Santan Sun News - 11.22.2020 by Times Media Group

November 22, 2020 | www.santansun.com

Relentlessly local coverage of Southern Chandler

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

Chandler holiday events continue amid pandemic BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Some of Chandler’s holiday events won’t look and feel the same as they did in previous years, but the city hopes the pandemic won’t completely stop residents from enjoying the winter season. Mainstay traditions like the lighting of Chandler’s iconic tumbleweed Christmas tree will go forward but without a public ceremony with crowds of spectators. The lighting event will instead involve a handful of city officials and be broadcast live at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 through television and social media. It is a necessary precaution Chandler must take, said Hermelinda Llamas, the city’s events coordinator, in order to discourage the transmission of the coronavirus.

Chandler's iconic tumbleweed tree will be lit as usual, but you''ll be able to watch the event only online.

“It just wouldn’t be safe for everybody to gather in that kind of a forum,” she said. But the city hopes its virtual ceremony will still be meaningful to Chandler’s residents, Llamas added. “We’re just hoping that we can give a little fun and spice back into the holiday spirit for the community,” Llamas said. “We want them to still feel that we’re there and we’re thinking about them during the holiday season.” More than 9,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Chandler since the pandemic started nine months ago. Despite the pandemic’s dreary circumstances, the city has a full calendar of holiday-themed events over the next month aimed at giving residents a pleasant but safe holiday experience. Llamas said her department has

(File photo)

See

HOLIDAY on page 16

COVID-19 changes, doesn’t Chandler Unified adopts new stop Christmas shopping approach to closing campuses BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Staff Writer

Despite the pandemic’s economic fallout, experts expect holiday shopping sales will remain relatively consistent this year compared to 2019. “If it stays flat or even down by 3 or 4 percent…that for me is an optimistic scenario,” said Hitendra Chaturvedi, professor of supply chain management at Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business But how and when shoppers purchase gifts, decorations and other seasonal items is expected to change dramatically. The pandemic likely accelerated the ongoing shift away from brick-andmortar retail, experts say, and they expect online shopping’s share of sales to jump dramatically this holiday season. “Between e-commerce and retail, you’re going to see a K-shaped curve… this is more like one is going to lose at the expense of the other,” Chaturvedi said. “K-shaped” refers to an economic recovery in which different segments of the economy diverge on different

paths, with some performing better than offers and each trending in opposite directions – like the prongs on a letter K. While one segment, like online sales, is on the upswing, another, brick-and mortar, trends downward, experts explained. Chaturvedi said e-commerce made up 14 to 15 percent of the $740-billion holiday retail market in 2019, but he expects that share to jump to 40 percent this year. But while the distribution of sales may be different, Chaturvedi said he expects overall holiday sales to remain consistent with 2019. Katherine Cullen, senior director of industry and consumer insights for the National Retail Federation, agreed, citing her organization’s polling of consumers. In 2019, the federation projected sales during the holiday season – Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 – totaled between $727.9 and $730.7 billion, which equates to an average of $1,047.83 per consumer. This year, Cullen said polling shows consumers will still shell out about $1,000 during the holidays. See

ECONOMY on page 19

See related story on page 6 BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

As COVID-19 surges across Arizona, Chandler Unified officials are taking a school-by-school approach to closing campuses rather than implementing a district-wide shut-down. Stating transmission rates are not high enough district-wide to warrant closing all campuses, CUSD administrators last week unveiled a plan to close campuses on an individualize basis if the number of coronavirus cases among staff and students combined would hit certain percentages of that total. Gilbert Public Schools adopted a similar approach earlier this month. CUSD administrators told the Governing Board that the county’s data, released every Thursday morning, don’t entirely represent how the virus is spreading in Chandler’s schools. “Our early CUSD data does not indicate COVID-19 is being transmitted on our campuses really at any substantial rate,” said Larry Rother, the district’s ex-

ecutive director of educational services. “Transmission rates at our schools do not mirror the transmission rates in the community.” As of Nov. 18, CUSD reported 45 active cases of COVID-19 among its students and staff district-wide. Another 180 cases have been cleared and the infected individual has been allowed to return to campus. Casteel High School has had one of the highest rates of infection among the district’s 46 campuses -- reporting at least 61 cases of the virus since CUSD reopened schools in September. Casteel’s infection rate is currently still below new thresholds CUSD has recently implemented dictating when it will temporarily have to close a school. At least 1 percent of a high school’s population would have to test positive for COVID-19 before CUSD closes the campus for five days and shifts back to virtual learning. Elementary schools would need to have a 2-percent infection rate and junior high schools a 1.5 percent rate

F E AT U R E STO R I E S Sellers wins in stunning election finale . . . . . . . . . . . COMMUNITY . . . . . .Page 2 Chandler firm tackles college ins and outs . . . . . . . BUSINESS . . . . . . . Page 40 Perry badminton rocks the net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SPORTS . . . . . . . . Page 49 Chandler film fest expands access. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ARTS . . . . . . . . . . Page 59

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The best of the best Chandler eateries . . . . . . . . . . EAT . . . . . . . . . . . Page 66

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VIRUS on page 5

More Community . . . 1-30 Real Estate . . . 31-38 Business . . . . . 40-44 Sports . . . . . . . 49-51 Opinion . . . . . . . . 52 Neighbors . . . 54-57 Arts . . . . . . . . . 59-62 Faith . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Directory . . . 64-65 Eat . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Sellers pulls out slim county supervisor win BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor

With all the more than 2 million votes cast Nov. 3 in Maricopa County, a final stunning surprise was saved until the end. After trailing Democratic opponent Jevin Hodge almost all week following the election, Republican incumbent Maricopa County Supervisor Jack Sellers, whose district includes Chandler, eked out a 403-vote victory, according to final unofficial results. Sellers, a former Chandler City Council and State Transportation Board member, was appointed to the post by the board in January 2018 to fill the seat vacated by Denny Barney, who resigned to become president/CEO of the PHX East Valley Partnership. Hodge, the son of Tempe Union Governing Board President – who easily won her reelection bid – had declared victory on his Facebook site two days after the election, telling supporters it was time to get to work. But while Hodge had jumped to a big lead on Election Night and held it for a few days, Sellers began chipping away at it until he took a slim lead over the weekend. Hodge posted a video on his Facebook site on Saturday conceding. “Today is very, very hard,” he said. “But I am thankful and very proud….This is not the end of this movement.” Sellers on his Facebook page thanked

Jack Sellers voters and congratulated Hodge “for running a very competitive campaign.” “This was a very close race and the voters came out in record numbers,” Sellers wrote. “It is now incumbent upon me to ensure all residents feel included in decisions made by the Board of Supervisors. “We have many issues to work on, most importantly our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic vitality of our county. Working together, we can protect public health while ensuring our business community can survive the crisis and prepare for an even stronger future.” Sellers also noted that the campaign was fought on issues “without attacking each other.”

He said Hodge called him and “we had a very cordial and productive conversation. We agreed to get together soon to start an open dialog on issues that are important for our district.” Although Hodge faced an uphill battle in a district where Republicans hold a 20,000 registration lead, he outran Sellers in the race for campaign cash. Sellers’ victory clinched all county offices for Republicans as well as retained the 4-1 control they have on the Board of Supervisors. The only Democrat who held a county office the last four years was County recorder Adrian Fontes, who conceded late last week to Republican challenger Stephen Richer. The GOP’s across-the-board victory in county offices included former Gilbert Council member Eddie Cook. Meanwhile, final unofficial tallies should state Sen. J.D. Mesnard easily overcoming a hugely financed effort to deny him a second term – his sixth as a lawmaker for a district that includes South Chandler, Sun Lakes and part of Gilbert. Mesnard garnered a 52.5 percent vote margin over Democrat Ajlan AJ Kurdoglu in a race where nearly twothirds of the $3.2 million spent in the Legislative District 17 battles were spent on the Senate race alone. In the three-way race for the two LD17 House seats, Democratic Rep. Jennifer Pawlik repeated her 2018 election debut by garnering the most votes with

33.7 percent, or 65,172, according to final unofficial results. Second was Republican Rep. Jeff Weninger, with 33.4 percent, while Chandler Realtor Liz Harris captured 32.8 percent in her failed bid to return the LD17 delegation to all-Republican. No other legislative district in Arizona saw the kind of campaign cash that was spent in LD17, records show. Of the $3,265,895 that was spent by and for all five candidates, $2,389,270 was spent in the Mesnard-Kurdoglu race. Of that, the candidates’ own campaigns spent $441,268 while independent organizations – many from outside Arizona – spent another $1,948,002. That include a stunning $1,331,430 spent by groups advocating for Mesnard’s defeat. The five candidates themselves spent $775,046 combined on their campaigns. Among the three House candidates in LD17, independent groups’ spending totaled the most for and against Pawlik, $154,386 and $120,900, respectively. Independent groups’ spending was second highest in Harris’ campaign, with groups opposed to her election pouring $147,817 to advocate for her defeat while only $19,991 was spent by other groups on her behalf. The latest filings in the county supervisor race showed that Sellers raised $118,570 while his opponent has raised $104,030. Sellers also out-spent Hodge $118,570 to $104,030, according to third quarter campaign finance filings.

COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Man convicted of killing Chandler couple released early BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

MaryAnn and Mia Contreras held up a picture of their dead parents as they stood before the lectern of a San Diego courtroom last year. The sisters were pleading for a judge to give the maximum prison sentence to Richard Sepolio, a 29-year-old Navy crew member convicted of killing four people and injuring seven others on Oct. 15, 2016. A jury convicted Sepolio last February of recklessly plunging his pickup truck off a bridge and into a crowd of spectators at a nearby motorcycle rally. Amidst the horde of 3,000 attendees were Cruz Contreras, 52, and his wife AnnaMarie, 50, who had traveled from their home in Chandler to attend the San Diego event. Sepolio’s truck fell 60 feet and crushed a vendor’s booth positioned near the bridge. A scene of carnage and horror then played out as bystanders scrambled to lift the wrecked vehicle off of people who had been standing underneath the booth’s tent. Contreras and his wife were among the four victims killed -– which also included two Los Angeles residents -leaving behind three daughters and two grandchildren. The Contreras daughters had expected Sepolio to spend the next several years in prison, hoping the emotional

Chandler couple Cruz and Anna Marie Contreras and another couple were killed in a 2016 auto crash in San Diego caused by a drunk, Richard Sepolio, who caught a break on a 10-year prison term when the state of California released him seven years early, claiming he needed to be protected from COVID-19. (File photos)

toll of their parents’ death would sway officials to keep the defendant behind bars for as long as possible. “I have to parent myself because both of my parents were taken by someone so careless,” Mia Contreras said last year during Sepolio’s sentencing hearing. But the Contreras family was disappointed to discover that Sepolio is already out of prison. On Nov. 6, he was released early from the California Department of

Corrections and Rehabilitation after serving nearly three years of his 10-year sentence, which included the time he served in jail while awaiting trial. The pandemic prompted the state to release some inmates earlier in order to free up crowded cells and avoid an outbreak of the virus. In addition to the health crisis, the CDCR cited Sepolio’s “good behavior” as cause for releasing him earlier than scheduled. Sepolio’s release sparked the outrage of local prosecutors, who feel blindsid-

ed by the state’s decision and dispute its justification. San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan described Sepolio’s release as a “miscarriage of justice” in a letter sent to California Gov. Gavin Newsom. “This very early release is unconscionable,” Stephan wrote. “It is re-victimizing the family and friends of the four people killed and seven injured See

RELEASE on page 8

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Chandler teachers get Fiesta Bowl cash for wishes SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Five teachers in Chandler public and charter schools have something special to be grateful for this season thanks to Fiesta Bowl Charities, the charitable arm of the organization that handles the celebrated end-of-the-season football game. They are among 200 teachers statewide who each will receive $2,500 through the organization’s Wishes for Teachers program, which distributes $500,000 through Desert Financial Credit Union to teachers who apply for consideration. The 200 teachers represent 161 schools and 70,000 students in 67 school districts. “Desert Financial Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers has been built into the preeminent program for teacher support,” said Fiesta Bowl board Chairman Patrick Barkley. “My mom was a teacher and we all know teachers who inspire us with selfless work, shaping today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders.” Each fall, Arizona K-12 public and charter school teachers are invited to apply for a grant by detailing their school or classroom need. Grantees’ names are drawn randomly. Over the five years of the program, Fiesta Bowl Wishes for Teachers has awarded $3.7 million to more than 840 Arizona teachers, “impacting over 225,000 children across the state,” orga-

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stances,” said Jeff Meshey of Chandler, president and CEO at Desert Financial. “Desert Financial has made it a practice to support education to honor the legacy of our 15 founders, all teachers.” Each of the unique wishes will benefit teachers and schools in technology, reading, music, fitness and other needs. “The need this year was more in line with the circumstances Chandler resident and Desert Financial Credit Union CEO Jeff Meshey helped related to COVID-19, make teachers' wishes come true. (Twitter) with more technology needs, plexiglass dividnizers said. ers and flexible seating equipment than “What’s more fun than granting ever before,” organizers said in a release. wishes? Wishes for Teachers is even “It’s been quite a year for teachers. more meaningful this year as teachers We are honored to support them as have adapted to extraordinary circumthey adjust to today’s circumstances

yet still work tirelessly and selflessly every day to help our children on their life journey,” said Mike Nealy, Fiesta Bowl executive director. Among the lucky Chandler recipients is Tarwater Elementary teacher Jamie Droeg, who wanted provide Chromebooks and additional technology equipment for her class. Conley Elementary’s Ayana Gilchrist will use the money for individual STEM materials for each student. Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School teacher Soledad Jackson plans to buy iPads for the entire class. Sirrine Elementary School teacher Elizabeth Peco hopes to buy new books for her classroom while Kyrene de las Brisas Stacy Thomas aims to spend it on alternative seating and sensory resources for the classroom. Fewer Chandler teachers were lucky to have their names drawn than their counterparts in Mesa and Gilbert, where more than a dozen in each community had their names pulled for the fulfillment of their wishes.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

VIRUS

from page 1

before activating closure procedures. Families would be notified at least 48 hours before CUSD initiated a school closure and staff would begin disinfecting the entire campus, according to the new procedure. For example, a campus the size of Hamilton High School, the district’s biggest school, would need about 40 active virus cases before it would be closed. District data show Hamilton currently has five cases of COVID-19. A smaller campus like Frye Elementary School, which has reported no cases, would need to at least 10 students and staff test positive to meet the closure threshold. Assistant Superintendent Frank Narducci said CUSD intentionally made the thresholds different between elementary and secondary schools because campuses with fewer students are better at mitigating the virus. The public has underestimated how well kindergartners have adapted to the district’s health protocols, he said, which has kept the infection rate lower at most of the elementary campuses. That mirrors the reports from other school districts, which have found younger children present less resistance to wearing masks all day. “A lot of people thought our little kids couldn’t wear masks when they came back to school,” Narducci said. “Well, every single one of them did a great job.” The board met hours after an unrelated press conference by Gov. Doug

Ducey in which he refused to impose new restrictions or mandates on individuals even as his own health chief warned of an increasing number of Arizonans becoming infected with COVID-19. The governor dismissed the idea of a statewide mask mandate, calling it unnecessary given various local ordinances. Nor will he clamp down on existing occupancy limits at bars, restaurants, gyms or movie theaters or seek to curb their hours of operation. Ducey also made another push for keeping kids in classrooms. “I think children should be in school,’’ the governor said. “I want parents to have options and one of those options should be in-person learning.’’ Ducey said he believes that is in the best interests of children, even as schools have wrestled with how to provide instruction and keep the youngsters and staffers – and, by extension, their families – safe. A statewide spike in COVID-19 cases has prompted districts in Yuma, Phoenix, and Tucson to close all their campuses again until infection rates ebb. During the Chandler Unified Governing Board meeting, Narducci said that because it is generally more challenging for bigger campuses to implement social-distancing guidelines, CUSD administrators think high schools should have a smaller threshold to trigger a shutdown. All the district’s elementary schools have had a smaller number of COVID-19 cases compared to the high schools, Narducci added, so it seemed logical to give elementary campuses a higher threshold for closure. CUSD officials said eliminating

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in-person learning could have disastrous effects on students and their mental health and that their individualized approach would be most beneficial for families and the community. But some district leaders also are worried how the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays could impact infection rates. Board member Lindsay Love said she is concerned that district’s teachers and support staff are being forgotten during discussions about closure policies. “One of the things we’re missing is how this is going to impact the positivity rate of our staff when we have two holidays coming up,” she said. “We have a lack of testing and a lack of transparency within our community.” Love, who is self-isolating at home after showing symptoms of the virus, highlighted how everyone -- especially teachers – can be vulnerable to infection despite the precautions they may take to protect themselves. “Even with the mitigation that I have taken, I’m still at home with a virus that has not been determined and it could be COVID,” Love added. “If we’re not looking at our teachers and their health, we’re going to have teachers who are going to walk.” According to the district’s data, 46 out of the 5,000 CUSD staff members have tested positive for COVID-19, resulting in an infection rate that’s less than half of a percent. Since the district reopened schools on Sept. 14, more than 1,800 students have had to return home and quarantine after coming into contact with an infected classmate. Only nine of these quarantined stu-

dents ended up testing positive for the virus. No teachers have reported catching the virus after contact with an infected colleague or student, district officials said. Board President Barbara Mozdzen said she feels the district’s data vindicate CUSD’s health protocols and their effectiveness in minimizing virus spread on campuses. “I am very, very happy to see that our mitigation strategies are actually being proven – by our data – that they are effective,” Mozdzen said. “That is a testimony to all our staff and families who are complying and taking this seriously.” Though transmission rates appear to be low on campuses, board member David Evans is worried about the number of students who may have to undergo a 2-week quarantine. More than 1,000 students have already had to be quarantined since the schools reopened, Evans noted, and have to had transition back and forth from virtual to in-person learning over a short period of time. Quarantined students are given virtual access to their classes and teachers have to make accommodations so they can still participate remotely in lessons. This type of constant transitioning must be destabilizing to students and teachers, Evans added, and should be addressed as more students continue to be quarantined. “We know that If spread is happening from the outside into the district, we’re probably going to continue to see more (quarantining),” Evans said. “If not over this holiday, then over the next one and ongoing.”

COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Message asks parents not to report virus cases SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

As state and local school officials expressed concern over the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Arizona, someone anonymously advised Chandler parents not to report to the district if their child contracts the virus. The snapchat message said, “I’m asking this on behalf of all athletes at Basha. Please for the love of god if you get COVID or have symptoms don’t report it because if you report it, it screws everyone around you.” It added, “Unless you are high risk there is no reason to report it, nothing bad will happen to you, just please think about the athletes.” The post earlier this month came in the wake of the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s decision to indefinitely delay the start of the winter sports season. Numerous Valley schools also have had to cancel football games because of virus outbreaks in their programs or schools. If someone sees a doctor for COVIDlike symptoms, the tests are reported to the county and state health departments, which then inform school districts. Chandler Unified spokesman Terry Locke told the SanTan News that even before the posting, the district had emailed parents earlier this month before the snapchat post that advised them not to let their guard down. “Although our individual school data

is positive overall, we cannot let our guard down as the trends change quickly and exponentially,” the email stated. “Students and parents understand and are committed to comply with the mitigation strategies. There are exceptions where individuals have overlooked mitigation strategies, thereby placing at-risk the health of students, staff and community members as well as continued in-person learning. Students have been sent to school with symptoms or while awaiting test results.” It also advised, “Students have attended gatherings outside of school, contracted the virus, and then returned to school exposing their classmates. These situations are avoidable. The pandemic has presented us with so many factors outside of our control. We need 100 percent cooperation to influence what we can control.” Meanwhile, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman earlier this month held a news conference with several superintendents and state health director Dr. Cara Christ about the pandemic’s continuing impact on schools. Hoffman said that a new spike in COVID-19 will force local schools into the “impossible decision’’ of whether to shut their doors to in-person learning to prevent students and teachers from getting sick. “Without serious changes from us, the adults making daily choices that

determine the virus’ path, we cannot expect these numbers to head in a safe direction,’’ Hoffman said. But Christ, while making multiple suggestions for dealing with the spread of the disease, said she’s not prepared to recommend new restrictions on individual and business activities. “We continue to monitor the data on a daily basis,’’ she said. And the health chief said some “mitigation strategies’’ are being discussed should counties, now considered at “moderate’’ risk of spread of the virus, move back into the “substantial’’ category they were at earlier this year. “We would work with the local health departments to identify what strategies we could implement,’’ Christ said. But she stressed there would be no universal model. “Each community is going to have different factors playing a role,’’ Christ said. And Christ said there has been an increase in the number of people showing up in hospitals with COVID-like symptoms. Christ also expressed concern about rising suicide rates among young people in Arizona as they struggle with the pandemic’s disruptive impact on their academic and personal lives. Hoffman said she is concerned about the impact of another major round of campus closures. “When our schools close to in-per-

son instruction, it is devastating to our communities,’’ she said. “Parents are thrown in flux as they try to decide the best model for distance learning, whether at home or at an on-site learning center,’’ Hoffman continued. “Educators must adapt quickly, transitioning from in-person and hybrid to distance learning. Christ said her and Hoffman’s department are setting up a pilot program for free weekly testing of teachers. But John Carruth, superintendent of the Vail Unified School District, said what is happening in the classroom is not the problem. “Both our experience and what I think our Pima County data are showing is that transmission is happening in the community and not within our schools, which is encouraging,’’ he said. Christ does have some answers to that, specifically with recommendations for what families should be doing this Thanksgiving to prevent these traditional family gatherings from turning into spreader events. It starts, she said, with moving celebrations outside or a local park. If that can’t happen, Christ said “create spaces’’ indoors so people can distance from one another, open doors and windows for better ventilation, and See

VIRUS SCHOOLS on page 8

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Chandler COVID-19 cases continue upward spiral

positive results, those three ZIP codes showed subsntial virus spread for cases per 100,000 people that included 168 in 85249, 150 for 85286 and 139 for 85248. Citywide, Chandler saw cases per 100,000 double from 102 the first week of November to 208 the week of Nov. 8 and positive new test results up from 5.2 percent to 7.7 percent. The data are 12 days old when they are posted by the county health department. Hospital ER visits with COVID-like symptoms for more than two months had been the only one of three benchmarks in the minimum spread category but they are now in the category signifying morderate spread. Chandler Unified's numbers also are up from 147 cases per 100,000 the

first week of November to 245 for the second week. Positive test results were up from 7.5 percent to 8.9 and hospital visits for the first time in weeks entered the moderate spread category, rising from the low-level 4 percent to 5 percent. Earlier this month, LaBaer cautioned that cases were about to reach 1,000 a day. That estimate turned out to be conservative. Maricopa County hit nearly 1,195 cases on Nov. 17, the latest available data show. LeBaer recommended minimal mingling during the holidays and adherence to precautions such as wearing masks, social distancing and frequent testing for the disease, which since January has killed more than 6,365 people in Arizona and 250,000 across the nation. “I would suggest, for the upcoming holidays, that people really limit it to their immediate family this year. I don’t think it’s a great year for big family get-togethers,” LaBaer said. LaBaer said Arizona has some confusing markers. A number of people have recovered from COVID-19 and appear to be immune for up to six months, which should mean a slowdown in the transmission of the disease. But that hasn’t happened. “The fact that the transmission rate is as high as it was back then means that people are doing a better job of transmitting it, which is not good,” he said. “People are interacting more, and some of that may be COVID fatigue, some may

be that people are back at work more often, but we really need to be attentive to reducing that sort of thing.” “We’re hitting a milestone here where the seven-day average for new cases is approaching 100,000 new cases a day. To put that in some perspective, the number of new cases we saw yesterday was around 90,000. That is more than the total number of cases in the original Wuhan outbreak,” LaBaer said, referring to the industrial city in central China where COVID-19 emerged late last year. Herd immunity has never been achieved without a vaccine, he said. Despite the widespread devastation and death toll caused by the virus, Arizona and the rest of the world are nowhere near the necessary 60 percent level to achieve herd immunity. Marcy Flanagan, executive director of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, said the percentage of the county’s population with antibodies is 11 percent – far less than is needed to reach herd immunity. “We estimate that somewhere between 40-80 percent of the population would need to be vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine to reach herd immunity,” said Flanagan. “It’s critical that we all wear face masks correctly and consistently, physically distance from others, wash our hands and avoid large groups of people to help slow the spread of COVID-19.”

