SanTan Sun November 16, 2019 by Times Media Group

Nov 16 - Dec 6, 2019 | www.santansun.com

Relentlessly local coverage of Southern Chandler and our neighboring communities

Most Chandler schools get high grades BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

A handful of schools in the Chandler Unified School District dropped a letter grade this year, while a majority maintained grades from previous years. The Arizona Department of Education recently released its annual report cards; it grades schools based on academic performance, growth and readiness. Most of Chandler Unified’s 46 schools received either “A” or “B” grades – signaling a high level of performance – and none were graded as “D” or “F” schools. Bologna Elementary, Anderson Elementary, Sanborn Elementary, Willis

Junior High and Frye Elementary were graded as “C” schools, indicating an adequate level of performance. About half of the district’s schools maintained last year's grade. Basha Elementary, Tarwater Elementary, Fulton Elementary, Payne Junior High, Naverrete Elementary and Carlson Elementary all dropped from “A” to “B” grades. Terry Locke, spokesman for Chandler Unified, said these dips are bound to happen due to how Arizona grades schools. “The thing about school grades is they're really prone to variation from year to year,” he said. He highlighted how a large portion of the state’s grading formula for K-8

schools is based on academic growth over the previous year – meaning excelling schools have to sustain its performance on assessments, if it wants to keep its letter grade. “When you’ve had a really good year,” Locke said, “it can be difficult to maintain that growth the following year.” For example, Basha Elementary lost four points in the formula’s “growth” category, which was enough to drop it down a full letter grade. Federal law obligates Arizona to regularly assess school performance and the state decided to use a range of qualitative measures, including graduation rates and English proficiency. Some CUSD schools continue to

improve upon the initial 2016 grades; the year Arizona began factoring in AzMERIT scores into how the state measures school performance. Both San Marcos and Galveston Elementary schools raised grades from a “D” to a “B” over the course of the last three years. Galveston Principal Annette Addair credited this growth to her school’s focus on data-driven instructional decisions. In the four years she’s been at Galveston, the principal said her staff examines data closely and collaborates with each other to track student performance. See

GRADES on page 8

Chandler woman revving up Bondurant race school BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor

Franki Buckman has taken charge of one of the nation’s foremost performance driving schools with the energy of the 717-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcats in her stable of racing machines. Only two months in her new job as CEO and general manager of the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, the Chandler mother of three is breathing new life into a 52-year-old internationally renowned institution that nearly crashed and burned in federal bankruptcy court just a year ago, grappling with over $3.5 million in debts. Hired last month into a position occupied since May by one of the See

BONDURANT on page 12

Roping them in Franki Buckman of Chandler is adding new life to the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving in Chandler. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

Giles Johnson, 7, picks up some tips on roping tips during last weekend's 10th annual Chandler Chuck Wagon Cookoff from Steve Cassat. For more photos from the popular event, see page 47. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)

Chandler church offers autistic-friendly mass to translate. Families are also invited to bring items like noise-canceling headphones, wiggle cushions, or toys if it helps to comfort their children. Doyle hopes these features will attract some congregants who might have felt uncomfortable in other church

BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

The lights are dimmed, music is toned down, and speech is simplified. This is the mood at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church on a recent Sunday morning as it introduces a new style of mass that’s friendly to the senses. The service is to accommodate individuals with cognitive disabilities like autism or Down’s syndrome – conditions that can be sensitive to large crowds or the sights and sounds of regular mass. “We just provided an environment where families could come and not worry about what people were gonna think about their child’s behavior,” said Kim Doyle, St. Andrew’s coordinator for

Kim Doyle helps 9-year-old Abigail Hart with a Bible lesson at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)

special education. Doyle joined the parish about a year ago and helped introduce the sensoryfriendly mass earlier this month. It includes readings from a children’s version of scripture and there’s a sign language interpreter on standby ready

environments. “There are families, I’m sure, that have stopped going to church because it’s so challenging to get their child into mass,” Doyle said. Churches across the country are

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Northrop’s Chandler campus lifts off in record time BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Elton John’s “Rocketman” fittingly played on audio speakers shortly before the ribbon was cut in front of Northrop Grumman’s new manufacturing facility in Chandler earlier this week. The 633,000-square-foot campus is where the defense contractor will work on rockets designed to launch satellites and intercept incoming missiles from America’s foreign enemies. The high stakes of Northrop’s operations explain part of the reason why it rushed to get its new facility, located off Price Road, built in less than 17 months – an ambitious goal in the construction world. “Many folks thought we couldn’t do it,” said Terry Feehan, Northrop’s vice president of launch vehicles. But the company needed to expand quickly, he said, in order for Northrop’s 2,500 employees to meet certain deadlines. “We had launches to make that without the new facility to make that capacity, we wouldn’t be able to,” Feehan added. “We needed the space just to be able to build the rockets that we needed.” Last year, Northrop received a $792-million contract to develop its Omega rocket, which is intended to conduct national security launches for

national security launches. The Omega is one of the biggest rockets designed by Northrop and resulted in the company hiring hundreds of employees over the last couple of years. Models of Omega were on display Tuesday around Northrop’s new campus as executives and public officials celebrated completion of the project. The ceremony included skydivers jumping out of planes, tributes to military veterans, and jokes highlighting how Northrop’s campus was once nothing but dairy Terry Feehan, vice president of Northrop Grumman's launch vehicles, gave a farmland. tour of the company's new Chandler facility. “We have a rich (CHris Mortenson/Staff Photographer) heritage here in the U.S. Air Force. Arizona and our Orbital ATK, which was acquired business here continues to grow,” said by Northrop last year for $7.8 billion, Blake Larson, Northrop’s corporate vice started developing the Omega in 2016 president. to discontinue the country’s reliance The facility provides a better workplace on Russian-made rocket engines for for employees, he added, and will

accommodate more growth in the future. The new campus has a modernized, open layout that intentionally resembles the headquarters of Google or Amazon. Workers of the Chandler campus recently helped launched a rocket to the international space station, Larson added, and helps the military stay alert 24/7 of incoming missiles. “The work we do in Chandler is critical to our customers in our nation,” he added. “This team does amazing things.” Elected officials commanded Northrop for helping to create more high-paying jobs in the city of Chandler. “Chandler’s been leading in the state for some time,” said Gov. Doug Ducey. “This city is a driving force in Arizona’s economic growth.” The aerospace defense industry has had a large footprint in Arizona and the East Valley for several years. Northrop has two other campuses in Mesa and Gilbert. AQST Space Systems recently relocated its headquarters to Mesa. Titan Industries produces rocket parts through 3-D printers at its plant in Tempe. According to the Arizona Commerce Authority, the aerospace industry employs more than 55,000 people and has an annual payroll of $4.92 billion. Northrop claims payroll for its Chandler employees has grown by $40 million since 2017.

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Chandler senators vow to prioritize education BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Chandler’s two state senators hinted at providing more resources for public education during the 2020 legislation session. Despite belonging to opposing political parties, Republican J.D. Mesnard, whose district includes part of Gilbert, and Democrat Sean Bowie, whose district also includes parts of Tempe and Mesa and all of Ahwatukee, conceded education should be a priority when the Legislature reconvenes in January. Speaking at a recent Chandler of Chamber public policy committee meeting, both senators signaled more support for community colleges and state universities – two institutions that have not received as much attention as K-12 education since the Great Recession. “We have not done the same level of restoration there that we have to K-12,” Mesnard said. “There is some room for improvement.” Tuition at Arizona’s public universities has increased by 91 percent over the last decade – the second-highest rate nationally, behind Louisiana. Arizona reduced its college funding by 56 percent since 2008, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, which is the steepest cut seen in the country. The tuition hikes got so bad that Ar-

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izona Attorney General Mark Brnovich filed a lawsuit against the state’s Board of Regents for violating a clause in the Arizona Constitution that requires college to be “as nearly free as possible.” A judge dismissed the case last year. Bowie, who worked for Arizona State University’s provost office before he was elected in 2016, cited the lack of progress made to restore education funding and vowed to continue making it his priority in 2020. “We cut so much after the recession,” Bowie said, “the hole was that deep that we’re still digging out of it.”

Arizona will need to invest more in post-secondary education, Bowie said, or it will have a hard time building a workforce that can compete with its neighboring states. He intends to introduce legislation that would fund two years of college for students pursuing studies in career and technical education. Bowie introduced a similar bill this year that would have granted $5 million for students in CTE programs. The bill passed through the Senate but died in the House. With Mesnard’s help, Bowie suc-

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ceeded in getting passage of the law requiring school personnel dealing with students in sixth through 12 grades to take suicide prevention training. Bowie now wants more resources to improve Arizona’s student-to-counselor ratio. “I really wish that all 89 of my colleagues could spend half an hour with a counselor in K-12 schools,” Bowie said. Mesnard highlighted the recent successes Arizona has made it boosting K-12 education funding and projected the state will soon approach its constitutional spending limit. The $5.9 billion allocated to public education in the 2019 budget is not far from the $6.1 budget cap set by voters in the 1980s. It would take a two-thirds majority from the Republican-controlled Legislature to override the spending limit – which Mesnard said he would support if necessary. “Our picture today, compared to the last time when we were investing this much in K-12, is much better,” Mesnard said. The Republican senator said he would further like to see more resources dedicated to special education. When Arizona last studied special education funding back in 2007, researchers discovered a $98-million fundSee

SENATORS on page 14

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Whew! Schools breathe sigh of relief on vote SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Voters last week approved all East Valley school districts’ bond and budget override requests, prompting jubilation and gratitude among officials – especially in Mesa. Mesa Public Schools saw victory for its 15 percent budget override – one year after it lost a similar election – although its 54 to 46 percent margin of victory was the smallest among the districts’ results. Mike Hutchinson, East Valley Partnership vice president and chairman of the political action committee that worked for passage of the measure, hailed the vote. “Last year there were two Mesa Public Schools items on a very lengthy ballot. The $300 million bond request was approved and the budget increase was defeated,” he said. “With only one item on this year’s ballot, the Yes for Mesa campaign was able to really focus on telling the story about the need for additional budget capacity for the schools. “A key factor was the work of hundreds of volunteers who participated in a wide variety of grassroots voter education activities across the School District,” he said. “Their months of hard work led to excellent voter turnout and the great result for the students and the dedicated employees of the Mesa Public Schools.” Turnout was relatively light in all the East Valley districts’ all-mail election, with only about a quarter of all ballots that were sent to voters being returned. Other districts celebrated approval of money requests: Including Chandler Unified, Gilbert Public Schools, Higley Unified and Tempe Elementary. Chandler Unified voters okayed the request by a 62 to 38 percent margin a $290-million bond – the largest in the district’s history. It will help pay for construction of a new elementary school in Gilbert, where the district covers the western edge of town and a new high school in eastern Chandler. Chandler, Arizona’s second-largest school district, said it needed the bond money to accommodate the 3,000 extra students projected within the next decade.

The political action committee that supported a “Yes” vote on Mesa Public Schools’ override request on last week’s ballot worked hard to get it passed. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

Gilbert Public Schools also won approval by a margin of 62 to 38 percent for a big bond request – $100 million. But voters approved a 15 percent budget override by only 55 to 45 percent. Higley Unified voters gave their blessing to its two district money questions. By a 65 to 35 percent margin, they approved a repurposing of money from a 2015 capital bond and voted 63 to 37 percent in favor of the continuation of a budget override. Tempe Elementary voted by a similar 2-1 margin in favor of continuing and increasing a budget override. Mesa’s money request posed dire consequences for the state‘s largest school district had voters rejected it with officials projecting the need to cut $37 million over the next three years if the override isn’t approved. The bond issues and budget overrides were signs of the continuing financial struggles of Arizona public schools in the face of underfunding by the state. Although MPS has been operating under a 10 percent override since 1995, district officials argued that a 15 percent override is needed in order to stay aﬂoat. The additional 5 percent will provide $54 million per year for five years. Homeowners with a property valued at

$100,000 can expect to pay $15.50 per month in taxes. “At the end of the day it’s a continuation and extinction of local control we’ve had in place since ‘95,” said Assistant Superintendent Scott Thompson. “The reason for the increase is that the costs of things are going up.” Like many of the other districts that sought overrides, Mesa is struggling to meet the requirements of the 2016 voter-approved minimum wage referendum. The current override covers only 8.7 percent of the district’s employees, which serve more than 63,000 students. “The primary thing for us is that the minimum wage increase is making it hard for us to maintain a minimum wage for our classified employees, such as bus drivers and cafeteria workers,” Thompson said prior to the vote. The district also plans to funnel more money toward increased school security staffing, attracting and retaining quality teachers with better pay and keeping class sizes low. Additional counselors and programs for staff and student social and emotional support are also at the forefront. District officials hailed the vote. Stating the district is “thankful” to voters, MPS spokeswoman Heidi Hurst said the additional funding also “provides the learning resources needed as we carry out our strategic and master facilities plans, and continue to deliver on our promise that all students graduate ready for college, career and community.” Governing Board member Marcie Hutchinson, whose husband chaired the PAC pushing for the override, said the additional money “would ensure that every MPS student has a shot at a great public education. “Mesans understand that securing the funds to attract and retain the best employees: teachers, bus drivers, counselors, custodians, nurses, administration and office staff to serve every MPS student by strength and need matters,” she said. “We’ve been passing overrides in Mesa since 1994! Mesans want our graduates to be ready to seize opportunities in higher education and in their careers. They look forward to our graduates

contributing to our community. They understand that this election was about our kids, our schools, and our future.” In the voter informational pamphlet for Mesa Public Schools, 10 people – including Mayor John Giles – submitted arguments in support for the override increase while the former Mesa Governing Board president wrote the sole argument against it. “Successful neighborhood schools are the backbone of a strong community, and Mesa’s school system is one of our city’s crown jewels,” Giles wrote. Former board president Ben Smith cited the refusal of MPS to look for ways to improve efficiency and the over-reliance of the district on a series of five budget overrides dating back for 24 years. “It was their unwillingness to innovate. They want to keep things the same,’’ he wrote. “They are so dependent on the overrides.’’ Thompson disputed Smith’s arguments against the override, stressing the district’s financial transparency. “To argue we’re not efficiently run is a disservice to the work that Mesa has done to run its budget as conservatively and appropriately as possible in terms of what we have available,” he continued. Thompson also praised the last week’s victory, stating, “The increase will go into effect in the year 2021 on July 1 – that’s important for people to understand. It’s not tomorrow – I don’t get a big check tomorrow.” “The increase from 10 to 15 percent will impact next year’s budget, so now we start planning the details of really getting into what next year’s going to look like,” he added. “Of course we already have a roadmap, but there are a lot of things for planning that is still being worked out.” He too thought this year was a better year for the campaign, year to this year: “Last year, there was a lot on the ballot and a lot of political races and initiatives and it’s difficult for districts to have this conversation with our community because we are limited in how we can approach it,” Thompson said. “We just want to continue to be very intentional about being transparent and open with our community.”

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According to the principal, teachers are monitoring students long after they leave their classroom and continue to check on former students to see if they’re adjusting to higher grade levels. “They don’t just finish the year with them and send them off,” Addair said. Two years ago, Galveston received 57 out of 100 possible points on the state’s grading formula. The school managed to score more points in the formula’s “growth” category, raising its letter grade two slots. “The letter grade is important, but so is everyday learning,” Addair added. None of the district’s high schools had any change in letter grades. Locke noted how some high schools scored more proficiency points this year, which he attributed to Chandler Unified’s switch from AzMERIT to the American College Testing assessment, or ACT. Several districts across Arizona decided this past year to use an alternate assessment to measure growth for high school students. Locke said students tend to take ACT more seriously, as colleges look at these scores during the admission process. It is unclear how much can actually be gleaned from grades, even though the Education Department says it issues them to help parents “better understand what school is best for their child and to help the state identify which schools are in need of support and how to better prioritize resources.” Critics have long cautioned that letter grades – like the ones used in Arizona – rely heavily on standardized test scores, tend to favor wealthier schools over poorer ones.

“There is a correlation between test scores and student demographics and risk variables,” Arizona State University professor Audrey Beardsley told the Progress last year. “The correlations are very strong to the point that we as statisticians can use those risk variables and predict 80 percent of the time how students will perform without even the test taking place,” she said. Alicia Williams, Arizona Board of Education executive director, acknowledged the gap between poorer and wealthier schools and said this is why Arizona’s letter grades reward growth and not just proficiency. Arizona uses AzMerit tests to gauge student proficiency in language arts and math. For K-8 schools, proficiency accounts for 30 percent and growth accounts for 50 percent of a school’s point total used to determine letter grades. For high schools, proficiency also accounts for 30 percent of a school’s points. Last year, growth on the AzMerit tests accounted for 20 percent of a high school’s score. This year, the state changed its rubric and that same 20 percent is now subdivided to correlate to improvements in proficiency, graduation rate and dropout rates. Overall, Locke said the district’s pleased with the letter grades it received this year and doesn’t intend to appeal any of them to the Department of Education. “We’re going to continue looking at all the data and see where we can continue to improve,” Locke added. Staff Writer Wayne Schutsky contributed to this report.

CUSD grades Here are the preliminary grades for Chandler schools. The Board of Education will finalize them in December.

HIGH SCHOOLS

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Chandler High: B Hamilton: A Basha: A Perry: A Casteel: B ACP-Erie: A ACP-Oakland: A

SanTan: B Willis: C Bogle: B Payne: B Anderson Junior High: B

SCHOOLS Auxier: B Anderson: C Basha: B Carlson: B Conley: B CTA-Goodman: A CTA-Independence: A CTA-Liberty: A CTA-Freedom: A CTA-Humphrey: A

Frye: C Fulton: B Galveston: B Haley: A Hancock: A Hull: B Encinas: B Jacobson: A Knox Academy: A Navarrete: B

Patterson: A Riggs: A Ryan: A Sanborn: C San Marcos: B SanTan: A Shumway: B Tarwater: B Weinberg: A

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Neighbors oppose project near Hamilton High BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

The Chandler City Council approved preliminary plans for a new industrial project near Hamilton High School. Ferguson Enterprises, the nation’s largest distributor of plumbing supplies, intends to build a distribution center on 48 acres near the southwest corner of Queen Creek and McQueen roads. The project will be built through two phases: the first includes construction of a 362,800-square-foot warehouse and the second will be an expansion of about 181,000-square-feet. Flatbed pickup trucks are expected to deliver large shipments throughout the day to Ferguson’s site, which will also have space for an outdoor storage yard and offices. The project’s expected to bring a wide mix of 285 jobs to the Airpark Corridor. “Ferguson’s proposed development plans create a quality development that will provide additional employment opportunities in the area,” Ferguson’s developers wrote in their application to the city. But some residents are not pleased with the prospect of having a distribution center in their backyard. Several of them spoke out in opposition to Ferguson’s project during a Planning and Zoning Commission

October, the City Council voted not to approve Ryan’s warehouse. But the fight didn’t end there. The company later resubmitted a new plan that didn’t require approval from the council. History feels like it’s repeating itself, some residents said, as they express similar concerns for Ferguson as they had for the Ryan project. Ken McAlister, a Chandler resident who opposed the Ryan project, said he’s made his unease for Ferguson’s project known well in advance to the City Council’s decision, but he doesn’t feel like anyone is listening. Fergusan Enterprises' distribution center, shown in this rendering, has upset neighbors, but it won preliminary approval from “If this council continues to the City Council anyway. (Special to SanTan Sun News) allow these warehouses to go in,” he said, “it’s not doing any be entering and exiting Ferguson’s site. meeting last month. good for our city; it’s not doing “They’re gonna be competing “We don’t need another distribution any good for our communities.” with these semis,” she told the center that will bring nothing but big Councilman Rene Lopez assured trucks, more traffic to the area, and non- commissioners. residents their complaints are taken Some residents referenced how the professional jobs,” said Salman Siddiqui, into consideration before they vote to Ryan Companies project stirred up who lives near the project site. approve projects. Ferguson has agreed to install a traffic controversy last year. “Just because something may not go Ryan wanted to build a distribution light at Queen Creek Road and Hamilton your way, doesn’t mean that we’re not center near Queen Creek and McQueen listening or care,” the councilman said. Street to qualm the neighborhood’s roads, but residents started a petition to traffic concerns. The council unanimously approved stop the project due to concerns about Ferguson’s preliminary plat, development Susan Ellsworth, another resident, traffic and noise. worried about Hamilton High students plan, and rezoning of the land from After a contentious meeting last driving alongside diesel trucks that will agricultural to industrial uses.

