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Virus wipes out 2 popular events, now lights fest in peril BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

ith Christmas less than four months away, the pandemic is threatening one of Ahwatukee’s most cherished holiday traditions – the Festival of Lights along Chandler Boulevard. It already forced a stalwart group of volunteers to �irst postpone and then cancel its two major fundraising events that in themselves have become popular traditions on Ahwatukee’s social calendar. The volunteers earlier this year bowed to the reality of COVID-19 and canceled the Wine, Beer & Culinary Festival that helps pay for the display of a million holiday lights between Desert Foothills Parkway and 24th Street.

Now, the coronavirus threat has forced them to cancel their other major fundraiser that has become a family-friendly gala opening the Christmas season in Ahwatukee – the Festival of Lights Kick-Off Party, billed as “Ahwatukee’s biggest outdoor festival” and held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. And the light display itself is somewhat in jeopardy. The nightly lights display has been threatened by a year-long battle between volunteers and inspectors from the Phoenix Planning and Development Department over a permit that had been a given for years as well as a city mandate for repairs to the wiring and electrical gear in the Chandler Boulevard medians. But the Festival of Lights Committee, a board of local business owners, isn’t throwing in the towel.

Kyrene announces Full steam ahead reopening, Tempe Union on the fence

This Friday, Sept. 4, it will unveil a revamped home page at folaz.org with a plan for how you can save Ahwatukee’s oldest annual tradition as it marks its 25th anniversary. “It will be a virtual fundraiser and it (the website) will explain everything,” said FOL Board President Ra�i Isaac, the owner of South Mountain Films who took over as chair this year after longtime chairwoman Janyce Hazlett retired. “I too have been getting a lot of calls from people who want to know if the lights are going to be on and I am as optimistic as I can be. At the same time, being a realist, hopefully there are no more surprises. So, we’re going to keep moving forward and I think we’ll be okay this year again. If the community can step up

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BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

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yrene School District will start a “rolling return” to classrooms over a threeweek period beginning Sept. 17 as favorable downward trends continue in the county’s three COVID-19 metrics that districts are following to determine when and by how much to reopen campuses. Tempe Union remained in full online-learning mode, although the agenda for the 6 p.m. Governing Board meeting today, Sept. 2, indicates the administration that the current school year will be discussed. In an announcement to parents on Monday, Kyrene said children in kindergarten through second grade will be allowed back into classrooms Sept. 17, followed on a Sept. 24 re-

�� SCHOOLS �� 18

Following a protracted city review, QuikTrip has begun building its controversial gas station on 40th Street and Cottonwood Way, about 300 yards north of the freeway interchange. Residents of the 185-home Foothills Paseo II development behind the gas station fought it, concerned about its location at the mouth of the only way in or out of their community. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Writer)

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

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

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Shutdowns, education dominate LD18 debate

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he pandemic-driven shutdowns and education funding largely dominated what could be the only debate this election season has for the men and women who want to represent Ahwatukee in the State Legislature the next two years. The Arizona Clean Elections Commission debate – held virtually last week – drew all six candidates for the Senate and two House seats in Legislative District 18 but only about 90 audience members. However, a few hundred more have since watched it and voters can still catch the nearly two-hour debate at youtube.com/ watch?v=M4M0_HohXm4&t=884s. The Senate race is an all-Ahwatukee battle in LD18, which also includes parts of Chandler, Tempe and Mesa, with Republican Realtor Suzanne Sharer challenging Sen. Sean Bowie. The race for the two House seats is more geographically diverse with Republicans Bob Robson of Ahwatukee and Dan Hawker of Tempe trying to unseat Democratic Reps. Mitzi Epstein, also Tempe, and Jennifer Jermaine of Chandler. In their introductions, the candidates for the most part staked out their positions as the incumbents also took some bows for their work in the last two years. “My first Clean Elections debate was four years ago and in that debate, I said if I was elected, I would primarily focus on two things: one being help restore education funding for our K-12 schools and two, to help bring some bipartisanship back to the State Capital. Four years later, that’s exactly what I’ve done and I have the record to prove it,” Bowie said. His opponent noted she has lived in the district 28 years and decided to run for office because “I love Arizona and love this country.” “I want to be a voice to help shape Arizona’s future. I want to bring common sense and less partisan policies to the office,” Sharer said, adding she wants to “eliminate excessive government interference in our lives” and more legislative restraint. She later accused Bowie of contributing to socialism. Epstein touted her corporate and small-business background and her advocacy for education funding and the environment, stating, “Now, especially during this pandemic, we need clean air. COVID attacks the lungs and today is the 11th day in a row that we’ve had pollution alerts for Maricopa County.” Hawker, a retired federal government computer programmer who won a spot on the ballot with a write-in campaign, said he wants to appeal to “those who understand the real danger of today’s Democratic Party, which Democrat-controlled cities have manifested in their violent chaos.”