Instead, the state provides “guidance’’ for local districts, along with reports of COVID-19 case and trends, and then leaves it to school officials to work with local health departments to figure out how to respond. Quintin Boyce, superintendent of the Roosevelt Elementary School District in Phoenix, many students in his district live in multi-generational households with not just parents and siblings but grandparents, too. “That influences the decision that we make,’’ he said. Meanwhile, Gov. Doug Ducey announced that he and Hoffman will be making grants available from a pool of $19 million of the state’s federal pandemic relief funds to support schools and students most affected by the pandemic. The grants will help fund teacher

development and stipends, reading and math curriculum, summer education resources and other activities. Eligibility for the program, known as the Acceleration Academies Grant Program, was determined through a partnership with Read On Arizona and the Maricopa Association of Governments. The organizations adopted a data-driven approach, considering factors such as AZMerit scores, percentage of students eligible for free and reduced-priced meals, access to computers and Internet, COVID-19 cases in the community, unemployment claims and other factors, the governor said. More than 180 schools are eligible for the program, with additional dollars prioritized for schools most impacted. “No matter what education option parents choose, we are determined to make sure no student falls behind this

year,” said Ducey. “These dollars will boost those efforts, funding proven acceleration strategies to keep kids academically on-track.” The Arizona Department of Education will administer the grant and develop reporting and progress measures for grant recipients. Eligible schools will be able to choose programs that best fit their needs from a list of strategies proven to accelerate academic achievement. Examples the governor cited included: training teachers in best practices for math and literacy instruction; teacher stipends for additional student tutoring sessions; contracting with qualified math or reading specialists to do one-on-one or small group work with students; and summer math or reading intensive programs for students in need.

lost control of his truck. Sepolio had been arguing with his girlfriend over the phone while attempting to pass another motorist along the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. He lost control of his truck and swerved too far left, lunging the vehicle over the bridge’s barrier wall and into the nearby park. Though the jury convicted Sepolio of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, it concluded his level of intoxication was not higher than California’s legal limit for driving. At his sentencing hearing, Sepolio, dressed in his Navy uniform, apologized to the families of his victims for any pain he had caused them. He was de-

nied probation and given the maximum possible sentence of nine years and eight months. The Contreras daughters already felt nine years was not a long enough sentence and now they’re more outraged to see Sepolio serve less than half that time. “How can a healthy 29-year-old inmate who is not at high risk for COVID-19 be released early and not even serve a third of his sentence” MaryAnn Contreras wrote in a statement. She said her family was only notified of Sepolio’s release a few days before he got out -- not affording them much time to try to appeal to Gov. Newsom or the CDCR.

“While (Sepolio) gets to have another Thanksgiving with his family, we now continue to have two empty seats surrounding our kitchen table,” Contreras added. Her parents had been together for 36 years and were high school sweethearts. After their deaths, friends of Cruz and AnnaMarie honored them by assembling at Chandler’s Tumbleweed Park and conducting a motorcycle motorcade. “Cruz and AnnaMarie were loving, kind-hearted, thoughtful, and they both strongly believed in acknowledging everyone’s self-worth,” the couple’s obituary states.

BY HAILLIE PARKER Cronkite News

Health officials fear a “staggering” death toll in Arizona as COVID-19 cases continue to rise unabated, citing fatigue over the virus and crowded holiday gatherings as potential dangers. Dr. Joshua LaBaer, executive director of Arizona State University’s Biodesign Institute, said its team attributes a resurgence of cases in Arizona and nationwide to a potential new era in the pandemic. That era is one in which Americans weary of eight months of isolation return to pre-COVID-19 routines of work, school and play. That could lead to a rise that surpasses even the state’s spike last summer, when nearly one out of four tests were positive, he said. LaBaer’s alarm comes as the latest COVID-19 data, released by the county health department, showed that cases per 100,000 people – one of the three benchmarks for measuring virus spread was at the “substantial” level are rising for the county as a whole as well as for all three school districts serving northern Chandler. Chandler’s southern ZIP codes, including Sun Lakes, showed soaring virus numbers, according to data released by Maricopa County on Nov. 19. For the week of Nov. 8, all three – 85248, 85249 and 85286, were in the moderate spread category for both hospital visits with COVID-like symptoms and positive new test results. For percent of new tests with

VIRUS SCHOOLS

from page 6

reduce the number of people gathered around the table. “And consider celebrating virtually with your college-age students or your higher-risk and elderly relatives,’’ she said. Mesa Public Schools Superintendent Andi Fourlis said one of her district’s campuses, Mesa High, has been forced to go back to two days a week of in-classroom learning because of an outbreak. Because of the concern about holiday gatherings, she also said the district will extend the long weekend by a day, with only virtual learning for all students on the Monday after Thanksgiving. While the state determines the standards for how and when businesses can operate, that isn’t the case for schools.

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who have been devastated by their loss and continue to deal with the financial, emotional, mental and physical trauma caused by the defendant.” Stephan further cited Sepolio’s actions on the day of the accident as reasons to cancel his early release, claiming the defendant continues to “minimize” his role in causing the crash. According to court testimony, Sepolio admitted to consuming two alcoholic beverages shortly before the crash and was accelerating at speeds exceeding 80 mph at the moment he

Dr. Joshua LaBaer, executive director of Arizona State University’s Biodesign Institute, warns of a “staggering” death toll in the state if COVID-19 cases continued to rise unabated.

COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Council OKs 2 complexes, rejects a 3rd SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Chandler City Council in a 4-3 vote earlier this month turned thumbs down on a proposed 396-unit apartment complex but approved two others. Despite some objections from nearby residents, Council approved the Village at College Park project, just south of Elliot and Price roads, that will add 40 housing units building eight single-story cottages It also signed off on plans for a 252unit apartment complex called Uptown Commons on the corner of Arizona Avenue and Elliot Road. But Council rejected the Evergreen Chandler that had been proposed for a corner at Arizona Avenue and Germann Road. The project’s close proximity to the Chandler Airport raised concerns about exposing Evergreen’s future tenants to a deluge of continuous flight traffic. “The property is not located within an airport noise contour and will experience daily overflights from aircraft in the normal traffic pattern,” Airport Administrator Chris Andre wrote in a memo. The Chandler Planning and Zoning Commission also had denied Evergreen’s request to rezone the land, citing its incompatibility with nearby developments.

Rick Heumann, the commission’s chairman, specifically objected to taking land away that would be more appropriate for commercial purposes -- something he said has happened before in Chandler and that he wants to discourage. “We took land use away that will never come back to employment and that’s my heartburn with this particular case,” Heumann said. Councilmembers Matt Orlando, Jeremy McClymonds, and Sam Huang voted for Evergreen with the hope that it would offer some more affordable housing to Chandler residents. Despite the Evergreen vote, Planning Administrator Kevin Mayo said the city has shifted to becoming more strategic by carefully assessing which projects get greenlighted and where they get developed. That strategy seems focused presently on accommodating the multifamily housing market. According to housing data tracked by the city, the construction of multi-family housing units has been outpacing single-family homes in Chandler since 2016. Before the housing market crashed in 2009, Chandler was completing up to 3,500 new single-family homes per year. But that rate of construction has since dropped to about 500 homes. By con-

trast, the rate of new apartments and condos in Chandler has been increasing steadily since 2010. City officials say the lack of single-family homes and a sudden influx of new jobs have created an environment that has allowed for alternative types of housing to thrive. “The multifamily market is coming in to fill that gap right now especially because we’re running out of large tracts of land,” said Micah Miranda, the city’s economic development director. But not everyone in Chandler is thrilled about adding a slew of new multi-family housing projects to the city’s landscape. “We’re not looking forward to seeing this development come in,” said Wendy Yeager, who lives near the just-approved Village at College Park project site. College Park developers describe their project as a “unique” housing product unlike any other found around Chandler. Each of the eight cottages would include five housing units -ranging from one-bedroom studios to three-bedroom apartments -- and every unit comes with an attached garage. “The development team for The Village at College Park is confident that the proposed project will be a great addition to the community as it complements the adjacent developments,”

developers wrote in city documents. Yeager also is concerned that the development will interfere with the operation of a nearby horse therapy ranch and add too many new residents to an area that’s already congested by the adjacent freeway. “This is going to be a huge, huge increase in traffic,” she added. During the council meeting, Orlando noted that grocery store clerks and restaurant workers are increasingly at risk of getting priced out of Chandler’s housing market. “Because of their wages, some of them can’t live here,” Orlando added, “and I think that’s unfair.” Mayor Kevin Hartke said he could not approve the Evergreen project because it is situated in a part of Chandler he thinks should be saved for commercial uses. “If this was any place else, I would be very compelled -- it is the location that makes me vote ‘no’ on this,” the mayor said. The Villages at Chandler, a 108-unit complex looking to build near Gilbert and Riggs roads, is another housing project the council is expected to review next month. The development would consist of several duplexes and triplexes on a See

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

2 teens accused of killing Chandler woman SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Two teenagers have been arrested for killing a 34-year-old Chandler woman during a months-long crime spree involving dozens of crimes across the Valley over the summer. Corbin McNeil, 16, of Phoenix, and James Quintero, 16, of Tempe, have been indicted on 25 felony charges for a series of assaults, robberies and shootings allegedly committed between June and September. Their crimes involved the random killings of two people – one outside a Tempe apartment complex and the other in a Chandler neighborhood across

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9-acre parcel of land that’s surrounded by housing subdivisions. Described as a “pocket neighborhood,” the Villages is being pitched by its developers as an intimate community where residents can easily become friends due to their closeness to each other. Some nearby residents have objected to the construction of a multi-family development in a part of Chandler that’s starved for more retail and commercial projects. “Once this is approved -- we’ll never have the opportunity for retail,” said

the street from Basha High School. On the morning of Sept. 20, the remains of 34-year-old Amber Patton were discovered by her roommate inside the victim’s Chandler residence located in the 4800 block of East Augusta Avenue. Patton died of a gunshot wound and was killed a few hours before her roommate came home. Investigators don’t believe Patton knew McNeil or Quintero before her death and believe the suspects stole the victim’s car. News of her death mostly went unreported for the next few weeks until court records detailing the arrests of McNeil and Quintero were filed earlier this month.

Chandler Police Det. Zachary Waters said the department chose not to publicize Patton’s murder in order to better protect the integrity of a complex investigation that involved several other agencies. “The reasoning behind Chandler PD not producing any press releases was to allow for the investigators across the valley agencies involved to be able to successfully locate the suspects,” Waters said. Patton’s death came at the end of what appears to be a violent crime spree that started in June with a shooting outside a Circle K in Phoenix. Not long after that, the teenagers allegedly shot and killed 28-year-old Matthew Meisner in Tempe on July 26.

Like Patton, Meisner was a stranger to the suspects. Tempe Police managed to connect Meisner’s death to the Circle K shooting through surveillance footage recorded outside the convenience store. Investigators then asked neighboring police agencies for any unsolved crimes that could also be linked to McNeil and Quintero. Patton’s death and a couple other assaults were traced back to the teenagers, resulting in their arrests and subsequent indictments a few weeks ago. McNeil and Quintero are being charged as adults in Superior Court. Their bond has been set at $1.5 million.

Christie Brown, who lives near the Villages project site. Kehl and her neighbors started an online petition in an attempt to thwart the city from rezoning the Villages site for housing developments. More than 1,300 people have signed Kehl’s petition and many of them expressed dissatisfaction with an influx of new residents to their neighborhood. Council approved another project that could benefit residents looking to move into the city’s downtown region, signing off on the Alta Chandler at the Park, a 293-unit apartment complex that would be built near Alma School Road and Chandler Boulevard.

The site’s owners had originally envisioned developing this site as a 60-acre retail mall full of shops and office buildings. But the demand for new commercial units in this part of Chandler has dried up in recent years, prompting developers to look for new land uses. “All of the marketing efforts for additional office development on the site have proven unsuccessful,” city documents state. “The prospects for additional office development on the balance of the site are therefore highly unlikely.” Developers believe the addition of Alta’s four-story apartment buildings – which come with an onsite dog spa and bike shop – would be a major benefit to

the existing businesses located around downtown Chandler. “Adding a luxury multi-family community in the context of the existing uses would be an enhancement not only to the housing options in the area but would also help support the retail uses in the center,” Alta’s developers wrote in a memo. Council voted 5-2 earlier this month to approve Alta’s development plans. Councilman Orlando, who voted against the project, said he had some concerns about Alta’s size. He described the project’s scope as “intense” and worried the apartment buildings would be too close to other developments.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Man charged in local mom’s slaying SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

A Scottsdale man has been arrested on suspicion of killing 47-year-old Danita Hunter in the backyard of her Chandler home on the evening of Aug. 29. Nozre Ware, 22, is facing first-degree murder charges after he allegedly ambushed Hunter and her 22-year-old son outside the family’s home in the 4800 block of West Flint Street. According to Chandler Police, Ware snuck up on the family at about 10:30 p.m. and opened fire while Hunter and her son sat on their back porch. The son fled from the backyard as gunfire started to ring out -- not realizing one of the bullets had struck him. He ran to a neighbor’s home for help and called the police. Once officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Hunter unresponsive and stricken with a gunshot wound. Her son survived his injuries. Authorities put out rewards for information on Hunter’s killer and eventually came across a promising lead after discovering a similar criminal case in a nearby city. Chandler investigators noticed the bullet shell casings retrieved from Hunter’s backyard were similar to ones found at the scene of a separate shooting incident. A possible suspect in the latter case was identified as Ware, who happened

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Nozre Ware to be a former associate of Hunter’s son and had visited the family’s home in the past. The connection led Chandler Police to zero in on Ware and arrest him on Nov. 2. Det. Zachary Waters declined to elaborate on the relationship between Ware and the surviving victim nor did he offer any type of motive Ware may have had. Ware is believed to have been assisted by an accomplice who drove the getaway car after the suspect allegedly killed Hunter. Video surveillance shows the suspect getting picked up in a silver Chevrolet

Camaro down the street from Hunter’s residence shortly after the shooting. Waters said Ware is currently the only suspect in the case who’s been criminally charged. At the time of his arrest, Ware allegedly declined to answer questions about Hunter’s death. Chandler’s detectives later uncovered clothing in Ware’s Scottsdale residence that matched apparel worn by the suspect captured in video surveillance footage. Hunter’s violent death came as a shock to friends and family members who knew her as a peaceful, caring individual. Clottee Hammons, grandmother to Hunter’s son, described the victim as a loving person who was active in the Chandler community. “She was a devoted parent to three young men, a loving daughter and sister, a kind and generous friend and valued community member,” Hammons wrote in a statement. At the time of the August shooting, Ware was wanted in court for criminal charges filed against him earlier this year. The defendant had been accused of trespassing, criminal damage, and disobeying an officer on April 14. A couple days after Hunter’s death, a Maricopa County Superior Court judge issued a warrant for Ware’s arrest after he failed to show up for a court appearance.

COMMUNITY NEWS

CITY OF CHANDLER INSIDER

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Chandler committees study possible bond election BY THE CITY OF CHANDLER

Chandler leaders have, over several decades, carefully and steadily built the City’s reputation as a well-managed, fiscally conservative municipality supported by a diversified economic environment and strong reserves. The fact that Chandler has earned the highest ratings from all three primary bond rating agencies underscores that our reputation is much deserved. Part of the City’s fiscal strength rests on its judicious and timely use of bond funding, which in turn is the result of voters authorizing bond measures at various times through the years; the last time in 2007. The public has often trusted City leaders when they have recommended the use of bond funding to help maintain the strong quality of life in Chandler, keep up with changing community needs and maintain our competitive edge. Some of the projects partially or completely funded by bonds in the past include: Public Safety – Two new fire stations, the expansion of another and the rebuilding of one more, Fire administrative headquarters, the Police Records Management System, and the Public Safety Training Center Parks and Cultural Development – The Tumbleweed Recreation Center and the ongoing development of Tumbleweed Park, Paseo Vista Recreational Area, numerous Neighborhood and Community parks, Paseo Trail System and the Chandler Museum Streets – Several arterial widening projects in southeast Chandler, street repaving and maintenance, numerous intersection improvements and South Arizona Ave. Corridor improvements Water and Wastewater – Well construction and rehabilitation, water main replacements, water/wastewater facility improvements and sewer collection system upgrades and replacements. Another bond election is now under consideration for 2021, and earlier this year the City Council established a Citizen Bond Exploratory Committee to provide a recommendation for the

Boyd Dunn amount of bond authorization needed to maintain and enhance the public infrastructure that will keep Chandler moving forward as the Community of Innovation. Leading the Citizen Bond Exploratory Committee is a seven-member steering committee chaired by former Chandler Mayor and current Arizona Corporation Commissioner Boyd Dunn. Dunn and each of the other six committee members also chair a bond subcommittee comprising six members from the community, for a total of 49 volunteers. The seven subcommittees are each given a specific area of focus. They are the airport, facilities, finance, information technology, parks, public safety and public works subcommittees. “I have been extremely impressed by the residents who stepped up to serve on these committees pursuant to the request by the City Council. They are excited to be contributing to this process, and they are working diligently to understand the issues and fulfill their roles,” Dunn said. Since the kick-off meeting for the Citizen Bond Exploratory Committee on Aug. 20, each subcommittee has met regularly to discuss the current status of the city’s capital facilities and infrastructure and to consider short- and long-term future needs. Initial subcommittee meetings included presentations

Chandler Public Works & Utilities Director John Knudson gives a tour of the Ocotillo Water Reclamation Facility to the members of the Public Works Subcommittee of the Citizen Bond Exploratory Committee.

(Courtesy of the City of Chandler)

from city staff and reviews of numerous reports, strategic planning documents and public surveys conducted in recent years. “Members of the subcommittees have been given significant history and financial policies to review,” Dunn said. “Without complaint they have taken a comprehensive approach to evaluating the projects being proposed, the estimated costs and the needs of the community. The process has been running smoothly because of taking their responsibilities seriously.” To better understand the size and scope of some of the projects they would be considering, some of the subcommittees took tours of city facilities. The Public Works Subcommittee members toured the Ocotillo Water Reclamation Facility near Queen Creek and Price roads; Parks toured Dr. A.J. Chandler Park and the downtown square, Information Technology toured Police Communications and the Traffic Management Center; Public Safety toured fire and police stations; and Facilities toured the Community Center, Senior Center and Center for the Arts.

One of the projects under consideration by the Parks Subcommittee is full or partial development of the Mesquite Groves Park Site, located north of Basha High School and the Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center, as seen here in Google Earth. (Courtesy of the City of Chandler)

At this time, the subcommittees are working to complete their deliberations, prioritize a short and long-term list of possible projects and submit the results to the Citizen Bond Exploratory Steering Committee and Finance Subcommittee for evaluation and deliberation. Once all the subcommittee recommendations are submitted the Citizen Bond Exploratory Steering Committee will work with the Finance Subcommittee on various funding scenarios to help pare down the list of capital projects and decide which ones will be submitted to the City Council for final consideration of additional needed bond authorization. There are still numerous opportunities to provide public input on the bond proposals, including public meetings and through the online feedback form at chandleraz.gov/BondElection. The website also contains meeting schedules, agendas and minutes, and copies of all staff presentations and documents. “Transparency has always been a hallmark of Chandler. It’s a key component for a successful bond election because it builds trust with the public,” Dunn said, adding: “Our meetings are open, our documents are online and we offer significant opportunity for public involvement before the proposals are presented to the City Council. Chandler will be careful and respectful of the bond election process, and we are serious about protecting our taxpayers.” If Council decides a bond election is in the city’s best interest, they will choose the projects they deem most important, set a funding limit and select the date of the election. Ultimately, Chandler citizens have the final say in whether to approve all, some or none of the bond proposals. Until ballots are cast, some members of the Citizen Bond Exploratory Committee and others in the community will visit with various stakeholder groups in the community to discuss the bond proposals. The public can follow the bond election process at chandleraz. gov/BondElection.

COMMUNITY NEWS

CITY OF CHANDLER INSIDER

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Bond election frequently asked questions BY THE CITY OF CHANDLER

Chandler City Council will be assessing the need for a special election in 2021 for voters to consider several bond proposals to pay for community enhancements. Since the City has not conducted a bond election since 2007, voters may not be familiar with the process. Here are several questions and answers about municipal bond elections. What is a bond election? A bond election is an opportunity for Chandler taxpayers to decide what community enhancements, such as large capital projects, they are willing to pay for through property taxes. State law requires that Chandler obtain “bond authorization” from voters in order to sell bonds, thereby incurring debt that is based on property assessed value, commonly referred to as General Obligation (GO) Bonds. By involving the public in this process, municipalities help to ensure transparency and protect taxpayers. What is a general obligation bond? Bonded debt is the primary mechanism established by state statute that enables municipalities like Chandler

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um, have a long useful life, so the assets infrastructure or complete planned construction of streets and parks. can be built sooner (when needed) and They also sought to limit any new their cost can be spread out over many projects that would add ongoing operyears and paid for by current and future ations and maintenance costs. Finally, citizens who use them. The debt is typicouncil directed the city finance staff cally financed over a 20-year period. to evaluate the proposed bond projects When voters approve bond proposiwith the goal of preventing or minimiztions, the city does not issue all of the debt immediately. Instead, debt issuanc- ing any increase in property taxes. Each bond proposition on the ballot will es are spread out over several years according to the annual spending needs of include a description of the planned capital improvement projects and a dollar amount the bond program or timing of projects. estimated to complete the projects. By monitoring the annual spending If voters approve a bond proposineeds and not issuing all the debt at tion, the city is authorized to sell bonds one time, the city can keep the debt up to but not exceeding the amount service property tax rate more stable indicated in the proposition language. from year to year. Any proposed projects that would Historically, Chandler’s interest rate What are the benefits of GO bonds use bond funds will still need to go on its bonds has been low due to the to taxpayers? before Council for public input and city’s well managed debt program and Bond proceeds that fund debt to superior bond ratings. The city mainfund major capital improvement proj- Your generous contribution Council’s approval on an annual basis. Approving additional bond autains AAA ratings on its general obligaects, such as park or library improvewill the bring joyrating, of thethorization does not mean taxes will tion bonds, highestthe possible ments, can be compared to a home today from allto three services. soul by increase. The bond authorization is like mortgage that is repaid over time. season arating suffering a credit limit to pull from when needThe daily expenditures for that delicious meal ed. City staff will look for a balance Will theseabond projects increase household that are paid for immediate-providing between the property assessed values, ly, such as groceries and utilities, are like my taxes? complete with: the property tax rate and the debt Not necessarily. Council directed the city’s operational and maintenance service on the GO bonds. As the debt the seven citizen bond exploratory expenses for its facilities. Like buying a is paid down, new debt can be added, that house, major capital improvement proj- subcommittees to look at projects Turkey ects, such as a new fire station or muse- address a public need, maintain existing leaving taxes neutral. to issue tax-exempt bonds as part of a comprehensive capital program to build, maintain and replace public assets and infrastructure. Municipal general obligation bonds are sold to investors and the proceeds from the sales of these bonds are used to pay for major capital investments. These bonds are generally considered low-risk investments because they are backed by the full faith and credit of the municipalities that issue them. This means the city is obligated to pay back the bonds by pledging its ad valorem taxing power, or in other words its ability to collect property taxes, to repay the debt.