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from cover

school’s three new owners who bought it in a court auction, Buckman revved into high gear with a series of changes at the Bondurant School. And she’s not nearly at full throttle. “One of the things that I noticed right away when I first came in is the school almost froze for seven or eight years,” Buckman said of the school next to Wildhorse Pass Motorsports Park. “It was a little worn down and frozen in time.” In less than two months, Buckman helped integrate drag-racing into the school’s curriculum, laid plans for the return of go-kart racing for corporate events; and renovated the garage so dinners and receptions can be held in parts of the school. She is overhauling the headquarters building to make room for an expanded student lounge and hired two auto industry veterans to handle marketing, sponsorships and other matters aimed at re-growing the school and aggressively courting students who range from beginner teen drivers to military and law enforcement personnel. She’s adding more high-tech features to classrooms to enhance instruction, ramping up the school’s teen defensive driving program; planning to equip the vehicles with features to enable student-drivers to see their performance behind the wheel

Frank Bondurant is supercharging the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving more than a year after it almost tanked in bankruptcy court. (Chris Mortenson/Staff Photographer)

and building the school’s relationship with nonprofit and other community organizations. She also is eyeing new partnerships with car manufacturers. “This is a great facility for testing and for ride-and-drives because of the track and the different configurations you can run with it,” Buckman said. “Manufacturers are always looking for that wide-open space, unobstructed contact with concrete. And that’s what we have out there.” Buckman’s vision is rooted in more than three decades of associations with the racing industry that began with an unlikely job – washing cars.

Growing up with six brothers in Scottsdale, she said, “I had never been to a race in my life until I started working in it – which was in college and then I never left.” Working for Pro Formance Driving Events and Motorsports between 1990 and 1995, a national ride-and-drive company, “They had 60 cars to wash every day,” Buckman recalled. She became an event coordinator for the company, traveling to as many as 25 different cities as she assisted in national “ride and drive” tours for Chrysler, Nissan and Ford to raise consumer interest in new models. During her time with Pro Formance,

Buckman was first exposed to the world of car racing after her employer created Arizona’s only “Indy Car” team to compete in open-wheel races. The team was led by racing legend Scott Pruett, who in 10 seasons of racing in the mid-1980s to mid-1990s never finished less than second place in a championship race. In 1995, Buckman signed up as the vice president of sales and marketing and executive general manger of Firebird Raceway – a position she didn’t leave until six years ago. “I just honestly I wanted to take time off,” she explained, noting her two youngest of three sons were in high school. She left Firebird, but not the world of cars and car races, founding her own marketing and advertising firm that promoted motorsports and a variety of other events, most of them tied in one way or another to cars. “I did work for Ford, for Harley Davidson, for Lucas Oil and live events, some stuff with Monster Jam – same thing, just different way of doing it,” she said. “So, next thing I knew it was five years later and that’s what I was doing.” In early 2018, Buckman said she decided “my business is either going to get bigger or I was going to get smaller because I was working all the time.” Instead of getting bigger, she joined a new media consulting agency and handled accounts, including Chevrolet, See

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from page 12

in Arizona, New Mexico, Idaho and Montana. “I learned a lot on that job that because I was just doing one thing, helping with the advertising, managing the actual ad agency,” she said. “That was a lot of travel and I pretty much had done what I thought I could do there.” Out of the blue, during the summer, she got a call from Bruce Belser, one of the three new owners. “Once he called, I said ‘this could be interesting,” Buckman said. Five days after a breakfast meeting, she was asked to ﬂy up to Seattle to meet the school’s board of directors and “I got an offer the next week.”

SENATORS

from page 4

ing gap between what schools spent and what they got from the state. The gap is expected to grow wider as the various cost for special education programs remain high. The Chandler Unified School District spends about $50 million each year on 5,243 special education students. A random sampling of 18 students shows the district spent $327,341 more than what the state gave CUSD last year. Like Mesnard, Bowie said he supports

As the head of the school, she said her responsibilities involve “everything, from construction projects to putting the new staff in place to putting together our budgets and our three-, five- and seven- and 10-year plans.” “I brought in some top-tier talent, some new blood but very experienced in the market,” Buckman said, adding: “The board of directors and the owners of this facility want to honor the legend, but they want to take the school to where it could never have gone with without that kind of ownership.” Her plans include building on the new dragster component to leverage “the resurgence in the interest in muscle cars.” “You see a lot of that going on in the manufacturers bringing back the older,

more popular brands from the 50s in the 60s,” Buckman said. “Of all the manufacturers I’ve worked with, I’ve never worked with Chrysler Dodge. So, this has been the biggest learning curve for me – getting my arms around the vehicles and what their performance capabilities were and how we can better utilize that to market our products.” She is set on reviving corporate interest in the school site for teambuilding and other events, expanding the facility's availability for events like bachelor parties and growing again the school’s relationships with law enforcement and military agencies. Buckman’s husband is a former racer himself and a second-generation Indy car crew chief and mechanic. Two of her sons were involved in motorsports

industry and raced at an early age and her eldest is still an active race car driver. And while she admits that she is not all that familiar with the technical side of automobiles and race cars, she said, “The automotive industry, high performance-driving events and motorsports in general are really more a part of who I am now. “It’s in my blood,” she said. “I look forward to being further immersed in the industry as part of a team representing a brand that I am not only familiar with, but truly believe in.” And having known Bob Bondurant personally for many years, Buckman said she wants the school to be his lasting legacy. “I know that he wanted this school to survive past him,” Buckman said. “And it will now.”

reviewing the state’s funding formulas for special education. When asked if Arizona could provide funding for full-day kindergarten, Bowie said he didn’t see that as a realistic achievement in the near future. “I can’t see us finding the revenue to make that significant of an investment,” Bowie said. Several education bills were introduced during the 2019 session that never made their way to the governor’s desk. Some would have appropriate millions in funding to Maricopa Community College District, others increased education

dollars for juvenile detention centers. Bowie and Mesnard’s voting records indicate they agreed on most of the educations bills that have recently passed through the senate. One bill they voted differently on in 2019 would have reformed how publicly-funded charter schools procure goods and services. The bill was intended to boost accountability after some charter schools were caught granting million-dollar contracts to companies owned by the school’s founders. Mesnard voted to pass the bill, while

Bowie joined with other Democrats to vote it down. Bowie said he thought this legislation did not go far enough in preventing fraudulent use of public funds. House Speaker Rusty Bowers, R-Mesa, seemed to agree, as he stopped the bill from progressing further. There are some great charter schools in Arizona, Bowie added, but the senator would like to see them held to the same standards as traditional schools. “All I want is a leveled playing field,” Bowie said, “I just want to make sure that everyone is going by the same rules.”

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Bondurant bankruptcy fueled by charges, countercharges BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor

The state of the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Drive school – which had been generating as much as $6 million a year in revenue only a few years ago – today stands in sharp contrast to what it was in the fall of 2018. Its plunge into a sea of red ink is documented in thousands of pages of documents in federal bankruptcy court since previous owners Bob and Patricia Bondurant filed for creditor protection in September 2018. That bankruptcy took a bitter turn after a trio of investors who had formed a company called Stig Investments bought the school for $1.67 million at an auction before U.S. Judge Brenda K. Martin, documents show. With her husband in an assisted living facility, Patricia Bondurant filed a twopronged legal attack that spilled into state Superior Court with accusations and counter-accusations of theft and mismanagement involving her, creditors, Stig Investments and the Scottsdale company appointed by the court to handle the resolution of the school's $3.5 million in debts. For the early part of the past year, it appeared that a sorry end awaited the school that had been founded by Robert L. Bondurant, a world champion racer, in 1968 in Orange County, California, after he almost lost his life in a race when the steering arm of his McLaren MARK II

The Bondurant School accumulated lucrative partnerships and sponsors with companies like Dodge and Goodyear. But it began losing its financial bearings after it lost the military contracts – a big source of its income. Atop that, sponsorship payments from Dodge and Fiat became sporadic, court papers said, as those two companies wrestled with their own financial woes. In September 2018, the school hit a brick wall. It had fallen behind by nearly $300,000 in rent owed Valley Marine Development, the economic development arm of the Gila River Indian Community that owned the school's site. Valley Marine threatened Patricia and Bob Bondurant celebrated the racing school's 50th anniversary a few years ago, before it ran into debt that to lock the school out of its forced them to seek federal bankrupcy protection. (File photo) premises and the Bondurants failed to secure a deal with an agencies around the world to teach CanAm snapped at 150 mph. unnamed investor for an infusion of cash. chase and evasion techniques. Before relocating to the East Valley The bankruptcy case appeared to Hundreds of thousands of students in 1990, his students included the late be heading to a resolution after Stig – from military and law enforcement actors and racing enthusiasts Jim Garner bought the school for $1.67 million personnel to racing aficionados to and Paul Newman – drawn partly by – except for a claim fi led by Patricia Bondurant’s own successful racing career. beginner drivers – took courses at the Bondurant. With numerous awards and prizes for school while corporations ﬂocked to She asserted that the sale did the school for team-building exercises his racing prowess, Bondurant relocated not include the Bondurant name or and networking events built around the school to Chandler. He secured contracts worth millions from military and law enforcement

Bondurant’s stable of high-performance cars and go-karts.

See

BONDURANT SIDE on page 18

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BONDURANT SIDE from page 14

a museum on the site that housed thousands of dollars’ worth of vehicles that included seven motorcycles – one dating to 1940 – several dirt bikes, nine high-performance and other cars as well as memorabilia from Bob Bondurant’s days as an international racing star. With the loss of the lucrative Bondurant name hanging in the balance, Stig Investments fought back. Judge Martin ruled the issue was not a matter for bankruptcy court and that fight moved into Superior Court, where it has not been resolved. Meanwhile, more surprises occurred in the bankruptcy case itself as Patricia Bondurant filed a new claim that triggered an avalanche of charges and countercharges in bankruptcy court throughout the summer and early fall. She claimed the school owed her and her husband $975,000 million and that that debt might even escalate to $1.7 million in unpaid loans and back wages. She also alleged that Stig had severely damaged two dozen highperformance cars, mostly Mazda Formula race cars. Ramon Soberanes, the school’s garage supervisor, filed a sworn statement that said, “This is false.” “For years, I and others in the shop were instructed to bandage or ‘cannibalize’ the Mazdas to keep them

SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | NOV 16 - DEC 6, 2019

operating, which meant we would strip parts off of some of the Mazdas and install them on other Mazdas so we could keep as many of them running as possible,” Sobranes’ affidavit states. “This was no secret at the school and the Bondurants were aware of it.” But Patricia Bondurant’s allegations went well beyond the condition of the vehicles.

Bondurants as left in the dark at key junctures in the bankruptcy case. They demanded that the court replace Timother Shaffer, the Scottsdale chief restructuring officer appointed to resolve the creditors’ claims. Her attorney accused Shaffer of being disrespectful and rude and depriving her of the ability to investigate the creditors’ claims and

orchestrated a dissipation of the cash resourced of the company “byThey giving large bonuses to the various key personnel of the company, draining the school funds down to the point of telling (the Bondurants) … that they either had to pay the payroll or the rent but there was not enough money to pay both. – Bondurant attorney

”

A new attorney representing the Bondurants in the bankruptcy proceedings alleged that her son by a previous marriage and several top officers in the school “all engaged in a scheme to force a liquidation of the company.” “They orchestrated a dissipation of the cash resourced of the company by giving large bonuses to the various key personnel of the company, draining the school funds down to the point of telling (the Bondurants) … that they either had to pay the payroll or the rent but there was not enough money to pay both.” The complaint also portrayed the

“the opportunity to determine if what they are owed, or better said, what they are claiming, is properly owed by the company.” Shaffer fired back, stating, “The only time the Bondurants have shown up in the case has been to further their own interests to the detriment of the estate.” He said the Bondurants – principally Patricia since her husband was virtually incapacitated – had objected to the school’s sale and that the creditors had no faith in her ability to respect their claims. “She is not capable of distinguishing between her own desires and the needs

of the estate,” Shaffer told the court. He urged the judge to reject her attorney’s request for a new restructuring officer and instead appoint a U.S. trustee. “The Bondurants are hopelessly conflicted between protecting the interests of creditors of the debtor’s estate and protecting their own personal interests and vendettas,” his petition said. “The only solution to resolve the conflict is to appoint an independent third party to safeguard creditor rights.” On Oct. 22, Martin rejected the Bondurants’ request that Shaffer be replaced and dismissed a motion for sanctions against him. A few days later, she appointed attorney Terry Dake as a trustee and set a hearing for Nov. 20 on Dake’s request to put the case into Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which would effectively end the Bondurants’ fleeting efforts to have any further say about repaying the debtors. Shaffer also has indicated that the Bondurants and their son could be held liable for any debts not covered by the remaining money left from the time they owned the school. “All that remains is (a) determining and paying the administrative claims, (b) determining and paying the priority and unsecured claims, and (c) determining what litigation claims, if any, need to be commenced and prosecuted by the estate,” Dake’s petition states. “There is nothing to be ‘reorganized.’”

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FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR

Kim Doyle helps Nico Herrara, 9, learn some Bible stories at St. Andrew by showing him how people praised God. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)

CHURCH

from cover

adopting sensory-friendly services. It’s something several institutions had to consider as autism becomes more prevalent among children. The diagnosis rate for children on the autism spectrum was about 16 percent in 2014, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ten years earlier, the rate was 8 percent. A broader definition of the disorder may account for this increase, but the CDC believes there’s evidence to suggest more people are being diagnosed. Autism is a developmental disability that can hinder a person’s ability to form social, emotional, or communication skills. Its symptoms can vary, but one common trait is a hypersensitivity to sights and sounds. One of St. Andrew’s strategic goals has been to find new ways to serve the spiritual and educational needs of parish members. In addition to the sensory-friendly mass, the church now offers one-on-one religious lessons for students needing special attention. “Through this program, we provide a welcoming and caring atmosphere which at the same time provides a safe, quiet, joyful, and reverent environment

where these children with special needs can establish a relationship with God,” St. Andrews Friar Robert Seraph Aliunzi wrote in a statement. The Chandler church, 3450 W. Ray Road, has a parish of about 6,000 families. Parents have so far been pleased with this sensory-friendly mass, Doyle said, adding they appreciate the church’s efforts. Doyle had been a teacher at Mesa Public Schools for several years before assuming her position at St. Andrew. She made it her mission to find ways the church could better serve individuals with special needs. “We owe it to them because that’s what scripture tells us,” Doyle added. “We don’t cherry-pick who we want to serve.” The church intends to offer the sensory-friendly mass at least once a month. Doyle would eventually like to start a support group for parents of disabled children, in order to help them navigate resources available to them. It’s so important to include these individuals in public places, Doyle added, because it helps others to better understand their condition. “It’s through their disabilities that we learn how to be compassionate and caring,” she said.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | NOV 16 - DEC 6, 2019

Around Chandler Chandler woman’s ‘Holiday Music’ stage show set

Fox Crossing resident Laurie Fagen will perform in a holiday stage musical that she wrote, produced and directed for the Herberger Theater Center’s Lunchtime program Dec. 2-19. “Holiday Music through the Decades” previews Dec. 2 at 7 p.m., then runs at noon on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays Dec. 3-5; 10-12; and 17-19 at the Herberger’s Kax Theater, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix. Fagen, who owned the SanTan Sun News for 13 years with her late husband Geoff Hancock, portrays Trilby the Musicologist, who brings new music each decade to Mrs. Claus at the North Pole for Santa’s elves to enjoy while they make toys for children. “It’s a fun, light show to help everyone get into the spirit of the holidays,” Fagen sais. Fagen has performed on community and professional theatre stages in the Phoenix and Prescott area, including earlier this year in “Boa Babes” at the Herberger’s Lunchtime Theater; Third Street Theatre’s “Dames at Sea,” “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” and “Jerry’s Girls.” A professional singer, artist and novelist, this is the fifth stage production she’s written. “There will be traditional, popular, ethnic and new holiday tunes from mid1800s through present day, and attendees can join in sing-a-longs at the conclusion of the one-act show,” Fagan said Tickets: herbergertheater.org/lunchtime/. Boxed lunches can be purchased in advance. Information: 602-252-8497.

Chandler Fire to collect toys for needy kids again

The Chandler Fire Department is once again collecting toys to brighten the holidays for Chandler children who might otherwise go without this year. The highlight of the annual toy drive is the Holiday Toy Ride 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at Chandler Fashion Center. Anyone who donates a new, unwrapped toy during the Holiday Toy Ride will receive a ride in a Chandler Fire engine. The toy collection point at Chandler Fashion Center is near the valet parking area outside of the food court on the south side of the mall. An adult must

accompany all children 6 years of age and younger on their ride. Chandler firefighters and volunteers will help deliver the toys to the Chandler CARE Center, where they will be distributed to families that have been identified through the staff at each Chandler Unified School District elementary school. “Our annual toy drive has been a tremendous success over the years. We get to witness the generosity of so many Chandler families and we, in turn, are able to fulfill kid’s dreams of riding in a fire engine,” said Chandler Fire Chief Tom Dwiggins. “This event is just another way that our fire department personnel get to partner with the people we serve and together make a difference for those in need.” Toy donations also may be dropped off in the lobby of the Fire Administration Headquarters at 151 E. Boston Street, through Dec. 12, or at any Chandler Fire station,

Chandler seeks entries for Creative Expression contest

Entries are now being accepted for Chandler’s 24th-annual Creative Expression Competition. Local students living or attending school in Chandler can vie for awards in writing and visual arts. Eligible grade levels are from kindergarten to grade 12. This year’s theme is “One World, Out of Many, We Are One.” Entry forms along with competition information, submission guidelines and judging criteria are at chandleraz.gov/ CreativeExpression. Prizes will be awarded to the top three place winners in three age groups: K-4, 5-8, 9-12. Completed entries may be mailed or dropped off to the City of Chandler – Neighborhood Resources Department, 235 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, AZ 85225. The deadline is Friday, Nov. 29. Competition finalists will be announced later this year and winners will be named at the 25th annual Chandler Multicultural Festival Jan. 18 and recognized at a City Council meeting in Feb. 2020. In addition, Chandler Sister Cities is conducting a writing and visual art competition for Chandler

students, ages 13-18. Semifinalists of the Creative Expression Competition will automatically have their entries submitted into the Sister Cities’ competition. Visit sistercities.org/YAAS. Information: 480-782-4300, or priscilla.quintana@chandleraz.gov.

service as well as an extended massage. The Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa is at 4200 S. Alma School Road, Chandler. Information: villageclubs.com or call 480-579-2940.