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DEBATE from page 3

“Combine these failures with their family-decimating social engineering – which these two House candidates have demonstrated with bills they sponsored of infanticide and forcing gender fantasy legally enforced in birth certificates, death certificates and driver’s licenses,” Hawker said. He later took a swing at his party’s governor, attacking “the inconsistent and tyrannical extremism” of his executive orders. Jermaine touted her work in fighting violence against Native American women and her bipartisanship, stating, “I have a track record of reaching across the aisle to solve problems and get results for our community.” Robson, a former legislator, said he is running “because I believe we’re not being truly represented the right way.” “I want to be part of the solutions to really complex problems that face our state,” he said. “Talking about things are nice. “Getting up and bellowing about stuff is nice, but substantive work is important.” The first of several pandemic-related questions dealt with one of the most controversial – reopening K-12 campuses

Candidates in Legislative District 18 debated online last week. They include, from top left, Republican Senate candidate Suzanne Sharer, Republicans Bob Robson and Don Hawker, Sen. Sean Bowie and Democratic Reps. Mitzi Epstein and Jennifer Jermaine. (Arizona Clean Elections Commission)

– while the second dealt with business shutdowns and whether the Legislature should reign in the powers of the governor to act unilaterally. Jermaine, Bowie and Robson favored leaving the decision in the hands of local school boards and while Epstein agreed, she also said the state should have given school boards better benchmarks for weighing reopening.

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While saying she believes “in things being handled locally,” Sharer stated, “We were told there would be options, an option to reopen and have in-person classrooms and we haven’t been afforded that option. I’ve heard from a lot of parents and a lot of teachers and they’re really disappointed that that has not been put out there….There should be guidelines and timelines set forth to make that happen.”

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

DEBATE from page 6

ter defined.” Saying, “I don’t think there’s a need to have the schools closed at this time” and that a majority of parents want their children in classrooms, Hawker added that school boards should have the option to decide whether to close if there is a local outbreak of the virus. Jermaine said that as a mother, she empathized with parents during the long closure of campuses and said she has worked with companies and the City of Chandler to provide internet access for families that have been economically challenged by remote learning. The debate sharpened over the question of whether the governor has been arbitrary in deciding what businesses could reopen – a question that led to an equally robust debate on the Legislature’s absence in pandemic policy making. In one of several tussles he had with her during the debate, Robson challenged Epstein’s assertion that the Legislature’s budget cuts over the year had cut out pandemic planning and that such a plan would have created guidelines businesses could follow to stay open or reopen.

“I’ve looked up everybody’s voting record,” Robson told Epstein. “I haven’t seen the bill you sponsored that had to do with pandemic planning – or anybody’s for that matter in the Legislature. “Nobody anticipated this event would occur and it’s really disingenuous to turn around and say if we had better pandemic planning,” he continued. “You didn’t sponsor anything and neither did any of your teammates and neither did anyone in the Legislature sponsor a pandemic planning bill.” Epstein countered, “Maybe nobody in Mr. Robson’s circle was able to see this coming but lots of people in the scientific community saw this coming. If we leave just enough money in our budgets to have long-term planners, then maybe we can have these long-term planners in our agencies.” “I did not sponsor a plan for that because I’m depending on our agencies to do that,” she added, prompting Robson to counter, “You can’t blame everybody on the Republican side for everything that’s wrong.” “I’m not trying to say you were wrong for not sponsoring a bill,” he added. “I’m saying nobody sponsored a bill. Nobody