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m My________ check enclosed mphone I’d like to pay by credit cardm Please send me email updates on the lives be Exp. My phoneMy number ( ______ ) ( _________________________________ Exp. is ________ number ______ ) _________________________________ changed at Phoenix Rescue Mission. Name Phoenix Rescue Mission Email address ____________________________________________________________ Card type ___________ Card number ________________________________________ Email address ____________________________________________________________ Phoenix Rescue Mission PO Box 6708 PO Mission. Box 6708 m Please send me email updates on the lives being changed at Phoenix Rescue m PleaseMy send me email updates on the being changed at Phoenix Rescue Mission. Exp.AZ ________ phone number ( ______ ) lives _________________________________ Address You will receive a Phoenix 85005-6708 Phoenix AZ 85005-6708 Email address ____________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Restaurants no longer can offer take-out alcohol

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Forget about getting that margarita to go with your take-out order of fajitas, at least for the time being. In a new directive, the head of the state Department of Liquor Licenses and Control last week directed his agents to once begin enforcing a law that prohibits the sale of beer, wine or liquor to go from restaurants. John Cocca also said that police officers also are free to cite restaurants that violate the law. All that followed a Nov. 8 ruling by Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Pamela Gates that Gov. Doug Ducey acted illegally last March in allowing the restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages to customers picking up orders despite a state law to the contrary. Gates’ ruling came on an ongoing lawsuit filed against Ducey by more than 100 bars, including several in Chandler over the governor’s closure of bars that are not licensed to serve meals. Since that time, outright closures have been replaced by restrictions that the owners said are still hurting their businesses. Patrick Ptak, press aide to the governor, said his boss is still reviewing Gates’ ruling, but that no decision has been made whether to appeal. In the interim, restaurants that continue to provide alcohol with their to-go orders risk not only fines but loss

of their state licenses that permit them to sell drinks to their dine-in customers. The governor said his original order was designed to provide some financial relief to restaurants which had initially been shuttered for in-house dining. That left only take-out orders. Even now, with restaurants allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity, Dan Bogert, chief operating officer of the Arizona Restaurant Association said his members still rely heavily on customers getting their means to go. “Without the ability to include alcohol with to-go orders, a key lifeline has been stripped from these businesses,’’

he said. But Gates said that while Ducey’s declaration of an emergency gives him broad powers, it does not give him the right to override a specific decision of the legislature to preclude such off-premises sale of alcohol to restaurants. She did not buy his argument that his powers include not just dealing with COVID-19 but also any economic recovery. If Gates’ order stands, there is recourse for the restaurants: ask the legislature to lift the ban on selling alcoholic beverages to go. Bogert said his organization is considering exactly that when lawmakers convene in January.

That, however, will get a fight from bar owners whose liquor licenses are more expensive. One reason for that is they do not need to maintain sales of at least 40 percent of food items. But that license also gets them the to-go privileges that restaurants do not have. In her 18-page decision, Gates brushed aside most of the claims by bar owners throughout the state that it was wrong of the governor to single out their establishments for closure while other alcohol-serving establishments like restaurants were allowed to remain open. Gates said there was sufficient evidence that bars posed more of a threat to public health due to the spread of COVID-19 than other kinds of business establishments. And with the legislature having granted the governor broad powers during an emergency, that provided sufficient justification for the orders. But the judge said nothing in the Arizona Constitution or even the emergency powers statutes entitles Ducey to ignore laws entirely. Both Ducey and the Arizona Restaurant Association had argued that the special privilege was necessary to help keep the businesses financially afloat. They, like the bars, had initially been shuttered entirely. And even now they have to operate with limited capacity. Gates said that is all legally irrelevant. See

BARS on page 17

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

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COMMUNITY NEWS

HOLIDAY

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

from page 1

planned smaller leisurely events that would be both safe and enjoyable for the public. On Dec. 8 and 17, the city will have a professional photographer available to take portraits of families standing next to Chandler’s tumbleweed tree in A.J. Chandler Park near Arizona Avenue and Boston Street. Visitors will be instructed to distance themselves from each other while waiting in line for the photographer. Llamas said it was important to still offer the same holiday rituals residents expect each year -- like the tumbleweed tree -- in order to offer some sense of normalcy to the public. “We’ve kind of taken it, reimagined it and put a little spin on it to still kind of give folks that holiday feeling they were used to,” she said. Residents will be able to learn more about Chandler’s tumbleweed tree through a new history exhibit on display at the Chandler Museum until Jan. 10. The 25-foot-tall tree made of 1,000 tumbleweeds has been an annual tradition in Chandler since the 1950s and attracts thousands of visitors to the downtown area each year. The new exhibit will tell the story of the tree’s unique origins and explain how its construction has changed over the years. Some of the city’s events will attempt to showcase businesses littered around Chandler’s downtown region

Joleen Hall last weekend helped unload food for AZCEND Food Bank, which partnered with the Chandler CARE Center to deliver boxes of food to needy Chandler families for Thanksgiving. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)

who have had to navigate a tumultuous year of shutdowns and economic downturns. Several bars in the city’s downtown area will be offering cheap drink specials on Dec. 12 through a pub crawl event hosted by the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership. On the afternoon of Nov. 28, live music will be staged in San Marcos Place for an event the city’s dubbed “Small Business Saturday,” which aims to get residents to visit the 28 local restaurants lined up around the courtyard. A.J. Chandler Park will transform into a fantastical “Sugarland” throughout

the month of December and feature a collection of decorative holiday displays. Children will be able to climb over giant marshmallows spilling out of a lifesize mug or pose for a picture next to a sleigh full of candy. The walkway over the Commonwealth Canal will also be lit up with colorful lanterns each evening. In addition to being a leisurely activity, Llamas said the “Sugarland” display is intended to draw some attention to Chandler’s downtown businesses wishing to see some extra customers during the holiday season. “Our businesses would absolutely

appreciate folks stopping in and patronizing them,” she said. Because the pandemic has brought hardships to a number of Chandler families, the city will be conducting a monthlong food drive and collecting non-perishable goods for local nonprofits. Up until Dec. 22, donations can be dropped off at Tumbleweed Recreation Center, Sibley’s West Gift Shop or during the farmer’s market events every Saturday morning at A.J. Chandler Park. Llamas said the pandemic’s pushed the city to intentionally try to ramp up its efforts to gather more charitable donations this year. “We’re really trying to reach out to the community and let them know that folks have been struggling,” she said. The Chandler Fire Department will host its annual toy drive on Dec. 5 and is encouraging residents to consider making donations through a hands-free delivery system. Gift cards and unwrapped toys can be mailed to the agency’s headquarters at 151 East Boston Street or gifts can be bought online through the city’s Amazon wishlist. Gifts can still be dropped off in-person at any of Chandler’s fire stations until Dec. 11. The Chandler Care Center, which hosts charitable holiday events each year, is trying to not let the pandemic stop its volunteers from handing out food and toys to needy families. Katie Kahle, the center’s executive director, said her staff is preparing to See

HOLIDAY on page 17

The Downtown Chandler Community Partnership is debuting a new Christmas holiday treat starting next week with Sugarland. The Partnership released these photos to give residents a sneak preview of what they can look forward to throughout the Christmas season. (Downtown Chandler Community Partnership))

Chandler plans month of holiday magic SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Chandler has set a full calendar of holiday-related events – some of which are intended to help needy local families. Here’s a look at the full calendar. Nov. 28, 1-5 p.m.: Small Business Saturday, downtown Chandler. Nov. 28-Jan. 3, Chandler Sugarland, downtown Chandler. Nov. 28–Jan. 3, holiday lights, downtown Chandler.

Nov. 29, 1-5 p.m., Chandler Museum Store Sunday, Chandler Museum. Dec. 1-22, Tis the Season for Giving Food Drive, various drop-off locations. Dec. 4-20, S’more Holiday Fun, Chandler Fashion Center. Dec. 5–Jan. 10, Tumbleweed Tree: A Very Chandler Christmas, Chandler Museum. Dec. 5, 2-8 p.m., Chandler Fire Department Toy Drive, Chandler Fashion Center. Dec. 5, 6 p.m., Tumbleweed Tree

Lighting: A Re-Imagined Tradition Virtually – Social Media & Channel 11. The tree will be lit through Jan. 3 at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park. Dec. 5,12,19, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Farmers Market, Dr. A.J. Chandler Park. Dec. 8, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Give Back Night food drive collection, Dr. A.J. Chandler Park. Dec. 12, 1-6 p.m., Sippin’ Santa, downtown Chandler, tickets must be purchased in advance at downtown-

chandler.org/sippinsantas. Dec. 13, 1-4 p.m., Tumbleweed tree pictures, Dr. A.J. Chandler Park Dec. 17, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Give Back Night food drive collection, Dr. A.J. Chandler Park. Dec. 19, 7 p.m., Tumbleweed tree pictures; Also, Under the Stars-CCA at the Museum: Holly Jolly Christmas, Chandler Museum. Dec. 20, 1-4 p.m., Tumbleweed tree pictures, Dr. A.J. Chandler Park.

COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

HOLIDAY

from page 16

feed more than 400 families for Thanksgiving and offer holiday presents for at least 1,000 children. The center has had to restructure its giveaway events to fit a drive-thru model in order to minimize the risk of spreading the coronavirus, Kahle added, but it shouldn’t prevent her staff from servicing residents. To further protect families, the center is wiping down all donated items and setting them aside for at least 72 hours before a masked volunteer packages them into bags. The number of families asking the Care Center for assistance is comparable to previous years, Kahle said, though

BARS

from page 14

“The court takes no position on whether the law should be changed to allow to-go alcohol,’’ the judge wrote. “It merely holds that action is outside the power delegated to the governor ... during a state of emergency because the action is contrary to current Arizona law.’’ Attorney Ilan Wurman said that his clients are being hurt financially as off-premises sales were going to the restaurants that can be their direct competitors. Gates pointed out that under other

there has been a shift this year in the types of families reaching out for help. “The largest difference we have seen is the number of new families coming to us for assistance,” Kahle said. “Over a third of families coming to our food bank since the pandemic began have been new families and we expect we will continue to see that this year.” Food donations have been down recently at the center and Kahle said they’ve made up for the deficit by getting a flood of new monetary gifts from the community. “Our community is incredibly generous – we have received donations from schools, churches, clubs, and businesses this year, and each one has brought us closer to being able to provide food for our neighbors in Chandler,” she said.

circumstances, anyone who suffers monetary damages from the actions of another can seek to recoup. But that’s not the case here. “The court ... finds the governor’s immunity will likely preclude plaintiffs from collecting damages,’’ Gates wrote. And that, the judge said, tips the balance in favor of her enjoining Ducey from continuing his order allowing the off-premises sale of alcohol from restaurants. Bogert called the ruling “unfortunate,’’ pointing out that there is an increased reliance by restaurants on togo orders – with those picking up meals also wanting alcoholic beverages.

Alfredo Beas helped AZCEND unload boxes of food for the Thanksgiving dinner assistance that the nonprofit and Chandler CARE Center helped provide to needy families. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)

“Without the ability to include alcohol with to-go orders, a key lifeline has been stripped from these businesses,’’ Bogert said. “This will no doubt lead to less profitability and possibly more permanent closure of our favorite gathering spots.’’ Gates said that other restrictions on bars can stand even if they don’t apply to restaurants and other similar businesses. She said testimony convinces her there are certain things that happen in bars that make them “likely high-risk environments for the spread of the virus.’’ “Bars are often loud, which causes individuals to draw closer to hear one another and to speak louder, thus in-

creasing the risk of transmission,’’ Gates continued. “Furthermore, mask wearing is incompatible with drinking, and drinking alcohol impairs decision-making.’’ Then there are the dance floors. The issue, the judge said, is that people not only mix but that limited ventilation and turbulent airflow patterns result in an environment where respiratory droplets are more easily spread. Wurman said the ruling is not the last word. He said that he still has a chance to make his case at a full-blown trial that there is no legitimate reason for discrimination.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Artists and entertainers fill holiday calendar SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Chandler Center for the Arts and Vision Gallery have scheduled a variety of offerings for Chandler and surrounding communities to celebrate the holidays in a safe, fun way. From holiday concerts and a drive-by holiday light display to shopping online for holiday gifts through Vision Gallery’s Gift Shop, Chandler Center for the Arts brings artists and performers to spread holiday cheer to the community. Local artists and performers highlight the celebrations, with performances from the Chandler Symphony Orchestra, Chandler Children’s Choir and the Spirit of Christmas, a traditional holiday performance that has been held annually at the Chandler Center for the Arts since 1989. Here’s a roundup of what’s on the calendar:

Spirit Of Christmas

Presented by Tempe Dance Academy, this virtual performance is slated Nov 27-29 and Dec 4 – 6. Tickets: $20. chandlercenter.org/events/spirit-christmas. A family holiday tradition continues as the Chandler Center for the Arts main stage turns into a winter wonderland in this special performance recorded in 2019. Spirit of Christmas celebrates traditions from around the world, from Asia to Eastern Europe to indigenous peoples of America. Featuring a cast of more than 100 dancers, singers and guest performers, including World Champion Hoop Dancer Tony Duncan. Share moments with family and

The Chandler Children's Choir cannot perform for a live audience because of COVID-19 restrictions this season, but you can watch a broadcast of a previous concert on Dec. 17. (File photo)

friends with this three-hour virtual performance you can watch at your leisure, with unlimited access for three days, over two weekends.

Vision Gallery Holiday Gift Shop

In-person and online holiday shopping begins Dec 1. Featuring jewelry, art and collectibles from local artists, Vision Gallery’s gift shop is perfect for holiday shopping. Favorites include colorful earrings by Daniel Funkhouser, wood-burned spoons by Iron Root, desert greeting cards by Aleah Butler, and a variety of handmade holiday ornaments from various local artists. In-person shopping is available during the Gallery’s business hours, with online shopping with local curbside pick-up available on a selection of your favorite items. Details: visiongallery.org.

Chandler Children’s Choir Dec. 17, 7 p.m. Free Watch at chandlercenter.org as the Chandler Children’s Choir, a premier youth community choir for children ages 7-18, performs a Calypso-themed holiday concert, recorded on the CCA main stage. Songs that celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah remind us that no matter what is happening in the world around us, there is always a reason to sing.

Chandler Symphony Holiday Concert

Dec. 24, at 7 p.m. Free Watch at chandlercenter.org a performance by LeAnn Contessa, violin; Danielle Kennedy, viola; Cindy Petty,

violin; and James Stanley, cello. The Chandler Symphony Orchestra’s String Quartet performs classic Christmas songs to provide the perfect sound for your Christmas Eve. Performed on the CCA main stage, violin, viola and cello come to together for beautiful arrangements of favorite Christmas songs and carols.

Dancing Through the Holidays Light Display

Through Jan. 1 Chandler Center for the Arts exterior, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler Chandler Center for the Arts invites the public to drive by the Center during the holiday season to view its evening holiday light display on the building. The Chandler Center’s staff, performers and volunteers present this visual display to wish everyone Happy Holidays.

New museum store offers unique gift options SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

On Nov. 29, the new store at the Chandler Museum will participate in Museum Store Sunday by offering visitors a selection of quality gifts that organizers say are “filled with inspiration and educational value.” Now in its fourth year, Museum Store Sunday is a signature initiative of museums and cultural institutions worldwide. More than 1,400 museum stores representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia, 22 countries, and five continents will offer inspired shopping choices. The Chandler Museum Store, which held its grand opening earlier this month, features locally made art pieces that capture the culture and history of Chandler. On Museum Store Sunday, shoppers get 10 percent off all purchases. Additionally, local author Kathy Peach will do a reading at 1:30 p.m. of her children’s book, “The Tiniest Tumbleweed,” which can be purchased on site. “This is our first year participating in Museum Store Sunday and we are looking forward to joining museums around the world in this effort to encourage shoppers to support their local museum

The Chandler Museum opened earlier this month, just in time to be part of the international Museum Store Sunday Nov. 29. (Chandler Museum)

stores,” said museum Director Jody Crago. “This year it’s more important than ever to support local cultural institutions – many of which have been closed for months due to COVID-19 restrictions,” said Blue Anderson, president of the Museum Store Association board and director of visitor services for the Columbia River Maritime Museum. “On Museum Store Sunday,” he

said, “we encourage shoppers to ‘Be a Patron’ at their favorite museum stores; to not only find inspiring, creative and educational gifts for friends and family, but to also lend much needed support to these important venues. “Museum Store Sunday is a wonderful opportunity for consumers around the world to shop local, support artisans and small suppliers, give back to the commu-

nity and find unique gifts for loved ones.” One of the unique displays in the Chandler Museum Store is the ostrich section, which gives a nod to the community’s ostrich history dating back more than 100 years. Town founder Dr. A.J. Chandler and others raised ostrich herds in Chandler for their feathers. Products in the store include ostrich themed socks, a coloring book with ostrich sketches, ostrich feather earrings and a spiral notebook with a historic photo of ostriches in Chandler. The Museum Store is located in the lobby of the Chandler Museum at 300 S. Chandler Village Drive. It provides an additional interpretive space that enhances the stories told in the museum exhibitions. Purchases in the Museum Store support the mission of the museum. The store is open during Museum hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. The facility is closed on Mondays. Information: chandleraz.gov/museum, or by calling 480-782-2717. Museum Store Sunday information, including a list of global museum store participants, is available at museumstoresunday.org.

COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

ECONOMY

from page 1

“What we saw is that where gifts and for holiday items like decorations, candy, food, cards, people are spending very much in line with last year and actually in line with what the five-year average has been,” Cullen said. “Where they’re a little hesitant is on those extra purchases for themselves and their families.” One reason overall sales could remain consistent with past years is an expansion of holiday shopping season, which typically kicks off with Black Friday sales that go into effect on late on Thanksgiving Day. This time around, retailers started rolling deals out online weeks before Thanksgiving. If you just compare the Black Friday period in 2019 versus 2020, you would see a steep drop off in sales this year, Chaturvedi said.

we learned about,” Chaturvedi said. For shoppers, the change in retailers’ holiday shopping tactics means there are more options in place to avoid crowds amid rising Covid-19 cases numbers in Arizona and across the nation. “I think the general consensus is that people aren’t going to want to shop in crowded stores and retailers want to make sure their employees aren’t exposed to crowded stores,” Cullen said, adding: “And so they’re giving consumers the option to stretch out their holiday shopping season while still being able to take advantage of sales.” She said retailers are more likely to offer curbside pickup for customers and offer the same sales online and in stores. Shoppers are not the only ones impacted by the changing dynamics of holiday sales brought on by the pandemic. The realities of this year’s shopping season could negatively impact workers who rely on seasonal employment.

Fall in love with your smile

We do know people have wanted to support “ local businesses during this time and tried to make

purchases specifically to support local businesses, so we expect people will be kind of looking all over to spread their holiday shopping out.

”

– Katherine Cullen

But the expanded shopping season has been the industry’s “saving grace.” “There are going to be a lot of sales by these e-commerce guys again and again and again all the way through the end of December, so you have 45 days that’ll help e-commerce and holiday sales not be concentrated in just two weeks,” Chaturvedi said. This year, many retailers moved away from that Black Friday model and launched sales online and in stores earlier in the season. Cullen said that trend actually started last year. “The term we were talking about last holiday was Black November with the kind of November-long sales that a lot of retailers were doing,” she said. That trend has only intensified as retailers look to attract shoppers wary of crowded lines that a traditional Black Friday is known for. Major retailers like Walmart and Target have already announced they will not open on Thanksgiving Day, opting to roll out deals online early and then open on Black Friday. The one “wild card” that could throw a wrench into these holiday sales projections is the failure by Congress and the White House to agree on a second round of stimulus for most Americans, Chaturvedi said. If Congress does not pass a new round of stimulus before the end of the season, sales could drop by around 20 percent, he said. But, Chaturvedi was quick to caution that the situation is changing by the day. “Every day, things are changing, so I can, I can even make a statement today that maybe that 20 percent…that now could potentially become a 15% because of the optimism about the vaccine that

Chaturvedi said in recent years employers typically add around 700,000 jobs during the holiday season, but this year that number is likely to be closer to 400,000 or 500,000. Chaturvedi said the U.S. was already seeing those numbers come down annually before the pandemic but the current situation could hasten the decline. “If we touch (400,000) or cross (400,000), that for me is an optimistic scenario,” he said. What people are buying this year is also changing and that shift includes some very pandemic-specific buying habits. Walmart and Target are already reporting that sales of clothing for the upper body are up and sales of clothing like pants and skirts are down, Chaturvedi said. “Because if you’re sitting in front of this Zoom and your computer and you’re talking to folks and your peers in your offices, you change your uppers but you don’t change your lowers,” he said. As more people spend time at home, purchases related to home improvement are on the rise, including lumber, appliances and power tools. Consumer electronics and home fitness equipment are also seeing spikes in popularity. Meanwhile, sales for suitcases are down 300 percent. Cullen said she expects consumers will make an attempt to shop at their local retailers instead of reserving all their spending money for the big box stores. “We do know people have wanted to support local businesses during this time and tried to make purchases specifically to support local businesses, so we expect people will be kind of looking all over to spread their holiday shopping out,” she said.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Black Friday altered a bit, but deals will still be plentiful BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Staff Writer

Black Friday will look a little different this year due to the pandemic but many retailers are still offering sales and other deals to entice consumers. This year more than ever, retailers are likely to offer the same sales online and in-person in order to help consumers avoid crowded stores and long lines during the Covid-19 pandemic, said Katherine Cullen with the National Retail Federation. She said retailers are also more likely to offer services like curbside pickup for customers who do venture out to stores. Cullen is encouraging shoppers to take advantage of the more flexible options this year in order to stay safe and avoid unnecessary stress. “We are encouraging people to shop early and shop safely,” she said. “Avoid the crowds, avoid stress and last-minute shopping, particularly with a lot of online orders going on you want to make sure you get your gifts on time.” East Valley shoppers can expect a wide range of sales from traditional retailers, restaurants and even local companies that offer services to the business community. Thanksgiving Day will look different this year as many major retailers – including Walmart, Target, Best Buy and Kohl’s – have announced they will remain closed on the holiday instead of

opening up in the evening to give shoppers a jump start on Black Friday deals. Walmart announced it will open at 5 a.m. on Black Friday. The megachain also issued new sales online and in stores that rolled out in phases on Nov. 4, 11 and 25. Target, which will open at its normal time at 7 a.m. on Friday, has also issued new weekly “Black Friday deals” throughout November. Major malls will remain closed on Thanksgiving as well, including Scottsdale Fashion Square and Chandler Fashion Center. Both malls will reopen on Black Friday at 6 a.m. Locally, retailers are offering deals to consumers for Black Friday. Scottsdale’s Hook & Hunt is offering 10 percent off all merchandise on Black

Friday. The retailers sell all sorts of discount items, including electronics, furniture, clothing and handbags. Hampton Design & Closets, also located in Scottsdale, is offering 15 percent off all projects valued at $2,500 or more. Scottsdale-based golf equipment manufacturer PXG is offering discounts off a variety of bundles for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Offers include the Holiday Hostess Bundle that includes a signature candle, ornament, leather wine bag and facemask. The Dog Lover Bundle includes a leash, collar and PXG water bottle. The Cozy bundle includes a PXGbrand beanie, home course hoodie, and facemask. Chandler-based Dazzle Dry, a nail care company, is offering 25 percent off all products on their website dazzledry. com from Black Friday through Cyber Monday. Ahwatukee Skin and Laser is offering customers a free $25 gift card with the purchase of a $100 card. The company is also offering its 2940 ablative laser resurfacing with PRP pro-

tein-rich plasma treatment for $1,200, a $300 discount. The package must be used within six months of purchase. Gilbert-based Smart to Finish Office Solutions is offering 15 hours of Virtual Assistant services for $599, a $150 discount. They will also include their Delegation Dare Online Training Program for free, Many restaurants are also offering holiday gift card deals to shoppers. Roaring Fork, located in Scottsdale near Fashion Square mall, is offering shoppers a $20 bonus card with any $100 gift card purchase. Fired Pie – with locations in Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler and Ahwatukee – will give shoppers a bonus $15 gift card if they purchase $50 in gift cards on Nov. 27 only. The restaurant chain will also give shoppers a free $5 card with the purchase of a $25 card from Nov. 27 to Dec. 24. Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants, with locations in Chandler and Mesa, will give customers a $5 kickback with $25 gift card purchase, $10 kickback with $50 gift card purchase or $20 kickback with $100 gift card purchase . Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho is running its own Black Friday special from Nov. 27-30. The hotel will give shoppers a free $20 gift card with the purchase of $100 in gift cards. The hotel is also offering guests a third night free when they reserve two nights between Nov. 27 and Jan. 24.