The Sun Lakes Republican Club will feature “CO2 and the Climate Crisis: The Greatest Scientific Fraud of Our Day” with special guest speaker Craig Idso, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Arizona Room of the Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 S. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes, AZ 85248. The public is invited. Idso is the founder, former president, and currently chairman of the Center for the Study of Carbon Dioxide and Global Change based in Tempe, a nonprofit “dedicated to discovering and disseminating scientific information pertaining to the effects of atmospheric carbon dioxide enrichment on climate and the biosphere,” the club said. Also, state Sen. J.D. Mesnard will discuss the 2020 state legislative session. Information: slgop.org or Mike Tennant, 480-802-0178.

the Holidays, a workshop and will offer ideas on how to survive the season. The workshop will be 10-11:30 a.m. today, Nov. 16, at Sun Lakes Methodist Church at 9248 E. Riggs Road, west of Robson Library. A $5 fee covers the cost of a student guide. To register: 480-895-8766 or sunlakesumc.org. Thousands of cookies for sale at Sun Lakes Methodist The annual Cookie Walk hosted by the Sun Lakes United Methodist Women will begin at 9 a.m. Dec. 7 in Lindsay Hall, 9248 E. Riggs Road, west of Robson Library. For $10, patrons will get a carryout box and a plastic glove to select cookies, filling the box to the brim (you have to be able to close the lid). The Candy Shop will sell bags of fudge, peanut brittle and other holiday treats. All proceeds of the Cookie Walk are donated to UMW mission projects, which include local, national and international needs. Early birds can to enjoy free coffee and broken cookies while waiting for the doors to open.

Sun Lakes church hosts the Holidays’ Sun Lakes GOP slates climate ‘Surviving People grieving and dreading the holiday change discussion season are invited to attend Surviving

Spa at Ocotillo Village Health Club ready for the holidays

The Spa at Ocotillo Village Health Club is planning a number of specials next month as the holiday season kicks into high gear. The Spa at Ocotillo Village is open to the public. On the day of service, guests have access to the entire club for the day and can enjoy yoga classes, group fitness classes, heated pool, café and more. For an additional fee, guests also have up to three hours in the kids club for their children. On Dec. 11, The Spa will hold an open house with wine, treats, mini services, giveaways, spa discounts and more. People planning to attend the free event are encouraged to RSVP by calling 480-579-2940. The Spa at Ocotillo Village is also offering a number of holiday spa specials, including an Arctic Berry Chill Facial, Mistle-Toes Pedicure, Blow Dry Bar and Holiday Hair Affair. The holiday pedicure features a peppermint twist foot soak, foot scrub and lotion while customers enjoy hot chocolate with a candy cane during the

Chandler police officer hurt in vehicle accident

An unidentified 16-year veteran officer of the Chandler Police Department sustained minor injuries early evening Nov. 8, in an accident at Hartford Street and Warner Road in Chandler. A department spokesman said the officer was traveling westbound on Warner approaching Hartford in a patrol vehicle when a 2016 Chevy, driven by an unidentified 55-year-old Tempe resident turned left to go northbound on Hartford in front of the officer. The officer attempted to evade See

AROUND on page 21

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the vehicle and swerved right, the spokesman said but the Chevy struck the driver’s side of the patrol car, pushing the police vehicle into a traffic light pole. The officer notified Chandler dispatch of the collision and exited his vehicle without any assistance. The Tempe driver was cited for a civil traffic violation of failure to yield left at an intersection. Neither speed nor impairment was a factor in this incident. Although the officer was treated and released after an overnight hospital stay, the other driver was not hospitalized.

Chandler Children’s Choir seeking new executive director

The celebrated Chandler Children’s Choir is looking for a new executive director. Since August, the group has been led by a team of people that includes Aimee Stewart, Ashley Whipple, Issa Johnson and Jillanne Ulep, who helped the choir set up for a new season. The paid position for this nonprofit organization requires various skills. For information on requirements, email adam@chandlerchildrenschoir.com.

Chandler Fire gets $34K grant for child safety seats The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety has awarded a highway safety grant in the amount of $34,310 to the

Chandler Fire Department to continue its Child Safety Seat Clinics program through Sept. 30, 2020. Grant funds will be used to staff the clinics and to provide 170 child safety seats for families who cannot afford this equipment on their own. The Chandler Fire Department offers car seat clinics most Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon at various locations in the city. Clinics are conducted by CFD personnel who have been certified as child passenger seat technicians through SafeKids International. The firefighters ensure each child is safeguarded in the appropriate seat for their age and weight, and they provide one-on-one instruction to caregivers on how to properly install and use their child’s car seat. Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the United States, due in large part to the non-use or improper use of child seats and seat belts. Information on the program: 480-782-2046.

Ostrich Festival dates set, sponsors and vendors sought The Chandler Chamber of Commerce will hold its 32nd-annual Ostrich Festival March 13-15, at Tumbleweed Park. Organized by the Chandler Chamber of Commerce and Steve LeVine Entertainment & Public Relations the festival is a family-friendly festival featuring live ostriches, national and local entertainment, thrilling stage

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shows, over 50 exhilarating midway rides and games, classic festival food, and interactive activities for all ages. The festival also features meet and greets with mascots, ostrichthemed educational activities, exciting attractions, upscale arts and crafts and more. In addition, there are performances by several local community groups throughout the weekend followed by a nationally renowned headliner each night. Past headliners include The Beach Boys, Andy Grammer, Flo Rida, The Commodores, Eddie Money, Kool & The Gang, Spin Doctors and John Michael Montgomery. “This is an award-winning festival and each year our goal is to create a familyfriendly experience with great local and national music acts, educational, innovative and hands-on attractions and exciting midway rides,” said Terri Kimble, Chamber president/CEO. “We put local businesses and nonprofits in front of 100,000 patrons and everyone wins. There is something for everyone and no better place in Chandler to make memories.” The Ostrich Festival also provides opportunities for local food, commercial and non-profit vendors to participate in the festivities. Information: OstrichFestival.com/ Vendors. Companies interested in sponsorships should go to OstrichFestival.com.

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2 Chandler lawmakers grapple with health coverage issue BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Two Chandler Republican legislators and Attorney General Mark Brnovich are taking the first steps to craft legislation to ensure that Arizonans with preexisting conditions can still buy health insurance if federal courts strike down the Affordable Care Act. The move comes even as Republican attorneys general – including Brnovich – are working to have the law declared unconstitutional, including the provisions about access to coverage. They contend Congress lacks the power to mandate that people buy health insurance. Last December a federal judge in Texas agreed. That sent the case to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, which could rule any day. But the final word is likely to belong to the U.S. Supreme Court. Depending on how quickly they schedule arguments, a ruling could come as early as this spring. The law, approved by what was at the time a Democrat-controlled Congress has never been popular among many Republicans. But Sen. J.D. Mesnard said that if the Affordable Care Act disappears, so does the provision requiring insurers to provide coverage for those with preexisting conditions. And he acknowledged that particular part of the statute, in particular, remains popular. Mesnard is working with state Rep. Jeff Weninger and Brnovich “I think there’s growing appreciation that we want to make sure that those with preexisting conditions aren’t now somehow unable to get coverage,’’ he said.

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How that would work and who would pay for it, however, remains to be decided. “There are obviously going to have to be conversations with a wide assortment of folks, including insurance companies that will obviously be impacted by this,’’ Mesnard said. And those costs, he said, are likely to be passed on to all people with health insurance, no matter where and how it is purchased. “I suspect there’ll be a domino effect for all of us to be impacted by this potentially in our premiums,’’ Mesnard said. “But at the end of the day, I think that most people acknowledge that the preexisting conditions issue has always been a challenge and one that we have to overcome.’’ The wide-ranging 2010 law, required employers to provide health insurance for their workers and individuals to obtain their own coverage. It also created insurance exchanges to provide discounted coverage for those who meet income guidelines, expanded Medicaid coverage and eliminated lifetime monetary caps on insurance coverage. And then there was the prohibition against insurance companies from excluding people for preexisting conditions. The Supreme Court upheld the law in 2012, with the majority hanging its hat on the mandate for individuals to purchase insurance, saying that fits within the power of Congress to impose a tax. But all that fell apart in 2017, when Congress eliminated the financial penalty for failing to have insurance, a move that the current round of challengers eliminated any legal basis for the law. It is that, Mesnard said, that creates the

need for a contingency plan if the Supreme Court finds the current version of the law unconstitutional. “We don’t want to be caught unprepared,’’ he said. Mesnard said he believes Arizonans should not have to go back to the days before the Affordable Care Act when they could find themselves unable to purchase insurance. “From a policy standpoint, I think it’s the right policy to make sure that those with preexisting conditions can get coverage,’’ he said. Mesnard said while there can be debate over other provisions of the law, this issue is “one that most people on both sides of the aisle have rallied behind as an issue we have to tackle.’’ None of this would be necessary if there were no lawsuits, one in which Brnovich has joined. But aide Ryan Anderson defended his boss’ decision to join the litigation to challenge the law. “There is a question here as to whether or not the act, as it stands today is unconstitutional,’’ he said. Anderson said it is separate from the policy questions of whether there should be mandated coverage for preexisting conditions and whether more needs to be done to ensure that Americans have better access to health care. “Those are all very relevant discussions and they’re appropriate discussions,’’ Anderson said. “The fact of the matter is, if you believe something is unconstitutional, the ends shouldn’t justify the means,’’ he said. “He personally believes that preexisting conditions should be covered by insurance

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companies,’’ Anderson said of Brnovich. “But that doesn’t mean the American people should be forced to accept a broader unconstitutional mandate in order to keep the act’s most popular provision.’’ A court ruling voiding the Affordable Care Act would have effects beyond the issue of preexisting conditions that this proposal hopes to resolve. Arizona was one of the states that took of the provision which provided federal dollars to expand health coverage to anyone earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, about $29,400 for a family of three. Prior to that, Arizona law, as approved by voters, included coverage only up to the poverty level. That added about 400,000 people to the rolls of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, the state’s Medicaid program, bringing the current total to close to 1.9 million. If the Affordable Care Act goes away, so does the federal cash which pays almost the entire cost of the expansion. Mesnard said it is possible that the Supreme Court could leave the Medicaid expansion piece in place even if the rest of the law is voided. And if not? “I’m prepared to consider all options,’’ he said. Mesnard said his views won’t be colored by the fact that he voted in 2013 against the proposal by then-Gov. Jan Brewer to expand Medicaid. “Opposing a new thing is one thing,’’ he said. “And sort of rolling back something that’s already in place is another.’’

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Old Chandler murder case ends in acquittal BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

A 32-year-old Chandler murder case is no closer to getting solved after a judge recently acquitted the only suspect to be charged with the crime. Kevin Jokumsen, 56, was released from custody after Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Ronda Fisk ruled on Oct. 31, prosecutors had not proved the defendant had killed his wife at their Chandler residence in 1987. Donna Mae Jokumsen had reportedly told her family she intended to leave her husband and move back to Washington state. But when she didn’t show up, her family reported the 22-year-old mother missing. More than 30 years later, Donna has yet to be found and her family feels Jokumsen’s recent acquittal means the case may never be closed. “We have no hope,” said Debbie Howard, Donna’s sister. “This was supposed to be the time where we could put it to rest, close this chapter of our lives that’s been open for 32 years.” Howard had been warned by prosecutors the trial was going to be difficult since they had to prove Donna’s murder without evidence of her body. No-body prosecutions are not unheard of in the criminal justice system, as the law allows murder suspects to be convicted if there’s evidence that reasonably infers the

Donna Mae Jokumsen

victim was killed. One requirement of this law is defendants cannot be convicted solely on uncorroborated confessions. Even if a suspect admits to a no-body killing, the state must provide supplemental evidence to independently verify if an actual crime was committed. During Jokumsen’s trial, the state presented circumstantial evidence suggesting Donna was stuck in a troubled marriage and looking to get out. Prosecutors called one of Donna’s

friends to testify about the injuries they observed on Donna days before she disappeared. The friend further testified Donna was planning to leave Arizona and take her kids back to Washington. According to police reports, Jokumsen told investigators Donna asked him for $500 to move out of their Chandler home. He claimed Donna left to say goodbye to her friends and never returned home. Jokumsen later broke down crying and allegedly uttered statements like, “Please God, don’t let anything happen to her.” The state tried to prove foul play by presenting evidence that Jokumsen had pawned off some of Donna’s jewelry shortly after she vanished. But Judge Fisk determined the state’s case wasn’t enough to independently prove Donna had actually been murdered. Because of this missing evidence, the state would not be allowed to admit any self-incriminating statements Jokumsen may have made during the investigation. Therefore, the trial ended before jurors were allowed to deliberate. Howard said the last three decades have been a roller-coaster ride of emotions for her family. Whenever they heard of a dead body being discovered in the Arizona desert, she and her parents thought it might be Donna Mae.

“We’d get our hopes high really high and then it would crash,” Howard said. The case had been cold for several years until the Chandler Police Department decided to reopen it again a few years ago. Witnesses were reinterviewed and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office decided to obtain an indictment against Jokumsen in 2017. In the months leading up to the trial, the lawyers had several debates over what evidence and witness statements should be precluded from jurors. These arguments were complicated by the fact that several witnesses were no longer living and couldn’t testify. Fisk barred statements Donna allegedly made to her father during a phone call in 1987 about wanting to leave Jokumsen. Donna’s father died last year and the judge decided it would be hearsay for other family members to testify about what was discussed during that conversation. Howard said a lot of testimony her family had on Donna’s marriage was thrown out before the trial started. The whole experience has been quite turbulent, she said, and the family will have to try to move on with their lives. Howard was only a teenager when her sister disappeared. She mourns all the milestones in her life that Donna Mae hasn’t been around to see. “Our sister bond was very strong,” Howard added. “Everybody loved Donna. She had a good heart.”

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Vape ban clouds future for local retailers BY ARMAN SIDHU Contributor

Omar Fdawi’s decision to enter the vape business went beyond profit. After losing two of his uncles, both longtime tobacco users, to cancer, Fdawi saw the emergence of e-cigarettes, or “vape” products, as an opportunity to encourage people to quit tobacco. But Fdawi and other Chandler vape retailers now feel their future livelihood is threatened by emerging bans spurred by reports of a mysterious lung ailment that has claimed dozens of lives across the country. Part of the problem, public health officials say, is the increase of counterfeit vaping products whose ingredients may be harmful. “As retailers, we know where our products are being sourced from, we choose to carry brands that are established and can be trusted. People are getting sick because they’re using counterfeit and unsafe products. The ban will only make the problem worse” said Fdwai. After opening his first store in Phoenix nearly five years ago, Fdawi expanded his store, Smoking Vapor, to three other cities – including a Chandler location near Rural Road & Chandler Boulevard. Ever since his first opening, Fdawi said he was encouraged by stories that he heard from his customers, most of whom were former tobacco users. “Our regular customers would come in and talk about how vaping changed their lives and improved their health. They were excited to tell me about how quitting cigarettes helped their breathing. They’re seeing improvements in their sleep and they feel encouraged to exercise again.” Edward Townes, who owns a Chandler vape outlet called Cloud Slingers, said vaping enabled him to quit smoking cigarettes. The success of his own experience encouraged him to open Cloud Slingers, located near Arizona Avenue and Pecos

Omar Fdwai, right, owner of four stores that sell vaping products, including one in Chandler, fears that some government level will begin banning the sale of some vape products and kill his successful business. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

Road, last May. The overwhelming majority of his customers are also former smokers. “Gums and patches never worked for me,” Townes said. “Vaping is perhaps the best opportunity of the century to tackle the public health crisis of tobacco.” Fdawi said most of his customers are between 30- and- 50-years-old. Most are curious cigarette or cigar smokers, looking to make the first step toward quitting and see e-cigarettes as a simpler transition, he said. With a vast inventory of “smokeless” e-cigarette products, retailers like Fdwai’s Smoking Vapor feature flavors like “Naked Brainfreeze” and “Lemon Twist” –

which Fdawi calls some of his best-selling products. Yet, in spite of their popularity, such flavors may not sit on the shelves of Cloud Slingers, Smoking Vapor or any

retailer, for much longer. In response to growing concerns over vaping’s appeal to underage users, the Trump Administration announced a plan to ban all vape flavors beyond tobacco and menthol, as a means to wean underage users from using e-cigarettes. Valued at nearly a $20 billion industry, the global e-cigarette market quickly attracted the attention of tobacco giants like Altria, the manufacturer of Marlboro cigarettes. Last year, Altria invested nearly $13 billion in Juul Labs, a leading vape manufacturer popularizing flavors like mint, mango, and cucumber, which regulators say encouraged teens to try the product. In response to the ban, the vaping industry argued its products benefit public health by providing tobacco users with an alternative. Touting the product as cleaner and safer than cigarettes, the industry argues the ban will only compel adult users to return to tobacco. Fdwai agrees. “Flavors that try to mimic tobacco don’t taste good through the vape,” he said. “People would much rather return to smoking cigarettes than try to get a low-quality experience through the vape.” See

VAPING on page 26

Chandler ranked as a first-rate city for start-ups BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

The city of Chandler was ranked as one the best locations in the country for startup businesses. Fundera, a financial website for small businesses, recently included Chandler on its list of the best-untapped cities for start-ups in 2020. Priyanka Prakash, a researcher for the website, compiled Fundera’s list and commended Chandler for its cheap office space, educated workforce and proximity to the Phoenix area. “Being a short drive away from one of the biggest cities and one of the busiest airports in the country is a strength that start-ups can and should take advantage of,” Prakash wrote. Chandler was Arizona’s highest-

ranking city on Fundera’s list, surpassing Scottsdale, Gilbert and Glendale. Madison, Wisconsin, was named Fundera’s favorite-untapped city for start-ups due to its high concentration of millennials and cost of living. Fundera calculated its list by examining which cities with fewer than 500,000 residents were most popular among venture capitalists. The 122 venture capital deals reported around the greater Phoenix area helped to boost Chandler’s ranking to eighth spot on Fundera’s list. “Proximity to a start-up hub is beneficial because investors are already in the hub meeting founders,” Prakash added, “it isn’t a leap to think that what is today a nearby commuter city or a suburb could become a future start-up zone.” Start-up culture was once centered

exclusively to Silicon Valley – attracting tech whizzes to come test out their big idea in the hills of California. But as the costs to live in areas around Silicon Valley continue to grow, more cities across the country are looking to market themselves as affordable alternatives for emerging start-ups. Chandler has jumped into this trend by branding itself as a hub for entrepreneurship. The city provides funding for Chandler Innovations, an organization that coaches start-ups into how to become profitable businesses. AniCell BioTech, JobDocs, and Skin Actives are some of the clients to be served by Chandler Innovations. Micah Miranda, the city’s economic development director, said Chandler is unique in the amount of hands-on support

it provides to aspiring entrepreneurs. “We put our money where our mouth is,” Miranda said. “We have a whole bunch of resources that we make available.” He noted how Chandler was one of the first communities in Arizona to help build a network of “angel” investors who pledge to give at least $5,000 to local start-ups. The city also hosts start-up events throughout the year and is home to several creative workspaces that welcome small businesses needing office space. Chandler’s elected officials regularly express support for devoting resources to start-ups, highlighting their benefit to the local economy. “Chandler and the East Valley could an absolute rainfall for tech start-up,” said Councilman Mark Stewart. “We just have to tell ourselves that we’re going to do that and we have to get behind it and really push.”