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anticipated this occurring. And the Legislature closed down pretty quickly. Everybody put their mask on and got out the door and went campaigning and there was a lot of stuff that was left there that should have been taken care of.” That led to a debate over the absence of a special legislative session to address pandemic-relate issues. All three Democrats said they repeatedly asked Gov. Doug Ducey to call a special session for the limited purpose of dealing with such issues and also assailed what Bowie called a “haphazard” approach by Ducey in his guidance for businesses. Hawker said the pandemic was “very unique and nothing anybody did was going to please everybody.” He assailed Democrats who “always want to centralize the government, grow the bureaucracy and try to solve every problem with a government edict” and said people varied in their fear of COVID-19 and therefore should be allowed to decide for themselves what is safe for them to do, whether it involved going to a gym or church. Sharer laid the blame on the Legislature, noting the economic devastation caused by shutdowns. “It was arbitrary and the House and the Senate should have done

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something more.” Epstein countered that she and the other LD18 legislators had been helping people with getting federal pandemic relief loans and dealing with other practical problems arising from the shutdown while preparing bills in case the Legislature was called back. “You said you were working from home. What did that accomplish?” Sharer asked. “It should have been done at the legislative level. You handed full control to the governor and then people criticized him for it.” When it came to education funding, the hot topic involved the upcoming initiative that would impose a special tax surcharge on people making $250,000 annually or couples whose joint income is over $500,000. The tax applies only to the amount of money earned above those amounts. Sharer said the tax would kill small businesses since many owners file as individuals rather than businesses when they pay taxes and that “what we do not need is another attack on people making money and providing jobs.” Epstein said it would

see DEBATE page 12

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NEWS

DEBATE from page 9

apply to net income after operating expenses such as employee salaries were deducted. Bowie noted that Arizona had one of the lowest income tax rates in the nation and with the Legislature’s history of budget cuts for education, K-12 schools were suffering. He also noted the tax would impact “a very small percentage” of Arizonans and he, like his Democratic colleagues, said he would vote for the initiative. Robson on several measures, including legalization of marijuana, refused to say how he would vote because “I have never in my entire career in politics told people how to vote.” Hawker assailed school boards, stating, “They never seem to get enough money and yet the education quality seems to keep going down where you got half the people that come out of these schools can’t pass the state test…Every year it’s harder and harder to find kids that are ready to go out into the workforce or into college because they just haven’t learned what they were supposed to learn.”

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

LD 18 Dems slate Meet the Candidates on Zoom AFN NEWS STAFF

here may be no more debates in Legislative District 18, but Democrats here have scheduled a series of Zoom meetings to introduce many of their party’s candidates for offices ranging from the Legislature to Congress, with county offices and Kyrene and Tempe Union school boards as well.

The district, which includes Ahwatukee and parts of Tempe, Chandler and Mesa, is a venue for contested races at all those levels since a full slate of Republicans and Democrats are vying for two State House seats, five candidates are seeking three seats on the Kyrene Governing Board and eight are competing for three Tempe Union board seats. Five candidates also are mixing it up for two

seats on the board that governs the community college system. And virtually all county offices are up for grabs Nov. 3, along with Congress and, of course, President. People can register to meet many of the Democrats’ slate in LD18 at LD18democrats.org/calendar. Spokeswoman Sherri Johnson said viewers will have a chance to ask questions. Dates and candidates include:

7 p.m. Sept. 10, Jeanne Casteen, candidate for Maricopa County School Superintendent and Dan Toporek, county Treasurer hopeful. 7 p.m. Sept. 15, Incumbent County Recorder Adrian Fontes and Assessor candidate Aaron Connor. 7 p.m. Sept. 21, Candidates for Kyrene, Tempe Union and Maricopa County Community College District. 7 p.m. Sept. 29, Julie Gunnigle, candidate for County Attorney and incumbent state Rep. Jennifer Jermaine. 7 p.m. Oct. 1, Congressman Greg Stanton, who is seeking reelection in CD9, which includes Ahwatukee. 7 p.m. Oct. 8, Incumbent Sheriff Paul Penzone and state Rep. Mitzi Epstein.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

