more weeks. The reopening vote prompted another discussion by Council last week on how often bathrooms could be cleaned in a day. The only bathrooms, including those at Pecos Center, that are reopened are those

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serving the athletic fields. But Mayor Kate Gallego and other Council members wanted bathrooms cleaned more than once a day – which City Manager Ed Zuercher said the city could not afford. His aides said it would cost $750,000 for a second daily cleaning.

Ultimately, Council decided it would use some of its $290 million in federal pandemic relief funds to give the bathrooms a second daily cleaning. While it was the last Arizona city to reopen athletic fields, Phoenix is not the only city where libraries are open only for curbside service. Indeed, only Chandler opened its four libraries last week, though at limited capacity with a reservation system. When Ironwood Library reopens, a similar system could well be in place. “I don’t know how many people asked about reopening,” Assistant City Manager Milton Dohoney Jr. told Council last week, citing the “multiple ways we’ve been able to serve in an alternative way.” “Some of the changes we’ve made – people want to stay in place,” he added. “We couldn’t go back to the way we were operating before COVID, with large congregating furniture that a whole bunch of people were sitting on, not having spaced out. It would be a different kind of environment.” Library officials said they will brief Council next month about controlling library access by keeping meeting rooms closed and putting computer use on a reservation basis.

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 16. 2020

South Mountain Freeway in running for 2 awards AFN NEWS STAFF

he South Mountain Freeway is in the running for two national awards, competing against projects in 11 other states. The largest highway project ever managed by the Arizona Department of Transportation is one of 12 finalists in the national America’s Transportation Awards competition. Sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, AAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the competition evaluates the projects for quality of life/community development; best use of technology & innovation; and operations excellence. The projects range in cost from less than $400,000 to more than $3.3 billion. The finalists are in the running for two awards – the grand prize and a people’s choice award – that each carry a $10,000 award. The sponsors said the winning agencies can donate the money to a charity of their choice or to a “transportation-related

scholarship of the winner’s choosing.” People can vote at americastransportationawards.org. Though the South Mountain Freeway cost $1.7 billion, it’s not the most expensive project in the running. That honor belongs to the state of Washington’s $3.3 billion State Route 99 tunnel, which replaced the Alaskan Way Viaduct in Seattle. Along with these two new-highway projects and improvements on a highway or bridge in Ohio, Wisconsin, New Jersey and Virginia made the list with major highway repair or bridge projects. Hawaii also got a nod for fixing the only road between two towns in Kauai that had been washed out by landslides triggered by a 50-inch rainfall two years ago. One project involves a $10 million, 22mile Riverwalk in Georgia. North Carolina is in the running for a $2 million project that deploys drones to deliver lab tests and specimens to clinics and hospitals while Pennsylvania’s work zone speed enforcement program – the only

contestant without a dollar value attached to it – is a finalist. Minnestota’s $5 million “automated vehicle challenge” is in the running, as is Connecticut’s $400,000 effort to promote connectivity. The South Mountain Freeway opened in December after ADOT and a consortium of five contractors committed to a designbuild strategy that the state says saved $100 million. Moreover, that consortium is responsible for maintenance and repairs for the next 30 years along the 22 mile stretch between the I-10 interchanges in Candler and West Phoenix. “The Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway represents the largest project in state history and has been recognized as a model for innovation, safety and taxpayer value,” said Gov. Doug Ducey after it was listed among the award finalists. Two other ADOT projects won top honors last month in regional competitions for America’s Transportation Awards, which included 79 projects nominated by 36 departments of transportation across

the country. The I-10/SR 87 Interchange Reconstruction including I-10 Dust Detection System near Eloy won first place for Operations Excellence, Medium Project. The SR 347 Overpass at Union Pacific Railroad in Maricopa took first place for Quality of Life/Community Development. Construction of the freeway began in earnest in 2016 after a federal judge in Phoenix ruled against a group of Ahwatukee homeowners and the Gila River Indian Community, which had sued ADOT on multiple grounds. The Gila River Community opposed the project on grounds that the freeway was desecrating South Mountain, which the tribes there consider sacred. Protect Arizona Resources and Children sued on grounds that the freeway posed a threat to the health and quality of life of Ahwatukee residents, particular children who attend schools along the freeway path. Both parties appealed the judge’s ruling to the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, which also ruled in ADOT’s favor.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 16. 2020

Kyrene board candidates discuss more issues

his is the second and last installment of questionnaires that AFN sent to the five candidates for the Kyrene School District GovernIVAN ALFARO What is biggest challenge confronting the district that must be addressed within the next two years and how would you propose addressing that

challenge? I believe education funding is the biggest challenge confronting Kyrene. Because of the decrease in tax revenue (sales/income) Kyrene will face a shortage in funding based on proposed state budget cuts. State and district leaders should ensure that any cuts made to education do not fall disproportionately on our high-need student groups. I also believe that limited education dollars should only be invested in programs that improve student outcomes. If funding became a critical issue for the district, would you be more inMICHELLE FAHY What is biggest challenge confronting the district that must be addressed within the next two years and how would you propose addressing that challenge? The biggest challenge is to provide quality educational opportunities during the Covid19 pandemic. We must use data to prioritize the health and safety of students and staff. Mitigation strategies must be in place and improved/perfected before all students can return safely. We must find ways to address and prevent gaps in learning that may occur during times of school closure. If funding became a critical issue for the district, would you be more inclined to cut programs or raise taxes? WANDA KOLOMYJEC What is biggest challenge confronting the district that must be addressed within the next two years and how would you propose addressing that challenge?

ing Board. Some responses have been edited for length in print, but the candidates’ full answers – as well as the first part of the questionnaires – are at Ah-

watukee.com. Next week, AFN will present the first half of the responses from the eight candidates for the Tempe Union Governing

Board. The second half will be published Sept. 30. However, all the Tempe Union candidates’ full set of answers will begin running at ahwatukee.com next week.

contract, I would certainly consider that, along with the wishes of the board. What one area is the district not addressing adequately and what would you do about it? We have great inequities when it comes to access to technology and internet services. Kyrene is moving closer to 1:1 during this pandemic but access to the internet is still a challenge for many families. We need to teach all students to use technology and so we need to find ways to ensure all students have access to the internet. What is the one area the district is addressing in an exceptional manner and why do you think that? Kyrene makes decisions based on its vision to provide excellent educational opportunities for all students to achieve to their maximum potential to become the

problem solvers, creators and visionaries of tomorrow. They show commitment to their mission of student success for all, by providing engaging, challenging educational environments which promote and inspire passion for learning, leading, and achieving transformative life outcomes. What three accomplishments as a board member are you proudest off? I worked with fellow board members to create a clear mission and vision for the District. I have worked with fellow board members to approve the purchase of a variety of curricular resources to replace very outdated ones and approved the purchase of resources and professional development on equity. I have encouraged the District to focus on equity and increased transparency and accountability.

clined to cut programs or raise taxes? If Arizona has to cut education funding, they should provide Kyrene with greater flexibility in how we spend our dollars. State and district leaders should ensure that any cuts made to education do not fall disproportionately on high-need student groups. Knowing what you know now, would you vote to extend Dr. Vesely’s contract beyond June 2021 or buy it out? Yes. Dr. Vesely has been a consistent leader since the start of her tenure. Dr. Vesely and her cabinet executed on a vision that created layered plans, with flexible options that met individual family circumstances, along with responsive contingencies addressing a variety of scenarios or changing guidelines the ADHS and the Governor’s Office established. Dr. Vesely and her cabinet also developed flexibility in planning for a safe return to

school based on medical expertise and science, not on politics or popular opinion. What one area is the district not addressing adequately and what would you do about it? One area the district is not addressing adequately is the advancement of innovative learning environments within our districts. I believe the advancement in social practices of teaching and learning and the use of learning spaces and technologies is the most effective way to prepare our learners for a global economy. What is the one area the district is addressing in an exceptional manner and why do you think that? One area the district is addressing in an exceptional manner is the active, continuous improvement and progress of our five-year Strategic Plan. Two areas that stand out are the performance and outcomes of learners (high-performing

The continued threats to properly fund public education will be the biggest challenge facing the district. The expenses incurred and loss of state revenue due to COVID-19 will present unprecedented difficulties. I plan to support leaders who value public education as the pillar of democracy it represents and to use my

business skills to help navigate through the challenge? If funding became a critical issue for the district, would you be more inclined to cut programs or raise taxes? Since the 2008 recession, schools have been trying to recover financially. Teachers are reaching in their own pockets

I will continue to advocate at the state level to restore funding so we can provide the programs and services our students deserve without relying on bonds and overrides from our communities. A comprehensive state-wide funding strategy is preferable and more equitable. We constantly face difficult decisions to choose one program or purchase over another. Knowing what you know now, would you vote to extend Dr. Vesely’s contract beyond June 2021 or buy it out? Dr. Vesely and her team have worked hard to build opportunities for increased staff and community involvement in Kyrene and have done an excellent job during this pandemic to provide quality instruction and meet the varying needs of our students while also providing a safe and healthy environment for all. If Dr. Vesely were interested in extending her

students) and the flexibility and design approach addressing COVID-19 learning environments (responsive organization). Our current administration’s ability to not only be thought leaders but execute tactically and extend parental options in learning modalities (KOA, Flex, and Inperson) is to be commended. In what three areas has the current board not met your expectations and what would you do differently? One area the current board has not met my expectations is that of culture, mutual respect, and the honoring of divergent opinions. I believe the best way to succeed as a board is to practice collaboration and respect (please note, collaboration and respect don’t mean consensus). However, our school board must establish a model of collegiality and collaboration that builds confidence across the Kyrene community.

to purchase supplies for their students. The state has a teacher shortage and are challenged to retain the teachers we do have. I believe that we should support our schools better financially. I support Save Our Schools initiative to help ac-

see CANDIDATES page 15

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 16. 2020

CANDIDATES from page 14

complish this. Knowing what you know now, would you vote to extend Dr. Vesely’s contract beyond June 2021 or buy it out? Absolutely I would extend Dr. Vesely’s contract. She is smart and she cares deeply about children getting an excellent education. Also, she has proven to be an unwavering leader during this difficult pandemic.

TRINÉ NELSON What is the biggest challenge confronting the district that must be addressed within the next two years and how would you propose addressing that challenge? We need to look at potential funding challenges within the next two years due to a loss of revenue from the state. Kyrene, like many other Arizona districts, has been tasked with doing more with less. Funding shortages impact our ability to provide quality education to all students and to attract, and retain, quality educators. If funding became a critical issue for the district, would you be more inclined to cut programs or raise taxes? When faced with these decisions in the

MARGARET WRIGHT What is biggest challenge confronting the district that must be addressed within the next two years and how would you propose addressing that challenge? Our comprehensive audit illuminated Kyrene’s strengths and weaknesses. Recent school closures have provided obstacles against the implementation of our strategic plan. Getting back on track with our five goal categories and communicating that progress will be my focus. This essential work needs to continue with our RISE UP schools, equity initiatives and efforts to close the achievement and discipline gaps. If funding became a critical issue for the district, would you be more in-

What one area is the district not addressing adequately and what would you do about it? Community members have expressed concern their neighborhood school may lack needed programs. This concerns me. If the schools were adequately funded, all the schools in the district would provide the programs needed. This will always be my focus: to get school funding back to levels that provide needed resources to all schools.

What is the one area the district is addressing in an exceptional manner and why do you think that? Kyrene’s population is diversifying and educators often come to the job with little training in cultural and socioeconomic differences. Teachers have expressed to me a strong desire to be the best advocate they can be for all their students. I am pleased to see the district begin to address this issue with equity training.

In what three areas has the current board not met your expectations and what would you do differently? I have been very impressed with the current school board. With few exceptions, they seem to work together well towards the common goal of providing excellent guidance to make Kyrene the best it can be for the community. I believe that my experience and skills can help Kyrene’s continued mission of providing excellent education for all.

clined to cut programs or raise taxes? The power to fund schools through taxes rests with the voters and their elected legislators. We are fortunate that our community consistently funds Kyrene with bonds and overrides. The critical issue is the wise management of school funds by the governing board. I will analyze budget priorities to keep money where it will most effectively benefit students. Knowing what you know now, would you vote to extend Dr. Veseley’s contract beyond June 2021 or buy it out? Kyrene has excellent leadership in Dr. Veseley, her cabinet and the leaders she has placed at each school. Throughout the pandemic Dr. Veseley has been proactive and transparent in addressing needed policy changes. Kyrene’s position as one of Arizona’s leading public school

districts is only possible with a highly skilled superintendent. Yes, I would extend Dr. Veseley’s contract. What one area is the district not addressing adequately and what would you do about it? For my family, the district is addressing all of our needs. Meeting the needs of 16,000 students is a formidable task and if this isn’t the case for your family, I want to hear about what is missing for you. We can set the example for our children and use our words to communicate with respect and kindness. What is the one area the district is addressing in an exceptional manner and why do you think that? Kyrene has extraordinary school choice opportunities for families. Leadership programs, Dual Language, International Baccalaureate, Traditional

Academy, Fine Arts, Gifted and SPARK show the great efforts Kyrene makes to meet the needs of students. These programs are run by exceptional educators that inspire the unique talents of their students. Kyrene produces students that are learning, achieving and leading. In what three areas has the current board not met your expectations and what would you do differently? I would encourage greater civility among board members, district leadership and the community. The non-partisan nature of this elected office is a powerful tool that should be used in community outreach. Board members need to embrace their role as ambassadors for public education and reach across political and social divides for the benefit of our children and their public education.

past, the community has been very generous and voted to approve bonds and overrides to avoid the loss of critical programming. Ultimately, if voters did not approve similar measures in the future, it would be up to the governing board to examine the budgets and find cost-saving areas that would have the least amount of impact on the quality education offered to students. Knowing what you know now, would you vote to extend Dr. Vesely’s contract beyond June 2021 or buy it out? Dr. Vesely has provided a steady hand in a continually changing circumstances. She has worked, in concert with the governing board and administration, to address the independent audit findings through strategic planning. If she wanted to extend her contract beyond June 2021, I would vote to extend her time with Kyrene.