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Both Fdwai and Townes say their customers tend to opt for fruity flavors like “Cotton Candy” and “Blue Raspberry.” Both argue the flavor ban is more likely to harm public health by pushing users to the black market, where products are less likely to be properly vetted and pose considerable risks. ASU Professor Scott Lieschow, director of clinical and translational science at the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University, noted the recent national outbreak of vaping-related illnesses pressured federal regulators to act quickly. “The Food and Drug Administration is obligated to weigh the public health benefits and risks of all tobacco products on the market, and those intended for the market, and when there are data pointing to great risk they must act,” Lieschow said. Although vape manufacturers will be able to appeal the flavor ban, they’ll have to convince regulators their products benefit public health – a process Lieschow said will involve “thousands of pages, including extensive data from many studies.” Although an exact cause of the lung injury outbreak has yet to be determined by the FDA or the Centers for Disease Control, early findings identified traces of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis. In addition, the CDC notes several patients report having obtained the

products from informal sources and street dealers. For now, the vape industry’s survival appears to be dependent upon the work of researchers. In assessing current data, Lieschow notes while some studies show e-cigarettes can help adult smokers move away from tobacco, other studies point out certain flavors risk attracting teenagers. For more conclusive evidence, Lieschow believes regulators will need to loosen some of the more stringent rules barring scientists from studying the impact of vaping. “Regulatory rules have made it very difficult for academic scientists to conduct the studies needed that would show definitively whether e-cigarettes are as effective as existing FDA-approved medications for smoking cessation,” he said. Although the ban has yet to take effect, both Fdwai and Townes believe their stores are already beginning to see a significant decline in sales and store traffic. Townes cites Cloud Slingers’ nearly 25 percent drop in sales across all of its Arizona stores – a decline he called “lethal” to the viability of the business. To keep his five Arizona-based stores afloat, Fdwai has begun paying out of his pocket to ensure his staff, most of whom have been with Smoking Vapor for years, stay on. With the fate of the vape business dependent on regulators, however, he worries. “I’ll be honest, if the ban isn’t resolved, I’m not sure how much longer we’ll be able to keep the business going.”

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Lee Lee Supermarket owners felt something missing BY STEVE MCCARTHY Contributor

Lee Lee is more than your average supermarket When Meng Truong and his wife Paulina emigrated to Arizona from Cambodia, they immediately noticed something missing: There were no prominent ethnic markets carrying food or items only found in their native home in Cambodia. When Paulina had cravings for native dishes or groceries, Meng Truong drove to California just to find those items for her. After a while, Meng Truong noticed they were not the only immigrants feeling something important to their culture was missing from their new surroundings. On Jan. 1, 1991, they opened Lee Lee International Supermarket and now have locations in Chandler, Peoria and Tucson. It first started out as a one-man operation as Meng Truong would drive to and from California to get groceries for a growing Asian community. But as he took customer requests and his community grew more diverse, his operation grew into a three-store chain with over 175 employees. Now, Lee Lee International Supermarket is the largest ethnic grocery chain in Arizona with a combined 200,000 square footage between the three locations and carries products from over 30 countries or regions, according to the website. The supermarket prides itself on

Meng Truong and his wife Paulina have built a successful business with their Lee Lee Supermarkets in Chandler and Peoria. (YouTube)

carrying a diverse selection of hard-tofind grocery items, such as duck, goat, octopus, kimchee and lychee. “I come here whenever I need something that I can’t get at Fry’s,” said Josh Hannasch, a Peoria customer. “They have a lot of stuff that’s not at other places.” They also carry an impressive selection of alcohol for their customers. The supermarket has an international beer selection with beers from Germany, Russia, Poland, Indonesia, Thailand,

China, Vietnam, Laos, Singapore and the Philippines Their grocery and alcohol selections aren’t the only things bringing pride to this international supermarket. There is a gift and home department

as well, and offers items such as woks, rice cookers, bamboo steamers, Asian tableware, teapots and sake sets. They also carry a large variety of Asian herbal medicines, incense and incense burners, bamboo trees and even happy Buddha statues. Lee Lee International Supermarket sets out to be more than just an international market, but a community as well. For the past few years, the supermarket encourages surrounding communities to join them to celebrate the Chinese New Year at their locations and even put on a traditional lion dance performance. Johnny Ngov, a manager at the Peoria location, said that they plan to host this event again at the end of January in 2020. In addition to its extensive grocery selection and community events, the supermarket also has a section of their website dedicated to international recipes so that customers can put their new groceries to use. This section has recipes from all around the world including African, Asian, Indian, Latin American, European, Middle Eastern, and Australian types of food. Lee Lee International Supermarket is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week and is at 2025 N. Dobson Road.

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BUSINESS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | NOV 16 - DEC 6, 2019

Kernel of an idea created Chandler popcorn store BY MIKENNA YARMUS-GANNON Staff Writer

Christopher and Lisa Schlabaugh are giving the small business scene in Chandler more than a little pop. Their Central Pop Popcorn store at 1929 E. Ray Road, is a one-stop-shop for over 55 flavors of popcorn. Open since early October, the craft popcorn shop owners hope to kick that number up to 75 unique flavors, including cheddar pretzel ale and churro. “We’re unique in the sense that we’re really the only ones doing the full-blown four, five or six dozen flavors,” said Christopher. After moving to Chicago for three years, he was inspired by the popularity and variety of craft popcorn shops in the city, which he had never seen before. After moving back to Arizona, the couple decided to open their shop and bring a different kind of taste of Chicago to Chandler. With their minds set on starting their first business, the two opened their shop after about a year of planning. Since then, Christopher said that business has been steady, allowing them to test different techniques and try out new recipes. “I’ve been cooking for years, so for me, I like getting in the kitchen and trying new things,” he said. Their inspiration usually comes from looking at a food or a treat, and thinking about how to replicate that flavor into popcorn. This is how they’ve created

Due to the vast variety of different flavors Pop Central offers, customers can be overwhelmed when walking through the door, Christopher said, adding that he and his wife are more than happy to walk each customer through the different kinds of popcorn and offer free samples. “We really wanted to focus on the customer experience,” he said. “When people come in, whether they’ve been here before or not, they can come in and we walk them through what we’re doing.” As they continue to grow, they plan on Christopher and Lisa Schjlabaugh hope to eventually offer as many as 75 flavors of popcorn at their Chandler store, Central Pop putting together deals Popcorn. (centralpopalicious.com) like a Saturday night movie popcorn special flavors like cherry blossom, Cincinnati chili popcorn,” said Carie Kahn in a Google where customers can get and more. review. “The rice crispy treats are amazing a large bag of popcorn and a drink for a Pop Central also offers flavored and the marshmallows are so fresh and discounted price. marshmallows and crispy rice treats which soft. Everyone needs to try this place. I “We hope to be a successful local are made fresh in the shop. love it. Plus, the owner is super nice and business,” Christopher said, adding he and Since opening, Schlabaugh said that personable.” Lisa want “to service local communities the shop has been creating a social media Another reviewer said, “We tried the and use products that are high quality and presence and in the future, the couple cheddar, churro, cheese pizza and Sriracha have customers that are happy with what plans on working with local businesses flavored popcorn and there was no room we are offering.” and communities to offer their product. for disappointment. It’s hard to pick a In the future, they plan on opening up Judging by reviews on social media, favorite as all the offerings were good, and more locations across the Valley, as well as their offerings are a big hit. actually tasted as you’d want and expect. offer catering at corporate events. “My husband and I are addicted to the We were able to sample flavors.” Information: centralpopalicious.com

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | NOV 16 - DEC 6, 2019

Chandler’s top 100

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce held a glitzy evening in the new downtown parking garage Nov. 6 for its annual Chandler 100 that honored the top 100 companies in the city. Attending the celebration were, all from left: 1) Niomee Baker and Kari Zurn; 2) Jennie Joles and Heather Mulhearn; 3) Chamber CEO/President Terri Kimble, who gaddressed the crowd; 4) Lorenzo Isham, Candice Street and Sydney Haynes; 5) each company received a souvenir; 6) Bob Arnett; 7) County Supervisor Jack Sellers, Christine Ellis, Mayor Kevin Kartke and Sam Szeto. All photographs by Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer

5 2

BUSINESS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | NOV 16 - DEC 6, 2019

Couple’s Chandler institute stretches their success SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

The way Ann and Chris Frederick see it, an unlimited number of people, could use the techniques they offer and teach. Starting with “anyone needing more mobility and flexibility to function better in sports and life,” Chris ticks off: Professional athletes and athletes of all ages, the mildly arthritic, elderly, anyone tight with poor mobility/flexibility, people dealing with PTSD, stress, muscle tension, post-surgery or injury scar tissue and preand post-partum conditions. The Fredericks provide and teach stretching – a therapy that improves the mobility of nerves and the flexibility of muscles and fascia by focusing on the fascial lines that connect through and wrap around the body’s muscles. It’s not run-of-the-mill stretching people can do on their own. The Fredericks’ Fascial Stretch Therapy system was born out of years of research, practice and creative application. The couple recently moved their 20-year-old Stretch to Win Institute from Tempe to 580 N. 54th Street, Chandler, where they will train qualified professionals in health, fitness and sports the techniques they provide at their Stretch to Win Center at 8763 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. “We are the only training of its kind”, said Ann Frederick, creator of the Fascial Stretch Therapy system, which she describes as “very gentle and provides immediate and long-lasting positive effects. It really will change your life, body and spirit.” As long as prerequisites are met by prospective students, the institute accepts high school graduates and adults looking for a second career with professionals in health, fitness and sports. “Professionals train for five days, get certified as practitioners of FST and usually double their income and recoup all costs associated with training within one or two months,” said Chris, adding, “We also have second career students over 50 years old that are eager to learn FST in order to help others lead more productive and higher-quality lives.” A former professional dancer who grew up in her mother’s dance studio and started to dance at age 4, Ann became a dance instructor at 14. She has practiced manual therapy for over 20 years in flexibility training and assisted individual stretching, group

Ann and Chris Frederick have just opened their Fascial Stretch Therapy Institute in Chandler, complimenting their Scottsdale clinic, to spread their technique o qualified people who want to learn a new skill. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

stretch and dance instruction. The Arizona State University graduate developed her own techniques through scientific research and devised her own neuromyofascial manual therapy for the 1996 USA Men’s Olympic Wrestling Team. “Ann started as a female in a man’s world of trainers and coaches in sports,” Chris said, explaining that as graduate assistant in ASU’s athletic department, “she was responsible for stretching athletes from 25 different sports.” “When she worked with the Sun Devils football team, she was credited with reducing injuries by 45 percent, given credit in part for helping the team get to the Rose Bowl in ’97 injury-free.” Besides improving professional athletic performance, she developed

her technique and dubbed it “Stretch to Win-FST,” helping clients with chronic pain conditions, strength imbalances and other common neuromusculoskeletal disorders. Chris has been a practicing physical therapist for over 24 years, but he has an extensive background as a professional dancer in classical ballet and a specialist in dance physical therapy, working with the New York City Ballet and as a dance physical therapist for Arizona Ballet. He is also versed in the ancient movement and healing arts of tai chi and qigong. He trained with Ann in 1998, and helped evolve STW-FST as “an effective manual therapy and movement reeducation system that improved outcomes with many common medical diagnoses faster and more effectively than

traditional physical therapy.” While Ann founded her clinic in 1995, with the goal of improving the performance of professional athletes by changing the way they stretched, she and her husband founded the Stretch to Win Institute four years later with the intention of passing on their complete system “to rapidly and radically transform personal and professional lives.” Chris danced in New York and became a specialist in dance physical therapy, working for the New York City Ballet and was the former physical therapist for Ballet Arizona. Chris said he and his wife will soon rebrand Their Fascial Stretch Therapy to the Frederick Stretch Technique. “Traditional stretching often hurts, takes too long, gives poor or temporary results when people try to stretch themselves,” Chris said. “Assisted stretching administered by an experienced and knowledgeable practitioner can produce significant results with a greater range of motion, improved function in activities of daily living and sports performance, improved quality of sex in adults with poor flexibility/mobility, reduced or eliminated chronic pain due to stiff joints and tight muscles.” He called the institute’s workshops “a total, intense immersion of handson training, humor, fun and networking in an 11,000-square-foot space created specifically for the comfort and maximal learning experience of our students.” “When we first started our Center and our Institute, there were few to none of private practices or training schools focusing solely on assisted stretching,” he said. “Today assisted stretching has been a growing phenomenon over the past five years, with franchises expanding at a rapid rate.” “The task now is to educate the public about what makes us – or our technique called FST – unique and different from the rest that is basic and traditional stretch technique.” Chris said one of the couple’s graduates “called Stretch to Win the Tesla of stretching and others the Prius.” “Both may offer stretching but Stretch to Win is faster, more effective and longer-lasting results with individualized assessments and sessions that you don’t get on cookie cutter outfits,” he added. Information: Institute: stretchtowin. com; center: stretchtowincenters.com.

WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | NOV 16 - DEC 6, 2019

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | NOV 16 - DEC 6, 2019

BUSINESS

Cheba Hut coming to downtown Chandler BY JUSTIN LYONS Contributor

A new Cheba Hut will open in downtown Chandler mid-December, on the corner of Boston Street and Arizona Avenue. Located across the street from Chandler City Hall, it is moving into a retail spot that had been home to an Even Stevens Sandwich Shop, which folded when the chain declared bankruptcy earlier this year. Cheba Hut regional manager Josh Willett and owner Dorian Lenz are excited for the new location, which at 3,000-square-feet will be the sub chain’s largest eatery to date. The sandwich shop, founded 25 years ago in Arizona, opened several locations in Colorado, California, Oregon, New Mexico and Wisconsin. Cheba Hut specializes in toasted subs and other sandwiches; It offers more than 30 different options for customers as well as craft beers, specialty drinks and a variety of Rice Krispie treats and desserts. Where Cheba Hut veers from a typical sandwich shop is its “counterculture” marijuana-themed menu with sandwich names like “Jamaican Red” and “Acapulco Gold.” Willett said Cheba Hut thrives off its genuineness and its acceptance of people of all walks of life, which he said

The corner building at Arizona Avenue and Boston Street in downtown Chandler used to be home to an Even Stevens Sandwich Shop until the company folded. Now it will be a Cheba Hut. (Justin Lyons)

is exemplified by the employees at the stores. Lenz noted employees are allowed to have earrings, tattoos and colored hair. “We accept them no matter who they are,” Lenz said, noting its philosophy extends to the customer base.

GRAND OPENING

Added Willet: “We don’t pretend to be family-friendly, but we’re good food and good people. It’s all about having a good time and treating people like our peers.” He also said people react to the genuineness and customers who used to come in as college students, still

come in as “grown-ups” and now bring their families to the sub shop. Jesus Lopez, the assistant manager of the new Chandler location, echoed Willett’s sentiment, stating: “We know that people look for us. As soon as we pop up somewhere, everyone starts getting excited and saying, ‘You’re in my area.’” Lopez added Chandler residents are excited about the new location as they no longer have to drive to Tempe or Ahwatukee for a toasted sub. “We have lots of second and third-generation customers. Our customer base is spread out and the whole environment is very inviting for everybody,” Lenz said. Lopez said the downtown Chandler shop will also contain the biggest bar among all its Arizona Cheba Huts and will have a patio facing Boston Street. He agreed the theme comes second to the quality of the food, the prices and the openness. “We even get cops in here all the time. I see it as a business. It’s good food, good people, so I’ve never really gotten any bad backlash from that,” Lopez said. As for the marijuana puns, Willet said, “It’s not taboo. We’re going to be us, and we’re not going to change because of a small group of people.”

How To Improve Your Mobility & Independence To Continue Living An Active & Full Life! The New Secrets No Other Healthcare Has Told You About, Because It’s Brand New! By Leading Balance Expert, Dr. Lianne Rogers

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BUSINESS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | NOV 16 - DEC 6, 2019

While home supply loosens a bit, prices creep up SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

People looking to buy a home in Chandler are likely to be frustrated looking in ZIP codes 85249 and 85286 and might be better off checking 85224. The Cromford Report, which studies the Valley housing market closely, reported recently 85224 is one of about two dozen in the Phoenix metro region showing “a significant increase in active listings.” On the other hand, if your heart is set on finding something in 85249 or 85286, best of luck. Those two Chandler ZIPs are three dozen others with “fewer single-family active listings on Nov. 1, than they had a month earlier,” Cromford reported. In all, 16 Phoenix ZIPs followed the similar lower-inventory trend, as well as three ZIPs in Mesa, two in western Tempe, three in Scottsdale and 16 more in places like Maricopa, Glendale, Peoria and even Superior. Six other Phoenix ZIP codes showed an increase in active listings. Along with 85224 in Chandler, prospective buyers might have better luck finding something in 85281 in Tempe, 85295 and 85296 in south Gilbert, three in Mesa, two in Scottsdale and 25 in places as far away as Wickenburg and Gold Canyon. Inventory has bedeviled the Maricopa and Pinal County housing markets all year – driven largely by the influx of out-of-state residents

relocating to the Phoenix area. While Cromford reported that tight inventory might loosen up over the next two months because of the holidays, it also suggested buyers shouldn’t be too happy. “We are still in a market that strongly favors sellers and the upward price pressure this implies is starting to become more evident in sales recordings,” it said. We have seen fairly weak new listing flow for the first week of November, so it looks like the movement in favor of buyers will be short-lived and relatively insignificant to the overall picture. We remain in a strong seller’s market for the top 15 cities in this list and in a moderate seller’s market for the bottom 2. It noted that October figures “confirm robust pricing trends and strong sales counts” with sales up 7 percent from October 2018. The bad news for buyers: “The median sales price climbed 9% from $271,000 to $292,000,” Cromford said. While builders have been going steady, the influx of new residents to Maricopa County – currently the fastest growing in the nation – are swamping the affordable-home market, Cromford and other analysts say. For new homes, the unit count rose 6 percent to 1,456 while the median sales price gained 6 percent to $369,660 in October over September. The re-sale market produced 8,224 recorded deeds, a rise of 7 percent, while the median sales price rose 9 percent to $280,000,

Cromford said. “The average new home is much larger than the average re-sale which goes some way to explain the large difference in median prices between new homes and re-sales,” it noted. “The market remains exceptionally favorable for sellers,” it added, reporting: “There are numerous ways to show this but one simple method is to measure the listing success rate. The current level of 84.2 percent is by far the highest we have seen for November since we started recording this measure in 2006.” While Cromford reported that tight inventory might loosen up over the next two months because of the holidays, it also suggested buyers shouldn’t be too happy. “We are still in a market that strongly favors sellers and the upward price pressure this implies is starting to become more evident in sales recordings,” it said. It also found “very little movement in sales pricing, a large upward movement in for-sale pricing and a large upward movement in under-contract pricing.” In other words, don’t expect much in the way of anxious sellers slashing asking prices. The two large increases in for-sale price and what a home finally sells for “are not so common and are the first sign of the significant uptick in pricing that inevitably follows” the supply data that Cromford tracks. Cromford’s analysis is echoed by

national outlooks by Realtor.com and S&P CoreLogic. CoreLogic, a real-estate data firm, suggested that that annual home-price growth will increase by 5.4 percent by July 2020. “That would represent a shift from what has happened over much of 2019,” Realtor.com said, noting that home prices in this year rose only about 2.1 percent over last year – when prices rose 6.3 percent. Cromford said plummeting mortgage rates this year have created “an unexpected jolt of affordability into the housing market” though it also said, “there are now significant signs of weakness in the US economy and the rest of the world.” “The Federal Reserve will often cut interest rates in a faltering economy and if they do and if these cuts translate to even lower mortgage rates, we could see continuing jolts of affordability for the housing market,” Cromford said. “If we are to enter a recession, then the housing market will not be the leading cause like it was in 2008,” it added. Cromford said data reflects that Maricopa County and other parts of central Arizona “Central Arizona “should remain in pretty decent shape as long as the current employment trends hold reasonably steady.” “Unlike last time, the Greater Phoenix housing market looks well placed to weather a mild to moderate economic storm,” it said.

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SPORTS

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Matt Denny hired as Casteel’s next baseball coach BY ZACH ALVIRA

Sports Editor

Matt Denny, who coached Mountain Pointe’s baseball program for the last three seasons, was recently hired by Casteel High School to be the school’s next head baseball coach. The Chandler Unified School District approved Denny as head coach at its Nov. 13 meeting. Denny’s request to be released from his contract at Mountain Pointe was accepted on Wednesday, Nov. 5. “He will be an incredible addition to our school and community,” Casteel Athletic Director Ryan Ridenour said of Denny. “He is without a doubt, one of the top coaches in the state of Arizona and we are very fortunate to have the opportunity to add him to our team.” Denny led the Pride in a 57-34 record during his three seasons as Pride’s coach. He coached several current and future Division I baseball players, including senior infielder Carson Tucker, who committed to play at the University of Texas as a junior, as well as Nick Wallerstedt, who is now playing at Arizona State University.