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Cigna volunteer Michele Berg, left, community engagement leader, and RN Kathy Thrasher display bags of caps that a Cigna volunteer group called A Common Thread, crocheted and donated for premature babies at Dignity Health Chandler Regional Medical Center. A Common Thread has made more than 20,000 such caps as well as 400 port pillows, shawls and caps for cancer facilities. (Courtesy of Cigna)

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Website helps parents find safe toys for children

STATEPOINT

Children look forward to opening their holiday presents all year. However, there are some things to keep in mind to make sure gifts are safe and appropriate. To help you make savvy selections, PlaySafe.org from The Toy Association, the premier site for toy safety information, is offering the following guidance: •A void shady sellers: This time of year can be especially costly, making it tempting to shop around. However, that low priced toy may not actually be “a good deal.” “U.S. toy safety laws are considered the gold standard. Before reaching your home, a toy is subjected to over 100 different safety standards and tests and must be certified compliant by an independent testing laboratory,” says Joan Lawrence, the Toy Association’s “Toy Safety Mom” and senior vice president of standards and regulatory affairs. “The cheap imitations and counterfeits available online from illicit sellers haven’t met these same safety standards.” A recent survey commissioned by the Toy Association of U.S. parents who are their household’s primary toy purchaser revealed that 71 percent of parents whose kids get holiday gifts from grandparents who shop online aren’t completely confident that their elders know how to ensure that toys are from verified sellers.

Picking safe and engaging toys for a child can be challenging but the Toy Association makes it easy with its website, PlaySafe.org. (StatePoint)

In the same survey, 19 percent of parents report that their child has received a knock-off toy that was bought online. Parents should talk to gift purchasers about sticking with verified sellers. This includes buying directly from brand websites or by following provided links to official retailers selling a brand’s products. For those who do choose to shop through lesser-known online sellers, checking out reviews and a product’s legitimacy before making a purchase is

essential. • F ollow age recommendations: Playing with toys above a child’s age grade can lead to misuse and possible injury. However, 26 percent of parents in The Toy Association survey report that their kid has received a toy which was meant for kids who were older. Pay special attention to age grading on product labels and encourage family members who are also toy shopping to do the same. These are not merely suggestions, they’re firm recommenda-

tions made by safety experts based on childhood developmental stages. Find this information on labels and in product descriptions. If it’s not available, that’s a red flag and could mean the toy is illicit. • Pay attention to toys labeled 3+: Toys labeled 3+ may contain small parts that can be a choking hazard for children under 3 or kids who still mouth toys. While these items often make great gifts for older kids, they should be stowed away after playtime to keep younger siblings safe. Not sure if a toy is small enough to be hazardous? Consider getting a Small Parts Tester to test toys and other small household objects. • Monitor playtime: Kids find ways to play with things that are not toys, including objects that can be very dangerous if accidentally swallowed. The holiday season may introduce new curiosities to the house (e.g. batteries, high-powered magnets, decorations, medications from visiting family members). On the other hand, there is a federal law that requires batteries in toys to be kept inaccessible, thanks to the use of a locking mechanism. Keep dangerous, non-toy items out-of-reach and monitor children during playtime. “Don’t let your child unwrap a potential safety hazard this holiday season,” says Lawrence. “By shopping smart, you can ensure safe play.” Information: PlaySafe.org.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Coping with loss this holiday season is a challenge Be kind to yourself. Show yourself the same tenderness you would give a friend who is grieving someone’s death. Be patient and understand that grieving is an ebb and flow and takes as long as it takes.

BY LIN SUE COONEY Guest Writer

The holidays can be challenging for anyone — but that’s especially true if you are grieving the loss of a loved one. Sadness can magnify the stress of the season. Instead of excitement and joy, you may be feeling a little empty and lost. It seems impossible to carry on with old traditions as if nothing has changed … because the truth is… your whole world has changed. The pandemic is likely to intensify feelings of loss as families suspend traditional big gatherings to keep the virus from spreading. Grief experts like Ellen S. Zinner say it’s never easy to face festivities with an aching heart, but there are ways to survive the holidays in times of great sorrow. Take it easy. When you are grieving, give up perfection and let some things go. Ask others to help you — chances are they will love being able to comfort and support you. Say no. Avoid things that increase your stress — shopping, cooking, decorating, planning. This year, just say “no, thank you.”

Honor and acknowledge. You will never forget your loved one. During this first holiday without him or her, find a way to honor or acknowledge the beautiful memories you will always treasure. Hospice of the Valley has many more helpful “holiday survivorship skills” to share in our free booklet, Coping with Grief During the Holidays. Request a copy by emailing bhawes@hov.org. Lin Sue Cooney is director of community engagement for Hospice of the Valley.

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Make yourself a priority. Decide what you really want to do this year — and forget what others think you “should” be doing. Skip the parties if you’d rather stay home. You are in charge of what gets your attention

Practice self-care. Get enough sleep. Moderate alcohol intake. Learn relaxation techniques. Exercise — it chases away depression.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Here are the 5 reasons to shop local this season BY MARK STEWART Guest Writer

In an attempt to get a jump on that first-holiday purchase, big box stores have been pushing their Black Friday ads for weeks. But as we know, small businesses are trying to recover from the horrendous summer and the impact of the COVID-19. It is important to remember; your local retailer could use a boost this holiday season. According to Google, 66 percent of people in the U.S. who plan to shop this holiday season say they will shop more at small businesses this season. This is terrific news. Let’s check out the impact and benefits of shopping.

Local economic stimulus

Shopping locally stimulates the local economy. Often small business owners and their employees choose to frequent other local businesses, which

keeps the money in the community even longer. In fact, according to a study by Local First, for every $100 spent, roughly $68 to $73 is kept in the community. That local impact generates local sales tax funds, government services, road maintenance, fire trucks, health services and much more.

Better customer service

Many suggest that locally owned businesses provide better customer service as they invest in you and their community. Often, a local business owner is a neighbor, and they want you to have a great experience and make sure you tell your friends and family. The restaurant down the street will go that extra mile to make sure you come back again and again.

Owners more invested in the community Those who live and work in our community are more likely to care

about the community’s future. Many owners sponsor little league, the local high school band, or volunteer at the food bank. Whether they’re investing time or money, those business owners have a vested interest in seeing the community continue to grow and thrive.

Product diversity

Local shops can carry a much more diverse inventory than national chains and adjust their inventory based on what customers want. You can also find small-batch products that may not be cost-efficient when produced on a larger scale. Small businesses are more likely to have these types of exclusive, one-of-a-kind goods, which in turn helps preserve our community’s unique identity.

Increased expertise

Are you looking for a particular product or service but have a few questions before you make a purchase?

There’s no one better to talk to than a small business owner. By having a smaller focus, they become experts in their fields and can answer questions and help you decide on the best gift for your significant other. They also see purchasing trends and can point you in the direction of best-selling or trendy items. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of their knowledge of this shopping season. This has been a challenging year for all, but if you can, I encourage you to spend your hard-earned dollars locally during the holidays. We find unique and thoughtful gifts and feel good knowing that we helped keep the Arizona rebound momentum moving forward. See you in the neighborhood. Mark Stewart is a former Fortune 50 leader and founder of the small business marketing and business accelerator, Concept2Completion. Mark serves on the board of directors for the East Valley Partnership and several business leadership groups throughout Arizona.

Veterans can follow 4 steps to land a job BY GARY STITELER Guest riter

No matter how successful a veteran’s military career is, transitioning to civilian life is challenging. If there’s one thing my 24 years in the Army have taught me, it is that we can overcome anything. I’ve made it my mission to help fellow servicemen and women find their fit through advising and mentorship at transition sites and LinkedIn forums in addition to my current role as an operations manager for an Amazon fulfillment center. At Amazon, I motivate, develop and support my teammates to become the best leaders they can be – all thanks to the skills I developed in the Army. This is the kind of opportunity I want for all veterans. Successful entry into the workforce comes down to four steps. Form a plan. Ensure you have a quality resume that translates your military experience into related civilian skillsets. You have a unique blend of skills that make you a competitive prospect: proj-

Chandler resident Gary Stiteler is a retired Army command sergeant major and an Amazon operations manager.(Special to SanTan Sun News)

ect management, communication, and leadership. You also understand how to be a part of a team, thrive in the face of adversity and lead with integrity. Build a network. Most veterans leave after four years of service and are just

looking for a shot with a company. Often this comes down to knowing one person. Reach out to friends, family, and fellow veterans who may know of an opportunity for which you’d be a good fit. You’ll also need to leverage platforms like Linkedin and connect with military recruiting efforts of many companies across the country. I’m active with Amazon’s military recruiting team and have facilitated nearly 100 interviews for veterans at Amazon – which provides resources for these recruits, including the employee support network Warriors@Amazon. Set realistic expectations. I began my military career as a fire-support specialist and worked my way up to leading the largest recruiting territory in the Army, earning the highest rank possible in 14 years. When I retired in 2016, I spent three years in traditional corporate America before coming to Amazon. Wearing a suit and tie wasn’t quite what I wanted, but it was a start. It’s important to be realistic in how

your skillsets convert in the civilian world. Do your research, set realistic expectations and humble yourself. Put your values first. Seek a company whose values align with yours. At Amazon, associates are the backbone of the organization. My job as their leader is to ensure their health and safety. I’m proud of all of our associates who are practicing a selfless dedication to serve people who need essential items during this unprecedented time. There are endless opportunities out there for veterans but you must have a plan and you must nail that plan. No matter how many years you served in the military, you were part of a team with one mission and that holds true as you transition. Success comes when you realize you are part of something bigger than yourself. Surround yourself with people who believe in you as much as they believe in the mission at hand and you will flourish. Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Retired Gary Stiteler is a Chandler resident and is s an operations manager with Amazon Fulfillment.

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Chandler mall owner optimistic about future BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Staff Writer

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated shutdowns have hurt shopping malls across the country, but executives with Macerich see some small signs of improvement heading into 2021. Macerich, the California-based real estate investment company that owns and operates Scottsdale Fashion Square, San Tan Village Mall in Gilbert and Chandler Fashion Center, held a conference call with investors on Nov. 5 and told them conditions improved between the second and third quarters

this year. Macerich said the overall occupancy rate for the company’s malls was at 91 percent – down three percent from the same time one year ago. Traffic at Macerich’s malls was at about 80 percent compared to a year prior and sales were trending at 90

percent compared to one year ago, according to the call. Zacks Equity Research, an investment research firm, reported that Macerich’s revenues of $185.8 million for the third quarter were down 19.6 percent compared to a year ago. But the Macerich executives noted some signs of optimism, including that all of its malls had reopened as of Oct. 7 and it had around $630 million in cash and cash equivalents, up from $573 million in June. Macerich is also seeing improvement in rent collections, which had become a problem for malls earlier this year after many states shuttered retail stores due to COVID-19. The company collected about 80 percent of its billed rents in the third quarter, up from 64 percent in the second quarter. “October is trending above 80 percent,” Macerich CEO Thomas O’Hern said. Additionally, O’Hern said Macerich came to deals with most tenants who missed rent payments to defer back rent payments to 2021 “in many cases in exchange for landlord-friendly amendments to leases.” That included deals with most of the company’s top-200 retailers. Of those 200 retailers, Macerich had reached agreements with 147 of them and was nearing agreements with another 23, according to information presented on the call. Even with those deals in place, Macerich or related entities have a number of lawsuits pending in Maricopa County Superior Court for unpaid rent. Macerich-owned entities have at least nine active lawsuits alleging breach of contract against tenants at

Scottsdale Fashion Square and Chandler Fashion Center, including The Disney Store, Gap, Banana Republic, Express, Guess, The Children’s Place, J. Jill, Talbots, MAC Cosmetics and Windsor Fashions. Macerich leadership said the closure of local stores during the pandemic and retailer bankruptcies was largely to blame for the three-percent drop in occupancy. Scottsdale Fashion Square actually added several new tenants recently. According to a recent filing with the SEC, the Scottsdale mall opened six new stores in the third quarter, including Amazon 4-Star, Capital One Café, Golden Goose, Indochino, Levi’s and Warby Parker. The additions were likely welcome news for Macerich as the mall has suffered a string of bad luck this year. Earlier this year, Scottsdale Fashion Square and surrounding properties suffered millions of dollars in damage due to an overnight riot on May 31 that saw hundreds of looters descend on the area. Then, in August, Phoenix Business Journal reported that Scottsdale Fashion Square, suffering from a decline in rent collections due to the pandemic, was behind on its mortgage payments. According to the Business Journal report, Macerich was able to reach a deal with the loan servicer to defer $47 million in debt service payments in 2020. In August, Scott Kingmore, Macerich’s CFO, told investors the company would repay that balance in installments in late 2020 and early 2021. In the most recent call in November, Kingmore said Macerich is in the process of paying off loan deferrals for a total of 19 properties. This all came after Macerich invested $140 to $160 million to renovate the mall and build out a luxury wing that opened up in late 2018 featuring highend retailers like Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Bulgari. Not all experts thought the expansion was a smart play, even pre-pandemic, as online shopping continues to eat into traditional retail sales. “Absolutely bad idea,” said Hitendra

Chaturvedi, professor of supply chain management at Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business. Chaturvedi said the pandemic is only accelerating the shift away from brick-and-mortar retail experiences to online shopping and has also hurt sales of luxury clothing items like those sold in the new wing at Fashion Square. “When you are buying a Gucci or high-end… you typically end up going out with people and going to places where you can show off some of the stuff,” Chaturvedi said. “With us staying at home, if you look at the data, you will see that high-end shoes and clothes and accessories sales have come down.” But there were signs the new luxury wing was paying off for Macerich and Scottsdale Fashion Square prior to the pandemic – which could give the company some hope of a speedier recovery in Scottsdale if promising vaccines or other mitigation measures allow shoppers to return to a semblance of normalcy in 2021. In Dec. 2019, Macerich reported that year-over-year sales at the mall reached $1,472 per square foot compared to $1,032 prior to the luxury wing expansion. That outpaced already-strong performances by malls throughout the Macerich portfolio in 2019, according to The Motley Fool. In Nov. 2019, the Fool reported Macerich’s malls posted yearly sales per square foot of $800, up from $707 the year before. Still, even if 2021 includes a return to normal shopping habits, Macerich may sell off non-core assets in order to better its financial position. The company did something similar coming out of the Great Recession when it sold 25 properties and generated around $500 million in liquidity, O’Hern said. “We expect post-pandemic, post-vaccine things will return to a more normal level, and we will have the opportunity to dispose of non-core assets and use that capital for reducing leverage levels,” O’Hern said.

Mother-son duo open Chandler thrift shop BY STACI HAUK Contributor

Chandler residents and mother-son duo Janet and Christian Weninger are not new to being philanthropists. But they are adding a new effort to their many ongoing philanthropic efforts with Born Again Vintage at 590 N. Alma School Road in Chandler. Born Again Vintage became a reality on Nov. 11, with a grand opening in Chandler. The goal is to raise funds to help those aging out of foster care. From the time Christian was in grade school, his mother Janet feels he had a calling to do something important. “Christian has a beautiful heart and has consistently gone above and beyond to make lives better,” she said. “As

a boy, he would invite the whole neighborhood over at least twice a month for a big celebration, ‘just because.’ “We started working together to help end child abuse when he was very young. He would put on events at the local ice cream shop and at his school during fall festivals – basically whenever possible – that would raise awareness about the thousands of children suffering in our state.” Janet, the wife of state Rep. Jeff Weninger, owned a clothing boutique in Chandler at that time and on her and Christian’s quest to do more, she came across Childhelp. Janet had been hard-hit by the news story of a daycare worker silencing a child who suffocated due to the cuffing of her mouth for too long. The story

hit a nerve for Janet, as the child was a foster child who she felt deserved a voice after her death. “My heart was aching, but not as much as my blood was boiling over the fact that no one was being charged in the child’s death,” Janet recalled. “Everyone was allowed to just keep on going about their lives as if nothing had happened. “Meanwhile, this beautiful girl was tagged as an accidental death. I had a 4-year-old daughter at the time, and I recall sitting in the back of my boutique and crying, thinking ‘I will not give up until I know that every child is safe in our foster care system.” Fast forward five years, and Janet and her kids were actively involved in Childhelp, assisting with the abundance

of kids entering into state care, with not enough places to house them. The state Department of Child Safety was opening the first ever placement center in Arizona at that point, where kids could stay while a safe and stable home was found for them. “The placement center was so important to me that I was willing to give up everything for it, including my own plans and dreams, as well as my children’s toys, clothes and furniture,” Janet said. “I even went into debt to ensure that new baby beds and everything that was needed was provided. My hope was that the next generation would never have to hear about another child being See

VINTAGE on page 30

COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Woman pleads to fleeing in Chandler double fatal BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

A Tempe woman is expected to be put on probation after pleading guilty to fleeing after her vehicle struck and killed a father and son last year in northern Chandler. Michelle Hagerman, 55, admitted to driving away after she hit 50-year-old Mohammad Misbah Uddin as he walked along a crosswalk with his 13-year-old son, Abdullah, near Alma School Road and Erie Street on Oct. 21, 2019. Uddin died at the scene and Abdullah succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital. Witnesses claimed the motorist who hit Uddin and his son stopped momentarily before driving off without checking to see if the pedestrians were safe. Chandler Police arrested Hagerman after her neighbor noticed that the defendant’s vehicle matched a description investigators had circulated through the news media. Hagerman initially told investigators she thought she had hit a dog, police reports show. A Maricopa County grand jury

Michelle Hagerman charge on Oct. 7 – nearly one year after the accident – and may be able to avoid a prison sentence. Although the criminal charge carries a presumptive prison sentence of 3.5 years, prosecutors offered Hagerman a plea deal that allowed her to be placed

It is a tremendous tragedy that two people lost “ their lives in the accident in this case, Ms. Hagerman, however, did not cause the accident as she had the right-of-way with a green traffic signal. ”

– Bret Royle

indicted Hagerman on two counts of manslaughter. Prosecutors decided to dismiss the manslaughter charges last December after realizing they might have a tough time proving Hagerman’s guilt in court. Arizona law states a citizen’s guilty of manslaughter only if prosecutors can prove they recklessly caused the death of another person. Because Hagerman was driving through an intersection while the traffic light was green, there was some doubt that the defendant’s actions could count as manslaughter. As Uddin and his son walked along the crosswalk, the traffic lights reportedly changed and allowed traffic to move through the intersection, court records show. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office decided to charge Hagerman with leaving the scene of a fatal accident, a Class 3 felony. The defendant pleaded guilty to the

on supervised probation. According to the terms of the plea agreement, Hagerman will be given a one-year jail sentence and credited for the 60 days she already in jail before pleading guilty. The remaining 10 months of the jail sentence will be deferred if Hagerman complies with her probation requirements. Hagerman will additionally have her driving privileges revoked and be instructed not to make contact with the victim’s family, according to the plea deal. Bret Royle, the defendant’s attorney, advocated for probation as the appropriate form of punishment and emphasized how Hagerman was not impaired at the time of the accident. “It is a tremendous tragedy that two people lost their lives in the accident in this case,” Royle wrote in a statement. “Ms. Hagerman, however, did not cause the accident as she had the right-of-way

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with a green traffic signal.” Her attorney further highlighted Hagerman’s lack of a criminal history as a reason for leniency. “Ms. Hagerman greatly regrets her actions for failing to remain at the scene,” Royle added. “She had never been in trouble before and exercised poor judgment because she was scared.” The deaths of Uddin and his son attracted national media attention because the victims died less than a month after immigrating to the United States. Their family had relocated to Arizona from Bangladesh only 11 days before the accident. Community support for Uddin’s surviving wife and daughter came swiftly after the collision and more than $65,000 was donated to the family for funeral expenses. In the year since Uddin and his son’s deaths, Chandler has had a significant number of fatal car accidents across the city – some of which have also claimed the lives of teenagers. An 18-year-old girl died on Sept. 18 after the car she was riding in was struck by another vehicle near Price and Queen Creek roads. Two juveniles were killed on Sept. 17 near Elliot and Dobson roads after they lost control of their vehicle and crossed

into oncoming traffic. On Nov. 3, a man and woman died in a collision on the Loop 101 freeway near Frye Road, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The most recent fatality took place on Nov. 4 after 38-year-old Christi Enos allegedly struck a motorcyclist near Queen Creek and Price roads. Enos was reportedly impaired and was booked into jail on a charge of manslaughter. Chandler is so far on track to end 2020 with a fatality count that’s comparable to previous years. As of this month, the city’s logged at least 12 car collisions that resulted in a death. In 2019, the city reported 15 traffic fatalities and 2,148 injuries. Sixteen people died in 2016 from Chandler’s car accidents and another 1,946 were injured, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Chandler moves to protect city's history BY GARY NELSON Contributor

Half a century ago, one of the more popular songs on the radio asked, “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you got ‘til it’s gone?” Catchy lyric, that. But in Chandler’s case, it ain’t necessarily so. History-wise, Chandler knows what it’s got. And to keep it from slipping away, the city has a new historic preservation ordinance that will make it harder to erase the remnants of its colorful past. The ordinance creates city-sanctioned resources to encourage preservation and sets up a hierarchy of historic designations to remind people of a heritage that dates to the city’s agrarian 19th century roots. If it seems late in the day for such a step – other East Valley cities have had such programs for years – know that Chandler hasn’t exactly ignored its heritage until now. The city-run Chandler Museum and the private-sector Chandler Historical Society have seen to that. But the new ordinance is the city’s first stab at affording legal protection to historic sites. Derek Horn, Chandler’s development services director, said there were two catalysts. The first was an effort to save a remnant of Goodyear – the first Goodyear,

Above: Homeowners in Chandler’s Silk Stocking neighborhood, a portion of which is shown here, helped spur creation of a new historic preservation ordinance. Right: This canal along Basha Road south of Ocotillo Road dates to cotton-farming operations by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. during World War I. Chandler’s efforts to preserve the canal were a factor in creation of a new historic preservation ordinance.

(Gary Nelson/Contributor)

that is. The original Goodyear existed near what is now Ocotillo Road and Basha Road near Snedigar Park. The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. farmed cotton there to abet tire production during World War I. Among the remnants of the Goodyear settlement is an open canal lined by palm trees. It parallels Basha Road for about a third of a mile.