LIGHTS from page 1

and can give us 10 bucks, 100 bucks or a $1,000 – whatever that may be. We’re still a tax-deductible organization.” Neither Isaac nor his board could ever have imagined what 2020 would bring when they began back in January planning for the Wine, Beer & Culinary Festival to lay the groundwork for this year’s lights display. Members of that board include Dawn Matesi, vice president/sponsorships and a Realtor and associate broker with United Brokers Group; Aaron Moeller, vice president/operations and co-owner of PostNet stores in Ahwatukee and Chandler along with his wife Janine Moeller, FOL board secretary. Also on the board are Karen Kruse, treasurer, owner of the bookkeeping firm Book Smart Solutions; Jeffri-Lynn Campbell, marketing director, owner of Blaze Experts branding firm; Deb Hoover, entertainment and silent auction coordinator and a semi-retired/part time substitute Kyrene teacher; and Christopher Kracht, beverage director and the enterprise effectiveness lead at Avnet. Back in January and February, they were brainstorming ideas for making fundraising “more intentional” at the wine-beer event that has drawn hundreds of people to the Foothills Country Club and, before that, Rawhide Western Town. They added the word “culinary” to its title in order to give food a higher prominence, revised the wine pull to include more bottles and were already reaching out to restaurants and other businesses large and small to re-package silent and live auction items to attract bigger bids. But then their world collapsed – as it did for most everybody – when the COVID-19 pandemic sank its fangs into the business community and society at large late last March. Initially, the group postponed the beerwine event to June before finally canceling it altogether since July marks the time when Kick-Off plans need to go into high gear. But Desert Foothills Park this Thanksgiving weekend won’t be hosting the Kids Zone bouncy houses, the tavern, the two stages of youth and adult entertainment groups, the Marketplace Street Fair filled with more than 100 merchants, cornhole tournament, Santa Claus’s throne or, likely, the lighted motorcycle parade.

The Festival of Lights Committee includes, from left, Carlene Wehrli, Deb Hoover, Jeffri-Lynn Campbell, President Rafi Isaac, Dawn Matesi and Janine Mueller. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

“I know things are getting better out there in the world and hopefully it will continue,” Isaac said, “but the reality is for us the kickoff party – we have to start that in July filing all the permits with the Fire Department, Police Department, highways – it goes on and on and it’s a long process and normally right about now is when we would be having our sit-down meetings with the city to go over everything and get everything in place. “With that, though, I was in contact with the Police Department, Parks and all that and pretty much nobody could guarantee that even if we had filled out the paperwork, that the city would grant us permission to do the party. Then there’s the liability issue – how do we maintain social distance with 10,000 people at a city park when people are coming and going from all different angle, with kids on bouncy houses? There’s no way to take people’s temperature. The tavern is wall-to-wall people. “There was just no way to pull it off and frankly, the city doesn’t know how to do it either,” Isaac added. “They basically said listen, ‘We just don’t think that you would be able to pull it off this year given the circumstances.’ It just doesn’t seem prudent or socially responsible. And then, even if we did pull it off, how many people would show up?” Now the challenge is to pull off the light

show – which would have been clouded in uncertainty even without COVID-19. In the summer of 2019, city inspectors touched off a running feud with Festival of Lights volunteers over two intertwined issues – a permit to run the light show and the electrical wires and other gears installed years ago for the lights themselves. The complex problem involved an electrical set-up the city had been permitting for years and that inspectors last year decided was illegal. The city told the FOL Committee it needed to essentially install new wiring and other gear on the Chandler Boulevard medians or it would not permit the lights to go on. The warning cost Isaac months of work with the city, an engineering company and the company that actually hangs up the lights to develop an acceptable plan that will cost the FOL Committee thousands of dollars from its rainy day fund. The committee on Aug. 5 received a revocable permit for the lights and Isaac expects the repairs to begin shortly. “Our goal right now is off to absolutely have the lights on even with the fact that we’re not doing our traditional fundraisers this year,” Isaac said, adding that while the lights’ installation begins normally at the end of September, that might be delayed by the repairs “so it might be a little rushed” with crews starting later.