Matt Denny, a former coach at Mountain Pointe High School, has signed on as Casteel High’s new baseball coach. (Zach Alvira/Sports Editor)

“When Matt took over the baseball program in 2017, he managed to work tirelessly to instill purpose, pride and performance into his baseball program by building a culture fostered by respect,” Mountain Pointe Athletic Director Aaron Frana said in an email. “He brought a sense of community to the baseball program and Mountain Pointe. He also developed his student-athletes into more than just baseball players. “Matt set a standard of excellence that we want to continue within our program.” Denny takes over for former Casteel baseball coach Matt Perisho, who was let go in October, after leading the program from its inception in 2016, and three varsity seasons from 2017-19. Perisho led the Colts to a 71-21 record during his tenure, making the playoffs each year including the 3A semifinals in 2018. Denny said he looks forward to the opportunity at Casteel and hopes to continue leading the program to success. He plans to begin working on Casteel’s campus as soon as possible to get acquainted with players ahead of tryouts in February.

The Colts will begin their season on March 3, during a home game against South Mountain High School. “I’m excited, I think it’s going to be a great opportunity,” Denny said. “It’s bittersweet leaving Mountain Pointe but it’s an opportunity I’m excited for. I loved it at Mountain Pointe, I loved the players and the school was great to me. “I think I learned some things that I will use when I move over here.” Current assistant coach, JJ Sferra will coach the Pride baseball team in an interim as head coach for the 2020 season, Frana said. Sferra graduated from Mountain Pointe in 2004, then went on to play two seasons at Arizona State University. He helped the Sun Devils finish third nationally in 2006, hitting a walk-off base hit in the College World Series against Nebraska. “I think he is going to do great,” Denny said of Sferra. “He’s a great leader and the kids will gravitate toward him. He’s a great coach and a great person and I think he’s going to do an unbelievable job. “I’m excited for him.”

Hamilton shines during state golf championships “But for them to come together as a group and support each other, that’s the best feeling I have.”

BY ZACH ALVIRA

Sports Editor

Hamilton High School junior Johnny Walker and senior Joy Callinan shined at the Arizona Interscholastic Association Division I boys and girls golf championships Tuesday, as both captured individual titles. Walker also contributed to the Hamilton boys capturing the team title at the Catalina Course in Tucson. “He had a great year all the way through as has our entire team,” Hamilton boys golf coach Steve Kanner said. “This is probably the best overall season we’ve had, and we’ve had some good ones. “Johnny is a very talented, hardworking player with an unbelievable bright future.” Walker was dominant on the course for Hamilton, placing first with a 136, 10 shots under par and four ahead of Desert Vista’s Scott Schlader and Sunrise Mountain’s Ben Lorenz, two of the best golfers in the state who tied for second place. On the girls’ side, Callinan shot 7 under par with a 135 at the two-day event. She held off Xavier Prep’s Ashley Menne, Red Mountain’s Sydney Bryan and Liberty’s Mattie Frick, who all finished within two strokes off Callinan’s pace, to win the title. The Hamilton girls finished third as a team in the tournament after shooting 16 over par. Pinnacle and Xavier Prep

Hamilton junior Johnny Walker and senior Joy Callinan both won individual Division I titles at the state golf championships on Tuesday. (Courtesy Andy Morales/AZPreps365.com)

Hamilton boys golf program captured its seventh state championship on Tuesday in Tucson.

(Courtesy Hamilton athletics)

finished first and second, respectively. Walker’s teammate, Mahanth Chirravuri, finished 5 under par to place fourth in the tournament. “We were fighting off Brophy and (Johnny) came through for us,” Kanner said. “I thought we would widen the lead a little bit, but they kept coming back. It was almost like a boxing match.” Hamilton wound up beating Brophy, which finished 10 under par and Chaparral, which finished 16 over par. Walker and Chirravuri, along with Anawin Pikulthong (T-12th) and Ethan

Adams (T-16th), helped the Huskies claim their first state title since 2014 and the seventh overall in program history. There will once again be high expectations for Hamilton next season, as the Huskies return eight of 10 golfers from this year’s title team. For now, however, Kanner and his team will enjoy this season’s state championship. “I was happy for these guys,” Kanner said. “It’s validation for what they do. They’re all successful junior golfers. They know what it’s like to compete on a big stage.

Hamilton boys golf roster Ethan Adam, Sr. Tyler Biberdorf, Sr. Mahanth Chirravuri, So. Ryo Ito, Fr. Nick Lippe, So. Aiden Palermo, So. Alexander Paul, Jr. Anawin Pikulthong, Fr. Rohan Singh, So. Johnny Walker, Jr.

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My story proves the American Dream lives BY MARTHA LLAMAS Guest Writer

Some are convinced that the American Dream is dead. I disagree. As an immigrant and a domestic violence abuse survivor, I am proof it’s possible to break down barriers to achieve the American Dream. After arriving in Arizona from Mexico with little money and no English, my mother worked hard as a cook to raise my five siblings and me. Thanks to my mother’s sacrifices, I was able to pursue an education. Eventually, I met my ex-husband. And like many domestic abuse survivors, things were great at first. Then it became a living hell. Fortunately, I was able to escape this nightmare. Being on my own was incredibly scary. Having few discernable job skills and little work experience, the prospect of generating an income was daunting – especially when trying to

raise two young children. Thankfully, I wasn’t entirely alone. My mother was able to get me a job in the janitorial services company where she worked as a janitor. My duties in my new job quite literally included mopping the floors at night. I didn’t earn much money, but I was happy to have a job and earn an honest living. Determined to make the most of this opportunity, I worked hard and stayed focused. I also began learning English and asked my bosses for additional work. My hard work paid off. I was eventually promoted to operations manager. From there, as they say, the rest is history. Today, along with my new husband, I run M & R Inc, a million-dollar janitorial services company and a franchisee of Jani-King Commercial Cleaning – the company that first took a chance on me all those years back. I share my story not to brag, but to serve as a reminder that it is entirely possible to accomplish amazing things in this land of opportunity.

I never could have imagined in my wildest dreams running a company when I was living under the constant fear of an abusive husband, having little education and speaking little English that I would be where I am today. Many immigrants are contributing positively to our country and creating opportunities for others. According to a recent report by the Congressional Joint Economic Committee, “the rate of entrepreneurs in 2017 was much higher for Latinos than in any other group.” Another report by the Brookings Institution found that almost half of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or the children of immigrants. Immigrants are not just starting Fortune 500 companies. They are also innovating and contributing yo places where they work. One of my favorite examples is the story of Richard Montanez, a Mexican immigrant working as a factory janitor at a Frito-Lay plant in California, responsible for creating Flamin’ Hot Cheetos – a

top-selling product. Today, Richard is an executive at Frito Lay. Besides having started at the bottom like me, I also admire Richard’s commitment to giving back. Recently, he said, “Latinos who have made it like myself have a responsibility to open doors to younger generations and teach them that they can do it. I do it because I can and I know what it is like to be hungry.” I couldn’t agree more, which is why I think that one of the best ways we can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is not only to celebrate our community’s many accomplishments but also look for ways to pass on what we know to younger generations. My message to anyone who wants to listen is simple: The American Dream is alive and well and my story proves it. - Martha Llamas owns Jani King of Phoenix Commercial Cleaning & Janitorial Services. She volunteers for the LIBRE Initiative and with the Arizona chapter of Americans for Prosperity.

Coyotes may have more right to be here than humans BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Columnist

Much of what makes life in this Valley appealing is the state’s rugged desert feel. The landscape is rough hereabouts, all scrub growth and cactus that can tear flesh. The temperature for many months of the year is too much for weaker beings. And then there’s Arizona’s wildlife, the rattlesnakes, scorpions, javelina and coyotes who have called this place home since long before man moved out West and staked a claim. Life in the Valley isn’t for everyone. I was reminded of that after watching a story on KTVK Channel 3 about a Nov. 6 neighborhood meeting between scores of angry Scottsdale residents and officials from the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The subject of the gathering? A rash of homicidal urban coyotes who have

killed six dogs and a cat since September in the area around Scottsdale and Bell roads. Said one lady neighbor while jabbing a manicured fingernail at Game and Fish officials: “I’ve been here since 1974, and it’s never been the case (of) this many coyotes. And I can tell you it better not start being the case because if I get hurt, I’m gonna sue somebody. I’m gonna say you should’ve been protecting me and you weren’t.” I’ll note for the record that coyote attacks against human beings – manicured or otherwise – are exceedingly rare in Arizona (and non-existent in this TV story). Coyotes mostly eat fruit and garbage and roadkill. They occasionally switch things up by grabbing small dogs and cats who almost exclusively have been left offleash or allowed to roam the backyard unaccompanied after leaving the house through the doggie door. The chances of a coyote or a coyote

pack cornering and attacking you or snatching your pet while you’re nearby standing sentinel? It’s pretty much zero based on my quarter-century living here. Confronted by humans – and I’ve seen my share of coyotes while hiking and golfing – desert dogs are typically timid, ready to flee the moment you act unafraid and dominant. As for the risk of a coyote killing a small pet that’s off the leash, my response may sound heartless, but here it is: That’s life in the desert. It happens. That’s the life we all chose when we came here. In cities, the greatest danger to pets is a lifetime of confinement and avenue traffic. Here, the desert has predators who kill. The less you account for that and the less vigilant you are as a desert pet owner, the more likely your pet will end up a victim. Again, I don’t mean to belittle the grief of pet owners who loses a dog or

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cat. That would be devastating. Still, such losses do not represent blood on the hands of Game and Fish. That department has always been very clear about its role in the Arizona ecosystem: Game and Fish does not remove or relocate “nuisance wildlife” to protect pets. They take action only when human lives are at risk. The metropolitan Phoenix desert remains a place with rough edges, risks and discomforts. That’s part of what makes the Valley unique. We don’t live in desert owned by Disney, with a chorus of smiling coyotes singing “Hakuna Matata.” Here, owning small dogs and cats comes with certain risks and responsibilities. If that’s not what you signed up for, I totally understand. But the proper response isn’t to call the government to demand protection or to call in a SWAT team of lawyers. Perhaps you should consider calling a real estate agent instead?

SanTan Sun 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, and for subscription information, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia.com or 480898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegatedmedia.com.

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Fiscal responsibility creates opportunity, innovation BY COUNCILMAN MARK STEWART Guest Writer

As a community of innovation, the City of Chandler is constantly looking for ways to provide best-in-class services at the lowest cost possible. Many mayor and councils prior to my tenure focused on building a financially stable and sound community. Through community input, Chandler is able to continue this strategy of financial prudence and priority-based spending. With input from our citizens, we are able to guide our budget planning year after year while maintaining our quest to be the best city in America. The City of Chandler is currently in the process of preparing the Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget and the 2021-2030 Capital Improvement Plan – what we call CIP. This is the process of planning and prioritizing how and when we build roads, replace pipes or build new parks. We have always taken a collaborative approach in the budget preparation process with residents of Chandler to create a budget that reflects the needs of our growing community. Since Chandler is fortunate enough to have an involved community, each

innovation! With your help, Chandler will continue to pioneer ways to keep Chandler safe, vibrant and thriving, while remaining flexible to implement innovative solutions to meet citizen expectations. We will continue to deliver technology, facilities and training, preparing our first responders to handle emergencies. Moreover, we will continue to invest in the training and technology throughout the city and ensure our police and fire departments remain the best in the business. Our parks, libraries and recreational facilities create active gathering spaces to enjoy in our community, learn with others and form memorable experiences. Investments and maintenance of transportation, water and development infrastructure, protect the vitality of our community. What does this mean? It means we are committed to providing the best customer service in the state without requiring higher taxes. It all starts with community input during this budget process, and I encourage you to learn more about how to get involved by visiting chandleraz.gov/budget and share your innovative ideas.

downturn in our future. Maintaining infrastructure, a high standard of service and an excellent quality of life for our residents is at the forefront of our priorities. We continue to plan for the future by closely monitoring state legislation that may affect local funding, attracting a wide range of businesses and maintaining healthy reserves. Chandler continuously looks for innovative ways to improve services without raising taxes. Currently, the City is undergoing a priority-based budgeting process that inventories and costs all services provided. Chandler may have some of the best financial staff in the nation that ensures if we build something like a park or a road, that we have sustainable income to support the maintenance of those projects. It is one thing to build a park, it is entirely another type of cost to run it year-after-year. We are consistently implanting systems that improve our customer service levels or make doing business with the City easier. This summer we launched an autonomous vehicle ride-hailing program with Waymo to evaluate employee productivity while commuting to and from off-site work meetings and potentially create fleet services cost savings. This is

year we receive good input on our annual budget surveys. The survey results provide the mayor and Council and city staff guidance on how to improve quality of life. It is a big reason why Chandler is such a great place to live. Mayor and Council are your eyes and ears to the City, and we are committed to ensuring our fiscal policies promote economic growth and long term sustainability. The city’s strong financial reserves, prudent debt management practices and structurally balanced approach has made us one of only 40 communities across the nation that holds AAA General Obligation bond ratings with all three bond rating agencies. In other words, we have “good credit” and extremely low-interest rates when we use bonds to build roads, parks or infrastructure projects, such as the recent Public Safety Training Facility. All of these strict financial planning helps us keep our property taxes low and still provide great service. Years of adherence to solid financial policies have resulted in strong economic development, quality public safety and well-built infrastructure. As the economy has experienced its longest period of growth in history, there are predictions of a national

- Mark Stewart is a member of Chandler City Council.

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Once addicted, Chandler man fights opioid abuse He decided right there, it was time to stop taking pills. His body and mind endured weeks of miserable agony as he experienced withdrawals, but he stuck to his promise. More than three years later, Stark is sober and on a mission to keep others from falling under the spell of opioids. “There’s a pure anger in my soul with these things: Now I know what they are and what they do,” Stark said. “They almost ruined me.” Stark is one of the estimated 10 million Americans who annually misuse prescription opioids. More than 47,000 people in the U.S. died in 2017, from opioid-related overdoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Public health officials described the situation as a rampant epidemic plaguing communities across the country. Pharmaceutical companies have to reckon with their culpability in creating the crisis, as states and cities take them to court and accuse them of putting

BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Kyle Stark has “4-19-16” tattooed across his left hand – the date marks an important milestone in the Chandler man’s life. It was the last day he considered himself a drug addict. The following day, April 20, his family staged an intervention and confronted Stark about his addiction to prescription painkillers. By this point in his life, Stark was medicating himself with at least 12 pills a day. He lost his job, was burning through his bank account and started buying drugs off the street. Stark spent more than a decade trying to keep his addiction a secret; secretly hoping none of his friends or coworkers would find out he could no longer go more than a few hours without popping some OxyContin. Something changed in Stark when his family intervened that fateful spring day in 2016: He realized how his addiction severely anguished his children. “We were not in a good place,” Stark recalled. “It was all because of me.”

Kyle Stark of Chandler started turning his life around on April 20, 2016, when his family intervened and inspired him to quit his addiction to opioids. Now he is helping others do the same. (Chris Mortenson/Staff Photographer)

See

OPIOID on page 49

Chandler teacher competes on ‘Family Feud’ BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

A Chandler teacher recently got to test his wits on national television after he was picked to compete on “Family Feud.” Steven Heyd, a special education teacher at Hull Elementary School, appeared on the long-running game show this month with four of his family members. Host Steve Harvey asked the Heyds and another competing family to think how the general public would respond to random survey questions. The family that came up with the most popular answers won the game. Heyd said his family won the first game and were invited to play against another family. But they came up short the second time around. Although they didn’t get to continue playing, Heyd said their appearance on “Family Feud” was worth the trip to Los Angeles. “It was thrilling,” he said. “It was quite the experience. We’ll definitely never forget.” The family auditioned for the show on a whim, Heyd said, earlier this year at a casting call in Phoenix. Their expectations were pretty low, considering the number of families who showed up to audition. “There were thousands of people there,” Heyd recalled. “It was crazy.” After getting a few minutes to compete in a mock competition, the Heyds were called back for an interview

Hull Elementary teacher Steven Heyl, far left, joined his family and host Steve Harvey, center, on “Family Feud.” With Heyl are, from left, stepbrother Sean Tamba, Steve Heyl’s wife Gaylynn and on Harvey’s left are Hely’s stepmom Whitney Heyl and his dad Rick Heyl. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

with the show’s producers. A couple weeks later, they got a phone call and were asked when they might be available to appear on the show. Even though they were flown out to California, it still wasn’t guaranteed the Heyds would actually get to play on the show. Heyd said producers purposefully overbook families, so there’s a good chance a group will get sent home without getting to play. “We were lucky enough to get selected,” he said. The Heyds got a behind-the-scenes

view of how the show is produced, which involves taping at least four matches a day. It’s not exactly like what the viewer sees on television, Heyd added. The game itself was relatively easy for the family, Heyd said. They had spent weeks beforehand practicing with each other, thinking how they might respond to possible survey questions. During the actual game, Heyd said they were given survey questions involving what would someone leave on a clown’s grave and bad professions for

meeting a romantic partner. “My wife had answers that I would have never come up with,” he said. “It’s funny how everyone goes their own route.” “Family Feud” first debuted on television in 1976 and has spawned several spin-off shows that broadcast all over the globe. Some of the show’s rules have slightly changed over the years, but its format has remained relatively the same. Contestants can win up to $25,000 and a brand new car. Heyd couldn’t disclose what his family won until their episodes aired. He said his family had been regular viewers of the show, but they hadn’t really ever considered being contestants. Because they don’t all live in Chandler, the Heyds knew it might be difficult finding a way for all of them to get to a casting call. It wasn’t until Heyd’s stepmother and father made a visit from Hawaii that the family realized they had enough players to form a team and audition. Heyd’s stepbrother from Mesa filled the fifth slot in their group. The experience was a great bonding moment for the family, Heyd said, since the five of them don’t always get to spend a lot of time together. “To have that experience and then do it with your loved ones is something we never thought we would do and we’re so grateful for the opportunity,” he added. Episodes featuring the Heyd family aired on Nov. 14 and 15.