About two years ago, Horn said, the city grew alarmed at the prospect of the canal being covered over for the sake of development. “We started looking into the history of it and we thought it would be a good thing to save,” he said. “We acquired the right-of-way over the canal with the objective of preserving it.” About a year later, he said, residents of the Silk Stocking neighborhood

asked the city to provide tools to preserve their historic area. See

HISTORY on page 29

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Chandler officials say finances in a good place BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

City officials say Chandler’s tax revenues are continuing to stay steady despite the hotel and tourist industries taking a hit from the pandemic. As the local economy started to shutter in the early months of the pandemic, Chandler’s leaders started scaling back expenditures and braced for a major decline to the city’s revenue streams. But the city’s most recent financial statements show Chandler ended September with more revenue than it reaped in previous years. In September 2019, the city collected $11.3 million from transactional taxes -about $1.1 million less than what Chandler gathered this year. Overall, Chandler ended the first quarter of the current fiscal year with more revenue than the same time period in the last four years. Matt Dunbar, the city’s budget manager, said consumer spending in Chandler hasn’t changed significantly during the pandemic, but the health crisis has changed where residents are choosing to spend their money. “We’ve seen significant increases in things like home improvement and retail sales,” he said. “So, it’s a shift in spending.” That shift has been a detriment to local businesses catering to travelers and recreators. Taxes paid by Chandler’s hotels declined by 32 percent in September compared to the previous year. The hotel industry experienced a notable spike in tax revenue during the first quarter of the 2019-20 fiscal year, but that boom flattened to a point recorded a few years ago. Revenue generated from movie theaters, bowling alleys and other recreational activities dropped 66 percent this fiscal year. Taxes funneled from restaurant services declined by 11 percent. By contrast, retail tax sales – one of the city’s most profitable revenue streams – increased by 14 percent during the first quarter of 2020-2021.

HISTORY

from page 28

“Silk Stocking is one of the earliest housing developments in Chandler,” Horn said, with houses dating from the 1920s through the 1940s. The name is said to have come from a saying of that era that if a man could afford $4,000 for a house – a handsome sum in those days – he could afford to buy silk stockings for his wife. “Many of the houses … still look pretty much the same as when they were built,” Horn said. “The Silk Stocking neighbors approached us about a year ago and asked us what can we do to preserve our neighborhood from demolition and redevelopment.” The ordinance that emerged during ensuing deliberations creates four categories of property for historic designation:

Sales tax revenue has been relatively steady for Chandler this fiscal year and even began increasing at the end of the first quarter, as this city chart shows. The blue lines represent total revenue while the gray lines show revenue for the 2019-20 fiscal year. (City of Chandler)

The shifts in revenue among the varying tax categories appears to have balanced out positively for the city and officials believe the $20-million revenue reduction Chandler projected to this fiscal year is accurate. “The actual major revenue impact for Quarter 1, when compared to anticipated revenues before COVID-19 reductions were made, leaves us $1.8 million better than anticipated pre-COVID,” a city memo states. According to city data, at least 83 businesses in Chandler have shut down since the pandemic started in March. Dunbar said some of these closures were attributed to the pandemic’s economic impact and others were due to business owners selling their companies or changing ownership. “We also continue to see expansion of our current existing businesses in the area,” Dunbar added, referencing announcements like CVS Health’s plans to grow its presence in Chandler. While many businesses have shuttered, the city logged more than 300 new companies since the pandemic began. Other economic indicators also were favorable for Chandler’s fiscal status. Building permits increased in September

compared to the last couple years and the total value of building activity exceeded $50 million. “Our building permit trends continue to be strong,” Dunbar said. “We’re seeing good construction growth here in Chandler.” Dunbar said it’s unclear how Chandler’s finances may be hindered by the pandemic in the coming months, yet the city’s choosing to remain optimistic but cautious. “There’s just too many unknowns right now,” he said. “We do anticipate that things will continue to go well.” As Chandler was getting ready to pass its budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year back in April, city officials implemented measures to reduce spending in case the pandemic’s impact was greater than anticipated. Travel expenses for city employees were suspended, capital projects were delayed and the city held off on filling job vacancies. City Manager Marsha Reed said the city is slowly begun to post job opening the last couple of months and may continue to do so depending on the city’s economic forecasts. “We continue to monitor that,” she said. “We’re not going to just do a full blitz on (hiring) until we know what our revenues look like.”

The positive revenue numbers have positioned Chandler to consider whether it should make a substantial payment to the city’s public safety pension debt. Like most other municipalities in Arizona, Chandler has an unfunded liability for pension benefits paid out to firefighters and police officers that’s the result of unwise financial decisions made over the years by the statewide retirement system. The city had planned to pay an extra $15 million this fiscal year toward its $190 million pension liability but held off to wait and see how the pandemic played out. Since the city’s revenues are better than expected, Dunbar said moving forward with the $15 million payment now would ultimately yield more economic benefits to the city over the next several years. Some city leaders expressed hesitation about making such a large investment during a time when the local economy is still recovering from a major health crisis. “I still have reservations,” said Vice Mayor Rene Lopez. “I’m not one for wanting to gamble with taxpayer money. But this is a debt we gotta pay.” City Council indicated that it is interested in possibly moving forward with paying the additional $15 million to the pension debt but has not yet voted.

• Heritage sites, basically a marker indicating that a particular site once had a significant structure or that an important event occurred there. • Historic conservation districts, expanding the “heritage site” criteria to a wider area and encouraging preservation. • Historic preservation districts, which establish zoning overlays over historic areas and establish regulations discouraging demolition or inappropriate renovations. • Landmarks, designating structures or sites worthy of preservation under a historic zoning overlay, none of these, Horn said, are intended to undermine private property rights. In a memo to the City Council, Horn said the ordinance “incorporates processes to discourage demolition of eligible and designated historic properties and encourage their preservation through consultation with staff and by

exploring alternatives." “However, once these processes are completed and no alternative to demolition is identified, an owner wishing to demolish an eligible or designated property could proceed.” Much the same procedure exists in Mesa, which requires a cooling-off period after an owner tells the city he wishes to demolish a structure in a historic area. That provision did not save several historic homes that were recently torn down to make way for a major redevelopment on the east end of Mesa’s downtown. Chandler’s new ordinance includes three other provisions to encourage preservation: • The Architectural Review Committee, a citizen panel that hitherto had examined construction proposals in the downtown area, will be expanded and become the Historic Preservation

Commission, with roles in creating and supervising historic-designed structures and areas. •A n existing city staff position will become that of the city’s historic preservation officer, serving as a liaison between the city, property owners and Chandler’s already existing preservation community. •T he city will create a register of historic properties. Of these, there is no shortage, including several that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Horn said he is not aware of any historic structures in Chandler facing immediate danger of demolition, but the new ordinance will help keep things that way. And as the city ages, more of its past will become eligible for protection – for example, mid-century neighborhoods north and west of downtown that reflect Chandler’s postwar development.

COMMUNITY NEWS

VINTAGE

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

from page 26

hurt or killed while in foster care. “The center curbed the number of those in foster care by a significant amount, and the beautiful testimonials prove lives were changed for the better.” Janet expanded her efforts by helping the homeless. She partnered with DCS workers to organize the donations that began with Janet’s many years ago. The donations had taken over a massive storage room at DCS with a continuous flow of new donations every week. These often went to the homeless population, many winding up in Janet’s basement while they found new homes. “Many of the items being donated were not needed for kids in foster care or the homeless,” Janet said. “I had them all in my basement for sale so we could get needed funds to help the people who needed housing after aging out of foster care. “I jokingly set up the basement like my old clothing boutique after Christian moved out, as some of the items were really expensive and most were like new. My basement quickly became a business, and folks said I must open a thrift store and sell the items.” Janet credits her son Christian with the success of the store’s grand opening. “Christian loves to do events and to be involved in things that are bigger than just his own personal gain, so he was eager to help and the day that he

Janet Weninger and her so Christian have opened Born Again Vintage in Chandler, a thrift store that raises money to help foster kids who age out of the system. (Staci Hauk/Contributor)

decided to ask the community to help was the day that this project took on a life of its own,” Janet said. Donations began pouring in, and Janet is overwhelmed by the community support. The store is packed with clothes for every size and age, as well as shoes and accessories. The prices range from $1 for a pair of socks to $25 for a beautiful formal gown. “Our desire is to help bridge the gap

for many young adults that find themselves alone and hopeless after the money and the support is gone,” said Christian, adding: “We are so grateful for the clothing donations and support we have seen from local Facebook group members and invite everyone to shop for a cause in our beautiful location in the heart of Chandler.” Every Sunday Born Again Vintage will upload ten new items to their online store at bornagainvintage.com. These

pieces will be available online-only for one week. For those who prefer to shop in person, the new Chandler location will have hundreds of thrifted offerings, and would love donations from the community. For tax-deductible donation consideration, contact Janet at Janet@ CrusadersofLove.org. The store is accepting clothing, accessories and monetary donations at this time.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Chandler homes going fast in hot market BY ALLEN HENDERSON Contributor

A review of the October real estate market shows the Chandler average home sale price is up 19.5 percent and the number of units sold was up 19.2 percent over 2019. Properties are selling in a matter of days. In October, 503 properties came on the market and 207, or 41 percent, were under contract in less than seven days. In this fast market, 308, or 66 percent, were under contract in less than 14 days and 427, fully 85 percent, were under contract in under 30 days. The October real estate sales snapshot for Chandler indicates that the average sale price rose to $454,271 – up over the same period in 2019 when the average home value was $381,112. The number of units sold in October totaled 479 – higher than the 401 sold in the same period in 2019. Homes sold faster in 2020 with average days on market dropping to 32 days versus 42 days in 2019 as buyers contin-

This 7,700-square-foot, two-story house on W. Harmony Place in Chandler recently sold for $2.6 million. Built in 2010, the six-bedroom, 7.5-bath house in Fulton Ranch has theater and game rooms. (Special to the SanTan Sun News)

ue stepping up with higher offers to get prime properties. Buyers are not willing to overpay to get a property. As a result, the number of October listings that required a price reduction to get an offer declined to 155 units, or 32 percent of the closed

listings. Moving from the monthly snapshot of the market to the bigger picture, in the January to Oct. 31, the year-todate average Chandler sale price was $402,978 – up 12.2 percent over the same period in 2019, when the average

sale price, was $359,099. The number of units sold remains about the same with 4160 units sold in 2020 versus 4,167 units sold in 2019. There are many frustrated buyers See

HENDERSON on page 33

Californians looking at East Valley’s affordability and space BY CAROL ROYSE Guest Writer

We have all heard about those elusive “California buyers.” Well. it is true. In San Francisco, one of the priciest markets in the U.S., properties for sale have increased 51 percent year over year. That means 51 percent more homes are on the market in San Francisco than in 2019. The shift is fueled by work at home or working remotely. This allows more employees to choose where they want to

live instead of where their job is located. Couple that with the closure of most museums, theaters, restaurants, sports and other venues, there is less reason to live in these expensive cities. Welcome to the East Valley. Price per square foot has increased in the Chandler area by 6.4 percent from 2019 prices. On a $650,000 home, that comes to $41,600 in just one year. Couple that with the lack of inventory and buyers are willing to pay over list price for many East Valley homes. Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa and Tempe area homes look relatively cheap to these

Los Angeles and San Francisco home buyers. Along that same trend of leaving larger cities for the suburbs are renters. Renters are saying, “If I am going to work from home, I want a view other than the kitchen refrigerator.” They also want space and options when working from home. Our East Valley communities and the surrounding areas are seeing a vast migration of these California buyers looking to expand their living space and bring some equilibrium to their cost of living. We are seeing a trend in which buy-

ers are looking for more square footage, bigger lot size, more patio space and amenities like private pools, outdoor kitchens – and just SPACE. What really matters to these transplants is a sense of privacy and space. If you are thinking of putting your Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa or Tempe home on the market, call me for my Ritz Carlton Service, accurate pricing and a committed marketing strategy that includes a 100 percent-of-asking-price guarantee and free home-staging service. Chandler Realtor Carol Royse can be reached at 480-776-5231.

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Real Estate News Update 32

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

by Real Estate Expert & Local Radio Host, Carol Royse

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Local Radio Host, Carol Royse Pricing Strategy Sell Your Home Pricing Strategy toto Sell Your Home As Heard on KFYI Radio each wee Pricing Strategy to Sell Your Home

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REAL ESTATE

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

HENDERSON

from page 31

looking for homes in Chandler. The number of units sold would be higher if there were more appropriately priced properties on the market. So why are the 76, or 15 percent of the properties, that came on the market in October still waiting for an offer? The answer is in the numbers. When we look at the October sales summary of closed sales, we can see that 155, or 32 percent, of the closed listings required a price reduction to get an offer. Month after month, we find that 30 percent to 40 percent of the listings require a price reduction to get an offer. Even in a “hot” seller’s market, buyers are not going to overpay to get a property. Buyers will offer a few points above what the comparable sale data would indicate. However, they are not going to overpay. If they did, it would still have to appraise. Appraisers will come up a few points over comparable sales values, but they will not appraise property at a price that is unreasonable and unsupportable. If a nice property stays on the market longer than similar, comparable properties, there is a pricing issue and a price

reduction is in order to get an offer. Always price it right the first time to get it sold faster and for more. Recently, there were 226 active listings in the Chandler market. With 416 units selling per month, the 226 active listings will be depleted in less than 17 days. Anything less than a six-month inventory is considered to be a seller’s market. The Chandler market remains a very strong seller’s market. If you have any questions or if you need a free professional consultation, East Valley Realtor Allen Henderson can be reached at 480-392-2090. The average days on market is a good indicator of the strength of the real estate market. The number of days on the market, in the January to October time frame, dropped from 64 days in 2019 to 39 days in 2020. Homes sold on average 39 percent faster in 2020 than in 2019. The strong seller’s market we have seen for months is getting even stronger. We must say again, that this is one of the few times we would advise sellers to list a little higher to test the market. This will not always be our advice, however, it is a prudent consideration in this market There were 14 sales of properties over a million dollars in the October 1, to October 31, market. Today there are 28 Active listings for million-dollar-plus

properties. There have been 45 sales of million-dollar-plus properties in Chandler in 2020. They were on the market an average of 86 days and 28 percent required a price reduction to get a sale. • In the luxury market from $600,000. to $999,999., there have been 344 sales in 2020. The average sale in this price range was $707,042. Marketing time on average was 64 days. • In the $500,000. to $599,000. pricerange there have been 388 sales at an average price of $540,171. in 2020. Marketing time on average was 46 days. • In the $400,000. to $499,000. pricerange there have been 777 sales at an average price of $442,605. in 2020. Marketing time on average was 44 days. • In the $300,000. to $399,000. pricerange there have been 1492 sales at an average price of $391,000. in 2020. Marketing time on average was 71 days. • In the under $300,000 market, there were have been 1056 sales at an average price of $251,153. in 2020. Marketing time on average was 28 days. In summary, the highest number of sales (1492 units) was in the $300,000. to $399,000. pricerange. Further, 3,713

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properties or 89 percent of the total closed sales in Chandler this year are for properties under $500,000. As expected, we see that the marketing time, calculated as the number of days on the market, increased as the price point increased. The economic outlook continues to be strong. Demand is high and increasing, for homes in the Phoenix and Chandler real estate market. Interest rates are low and the Federal Reserve has indicated they are not anticipating interest rate increases in the short term. Phoenix is ranked number three in the country for job creation. Despite some rumblings about a downturn in the national real estate market, the outlook appears to be mostly positive. Of course, the political situation is always a wild card as Washington reacts to the Corona Virus, social unrest, and dissidence, and international trade issues. All in all, there has never been a better time to sell a Chandler property for a great price and quickly. We know that every home is unique. If you have any questions or if you would like to have a free professional consultation to help you determine what needs to be done to make your home shine and the best strategy to get it sold for top dollar, please feel free to call or text me.

REAL ESTATE

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Biden policies could shake up housing market SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

President-elect Joseph Biden’s ambitious housing plan could have momentous consequences – if it shakes out to more than just empty campaign promises. A historic home shortage and record-low mortgage rates have pushed prices to new heights, even as the U.S. entered into the worst recession since the Great Depression. “Everyone may not love the outcome of this long-drawn-out roller coaster of an election, but I think everyone can breathe a sigh of relief that it’s over,” said Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale. “Biden has a really ambitious agenda that will try to create opportunities for more low- and middle-income Americans to become homeowners or afford rental housing.” That could result in some big changes, according to Edward Goetz, an urban policy professor at the University of Minnesota. “The issue is really how affordable housing, as a category of efforts, compares to the other things he’s going to want to accomplish, such as student loan debt, climate change,” and how he prioritizes them, Goetz said. Here’s a roundup of Biden’s to-do list. Campaign promise: Help more Americans achieve homeownership. One of the main planks of Biden’s $640 billion housing plan, which his

campaign dropped in February, has been to help more Americans become homeowners. He plans to give first-time home buyers a down payment tax credit of up to $15,000 that they could actually use at the time of purchase. As home prices have soared in recent years, this could

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be a big help to many cash-strapped buyers. “Biden recognizes how challenging it can be for some people to become homeowners,” said Hale, predicting he will “pursue policies that will make getting your foot in the door easier.” Meanwhile, teachers, first responders, and other public and national service workers would also be eligible for down payment assistance and lower home prices. However, they would need to buy and move into homes in either struggling, lower-income neighborhoods or pricier communities that don’t offer much more reasonably priced housing. Campaign promise: Address racial discrimination in housing. Biden pledged to help fight the racial housing gap that has resulted in lower homeownership rates for communities of color. He’s proposed a national standard for appraising homes to make sure properties in communities of color wouldn’t be assessed for less than similar homes in comparable white neighborhoods. “It’s certainly a step in the right direction, but it’s not going to [completely] solve the problem,” said Hale, noting buyers ultimately determine the price of a property by how much they’re willing to pay. In addition, Biden has proposed creating a public credit agency that would help raise the scores of minority home buyers by considering things like rental payment histories and utility bills paid on time. This could help more buyers qualify for mortgages with lower fees and rates. In contrast, President Donald Trump ended a rule over the summer that required many suburban communities to diversify. The President Barack Obama-era regulation forced communities receiving federal housing money to assess and address housing discrimination. Many wealthier towns and suburbs had

fought more affordable housing, ranging from apartments and condos to smaller single-family housing for fear of lower property values. Biden has said he will require and incentivize local and state governments to do away with regulations that perpetuate segregation and make it harder for builders to put up new housing. His administration could “make local governments understand they’re going to be held to some standards,” said Goetz. “It could change local planning and policies related to the kinds of housing that can be built. It means more housing opportunities for populations that have historically been discriminated against.” Biden would also attempt to cut the carbon footprint of the country’s buildings in half by 2035. Developers would be eligible for incentives to retrofit homes to become more energy-efficient and create their own clean power. Campaign promise: Get assistance to struggling renters. Biden plans to fully fund Section 8 vouchers so that every low-income American who qualifies for the program would receive the assistance. Currently, about a quarter of households eligible for the vouchers don’t receive them because there aren’t enough to go around. He also will offer low-income renters a tax credit designed so they pay only up to 30 percent of their income on housing and utilities. “The program will be costly to administer, but it will help the individual,” said Ken Johnson, a real estate economist at Florida Atlantic University. Biden may also decide to extend Trump’s eviction moratorium to prevent renters from losing their homes during the pandemic. It makes it illegal for landlords to evict most tenants until next year. The new president has also pledged to increase the housing supply by putting $100 billion toward constructing and upgrading affordable housing. He will use tax incentives to erect affordable housing in areas where it’s in short supply and try to limit local and state government restrictions on the amount of new construction. “It’s overdue,” Goetz said. “We’re in the middle of a housing crisis and we have affordability issues all over the country.” In addition, Biden hopes to ease homelessness by providing emergency funding to shelters and provide case management services for those in need. He vowed to provide more housing for the disabled, elderly and formerly incarcerated. Realtor.com provided this report.

REAL ESTATE

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

3 different ways to tap into home equity waive them. You’re also on the hook for two mortgages. A home equity loan makes more sense than a cashout refi if you’re happy with your current home loan but you still want to tap into your home equity.

SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

When they’re in need of fast cash, homeowners have options that involve tapping into their home equity, the difference between what a home is worth and how much is owned on a mortgage. There are three main ways to tap into home equity, but sorting through those options can be confusing. Here is how to determine which of the three most popular home financing options – cash-out refinance, home equity loan and home equity line of credit – are right for you. CASH-OUT REFINANCE How it works: A cash-out refinance replaces your existing mortgage with a new loan that’s larger than what you currently owe—and puts the difference in your pocket. With a cash-out refinance, you’re able to receive some of your home’s equity as a lump sum of cash during the process. “This only works if you have equity in your home, either through appreciation or paying down your mortgage,” said David Chapman, a real estate agent and professor. Pros: If you need cold, hard cash in your hands, a cash-out refinance can help you get it. If interest rates are lower than when you first got your loan, you’ll get to lock in lower interest rates than you’re paying now. “Now is the time to look at a cashout refinance due to the low-interest rate environment,” says Michael Foguth, founder of Foguth Financial Group. Cons: You’ll have to pay closing costs when you refinance, though some lenders will let you roll them into your mortgage. The costs can range from 2-5 percent of your loan amount. If interest rates have gone up, you could end up with a higher interest rate than your existing mortgage. Also, you’ll be starting over with a new loan and, unless you refinance into a different type of mortgage altogether, you’ll ultimately be extending the time it takes to pay off your home loan. Even if you get a better interest rate with your new loan, your monthly payment might be higher. A cash-out refinance makes the

most sense if you’re able to get a lower interest rate on your new loan. Experts typically say that at least a 1 percent drop makes refinancing worth it. This option also works well for home renovations, since you’ll be increasing your home’s value even more with the updates. In essence, you’re using your home’s existing equity to help pay for even more equity growth. HOME EQUITY LOAN How it works: Unlike a cash-out refi, which replaces your original loan, a home equity loan is a second additional mortgage that lets you tap into your home’s equity. You’ll get a lump sum to spend as you see fit, then you’ll repay the loan in monthly installments, just as you do with your first mortgage. The home equity loan is secured by your house, which means that if you stop making payments, your lender could foreclose on the home. Pros: You get a huge chunk of cash all at once. A home equity loan lets you keep your existing mortgage, so you don’t have to start over from year one. Your interest rate is typically fixed, not adjustable, so you know exactly what your monthly payment will be over the life of the loan. Also, interest may be tax-deductible. Cons: A home equity loan will likely have a higher interest rate. Home equity loans also come with fees and closing costs, although your lender may opt to

HELOC How it works: A home equity line of credit, aka HELOC, is similar to a home equity loan. It’s a second mortgage that lets you pull out your home equity as cash. With a HELOC, however, instead of a lump sum amount, it works more like a credit card. You can borrow as much as you need whenever you need it up to a limit, and you make payments only on what you actually use, not the total credit available. HELOCs are treated totally separately from an existing mortgage, just like a home equity loan. Pros: You borrow only what you need, so you may be less tempted to spend this money than a lump-sum home equity loan. You pay interest only once you start borrowing, but you can

keep the line of credit open for many years, which means your HELOC can act as a safeguard for emergencies. HELOCs typically have lower interest rates than home equity loans and typically have little or no closing costs. HELOCs are often easier to get because they’re subject to fewer lending rules and regulations than home equity loans. Cons: HELOCs usually have adjustable interest rates, which means you can’t necessarily predict how much your monthly payment will be. Most HELOCs typically require the borrower to pay interest only during what’s known as the draw period, with principal payments kicking in later during the repayment period. If you don’t plan properly or you lose your job, you might be caught off guard by these higher payments down the road. A bank can foreclose if you stop making payments. Once a HELOC transitions into the repayment period, the borrower is required to make both principal and interest payments. Many borrowers forget about this transition and are often startled by the sudden increase in minimum payments. A HELOC makes the most sense if you want the flexibility and peace of mind of knowing you can easily access money in the future. Realtor.com provided this report.