But there’s no guarantee that will happen – or that the lights will be turned on Thanksgiving weekend. And that’s where Ahwatukee residents and businesses can help, said Isaac and marketing leader Campbell. Raising money from business sponsors has been particularly challenging, Campbell said, given the struggles that businesses have endured for months because of shutdowns and other pandemic-related interruptions. And many local businesses are disappointed that the Kick-Off Party has been canceled since they had looked at a sponsorship for the event as one of their last shots at a major advertisement that might help them bring them some customers as they tried to salvage some good from a disastrous year. One bright spot is that the Foothills and Club West HOAs continued the strong financial support of the Festival of Lights this year that they have provided for years. But the full cost of the required repairs remains unknown, and there are still other costs – such as the electric bill – to cover. “I’ll know in the next month or two how much the repairs actually cost but I still feel that unless that’s really a crazy number, we’re still going to be OK,” Isaac said. “We are planning to move ahead and do an online auction with some of the items that we did raise over the past year. “We are going to be asking for donations from the community if anybody wants to help keep the lights on and we’re still going to do the wine pull and some of the smaller features that we’ve done in the past, kind of picking from Beer and Wine Festival and picking from the Kick-Off party as sort of fundraising options because even if we put the light down this year and everything goes off, it will leave us with very little money going into next year.” Campbell said the committee has developed several sponsorship levels. For example, a $200 donation gets a yard sign that identifies the donor as a Festival of Lights sponsor. This year there also will be five large redesigned ornaments in the Chandler Boulevard medians for sponsors who kick in $2,000 or more. Under the campaign motto of “Keep the Lights On,” Campbell said, “we have dif-

see LIGHTS page 15

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

LIGHTS from page 14

ferent levels of recognition” as well, with acknowledgements on the committee’s website and in AFN. “We’re planning an extensive social media blitz and campaign to let people know how to help and why to help,” she said. The major thrust of the campaign will be launched in November since that traditionally has been the time people started turning their attention to the Kick-Off Party. The committee also has “gamified” the popular wine pull “so it will be like a kind of Wheel of Fortune with the inventory of wine where people can bet $25 for a bottle of red wine and $20 for a bottle of white, knowing there will be some “strategically placed high-dollar bottles of wine” tucked into the inventory as prizes. Some businesses and individuals already have stepped up to the plate, including Ahwatukee Autospa, Baldwin Moffit PLLC, Dawn Matesi, Midfirst Bank, The Christie Ellis Team, ISH, American Title, Just in Time Moving & Storage, Blaze Experts, A Branding Agency; and PostNet. Come this Friday, the website also will

“It’s going to be a hustle,” Isaac said. “But again, I feel that we do still have enough time, that as long as we don’t get tripped up with anything else kind of coming at us that we’ll be okay. There’s really no time frame. If it means that we don’t get the lights turned on by Thanksgiving, then maybe we get them turned on by the first week of December. It’ll be one of those things that we’re just going to keep pushing until we get to the finish line.”

GOT NEWS? The day-long Festival of Lights Kick-Off Party has been kicked off Ahwatukee’s holiday calendar by concerns over COVID-19. (AFN ﬁle photo)

have Isaac’s explanation of the obstacles that have confronted the committee and still could pose a threat to the light show itself. “I want everyone to know what we’re doing and that we have given up for this year,” Isaac said. “Speaking with the light people, we’re planning on putting on the

exact same display as we did last year with the clusters and the drippy lights.” “I don’t want the lights to be less,” he added. “We’re really hoping to show some continuity, given everything that we’re living through right now.” That’s not to say the Festival of the Lights is entirely out of the woods.

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

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

Nursing homes can now allow visitors

isn’t as simple as Kennedy had hoped. She said families will still need to “jump through a few hoops’’ to get visitation. “But they’re all reasonable requests if you want to see your loved one during the middle of a pandemic,’’ Kennedy said. Corieri said there are limits. “You couldn’t necessarily walk in at 1 in the morning,’’ she said. Corieri said facilities can limit not only the times visits will be allowed but also how long they can last and how many people can visit on any given day. And even in cases where the visitor produces a negative test result for COVID-19, Corieri said there is still a requirement for “minimal contact.’’ That still leaves the question of being able to get test results back within 48 hours. Corieri said Sonora Quest says it can get results turned around within 24 hours. Ditto, she said, at Arizona State University which is offering saliva tests, somewhat easier on patients than the long cottontipped swab up the nose. The University of Arizona said there are tests available for antibodies. But these are being promoted for healthcare workers, first responders and other employees considered at high risk for exposure to the virus. And if it turns out that requirement is too aggressive, Corieri said the task force still remains active and can consider modifications. “We think that these guidelines offer a safe way to reopen visitation in these facilities while still protecting the residents, and reuniting these families who we know that personal contact is so important to,’’ Corieri said.