What one area is the district not addressing adequately and what would you do about it? The district has done a good job communicating to the community about COVID-19 impacts. I would like to see this model of communication followed in other areas. One example would be around the equity work within the district. While the work being done is vital, there is a lot of misunderstanding within the community about how success will be measured and what it entails for staff and specific school sites. What is the one area the district is addressing in an exceptional manner and why do you think that? I have been impressed with Kyrene’s response to COVID-19. From the creation of Kyrene Digital Academy to the recent decision to purchase HEPA filters for class-

rooms. Kyrene has been responsive to the needs of the community while adhering to data, not political pressure. …We’ve seen Kyrene mobilize to provide meals to the community throughout the school closures and facilitate laptop distributions to over 12,000 students, In what three areas has the current board not met your expectations and what would you do differently? One need is to have greater transparency with the community on board actions. Having a unified board voice that provides communication to the community about upcoming study sessions or votes would allow greater insight into pressing district issues. While the board agenda is available prior to the meeting publicizing the information on different platforms might reach more of the community.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 16. 2020

LAKES from page 1

offer to purchase the beleaguered 101acre site from Gee. “The course was appraised at $800,000, so I think our offer is very generous,” Butler said. Moreover, what sets that offer apart from three other offers Gee testified to getting is that Butler doesn’t want – and says he doesn’t need – any other development to make a golf course work. If history is any good indication, Butler not only is putting his money where his mouth and faith are. He has a track record in Ahwatukee of making good on his intentions as a cofounder 33 years ago of Mountain Park Church. And the same deep faith that propelled him to that successful venture is powering his plan for a course that has sat in ruins for six years as Lakes homeowners and Gee have tangled in one court proceeding after another over the site’s future. As Butler explained, he often drove past the site where he once played frequently. Inspiration struck during one of those drive-bys. “I’m a strong Christian and it just seemed one day when I drove by it that God put it on my heart: ‘Hey, you’ve got the skills. You’ve got the creativity. You’ve got the imagination to get this thing up and running again. “So, I began walking it with notebook in hand and just started coming up with some amazingly cool ideas,” he said. He’s not only found investors who like those ideas but who also share his faith. “Fortunately, we have some Christian investors who are looking to do good works with the money God has blessed them with,” Butler explained. “It might be an orphanage in Haiti, a tsunami relief effort in India or 100 acres of dirt in the middle of

If Brad Butler has his way, there will be a lot more to the Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course than just a lot of dust. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

Ahwatukee. This time they chose the dirt.” Butler isn’t planning to restore the course to what it was before Gee shut it down in 2013, culminating what he called five years of struggle to make it profitable after buying it on the eve of the Great Recession. Instead, Butler has reimagined it. “Golf is in need of fresh ideas because the millennials just aren’t picking it up right and golf is dying,” Butler explained. “So, I said, ‘OK, let’s crank this up. Let’s make it more fun. Let’s make it shorter experience.’ People don’t want to be on the course for four hours anymore. “So, I have that piece in place because it is a short course. It’s a 2 1/2 hour experience, which is good. Now, what do we need to do to make it more fun? Make it a

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little bit cheaper? Make it a one-of-a-kind experience in the whole country?” “The Lakes was a beautiful and wellliked course in its hey-day but I’m hoping to take it to another level that will be a little more fun for the millennials and younger crowd,” he added. “After all, they are the future of golf.” To that end, Butleris planning a 36-hole mini-golf course, a five-hole chip-and-putt course, an 18-hole championship putting course and a back nine that will be lighted at night so golfers can come out after work and still get a round in. He envisions larger cups to minimize the frustration and maximize the fun. “Other courses have tried putting in bigger cups, but it’s always been like ‘we’re

going to do this once a year and we’re going to put in 12-inch diameter cups and just have a fun day,” Butler explained. “The standard cup now is four inches. And every course does this – Jack Nicklaus started it – and they all come back and say ‘that was the funnest day we’ve ever spent on the golf course.’ And to me, it’s like well then, why aren’t you doing it more than once a year?” The new clubhouse will be designed by Steve Barduson, a world-renown architect and Ahwatukee resident who has designed numerous churches – including both the old Mountain Park Church that gave way to the South Mountain Freeway and the new edifice that sits majestically across from Pecos Park at the south end of 48th Street. “A nice feature of it will be your ability to “Rent the Roof” for birthday parties, weddings or other special events,” Butler said of the clubhouse. Butler also has lined up golf course architect Forrest Richardson to oversee the restoration and local contractor Dean Schifferer to build it. “I have also hired Ralph Hawley as my GM,” Butler said. “In recent years Ralph has turned around both Rolling Hills and Ken McDonald into profitable operations. I know he can do the same for me.” As he rolls out his vision, Butler’s enthusiasm is palpable. “The people are absolutely going to flock to and say ‘This is what the future of needs to look like.’ I kind of want to wake up the bigwigs and say, ‘Hey, you know, you just can’t sit around and hope things are going to get better.’” An engineer who has 17 other inventions to his credit, Butler is no stranger to the game.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 16. 2020

Phoenix rejects ‘Black Lives Matter’ street mural BY ISABELLA MARTILLARO Cronkite News

ity Manager Ed Zuercher has rejected an organizer’s proposal to place a Black Lives Matter street mural in downtown Phoenix, similar to those that have popped up across the country in the wake of demands for racial justice. Zuercher last week rejected the proposal by Gizette Knight to place a BLM mural next to Talking Stick Resort Arena. “Based on existing regulations governing allowable marking in the street, as well as overriding concerns with safety, risks, and federal guidelines for marking on streets, the City of Phoenix cannot accommodate your request,” Zuercher wrote Knight. City Councilman Sal DiCiccio hailed the ruling, noting in a social media post

LAKES from page 16

He got the bug when he was 11 growing up in Casper Wyoming and moved to Arizona in 1982 in the hope of qualifying for the PGA Tour. After a couple years of that, he became the golf pro for 20 years at the Arizona Golf Resort in east Mesa. And every time he goes out on a course, he said, he looks for ways to make the game more fun. “I’m a tweaker,” Butler said. “Every game

that allowing one group a mural would mean the city would have to allow others, including hate groups. But DiCcicio also posted that Zuercher’s letter was “Government Speak for: ‘Public would have handed us our ass if we allowed the BLM mural to happen.’” “Never underestimate political selfpreservation,” he continued. “We Win Again!!!” Black Lives Matter murals in such cities as Washington, D.C., New York and Minneapolis inspired Knight, a Phoenix native, to take the initiative. “I waited to see if anybody was going to do it, but nobody responded. So I took up the project and did it,” Knight said. The proposed mural was to be painted on the street next to the arena and include images of such civil rights figures as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Caesar Chavez and U.S. Rep. John Lewis of Geor-

I play I find some little tiny way to make it better. My wife and my friends laugh at me because whenever we play a game, it’s like ‘Are we going to play real- rules or are we going to play Brad’s rules?’ And I just roll my eyes because Brad’s rules are more fun.” All his ideas revolve around his overall approach to life. “I love to do things that make people laugh and play and have fun and this is just going to be one more of them,” he said. Butler said he estimates it will cost

gia, who died this summer. “All three of them were fighting for inclusiveness,” Knight said, “and Martin Luther King (and) Cesar Chavez revered each other. So I thought this was perfect.” Although the mural could be considered a sign of unity, some Phoenix residents activists view it as an empty gesture and a distraction from larger issues that require great effort. “It’s unfortunate that the city is going to spend time thinking about a Black Lives Matter mural when literal lives are at stake,” said Jammar Williams, organizer of Black Lives Matter Metro Phoenix. Phoenix should be more focused on policy changes, Williams said, adding that a symbol of unity would be more appropriate if the city and its residents were working toward inclusivity.

about $5 million to realize his vision – a cost that pretty much equals what other golf course experts have estimated during the homeowners’ lawsuit against Gee. At that cost, Butler estimates, it will take 20 years to get his and his partners’ investment back. There are other obstacles in Butler’s path as well – particularly a $2.7 million back-taxes liability Gee owes because he closed the course. Gee is hoping the U.S. Supreme Court

“We can’t have a symbol of unity when we haven’t done unity work,” he said. “If the intent is to have the city of Phoenix commit to making real change, that’s great. Let’s talk about that. Well, our city hasn’t made those commitments.” In July, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, along with his family and other several city officials, helped paint a similar sign in large, yellow letters in front of Trump Tower in Manhattan. “Our city isn’t just painting the words on Fifth Avenue. We’re committed to the meaning of the message,” de Blasio said on Twitter. Knight wants the same change in Phoenix. “We need to show, you know, Phoenix is on the right side of history,” she said. “You know, this movement’s going to be in textbooks, so it’s, where do you land on that?”

will take his appeal from the Arizona state courts’ order that he must restore the course. If that fails, he has testified, he might file for bankruptcy, where one outcome could be an auction of the property. For now, Butler is content to wait, keep refining his plans – and leave it in God’s hands. As he explained: “We are just going to be patient, be prayerful and see if the door opens up for us to get going.”

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 16. 2020

State of�icials hope to quell surge in suicides BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

tate officials are trying to stave off what they fear could be a spike in suicides, possibly linked to the COVID-19 outbreak and the depression that can go along with that. During a press conference at Hamilton High School in Chandler, Health Director Cara Christ acknowledged last Thursday she has no hard figures on suicides since the outbreak, stating it takes six months for her agency to get death certificates. But Gov. Doug Ducey said the indications are there. “According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Americans reporting symptoms of depression registered a threefold jump compared to before the pandemic,’’ he said. And Ducey said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more than one out of every 10 adults reported thoughts of suicide in the past 30 days, more than double from two years earlier. He said these are more than numbers,

Gov. Doug Ducey, flanked by Health Director Dr. Cara Christ, left, and Kathy Hoffman, superintendent of public instruction, spoke at Hamilton High School in Chandler last week about the surge in suicides. (Special to AFN)

representing family, friends, coworkers and acquaintances. “Many of them are struggling dur-

ing this time of increased isolation and heightened stress,’’ the governor said. “And we must be there for them.’’

And Ducey said some groups are more vulnerable, including seniors, veterans and young people. Christ said Arizona already had a problem before the pandemic. She said a survey of teens produced some “alarming insights’’ about the issue. For example, she said that 40 percent of those in grades 9 through 12 said they felt so sad and helpless almost every day for at least two weeks in a row that they stopped doing some usual activities. That, Christ said, is higher than national estimates. But it doesn’t stop there. She said nearly 21 percent of high schoolers indicated they had contemplated suicide, 16 percent had made a plan, 10 percent actually attempted to kill themselves and 4 percent said that attempt resulted in an injury that required medical attention. And even before kids get to high school, it’s an issue: Suicide is the leading cause of death in Arizona of children age 10 through 14, the governor said. “As a mother, this information is worri-

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SUICIDE from page 18

some,’’ Christ said. The prolonged closure of schools has exacerbated the problem, many experts have said, because children and teens of all ages have been isolated from their friends – and possibly helpful adults on school staffs. Many also are in homes impacted by job loss and even health issues related to the pandemic. The press conference came close to a year after Ducey signed into law the bipartisan-sponsor Mitch Warnock Act, which requires suicide awareness and prevention training for all school personnel – even bus drivers and cafeteria workers – who work with students in grades 6 through 12. That law took effect this school year and Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman said training was already underway. But several speakers said suicide is not just an issue for teens. Wanda Wright, director of the state Department of Veterans’ Services, rattled off her own statistics.

She said veterans account nationally and in Arizona for 18 percent of total suicides, twice their share of U.S. population. And Wright said the risk of suicide for veterans in Arizona is three time higher than non-veterans -- and four times higher for older veterans. Hoffman and Jami Snyder, director of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, detailed some of the programs being offered to provide mental health counseling, many of them through schools. Ducey also boasted about the state putting $20 million in the budget last year for additional guidance counselors. But schools also can use that cash for social workers and school resource officers, the latter category made up of police officers stationed at schools. Moreover, there was not enough money to meet all the districts’ requests. The governor did not dispute that the state has among the highest ratio of students per guidance counselor. He said, though, the dedicated dollars are a major investment in a state that several years ago had a $1 billion deficit.

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SEPTEMBER 16. 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Community

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

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TU teachers discuss coping in an unusual year AFN NEWS STAFF

empe Union teachers are baring their souls a bit as the district’s schools remain closed and only online learning is available. The district is now in its �ifth week of providing “Words of Wisdom” videos on its website that feature teachers’ re�lections on this unprecedented time, and in particular how they have coped. District spokeswoman Megan Sterling

JILL OSBORN

Kyrene providing free meals for all kids through end of year

Kyrene School District is providing free meals for all children, regardless of income or eligibility, after the U.S. Department of Agriculture extended a waiver allowing districts to offer breakfast and lunch on school days to all children under 18. The USDA will cover the cost of the meals at no expense to families or to the district. Breakfast and lunch will be served on all 25 campuses, including schools that previously did not offer breakfast. In-class students will receive free meals at school when they return and hot lunch service will resume. Free breakfasts and lunches also are available for pick up at the Kyrene District Office, northwest corner of Kyrene and Warner roads, Tempe Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Mondays, families can pick up meals for that day and Tuesdays or all five days. On Wednesday, meals for Wednesday through Friday are provided. Children do not have to be present, nor do they have to be Kyrene students. Meals will be free through Dec. 31. Adults must still pay for meals. Information: kyrene.org/foodservices.

noted that teachers as well as students have had to adjust to “learning new technologies or bringing familiar technology into classrooms in a non-traditional way.” “It’s been a nice way to highlight the creative things that our teachers are doing during this time and a good reminder that they are human and struggling with dif�icult things, just like everyone else everyone else during this time,” she said. Among the featured teachers so far is Jack Vermeer, who re�lected on starting

JILL OSBORN

the new school year the same way the previous one ended. “I was on a pendulum swinging between serious concerns about how I would be able to manage both the preparation and delivery of virtual learning,” he said, “and an excitement to use this opportunity to re�ine what my expectations were for students and how I could provide more innovating learning opportunities.” Tom Bristol said he encountered a different kind of anxiety than the butter�lies

KATHLEEN OLTESVIG

NICK TAYLOR

many teachers might feel at the beginning of a normal year. “This was harder to shake because of the unknown,” he said, adding that his antidote was “taking time to breathe and laugh each day. “This helped with the perspective needed,” he said. “I always try to remind myself that I can only do my best. …Not everything will go perfect and that is okay because to-

�� TEACHERS �� 22

TOM BRISTOL

AROUND AHWATUKEE

Ahwatukee Preschool seeks rummage sale items

Ahwatukee Preschool, 11002 S. 48th St., is taking donations for a rummage sale that will be held 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 26 at its campus. The school will accept donations through Sept. 24, but donors must make an appointment by calling 480-893-2579 and asking for Mary or Pastor Chris or you emailing info@mvlutheran.org for more information. No mattresses will be accepted and electronics must be no more than 5 years old. The money raised will support the preschool and Mountain View Lutheran Church’s youth ministry. The school hopes to use some of the rummage sale proceeds for supplies, scholarships, off-site events and creating a space where social distancing will be able to be maintained. Clothes, toys, furniture, decorations and other items will be on sale. Boy Scouts will be there to sell drinks and hotdogs at lunch time.

giving interested people a chance to see what it’s like to drive one of the yellow vehicles and the benefits the district offers drivers. The event runs 4-6 p.m. Sept. 17 and 24 at the district’s transportation facility on the northwest corner of Kyrene and Warner roads, Tempe. Attendees will hear about the benefits of being a Kyrene School District bus driver and all participants will have a hands-on opportunity to learn more about the basics of driving a school bus. Instructors will go over how to adjust mirrors, control speed, and communicate via two-way radios. Potential drivers will drive the bus around the lot and there will be on-site interviews for candidates. All high-touch surfaces in the bus will be cleaned after each interested applicant and training team member drive the bus. Masks must be worn and social distancing will be observed at all times. Information: kyrene.org or 480-541-1000.