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REAL ESTATE

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Left: TJ Millington of Las Sendas said his Mesa firm, Armor Plate Coating Systems, can help reduce energy costs with his special CorkShield coating on homes and other buildings. (Special to the SanTan Sun News) Right: Armor Plate Coating Systems owner TJ Millington, right, and business partner Bart Higley flank Bart’s son Justin. (Courtesy of Bart Higley)

Mesa man’s firm ‘corks’ homes DAVID M. BROWN Contributor

TJ Millington says cork isn’t just for wine bottles and lighter fishing lines. Through his new Mesa business, Armor Plate Coatings Systems, the Las Sendas resident and his crew of 17 installers are applying Vipeq Thermal CorkShield to homes and other structures throughout the Valley. More than 60 homes have been treated in Arizona during the last four and a half years with his product, helping owners save money on energy bills while improving the appearance and value of their homes and commercial buildings, he said. Millington exploiting the natural benefits of cork, which offers thermal insulation, a water barrier and sound dampening. As a foam, it can be applied to all surfaces – including wood, masonry and steel as well as roofs, where an elastomeric coating is included. And the product can be painted with 16 integral colors available as well as matches to the customer’s sample. In July, Millington and his business partner, Bart Higley of Carefree, acquired the sales, marketing, installation and distribution rights for most of Arizona through Vipeq, a 30-year-old Canadian company. Higley owns Home Select, which has installed flooring, cabinets and countertops for 43 years. The business partners are negotiating the acquisition of the remaining Arizona rights, and they are looking to hold exclusive rights in California, Nevada and New Mexico. “I was part of sales and marketing for Vipeq a few years ago and I immediately saw the amazing benefits back then,” said Millington, a Minnesota native who moved to Arizona 20 years ago.

He raced cars and motorcycles and then Chevy trucks in NASCAR competitions from 2004-07 – a time when he also became involved with the business side of racing. “That really taught me about how relationships are key to making any transaction a win-win for everyone involved,” said Millington, adding that meticulous customer service is central to Armor Plate Coatings Systems. He visits each jobsite daily, for example.

“Since the cork was applied, the homeowner has shared with us that his utility bills have never been over $400 per month,” said Millington. Installation cost is very competitive compared with stucco and quality paint. For an existing home, he said application begins at $3.80 per square foot up to $4 per square foot, depending on whether it’s a single- or two-story home. For new construction, that range is

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His wife, Rebecca, an East Valley native, is a Realtor for Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. Their three daughters, ages 19 to 23, are all in college and graduates of Red Mountain High School. Locally focused, his company supports a number of local charities, including Teen Life, Childhelp and Wings of Humanity. Calling his product “the most advanced green energy product on the market,” Millington said that before he became a regional owner, he was impressed with the work of a Vipeq crew that corked a 6,000-square-foot home in East Mesa in 2015. Before the application, the client’s utility bills were $790 to $810 per month in summer.

$5.80–$6.35 per square foot. “We follow the same processes with synthetic stucco on a new build: We apply paper, then wire, brown coat and cork. No caulking is required.” Mike Holmes, general contractor and television host, had the Vipeq cork sprayed on his sheet-metal Canadian garage, which he says has helped in the extremely cold northern winters. “When it comes to building materials, I think this is the product of the century,” he said. Valley customers have also responded favorably. “Their product works. I first visited a contemporary home in Desert Mountain in north Scottsdale who had been fed up with all the stucco cracks on his wall: no matter how many times he

fixed and painted, they reappeared,” recalled Frank Aazami, a principal of the Private Client Group at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Real Estate in Scottsdale. To fix the issue, the homeowner had the cork applied to his walls. After two years, the work looked as if it had been applied yesterday, said Aazami. As a result, Aazami had the cork applied on an older Valley luxury home that he and his wife recently acquired. “The walls look fresh and the insulation from the outside is already saving us on utility bills,” he said. “I bet we don’t have to paint for another 12–15 years and the cracks are gone. “The Vipeq crew were in and out in five days,” he added. “I love this stuff.” The thermal insulation helps houses feel cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, reducing energy costs, Millington said. In addition, cork is resistant to mold and water and is a fire retardant. It will melt under direct flame but has zero flame spread. Another advantage is acoustic insulation. In the same way a sound studio incorporates cork to reduce sound reverberation, Vipeq’s treatment does the same for a building. Milligan added that because of the flexible properties of cork, it expands and contracts depending on the weather and will absorb impact. A 15-year warranty against cracking, chipping and peeling is standard with every application by certified installers. The environmental benefits are also notable as well, he said. Countries are planting new cork trees, increasing the number worldwide. “And, in those areas, as the bark is trimmed,” he said. “The cork tree releases large amounts of oxygen, replenishing the air all of us breathe.” Information: vipeqamerica.com./,

REAL ESTATE

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

HOAs in Arizona can foreclose on homes for many reasons BY PATRICK MACQUEEN Guest Writer

Your homeowners association has the right to foreclose on your property and force the sale of your home. Yes, that is right. In Arizona, HOAs have very strong protections when it comes to collecting HOA fees. And, one of the most powerful protections is the placement of a lien on a homeowner’s property and the ultimate foreclosure of that lien. Specifically, under A.R.S. §33-1807, an HOA lien is automatically placed on your property when your HOA assessment becomes due. There is no need for the HOA to even record the lien. It is automatic. At the very least, the existence of the lien may complicate your ability to finance or sell the property. At the very worst, Arizona law allows the HOA to foreclose on, and force the sale of, a homeowner’s property to collect fees once either of the following are true: (a) the homeowner has been delinquent in payment for 1 year or more; or (b) the total late HOA fees are $1200 or more (not including late fees, collection fees, or attorneys’ fees). Through a foreclosure action, the HOA can force the sale of your home and collect the following from the proceeds of the foreclosure sale: (1) all unpaid HOA fees; (2) late fees; (3) rea-

sonable collection fees; and (4) reasonable attorneys’ fees. The foreclosure sale is subject to existing liens that are considered priority liens, like most mortgage loans. As a result, the HOA foreclosure will not eliminate your existing mortgage loan. If you are a homeowner faced with an HOA collection issue, you have the opportunity to assert various defenses. For example, lack of notice, lack of

standing, improper service and debt dispute are defenses used to contest a foreclosure sale. If the assessments are actually owed, however, your defenses in a judicial foreclosure lawsuit will likely be very limited and, in most instances, courts have held that the obligation of a homeowner to pay assessments exists independently of an HOA’s obligations to homeowners. In other words, arguing that an HOA

failed to perform its duties is usually not a defense to a foreclosure action. The laws governing HOA foreclosures can be complicated. If your HOA has initiated a foreclosure, you should consider obtaining legal advice. Ahwatukee attorney Patrick MacQueen is a co-founder and partner of MacQueen & Gottlieb, PLC, of Phoenix, one of the state’s leading real estate law firms. Information: patrick@mandglawgroup.com or 602-533-2840.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

College bound? This Chandler service might help SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Longtime Chandler resident Evonne Avalos has had an eventful career life. She has been a journalist, an executive/personal assistant in the entertainment industry for a host of different stars. Now she is using all the hustle and talent she brought to those jobs for her new business – one that parents and their college-bound high school students will find useful in the shadow of the pandemic and the wake of the college admission scandal. Her boutique college and research guidance business, called Smart à la Carte, provides school profiles and the tools required to navigate the application, admission and post-admission processes. Using a network of colleagues in higher education, Avalos guides families and students through the often-Byzantine world of academia’s admission and post-admission processes. Saying there are “crucial gaps in communication between potential students, parents and higher education institutions,” Avalos aims to turn their questions “into well-informed answers.” Families can learn more at smartalacarte.com or emailing info@smartalacarte.com. The Santan Sun News asked Avalos about her business. What inspired you to start this business?

Evonne Avalos As the college admissions scandal unfolded last year, I reflected on my time as a first-time college student fresh out of high school and how much my dad and I weren’t aware of (like financial aid, FAFSA, scholarships and various deadlines). Then I thought about the obstacles I faced when going back to school after an almost 10-year hiatus, this time as an adult and a wife, and later, as a university employee and working in the community college system. There are simply so many students to help but not enough passionate people with the time and dedication to help these

students and their parents. Plus, there are many departments to visit in order to get specific answers: Payment deadlines are typically handled by the registrar’s, financial aid from the financial aid department, questions on majors might be answered by either the admissions office or department the student’s major falls into. I’ve never known of a service that helps you once you have been admitted to a college. There are even more deadlines to meet once you’ve been admitted. I help guide parents and students through the different processes to help everyone make sure their i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed. What can a client expect from you? I compile the basic information about the college that most people want to know when they are looking to apply to a certain school, along with the requirements a student needs in order to help determine if they might qualify for not only general admission, but admission to their program of study. I also compile the school codes that students and parents may need when sending financial or standardized test results to the colleges they are applying at, a brief history of the school, and other various contact information that families will need if they decide to proceed with applying and eventually, get accepted. A lot of this information is avail-

able from the school itself, but many times, you are put on hold, or told to apply first before your question can be answered, risk being transferred to another department, or worse, get accidentally hung up on. I am a non-biased, one-stop shop for all of your college research needs. Combined with my previous experience as a personal assistant, nothing will stop me from finding out a specific answer. I offer no “side door” to help students get accepted to any specific school. Rather, I help guide parents and/or applicants through the admissions, scholarship, and financial aid processes – very stressful, sometimes confusing and possibly overwhelming situations for families. Are people buying some kind of packet of info or your direct consultation or both? I don’t want clients to feel pressured into purchasing services they may not want to use, which is why each service is priced separately and how “à la carte” became part of the business name. I am always available for consultation as part of my services. What gave you the idea for this business? When the college admissions scandal broke last year, I reflected on my career in education: I was in international admissions, I was a financial aid student worker, I participated in a See

LACARTE on page 43

Chandler company launches ‘Signs of Hope’ program SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Signarama Chandler owners Jim Eichenberg and Allison Kast-Eichenberg are kicking off their 10th year of their Signs of Hope program. The 23-year-old family business offers signage for free or at a reduced cost to nonprofits. Signage is based on the needs and can include fundraiser golf tournament tee markers and banners to monument signs, vehicle wraps, channel letters, interior signage and similar items. Signamara is accepting applications through Dec. 16 for grants. The Eichenbergs are devoting a total $35,000 to grants for 2021 – adding to the $300,000 in grants they have given to charities and other nonprofits since 2011. “Signarama Chandler’s Signs of Hope grant program is a strategic way to assist non-profit and charitable organizations who wish to replace or create effective, affordable signage in support of their mission,” a spokeswoman said. “A big part of Signarama Chandler’s vision is to make a difference in their community and they are excited to be able to help many people through partnerships with local non-profit and

Signarama Chandler owners Jim Eichenberg and wife Allison Kast Eichenberg are now accepting applications for their signage grants for nonprofits and charities. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

charitable organizations.” The spokeswoman noted that signage can be “incredibly important” for nonprofits but often are an expense that they can’t afford. “It can be challenging for an organization to justify spending money on signage, especially temporary event sig-

nage for a fundraiser or event, when the money could go to further programs, research and education,” the spokeswoman said. Added Kast-Eichenberg, “Partnering with the local non-profits has been such a blessing, we are so inspired by the work they do on a daily basis to

better the lives of our neighbors.” Over the years, Signarama Chandler has awarded grants to American Diabetes Association, Child Crisis Arizona, Boys and Girls Club, East Valley Veterans Day Parade, Save the Family Foundation, Parents of Addicted Loved Ones, The Children’s Home Project and many others. Parents of Addicted Loved Ones said it was “thrilled” with Signarama’s support. “It means so much to know you value PAL’s work and the impact it has on the community,” a representative of that group told the Eichenbergs. “We could have never anticipated our rate of growth – your encouragement is important to us.” Signarama Chandler says it helps makes the dreams of event organizers, businesses and others become reality “by working hard, having fun, acting with integrity, thinking big and doing it together.” Signarama Chandler also is in the top five of 900 Signarama stores in more than 50 countries. Information: 480-821-1100, sarchandler.com, allisonke@sarchandler.com

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Restore Cryotherapy spa opens in south Chandler SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Residents looking for a “cooler” way to release their endorphins may be able to find relief at a new business in south Chandler. Restore Hyper Wellness and Cryotherapy, a Texas-based chain of spas, has opened its 71st location in the Las Tiendas Village at 2895 South Alma School Road with a variety of services involving cryotherapy -- the use of freezing temperatures to relieve inflammation and muscle aches. Restore allows customers to immerse their whole body in a cooling chamber that gets down to a couple hundred degrees below zero. The freezing temperature is supposed to stimulate the body by increasing the production of collagen and anti-inflammatory proteins. The company claims a 3-minute treatment inside its cryotherapy chamber could potentially burn calories, improve sleeping habits, boost energy levels, and release more endorphins. Restore additionally offers intravenous therapies for patrons looking to improve their hydration and an infrared sauna that uses light to heighten body temperatures in order to release more toxins. Costs for services range from $39 for one session of cryotherapy to $359 for a 10-session package of treatments.

overall wellness.” Donnelly co-founded Restore in 2015 with the goal of wanting to revolutionize the health and wellness industry. Within a few years, the company’s lineup of alternative health treatments became popular across the country and Restore boasts about being regularly ranked as one of the industry’s fastest-growing franchises. Restore claims its Chandler location will employ a variety of wellness representatives, stretch therapists, estheticians and registered nurses who will work under the oversight of independent physicians. Cryotherapy treatments started out as a remedy for athletes needing quick relief for muscle pains and then expanded to patients suffering from arthritis or multiple sclerosis. Researchers in Japan built the first Cryotherapy aims to relieve inflamation and muscle aches whole-body cryotherapy chamber through sub-zero temperatures. (Special to SanTan Sun News) in the 1970s before it was introduced in the U.S. during the 2000s. Customers who pay a subscription Though cold therapies have bemembership gain access to lower rates. come increasingly popular over the last “Hyper Wellness should be accesdecade, health officials have warned sible to all. With this in mind, Restore consumers about buying into some of emphasizes accessibility and affordthe claims made about cryotherapy. ability,” said Restore CEO Jim Donnelly. In 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug “No matter who you are, there is always Administration put out an alert advising room to improve on your health and

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customers that it had not seen enough evidence to verify cryotherapy can effectively treat specific diseases. “Based on purported health benefits seen in many promotions for cryotherapy spas, consumers may incorrectly believe that the FDA has cleared or approved (cryotherapy) devices as safe and effective to treat medical conditions,” said Dr. Aron Yustein, a FDA medical officer, said in 2016. “That is not the case.” Dr. Robert Shmerling, editor of the Harvard Health Publishing, is also not convinced he’s seen sufficient evidence to prove cryotherapy works better than applying an ice pack to a sore muscle. “From the available evidence, it’s hard to know if whole body cryotherapy reliably prevents or treats any particular condition,” Shmerling wrote in 2018, “or if it speeds recovery or improves athletic performance.” Some scientific studies have provided data indicating whole-body cryotherapy could be an effective shortterm treatment for anxiety attacks and reducing chronic pain. “There is a possibility that (cryotherapy) only improves several symptoms among the many psychopathological phenomena associated with depressive or anxiety disorders,” a 2008 study done by Wroclaw Medical University concluded.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

LACARTE

from page 40

project that aimed to streamline the community college student experience, and looked back on my own experiences as an out-of-state college student straight out of high school, and as an “adult re-entry” student years later. It would have been extremely helpful to have someone guide my dad and me, as we were bounced from one facet of my future college life How does your service differ from what a high school guidance counselor would provide? They perform such a wide range of assistance, from identifying any potential behavior or social issues that

might need honing, to helping a student realize their natural gifts and talents through aptitude tests, etc. They can also provide information on when and where the next college fair or financial aid workshop. There are plenty of services offered to high school students that help prepare them for the college application process, such as writing an engaging college essay, test assessment practicing, bootcamps or workshops on saving up for college, etc. But what happens once your applications have been submitted? What takes a school so long to make an admission decision? Where does your financial aid information go once you (or your family) has filled out the FAFSA? What is a SAR? Is my school no-

tified when I’ve received a scholarship? These answers are actually answered by various departments in charge of various parts of your college life. My experiences as a college student and employee provide not only answers from the student perspective, but I can also explain what happens “behind the scenes” from the college perspective. The services that I offer are akin to a tour guide before you go on the tour: I provide historical, program, deadline, and contact information on a college and degree program for applicants and parents, provide step-by-step instructions and deadline information after an applicant has been admitted, and can also explain what happens (behind the scenes) if or when certain deadlines

can’t be met. Not every school is the same, and not all of them have the same deadlines. Organizing this information in a customized school profile, will help parents and applicants in streamlining the college selection process, as well as throughout their college career. What was the biggest challenge getting started? I would have to say the research for similar businesses. While there are many that offer tutoring, financial aid or scholarship assistance, I was not able to find one that offered college information, financial aid, scholarships, assistance for international students, or deadline reminder services, all under one proverbial roof.

The Cottonwood Bar & Grill in Sun Lakes got a major facelift recently with new wall-coverings, light luxury vinyl flooring and other enhancements that provide an upscale clubhouse atmosphere. (Brian Goddard)

Sun Lakes’ Cottonwood Bar & Grill gets re-do SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

A Sun Lakes restaurant recently underwent a refresh that also adheres to safety protocols implemented during COVID-19. Owners of the Cottonwood Bar & Grill, 25630 S. Brentwood Drive, wanted a new look and feel that made the establishment more appealing to members as well as its guests. “The space had good bones but the bar had carpet, mirrored ceilings and 80s lighting that needed to hit the dumpster,” said Beth Katz of

KatzDesignGroup. “They wanted a space to bring their kids and grandkids to that felt modern, fresh and inviting.” KatzDesignGroup moved the beverage and condiment station to the unused area of the bar, created a new permanent buffet and created more flexible areas for gathering in the bar dining area. “The client hosts numerous community parties and events and wanted to have a more permanent buffet for those events,” Katz said. “Relocating the server area opened the restaurant and bar space, allowing

more seating and natural light. The light brick, wallcovering and warm woods all helped create an updated aesthetic,” she continued. Katz said she also relied on a light luxury vinyl wood floor, brick pilasters, wallcovering, Crypton velvets and faux alligator vinyls. “We installed warm wood paneling and branded tables with custom twisted metal bases. The lighting above the bar takes elements of the metal fencing at a ballpark with the round baseball-style LED Edison bulb lamps,” Katz said.

The space always provided a sports bar atmosphere but now is more like an upscale clubhouse. Tables have been socially distanced with temporary Plexiglas partitions installed between the booths for the health and safety of diners. “I watched a webinar on restaurant design during COVID and they spoke about an antimicrobial paper for multiple usage,” Katz said. “I mentioned it to the client as an option for single-use menus and he was thrilled with a less expensive safeguard for Cottonwood Bar & Grill patrons.”

Beauty academy president reelected to board SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Cathy Koluch, president and founder of The Studio Academy of Beauty in Chandler has been re-elected to the board of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools for a three-year term. Named by the Arizona Capitol Times as one of the top 25 top Women Achievers in Arizona, Koluch became the most visible voice of the beauty industry in Arizona fighting the “blow dry bill” and led the industry to create a reformation package to deliver to Legislature to move the beauty industry forward.

Cathy Koluch

Sidelined by the abrupt ending of the 2020 legislative session, the bill was moved to 2021. Koluch also lobbied in Washington, D.C., for school choice in post-secondary education, arguing that vocational and trade schools offer a great option for those who choose not to go to traditional colleges and universities. Her biggest challenge was responding to COVID-19 and delivering beauty school education in an innovative way. Putting students online on over 45 Zoom links and sending home supplies in to-go packs was just the beginning, she said.

She also implemented safety measures such as acrylic barriers for esthetician students and flexible plastic barriers between salon stations for hair services to keep staff, students and clients safe created a safer environment to perform these personal services. Without furloughing any staff member, Koluch said her instructors worked through many challenges that earned her these honors. The Studio Academy of Beauty has campuses in Chandler, Phoenix and Tolleson and provides education in cosmetology, hairstyling and esthetics. Information: tsaob.com.

BUSINESS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Local decorators’ site brightens holidays BY STACI HAUK Contributor

With the holidays quickly approaching, many avid crafters are beginning to think of décor for the home or for that special family gathering. Due to the restrictions of in-person classes, DIY tutorials have sparked consumer interest, along with online shops, to allow for creating from the comfort of home. Enter DesignerDIY.shop – a locally owned and operated family business that aims to address any DIY holiday need. Residents of Gilbert may be familiar with the colorful and quaint Ribbon Store in South Gilbert. This community staple was started 39 years ago and has recently evolved to operating as an online shop; DesignerDIY.shop, with the hope to offer in-person workshops again in the future. For now, the thriving boutique has transitioned to online platforms in order to be hands-on with customers virtually. “My parents, with help from my grandma, started this business,” said owner Summer Goodrich. “My grandma always loved crafting and knew it would be a great business to own. For me, it was a later decision to join the family business. “I went to law school and practiced for years, finally realizing how much I missed creating things and spending time crafting with my family,” she continued. “Together, we built a

Ribbon Store partners Summer Goodrich and Sharon Van Emmerik have launched a website, DesignerDIY. shop, to help people get ready for the Christmas holidays. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

business that we plan to pass on to my daughter and future generations to come.” DesignerDIY.shop specializes in making DIY projects simple, with professional-quality results. Goodrich and business partner Sharon Van Emmerik take the time to find high quality, beautiful ribbons, mesh and decorative pieces to ensure the customer is able to make amazing wreaths, garlands, bows and holiday items to adorn any space. “Our easy DIY kits and free online tutorials give you step by step instructions on so many fun holiday projects,”

Goodrich said. “The projects pictured will all look gorgeous with our exceptional materials because the techniques are simple. If you can cut and twist, then you make a wreath, a centerpiece or even a bow.” For the fall wreath, Goodrich explained that it can be done on a budget with only a few materials – two bolts of mesh, an assortment of wired ribbons and a fun accent piece. She also noted that if someone is unsure of what to purchase or how to coordinate colors, DesignerDIY.shop is there to assist. “All of the projects we teach are sim-

ple and perfect for the beginner crafter to the well-seasoned crafter. Already have supplies but not sure what to do with them? “At DesignerDIY.shop we have a link to all of our free online tutorials. Aside from wreaths, you can create a swag that can double as a centerpiece. It uses the same cut and roll techniques we used on the wreath, so you are halfway there.” Goodrich called the bow tutorials are popular as well and that “we make it easy to create any style of bow that would add the perfect touch to your existing décor, should you just want to spruce up a space with some festive flare.” Goodrich said she loves the Gilbert community and the strong relationships her business has built with the women here. The much missed ‘Ladies Nights’ will return when it is safe to do so. “Luckily, we converted our business at the beginning of 2020, so we were still able to teach and help our customers create a little happiness while they were stuck at home. “With 2020 being such a rough year, we feel it is even more important to decorate your home and do some crafting therapy to bring extra fun and happiness into your home at the holidays.” DesignerDIY.shop can be found on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, or check out their blog and website: designerdiy.shop.

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For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Perry badminton wins fourth title in dramatic fashion into doubles play, where the Pumas would need just one of three victories to secure the overall win. “We would have liked to win it in singles, but Sunnyslope is a really good team so we kind of thought we’d have to go to doubles and win it for our team,” Rodarte said. Sunnyslope’s No. 2 and 3 doubles teams won their first sets, scaring Perry more than any team had all postseason. But Rodarte and Jayaraj, who had won their third consecutive individual doubles state championship mere days earlier, held firm at No. 1. Rodarte’s serve on match point was returned directly into the net, and the duo’s 21-9, 21-14 victory led to the

BY ERIC NEWMAN

Contributor

Perry badminton was pushed more than it has been all year but claimed its fourth consecutive AIA Badminton Division I Team Championship Thursday with a 5-2 victory over Sunnyslope. Perry came in as the prohibitive favorite and No. 1 seed. Before the match, coach Lerina Johnson said the Vikings, winners of three of the past four Division 2 titles before moving up to D1 in 2020, would provide her team a unique test as one of the most talented and well-coached squads the Pumas had faced in years. The Pumas started the finals on a hot streak. Each of Perry’s six singles players won the first set. But, while the top three, senior Kate Macpherson, junior Nikhita Jayaraj and senior Ashley Rodarte all closed out their matches in victory, along with junior Kaylee Ross at No. 6 singles, Sunnyslope stole threeset victories at No. 4 and 5 singles. It was just enough to extend the match

Perry’s badminton program was pushed more than it has been all season long and in the last four years, but the Pumas prevailed to capture their fourth straight Division I title. (Pablo Robles/Staff)

See

BADMINTON on page 50

Loose protocols at football games stir debate BY BRANDON JONES

Cronkite News

With several schools experiencing outbreaks of COVID-19 during the high school football season, social media has served as a platform for those pointing fingers at programs who appear to have stands packed with fans – many without face coverings. But David Hines, executive director of the Arizona Interscholastic Association, which oversees high school sports in the state, said that the AIA can only issue protocols for players, coaches and officials on the field during the season. It’s up to school districts to establish guidelines for fans, based on the recommendations of county health departments. Photos of big crowds at schools such as Highland High, Higley High and Williams Field High in Gilbert and the private school Northwest Christian in Phoenix have surfaced on Twitter. Some are from fans and others from media members and they are often accompanied by comments about how closely fans are packed into the stands or the apparent lack of masks. Hines said he is aware of the tweets, but noted that the crowds are outside the AIA’s jurisdiction. “We put out a Return to Play document to get kids and coaches back to play,” Hines said. “We also have modifications, which are required for the schools to follow. “Now part of our modifications is that the coaches, bench players, bench personnel, etc. all have to be in a mask all the time.