NEIGHBORS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | NOV 16 - DEC 6, 2019

Chandler woman elected community college senator academic journey at CGCC,” she added. Student senators represent their college in the county system. addressing student issues as well as legislating on behalf of their classmates. “Senators will provide for the welfare and betterment of all Maricopa

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A Chandler woman was elected to the 10-member Maricopa County Community College District Student Senate. Missy Ascension, a Chandler-Gilbert Community College student, will represent her school during the 2019-20 school year. “Chandler-Gilbert Community College is incredibly special to me and I’m honored to be able to represent its community in such a monumental way,” said Ascension. “It’s the place where I experienced the most professional and personal growth in my life and where I learned that I could make my dream career a reality.” Ascension said she appreciates the school “all the communities that have poured their time and encouragement in shaping me into who I am today.” She also welcomes the chance “to be able to give back to CGCC by becoming the voice of our student body and set the precedent for all future Student Senators to come.” Although she had no specific platform, Ascension said, “My goal as student senator is to ultimately ensure that the needs of our students

University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management with an emphasis in project management. She aspires to work in the rapidlyexpanding esports industry with the goal of creating more esports teams at

Chandler-Gilbert Community College is incredibly special to me, and I’m “ honored to be able to represent its community in such a monumental way. ” – Missy Ascension

Missy Ascension of Chandler was recently elected a member of the Maricopa County Community College District Student Senate. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

do not fall on deaf ears, and cultivate an environment that allows students to feel heard, welcomed and safe here on campus. “I hope to inspire our students and help them become the best version of themselves that they can attain during their

students,” a district spokeswoman said. “In this leadership position, senators ensure student voices are heard. Chandler-Gilbert officials hailed Ascension’s election. Veronica Hipolito, CGCC vice president of student affairs, noted, “Missy has made a positive impact on student engagement at CGCC through her leadership in the Esports Cub, and we believe she will continue this positive work as an advocate and voice for students in the Maricopa Student Senate.” Ascension studies business and intends to transfer to Arizona State

colleges and universities. She was president of the CGCC Esports Club in 2018-19, and plays on the club’s League of Legends Varsity Team. She currently works as the welcome desk receptionist for the college’s International Education Department. The Maricopa Community College’s Student Senate functions to advocate for the common interests of all MCCCD students in order to share student achievements and concerns with their fellow students, governing board, chancellor, colleges, faculty, staff, and the community.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | NOV 16 - DEC 6, 2019

Chandler veteran helps female vets heal with art BY HALEY LORENZEN Staff Writer

The artwork of 16 women veterans this month will display their work at a free show that also will include their stories of their war-related trauma and healing. “The Trauma Transformed – The Story and Art of Women Veterans” show will culminate a four-day creative arts healing retreat in Scottsdale for female veterans who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and military sexual trauma. The show will be 6-8:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 at the Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 East Lincoln Drive. The retreat and art show were organized by the Chandler nonprofit Warrior Songs. Warrior Songs was founded in 2011 by Iraq war veteran Jason Moon. After serving as a combat engineer in 2003 and 2004, Moon returned home to Wisconsin, where he struggled to reintegrate into civilian life. Suffering from PTSD, Moon attempted suicide in 2008. “As part of my recovery, I started writing songs. I wrote a whole CD about dealing with PTSD,” he said. “All of that kind of just sparked a healing in me, but then it also taught me that I can take this pain that caused me to want to kill myself, and I can put it in a song, not only healing me but starting to help other veterans.” Moon began speaking and performing at conferences and churches and began

receiving letters from other veterans. “I got a letter from a mother, her son was over there at the same time I was, and attempted suicide three times,” Moon said. “She said she played him some songs on the CD, and he went to the VA the next day. So that was the moment I said ‘Alright, I’m going do something with this.’ I founded Warrior Songs and started just singing for anyone who would listen.” Warrior Songs began in Wisconsin but moved to Arizona when Moon relocated in 2016. As the organization grew, a variety of programs were developed to assist veterans in healing through music and the creative arts. One program, called Story to Song, connects veterans with musicians and songwriters through song. Through this program, two albums of music have been released. The healing retreats are facilitated by both civilian therapists and other veterans who help the participants use arts and music to connect with themselves and then work on their healing process. The first was held in 2013, and since then three others have been held. This is the first arts retreat specifically designed for women veterans. Moon explained that after hearing the stories of women veterans who have been traumatized, he knew a retreat tailored to them was needed. But he also knew he needed to build a team of women who could relate to them.

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He sought help from Graciela Marroquin, who will be the “mind, body and spirit assistant” at this year’s retreat. “We both found out we’re musicians,” Marroquin said. “He was Iraq, I was Iraq at the same time, so all the connections just lined up.” Marroquin, a Washington native, joined the Navy when she was 18, and later served in the National Guard and the Army. She was deployed to Iraq in 2003, and after being discharged due to a back injury, she went back to school to get her master’s degree in social work. Marroquin’s trauma didn’t catch up to her right after returning home, she said, but eventually it caught up to her. “When I came back from Iraq, I went back to grad school, but during that time, not only did trauma from war, but the military sexual trauma I had also came to surface,” she said. Marroquin began a seven-week stay at a residential facility for women with PTSD, after she said she, “had had a lot of suicide ideations like a lot of us do, but the final one was where I was really just had lost my mind and I knew I needed to get help.” Now, Marroquin is helping other women with their trauma. She said one on the goals of the retreat is for women to form, “a sisterhood where the know they’re not alone. A sisterhood that they can build upon, not only with each other here, but also go back to their own communities and to their own homes.”

The retreats are of no cost to the attendees, which means Warrior Songs relies heavily on fundraising. This year’s event was also made possible with a grant from the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services. The lead fundraiser for this year’s retreat, Ellicia Romo, said they’ve raised roughly $24,000 so far. “I think its huge for veterans to know that civilians care,” she said. “I think it’s so important for them to know they’re appreciated.” Moon said he encourages as many civilians as possible to come to the art show, where not only can they view the art, they can hear the stories behind the art. “For about an hour we make sure each veteran has an opportunity to share whatever they need to share about their art. And when they do, they get to hold their art while they talk about their art, so the eyes of the audience move onto the art and off of the individual, who can then fully express what they need to say,” he explained. “I think as many people as possible should come to this show. They’re going to be amazed by what they see and feel, and maybe walk away from it with a different understanding of what art can do,” Moon added. Information: warriorsongs,org

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | NOV 16 - DEC 6, 2019

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Hospice volunteers honor fading first responders visit a patient who served as first responder? A: Regardless of the size of the agency one serves in, we see things that few experience—the best and worst of humanity. There is a certain brotherhood we can relate to. Much like military veterans can relate to one another, so do first responders.

BY DEBORA BRITZ Guest Writer

Much like our touching program that honors military veteran patients, Hospice of the Valley volunteers are helping us grow a similar program called Honoring First Responders. Our goal is to recognize emergency, medical and law-enforcement officers for their bravery and service to the community — and to address their special needs at end of life when past traumatic experiences sometimes emerge. “Cops can talk and relate to other cops. It doesn’t take very long for a patient to open up to me and start sharing stories about their time as an officer,” said Hospice of the Valley volunteer and Mesa police Cmdr. Bill Peters. He was honored to visit Walter Schutt, a former police chief in upstate New York, and said he hopes “all first responders can finish their journey knowing they made a difference.” On another visit, Bill called on a former Mesa police officer at Hospice of the Valley’s Lund Home in Gilbert. Richard “Dickie” Leonard was medically retired in 1980 due to an onduty motorcycle accident. “I was a motor officer too,” Bill said, “so I can totally relate to him. And having the opportunity to recognize his service before he passes is quite a privilege.”

Q: How did Hospice of the Valley’s volunteer training prepare you for Honoring First Responders? A: I always try to remember that the meeting is about them and their journey. It’s really about letting them share. Sometimes, they are not verbal or I cannot understand what they are saying, but they still try to communicate. A lot of it is just being there to recognize them and honor them for their service.

Hospice of the Valley’s first group of Honoring First Responder volunteers includes, from left: Front: Bill Peters, Jill Evans, Scott Popp, Debora Schwartz and Rodney Dehmer. Back: Joel Truemper, Patricia Brienen, Don Burgess and Gary Maschner. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

Bill still remembers his very first visit. Q: What surprised you about it? A:: The gentleman was very near end of life. He had a very long law enforcement career in another state. He had difficulty speaking but shared some “war stories.” When I saluted him, he returned my salute, even though he was very weak. It was an emotional experience for sure. Q: What is the message you try to convey when honoring a first responder? A: I want them to know they made a difference in their community, that what

they did in life mattered. Q: How do our patients and their families respond to these tributes? A: This is an opportunity to celebrate how special their loved one is. I can see a sense of pride in the eyes of the first responder and the family members when I share that very few people have the courage, strength, commitment, intelligence and integrity to be a first responder. I once had a patient’s son in full police uniform join me in honoring his father with the salute. I don’t think anyone in the room had a dry eye Q: Why is your law-enforcement background important when you

Q: How has this program impacted you personally? A: I feel honored to be able to reach out to those who served in my profession and recognize them for the sacrifices they have made in serving their communities. It seems like the least I can do. It’s such a small thing on my part, but huge to them. They deserve it. Q: What are the main needs of the program now? See

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | NOV 16 - DEC 6, 2019

Mesa policeman and Army veteran helps his brothers BY HALEY LORENZEN Tribune Staff Writer

When Mesa veteran Sean Stoddard founded a nonprofit two years ago, choosing to call it “Archangels,” it had a much deeper meaning for him. “Our platoon was called the Archangels,” Stoddard recalled of his 2007 and 2008 tours of duty in Iraq as a member of the U.S. Army. “The logo that we use is actually the patch that was made by one of the soldiers that I served with. It’s very sacred to me. Some of the original Archangels are no longer with us, so it’s really special to all of us.” The Mesa native attended Kino Junior High and Mountain View High School before joining the Army, which also deployed him for two years in Afghanistan. Stoddard, the 13-year Mesa Police Department veteran policeman founded Archangels in 2017, to provide services to veterans suffering from posttraumatic-stress disorder. He knows – not only from his service to his country but also as a first responder how – how PTSD can impact an individual’s mental health. “When he returned from his service overseas, he said, “I started hearing about a lot of the challenges a lot of my brothers I served with in Iraq were going through, and so I started looking into possibly starting a nonprofit.” “I worked with a lawyer and the lawyer said, ‘Oh it’s too much money. It’s

Officer Sean Stoddard served in the U.S. Army and did two tours in Iraq in 2007 and 2008. (Special to the San Tan Sun News)

Mesa Police Officer Sean Stoddard, an Army veteran, founded Archangles to help his former comdrades in arms who suffer PTSD as a result of their service in war zones. (Special to the San Tan Sun News)

too painful. It’s too hard, don’t try to do it,’” Stoddard said. The Archangels began as a group of volunteers before becoming an official nonprofit organization. However, right after he founded Archangels, Stoddard was deployed once again. “As I started to get ready for the deployment, I thought you know what, I really need to just put this thing to the next level,” he said. “I wanted to also focus on first responders.” Today, Archangels provides a wide range of services for both veterans and first responders – including equine therapy, military dinners and fundraising for other organizations in the Valley. For veterans or first responders who are struggling financially, Archangels

works with businesses throughout the Valley to provide them with free or lowcost services. They can call Archangels, which will then connect them with the appropriate service provider, even a plumber or hairstylist. The nonprofit also raises money for the families of fallen service members to help with funeral costs and other necessities. “What’s nice about us is we don’t charge a dime. I don’t make a dime, I’m a volunteer, my board is volunteer, everyone who’s involved is volunteer, so when people donate it’s not like we take off 25 percent. It just goes to the family.” “It’s a beautiful thing to be able to do that,” Stoddard said. Archangels next big event, the Victory Run, will be held on Veterans Day this year at Magma Ranch Veterans

Park in Florence. “It’s going to be a 5K with every different service organization, the Marines will be out there, the Army will be out there. We’re going to have face painters and balloon twisters,” he said. One of Archangel’s recent projects was also held at the Veterans Park, where they “installed a really beautiful sign there,” he added. “It’s 10 feet wide, six feet tall and solid steel; it has all the military emblems. It’s incredible.” Stoddard is currently working on completing his master’s degree and is studying ethics and the treatment of PTSD. “I think the most immediate, pressing need is trying to fight PTSD and suicide,” he said. “It’s such an epidemic everywhere, and not just across the country, but specifically in the service community.” Information: archangel.rocks.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | NOV 16 - DEC 6, 2019

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AP, dual-enrollment a boon to Chandler students BY JUSTIN LYONS Contributor

Students might enter high school at around age 14, but even at that age they quickly learn dual enrollment and Advanced Placement classes can give them a head start in the future. AP courses, which are high-rigor programs and require a test, and dual enrollment courses, which guarantee college credit from a community college with a passing grade for students who pay upfront, can help students achieve college credit sooner and at a more affordable price. Kathy Baumann, a counselor and head of AP at Chandler High School, doesn’t have a general recommendation as to which program a student should consider. “The big thing that parents always ask me is, ‘Which one is better?’ I really can’t give you an answer because it varies. It depends on the student,” Baumann said, adding: “The AP exam is good for students who test well. The dual enrollment is nice because the test at the end is not your end-all. It’s everything that was involved all along.” Baumann currently oversees 781 students at Chandler High School who are registered in AP classes. To get college credit, they have the option to take 1,363 tests in 28 different AP level classes offered by Chandler High School. Of those 1,363 possible tests, 892 have been registered for.

Kirsten Wiley, left, and Kathy Bauman are counselors at Chandler High School. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

She explained AP testing is 75 percent multiple-choice questions while the last quarter is free-response. The score does not necessarily reflect correct or incorrect responses. Rather, it’s a recommendation by AP. On a scale of one-to-five, one recommends that the student not receive college credit while a five shows complete proficiency in the material. Baumann said that an advantage to AP is that the curriculum is standardized in any location, but Arizona students should visit AZTransfer to see exactly how an AP test score will transfer to a college. Kirsten Wiley, another counselor and head of dual enrollment at Chandler High School, said dual enrollment is a great option for students who want to lock in that college credit. “I think the number one reason people choose dual enrollment over AP is because they might not be good testtakers, so it’s guaranteed college credit versus relying on a one-day, one-time

test,” Wiley said. Dual enrollment allows students to enroll in both a high school class and a college class at the same time in classes taught by full-time high school teachers certified by participating colleges. “I honestly don’t think there are any disadvantages,” said Amanda Cook, the assistant principal of Hamilton High School. Cook said AP is a cheaper way to get college credit, as the students only pay for the test and to send the scores to colleges through the College Board. Hamilton High and Chandler High both work with Chandler-Gilbert Community College for dual enrollment. Cook said six credit hours would cost $510 at a price of $85 per credit hour, but the credit is guaranteed with a C grade or better. Cook added that it’s important to target specific colleges with these credits, saying she knew a student who took many AP classes and achieved high scores on the tests, however, the student had to retake science courses in college because of his scientific area of study. Cook said that there is still a gain for students even without the college credit of an AP class. “If a student does not take the AP exam, I still recommend taking the AP courses because of the exposure to that advanced and rigorous curriculum,” she said. “That definitely gets them ready for their college courses.” Some students easily decide which type to enroll in.

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Sydney Kowalski and Vanessa Arcuri, seniors at Casteel High School in Queen Creek, are in a dual enrollment English class. “I can definitely tell you that the kids in AP have a lot more homework than I do in my dual enrollment class,” Kowalski said. “AP is way harder than college prep English, and I’m getting the same college credit.” Arcuri agreed, saying she had previously taken an AP English class as a junior but did not pass the test, forfeiting the college credit. “This year I already had plans to take AP English 12, but when I found out I didn’t pass my AP 11 class, I dropped my AP 12 class and went into dual enrollment so that I could have another chance to get both my 101 and 102 credits in dual enrollment,” Arcuri said. “I feel like I’m learning more in this college prep class I’m taking for dual enrollment than I did the whole entire year of AP 11,” Arcuri added. Cook said it’s important for students to begin looking at AP and dual enrollment courses as soon as they reach high school, adding that some students enter college with the credits of a junior. “We’re seeing more and more of our students who have to pay for college themselves, so any way that they can get that credit ahead of time for a reduced cost, whether it be through AP or through dual enrollment, it’s to their benefit,” said Wiley.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | NOV 16 - DEC 6, 2019

WWII veteran, 98, gets a warm welcome BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor

His parents didn’t want him to sign up. But there was no stopping Kenneth Kerr shortly after America was jolted out of its remaining isolationist doldrums Dec. 7, 1941. So, five months after Pearl Harbor was attacked, Kerr and two guys he went to high school with drove 2,100 miles to San Diego to sign up with the U.S. Navy and serve his country. He became a medical corpsman, serving in battles in the Philippines, New Guinea and, finally, Okinawa – the largest land-sea-air battle in history and the bloodiest of the Pacific War. On Oct. 29, a small but grateful group of Americans gathered at Zzeeks Pizza and Wings on Warner Road at 48th Street to thank Kerr for his service. They also wished him a belated happy birthday – two days after he turned 98. The guests – including his daughter Penny Gipson, granddaughter Cassandra Gipson-Reichardt and 3-year-old great-granddaughter Laura Gipson-Reichardt – had gathered largely as a result of Zzeeks co-owner Jody Pectol’s social media invitation to the community. Even a 92-year-old World War II veteran, Bob Metzner of Ahwatukee, showed up in his wheelchair to greet a onetime comrade in arms.

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Kenneth Kerr ﬂashes a victory sign while celebrating at Zzeeks Pizza in Ahwatukee with his daughter Penny Gipson. Zzeeks owners Mark and Jody Pectol organized a ccelebration honoring him for his service as a Navy corpsman during WWII and wishing him well two days after he turned 98. Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

Widower Kerr only arrived in Ahwatukee in mid-September to live with daughter Penny, a three-year Ahwatukee resident. Pectol and her husband Mark thought a little party welcoming him to the community and honoring his birthday and his service would be a fitting welcome for one of the dwindling numbers of America’s greatest generation.

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VETERAN

from page 46

the car had a heart murmur and was rejected. The other friend decided he’d help him drive back to Indiana. “I had already signed up, so I was staying,” Kerr said. He was sent to several training schools to become a medical corpsman and at a USO Club met Frances Watson. “We hit it off and decided to get married before I went overseas,” he said of Frances, to whom he was married for 55 years until she died in 2008. Then, he was shipped off to war and for 13 grueling months saw little else but blood and tears. First destination was Manila, where he fought for the liberation of the Philippines. Then it was on to New Guinea, where the Japanese ultimately suffered a crushing defeat. Finally, he was sent to Okinawa, the last and costliest battle of the Pacific Theater where 155,000 Japanese soldiers were determined to fight a war of attrition. By the end, Americans suffered 49,000 casualties, including about 12,500 deaths. An estimated 110,000 Japanese soldiers lost their lives, as did between 40,000 and 150,000 Okinawa civilians. Throughout that time, Kerr had to carry a gun even though he was a medic. “In Europe, the enemy didn’t shoot medics, but the Japanese did,” he

The birthday cake for Kenneth Kerr included a photo of him 70 years ago when he was in the Navy, about to fight in the Pacific Theater. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

explained. “I get tears in my eyes,” Kerr said. “The worst thing was watching these guys go over the hill. I stayed on the beach and I survived. I don’t know what happened to them.” “When you make the landing, you don’t know if you’re going to come back or not,” he continued. “I landed in the third wave.

Cooking Western-style

“I never went in more than a hundred or 200 yards because I was a medic and we treated the wounded on the beach and I was in charge of evacuating, getting them to the hospital ships. That’s what I did. I was proud of it. “But it was sad. Somebody had to do the dirty work. But we had the right people, I’ll tell you that. They were great.” About a week before the birthday

The 10th annual Chandler Chuck Wagon Cookoff at Tumbleweed Park last weekend offered plenty of vittles prepared the old-fashioned way. 1) Mayor Kevin Hartke was a judge; 2) Robin Cannon got sourdough biscuits ready; 3) Claud Cluff handed out pastries; 4) Jeff Smith prepared a Gerda Chrisp; and 5) The Old Blue Band performed Western songs. The 1880s-style teams cooked over open fires in an event co-sponsored by the Pardners of Tumbleweed Ranch, which tend to a space within the park. All photographs by Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer

NEIGHBORS

party, Kerr addressed a group of Air Force service people at Luke Air Force Base and recounted his Okinawa. “I told them ‘Help us. We really need you. Because this world is chaotic and you don’t know what’s going to happen.” One of the men in the audience asked him what his happiest moment in the war was “and I told him when I came home.” After he got out of the Navy, Kerry eventually wound up in St. Louis, where his wife worked as a secretary and he worked as an usher in the day time at a movie house for seven years while he went to school at night to earn his degree in accounting. They moved to Long Beach, California, where he got a job with defense and aerospace corporation McDonnel Douglas and got a second degree. He was with the company for 30 years, rising to controller after his first 12. Kerr’s parents got over their disappointment at his enlistment. “They were really happy when I came home and they were happy I went back to school to get my degree,” he said. He and Frances raised three daughters and after his retirement, they moved to Hemet, California, where he pursued golf with a passion. The party left an indelible impression on Kerr, according to his daughter. When he got home, Gipson said, “He was looking at all his cards, counting them and looking at them. He loved it. He just absolutely loved it.”

SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | NOV 16 - DEC 6, 2019

NEIGHBORS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | NOV 16 - DEC 6, 2019

OPIOID

from page 40

profits over patients. Stark feels like he was duped into believing the pills he was prescribed were safe to take. Doctors never warned him how addictive they are, he said. It was not until his own research, years later, did Stark understand just how sinister and orchestrated the whole epidemic seemed to be. “When you start diving into it, you just realize how evil this whole thing is from top to bottom,” Stark said. “I kind of just want to shed a light on what’s a really dark area.” Once upon a time, Stark was a healthy young man who never saw himself as someone who would abuse drugs. He was raised in Tucson by parents who instilled in him a fear of destructive substances. This strategy seemed to work, as Stark was quick to distance himself from other people his own age who were experimenting with drugs. But by his early 20s, Stark began sustaining a number of critical injuries. He was into lifting weights and martial arts – two sports did some damage to his muscles. A doctor gave him a prescription for 5-milligram tablets of Oxycontin. Stark took the pills when he was in pain and they made him feel better. It didn’t start to become a problem until his dosage started to increase; the higher the milligrams, the higher the drug’s potency. It became a slippery slope, Stark said, where he’d find ways to justify to himself his need to take more pills. “It’s a sick little game you play with yourself,” he said. When he went to a doctor to get a 30-milligram prescription, Stark said the physician suspiciously only accepted payment in cash and questioned whether he was an undercover narcotics agent. “There were so many warning signs back then but at the time I was chasing it,” Stark said. Stark developed a routine he thought was fooling people around him. He would take three pills in the morning, three at lunch, three more after work and three to get through the night. Stark said he was a “high-functioning addict;” capable of managing his job and family while simultaneously hooked on opioids.

HOSPICE

from page 43

A: We need more volunteers. There have been times when I have been out of town and unable to provide an Honoring First Responders service, only to find the patient has passed on by the time I get back home. I feel horrible when this happens, so we could really use a backup. And we really need fire department volunteers. “We are truly grateful to our first responder volunteers for their time

Then Stark began figuring out how to be more deceptive. He even lied to his wife about where the money was going, after she caught him withdrawing large amounts of cash - to buy more pills. He felt so much shame and embarrassment attached to his addiction. Stark said he felt like the world’s biggest loser. By early 2016, his addiction was becoming more noticeable and Stark began experimenting with other kinds of pills. His supply quickly become a 5050 split, he said, with half coming from doctors and the other half from dealers. It was getting tougher to find people selling pills, he recalled, because more public attention was steered to the increasing prevalence of the opioid epidemic. That was a particularly deadly year for opioid-related deaths, according to federal data, with more than 42,000 Americans overdosing on the narcotic in 2016. By comparison, 1999 saw fewer than 10,000 opioid deaths. Opioid consumption ballooned throughout the 2000s, as annual prescriptions for OxyContin escalated from 670,000 to 6.2 million. Purdue Pharma ramped up its marketing of OxyContin in the 1990s, convincing doctors it was safe and effective to prescribe the addictive drug. The company recently sought bankruptcy protections as it shells out billions to settle lawsuits for contributing to the opioid epidemic. Stark said he’s thankful he was able to stop taking pills when he did. There were several times when he could have overdosed or advanced to more dangerous drugs, he said. He’s now focused on being an advocate for other addicts and helping them overcome their illness. Stark feels obligated to share his experiences publicly in order to decrease the stigma still associated with addiction. There’s been a lot of attention paid to this epidemic, he said, but it’s still a rampant problem needing a cure. Stark’s confident he won’t ever relapse because he’s more aware of how toxic opioids are. He’s found a healthy regimen that keeps him from craving the narcotics and he’s honest about the mistakes he made in his past – mistakes he hopes not to make again. “For the first time in my life, I like myself,” Stark said. More information on Stark and his advocacy work can be found at poweroverpills.com.

and commitment in creating awareness and support of this very special program. We couldn’t do it without them,” said Stacia Ortega, director of volunteer and bereavement services at Hospice of the Valley. To learn more about Honoring First Responders and other volunteer programs at Hospice of the Valley, email volunteeropportunities@hov. org, visit hov.org/volunteer or call 602-636-6336. - Debora Britz is a spokeswoman for Hospitce of the Valley.

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ImprovMANIA growing in size and impact BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

ImprovMANIA is doubling in size and adding some room for its growing number of students and audience members. The downtown Chandler comedy venue on Arizona Avenue recently made a deal to take over an adjacent suite that will be transformed into a hangout spot for parents and patrons. David Specht, the club’s founder, said the deal adds 1,700 square-feet of space that will help support their various classes and performances. It’s a development Specht and his wife, Colleen, had not exactly imagined when they first opened their improvisational club five years ago. When they first started putting on comedy shows every Friday night, they weren’t quite sure how the community would respond. “We kind of came to downtown Chandler before downtown Chandler was cool,” Specht joked. But they slowly started to build a devoted following of fans who enjoyed their mix of family-friendly and unfiltered comedy. Their shows typically consist of impromptu scenes and games that are inspired by audience suggestions. A couple years ago, the Spechts expanded their operation by starting

singing lessons and be putting together a show choir that will perform throughout Chandler. They started out doing mostly Disney-themed works, Specht said, but the kids are now branching out and exploring a greater variety of music and theater. The youthful aspect of ImprovMANIA has been beneficial for the entire Specht Colleen and David Specht are expanding their ImprovMANIA in downtown family, as it allows Chandler as interest grows in the club’s performances and classes. the couple’s two (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer) children to be part of the business. the Chandler Youth Theater serves When they first the city’s young thespians. The group opened in 2014, their kids were too now regularly puts on performances young to be included in the couple’s throughout the year. comedy act. But the addition of the The youth theater has blossomed Youth Theater and its classes has in a short amount of time, Specht said, allowed all the Spechts to get involved. with up to 1,000 kids being impacted by “I’m really happy that it’s not ImprovMANIA in one way or another. something that we have separated from They’ve staged productions of them,” Specht said about his children. “Seussical,” “Willy Wonka Jr.,” and “They’re very much a part of it.” “Shrek the Musical” – each of which has ImprovMANIA also teaches classes casts of up to 40 young actors. for adults and children in stand-up Specht said they will soon offer

comedy, improvisation, and on-camera acting. Specht’s advice for anyone wishing to perform live comedy is to be unafraid of looking foolish in front of others. “The quicker you’re able to look vulnerable, the better you’re gonna be at this,” he said. Specht’s background is in business, working in the corporate world as a recruiter. He hadn’t really thought of performing until he started watching “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” the television show that has actors coming up with jokes and characters on the spot. “I never heard of this idea of making stuff up on stage and I just thought it looked impossible,” he said. Specht took some classes at Chicago’s Second City, the same training ground that was home to Bill Murray, Tina Fey, and Stephen Colbert. He later moved to Arizona, where he met his wife while performing with a group in Scottsdale. The couple realized Chandler needed a comedy club of its own and decided to open ImprovMANIA. The Spechts just renewed their lease for another five years and are excited about what the future holds. “I think everybody in Chandler is going to know of us in the next 24 months,” Specht said. “That’s our big vision.”

Musicians capture the Harlem Renaissance trajectory has shaped the arts of the world.” Mwenso has been a performer since he was 12. He was born in Sierra Leone and was raised by his mother and stepfather in London, where music took hold of him. “Harlem 100” isn’t just educational for the audience. It’s been a learning experience for Mwenso, too. Recently, he learned about the black migration. The challenge, he says, is trying to squeeze everything into the show. “For me, as the musical director and bandleader, I shape the show to the people,” he says. “The rest of it is easy. Everyone can expect a great time with a lot of joy, and to gain some knowledge about the Harlem Renaissance knowing more about these people and what they did in the world.”

CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Staff Writer

Musician Michael Mwenso has high hopes about his show, “Harlem 100.” The performance, set for 7:30 p.m. today, Nov. 16, at the Chandler Center for the Arts, pays homage to the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance, its current resurgence and the performances made famous in the Apollo Theater and The Cotton Club. Starring Mwenso and the Shakes, Briana Thomas, Michela Lerman and Vuyo Sotashe, the show features the music of Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith and Ethel Waters, as well as a nine-piece band with three dancers. “It’s a musical celebration that is really subjected to the time of the Harlem Renaissance, it’s artists and history,” Mwenso says. “I want the audience to leave knowing how important these people were and the impact on the world We do it through song, dance, music and historical narratives, too.” Mwenso says the African-American story is seemingly unimportant to others and it’s frustrating. “Anything that is connected to the

If you go Musician Michael Mwenso will be paying homage tonight, Nov. 16, to the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance with music from some of the nation’s most revered black artists. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

Afro-American story is something hidden in the mystery of the world,” he says. “I want people to know how

intelligent and refined these people are and were. It affected the whole history of what is happening now and how that

What: “Harlem 100” Where: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave. Chandler When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 Tickets: $38-$58 Info: 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org

SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | NOV 16 - DEC 6, 2019

ARTS

98 Degrees meets fans’ expectations in concert projects. Timmons began working with TV production, creating a music competition show that’s going to start soon. He’s also helping two young artists— Nicole Michelle and a boy band tribute act, Overnight. “They’re really great, young talented artists,” he said. “I was hesitant about being a quasi-manager or doing a production deal with an artist. But I know how hard it is. I certainly don’t want to take away people’s opportunities. “They’re so talented and I’m happy and proud to put their names on my projects. We’ve had 25 years of experience in the business now and it’s rewarding to help performers avoid the pitfalls or downsides I had to encounter. I want them to be recognized for their talents.”

CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Staff Writer

When 98 Degrees reformed to tour with Boyz II Men and New Kids on the Block, they didn’t know what to expect. The response was rabid and the quartet—brothers Nick and Drew Lachey, as well as Justin Jeffre and Jeff Timmons—knew it was the right time to continue its career. “We’ve been really lucky,” Timmons said. “We didn’t know what to expect, but we’re growing and getting better and better. The crowds are excited and more rambunctious than ever. We’re having a blast.” 98 Degrees will return to the Valley to play Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino on Saturday, December 7. “We’re having a really good time,” Timmons said. “We’re doing a mix of casinos and theaters and performing arts centers. We all have families and we do the stuff on the weekends at casinos. We’re really fortunate. We did Mohegan Sun (in Uncasville, Connecticut) last weekend and there were 7,000 people there. It was a beautiful room with great energy, lighting and sound. It’s a sweet spot for us.” At the shows, 98 Degrees is playing

If you go

98 Degrees will be playing at Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino on Dec. 7, playing tunes from their most prolific period. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

“what people are expecting,” Timmons said. That includes songs from their most prolific period in the late-1990s and early 2000s. “It’s a tribute to that era,” he said.

What: 98 Degrees Where: Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, $40-$85. Info: playatgila.com

“We’re doing a few covers. We get people up out of their seats and having a good time.” During 98 Degrees’ break, each one of the men had their own

Pollack promises brighter holiday season CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Staff Writer

Sitting in his opulent Mesa office, Michael Pollack is proud of what he’s accomplished. Drive up and down Alma School Road and Pollack’s name is present in most strip malls. He’s refurbished and renovated shopping centers across the Valley, turning eyesores into viable business ventures. But there’s more to Pollack than that. He’s a frequent contributor to charities and he yearns to make the holidays happier by wildly decorating his Pollack Tempe Cinemas with more than a half-million-holiday lights. At 5:30 p.m. Thursday, November 21, the real estate entrepreneur will flip the

switch and offer free holiday movies at his cinema on the corner of McClintock and Elliot roads in Tempe. The movies— “Elf,” “Polar Express,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”—will begin at 6:30 p.m. that night. “This is absolutely my favorite time of year,” Pollack said. “We are so excited for everyone to come out and enjoy the incredible holiday light display and the free holiday movies at Pollack Tempe Cinemas. This is always a festive time to kick off the holidays and get everyone into the holiday spirit.” Carolers will greet guests in front of the theater from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The holiday lights will be on display through Sunday, January 5. Santa will make a

special guest appearance from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, December 21, for free photographs. “Families can bring their cameras and they can take their pictures and it costs them absolutely nothing for that day,” he said. “The amount of people who appreciate this is overwhelming because, even though the economy is good right now, unfortunately, there are still a lot of people in this state and our country who aren’t doing that great. Little things like this mean a lot.” One young couple told Pollack they hadn’t been to a movie theater before the holiday event. “The looks on their faces were priceless,” Pollack said. “They were

probably spoiled after that because here they’re seeing a movie theater that’s all decked out inside and out with all this animation and lights. “The young lady said to me, ‘Is it always like this?’ And I said, ‘Well, we don’t always have as many lights. That’s for sure.’ It just goes to show you that what some people take for granted, other people truly dream about doing or appreciate.”

New venture

Successful in real estate, Michael Pollack never considered running a movie theater. “I never in a million years thought

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POLLACK

SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | NOV 16 - DEC 6, 2019

house or when I used to do my office—this office building was always spectacular, and we had tens of thousands of people who would come by—it’s hard to judge. It was nothing compared to what it takes to do an entire shopping center.” That doesn’t count the landscaping and trees. “It’s rewarding to when people get really excited about it, though,” he said. “I get many letters or emails and they say for those few hours, they were able to put all their troubles and all their concerns behind them.” Pollack’s holiday merriment goes beyond the theater. He and his band perform on a glowing float during the Tempe Parade of Lights on Friday, November 29, and the APS Light Parade on Saturday, December 7. Both parades start at 7 p.m. As a special treat, Pollack’s team of elves have been working for months and have just completed what he hopes will be his final float renovation. “We didn’t think it was possible, but we actually found a way to add twice as many LED lights to our float and make it even brighter than ever,” Pollack said. “We are pretty certain that our lights will be visible from outer space.” Again, this is really rewarding. “It’s fun to play with my band and do the parades, but when I see the kids along the parade route and they’re dancing to Motown songs, it’s great,” he said. “Their parents might not even have been born when some of these songs

from page 51

I would be running a movie theater,” he said. “We bought the plaza and we didn’t know until the very end of the escrow period that they were going to close this theater.” Pollack said he had three choices: retrofit it and turn it into something else—which was going to be “extremely expensive;” open a downhill bowling alley, thanks to the slanted floors; or keep the theater. “I was getting tons of calls saying the movie theater couldn’t close,” he said. “If I was going to keep it, it had to be something we could be proud of. So, I just had it completely renovated as it had not been renovated since the first renovation, which was about 20 years ago when we took it over.” In Pollack’s Mesa office is a memorabilia museum, so he had the wise thought to rotate in and out of the theater pieces from his collection. “We can’t really open the museum to the public because we also work in this building,” he said. “So, we bring pieces from the museum over to the theater and we rotate them in and out. People get a chance to see a portion of what we have here in the museum. There’s a reason that people like the theater, though. It’s because it delivers firstclass service and atmosphere at very reasonable prices. “Unfortunately, there’s no real profit

Chandler developer Michael Pollack will be offering free movies Nov. 21 at his Tempe moviehouse. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

in that business. We own the shopping center, so we’re able to keep it going.”

Light ‘em up

The holiday light display isn’t easy to set up at the 85,000-square-foot center. It requires an eight- to 10-man crew about six weeks to hang the lights. “People don’t realize how big of a job it really is because it’s hard to fathom how big the whole plaza is,” he said. “If somebody’s decorating their

came out, but they enjoy it.”

Longtime musician

Pollack has been into music since he was 10, when he hit the drums for the first time. At 18, he was invited on a musical tour abroad, but after weighing his options, he decided to follow his family into the construction business. He quit music in 1973, only to return to it in 2008, when he saw a rather unappealing band. “They were lower than a garage band,” he said with a hearty laugh. “My wife, Cheryl, knew I could play because she’d seen me play years ago when on our first date. The lead singer sounded like a cat that was getting its tail stepped on. “She asked me if I wanted to start a band. I said, ‘Start a band? Are you serious?’ The next thing I knew, I just formed this band. Back in the ’70s, when I quit, I said if I ever come back to music, I’m going to come back under my terms. I didn’t want to do it for money. I just do it for fun.” His bandmates are professional musicians, but Pollack just performs for the love of it. They only play charity events. “We did as many as 35 shows in one year and we never charged the charities anything,” he said proudly. “As a matter of fact, I pay the professional musicians I have myself. It’s just a good time for everyone.” Pollack Tempe Cinemas 1825 E. Elliot Road, Tempe 480-345-6461, pollacktempecinemas.com

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | NOV 16 - DEC 6, 2019

ARTS

Lisa Loeb’s landmark single keeps her relevant CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Staff Writer

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb can’t accept her hit song “Stay (I Missed You)” is 25. The willowy pop song found its way to the top spot thanks to placement in the 1994 movie “Reality Bites.” Loeb became the first unsigned music artist to have a No. 1 hit, and that was quickly remedied with a deal from Geffen. “When I look at pictures, it seems like a long time ago,” Loeb said. “But it doesn’t feel as far away. The song ‘Stay’ has been so present in my life since it came out. I sing it in all my shows. People are big fans of the song. I still really connect with the song.” In honor of the anniversary, Loeb will perform at Tempe’s Zia Record Exchange for an exclusive Record Store Day in-store performance and vinyl signing at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29 – Black Friday. Loeb will also release the limitededition 12-inch vinyl called “Stay 25.” The clear red LP single will feature artwork inspired by the original single artwork and a number of extra live bonus tracks recorded with Loeb’s original band Nine Stories in Japan. “I was a huge record collector back before vinyl was ‘vinyl,’” she said. “They were just records. The record store community connects people.

Pop star Lisa Loeb will be appearing at a free mini-concert in Tempe at the end of the month. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

People care about music. The artwork is detailed and it’s fun to be a part of that. “Now, my husband always goes to Black Friday to buy records. I’m not always there. He brings my kids. It’ll be fun to see it in person.” In the last 25 years, Loeb has released 14 widely studio albums, both for grownups and kids, and her own

eyewear collection. She also founded The Camp Lisa Foundation, which sends underserved kids to summer camp. She’ll add to her catalog next year when she releases an adult album. Loeb keeps busy, too, with voice-over work, and raising her two children. “I’m always making music and touring and connection with people,

whether it’s my family or my fans,” she said. Her new single is called “Sing Out,” a song she co-wrote with Eric Lumiere after she performed at Nashville Pride several years ago. She was inspired by the joy of the crowd. “It’s a special song to sing at pride events,” she said. “It really celebrates people being themselves. It has a special meaning for pride, but really it’s for all people who need a little encouragement to be themselves— their unique selves.” As for “Stay,” Loeb said the track has remained relevant because it has classic, universal themes of love and confusion. “People connect to it and have kept it around in their lives for the last 25 years,” she adds. “The song reminds them of something. It’s nostalgic. It takes them back to a certain place. It’s a timeless recording and the video is a timeless way to tell a story.”

If you go

Who: Lisa Loeb Where: Zia Records, 3201 S. Mill Ave., Tempe When: 1-2 p.m. Nov. 29 Cost: Free Info: ziarecords.com, recordstoreday.com.