Free women’s workout now at home’ pool Kyrene District slates school bus Ahwatukee Emma Caumont and her husband Ron Rocco are offering a free program for women only in their pool. tryouts for prospective drivers workout Their Waterthon is held in a pool with a temperature of 93 deKyrene School District is repeating its popular Drive the Bus,

grees. While there is no charge, donations are welcome. Details: waterfeel.club. Only eight women are allowed to maintain social distancing and all touch surfaces are sanitized regularly. To reserve a time: eventbrite.com/e/waterathon-for-womentickets-120423480873.

Temple Emanuel slates in-person events during High Holy Days

Temple Emanuel of Tempe at 5801 S. Rural Road in Tempe will be celebrating the High Holy Days mostly onlines, but has four inperson events with a mask requirement and social distancing Tashlich will be held at 9 a.m. Sept. 20 at 9 a.m. at ASU Research Park in Tempe for congregants to gather at water’s edge to ceremoniously cast away their shortcomings. A self-paced photographic scavenger hunt will follow. The service will be repeated at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 20 at the Riparian Preserve in Gilbert. Shofar and Havdalah will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at Founders Park in Queen Creek. These events require registration in advance. Information: emanueloftempe.org/2020/08/5781-2020-high-holy-day.

�� AROUND �� 22

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 16. 2020

Museum exhibit recounts Chandler boxer’s legacy BY CRAIG YOUNGER AFN Guest Writer

n March 22, 1967, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, two men faced off in the ring for boxing’s heavyweight champion of the world. In the blue corner was the champ, Muhammad Ali. In the red corner was the challenger from Chandler, Arizona, Zora Folley. What followed was more than a prize �ight; it was an event at the crossroads of race, religion, sports and the politics of America in the 1960s. “Bigger Than Boxing: Zora Folley and the 1967 Heavyweight Title” has opened a year-long run at the Chandler Museum. This 3,000-square-foot exhibition features the stories of these two boxers, the circumstances that weighed heavy on each man and the �ight that was a turning point in both of their careers. Despite being a top contender for more than 10 years, the 1967 �ight was Folley’s �irst shot at the heavyweight title. Folley took the �irst few rounds by clos-

ing off the ring and patiently waiting for openings to throw his powerful punches. Ali bounced around the ring as he slowly wore down his opponent. As the boxers battled in the ring, residents of Chandler crowded around their radios to listen to the action.

gether we will �ix what doesn’t work and learn from it to keep moving forward.” Both teachers also said collaboration forti�ied them amid these challenges. “The �irst two weeks, different teachers explored different tech options and then shared out what was working so that we could collect best practices as a department and implement what �its our students’ needs,” Vermeer said, adding: “We’ve focused on creating discussions and peer-to-peer interactions along with providing students with self-assessment and re�lection opportunities so that they understand how to know when they have learned a concept and when they need to ask questions or join intervention oppor-

free spot: Rick Savagian at 480-759-4540 or info@mmacaz.com.

TEACHERS �� 21

AROUND �� 21

Chandler boxer Zora Folley, who faced off against legendary Muhammed Ali in 1967 for the heavyweight title, is remembered in an extensive exhibit now showing at the Chandler Museum. (Chandler Museum)

tunities.” Cheryl Jannuzzi said was “quite overwhelmed with all of the unknowns and logistics that we would be having to deal with” – as well as by concern “about the health and safety of my family and friends.” Kathleen Oltesvig also touches on her uncertainty. “We didn’t know whether we would be in person, in person part-time, or online. As a teacher that loves to plan ahead, not having materials ready at the beginning of the school year felt stressful,” Oltesvig said. “Hearing many different things from different news sources felt overwhelming, but I trusted that our district leadership would make the best decision for our students and staff.”

Mountainside Martial Arts has Friends and Neighbors women’s group offer virtual meeting free self-defense clinic Ahwatukee Foothills Friends and Neighbors will hold a monthly

Mountainside Martial Arts Center and the Women in Business group of the Ahwatukee Chamber of Commerce are partnering for a free two-hour self-defense seminar 10 a.m.-noon Oct. 17 for ages 14 and up at 3173 E. Chandler Blvd. Ahwatukee. To reserve a

meeting on Zoom at noon Sept. 21. The topic is titled “You can’t take both sets of China! Save Time, Money and Stress by learning Tips on Downsizing, Sorting and Pre-

Meanwhile, during one of the most transformative periods in American history, other �ights – political and cultural – raged across the United States. “Bigger Than Boxing” explores the history of boxing and race; examines the life and career of both Zora Folley and Muhammad Ali; and places the �ight within the context of its time with sections covering the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War and Chandler in the 1960s. Museum visitors will be able to see how they measure up next to Folley’s and Ali’s wingspans, listen to highlights of the �ight as read from the news service ticker tape and test their knowledge of boxing idioms and trivia. The exhibit also features original artwork by Jerome Fleming. “Chandler Museum has collected Folleyrelated photographs and memorabilia for years. We’ve spent a lot of time researching his life and career and are pleased to debut the exhibition which tells a more complete story,” said Museum Administrator Jody Crago. “We are honored that the Folley family shared their stories and memories, as

well as objects from their dad’s career, to bring the exhibition alive. We also appreciate the community members who have helped shape this exhibition to ensure that it gives an accurate and thoughtprovoking look at this time period and the community,” Crago said. Speaking on behalf of the Folley family, Zora Folley Jr. said, “We are really excited about this upcoming exhibit displaying our dad’s accomplishments and the recognition that is being bestowed on him by the Chandler Museum.” “Bigger Than Boxing: Zora Folley and the 1967 Heavyweight Title” will be on display through Aug. 29, 2021. The Chandler Museum is located at 300 S. Chandler Village Drive, southwest of Chandler Fashion Center. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. It is closed Monday. Admission is free. The museum has social distancing reminders throughout the building and limits the number of visitors in the exhibit spaces. Find more information online at chandleraz.gov/museum, or by calling 480782-2717.

paring for a Move to a Smaller Home!” Mai Thompson launched Smooth Transitions Phoenix East Valley to fill a gap for seniors who have decided to downsize and need assistance. Information: affanwomensgroup@gmail.com.

down. Members meet online every week. The lineup so far includes: Sept 17, Dustin Rowe of the Kroc Center run by the Salvation Army; Sept. 24, state Rep. Jennifer Jermaine; Oct. 8, James Taylor of the Arizona National Guard, Counterdrug Task Force; and Oct. 15, Margaret Wright, Kyrene School Board candidate. To ensure online security, people interested in the Kiwanis Club or attending a virtual meeting can contact President Mike Maloney at mike.maloney2003@gmail.com.

Added Jannuzzi: “I’ve navigated through many different school districts, and even teaching in different states. Thinking about all of the challenges helped to remind me that I can do tough things. Communicating with other staff members helped to reassure me that we never tackle hard things alone.” Erica Shelton and Nick Taylor also admit to being anxious about the new school year because, as Shelton noted, “there were so many unknowns and so many new things happening all at once.” Taylor said the fact he teaches �ine arts “made me wonder how students would feel connected and how they would simply be able to do their performances.” So how did they steel themselves? “Since March, I’ve been trying to prac-

Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club meets but not in person these days

The Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club hasn’t let the pandemic shut it

tice gratitude daily,” Shelton said. “There is something incredibly calming about taking the time to quietly re�lect and thank the universe for what we have.” Taylor said he found deep breath was “magical” and that “reminding myself that it is OK to stop for a moment and disconnect was critical to coming back to face the challenge with renewed energy.” And like the other teachers, Taylor also drew strength from his colleagues. “Not only did we focus on preparing curriculum, but we spent a good amount of time re-assuring each other that everything was going to be OK,” he said. “That is one of the great parts of belonging to a community –we can take turns being strong for each other.”

REAL ESTATE

Real Estate Guide Ahwatukee home market continues to be hot BY ALLEN HENDERSON AFN Guest Writer

ugust data show the Ahwatukee Foothills real estate market

is staying hot. The average sale price in Ahwatukee rose to $423,546 – up 10.3 percent over August 2019, when the average home value was $384,114. The number of units sold last month was 11 percent below August 2019 – a

decline to 127 units from 141. Homes sold faster with average days on market dropping to 42 days from 59 days in August 2019. Buyers are continuing to step up with higher offers to get prime properties. As a result, the number of listings that required a price reduction for a sale declined to 29 percent of closed listings. Historically, about 40 percent of properties require one to get a sale in this market. Prices are rising and properties are

see HENDERSON page RE2

SPO OTLIGHT home

Located in the foothills of Ahwatukee in the gated Sanctuary subdivision, this luxury home features fine appointments throughout.

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See See Page Page 6 6

Pristine & Classy Gated Calabrea Estate! On A Premium 2/3 Acre Hillside Lot

Stunning custom basement home w/ 4 car garage in Ahwatukee Foothills’ prestigious gated community of Calabrea.

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See SeePage Page66

Ahwatukee’s #1 Team for Over 30 Years 480-706-7234

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Tapestry Canyon - Back

Magnificent mountain luxury retreat perched high on elevated hillside lot in exclusive gated Tapestry Canyon. 5 br, 5.5 ba with 5,002 sq. ft. This dramatic view home has endless entertaining possibilities. Fabulous custom build offering privacy with expansive mountain views plus city lights.

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Tapestry Canyon - Front

Mike Mendoza

Tapestry Canyon - Back

Majestic Southwest contemporary estate on elevated 1.24-acre hillside lot with stunning mountain and city light views. 5 br, 4.5 ba with 4,924 sq. ft. Resort-style backyard with slate patio, built-in Viking grill, pool, spa, koi pond and ultimate privacy.

Listed for $1,325,000

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REAL ESTATE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 16. 2020

HENDERSON from page RE1

continuing to appraise at contract prices. It is a great time to sell an Ahwatukee property. Moving to the bigger picture, the January-August average Ahwatukee sale price was $404,172 – up 8.2 percent over the same period in 2019. The number of units sold continues to lag behind 2019, falling 6.7 percent from 1,146 units sold the first eight months of 2019 to the 1,069 units in the same period this year. The active listings inventory in Ahwatukee stayed at 109 units. It is interesting to note that 167 Ahwatukee properties came on the market last month and 95 of them have gone under contract. This market is hot. Average days on market offer a good indicator of the strength of the real estate scene. Between January and August this year, that average dropped from 62 days in 2019 to 48. Homes sold on average 22 percent faster in 2020 than in 2019. We can assume from this that the strong seller’s market we have seen for months is getting even stronger. This is one of the few times that we would advise sellers to list a little higher to test the market. There was one sale over $1 million between July 1 and Aug. 31, going under contract in 109 days versus the usual average of 181 days for luxury homes. Today there are 21 seven-figure listings. There have been 19 sales of milliondollar-plus properties in Ahwatukee in 2020. Interest rates remain at record lows. Money is available and it is inexpensive, bringing out buyers in record numbers. More importantly, properties are appraising at contract prices.

There are currently 21 seven-figure homes on the market in Ahwatukee, inclduing this 11,000-square-foot, three-story beauty on South Rockhill Road that is priced at $3.5 million. The six bedroom, 7 1/2 bath house, built in 1994, was designed by architect Kevin Bain and is a study in angles and plains that reflect the jagged asthetics of the desert, according to its listing. (Special to AFN)

We anticipate the Ahwatukee and Arizona real estate market is going to continue to grow. Arizonan economist Elliott Pollack, CEO of Elliott D. Pollack & Co. has stated that “Greater Phoenix is third out of 36 major metropolitan areas for employment growth.” Despite some predictions of rising housing foreclosures due to the economic impact of the pandemic, the anticipated job growth is expected to offset any major impact here. If you are planning to sell your Ahwatu-

Ron & Coleen Tompkins

Clear & Complete Communication

kee home, you probably have questions about the best way to get your home ready for sale. If your objective is to get the highest price possible for your property, you have to make your property shine. First, make any repairs that are required. If you have paint that is peeling, carpets that are stained or even cracks in the ceiling, buyers will think you didn’t take care of your house. These minor deficiencies are exaggerated in savvy buyers’ minds; they will move on to the next property without making an offer. Go through your property with your real estate professional to determine the repairs that must be made. Second, staging your home is critical and staging starts at the curb. The buyers will start formulating opinions about your home as soon as they first see it. That first impression can make or break their opinion about your home. You have to make that first impression as appealing as possible. Make sure the grass is cut and shrubs and trees are trimmed. Plant some flowers or have flower pots. The front door is critical. Make sure your door is freshly painted or refin-

ished. In the interior, make it look like a model home. Remove any clutter and your personal items and make it look as much like a model home as possible. You want the buyers to be able to visualize their furnishings in the property and feel like they can move right in and start living. Third, make any cosmetic changes that need to be made. Touch up all paint or repaint rooms that need it. I know your son or daughter loved that black or bright red wall in their bedroom, but paint it a neutral color. Some buyers will not be able to see beyond it. And take the posters down! You don’t want to give a buyer any reason to move on down the street to the next property. We know that every home is unique. If you have any questions or if you would like to have a free professional consultation to help you determine what needs to be done to make your home shine, please feel free to call me.

Ahwatukee resident and Realtor Allen Henderson of Henderson Real Estate can be reached at 480-392-2090 or allen@homesahwatukee.com.

SEPTEMBER 16. 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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Rachael Richards Realty is always evolving to better serve the needs of our clients and to stay ahead of the market, especially in challenging times. With our team, you have a group of specialists to support each step you take in buying or selling a home. The high level of service we provide couldn't be matched by an individual agent and you'll never feel "passed off" because we're all cohesively working toward your success.

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Leading Luxury Home Experts

pect my property manager to handle this issue when an appliance breaks down? Refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines are in short supply due to supply chain issues caused by the coronavirus. There are also backorder issues locating parts to repair common household appliances. Some issues may be out of the property manager’s control, but tenants should expect to be kept in the loop on repair or replacement timelines. If a tenant knows a handyman who can fix the problem, speak up. The property manager will be thankful for a solution. Can I ask my landlord to extend my lease for a few months because I’m uncomfortable moving at this time? If a tenant does not want to sign a new year-long lease but they’re not ready to move out right now, they can request a month-to-month rental agreement. Property managers understand this is a difficult time, and many are working with tenants to find solutions that fit everyone’s needs.

I feel unsafe because my neighbor is violating quarantine rules, throwing big parties with no social distancing. Is it the property manager’s responsibility to shut down risky gatherings? States and local communities will have specific guidelines for in-person gatherings during different stages of reopening. Property managers should keep tenants updated on current guidelines with helpful email communications. Tenants can ask their property manager to anonymously share their concerns with a fellow tenant who is not following safe social distancing guidelines. As a last resort, concerned neighbors do have the right to call police if they feel unsafe. The tenant should share a copy of the police report with their property manager, in case future action is needed to remove a disruptive tenant. A relative recently died of coronavirus, leaving their apartment vacant. What should I know before trying to remove their personal belongings?

see RENTS page re7

2016 & 2017 BREA Award for Most Sales in Ahwatukee!