Photos like this one on social media of the Higley High School spirit line and its fans at football games have raised questions about the fan behavior and protocol during the COVID-19 era. (Photo courtesy Highly High School Spirit Line Twitter account)

“Obviously, we have kids that come in and out of the game, that’s a little different story. The fans themselves are really under the purview of the school. During the regular season, the schools are in charge of those games.” While the AIA does not have jurisdiction over how schools handle spectators, Hines said some schools are more

diligent about ensuring that their fans are social distancing and wearing masks. “Our recommendation is that all fans have a mask when they come in and keep a mask on when they are in that facility, especially in indoor facilities, because now we’re closer together, we have less ventilation, and all those criteria,” Hines said. “However, we have

had some schools that aren’t quite as diligent as others with the requirement to their fans. “We have some schools that are in counties where a mask mandate is not required. We’ve had a couple issues there, but what we would say is, we still See

PROTOCOLS on page 51

SPORTS & RECREATION

BADMINTON

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

from page 49

jubilation Perry badminton has become accustomed to. “I’ll take my state champ team, noone better to win it,” said Johnson. With the victory, the Pumas capped off another undefeated season hoisting the championship trophy, going 13-0 in official AIA matches as a team and a combined 117-10 in individual matches in 2020. The three graduating seniors on Perry’s roster finished their careers without taking a team loss. Moving forward, Perry will be tasked with replacing a group that has ﬂourished for four years, a senior class Johnson said took the reigns as leaders this season and almost served as coaches on the court. But for now, the Pumas are on top, celebrating yet another victory and dominant campaign. “This was a really cool moment to win the last point for our team and win another championship, this is unreal,” Rodarte said. In Division 2, Campo Verde came up short of its own undefeated season, losing 5-0 to Ironwood in the final. The whole process, including team introductions, the National Anthem, warmups and finally match play, took just 39 minutes. Each of Ironwood’s six singles players won their first sets. One-by-one, the Eagles closed out their matches with sweeps. Ironwood junior Diana Ramirez’s drop shot hit inbounds to finish her No. 5 singles match 21-14, 21-17, and the Eagles rushed the court cele-

Campo Verde’s badminton program went undefeated until the championship match, falling to Ironwood in the final. (Pablo Robles/Staff)

brating their first team title. “It was so relieving and such a great moment in my life. With everything that’s gone on with COVID and the season, to finish like this just makes it a little better,” Ramirez said. Despite the loss, Campo Verde coach Rochelle Burson - who plans to retire

from coaching - said 2020 was her most rewarding leading the Coyotes. Campo Verde had its best regular season in school history, going 12-0 and securing its first No. 1 playoff seed. Settling for runner-up, Burson said, does not diminish what her girls accomplished in a ‘crazy’ season.

“This is just a very special year for us. I’m so proud of the way everybody came together and dealt with playing in the pandemic and still had so much success,” Burson said. “At the beginning of the year we didn’t think we’d be at this point, so to even make it here is wonderful.”

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PROTOCOLS

from page 49

communicate to the schools and say, ‘Hey, we have a big concern because you were not following the protocols and …then we have less likelihood of being able to finish our season. And really, we’re doing this for the kids.’” In the Gilbert and Higley schools districts, Perry High and Desert Ridge of Gilbert have had multiple games canceled, but Highland in the Gilbert Unified School District and Williams Field, and Higley in the Higley Unified School District, have played all of their games. Districts have different protocols. When Higley announced its plans for fall sporting event attendance, it did not put a limit on the number of fans that can attend. Its sole limitation was for an athlete’s household, which is set at four. But some have reacted to the criticism. “We’re doing things by the book at Highland,” one tweet read. “Our coaches have the utmost integrity and we have an incredible (athletic director) who’s being very vigilant with our sports programs here.” Higley district athletic director Aaron

Dille, who oversees Higley and Williams Field, said, “We were previously (allowing) 75 percent capacity for home games. We are now moving to 33 percent capacity based on increased positive tests around the state and Valley. For future home games, it will be at a max of 33 percent capacity. (Mask-wearing is) strictly enforced.

“Sometimes I don’t know if there’s anybody over there (because) I just don’t pay attention to that. I asked our other coaches, and they said that it looked like there were people there, but it wasn’t packed.” Taylor reiterated that Centennial is doing their part to keep athletes safe, and the Coyotes have not had to cancel

We’re doing the very best we can, we are keeping “track of kids, we’re trying to be careful and follow every rule so that we can keep (the season) going. ”

– Richard Taylor

We’ve actually removed fans for refusing to wear them.” Richard Taylor, coach of Williams Field’s Oct. 16 opponent Centennial Coyotes, said that he didn’t notice anything abnormal in the Oct. 16 matchup at Williams Field. “They allowed us into a place to change clothes,” Taylor said. “There were people there encouraging people and kids that were running around to keep social distance. Lots of masks, and I really (couldn’t tell) how many people were in the stands.

a single game so far. “We’re doing the very best we can, we are keeping track of kids,” Taylor said. “We’re trying to be careful and follow every rule so that we can keep (the season) going.” Overall, Hines is satisfied with the way most schools have handled COVID-19 protocols, despite the concerns coming from Gilbert. “In this crazy year of 2020 with COVID, we’ve been pleasantly surprised,” Hines said. “Our biggest goal

was to have the opportunity for our kids to compete and participate. We have 211 schools that are participating in football, (and) about 240 schools that are participating in volleyball, as well as our other fall sports. “We have had some challenges. We have had some cancellations. But our schools, our athletic directors, our coaches, and our kids have done a very good job following some of the modifications that we put into place, doing things that they need to do to keep the season going.” Hines believes that most teams have gone the extra yard to be protective, and everyone is doing their best to keep athletes and their families safe. He added that AIA protocols will be enforced when the playoffs begin, including limiting the number of spectators, requiring social distancing and mandating masks. “When it switches to the playoffs, it is now an AIA run event,” Hines said. “All those bets are off. We will have a percentage of the capacity that will be able to come, you will come in a mask, you’ll wear a mask, or you’ll be asked to leave. There will be no exceptions for that.” Meanwhile, the start of schools’ winter sports season remains on hold.

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

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

ICAN addressing needy Chandler families BY SHELBY PEDERSEN Guest Writer

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial inequities among families living in poverty. The cost of childcare, along with access to quality childcare, is of great concern to many families. Even prior to the pandemic, the cost of childcare in Arizona, along with 38 other states, for two children was more than a family’s mortgage payment, according to Child Trends, 2020. This widening of inequities among concentrated communities of poverty hits close to home for us at ICAN, as these are the families we are serving. A new study by the Afterschool Alliance surveyed program providers across the country who represent over 7,600 afterschool and summer program providers (including ICAN).

They found that disparities in access to afterschool programs are growing as well, with youth who stand to benefit the most least likely to connect to such opportunities. These programs are not just a childcare resource for families either. Programs like ICAN have continued to provide critical support in the community, including serving meals and referrals for families needing other vital services. The study also shared the insight of over 1,000 parents across the country, who overwhelmingly agreed that afterschool programs are critical during the pandemic, with 70 percent emphasizing academic support, 71 percent emphasizing safety (staying out of trouble) and 75 percent emphasizing positive relationships (emotional support). We surveyed our own parents over the summer and found that their biggest challenges were access to education, social isolation and access to childcare.

We listened to the needs of our families and responded. We knew that once our traditional afterschool program was back in place with schools reopening that we would quickly have a waitlist of families once again. And that it would be even worse considering the fact that we were accommodating less youth because of CDC guidelines. Due to these circumstances, we worked closely with the Chandler Unified School District to open a second ICAN site at Galveston Elementary School. The site opened on Oct. 13 and is currently serving 30 youth daily. The second site has given us the flexibility to spread out youth between two locations and the ability to serve more youth with ICAN’s vital youth development program. ICAN is not just a safe place for kids to go afterschool – we use structured curriculum that instills life skills, self-confidence and a myriad of so-

cial-emotional skills that are more critical than ever to vulnerable youth. Our expansion model has proven so successful in the midst of the pandemic, that we are planning an aggressive increase in additional site-based locations over the next two years. The concept of bringing our established ICAN model directly to youth in their schools is working, and our vision is to expand free youth development programs in other underserved communities as we grow. Our plan includes a second school site at Hartford Elementary in January, a third site by the end of next year, and future expansion beyond Chandler into other underserved communities by 2023. We are committed to expanding ICAN’s free program to the youth who need it most. If you feel inspired by our vision and would like to support our program and its growth – you can donate to ICAN at icanaz.org.

My Thanksgiving is canceled, but not giving thanks BY MARJORIE CONDER

Guest Writer

My Thanksgiving is canceled this year. I am weary of this darned virus, and I’m sure I’m not alone. Traditions are important, and I find them even more so as I’ve gotten older. I shall miss my family’s holiday traditions this endless year of 2020. Every year for the past 35 or 40 years, we have spent holidays with our daughter, son-in-law and their two girls. Sometimes we went to their home in Flagstaff when the girls were small. Sometimes they came to our house, where I cooked the turkey and made the pies (one pumpkin, one pecan). My daughter brought side dishes, and she whipped up feathery mashed potatoes while I made gravy. What will she do for gravy this year? She hasn’t learned how to make it because that was my job. Will she have to buy the pies? She works long hours and doesn’t bake often. My heart is sore.

In recent years, our daughter’s family moved to Tucson, so we started going to there for most holidays. Because they usually had to work on Fridays after Thanksgiving, we stayed the holiday weekend, which gave us more time to spend with them. I would make the pies in my daughter’s kitchen, and we enjoyed the chance to have quality time with all the family. Our family gathering has grown with my son-in-law’s Tucson extended family and my granddaughter’s fiancé. Our single son moved in with us, so now he is a welcome part of our celebration. With a larger crowd at the table, I gave my daughter our big dining room table and all the long, linen tablecloths, some of which were my mother’s and some even older ones, hand monogrammed with the initial of my maiden name, from my grandmother. It’s good to pass on traditions. After I lost my husband three years ago, these brief gatherings became even more important to me. Though we had a missing chair at the table, it was heartwarming to be among

loving family. We always gave thanks for the opportunity to be together, sharing stories around the table of times past, reminiscing about happy, funny and even sad events in our lives. It brought our family closer each time we got together. This year we shall have to give thanks separately. Thanksgiving 2020 is canceled, and I shall miss it all. So what is one to do? Do we just sit around and complain about what we are missing? I believe with all my heart that we can get through this cancellation of family holidays by holding on to the wonderful memories of years past. Remembering the joy of sharing our turkey dinners with loving family and friends. Thinking back to the times when they came home from college for the Thanksgiving holiday, glad to be home, if only for a short while. Recalling the many years of being together at holiday times, the treasured traditions and the love we share will make it bearable this year when Thanksgiving is canceled. Though my Thanksgiving is canceled, giving thanks is not. On Thursday, and

every day, I shall give thanks to God for the many blessings in my life. Thanks to all the medical personnel who have given their devotion (and sometimes their lives) to those infected with COVID-19. Thanks to those who have developed vaccines which may stop this pandemic in its tracks. Thanks to those essential workers who have kept grocery stores, banks, pharmacies and the post office open. Thanks to all of those in the military, past and present, who have kept our country safe. Thanks for all the electronic marvels that allow us to keep in touch with each other even when we are quarantined. Thanks that none of my immediate family has gotten sick. Thanks especially for the love that I receive from them and from my dear friends, even though I can’t give and receive their hugs in person. Thanks that at my age as a very senior, senior citizen I can still think and do for myself. I have many blessings, and I am truly thankful for them this Thanksgiving. Marjorie Conder is the author of “‘Furriners’ in Appalachia.”

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Pandemic’s glass wall between me and my mom BY CHRISTINA MCKELVY

Guest Writer

My weekends used to consist of seeing my mom – taking her shopping, out to eat, sometimes just spending time with her in her room. She would spend much of her time traveling down the hallways of her nursing home, saying hi to her nurses, the other residents, smiling, being joyful, being her social-butterfly-self. At the start of lockdown, my mom was adapting well, making jokes, telling me her frustration of what she had seen on the news; excited to go out and do errands with me once the lockdown was done. When COVID hit, like other nursing homes, it started with one case, then overnight, it seemed to balloon to most of the residents – my mom being one. They were already in lockdown for a month by this time. After my mom tested positive, they moved her to the COVID wing, the smiling hopeful light she once held – left. She was put in a room, unrecognizable to her. All her stuff stripped from her room, sanitized and bagged. It was her and four white empty walls. My mom, like many with dementia, can be sensitive to change. Any change in a routine, schedule or location can

make her susceptible to delirium. Being isolated in her room, unable to leave, increasingly made her confused. I would often visit by looking through her window. The nurse would open the blinds, pushing her near the window, I only could make out a slight profile of her due to the dirtiness of the glass. Pressing my phone against the glass, I would snap what would be a photo highlighting my mom’s demeanor, a way to see her clearer. She looked tired. If confusion and fear had a face, it would be hers. Using the rooms phone, or the nurses ipad, I would speak to her. A stressful conversation. My mom sometimes started yelling at me, saying she did not recognize anyone. Why would she? I hardly recognized them. Everyone she knew was gone, everything she owned put away. Her trusted nurses hid behind mask, goggles, hazmat yellow suits. Eventually she was admitted to a hospital. She was there in their COVID unit for a week – released and right back in another week. Nightly, I would speak to her, the nurses calling requesting that I talk her into taking her medication, eating, and calming down her anxiety. After my mom tested negative for COVID, she was released from the

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hospital, moved back to her side of the nursing home. She was able to have more interaction and travel outside of her room down to the facilities activity room. Her confusion only slightly improved, waxing and waning between lucidity and delirium. I now can see her again, at first it meant speaking to her with a phone behind the entrance glass window. Now, we can both be outside, speaking to each other separated by a Plexiglass panel – or if I test negative for COVID, going inside, for 30 minutes. Sometimes I will visit near the end of her nap, walking over to her room and peering between the sun-worn blinds, trying to get a glimpse of her, making out her thin body covered by two blankets, appearing cold, her grayish hair falling to her shoulders. This is our “new normal.” Let me change that: “our temporary normal,” to protect our loved ones from dying from the coronavirus. This is something I get, something I understand –logically. But as I look at my mom, her body becoming frail, her skin paler, her mind more disoriented, I cannot help but wonder if the way we are trying to protect them is not slowly killing them in another form. We socially distant from loved ones, we are separated by only glass, a com-

puter screen, or unable to go into their room and see how they are, hold their hand while in pain, or hug them when they cry out due to confusion. No, instead, they are forgotten – slowly deteriorating, melting away behind the idea of safety. What is the solution? How do we ensure their safety, but also enable our elders to continue to live and thrive? Locking them away, speaking to them behind glass, what are the long-term mental and physical health effects? We know from studies that for some, that are placed in a residential living, such as a nursing home, they can decompensate quicker, living only a few years after being placed. We also know, that those that have social interaction and engagement slows this probable decline. As I walk away from peering between her blinds through the dirty, hazy window, I am reminded that I am not the only one that is going through this... no, there are thousands of families that are separated by glass. She is my mom living this phase of her life sheltered away. I hope we find a solution – a cure, something. Because my mom, my social butterfly of a mom, is being forced back into her cocoon. Christina McKelvy is an Ahwatukee resident.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Chandler Fire collecting holiday toys for local children ARIZONAN NEWS STAFF

The Chandler Fire Department is once again collecting toys to help brighten the holiday season for Chandler children who might otherwise go without this year. The annual drive will be held at Chandler Fashion Center, with a few changes to help promote a safe environment for everyone. The drive will be from 2-8 p.m. Dec. 5, at Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd. The toy collection point will be in the parking lot west of the south facing entry point of Chandler Fashion Center. The highlight of the event will be the Enchanted Fire Village, a special holiday wonderland built by Chandler firefighters with decorated fire trucks. Anyone who donates a new, unwrapped toy during the Holiday Toy Drive will receive admission into the Enchanted Fire Village. An adult must accompany all children through the village. Once the donated toys are collected, Chandler firefighters and volunteers will help deliver them to the Chandler CARE Center, where they will be distributed at a designated event to families identified by 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 the dreams of a lot of area kids,” said Chandler Fire Chief Tom

Chandler firefighters last year displayed some of the gifts they wrapped for needy children as a result of donations to their annual toy drive. (City of Chandler)

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.” For those who cannot attend the Dec. 5 event at the mall, toy or gift card donations may be dropped off or

mailed to the Chandler Fire Administration Headquarters at 151 E. Boston St., 85224, starting Nov. 9 through Dec. 11. Toys can also be taken to any Chandler fire station; however, gift cards will only be accepted at headquarters. People who prefer a contactless donation method, can ship items

to headquarters or purchase them under the “Chandler Fire Toy Drive” wishlist on amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ ls/1DH9IZMQOIQ3M). Bring your receipt for admission to the Enchanted Fire Village on Dec. 5. Information: chandleraz.gov/fire or 480-782-2120.

Wreaths Across America underway in Chandler ARIZONAN NEWS STAFF

Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery and the Chandler Exchange Club will host the fifth annual Wreaths Across America memorial at its graves for military veterans Dec. 19. “We are very proud to honor area veterans with this dedication service,” said Brent Bouche, general manager of the cemetery at 10940 East Chandler Heights Road. The Chandler Exchange Club is soliciting individuals, businesses and community service organizations to sponsor wreaths for the more than 2,700 veterans known to be buried in the cemetery. Michael Whitaker, a member of the Chandler Exchange Club, noted with a grant of $5,000 from Northrup Grumman, the wreath count has grown to almost 1,000 wreaths, but the club is hoping for donations to put wreaths on the other 1,700 graves so that all the veterans are honored. Wreaths Across America finds its roots in one family’s tribute in 1992, when a Maine family that owns a tree farm had a surplus of wreaths during the holiday season. The family sought the help of their local congressman to put the spares

Chandler Exchange Club volunteers decorate veterans’ graves at the Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery with holiday wreaths, but need help to ensure that every grave has one this year. (Chandler Exchange Club)

on those graves at Arlington National Cemetery that were least visited. “Several volunteers stepped up to help, including veterans from American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts and a truck company owner who transported the wreaths to Arlington, Virginia, where a small ceremony was held at the cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” according to the U.S. Defense Department. This remained a small yearly tradition

for nearly 15 years until a photo taken at the 2005 ceremony went viral. “Almost immediately, thousands of people wanted to know how to help or how they could begin a similar tradition in their states,” the Defense Department said. By 2008, it had become a traditional at dozens of cemeteries across the country and has continued to grow, with more than 2.2 million graves across the country now decorated with a wreath at more than 2,100 cemeteries.

The ceremony and wreath-lacing at Valley of the Sun will be different this year because of the pandemic, Whitaker said, and only 50 people will be allowed to participate. “Unfortunately, we cannot have the hundreds of volunteers from previous years, but we will stream the ceremony on Facebook Live for those who want watch the ceremony,” Whitaker said. He stressed that regardless of the limited participation, the cemetery still needs wreaths for the veterans’ graves. An individual wreath sponsorship costs $15, and a family pack of four wreaths is available for $60. A small business sponsorship for $150 will supply 10 wreaths. Go to wreathsacroosamerica.org/ AZ0084P to sponsor a wreath for the Valley of the Sun Cemetery. The Chandler Exchange Club, chartered in 2013, is part of a national network of community service clubs across the nation. The club name is derived from “exchanging” ideas to better serve the local community. Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery has been serving Chandler and the East Valley since 1963.

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

DAR offers a chance to learn family history mation about the Falcons, my maternal great grandmother’s family. This man suggested I go on Facebook and join the Falcon group and follow their chats. Late one night I was scrolling down, down, and down when I saw a note in all caps: “I just got my SAR, if you’re related to Christobal Falcon or Gaspard Falcon, here are their DAR numbers.” Yes, folks, I found my patriot on Facebook. I already had Gaspard on my tree but then I had to make the connections which set me on months of research, challenging to say the least. I used a ton of brain cells digging, analyzing and piecing together the family connections and documents; equate it to a forensic search. But what a kick! I loved all Members of the Gila Butte Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution took the time to research their family trees the research and the mysteries to find early patriots in their lineage. (Deborah Goodacre) I had to solve. It was worth all the time and effort. trip easier and more economical. This search had nothing to do with Since then I have discovered Once back home, I connected with finding a patriot, but it led to a fasciI have four more patriots I can connect several people through Ancestry’s nating journey where I built a family to but it only takes one to qualify to tree on Ancestry. Later, I made a trip to email. join DAR. One person turned out to be a secLouisiana to do research. It can be hard work and the DAR is ond cousin to my mother and another Fortunately, my nephew lives there picky but if you do your research corwas a fellow who knew a ton of inforin the heart of Acadiana, making the rectly, it’s worth it.

BY DEBORAH GOODACRE Guest Writer

While the DAR is a national organization created to honor and preserve the legacy of our patriots who served and fought for the freedoms we enjoy today, just who are these ladies in each of the 41 chapters in Arizona? I’ll tell you; we are a diverse group of women who come from all parts of the United States. We have different backgrounds, histories and we are a fun, smart and interesting group of women. If you are new to Arizona and need to find some new friends or maybe you’re a retiree and need something interesting and important to do, you might consider looking into your family lineage and see if you qualify to join the Daughters of the American Revolution. But why join, other than you can meet some fantastic women? I joined because I CAN! It was a total surprise that I have a patriot in my lineage and furthermore, from the state of Louisiana. And I’m proud of it. It all started when I had met two women who are members of the Gila Butte chapter. I was intrigued by their research and decided to look into my mother’s biological father’s family; she was raised by a step-father from the age of three.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Mesa teen sings her way to helping abused kids BY BROOKE DIXON Contributor

Thirteen-year-old Rosevelt Rawls has a passion to sing and a drive to help children suffering from abuse. Earlier this fall, the Mesa teen combined her passions at her own fundraising event, titled “The Music and the Message,” to raise money for Childhelp, a nonprofit that fights child abuse. Rosevelt’s budding singing career started about four years ago when she was given the opportunity to sing with comedy legend Dick Van Dike – who worked with her father Jef Rawls, a corporate trainer ad entertainer who founded The JestersZ, an improv clean-comedy group. “It just kind of happened,” said Rosevelt, a seventh grader currently in distance learning. Rosevelt’s love and passion for singing and helping children led her to create an inspirational fundraising project. In a single night, she raised $100,000 and now has her sights set on raising $1 million to help abused children. Her blockbuster fundraiser Sept. 26 drew more than 200 socially distanced vehicles to Schnepf Farms while other people who could not attend her concert watched on livestream. Her father ran much of the marketing for the event. “We set up a page online so people could watch from the comfort of their

Mesa resident Rosevelt Rawls has a big voice and a heart to match, holding concerts to raise money to help fight child abuse. (Special to the SanTan Sun News)

homes and families could have watch parties at home,” said Jef, who also has acted and produced a variety of TV and radio shows. The father-daughter duo has been putting on the Childhelp fundraising event for two years but this year COVID-19 made everything a little different. Rosevelt was not discouraged by the pandemic, and noted that they followed all safety guidelines because they were

determined to put on the show. “Everything going on has raised numbers of child abuse because kids can’t escape their homes as they don’t have school or after-school activities,” Rosevelt said. As a Childhelp ambassador, Rosevelt cares most about helping children in need. She noted that in the past 61 years, Childhelp has helped over 10.5 million children and she wanted to be a part of that. All benefits and proceeds raised from

The Music and the Message went directly to Childhelp and Operation Underground Railroad, another nonprofit that works to end sex trafficking of minors. Sponsors who covered the concert’s cost included Spring Creek Enterprise, Western Transport Logistics, Bashas’ and The Hebets Company, among others. Throughout the pandemic, Rosevelt said, Childhelp has done its best to continue helping children as much as possible. It started a text helpline so children can text or call for help or any questions they may have. Rosevelt said she was determined to pull off the concert because so many nonprofits like Childhelp and Operation Underground Railroad depend on events for the bulk of their fundraising. The event consisted of musical performances from Rosevelt Rawls, William Joseph, and Colton Avery. Speakers included Operation Underground Railroad CEO Tim Ballard, Childhelp co-founders Sara O’Meara, and Yvonne Fedderson. It was emceed by Coach Dar and Jef Rawls. Rosevelt’s first concert on Childhelp’s behalf was held at the Mesa Arts Center, which has been closed since the pandemic broke in March. The keynote speaker at that event was Elizabeth Smart, who spoke about her 2002 kidnapping from her Utah home when she was just 14.