ARTS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | NOV 16 - DEC 6, 2019

Pianist a ‘normal dude with extraordinary job’ CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Staff Writer

Alpin Hong is a self-proclaimed geek. The classical pianist is about more than concertos and suites. He has a background in extreme sports, martial arts and video games. Hong blends it all to present electrifying performances like his Nov. 22, show at the Chandler Center for the Arts. At 10 a.m. that morning, he’ll perform for kids with his humorous storytelling and familiar pop-culture references. The 45-minute show is followed by a question-and-answer period. “In a concert, I could be performing Beethoven’s Piano Concert No. 3 and I’ll include ‘The Imperial March’ into the cadenza,” he said. “I make a challenge to the kids, when I take a solo, they might recognize the themes. The audience went nuts when they heard it. I give the audience— those who aren’t fans—something to hang on to. It’s a wink. I’m just a normal dude with an extraordinary job.” Hong enjoys sharing those references. His TED talks finished with a medley of video game and movie themes. “The centerpiece of my educational outreach is the fact that I’ve been able to infuse that into my normal repertoire,” he adds. The “Theatre Kids” performance is appropriate for youth in third grade

culture have become staples in Hong’s shows, he said before quickly correcting himself. “It’s not even a staple,” he said. “It’s become my career, in fact. I owe the fact that I still have a job to this idea I had back in the day of investing in the audience of the future. It’s morphed into One of the two concerts that pianist Alpin Hong will put on at the Chandler many different Center for the Arts will be for children. (SanTan Sun News) things.” Next on his and up. bucket list is a “I have so much history there now,” comic con in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, a Hong said of Chandler. “Mainly because community he has performed in about a lot of students I knew when I worked six times. The city offered him a venue there have become colleagues. Some in which to host an event. As a parent, kids—I can call them kids—are the he decided to capitalize on the appeal most exciting musicians I know. of Marvel movies, Nintendo games and “It’s credible. It’s proof positive Xbox games. about the value of educational “We could establish the connection outreach and what the arts can do for between arts and STEM education,” young people. I can see that benefit Hong said. “It’s my experience that first hand. It’s inspiring to see what I kids who take music have proficiency preached back then is put into practice. in STEM education, which are the Not all of them have become musicians, industries of the future. but they’re incredible and independent “It’s very important for schools people.” to identify and capitalize on those His love of comic books and pop connections. Teaching a child music

often leads to an appreciation for the art and the technical skills. We’re living in a world where we have to compete with an $11.99 a month subscription fee—to Netflix. Getting all of us off our couches to go do something live is a great challenge.” He offers daytime shows for kids so they and their parents can stay awake through them. “If you’ve never been to a classical music concert, my concerts are the ones to go to,” Hong said with a laugh. “That’s my selling point. Those people who don’t have that appreciation for it should take a chance and have a oncein-a-lifetime experience. Please come to my show.”

If you go

Two concerts What: Alpin Hong: Theatre Kids When: 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22 Where: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler Tickets: $2 Info: 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org What: Alpin Hong Concert When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 Where: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler Tickets: $32 and $42 Info: 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org

The Maine goes high-tech for its new tour BRANDIE BOSWORTH Contributor

Tempe rockers The Maine have long been known for their live shows, festivals and relentlessly catchy songs. But this fall, they are breaking out of their comfort zones for “The Mirror Tour.” “If people have been to any of our concerts, this one will be unlike the other ones we’ve done or will probably do,” says Pat Kirch, The Maine’s drummer. The shows – including Saturday, Nov. 30, at The Van Buren – will feature new visuals, audio components and fan experiences. The Maine posts info about each show on Facebook pages with meetups for fans and the band at local bars. Bassist Garrett Nickelsen says the meetups serve as alternatives for fans who don’t want to risk their health or well-being in long lines waiting for doors to open at clubs. Nickelsen says fans won’t have to fret about losing their spot in line, as wristbands disseminated at the meetups will hold their place in line. Keep in mind: The shows on this tour have a “gold” theme. The tour’s website recommends fans wear mustardcolored clothing and bring fake yellow flowers to the venues. Kirch describes “The Mirror Tour”

and is “super involved” in photo booths for the tour, Nickelsen says. The Maine— which also includes singer/ rhythm guitarist John O’Callaghan; guitarist Jared Monaco and lead guitarist Kennedy Brock—is proud to be from the Valley. “Our fans here, they have a sense The Maine hails from Tempe and has added an audio-visual dimension to their of pride in us being upcoming concert. (Special to SanTan Sun News) from here,” Kirch says. has a more “cohesive show” with topThat adds a little notch production. pressure to The Maine when they play The audio-visual elements tie into hometown gigs. The shows interrupt the entire set, a result of the musicians pre-show routines and meet-and-greet spending hours researching those lists. effects. New equipment will provide O’Callaghan is a big baseball fan. In a 360-degree sound experience to the August, The Maine traded the stage crowd. Kirch enjoys the DIY approach for the Arizona Diamondbacks field to to the show. participate in throwing the first pitch. “We have a specific way that we “For us, every day we are on tour and want things done,” Kirch says. “We can reminded how cool this is,” Kirch says. “For hire somebody else to do it, but it’s our parents, it is a cool thing for them.” going to take probably longer to explain Baseball goes way back for it and go back and forth to get it right The Maine. When Nickelsen met than to just do it ourselves.” O’Callaghan in San Diego, the bassist To continue that DIY vibe, The Maine referred to his future singer as “The is building its own merchandise display baseball guy.”

“This is John? The baseball guy?” Nickelsen said. The band formed in 2007 and took off from there. Their seventh studio album, “You Are OK,” debuted in March. On “The Mirror Tour,” fans can expect songs from each era of “The Maine.” “This time I really feel like every era gets its due in the set,” Kirch says. “There’s at least a song from every album.” As is the trend, The Maine will break it down for an acoustic set during this tour. Kirch wouldn’t reveal which songs would be featured. Nickelsen and Kirch agree “Slip The Noose” is their current favorite song to play live. When fans respond accordingly, The Maine’s musicians feel the love. “I remember being like, ‘How do we make every song feel like this?” Nickelsen says.

If you go

What: The Maine w/This Wild Life and Twin XL Where: The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix. When: 7 p.m. Nov. 30 Tickets: $26-$30 Info: thevanburenphx.com.

SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | NOV 16 - DEC 6, 2019

ARTS

2019 Arizona auto show is a car lover’s dream SAMANTHA MOLINA Contributor

Exotic cars, concept vehicles and cars installed with the latest automotive technologies will fill the Phoenix Convention Center Thursday, Nov. 22, and Sunday, Nov. 25, for the 2019 model Arizona International Auto Show. Nearly 500 of the latest cars, trucks, crossovers, SUVs and alternative fuel options from 35 different manufacturers will be shown. Show spokeswoman DeeDee Taft said the event was designed to engage car lovers around the state and show off what new in the automotive world. With over six football fields of car exhibits, it will be hard not to find something for everyone to enjoy. “Every car is completely unlocked and open,” Taft said. “They are ready for show-goers to climb on in and try them on for size. There’s nothing like physically sitting in your dream car.” The 2019 domestic models on the show floor include the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Ranger, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Altima and Nissan Kicks. Taft said popular attractions are the lowriders from area clubs and vehicles dating as far back as the 1920s. Exotic vehicles on display at the

While the car show will feaue a platform for car enthusiasts to learn mopre about fuel-saving options, there will still be plenty of vehicles to gawk at. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

Penske Luxury Salon will turn heads including models from Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Rolls-Royce.

Visitors can take a spin and get a feel for the performance and handling of more than 75 new vehicles from manufacturers like Chevrolet, Dodge,

Above: Some sleek new models will make you drool at the Arizona International Auto Show if you’re a car buff. Left: Even if you;re not in the market for a enw car, the show will offer plenty to dream about. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

Ford and Toyota with the shows free, off-road indoor test center. A professional driver will give riders a firsthand experience of all that the vehicles have to offer. “This is so great for car lovers, regardless if you are looking to buy or simply dreaming of buying one of the autos we will be showing off,” Taft said. “While you can’t buy a car at the show, it allows those looking to make a more accurate comparison of each of the car’s specs and features.”

This year, the Arizona International Auto Show will feature a platform for car enthusiasts to learn more about the variety of fuel-saving and environmentally friendly options. This includes hydrogen fuel cell models, gas-electric hybrids and plug-in electric vehicles. “We are currently seeing a huge boom in electric and plug-in cars,” Taft said. “Visitors can expect to see a handful of these types of automobiles in the showcase lineup.” Family Day – Nov. 25 – allows children 12 and younger to visit for free with a paying adult. Activities like the American Family Kids Test Track, where young ones are invited to test drive electric cars on a mini-test track, will be sure to amuse a younger crowd. Thrilling racing simulators and a selfie station complete with a 12-foot tall Bumblebee Transformer will also be featured at the show this year. Courtesy of the Penske Museum, the 1984 Indianapolis 500 winning Indy car driven by the race car driver, Rick Mears will be on display. All attendees will receive a free, one-year subscription to Motor Trend magazine with each online ticket order or box office purchase “We’ve made this show an annual tradition in Phoenix. We hope this event draws in returning visitors as well as new guests who are full of turkey and ready to have a blast,” Taft said.

If you go

What: Arizona International Auto Show Where: Phoenix Convention Center, 100 W. Third Street, Phoenix When: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 28, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, and Saturday, Nov. 30, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1 Tickets: $7-$11. Info: autoshowphoenix.com,

SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | NOV 16 - DEC 6, 2019

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

God hopes we make the right choices BY RABBI IRWIN WIENER, D.D.

Guest Writer

Recently the headlines and the media in general talk about the destructive forces at play in the world. Each day we are exposed to the wanton disregard for human life. It seems the world is on the brink of unknown consequences because of madness. It is so disheartening to watch, time after time, the indiscriminate destruction of lives and values we hold dear. Some turn to predictions to try to make sense of it all. These doomsday predictions occupy our time, emanating from sources we have yet to fully understand. Names like Nostradamus take center stage when we are faced with such terrible difficulties. The predictions of the end of time and the destruction of our planet and all existence seem to preoccupy our thoughts. We read about people climbing mountains waiting for the

SUNDAYS

Celebration Service 10:30 a.m. Sundays All with peaceful beliefs are welcome to this inclusive, loving, thriving UNITY Community. Join the group at 10 a.m., preceding the service, for fellowship. Youth and toddlers meet during service. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Mesa, 480-593-8798, interfaith-community.org Kids’ Sunday School 10 to 11 a.m. Sundays, Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe, 480-792-1800 Lift Your Spirit 10 a.m. Sundays Hear inspirational messages and music.

heavenly upheaval. Some turn to Scripture as an expression of our faith to search for clues and answers to the most troubling issues facing us today. There are writings that offer consolation and hope, and there are writings that seem to confirm that the end of time is near. Yet, if we are to believe the message given to us by God in Genesis explaining that God will never destroy the world again, as was done in the great flood, symbolized by the rainbow in the sky, then how can we explain the thoughts described in the depictions of the end of everything? My understanding of Creation is that what we are experiencing is the evolution of the process begun with “The Word.” “God said,” is the declaration preceding the beginning of everything. This is followed by “And God saw that it was good.” If God indicates that what was given is good, then why are we not convinced about goodness and instead concentrate on the evil that exists?

Perhaps the lesson is so simple it eludes us Or perhaps we are numbed by all that is and has transpired. Each of us is endowed with the ability to make choices. Of course, with these choices comes consequences. If the choices we make enhance our lives then the consequences are deemed satisfactory. However, if the choices we make cause us pain, then for sure the consequences are unsatisfactory. At times we are faced with forces over which we have no control. These cause us to question the very fabric of our faith in God. Why would God allow such insanity to strangle us as we attempt to live up to God’s expectations? Perhaps our expectations are unrealistic? Do we tend to rely too much on miracles to save us? Have we not forgotten the most treasured attribute instilled in us – choice? Civilization was, and is, determined by values we learn and the understanding that without connection there is no future. We have the responsibility to form

the significance required to ensure continuity and survival. Together, we can – and will – overcome the madness that seems to prevail in place of strength of purpose. The end is near if we wish it to be. The end will never be if we put our efforts into the task of fulfilling God’s wish of peace and contentment. The Prophets of old taught us through their own experiences that it is not enough to wish, but rather to be willing to put each foot forward toward completion. When we read about the turmoil that exists today, the indiscriminate killings, we should remember that each preceding generation had its hurdles and survived so that we are now able to learn from them the path to salvation. Each of us is a partner in this effort. The same stress of everyday life has been experienced before and will be part of our future as well. I prefer to rely on the message of hope given to us by a God hoping for us to choose to find peace and contentment.

Spiritual Connections

knowledge develop their own parenting philosophies and techniques. Cost is $99. Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler 480-855-4333, rabbi@chabadcenter.com

spiritual, emotional and physical needs.” Best Western-Mezona, 250 W. Main Street, Mesa. 480-232-3773

Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800 Traditional and Contemporary Services 7:30 a.m. daybreak contemplative worship, 9 a.m. traditional worship and choral music, 11 a.m. contemporary worship with live Christian rock band. There is also a service at 12 p.m. Wednesdays St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 901 W. Erie Street, Chandler 480-899-7386, saintmatthewschurch.org

MONDAYS

The Art of Parenting 7:30 p.m. Mondays Six-session course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute and presented by Rabbi Mendy Deitsch of Chabad of the East Valley, designed to help parents at all levels of Jewish

TUESDAYS

Silva Class and Meditation 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Learn the Silva method with Lois Britland. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe, 480792-1800 Career Connectors 8:30 a.m. to noon, fourth Tuesday of month Nonprofit organization connecting professionals in career transition to highquality resources and hiring companies; each event includes professional career speakers with presentations on relevant job search topics, three to four hiring companies, networking, resume help, career coaches, LinkedIn coaches and business portraits. Central Christian Church, Gilbert Campus/ Student Center, 965 E. Germann Road, Gilbert 480-442-5806, careerconnectors.org

Narcotics Anonymous (Nar-Anon), Chandler Chapter 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Twelve-step program for families and friends of addicts. Faith Community Church 1125 N. Dobson Road, Chandler, nar-anon.org

WEDNESDAYS

Panic Healing 7 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday Receive a 15-minute energetic tuneup. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800 Gong Meditation and Yoga Nidra 7 to 8:30 p.m. third Wednesday Presented by Will Zecco, gong master. Bring yoga mat, blanket and pillow as desired. Love offerings will be accepted. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Mesa 480-593-8798, interfaith-community.org

Christian Business Networking Tri-City Chapter – Chandler, Tempe, Mesa 7:15 a.m. Tuesdays Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals. Crackers and Co. Café, 535 W. Iron Avenue, Mesa Maia, 480-425-0624, christianbusinessnetworking.com

“A Course in Miracles” with the Rev. Julianne Lewis 1 to 2:15 p.m. Wednesdays The weekly group is an interactive time of learning and sharing, appropriate for course beginners, as well as longtime students of ACIM. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center 952 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Mesa 480-593-8798, interfaith-community.org

Monthly Women’s Fellowship 6:15 p.m. fourth Tuesday of each month The monthly fellowship Bible study with the East Valley Chapter of Christian Women’s Devotional Alliance “ministers to women’s

The Art of Parenting 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays Six-session course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute and presented by Rabbi

See

FAITH on page 57

FAITH

SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | NOV 16 - DEC 6, 2019

FAITH

from page 56

Mendy Deitsch of Chabad of the East Valley, designed to help parents at all levels of Jewish knowledge develop their own parenting philosophies and techniques. Cost is $99. Chandler Jewish Community Center 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler 480-855-4333 or rabbi@chabadcenter.com Grief Care 6:45 p.m. Wednesdays A place to come share your feelings or just listen to others as we try to navigate through our grief. You don’t have to do it alone. Epiphany Lutheran Church, South Campus, old church building, 800 W. Ray Road, Room 325, Chandler, griefcareaz@gmail.com Healing Prayer and Meditation Circle 7 to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays Guided prayer, affirmations and visualization for those facing physical, emotional, mental or spiritual issues in their lives. Love offering requested. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800 Meditation Moments 7 to 8:30 p.m. third Wednesday of the month An interactive time of learning and sharing, appropriate for beginners or longtime students of ACIM. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center 952 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Mesa 480-593-8798, interfaith-community.org St. Mathew’s Episcopal Church 12 p.m. Healing and Eucharist service St. Mathew’s Episcopal Church 901 W. Erie Street, Chandler 480-899-7386, saintmatthewschurch.org THURSDAYS Women’s Empowerment & Awakening 7 to 8:30 p.m. third Thursday Release negative beliefs. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe

480-792-1800 A Course in Miracles 7 p.m. ﬁrst, second and fourth Thursday Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800 Empower Model for Men 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays The three-class series is taught by author Scott E. Clark and designed to offer practical wisdom and tools to help men shift into their higher consciousness, based on the sevenstep empower model detailed in Clark’s book, “Empower Model for Men.” Cost is $85. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800 Real Love Support Group 6:30 p.m. Thursdays For those who have a desire to acquire more “real love” and in the process find great personal happiness and more fulfilling relationships. Love offering requested. Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800

SATURDAYS

Spirit Night – Psychic Fair 4 to 8 p.m. third Saturday of each month The “Lightworkers” offer a wide range of services, including Reiki, facials, mediums, drumming, tarot, angel messages and more. Services range from $20 to $30. Cash only. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center 952 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Mesa interfaith-community.org heatherposey70@gmail.com Unity Drumming and Healing Circle 6:30 to 8 p.m. fourth Saturday of each month Beginner, expert drummers and observers welcome. Bring snack, appetizer or dessert to share. Love donation accepted. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center 952 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Mesa 480-593-8798, interfaith-community.org

OTHER

GriefShare Support Group

GriefShare is a caring group of people who will walk alongside others through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Participants can gain access to help them recover from their loss and rebuild their lives through this 13-week program starting Jan. 27. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sundays Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 739 W. Erie St., Chandler 480-963-4127 htlutheran.com Jewish Women International, Avodah Chapter 1581 Monthly luncheon. Social Box Eateries, 1371 N. Alma School Road, Chandler RSVP: 480-802-9304, 480-655-8812 Moms in Prayer International A group of mothers who meet one hour each week to intercede for their children and schools through prayer. Liane Wright, 480-699-7887, momsinprayer.org Bible Study Meets twice a month Members of the Women’s Life Group study the Bible and discuss how the lessons can relate to their lives. Sun Lakes United Church of Christ, Chandler. Jan Olson: 480-802-7457, Joy King 480-588-1882 East Valley Jewish Couples Club Offers once-a-month social activities such as dining, movies and plays for Jewish couples in the 45- to 65-year-old age range. Melissa, 480-785-0744, beadlover@cox.net Chandler Presbyterian Goings On: Sundays: 9:15 a.m. Kids’ Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Adult Bible Study Room 3 10:00 a.m. Walking the Walk (Youth)

10:30 a.m. Sunday Service Noon: Lenten Jesus Bible Study and Food! 3:00 p.m. Kenyan Fellowship/Language Worship Service 7:00 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous Mondays: 7 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous Tuesdays: 10 a.m. Prayer Group (Pastor’s Office) (except 3rd Tuesday of month) 1 p.m. Chandler I Am Project Room 3 Wednesdays: 10 a.m. Peter and Paul Bible Study 6 p.m. Men’s Spiritual Stag 6:15 p.m. Bell Choir Rehearsal 7 p.m. Church Chorale Rehearsal 6 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous (Women only) 7:30 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous (Men) Thursdays: 6:30 p.m. Women’s Bible Study 7 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous (Men) Every 1st and 3rd Friday...I-HELP @ 6:00 p.m. Dinner/Showers and a place to sleep for the homeless Regular monthly activities: Lois (Women) Circle: Every 3rd Tuesday 10 a.m. Spirits Willing Lunches Out (over 55) 11:30 a.m., 4th Fridays All events are at Chandler Presbyterian Church at 1900 S. Arrowhead Drive except for Spirits Willing and lunches. chandlerpres.org Let us help you publicize your church or temple’s events in the Spirituality section by emailing details to news@santansun.com. Include a brief description of the event, times, days, dates, cost or free, if registration is required, venue, address, publishable phone number, website if applicable and contact information for verification purposes. We welcome photos, which must be 300 dpi JPEGs or taken on a digital camera on the “best” or “highest quality” setting. Information is due 10 days prior to publication date. Submission does not guarantee placement.

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