BY NICK CALVI AFN Guest Writer

hile the coronavirus pandemic hasn’t slowed the Phoenix real estate market, it has shifted the focus of homebuyers to location. In May, Zillow Group found that 75 percent of Americans working from home due to COVID-19 would prefer to telecommute at least half of the time once the pandemic subsides and 66 percent said they would consider moving if their job allowed them to continue telecommuting. Now, the extension of working remotely has made that a reality for employees looking for a new home. A shift to permanently working from home provides an opportunity to explore other areas of the Valley that might not have been feasible while commuting. From considering a larger house to accommodate a home office or to create more space while staying at home, to an

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Bonny@LeadingLuxuryExperts.com

Nick Calvi is the founder and CEO of Tweener Homes, the first technology based real estate brokerage of fully furnished homes that can be rented on a monthly basis. TweenerHomes.com.

AHWATUKEE CUSTOM ESTATES

11821 S Tuzigoot Ct ✔ 5,341 sqft, 5 bedrooms (+8), 4 bathrooms

Amazing property with spectacular mountain views situated in a serene cul-de-sac! You’ll love the courtyard entry with a gate & cozy fireplace!

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factor, millennial buyers who, according to Apartment List, haven’t bought a home because they couldn’t afford to find a great home in their budget. Low interest rates are also encouraging homebuyers to make a purchase now rather than waiting until after the pandemic subsides. Will many companies continue to have their employees telecommute? A high percentage of companies found no loss of productivity with work from home so removing the cost of a physical office just makes sense and employees can continue to reap the benefits of the flexibility. Only time will tell, but it’s likely that the migration to the suburbs and more affordable areas will continue well beyond the pandemic.

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FOOTHILLS RESERVE

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entirely new area that is closer to a better school, the options are now endless for those who don’t have to consider a drive to the office. In addition, people from across the U.S. are taking advantage of remote work by booking weeks long stays in new areas to change their scenery. There’s no denying that the cost of living in California is one of it’s major drawbacks, so I believe we’ll see not only more Californians than usual moving to Arizona. But more people are testing the waters with long-term rentals to make a more educated decision before packing up and moving. One of the added benefits to house shopping while working remotely is the flexibility to look in more affordable neighborhoods. Typically, the more reasonably priced homes are toward the outskirts of the Valley versus centralized cities like Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. While distance may have been unappealing while commuting, without that

Stunning 5 bed/3 bath two story home in desirable Galleria Tempe! Huge backyard featuring sparkling blue pool, lush green grass in front & back.

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2812 W Glenhaven Dr ✔ 3,482 sqft, 4 bedrooms (+6), 2 ½ bathrooms.

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Beautiful Home in the ‘’Foothills Reserve’’. This house sits with the sun rising in the East and setting in the West. Back patio has a gorgeous morning view of the mountains.

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Each Keller Williams Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

3625 E Nambe Ct ✔ 2,583 sqft, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

This beautiful custom home on a nearly half acre lot and mountain views has a grand entrance with welcoming cobblestone pavers, picturesque landscaping, and elegant stone accents FOOTHILLS RESERVE

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AHWATUKEE CUSTOM ESTATES

FEATURED LISTING

mericans are still struggling with the financial and health impact of the pandemic. Record unemployment has caused hundreds of thousands of renters here in our area and nationwide to miss some or all of their August rent payments. To avoid the drastic step of eviction, tenants should proactively communicate with property managers or landlords to find a middle ground. For tenants having trouble paying the rent, there are financial resources available from federal, community, nonprofit, and religious organizations. Tenants should become familiar with groups in their community that are helping renters cover their bills. To show good faith, tenants can request to sign a rental agreement with their property manager and make partial payments until they can catch up. Here are some other questions our local professional property managers are fre-

quently asked. How should I expect my property manager to swiftly address service requests during the COVID-19 pandemic? Tenants should ask property managers what kind of safety precautions their contractors and repair technicians take to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Do they wear masks, gloves, and protective shoe covers? After a service technician leaves, tenants should follow CDC guidelines to clean and disinfect the area where the technician was performing maintenance. If someone in the unit has tested positive for COVID-19, it’s important for tenants to be honest with property managers. Maintenance projects should be postponed until the person has recovered. Due to privacy reasons, the property manager should not ask tenants whether they’ve been tested for the coronavirus. And legally, property managers are not allowed to share a tenant’s medical condition with other tenants. Appliance shortage – How can I ex-

COMING SOON

BY JIM ELFLINE AFN Guest Writer

Remote working changes home buying trends

REAL ESTATE

$679,000

Remodeled single level split floor plan in Ahwatukee Custom Estates situated on a cul de sac with incredible mountain views!

SUMMERHILL

14613 S. 1st St ✔ 5,164 sqft, 5 bedrooms (+7), 4 ½ bathrooms

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Questions from renters amid the pandemic

SEPTEMBER 16. 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

JUST LISTED

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 16. 2020

PENDING

REAL ESTATE

PENDING

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$1,349,900

Magnificent hillside custom estate in the South Mountain gated community of Summerhill. Fabulous foyer opens to formal dining room and living room with custom wet bar, mountain views and patio access.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 16. 2020

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SPO OTLIGHT home Sanctuary

Located in the foothills of Ahwatukee in the gated Sanctuary subdivision, this luxury home features fine appointments throughout starting with the privately gated driveway of all pavers as you approach the 6,445 square foot estate and its vibrant imported Montana Echo Canyon real stone accents. A custom iron-artwork saguaro cactus fountain anchors the circular drive of pavers with a gorgeous stone sidewalk between the main residence and casita. Inviting custom Cantera double iron door leads to the dramatic interior entry showcasing a Yamaha grand piano. Single-level floor plan includes a welcoming great room with wet bar, fridge, icemaker, fireplace and view windows. Separate formal dining room. Impressive custom walk-in wine cellar with storage for 500 bottles. Spacious, gourmet kitchen features a huge island with pendant lighting, Sub-Zero, Viking gas cooktop, double Thermador ovens, warming drawer, double dishwashers, custom knotty alder cabinetry, large sitting area with fireplace, walk-in pantry and bayed, view windows at eat-in area. Master suite replete with large sitting room, two-way fireplace, access to covered patio featuring fountain built out of the mountain and private above-ground spa, media wall, two closets with built-ins, travertine flooring in bath with double vanities, large wrap around shower, big jacuzzi tub and two bathrooms with bidet in one. Media room with theater seating. Workout room with cork flooring. Executive office/den with custom built-ins and large walk-in closet. Two ensuite secondary bedrooms split from the master and both with walk-in closets. Separate 475 square foot casita with full amenities including: iron door, fireplace, wood-beams, breakfast bar with sink, fridge, microwave, walk-in closet and bathroom with walk-in shower. Auto shades throughout the home. Resort-style backyard boasts large covered stone patio with multiple areas for entertaining, built-in DCS bbq, negative edge pool, custom artwork, fireplace, lush desert landscaping with lighting and spectacular 270 degree golf course and Estrella mountain views. All furniture and artwork, except for a few personal items, are included in the list price.

Listed for $1,950,000

Mike Mendoza 480.706.7234 www.MendozaTeam.com

kw SONORAN LIVING ®

KELLER WILLIAMS® REALTY

CALABREA

3034 W Briarwood Terrace Stunning 5 bed / 5.5 bath custom basement home w/ 4 car garage in Ahwatukee Foothills’ prestigious gated community of Calabrea. Gorgeous curb appeal w/ stacked stonework, front courtyard & paver driveway. Highly upgraded with amazing architectural design throughout the home including custom wood beam, arched, tiled & coffered ceilings. Bright & open with huge windows letting in the natural sunlight. The spacious living room has full wall of sliders that open to back patio. Dream kitchen offers top of the line SS appliances (including 6 burner gas range w/ pot filler & multiple ovens), pristine staggered cabinetry, granite counters, pantry & large island w/ sink & bar top seating, as well as built-in desk/ workstation in the breakfast area. Formal dining room & wine cellar perfectly located for entertaining. Sprawling master suite w/ double door entry & private exit doors to outside has wet bar w/ mini fridge & fireplace w/ mantel. Master bathroom has two vanities w/ seated area, large soaking tub, huge walkin tile shower w/ bench & multiple shower heads, & enormous closet w/ custom organization. Finished basement offers huge family room w/ wet bar & mini fridge, perfect room for home theatre if desired, additional bedroom & full bath. Spectacular backyard w/ no neighbors behind or to one side is a true sanctuary w/ its large covered patio, breathtaking pool (waterfall feature & negative edge side), spa, built-in bbq, perfectly placed desert landscaping, scenic fencing & of course the hillside views. This is a MUST SEE home in Calabrea. Easy access to freeway & all Ahwatukee has to offer including shopping, dining, hiking/ biking trails, golfing & plenty of other entertainment choices. Schedule your showing today! LISTED AT $1,450,000

PRISTINE & CLASSY GATED CALABREA ESTATE! PRISTINE & CLASSY GATED ESTATE ON A PREMIUM 2/3 ACRE HILLSIDE LOT • PRIVATE CUL-DE-SAC • 6 BEDROOMS, 4.5 BATHS, 5200 SQFT OF PURE LUXURY FINISHES • STUNNING VIEWS IN EVERY DIRECTION • IRON DOOR • BUTTED GLASS WINDOWS IN ENTRY & KITCHEN • CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS • DECORATOR PAINT • DOME CEILING FOYER & GROIN VAULTED CEILINGS IN LIVING ROOM • TRAVERTINE & HARDWOOD FLOORS THROUGHOUT • 7-INCH BASEBOARDS • MEDIA ROOM • DREAM KITCHEN INCLUDES S/S APPLIANCES,SLAB GRANITE COUNTERS, ALDER CABINETS,HUGE ISLAND,WALK IN PANTRY • LARGE MASTER SUITE W/STONE FIREPLACE • MASTER BATH W/JACUZZI TUB,3 VANITIES & SNAIL SHOWER • PARADISE BACKYARD W/TRAVERTINE IN VERSAILLES PATTERN,TURF GRASS,PEBBLETEC POOL/ JACUZZI,4 WATER FEATURES,LARGE COVERED PATIO,STACKED STONE BBQ • 4 CAR GARAGE W/EPOXY & STORAGE! YOUR DREAM ESTATE AWAITS!!

Listed for $1,379,000

Rachael Richards

480.270.5782 • rhouserealty.com

Geno Ross (602) 751-2121 www.GenoRoss.com

REAL ESTATE

SEPTEMBER 16. 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

HENDERSON from page RE4

This difficult time can become more complicated by state laws authorizing who can gain access to a deceased person’s personal property. Anyone with a relative who lives alone in a rental unit should find out who is the emergency contact on the lease and which relatives may gain access to the unit in case of emergency or death. Professional property managers should be familiar with state and local laws, as well as language in the rental agreement regarding a deceased tenant’s property, and they should communicate that information with relatives. Due to travel concerns during the pandemic, family members also may need additional time to remove a loved one’s belongings and should keep property managers updated on their plans to avoid

any confusion. I want to move away from a congested metro area where the risk of COVID-19 is higher. Can I break my lease? Try to work out a compromise with the property manager before leaving town. While some tenants may want to escape the city, other renters are moving into large cities to be closer to their jobs and avoid public transportation where the risk of coronavirus is also higher. Property managers may work with concerned tenants and let them out of a lease early, especially if they can quickly sign another tenant to fill the unit. My landlord wants to show my apartment to a future tenant, but I feel unsafe letting anyone in my unit right now. What can I do? Under the lease, a property manager may have the authority to bring prospective tenants through the unit.

Tenants should communicate their concerns with the property manager. Tenants can offer to record a cellphone video walkthrough of the unit, to share with potential renters. Some property managers already offer tenants a $25 gift card as a thank you for making such videos. If an in-person showing is unavoidable, ask what guidelines the property manager will follow. That can include allowing no more than one potential renter into the unit at one time, everyone wears a mask, only the property manager may open doors or touch appliances, and everything is wiped down after the showing. Jim Elfline is the owner of Keyrenter Premiere Property Management, a nationwide residential property management company with local franchise offices from coast to coast.

re7

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480-706-7234

Tapestry Canyon

Ahwatukee’s #1 Team for Over 30 Years 5 BR / 5.5 BA / 5,002 SQFT

5 BR / 4.5 BA / 4924 SQFT

Magnificent mountain luxury retreat perched high on elevated hillside lot in exclusive gated community with majestic views.

Majestic Southwest contemporary estate on private hillside lot with stunning mountain and city light views. .

Rare opportunity on hillside lot with great views. New interior paint in 2020. Roof replacement in 2019.

Mountain Park Ranch

Listed for $585,000

5 BR / 5 BA / 6,455 SQFT Stunning panoramic views from privately gated luxury retreat with casita on elevated preserve lot.

Listed for $1,325,000

Listed for $1,510,000

4BR / 3BA / 2,800 SQFT

Mike Mendoza MendozaTeam.com

Sanctuary

Tapestry Canyon ! LD O S

Mountain Park Ranch

Listed for $1,950,000

4 BR / 2.5 BA / 2,450 SQFT

7 BR / 4.5 BA / 8,873 SQFT

Superb updates throughout with downstairs master suite. 2019 interior paint, pool pump, water softener, refrigerator, washer and dryer.

Estate living with refined tranquility in this exquisite setting. Meticulous stonework adorns entire exterior of this luxury home.

Listed for $475,000

Listed for $1,950,000

Circle G at Riggs Ranch

Tapestry Canyon

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 16. 2020

re8

Ahwatukee Custom Estates One of the most amazing view lots in

$2,099,000

SOLD!

all of AZ. Custom home with everythingl 10,000 sq. ft., 3/4 acre prserve lot, 6 bedrooms, 6 bathes, Executive Office Suite, Master Suite with Sitting Room, Master Bath with Jacuzzi, Theater Room, Exercise Room, Loft, Guest House, Grand Foyer, Gourmet Kitchen, Resort Backyard with Pebbletec Diving Pool, Watertalls, slide, Volcano, firepit, Spa, Sport Court, Grassy Play Areas, & Outdoor Kitchen, 4-car A/C Garage. A true masterpiece!!!

Calabrea

Ahwatukee Custom Estates

$1,379,000

$1,950,000

Pristine & Classy Gated Estate On A Premium 2/3 Acre Hillside Lot, Private Cul-De-Sac, 6 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths, 5200 Sqft Of Pure Luxury Finishes, Stunning Views In Every Direction, Iron Door, Butted Glass Windows In Entry & Kitchen, Custom Window Treatments, Decorator Paint, Dome Ceiling Foyer & Groin Vaulted Ceilings In Living Room, Travertine & Hardwood Floors Throughout, 7-Inch Baseboards, Media Room, Dream Kitchen Includes S/S Appliances, Slab Granite Counters, Alder Cabinets, Huge Island, Walk In Pantry, Large Master Suite W/Stone Fireplace, Master Bath W/Jacuzzi Tub, 3 Vanities & Snail Shower, Paradise Backyard W/Travertine In Versailles Pattern, Turf Grass, Pebbletec Pool/Jacuzzi, 4 Water Features, Large Covered Patio, Stacked Stone Bbq, 4 Car Garage W/Epoxy & Storage! Your Dream Estate Awaits!!