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Optum® and OptumCare are trademarks of Optum, Inc. ©2020 Optum, Inc. All rights reserved. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in health programs and activities. We provide free services to help you communicate with us. Such as, letters in other languages or large print. Or, you can ask for an interpreter. To ask for help, please call 602-799-0896. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español (Spanish), hay servicios de asistencia de idiomas, sin cargo, a su disposición. Llame al 602-799-0896. (Chinese), 602-799-0896

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Sun Lakes author publishes two new essays SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Violetta Armour, a Sun Lakes resident, has two stories published in recent editions of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul Series.” The first is in “Christmas is in the Air, 101 Stories about the most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Her essay, “A Silver Lining,” is in the Treasured Traditions section. The essay second is in “Age is Just a Number, 101 Tales of Humor for Life after 60.” It is in the The New Normal section and titled “Showing Up” – an essay about her love affair with pickleball. Violetta has had other publications in Chicken Soup for the Soul through the years and is also the author of four published books, including the award-winning, “I’ll Always Be With You.” She has written a sequel, “Still With You” and two mysteries: “A Mahjongg Mystery” and “S’mores Can Be Deadly.” All the books are available at Amazon.com. Before moving to Sun Lakes, Armour was a longtime resident of Ahwatukee, where she owned a bookstore. She has always had an affinity for books. The vivacious septuagenarian published last year “Still With You,” the sequel to her 2015 hit “I’ll Always Be With You,” which introduced the Kostoff family at the moment of a fatal

Violetta Armour car accident that killed the father, Stan, during a driving lesson with his son Teddy. Her first novel, which gained wide acclaim through reviews and novel competition wins, had the family moving to Middleburg, Indiana, where they settled to escape the sad memories of Phoenix, the site of the tragedy. The small Indiana town was where Stan grew up and his mother Baba still lived. In both books, secrets in Stan’s past emerge as his family of four attempts to start life anew.

The sequel wasn’t anything Armour had planned to write, but she said she was often asked what happened to her characters. “I missed them (the characters) after I stopped writing, and people kept asking me what happened after the book ended,” Armour said. “I’d left some things unanswered at the end of ‘I’ll Always Be With You’ but that’s life. We don’t always get answers.” With encouragement, she brought the family to life again, setting the opening against the backdrop of 9/11, as two characters visit New York City for a Peace Corps information meeting in one of the Twin Towers that fateful morning. As in her original novel, multiple voices enrich the storyline and allows glimpses into various eras and backstories. In “I’m Always With You,” historical details that illuminate the novel involve the chaos in war-torn Bulgaria, immigration via steamship to Ellis Island and the tumult of the 1960s. All are woven into the family’s story set in current time, and both books include recipes from Baba’s Bulgarian kitchen. Baba’s character and her recipes are drawn from Armour’s mother. Armour, whose maiden name is Bektesh, is a first-generation American of Bulgarian/Macedonian heritage born

in Gary, Indiana, where her grandfather immigrated and lived in the 1920s. She describes her growing up in the 1950s as “typical ‘Happy Days’ teen years.” She was editor of her high school newspaper and graduated from Valparaiso University – also located in Indiana. She earned her teaching degree from the University of Colorado, and a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix. Her late husband Don Armour grew up on a Colorado ranch and after 32 years of married life, passed away in 2017. And yet, through a character in both her first novel and sequel, his legacy lives on. “In my first book, I have a male character who’s about 80 who interacts with Teddy. In this new book, he continues to interact with the teenager, sharing his memories of growing up on a ranch in Colorado,” she said. “I’d encouraged Don to write his memoirs and now his story is in this new book as the character George.” In the interim years between the first and second novels outlining the lives of Teddy, his mother Mary, his deceased father’s mother Baba and Rosetta, Stan’s high school flame, Armour crafted her first mystery novel. Armour writes book reviews on her blog at serendipity-reflections.blogspot.com.

Chandler Film Festival expanding audience access SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Mitesh Patel’s motto might just as well be “When 2020 gives you lemons, if you are the fastest growing film festival in Arizona, you simply make more popcorn.” Patel, president and director of the Chandler International Film Festival won’t let COVID-19 restrictions scuttle the event’s fifth presentation in January. Instead, he’s expanding access for film enthusiasts with online viewings, drive-in events at Chandler High School as well as traditional theater viewings at Harkins Theater Chandler Fashion Mall. Featuring over 120 films from more than 35 countries and six continents, the festival will take place Jan. 21-24. “Despite the challenges this year, we wanted to look at the positive and make the festival even stronger than in year’s past by giving film lovers more ways to watch the films and attend events,” said Patel. “Our goal is to showcase diversity, innovation, and uniqueness through the works of filmmakers from across the world in a local setting. Our drive-in events and online options this year give us the ability to reach more people.” Events such as the red carpet opening ceremony, closing ceremony, Q&As with producers and actors – previously held at Harkins Theater – will now oc-

The Chandler International Film Festival draws members of the film inudstry from the ranks of actors, actresses, directors and producers, (File photo)

cur at Chandler High School during the drive-in events. Each drive-in event can accommodate up to 100 cars. CIFF was created to bring together filmmakers, industry professionals and film fanatics to celebrate all genres of cinema. Along with a diverse mix of interna-

tional films, the weekend will include a variety of programming and events including a red carpet, opening ceremony, award ceremony, filmmaker workshops, Q&As, panel discussions, daily after parties, and celebrity guest appearances. Past celebrities attending the festival include Michelle Rodriguez, Brian Sacca,

Robert Davi, Anna Chazelle, John-Paul Howard and Lee Chambers. As part of the festival’s mission of giving back to the community, CIFF is partnering with two nonprofits this year, ICAN and AZCEND. Each organization will receive 100 percent of the See

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profits from a select festival film. ICAN is a free youth center in the East Valley that offers programming for youth, teens, families and the community. AZCEND, located in downtown Chandler, changes lives by nourishing minds and bodies to create a connected, thriving community. Sponsors include Harkins Theaters, WAYMO, Yelp, Hilton Garden Inn, Residence Inn Chandler, Wolter Realty, Mortgage Right and Casanova Bros. Pizza. When Patel started the festival in 2016, he aimed to cater to a broad, international audience. He wanted to showcase films that not only entertain audiences, but also educate them about the world’s diverse customs. “It’s important for people to see the other cultures,” Patel explained. Patel started the festival after moving to Chandler a few years ago and noticing there was a lacking film presence in the city. He had been producing and directing films in Los Angeles before deciding to flee to a city with less traffic and smog. Chandler is a great place to live, Patel said, but it didn’t have anything for film buffs like him. He said he’s proud of the presence his festival has made in the East Valley and the platform it’s created for unknown filmmakers to tell their stories. “I just want to have people come and enjoy the films,” Patel added. The festival supports independent

Mitesh Patel of Chandler founded the film festival. (File photo)

filmmakers from all over the world and their filmmaking, providing a platform through which projects are reviewed, judged and honored for their uniqueness, creativity and storytelling ability. For more information about CIFF and to purchase tickets: chandlerfilmfestival.com or check the Facebook page @ChandlerFilmFest.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Limelight Theater finally planning live show BY STACI HAUK

Contributor

Limelight Youth Theater prides itself on offering a supportive environment for those new to – and seasoned at – performing; placing it at the helm of the theater scene in Gilbert. This year alone, it took home 12 AriZoni Awards and several National Youth Awards for presenting professional quality theater and educational experiences that are largely made possible because of its non-profit status. But with its commitment to continued education in the arts and the passion of the young actors and their families, Limelight Artistic Director worries as she has watched COVID-19 wreak havoc on live performances in 2020, shifting the mindset and structure of youth theater. “Right now, everyone is worried about the future of live theater,” England explained. “Venues are still not open. State mandates limit 50 people in any gathering. Singing in large groups or close proximity has been declared unsafe. All of these things add up to a fight to keep theater alive. “We have had to come up with new ways to accomplish this, simply because we have to,” she continued. “It’s survival mode for many non-profits and local businesses.” England said Limelight Theatre has “had to be creative with our staging and physical distancing of actors on stage.” So it created a floor grid system that ensures kids will remain distanced. She also said they’ve created “some amazing custom face shields to keep all of our performers safe in rehearsals and on stage.” When England announced the ability to return to the stage in the

Limelight Youth Theatre cast members practice Move It,”a number from the upcoming productor of “Madagascar Jr.” (Roots and Wings Imagery)

first production of Limelight’s 2020-21 season, “Madagascar Jr.,” she introduced a system that has made performers and parents feel it is reasonable to send their children back to something they love. The double-cast show is being kept to 15 performers for each cast and children must wear a face shield or mask during rehearsals. The show will be much the same, with ornate face shields worn by characters and physical distancing throughout the performance. The most notable change made for this performance is the outdoor venues it will be performed at – utilizing Freestone Park Amphitheater and Superstition Springs Amphitheater instead of typical indoor theater spaces. This allows for audience separation

as well as the added precaution of keeping everyone outdoors, with no use of shared spaces customary of a backstage area. “Our mission has always been to provide quality performing arts experiences that build life skills and confidence to as many children as possible,” England said. “This show has been double-cast to allow for more children to participate and also to allow for cast mentoring which has been so rewarding. “Honestly, we didn’t originally plan for this show to be a part of our fall season. We licensed the show to begin rehearsals in March as a no-cut production for budding actors,” she added. “When COVID hit and we couldn’t do the show, MTI was gracious enough to extend the performance rights to a later

date this year, so it made sense to start with the show as a large production.” She also was excited when they realized that the animal cast and setting of the show “would be perfect for a park environment with a lake backdrop and would serve as a good way to hide the face shields within quirky animal costumes.” “I’m so glad we hung onto this show because it really is a fun one,” she added. England said that live theater is so desperately needed right now to maintain the social and mental well-being for those who are active in the arts. Social isolation has kept kids from expressing themselves and creating magical experiences they had become See

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Chandler artist is ‘Hidden in the Hills’ BY KRISTINE CANNON

Staff Writer

One of the largest free arts events in the Valley has returned for its 24th year this year: the Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour, coordinated by nonprofit organization Sonoran Arts League. Boasting 140 artists – including some from Chandler – and 35 private studios throughout the northern Scottsdale, Carefree, and Cave Creek areas, HITH will continue to offer downloadable and digital maps to make self-touring easy. But what will look different at this year’s two-weekend event are Sonoran Arts League’s implementation of health and safety measures. “Everyone involved in HITH is committed to following strict CDC guidelines. Meetings to review proper procedures to ensure everyone’s safety have been ongoing all summer and fall,” said Carole Perry, HITH marketing chair and event co-founder. HITH takes place today, Nov. 22 and

Chandler resident and first-time Hidden in the Hills participant Lauri Koo will be a guest artist at Robin’s Nest No. 26 in Cave Creek.

Nov. 27-29. The free, self-guided tour invites attendees into the studios of local artists, where they can not only view their work, but can also speak with the artists and purchase one-of-a-kind artworks. Many of the participating artists and studios are also planning a “safer, expanded space with more art and creative activity outside.” “We hope everyone who decides to visit some of the amazing artists and studios will honor our efforts to keep them and ourselves safe,” said Perry, a glass artist and host of Laughing Glass Studio No. 23 in Cave Creek. Chandler resident and first-time HITH participant Lauri Koo found inspiration amid the pandemic, thanks to the support of her artist

friends. “Taking part in Zoom meetings with other artists has been a great source of support, motivation and connection,” Koo said. “Thinking outside the box with other artists and coming together to help each other.” Koo is a photographer and painter who will show at Robin’s Nest No. 26 in Cave Creek. “I had the opportunity to volunteer at a couple of studios last year. It was wonderful to meet so many artists and guests. I was so inspired to see the artists interacting and sharing their process. I could see myself having this same experience,” Koo said of participating this year. Koo added that she’s excited to show off her new, 18x24 acrylic titled “Awaiting.” She started it in January but set it aside and finished it in September — on the first day of fall, to be specific. “This piece is special because of how it evolved,” Koo said. “Sometimes, See

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

is Scottsdale resident and bronze artist Jason Napier, whose whimsical jackrabbit “Weedeater” graces the cover of Hidden in the Hill’s artist directory this year. “Weedeater” was among more than 100 pieces of fine art entries submitted for consideration of the HITH cover art during an online juried selection process. “We had many wonderful entries, but Weedeater won our hearts for this year’s cover art,” said HITH co-chair, mixed media sculptor and studio host Joanie Wolter. “Jason is masterful with his form, and he brings each piece to life with rich and colorful patina finishes.”

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I know exactly what I want to focus on and other times there is more of ‘a flow,’ which is what came out of this piece. The title ‘Awaiting’ came to me from the events and impact of COVID-19 while experiencing isolation, along with a record-breaking hot summer. “I think the palette and mood of this piece is inviting and uplifting, as the holidays are upon us.” Farther north in Scottsdale, returning participant Bruce Larrabee will be a guest artist at Mark Lewanski’s Glass Studio No. 12. Larrabee, a soon-to-be full-time Mesa resident, is a full-time potter and owner of Larrabee Ceramics in Park City, Utah. While Larrabee typically creates unique cups, bowls, and more, he created large, “interior design-oriented” vases — “some of them as large as 3 to 4 feet tall” — specifically for the HITH event. Also showing at Lewanski’s studio

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so accustomed to, she explained. “Doing outdoor theatre will give kids a chance to continue to do what they love without compromising their safety. It will also be great for our audiences who have been cooped up inside for

Koo is excited to share a new, 18x24 acrylic titled “Awaiting” at this year’s Hidden in the Hills. (James Koo)

so long - how fun it will be to get some fresh air and experience theatre in a new way,” England said. “The kids are adapting amazingly well.” But challenges still remain – with the biggest being singing. “We have experimented a lot in rehearsals with singing in masks versus face shields and learning how to work hard as a group to overcome these

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obstacles,” she said. “Every obstacle that comes our way is just a new way to reinvent ourselves and the cast is so positive and on board with that philosophy.” She also said Limelight has become a major support for young people who want to be involved in the theater arts. “We’re giving them a safe social experience where they can do what

While this year’s HITH has a slew of first-time participants, overall participation is down compared to past years. “The decrease in the number of studios and artists is due 100 percent to COVID-19,” Perry said. “Those artists who felt their studio did not allow sufficient social distancing wisely opted out this year.” “Attendance is uncertain,” Perry said, “but we feel confident that the many serious art lovers who’ve been starved for the opportunity to view new art again will be coming up to the Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour in significant numbers.” According to Larrabee, many of the artists’ studio work is even set up outside, allowing for safe social distancing. “Even with the COVID-safe guidelines in place, we intend to engage with our visitors as we always do; welcoming, demonstrating, answering questions and showing off the new, brilliant artwork we’ve been creating for the past year,” Perry added. For more information and to download the Hidden in the Hills map, visit hiddeninthehills.org or call 480-575-6624. they love: socialize with peers, build teamwork and more,” she said. “This will truly be a show to remember.” The production is scheduled to begin Dec. 5 with multiple presentations throughout the month. Information: studio3arts.ticketleap.com. For questions on how to become a part of the Limelight Youth Theater Family, visit: http://ll-pa.org/

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 22, 2020

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

This Thanksgiving, concentrate on what God has given us BY RABBI IRWIN WIENER, D.D. Guest Writer

November is a marvelous month because of a magnificent American holiday called Thanksgiving. It is called Thanksgiving because it reminds us of all that we have to be thankful for. Even during these trying times, it is more important than ever to be grateful for survival. We get up each morning and are amazed at all that is in front of us. For example: How many of us wonder how a bird can fly but we can’t? Sometimes we can’t see the forest for the trees, as the saying goes, which really means that there are so many experiences we take for granted that we don’t really stop to look, or touch, or smell the wonders of nature. We are prone to look for miracles and yet they are right in front of us: The

birth of a child, the grandeur of space, the warmth of a smile, the tenderness of a caress – these are all miracles of life. Yet, we let them pass us by as though they were commonplace and expected. So, yes, we have so much to be grateful for. We should be appreciative of the fact that we live in a country that enables us to appreciate the miracles of life and encourages the goodness that is found in the human spirit. We need to remember that living in this great country affords us the opportunity given to very few: the ability to explore our imagination for creative purposes. Americans are the most generous people on the face of the Earth. Our faith-based heritage encourages benevolence and compassion. Sometimes we lose sight of our responsibilities but then we are reminded with a holiday called Thanksgiving.

It is not only a reminder of the things we are grateful for but also to whom we owe this gratitude. I would urge everyone to display additional gratefulness to the men and women who defend our liberties and put their lives at risk for the sake of our heritage which was given to us by visionaries who saw the value in life and liberty as has been ordained for all people. Our history as a nation is replete with stories of valor and fortitude. Blood has been shed, not only here, but also on foreign soil because we know that liberty and freedom know no boundaries. Fences and walls may be built, but all they do is concentrate the effort into a small area waiting to destroy the very fabric of our society. Our men and women in uniform are the reason we are here today, to vote, to express ourselves, to redress our grievances, and, yes, to make changes to ensure the continuation of all that was

accomplished through the sacrifice of fortune and life. As we gather together to feast on turkey and retell the stories of holidays past together with the dreams of tomorrow, let us clasp our hands in prayer in the hopes that Almighty God will continue to bless our efforts in behalf of all who cry out for salvation and redemption. This year, in particular, we need to pray that this pandemic, that has taken so many lives, will finally be conquered through the tremendous efforts of our scientists and medical professionals. Yes, Thanksgiving is a wonderful time indeed. Perhaps we should not waste it on unimportant things but rather concentrate on the positive aspects of all that God offers: The wonderfulness of life, the magic of each day, and the ability to reach another season together. Rabbi Irwin Wiener is spiritual leader of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation.

Apples remind me of the need to keep sowing BY LYNNE HARTKE Guest Writer

The scent of apples means Thanksgiving to me. I remember going with my mom to the plant nursery in our small town in southern Minnesota every autumn. Covering the dirt floor of the greenhouse had been bushels of apples in wicker baskets with signs labeling them: Royal Gala, Granny Smith, Ginger Gold, Braeburn, McIntosh and Nickajack. The nursery owner had cut off wedges for us to sample with a sharp knife, as the juice from crisp, tart apples ran down our chins. Mom loaded up the back of the station wagon with several varieties and then she got to work, peeling, coring, and processing the apples into slices for

pies and applesauce. Every Thanksgiving, an apple pie sat next to a pumpkin pie at our feast. When we moved to Arizona, apple-filled rooms became a distant memory of my childhood. I learned how to do things with grapefruits, oranges, and other citrus instead, so when we heard of a lone apple tree about two miles from our cabin in northern Arizona, our ears perked up. Fresh, tree-picked apples! Nostalgia gives way to reality. “Shouldn’t we put on long sleeves,” I asked my husband Kevin as we loaded an apple picker and ladder into the truck. “No thorns on apples trees,” he said. The elk and deer had feasted on everything reachable from the ground, so Kevin nestled the ladder into the branches of an old gnarled tree, wishing

in about two minutes he had worn long sleeves as the pokey branches left long scratches on exposed skin. With the picker, he extended his reach as far as possible in a precarious balancing act, moving the ladder several times to get just one more. Rustic would be a good term to describe the apples we gathered. Irregular sizes. Bird pecked. Hard bits. But the apples tasted of long-ago memories in homemade sauce, crisps and as natural pectin in jars of jelly. And yes, slices await in the freezer for a Thanksgiving apple pie. As I peeled apples, I couldn’t help but wonder how that apple tree had come to grow in such a remote location. Maybe from an apple core tossed out of someone’s car window on a day of sightseeing? Or from a hunter out spotting for elk? However it happened,

that random seed grew into a tree that has produced apples for years. Sometimes we are very intentional in the fruit we sow and the seeds we plant. We aren’t surprised when we see good things happen in our places of influence. But I think most of the time, we have no idea. We invest years of faithful service and aren’t even aware when plants have sprung up. 2 Corinthians 9:6 reminds us to keep planting because “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” I think eternity will be a fabulous place of gathering apples. Lynne Hartke is the author of “Under a Desert Sky” and the wife of pastor and Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. She blogs at lynnehartke.com.

Amazing gratitude is the memory of the heart BY PASTOR MARVIN ARNPRIESTER Guest Writer

Gratitude has been called “the memory of the heart.” Gratitude is both a subject and an object. What we are thankful for is the subject of our gratitude. The one to whom we are grateful is the object of our gratitude. Dr. William L Stidger, a gifted writer and speaker was discussing the general situation of life with some friends. One of the men commented that there was not much to be thankful for at the present time. Stidger said, “Well, I for one, am grateful to Mrs. Wendt.” He explained

that Mrs. Wendt was a schoolteacher who 30 years earlier had gone out of her way to encourage him in his studies. “Did you ever thank her?” he was asked. Dr. Stidger admitted he had not. When he got home that evening, he sat down and wrote her a letter of appreciation. He received a reply to his letter which read, “My dear Willie I want you to know what your note meant to me. I am an old lady in my eighties, living alone in a small room, cooking my own meals, lonely and seeming like the last leaf on the tree. You will be interested to know, Willie, that I taught school for 50 years and in all that time yours is the first letter of appreciation I ever received. It came on a blue, cold morn-

ing and cheered my lonely old heart as nothing has cheered me in many years.” We too have objects of our gratitude which have touched and shaped our lives. We may overlook, forget, and/ or take them for granted. Might we remember to thank them? Of course, the supreme object of our gratitude is Almighty God, who breathed into us the breath of life. He loved us so much he sent his son, Jesus Christ, to let us know there are no limits to his love for us. We are the recipients of many blessings in many ways from many sources. On this Thanksgiving weekend may we remember to express and live out our gratitude from the memory of our heart. With gratitude to God and many

who have blessed my life, I join you in thanks living. Rev. Marvin Arnpriester is senior pastor of Sun Lakes United Methodist Church. No Cookie Walk this year The pandemic has forced the United Methodist Women of Sun Lakes to cancel their annual Christmas Cookie, but they are hoping for donations to support the mission that the walk helps to fund. Help is given to Hope Center for Women and Children, Justa Center, United Methodist Committee on Relief, United Methodist Outreach Ministries and Wesley Center. People can drop off a donation or send it: Sun Lakes UMW, Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 E. Riggs Road, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248.