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

rizonans on Monday got the goahead to visit their loved ones in nursing home and assisted living facilities. AARP hailed the state’s new guidelines, noting long-term care residents “have spent nearly six months alone and isolated from their families, putting their physical and emotional health in peril.” “It is crucial that facilities clearly communicate these visitation guidelines to families,” AARP State Director Dana Marie Kennedy said, noting her group will continue advocating for more testing in those facilities. The guidelines require visitors to present a negative COVID-19 test that is less than 48 hours old and sign an attestation they have been isolated since the sample was taken and are free of symptoms. The guidelines also require masks, hand-sanitizing before the visit and signing a visitor log each facility must maintain for contact-tracing purposes. Forget about holding hands. There is a mandate for six feet between resident and visitors. There is a second option for anywhere in the state, regardless of how widespread the viral infection. Taking the COVID-19 test may be a hurdle. But Kennedy said it’s worth pursuing. “Let’s face it: In Arizona right now it’s really hot,’’ she said. “So that outdoor visit may not be safe.’’ And there are other advantages. “If the person lives in a private residence they could actually go into their residence and visit with them for 15 minutes,’’ Ken-

Hawthorne Court assisted living and care center in Ahwatukee is among the many facilities for the elderly that have banned visitors for close to six months. (Special to AFN)

nedy said. “And then they’re supposed to move to a congregate setting after that 15 minutes.’’ But at that point, she said, “they can stay and visit as long as they like.’’ “This was something that was really important to families,’’ said Christina Corieri, the health care policy advisor to Gov. Doug Ducey. “They wanted to be able to see the individual’s personal living space, assess what the situation looks like.’’ After getting that look around, family members can continue their visit in whatever area is designated for getting together. Kennedy pushed for the special task force to create standards for visitation even as the virus remains active in Arizona. “I never thought we’d be coming at six months,’’ she told Capitol Media Services. There have been options for maintaining some type of contact, with facilities setting up phone calls and video chats

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

Some school boards allowing citizens to attend meetings AFN NEWS STAFF

he Mesa Public Schools Governing Board has become the second in the East Valley to begin welcoming the public to its meetings, but that’s not likely to happen for the boards of Ahwatukee’s two school systems any time soon. Mesa Superintendent Dr. Andi Fourlis last week got the board to sign on to her recommendation to reopen board meetings to in-person visitors Sept. 8 – a move Gilbert Public Schools made early last month. But Kyrene Governing Board won’t be allowing the general public in until at least November and Tempe Union

officials are still mulling when board meetings can be open, spokespersons for each district told AFN. “We have our eye on safety first and foremost,” said Megan Sterling, executive director of community relations for Tempe Union. Stating the district will evaluate COVID-19 data from the state and county health departments prior to each meeting, Sterling said the regular meeting slated for tonight, Sept. 2, will be virtual and “the next meeting after that is Sept. 16 and is TBD for now.” Erin Helm, marketing director for Kyrene School District, told AFN that the board “will continue to follow the same protocols as schools by limiting

visitors, preventing gatherings of large groups and only allowing necessary personnel to attend. “Both schools and the district have committed to these restrictions of public gatherings through at least Oct. 31 and until county benchmarks reach minimal spread level. Even at that time, cautionary measures will likely be in place,” Helm added. Mesa’s school board will practice social distancing and will limit the number of citizens who can physically attend. A spokeswoman for the district said officials were still working on a plan to determine how people who want to attend will be selected, such as by random drawings.

GOT NEWS?

School boards and municipal councils, as well as most other panels that conduct regular hearings, began livestreaming their meetings in March as the pandemic gained a foothold in Arizona. Although the state’s open-meetings law does not require them to allow people to speak, most do – but that has been difficult in virtual sessions. Some governing bodies, such as Phoenix City Council, allow citizens to reserve a time to actually call into a meeting to have their say. Others, like Kyrene and Tempe Union, require citizens to email statements they’d like to have read into the record.

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

NEWS

SCHOOLS from page 1

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

opening for students in third-fifth grades. Middle Schools will reopen Oct. 13. All students will still have the option to continue at-home learning, but if their parents opt for that, they’ll have to continue so-called flex learning through the second quarter. “Bringing students back in stages will allow Kyrene to monitor the implementation of mitigation strategies, making adjustments as needed with smaller groups, while gradually increasing the population of students on campus,” the district said. “The goal of this careful approach is longterm success, in the hopes that schools will be able to remain open for in-person instruction.” Noting that this reopening approach has been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention following Denmark’s successful return to classroom learning, Kyrene noted that children in lower grades “require significant adult support.” “The amount of screen time involved in distance learning is not developmentally appropriate for younger age groups,” the district continued. “While some students in primary grades have adapted well to