Calabrea $1,099,000

Cabrillo Canyon $689,000

Amazing Remodeled Custom Estate with mountain views located at the end of a cul-de-sac.Over 8000sqft of pure luxury finishes.6 Bedroom,5.5 Baths.Custom Kitchen.Elevator.Executive Office.Basement Media Room.Dance Studio.Huge Backyard with Pool, Jacuzzi, Turf, BBQ, Sportcourt.This Spectacular Estate has it all!!!

Summerhill $1,099,000

5 bedroom / 3 bath, 3,506 SqFt, Cul-de-sac location with huge backyard, sports court, built-in BBQ, mature shade trees, very private backing to wash. Good size SOLD! bedrooms, master downstai5. Features a large office with balcony, plus office/loft with built-in bookcase and 3 full baths. Th� home is perfect for family gatherings BEST NEAR THE LOOP 202 in gated withand stunning mountain only. views. andLOCATION entertaining. CanNEW be previewed with 24Calabrea hour notice appointment

SOLD! Stunning Single Level Custom Remodel on a huge corner lot in a cul-de-sac! *4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath *The highest quality custom finishes throughout *Grand foyer *Formal living & dining room *Familt room w/fireplace *Wetbar *Designer kitchen includes: quartzsite counters & island, s/s appliances, custom cabinetry, walk-in pantry *Recessed LED lights throughout *Plantation shutters *Large master suite *Master bath w/walk-in shower, free standing tub, & walk-in closet *Laundry room w/sink *Wood flooring *Custom fixtures *Trane A/C’s *Private backyard w/covered patio, pebbletec pool, turf, & RV gate with tons of room to park the toys *3 Car garage with epoxy *The lot is very private *The house shows like a new build *Do not miss your opportunity to own this amazing Cabrillo Canyon Estate!

Complete with the highest quality build and finishes. Gourmet kitchen includes slab granite counters, alder cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. This estate also features a media/ theater room with 105 inch screen. The basement includes a full wet bar, family room & 2 bedrooms. Resort Backyard with pool. A perfect 10!

www.GenoRoss.com Donna Leeds

�

TOP GRI, ABR REALTOR

949.310.5673

lf"fl!

SOLD!

Geno Ross

Stunning single-level custom estate gated summerhill on a 1/2 acre lot. beautiful mountain views. Gourmet Kitchen. Master Suite w/sitting area. Two master suites. Split floorplan. Executive office w/built-in cabinets. Tropical paradise backyard w/covered patio, gazebo, pebbletec pool, rock waterfall, built-in bbq, turf, & putting green. This estate has the perfect floorplan!!

602.751.2121

wwwBestAgentWUSA.com

Making Ahwatukee

Home Dreams Come True Since 1986 www.WestUSA.com I 480.893.0600

4505 E. Chandler Boulevard, Suite 170, Phoenix, AZ 85048

Tapestry Heights

$2,149,000

SOLD!

Gorgeous 1+ acre property with panoramic mountain views and city lights views! Gourmet kitchen boasts distressed black finish Alder cabinetry, Cantera stone hood, large center island (9’ x 7 1/2’,) 125 sf pantry, Viking double wall ovens, six gas burner cook top, microwave, warming drawer, Thermador refrigerator and freezer, two Kitchen Aid dishwashers and a stock pot faucet above the cooktop. Large casual dining area off kitchen. Open kitchen family room floor plan. Large formal dining area easily sits 12-20. Doors and patio off formal dining room allows for positioning the dining room table partially indoors and outdoors. All bedrooms are ensuite and have their own patios with mountain views

Pointe South Mountain

$397,000

Gorgeous Ahwatukee home, an absolute dream, 2254 square feet, 3 bedrooms plus den/loft, 3 full bathrooms, 2 car garage, newly installed hardwood floors, Updated galley kitchen & cabinets, granite countertops & stainless steel appliances. Travertine in kitchen and bathrooms. Enjoy your beautiful back yard overlooking the golf course and custom made fountain.

Lisa Miguel 480-444-6058 lisamiguel@cox.net

Ahwatukee

PENDING! 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 3252 Sq Ft. This gorgeous family home with it’s backyard oasis combines the best of indoor and outdoor living . The remodeled kitchen overlooks the dining/family room with gas fireplace and offers granite counter tops, stainless appliances, duel ovens, wet bar and large pantry. Recently repainted inside & out and re-carpeted in 2019.

Troy Royston 480-435-3461 troyston61@gmail.com

SOLD!

Canyon Verde

$879,900

No detail has been spared in this gorgeous Semi-Custom Forte home in the gated enclave of Canyon Verde. Enter the stunning foyer w/ expansive LR/DR, beamed ceilings, custom stonework & Wine Cellar. Gourmet Kitchen boasts Dacor 6-Burner Gas Stove, Warming Drawer, Granite counters & 48’’ cabinetry. Optimized Floorplan features Master Suite/Spa Bath and Executive Office with the additional Bedrooms on opposite side of home. One is Ensuite w/ own bath & other two share a Jack/Jill Bath. Vacation in your Resort Style backyard w/ unobstructed, preserve views from its over sized corner lot complete with outdoor beamed seating Ramada, built-in BBQ, Waterfall Grotto Pool w/Fire accents & adjoining spa. Central Vac, Automated Window Shades, Surround Sound, Garage Cabinets and much more. Must See!

$599,000

PENDING!

$439,900 1,782 sq ft…This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in Camelback East won’t disappoint. Light and bright spacious floor plan boasts a Large Kitchen and Eating Area which opens to ample outdoor entertaining space and patios. Master Bedroom Suite has separate seating area with Sliding door to patio, walk-in closet and updated bathroom. Secondary bedrooms are over-sized with lots of storage. Newer HVAC (8/17) and Roof (3/18) w/ 10 yr warranty, Skylights, Block Construction, 2 Car Garage, & Tesla leased solar panels with almost zero monthly APS bills.

Jill Ostendorp 480-678-7308 jillo@homesbyjillo.com

Jenifer Bulfer 480-297-6968 jbulfer@westusa.com

Harbor Island

SOLD! with multiple offers

Escondido Hermosa

Harbor Island

$499,000

PENDING!

BEAUTIFUL SINGLE LEVEL BASEMENT HOME IN DESIRABLE HARBOR ISLAND! Split Floor plan. 3672 sq.ft. 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths. Large Basement with 1 Bedroom & Full Bath W/ Plenty of Room to put another Bedroom & still have a Nice-Size Game room.

2,586 sq ft…This beautiful 4 bedroom plus office, 3 bath home that backs to an awesome hillside with wonderful views. Update kitchen, master bath, A/C, roof & pool! This one will not last long!

Geri Thompson 480-239-7589 gerithompson@westusa.com

Jill Ostendorp 480-678-7308 jillo@homesbyjillo.com

Foothills Reserve

$674,900 Welcome to beauty and elegance in Ahwatukee’s Foothills Reserve community. As you approach this meticulously maintained home by the original owners, you will notice the attention to detail and comfort. The knotty alder front door provides a glimpse of what you are in store for on the inside. The 8” doors throughout and custom cabinets. So many upgrades to this beautiful home you must see it for yourself.

Beth Cooke 520-635-3727 beth@bethrealaz.com

SEPTEMBER 16. 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

OPINION

Opinion 24

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 16. 2020

Share Your Thoughts:

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

Send your letters on local issues to: pmaryniak@timespublications.com

www.ahwatukee.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Lakes Golf Course �ight draws congratulations

Kudos to Eileen Breslin, Linda Swain, and their tireless lawyer, Tim Barnes. For more than six years they have fought to save the Lakes Golf Course at no small personal cost (e.g., time, stress, financial). Those of us who moved here when Ahwatukee had one supermarket and access via Guadalupe and Elliot only, chose to live in this new settlement because of the promise of many recreational amenities including a tennis clubhouse with 24 courts, two golf courses (ACC and Lakes), a swimming pool and lots of open space for biking and hiking. Others followed as, Ahwatukee and the Foothills became a thriving community. Many stores, restaurants, and means of access are now available. However, we lost the tennis club and many tennis courts to an unscrupulous developer. The Country Club deteriorated when the same developer left the club with no operating capital (kept all member down payments). The Lakes and the “new” Club West were closed at the hand of another developer who sought personal gain at our community’s expense. But we still love our community and want to protect what we can of the amenities that drew us here in the first place. Thanks to Eileen, Linda, Tim, and the many others who assisted. The greening of Ahwatukee and the Lakes may soon be at hand. - Cathie and Chuck Corbin

Golf course CC&Rs must be enforced at the Lakes

Laws which are drawn up, historically, especially CC&Rs for golf course use only, are supposed to be enforced. Hoping Judge Hannah gets reelected because he understands this and he has honor. Who is pressuring Mr. Gee to do his job and honor his contract running the Ahwatukee and Foothills golf courses he is supposed to manage responsibly? Is he

a golf property manager or a greedy land developer? This is an election year, yet I don’t see any of our elected legislators coming to our aid by putting Wilson Gee’s foot to the fire on running all the courses in Ahwatukee we entrusted him to run responsibly. His thumbing his nose at all the court orders he has lost to do his job, bring the golf courses in Ahwatukee and the Foothills up to standards and not be an opportunistic land developer is despicable and illegal, the way I see it. Mr. Gee is muscling us and threatening to go to the Supreme Court with his case. He has lost in all the state courts, so he can make a quick buck to sell the land to home developers. His defense is he calls himself a slave to the golf properties he just neglected. Golf property always increases our property values in Ahwatukee and other surrounding areas, nationally, except when this catastrophic mismanagement happens with no respect for the laws and our state courts ruling in our favor. Where is traditional justice? -Dr. Jeff Eger

Foothills resident says he’s running for HOA board

I’ve decided it’s time to give back to our community, so I’m running for The Foothills board and would appreciate your support. If we’ve not met, read on to learn a bit about why I hope you’ll feel good about voting for me in the upcoming election. Prior to moving to The Foothills in 2001, we lived up the street in Lakewood where I served as president of our sub-association for a few years. I also served as chair of the Lakewood Landscape Committee; I led their sevenfigure landscape renovations and upgrades project which delighted the community, raised property values and won awards. I retired from corporate life this year and have been serving as an interim board member on The Foothills board since February. The learning curve is steep, so I have

a running start. I’ve been listening, learning, asking lots of questions and helping identify visible and “behind the scenes” process improvements. I come from a working world of creative problem solving, active listening and data-driven decision making with an action orientation. I’m not a fan of analysis paralysis! The Foothills will soon be 35 years old. We have infrastructure and amenities that need attention or soon will (e.g., lakes, walls, landscaping). I’m all about tackling our issues head on while looking for ways to maintain and improve over time. With our unique location next to South Mountain Park, we have everything we need to keep The Foothills desirable, relevant and the envy of the southeast valley for decades to come! My goal is to do just that — and I know that means working together with you to ensure that we don’t stray from this vision, even when a perhaps unpopular longerterm path is prudent. I believe we must make key decisions with a longer-term lens. What’s next? A virtual “Meet the Candidates” session today, Sept. 16, followed by voting and the annual homeowners’ meeting in October. If you’re not receiving email or text blasts from the association and want to be in the know, just let Matt Jacobs at Premier know. His email is mjacobs@ premieraz.com. Please support me in securing a twoyear term on The Foothills board in October. You will not see any campaign signs with my name of them littering your views as you drive in the neighborhood. I’m all about always doing what is best for the community and cheesy signs just don’t do it for me. Plus, we have a new million-dollar irrigation system and I don’t want to risk causing damage to our common area property. Finally, each homeowner will have four votes since there are four open board positions. Please vote all four of yours for me, as allowed by our voting guidelines.

Thanks for your consideration. -Jon Samuelson

Foothills’ vote made candidate forum possible

On July 30, members of the Foothills Community Association took the first major step toward steering the HOA in a new direction by overwhelmingly approving a package of much-needed reforms. There is an election underway in which the HOA’s members can now take the next critical step: choosing board directors who support the reforms and their goals of promoting transparency and accountability while serving the interests of the members. Thanks to the reforms, tonight (Wednesday) there will be a candidate forum during which the seven people running for the Board can introduce themselves and describe their plans. HOA members can ask questions, including whether the candidates support the reforms and will seek to implement them in good faith. Many AFN readers are already aware of how lopsided the vote for the reforms was. But it is worth looking inside the numbers. Homeowners voted 11:1 in favor: 1,223 (92 percent) to 109 (8 percent). Nearly three-quarters of the votes against the reforms were cast by a handful of corporate members: 302 of 411 (including 267 by just one corporation). My neighbor and colleague Rob Doherty is running for the board and I urge all HOA members to vote for him. Those who follow Board meetings are well aware of Rob’s professional demeanor and abiding sense of service to the HOA’s homeowners. Rob created the reform website, TheFoothillsInfo.com, and he has placed his reform platform on it. I invite all HOA members to check it out and see for themselves how thoroughly Rob is prepared to move the HOA forward. To ensure there is a majority of Board directors who support the reforms, it is critical that reformers win all four seats that

�ee LETTERS page 25

OPINION

SEPTEMBER 16. 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

LETTERS from page 24

are open in this election. There are three additional candidates running who are committed to the reforms: Vicky Glover, George Lemley, and Michael Warren. All four reform candidates have written letters to the AFN, and information about them is on the reform website. I hope you will cast your ballots for Rob, Vicky, George and Mike. There is one incumbent board member running: Jon Samuelson. He was appointed in January to fill a vacancy. I think it is fair and proper to question him about his record while serving on the board. Samuelson was a vocal opponent of the reforms. He printed a long letter against them in the AFN and he alone among the board directors supported a scheme by the board president that would have prevented the reforms from being in effect for the ongoing election. At tonight’s forum, I will ask Samuelson why homeowners should trust that he will be on their side now, when he was so clearly against the wishes of 92 percent of homeowners in opposing the reforms. I hope you will ‘tune in’ to the virtual candidate forum at 6 p.m. this evening. Instructions for attending the virtual meeting are on the HOA’s website: https:// foothillscommunityassoc.nabrnetwork. com (an HOA login account is required to obtain the instructions). By electing a Board that will lead the HOA in a new direction, we will restore harmony in our community and move forward together. -David Randolph

Everyone has a responsibility to be counter in Census

There is less than a month for you and your family to be counted in the once-every-decade census. The confidential questionnaire is simple and takes just a few minutes to complete. The results, however, are dramatic for the next decade because they determine how billions of federal dollars are allocated per state. The results also assist our Independent Redistricting Commission in drawing the boundaries for the future state legislative and Congressional lines. The deadline is Sept. 30. If you have not yet participated, please take a few moments to complete online at www.2020census.gov. -CJ Briggle

Skipping meals not a choice for many in Valley

In an effort to boost her lagging fundraising efforts against Mark Kelly, Martha McSally now has a commercial running that suggests you “skip a meal” and donate to her campaign. She apparently doesn’t realize that there are thousands of people in Phoenix, Maricopa County and in Arizona who regularly skip meals, but not by choice. They simply do not have the money to feed themselves and their families. Maybe Martha ought to “skip a meal” and donate to these people herself. -Judy Wade

icopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes. For the past four years, Recorder Fontes has worked to make our elections secure and accessible to everyone, regardless of party. Among the many ways he has made voting easier and more transparent are text alerts for mail ballots, which allow you to track your ballot from the time it is prepared to when it is verified and counted. Sign up for text alerts by texting EV to 628683 (MCVOTE). That’s why I’ll be voting to give him another term this November. -David Boyles

Air Force veteran explains his vote

Senator John McCain and I didn’t agree on many things but I would never imagine calling him a loser. As a U.S. Air Force veteran, I was stunned that the Commander in Chief of our Armed Forces had the audacity to call any of us losers. We sacrificed family, time, faith, community and sometimes our soul to proudly serve in order to preserve the safety of our country. My power now is in my vote. I will remember in November. -Joe Goldblatt

Our society needs Maricopa County supervisors government oversight Wants to return Sheriff Oligarchs make decisions based on their need more transparency Penzone to another term personal needs, not for the good of the genThree billion dollars is a great deal of money and yet most of us have absolutely no idea how the current five members of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors are currently spending this budget. Maricopa County is the fourth largest county in the country and a small group of five people control the budget for our county. Candidate Jevin Hodge would like all county residents to know more about their Board of Supervisors and that is why he describes the Board of Supervisors as ‘the most important position you’ve never heard of.” Jevin wants to change that. Jevin Hodge is running to ensure everyone has a seat at the table and a voice in the governing process. If elected, Jevin would like to see the board hold meetings at times when it is convenient for the public to attend. He also wants to prioritize the health and safety of all Maricopa County residents and bring transparency to the Board of Supervisors. A native of Arizona, Jevin is running to represent District 1 which includes all of Ahwatukee and most of the East Valley. If elected, he will be the first African American elected for a county-wide position in our over 150+ year history. I am confident we will all benefit from his commitment to accountability and transparency. -Laurie Nerat

Fontes makes voting more secure for everyone

With Trump and the Republicans actively working to undermine the concept of free and fair elections, it has been a great relief to know my ballot is being handled by Mar-

eral population. They call themselves good salesmen, but I am not buying what they are selling. We have industrial chemical sites in northeastern Texas, in Cancer Alley, and on the Marcellus and Utica Shale oil plays. Some are owned by Koch Industries. These chemical sites are allowed to retch and belch hazardous and toxic chemicals into our air. Government watchdogs, such as OSHA and the EPA, are being neutered by the present administration. Do the oligarchical owners of these sites live next door and monitor the sites themselves? I don’t think so. I saw our Post Master at a House of Representatives Hearing. He said that he would stop taking machines out of our Post Offices. Removal continues. Mail is still delayed and the fallout from mail delay continues. This has become life-threatening. In May of 2020 militiamen walked into the Michigan Capitol rotunda with assault weapons. They posed there for hours. Was there any oversight? Over 2,000 tons of ammonium nitrate (remember the Oklahoma City bombing?) exploded in Beirut Lebanon on Aug. 4. It had been stored in a fireworks storage area since 2013. Why were tons of chemicals left unsecured with no government oversight or hazardous designation? Lebanon’s oligarchy failed oversight responsibilities. Are more of these types of events in our future with the oligarchs we are electing? Our government works well with oversight. With oversight we are all better off. -Marc Riske

We must return Sheriff Paul Penzone to office. We cannot afford another Arpaioesque blatantly discriminatory administration. A valid reason Maricopa County Republican Sheriff candidate Jerry Sheridan sees peaceful protests in the area as uncontrollable mobs destroying all property in its path; he may be prejudiced against African Americans. In documents obtained by Blog for Arizona concerning the former Maricopa County Chief Deputy’s former nephewin-law, Christopher Butts, one passage from Dec. 7, 2009, identified “Uncle Jerry (Sheridan)” as someone (along with Butts and other family members) who routinely used the N-word when commenting on President Obama. The complete quote: “This came to head as Butts was discussing to others in squad room at the end of shift how his Uncle Jerry’s father went outside and shot the American flag after Obama was elected. Butts said Uncle Jerry was there when this occurred. Butts went on to say how the N-word was commonly used by all members of his family, including “Uncle Jerry” and other family members who are members of the office, when referring to Obama.” Sheridan is an Arpaio sycophant. Vote for Penzone. -David Gordon

Share Your Thoughts:

Send your letters on local issues to: pmaryniak@timespublications.com

OPINION

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 16. 2020

Valley theme park plans all smoke, no sizzle BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ AFN Columnist

ome people love theme parks. They don’t mind lines. They crave the rides and the adrenaline. As an Arizonan since 1995, I’m not much for theme parks. But, man, do I love reading about proposed theme parks that never get built. I was reminded of that hobby the other day when not one, but two theme park proposals drew local media attention. In the East Valley, Mesa may one day be the site of “Cannon Beach,” a new extravaganza said to include a two-acre “surf lagoon,” plus a gym, climbing wall, go-kart racing, 75,000 square feet of commercial space and a 65-foot tall hotel and retail site. As my buddy and ace reporter Jim Walsh explained in the Tribune, the developer – Cole Cannon – says he’s visited surf parks worldwide and hired experts in water dynamics to animate his

dream: “We want to get a perfect wave.’’ In Mesa. In the desert. Where it’s 115 degrees. And flat as the revenue projections for surfing tourists. Not to be outdone, the Glendale City Council last week approved “Crystal Lagoons, Island Resort,” an 11-acre water paradise purported to include paddleboarding, scuba diving and boogie boarding – plus “water jetpacks.” Whatever the hell those are. Naturally, Glendale electeds voted to waive $1 million in fees for the developer and employ a sweetheart financing deal known as a GPLET, which allows the builder to avoid paying property taxes for 25 years. That’s predicated on the project being built, of course, which I doubt. Not to sound cynical, but, like I said, I’ve been following theme park news for years. The projects all follow a similar pattern: They get announced amid much braggadocio, make zero progress for years, then quietly expire. In this case, the political burbker du

jour was Glendale Councilwoman Joyce Clark, who said at the Council meeting: “I am just so excited. … (This is) a blockbuster project that’s going to put Glendale on the map, not just in the Valley but in the Southwest.” Which I’m sure is what some elected yoyo said when the Garden of Eden was built – and with nary a tax break, if you can imagine that. Folks were similarly excited in Casa Grande in 2017 when Dreamport Villages – a $4 billion “Disneyland in the desert” – was announced for the area near I-10 and I-8. Four years later, it’s still nothing but a dream. There were dreams galore in Williams near the Grand Canyon in 2015. Developers there announced a half-billiondollar park they said would feature amusement park rides, an amphitheater, a hotel and spa, restaurants and an adventure course. The idea died two years later. So did plans for The Waveyard in Mesa, which fizzled out circa 2007. That proj-

ect was supposed to feature an artificial whitewater river with kayakers shooting Class 4 rapids. There was also going to be an “artificial beach” and “a simulated ocean” allegedly capable of 12-foot high waves. The only waves actually produced? Via the local news. That was also about the time the proposal for Decades, a rock ’n’ roll amusement park sited in Eloy, didn’t pan out. I was psyched for that one, since the developers touted rides named after rockers like Jerry Lee Lewis and John Fogerty. It ended up a no go. Down the road in Florence, so did “Coyote Canyon,” which was supposed to feature roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, water attractions and the park’s very own train station. These theme parks all sound great, but in the end they all seem to share one thing: The only people who get taken for a ride are the goofy politicians who brag about them.

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COVID hurts but doesn’t stop El Taco Santo BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

ast Nov. 13, El Taco Santo Restaurant proudly opened their �irst brickand-mortar taqueria in the Trader Joe’s shopping plaza in Ahwatukee. It was a long-held dream for the owners, who for four years had operated successful food trucks throughout the East Valley. And then, a mere four months later pow! COVID-19 shutdown and stay-athome orders hit. “No one saw that coming,” said Cesar Martinez. Despite the shutdown’s impact, Martinez and partners Adrian Felix and Martin Hurtado Clark kept doing all they could to keep their business operating and their

four employees employed. As early as March 30, newest partner Hurtado Clark – whom Martinez credits with “a lot of vision” – took to social media and the restaurant’s website to announce home deliveries. The community that helped expand the El Taco Santo Food Truck business into a restaurant responded. “Of course, it was very confused at the beginning; they shut us down but then they let us open again with a few tables. We had to quickly reinvent. We were and are still doing take-out. It’s the Ahwatukee community that has kept us in business. They’ve been so nice to us and are supporting us,” said Martinez. “I can tell you this, everybody’s still working. We’re not making any money,

but at least our three full-time employees can still take money home.” The dif�iculties of those months is well

remembered by Adrian Felix, a 10-year

ited life. And he doubted there would be enough for a Week 7. The news comes as the most recent report from the state Of�ice of Economic Opportunity shows the number of people out of work increased between June and July by 19,500. And the biggest losses came in employment in bars and full- and limited-service restaurants. The already beleaguered industry shed another 8,900 jobs – 4.2 percent – meaning there are now 28,500 fewer people working there than a year ago. The losses in this sector are particularly attributable to COVID-19 to closure and related orders. Under those directives, restaurants are limited to 50 percent capacity. And bars are shuttered entirely unless they live within not just those occupancy limits but also other restrictions on normal operations. The monthly jobless report also

showed continued losses of employment at amusement and theme parks and �itness and recreation centers, all restricted businesses. On Friday, after the DES announcement that federal dollars are gone, Capitol Media Services asked gubernatorial press aide Patrick Ptak about what his boss thinks about the level of state bene�its. He said that’s not been foremost on Ducey’s mind. “The governor has had to make many tough decisions in order to protect public health,’’ he said. “Our focus has been on containing the spread of the virus and saving lives.’’ “We need Congress to step up and do its job,’’ Ptak said. Ducey has previously been cool to the whole idea of raising the bene�its or even discussing it. “It’s a hypothetical question because unemployment wasn’t really an issue be-

fore the pandemic,’’ Ducey said in late July. Arizona’s jobless rate in December was 4.6 percent. That’s a full percentage point higher than the national average at the same time. An average of more than 17,000 Arizonans were collecting jobless bene�its each week before the pandemic. These are people who had been laid off or �ired through no fault of their own, a precondition to collecting the weekly checks. A Morrison Institute survey conducted in late April and early May found that 52 percent want to permanently raise jobless bene�its in Arizona. That includes 68 percent of Democrats questioned and 41 percent of Republicans. There are Republican lawmakers who want to revisit the subject. Rep. Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert, said he believes there’s a case to be made for

Cesar Martinez and partners Adrian Felix and Martin Hurtado Clark are grateful for the support their brick-andmortar restaurant in Ahwatukee and their food truck have had from the community during the difficult days of business shutdowns. (Tim Seally/Sealy Media)

�� TACO �� 29

Extra aid for jobless Arizonans dries up

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

s of two days ago, more than 430,000 Arizonans who have lost their jobs will have to live on no more than $240 a week. And Gov. Doug Ducey has no plans to revisit the cap on bene�its which has not been altered since 2004 and which leaves Arizona jobless with less money to pay their bills than any state except Mississippi. The announcement came Friday as the state Department of Economic Security reported it has been informed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that all the funds allocated for the Lost Wage Assistance program have dried up after six weeks. DES Director Michael Wisehart had warned a week earlier that the $44 billion earmarked by President Trump had a lim-

�� JOBLESS �� 29

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SEPTEMBER 16. 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

TACO �� 28

Ahwatukee resident along with his wife Camila. They and their children – son Adrian, Jr. who graduated from Desert Vista High School and worked in the El Taco Santo food truck, and daughters Camila, 12, and Isabella, 8, – lived through the dif�icult early days as the pandemic transformed even simple matters like obtaining supplies into huge hurdles. “It was a big challenge and scary to keep doing business with COVID,” Felix said. “We were thinking how are we going to survive. We decided to do deliveries and incorporate family packages, whatever it took to stay in business.” Felix, who holds a degree in accounting, likened the restaurant business to movie making. “It’s a lot like a movie. The public only sees the front part, but behind the scenes is a big scenario on its own,” he explained. “It was hard �inding items to complete our menus, not to mention the higher prices we were paying. Even �inding napkins was a big challenge. Like the community, our suppliers supported us. Thank God it’s much better now.” Like all his partners, Hurtardo Clark is rooted in the U.S. and Mexico. Born in Blythe, California and raised in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, he said he learned the value of family, hard work and faith “at a very young age” and that those lessons stayed with him. “Growing up, I was surrounded by a family of businessmen and entrepreneurs. I earned my bachelor’s degree in accounting with a major in business and IT programing, and I currently own several businesses here in the U.S. and in Mexico,” said

JOBLESS �� 28

an adjustment. His concern, though, is not setting up a system where collecting bene�its for up to 26 weeks – the current statutory limit – becomes a disincentive to work. Adjusting the bene�its would not affect the state budget. They are paid by a tax assessed against

El Taco Santo in Ahwatukee offers both mouth-watering food but also dazzling decor. (Tim Sealy/Sealy Media)

Hurtado Clark. “When I met Cesar and Adrian, I was surprised at how great the tacos tasted and how close in �lavor they were to the ones from my hometown in Sonora. That’s what made me believe and become interested in investing in a brick and mortar location.” He said from the start, the vision was to grow the brand and have a location in every city in Maricopa County. “Of course, then we were faced with the pandemic and that’s slowed us quite a bit in our mission but we are still maintaining a positive attitude and continue to build our dreams.” Even as coronavirus mitigation strategies continue for restaurants, the three El Taco Santo owners are actively pursuing their plans for the future. The last week of September will see

employers on the �irst $7,000 of each worker’s income, with the average employer charged $112 a year. The actual levy depends on how often a company lays off workers who are eligible for bene�its. Rates can be as low as $3.50 a year per employee and as high as $900 for employers with the worst layoff records. Any increase in bene�its would be re-

their El Taco Demon Food Truck permanently settled into a shady space in Chandler at Hamilton and Chandler Boulevard, renamed El Taco Santo Underground. The name is indicative of new menu items like tacos cabeza and birria – a Mexican-style meat stew. These offerings are not available on their El Taco Santo Food Truck or restaurant. Another brick and mortar El Taco Santo restaurant is in the works for Gilbert this year, located in a new shopping plaza at Warner and Gilbert. And this dynasty in the making all began over a backyard barbecue. “We were in my backyard grilling and talking about meat. Adrian was in meat distribution and I was in catering for 15 years and we wondered why nobody grilled. Sure there were tacos, but grilling was different so we said, ‘Hey, why don’t

�lected in a change in premiums. There are other options being considered that could help the unemployed. One is adjusting the law which says Arizonans start losing bene�its once their earnings hit $30 a week. Raising that �igure to $300, as has been suggested by Rep. Aaron Lieberman, D-Paradise Valley, could encourage people to at least get some part-time employment without fear

GOT NEWS?

we?” recalled Martinez. Martinez, who holds a degree in business administration, added: “We thought about opening a restaurant, but it was just so expensive. And that’s when we went with a food truck.” They launched their El Taco Santo Food Truck, specializing in prime grilled Sonoran-style tacos and homemade salsas, on Nov. 13 – the exact day that three years later their El Taco Santo Restaurant opened at 4025 E. Chandler. It was an unplanned coincidence. “We never could have planned that,” said Martinez, who lives in Ahwatukee with his wife Carla. The El Taco Santo Food Truck isn’t as busy as it once was; many of�ices closed and employees working at home. But it still makes the rounds including the weekly stop at Queen Creek Feastival. The owners say they, like so many others, are looking forward to business as usual returning. “We’re very fortunate to have a lot of support from our constant clients, who in turn, have brought us new clients,” said Martinez. “Thanks to so many wonderful people, our team, our families, people who organize and invite us to their communities with the food truck, people who call us to see how we are doing, to all of our customers who support us week after week, we’ve been able to survive during these times of pandemic. “We have had to make some adjustments, reinvent ourselves in some things, had good days and dif�icult days, but thanks to God and all the support, we continue moving forward.” Information: ElTacoSanto.com. They are also on Facebook. of losing all bene�its. The outcome of the November election also could make a difference, particularly if Democrats manage to take control of the state House or Senate. They would still have to deal with Ducey. But it would put them in a better position to negotiate with with the Republican governor who would need their support to push his own priorities.

Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@timespublications.com

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 16. 2020

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First week of practice offers hint of normalcy BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

he �irst week of football practice for high school programs in Ahwatukee and across the East Valley offered a slight sense of normalcy for both players and coaches. But even as players snapped their chin straps and adjusted helmets, several signs pointed to a world still in the middle of a pandemic. “Spread out,” “6-feet apart,” “masks on” and “keep your distance” are phrases that were repeated constantly by Desert Vista’s athletic training staff. There is little to no pushback from players as coaches often echo those demands. The Thunder are doing everything they can to ensure the safety of players and coaches leading up to the season. Coaches are expected to wear masks and players must wear them under their helmets. “If you would have told me we would be wearing helmets with masks underneath them, I wouldn’t have believed you,” Desert Vista junior running back Devon Grubbs said. “It’s kind of hard because it keeps in the heat. But at the same time, it’s what we have to do.” Desert Vista had one con�irmed positive case of COVID-19 when workouts �irst began in June. Since then, no other players or coaches have reported an illness. Addressing his players – who were observing social distancing – at the end of the �irst day of practice, Desert Vista Head Coach Dan Hinds praised them for their efforts to follow the district’s guidelines. “I don’t think enough adults are telling these kids how proud we are of them,” Hinds said. “It’s just great to see this group of guys living through a pandemic and doing everything they have to do to get to this point. I’m so happy for them we are at this point right now with helmets on our heads the �irst day. We just hope to keep moving forward and things work out.” The Arizona Interscholastic Association Executive Board voted to adopt the rec-

pads has helped his coaching staff to truly begin evaluating players. But he recognizes the importance of continuing to follow guidelines from the district in order to progress to Oct. 2. “We’re thankful,” Lauer said. “Earlier, it was like putting food on the table but not letting you eat it. Now we get to speed things up but do it in the safest way possible. Putting on the helmets, it made us feel like, ‘man, this season might actually happen.’” At other schools across Desert Vista junior running back Devon Grubbs said wearing a mask under the East Valley, water bothelmets has been difficult, but worth it if it means getting to a point where tles, backpacks, shoes and the regular season can begin on Oct. 2. (Zach Alvira/AFN Staff) other parcels of clothing ommendations from its medical advisory lay nearby instead of tucked away inside a committee for a return to fall activities. locker like in years past. Football, being the most at-risk sport for “It’s de�initely different,” Williams Field virus transmission, had stricter guidelines senior wide receiver Myles Taylor said. put in place for games to begin as sched- “Everybody is going to do what we have to uled on Oct. 2. Two of the three metrics do in order to play. But it feels amazing to can be or already have been achieved by just be out here with my team. It’s almost several counties. But achieving 10 cases a relief.” per 100,000, which is recommended by Higley joined its district counterpart in SMAC, is the challenge. helmets and shoulder pads last week. SeEven so, AIA Executive Director David Hines has said the guidelines can be updated. If and when that happens remains to be seen. Districts are still able to conduct practices however they see �it, based on the latest COVID-19 data. Tempe Union announced on Sept. 10 that its teams could begin contact between players while in shoulder pads and helmets. That announcement brought a new energy to the Mountain Pointe football program. “It feels nice to be back, it feels great to be in helmets and everything,” Pride junior quarterback Amier Boyd said. “It almost feels like things are kind of going back to normal.” Mountain Pointe head coach Eric Lauer said his team was Eric Lauer, in his �irst year as the head “thankful” to be able to start regular-season practices coach at Mountain Pointe, said putting on after a summer full of uncertainty. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff)

nior quarterback Kai Millner, a CaliforniaBerkeley commit, said he had been looking forward to things returning to some resemblance of normal. “It’s amazing,” Millner said. “I mean, we’ve been out here a little bit but to of�icially start the season, to come out here and put on the helmets and see everybody working, it’s super exciting.” Nearly 10 miles north of Higley in east Mesa, Desert Ridge kept things light on the �irst of�icial day of practice in helmets. Head coach Jeremy Hathcock limited his team to conditioning drills for the Labor Day holiday. On Tuesday, however, the intensity was turned up a notch. Running backs worked with one another in a forced-fumble drill. Skill players, including senior quarterback Austin Kolb, worked the run-pass-option. Linemen hit the �ive-man sled with Angelo Paffumi, who was previously the head coach at nearby Skyline. Hathcock said it was “special” to see his team in helmets for the �irst time. “Man, when you realize you’re one of 20, 25 states to do that, it’s a special treat,” Hathcock said. “It’s one of those things where you feel like an 8-year-old in pop warner getting ready to play your �irst game again.” Kolb, who is poised for a breakout senior year, said he was grateful to be at this point. Just three months ago, when Arizona was at the peak of the pandemic with nearly 4,000 new COVID-19 cases per day, the possibility of having a fall sports season looked grim. Now, however, Kolb hopes to progress through the necessary practices to get to kickoff in early October. He believes his entire team is ready to take on the season. “It feels great to just be with my teammates practicing again,” Kolb said. “We had a lot of uncertainty during this pandemic. To just be back out here, it feels great. “We know there was a lot of time wasted. We are just using all the time we have every day to get better as a team.”

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 16. 2020

Valley Christian unveils state-of-art weight room BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

alley Christian High School has long had one of the best athletic programs in the state, especially in the small-school conferences. But despite the school’s success, Valley Christian lacked adequate facilities to take each sport team to the next level – that is, until now. Opened in late July, Valley Christian’s remodeled weight room with state-ofthe-art equipment has already begun to shift the culture surrounding both athletics and the rest of the school. “Athletically, we felt our school wasn’t up to par with other schools strength wise,” said Troy Hanzal, Valley Christian’s head athletic trainer. “We needed to increase the strength across the athletic department. But it’s also open, to students and teachers. We really tried to make this a whole school thing, but it really focuses on increasing the strength activity for our entire athletic program.” Hanzal became deeply involved with the project from the original inception of the idea last school year. By December, the funds were secured from a donor to begin the project. Originally intended to be completed in May, the weight room was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Hanzal took on most of the demolition process himself with help from athletes and head football coach Jake Petersen. Once gutted, a new �loor equipped with 25 yards of arti�icial turf customized with the school logo and custom equipment from American Barbell in Las Vegas, Nev. was installed in the room. “There’s just so much we can do in this room,” Petersen said from a football standpoint. “The motivation they have when they come in here, it’s just different. And that’s something that had started to change with our culture even the last couple of years when Kirk (Sundberg)

called TeamBuildr, which allows them to login to an application on their smart devices and track and create their own workouts. The data is fed to monitors set up around the room, allowing coaches and teachers to keep track of exercises. Hanzal and Petersen agreed it also creates a little added competition between athletes. The school is still in the process of adding custom logos to each rack, as well as a large monitor on the north wall that will show all-time lifting records. It will also present the opportunity to put on sports during workouts or to watch game �ilm. The project cost the school north of $200,000. Originally, the estimated total was set to skyrocket above the $400,000 mark. However, due to labor from Hanzal and others, as well Valley Christian’s new weight room features custom built equipment that can be used by the athletic programs, students and teachas cutting costs elsewhere, the ers on a daily basis. (Zach Alvira/AFN Staff) �inal mark was brought down to was here. can be used either on the �loor or walls sit within budget. Part of the labor Hanzal has done since “It’s only been a month they’ve been on racks connecting each station. In the able to work in here so we haven’t seen center of the room, an all-in-one station the room was �inished by American Bara lot of progress yet, but I know we will with cable rows and other light exercises bell includes honoring athletes of the de�initely see it over the next few years.” is set to be utilized by trainers for physical past. Large banners were hung on the A glass garage door entrance opens therapy as an athlete recovers from injury. eastern wall of the room, with all of the to a large space equipped with several Valley Christian even went as far as to region championship plaques from every power racks that include TRX bands. purchase lighter weights for a section sport on the western side. Both Petersen and Hanzal said the Benches that fold away for easy storage in the room dedicated to beginners. The can be used in each rack for a variety of area is typically used for weightlifting weight room has created a stir in the Valley Christian community, both for alumni exercises, including decline, incline and classes. standard bench press. Squats can be com“We had the kids up at the front of- and current students. They both believe pleted inside the rack, while deadlifts can �ice trying to switch into weight training it will not only bene�it the athletic probe performed outside directly on the soft, classes just to come in here,” Hanzal said. grams but also promote a healthy lifestyle durable �looring. “It’s awesome because we can have a sec- among its general student population. “Every time kids come in here, their Each rack also has the ability to add at- tion dedicated to athletics, one to more tachments. Landmines are equipped at advanced weightlifters and then another eyes just get wide and they can’t help but smile,” Petersen said. “There’s a new moeach one already, and Hanzal said they are for beginners. in the process of adding more, such as a “Everyone can take advantage of this tivation to get in here and workout. We are excited to see how much this will bendip attachment and others. room.” Bumper plates, kettle bells, dumbbell The classes and athletic programs have e�it our athletic programs and all of our sets and specialized medicine balls that the ability to utilize a special software students and staff.”

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

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EV theater recasts Romeo & Juliet as a western BY KATY SPRINGER AFN Contributor

here the devil should this Romeo be?” So asked Mercutio in William Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet.” It turns out Romeo is on stage at State 48 Theatre Company in Mesa – and wearing a mask, no less. While the pandemic has darkened the stages of theaters across the globe, State 48 will premier its reimagined production of “Romeo & Juliet” via high-quality video. Instead of Verona, the show – featuring an all-ages cast of 30 actors from across the East Valley and beyond – is set in the Old West. Not only does this give audiences a fresh new look at the story, but it also proved workable with COVID-19. “When the pandemic hit, we had to rethink many strategies to keep our theater afloat,” said Karli Kemper, State 48’s co-artistic director. “We had the idea to film our productions with our actors in masks and then dub in the audio. This worked well with our youth play, a version of ‘Little Red Riding Hood.’” ‘Romeo & Juliet’ director and State 48 co-artistic director Andrea McFeely said that a member of the team suggested the Old West setting and using bandanas as masks. It fit the costuming, kept the performers safe and provided a new twist on the classic story. “We know that illness lurks in a nearby town – Friar John is quarantined,” McFeely said. “It makes sense that people would wear face coverings to protect themselves from the plague outbreak and bandanas certainly made sense for the Old West.” “When we move any Shakespeare play out of its originally established location and time period,” she added, “we try to make the switch either meaningful or wildly entertaining – or both. We still wanted it to be ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ but we also wanted to find a way to make masks less obtrusive.”

Friar John, played by Jacki Beltran of Mesa, looks on as Mercution, played by Hannah Van Holten of Gilbert, gets ready to whip Tybalt, played by Chris Valenzuela of Mesa. (Andrea McFeely/Special to AFN)

Performers rehearsed via Zoom for four weeks before coming to the theater to rehearse and film. Even then, actors were scheduled in small groups, wore masks and adhered to social distancing. “Getting to film the play was a rather rare treat,” said Madison Desoto, who plays Lady Capulet. “For an actress with minimal experience with film work, this was a fun opportunity to practice and hone skills in a medium that I dream of

someday venturing further into. I learned more about the filming process and how actors’ movements and mannerisms must adjust for the screen.” Cheyanne Ballou, who plays Juliet, said at home, family members knew when they were rehearsing “they wouldn’t be too noisy in the background or too surprised if suddenly one of us started sobbing – sobbing for acting purposes of course, not frustrations with the process itself.”

Lord Capulet, played by Treven Nuttal of Gilbert, stands over the slain Tybalt as Lady Capulet, played by Madison Desoto, kneels by her son’s body. (Andrea McFeely/Special to AFN)

The directors didn’t know it at the time, but they cast a real-life couple as Romeo & Juliet. “It worked so well because we could be close and take our masks off for our solo scenes, which makes all the difference for a love story,” added Ballou, whose fiancé, Christian Boden, plays Romeo. “I won’t lie, we were absolutely bereft of ideas about how to handle the romance without any contact. We got beyond lucky,” said McFeely. The Old West backdrop comes to life in many ways – including the sets. The sidewalk was made with real, heavy planks. The fully stocked bar features real swinging doors, creating the look and feel of an old-time saloon. A full bedroom and a balcony with railing – a must for any production of “Romeo & Juliet” – round out the set. “Our set designer and builder, Kenneth Wilson, lent his considerable expertise in stage and film set building to help us find and create that hybrid look we wanted,” said McFeely. “Cheyanne and Christian spent many an hour with brush in hand. Our Tybalt, Chris Valenzuela, and our stage manager, Katie Arnold, spent almost every night flipping sets. So many members of our cast and crew put in many hours to create a truly fabulous set for this show.” Added Valenzuela: “It’s one thing to perform a live show with minimalistic scene changes and solid left-to-right run throughs, but it’s an entirely different world when we build entire elaborate settings for various scenes and film them out of order. I believe we were able to create an immersive experience to substitute the live theater we all miss and love.” The costumes are a combination of thrift store purchases, existing pieces in the theater’s collection and rentals from Costume Connection and individuals’ personal collections of western or pioneer clothing. “The hardest part was finding boots for

�ee STAGE 45 page 35

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SEPTEMBER 16. 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Drive-in show features magician Carbonaro BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor

agician and TV star Michael Carbonaro has been trying for “months and months and months” to host a drive-in gig. When WestWorld and R Entertainment came knocking, he jumped at the chance. The host of truTV’s “The Carbonaro Effect” will bring his show to WestWorld Polo Fields at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Carbonaro’s show will feature his signature blend of bizarre antics, audience interaction, hilarious video clips and mind-blowing magic. “I had the drive-in idea right away,” he said. “When the world shut down and live performances shut down, I equated that to the end of vaudeville for entertainers. “I thought, ‘It’s over.’ That goes for everybody—from the hot dog vendors, the ticket takers. It was just devastating. My husband said the drive-ins were still open. We went and watched ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ in April and I thought, ‘Why am I not doing my show here?’ We were all safe, in our cars. We were together. We were all enjoying the movie together and it was refreshing.” After all, the history of magicians and drive-in theaters run deep. “Back in the 1950s, during horror screenings,

STAGE 45 from page 34

actors who had larger feet. Size 14 boots aren’t exactly easy to come by, but we were able to rent a few pairs,” said Amelia Burrell, the show’s costumer. McFeely noted, “Juliet’s clothing is purposefully clean white to ensure she always sticks out and to remind the audience that she is only 13 years old. Romeo gets to don a touch of blue to emphasize the romantic nature that colors his interactions with the world.” Teagan Dinyes, who plays Balthasar,

Magician Michael Carbonaro will bring tricks and laughs to WestWorld this coming Friday. (Special to AFN)

magicians would do horror magic shows on top of the refreshment stands,” Carbonaro said. “We looked around and WestWorld in Scottsdale had their stuff together. They had a beautiful stage. We were like, ‘Let’s do two of them. I’m just beside myself.’” When he signed the paperwork to perform at WestWorld, he said he wanted advertising to clearly state he’ll be in person at the venue. It’s not a video performance. “We just stuck a big yellow sign that said, ‘Live in person’ on the sign. A lot of people still asked if I was going to be there. Yes, I’ll be there sweating it out there with you.” A performing magician since his youth, Carbonaro went on to study experimental theater at New York University with the aspirations of entertaining audiences through a variety of theatrical mediums, including hidden-camera magic, which he later showcased frequently on, “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Following Car-

said the filming process “felt odd not having audience feedback when performing and the recording phase felt awkward, but I am glad to have gotten a sort of feel for the filming process. “It’s nice to have worked with a creative theatre that found a unique, safe way to produce a show during the pandemic.” Despite the updates, the classic love story remains unchanged. “Romeo & Juliet” tells the tale of an age-old feud between two influential families that explodes into violent mayhem when the young, lovesick Romeo Montague falls instantly in love

bonaro’s frequent late-night appearances, he was presented with the opportunity to launch his own television series which would become, “The Carbonaro Effect.” In addition to his success on television and many live performances, Carbonaro’s extensive list of accolades includes the, “Outfest Best Actor” award as well as the, “Magician of the Year” honor, bestowed upon him by the Academy of Magical Arts. He was also inaugural recipient of the, “Copperfield Prize,” which recognizes an individual for elevating the art of magic. Like everyone else, Carbonaro has found the pandemic to be a rollercoaster ride. But parts of it have been enlightening. He spent six years straight working on his television show and didn’t realize he was looking for an escape. “I wanted to be able to sit and star at a wall for a few days in a row with my own mind and thoughts,” he said. “I wanted to

with Juliet Capulet. “We made a decision early on that we were going to ignore gender – or at least not worry too much about it,” said McFeely. “Our Mercutio is female – and that turned into such a bonus – adding some interesting layers to her relationships with Benvolio, Tybalt and Romeo. “Our Benvolio is also female, making that relationship with Mercutio, now female, deeper. So, Mercutio dons men’s clothing and Benvolio is a barmaid and dresses like a woman! It seemed appropriate given the nature of the cast in

get connected to what excited me, what I’m curious about. I wanted a different way of being creatives versus the demand of putting stuff out really quickly. I’ve been really welcoming the creative time and the connection with myself. “I’ve been in my spirit since I was 13 years old, performing live. It was a nice way to feel grateful for how I really, truly love performing. I got a puppy. We’re being super safe. We’re really committed to all of the rules and always masked out in public. We’re washing our hands and not breaking the rules. We’ve been to the drive-in theater ourselves and hosted a couple outdoor screenings ourselves. We’re having fun while social distancing.” For now, “The Carbonaro Effect” is on hold. “I’m working on a number of other magic projects for television,” he said. “I want to do a TV special that is magic at the drive in. I was looking to do a live version of our theater tour right before things shut down. “Even if it wasn’t a pandemic necessity, there’s something sexy about a live show at the drive in. We’re putting together a new wave of music for televisions that’ll be different. It’s a diversion from ‘The Carbonaro Effect,’ but all that’s moving slowly. We have some exciting ideas on the table.”

If You Go...

What: Michael Carbonaro Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale Polo Fields, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale When: 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday, September 19 Cost: $160 to $300 per carload More info: rec.ticketforce.com/ MichaelCarbonaro Shakespeare’s day.” “Romeo & Juliet” will be presented online as a high-quality video and streamed as a three-part mini-series at 7 p.m. on Sept. 18-20. It will include a live Zoom talk-back with performers each evening. Those interested in viewing the film can make a payment at state48theatre. com/payment-portal or via Venmo @ State-48-Theatre to receive the web link and watch the live stream. The suggested ticket price is $15 for individuals and $40 for families.

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King Crossword

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Obituaries Shawn Michael Kinner

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Passed away unexpectedly on September 1, 2020, at the age of 44. He was born in Mesa, Arizona on August 11, 1976 and lived in the Valley most of his life. He is survived by his mother, Peggy Kinner of Phoenix, AZ. His father, Michael Kinner, predeceased him. Shawn’s was a gentle soul, loving and kind; always ready to lend a hand. He could fix most anything, or, if what you needed was a good listener, you had his ear. But, most of all, Shawn put people at ease with his quick wit, his sense of humor and the ironic turn of phrase he was famous for. Shawn loved the outdoors and had a skillful passion for photography. He traveled Arizona and the world with friends and family on many camping and hiking trips, always with camera in hand. He developed most of his own photos at his home studio and produced many video presentations for family and friends. Shawn traveled as often as he could. Whether it was a weekend camping trip to the Flagstaff/Grand Canyon area or one of his several trips to Israel, Australia, New Zealand, England, Alaska and many of the lower 50 States. We are glad to have his photography as part of his legacy. In addition to his mother, Shawn is survived by his Aunts, Becky Field (Stan) and Kathy Jerik, his cousins Jessica Guenther (Eric, Kayden, Emily, Taylor), Payton Marovich and Austin Jerik. He will be and is, deeply missed.

Need help writing an obituary? We have articles that will help guide you through the process. Deadline for obituaries is Friday at 5pm for Wednesday. All obituaries will be approved by our staff prior to being activated. Be aware there may be early deadlines around holidays.

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PAINTING INC.

• High Quality Materials & Workmanship • Customer Satisfaction Free Est imates • Countless References • Carpentry Services Now Available

Garage Sale Fri & Sat 7a-11am Household, clothes, kitchen items, furniture, electronics, mason jars, kid items, DVDs, MORE 555 W. Lane Dr Mesa

Monthly Service & Repairs Available

602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5

www.barefootpoolman.com See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook

Only $27.50 includes 1 week online To place an ad please call: 480-898-6465 class@times publications.com

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-405-7099 ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

Plumbing

MORE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE! www.Ahwatukee.com

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL $

Off 40work done *Any

SERVICE • REPAIR • REPLACEMENT

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We offer personalized service for our customers. We use the best materials that we can find.

602.625.0599 ROC #155380 Family Owned • Free Estimates

Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years! Family Owned & Operated

Filter Cleaning!

You will find them easy with their yellow background.

Plumbing

Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior

The Valley’s Premier Painters

$25 OFF

Watch for Garage Sales in Classifieds!

★ Small Job Specialist

Scott Mewborn, Owner 480-818-1789 SUN TECH

Pool Service / Repair

Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

“We get your house looking top notch!”

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

Owned and Operated by Rod Lampert Ahwatukee Resident Serving Ahwatukee for over 25 years

Our services include: Sinks, Toilets, Faucets, Water Heaters, Garbage Disposal, Drain Cleaning, Pressure Reducing Valves, Pressure Vacuum Breakers, Hot Water Circulation Systems, Main Service Valves and Hose Taps.

Pool Service / Repair

(480) 279-4155 Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC 189848

Residential • Commercial • Best Painters EVER!

PLUMBING

• Epoxy Floors & Concrete Coatings • Interior & Exterior “Professional, Punctual & Clean”

ACP is 100% Veteran Owned Like us on Facebook to stay current & Receive 5% Off Services

We Repair or Install

www.AcpPaintingllc.com Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

(480)785-6323

$35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

ROC # 272721

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.5422

(480)

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

FALL SPECIAL! $500 OFF COMPLETE REMODEL! 25 Years Experience • Dependable & Reliable

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

CLASSIFIEDS Pool Service / Repair

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 16. 2020

Roofing

1st Month of Service FREE

Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers! We have a “Spencer” on every job

For a limited time

Call Now!

and every step of the way.

Ahw Resident • Owner Operated Maintenance & Repair Professional and Superior Service

We maintain, repair and service all types of pools, equipment, filters, cleaning systems, fresh water and salt water systems

480.231.9651

Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident

Not a licensed contractor.

480-706-1453

Call me, Howard:

AZPoolExpert.com BBB Member

Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online! Classifieds 480-898-6465

Over 30 yrs. Experience

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS

Flat and Foam Roof Experts!

Roofing

10% OFF COMPLETE UNDERLAYMENT

602-938-7575 $ 1000 OFF when you show this ad

on qualifying complete roof replacements

Let us show you the IN-EX Difference! Serving The Valley Since 1996

Commercial & Residential Family Owned & Operated

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

10% Discount for Ahwatukee Residents 100% NO Leak Guarantee Re-Roof & Roofing Repairs Tile, Shingles & Flat Roof

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inexroofing.com Call for your FREE Roof Evaluation

with this ad

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

480-460-7602 Ask us about our discount for all Military and First Responders!

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www.porterroofinginc.com

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SAME DAY SERVICE 30 Years Experience References Available

Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 286561

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FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hirerooﬁng.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

ROC #152111

Call our office today!

Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers!

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Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs

Over 30 Years of Experience

480-446-7663

FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hirerooﬁng.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

Complimentary & Honest Estimates

Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

Valley Wide Service

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

AZROC #283571 | CONTRACTOR LIC. AZROC #312804 CLASS CR4 | FULLY INSURED

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com

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480-446-7663

480-280-0390

Licensed • Bonded • Insured ROC # 269218

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

SHARE WITH THE WORLD!

Place a Birth, Anniversary, Wedding Announcement, In Memoriam, Obituary or any life event in this paper today! Call us for details. class@timespublications.com or call 480-898-6465

CLASSIFIEDS

SEPTEMBER 16. 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

palmabrisa.com

NOW SELLING

A new gated resort community is coming soon in the Ahwatukee Foothills with a dramatically different style. It feels exclusive, but also lively and exciting — and it's called Palma Brisa. • Modern resort-style gated community with stately palms

• Diverse architecture: Modern Bungalow, Urban Farmhouse, Italian Cottage, Andalusian, Modern Craftsman, French Country, and Spanish Mission • Four amenity areas connected by expansive lawns

• Homes from 1,700 sq. ft. to 4,000 sq. ft. from the $400’s

ERIC WILLIAMS

480-641-1800

TERRY LENTS

© Copyright 2019 Blandford Homes, LLC. No offer to sell or lease may be made prior to issuance of Final Arizona Subdivision Public Report. Offer, terms, and availability subject to change without prior notice. Renderings are artist’s conceptions and remain subject to modification without notice.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 16. 2020

OVERSTOCKED

E S U O H WARE

Our Warehouse Is Packed! Bring Your Truck or Trailer And Save Even More. Everything Is Priced To Move… With Deals Like These You Need To Get To Spencers Today!

MONTHS NO INTEREST**

√ BEST PRICES

√ BEST SELECTION √ BEST SERVICE 1.6 CU. FT. OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVE

58” 4K UHD SMART TV • 2 HDMI Inputs • Airplay2 Built-In

$ WMH1162XVQ CLOSEOUT

4.5 CU. FT. WASHER

• Super Speed • Steam • Self Clean Plus • 10 Preset Wash Cycles

NO INTEREST**

7.5 CU. FT. DRYER

REFRIGERATOR

• Dryer Rack • Steam Sanitize Plus • Sensor Dry • 10 Preset Dryer Cycles

599

199

12 MONTHS

• Counter Depth • Active Blue Light Technology • NeoFrost Dual Cooling Technology

449 $549 UN58TU7000

• 950 Watts of Power • 10 Levels of Power • Sunken Glass Turntable

G R E AT DEAL!

REFRIGERATOR

BFTF2716WH

RANGE

• ProBake Convection™ • EasyClean® • Large Capacity (6.3 Cu. Ft.) • UltraHeat™ 3.2kW Power Burner

• Slim SpacePlus® Ice System • Dual Ice Maker • Print Proof™ Finish • Smart Cooling® System • LG SmartThinQ™ App Compatible • SmartDiagnosis™ • LoDecibel™ Quiet Operation • ENERGY STAR® Qualified

LSE4611ST

OVER THE RANGE MICROWAVE

• 1.8 Cu. Ft. • Sensor Cooking • 1000 Watts • 2 Power Levels LMV1831SS

LFXS26973S

EACH **

*Pedestals not included.

DISHWASHER

DISHWASHER • True Steam • LED Tube Light • Lo Decibel (42 DBA) LDT7808SS

• QuietPower™ Motor • 14-Level Wash System • Heated Dry Option • Hot Start option • Deluxe Silverware Basket GSD2100NWW

299 4149

BUYS ALL 4 PIECES

** NO INTEREST IF PAID IN FULL IN 12 MONTHS. $799.00 Minimum Purchase Required Minimum Payments Required 30.79% APR If the promotional balance is not paid in full by the end for the promotional period or, to the extent permitted by law, if you make a late payment, interest will be imposed from the date of purchase at the APR noted above. This APR is as of 7/4/2019 and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Your card agreement, the terms of the offer and applicable law govern this transaction including increasing APRs and fees and terminating the promotional period.

Arizona’s largest independent dealer! “It’s Like Having A Friend In The Business” Check Out Our Website

WWW.SPENCERSTV.COM OPEN DAILY 9AM-9PM | SATURDAY 9AM-6PM | SUNDAY 11AM-5PM

HOUSE IN S R E C SPEN PLANS PAYMENT BLE AVAILA Due to current circumstances, some items may be out of stock.