rivals, lunches and dismissals “and will give students opportunities to participate in orientations and other back-to-school practices. “This approach will also provide additional time for students to adjust to new school systems and protocols. If our youngest leaders can adhere to safety rituals, there is a greater chance of long-term success for in-person learning,” Kyrene’s announcement stated. Those protocols will include mandatory face coverings, frequent hand-washing and social distancing, with kids largely kept in the same classroom and on the playground without mingling with children from other classrooms or grades. Kyrene Superintendent Dr. Jan Vesely addressed the Governing Kyrene’s announcement came Board last week along with her aides on the district’s virus mitigation plans. (YouTube.com) four days after the Maricopa County Public Health Departdistance learning, a large number of early ment’s latest weekly 4 p.m. Thursday uplearners will benefit from a return to in- date of virus spread. That new data – which is 12 days old person instruction.” Moreover, a staggered approach to cam- when posted on the department’s website Maricopa.gov/5599/school-metrics pus re-entry gives school officials a chance at to “re-align campus logistics” such as ar- – showed that both Kyrene and Tempe

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 40

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Union could begin considering moderate reopening. Two of the three benchmarks for both districts showed virus spread had dipped to a “minimal,” or green, level warranting full reopening of campuses to any student five days a week. Those two benchmarks are the percentage of new COVID-19 tests that come back positive and the percentage of hospital visits with COVID-like symptoms. Because both districts remained in a moderate or yellow category for number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people, the county gave an overall moderate-level rating for the two districts. Tempe Union’s board met the day before the latest metrics were released. “We don’t really have a date,” Tempe Union Superintendent Kevin Mendivil told the board Aug. 26 as he and his executive team rolled out an extensive “mitigation plan” the governor requires to show the community what measures the district will be taking to blunt virus spread not only in schools but the community at large. “We’ve been thinking maybe some-

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

Dog, cat adoptions at Ahwatukee pet store AFN NEWS STAFF

series of pet-adoption events will be held this month at an Ahwatukee store. Gordy’s Goodies Pet Food & Supplies, 15425 S. 48th St., kicks off the series noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, with a Back the Blue Pet Rescue Adoption Day

SCHOOLS from page 18

time later in September,” he continued, “but we really don’t know. We need to have a bit more data points from which to reference.” A day earlier, Kyrene Superintendent Dr. Jan Vesely and her executive team rolled out its mitigation plan and both districts have an intricately detailed approach toward reducing the threat of infection and handling any outbreaks of the coronavirus that might occur. Indeed, Vesely told her board how its approach to outbreaks got an early try-out Aug. 19 when a Milenio Elementary student tested positive for the virus– resulting in the student’s classmates having to stay at home for 14 days. “We followed the protocols and consultation with the Maricopa County Health Department and those affected are safely under quarantine,” Vesely said. Mesa Public Schools was satisfied with data somewhat less favorable than in Kyrene and Tempe Union to set Sept. 14 for the return of students two days a week. Gilbert Public Schools has targeted Sept. 8 for partial reopening, although the board is meeting this week to possibly open classrooms five days a week. Higley Unified, with benchmark readings similar to those in Kyrene and Tempe Union, set Sept. 8 for a full five-day return to classrooms. All districts are leaving options for athome instruction for students whose parents are leery of sending their children to class. And all districts say their decisions depend on continuing favorable trends in the virus data. But even interpreting the data isn’t easy. On the same day the county released the latest metrics, the state Health Services Department said its interpretation of data statewide indicated that partial in-class-

with dogs and cats available. Donations of money and animal-related items are welcomed. From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 12, the Kattered Tails Rescue Adoption Day will have cats and kittens available for adoption. Donations at this and all other adoption events are welcome. Later that day is a private dog birthday party at the store,

which rents space for such activities. On Sept. 19 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the Love Connection Dog Rescue Adoption Day will be held with puppies and adult canines – which also will be offered Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the Help a Dog Out Rescue Adoption Day. Gordy’s also has two free puppy play days 4:30-5:30 p.m. Sept. 16 and Sept. 30.

This map released last Thursday by the Maricopa County Public Health Department shows most of the ZIP codes in Kyrene and Tempe Union school districts with a “moderate” level of COVID. (Special to AFN)

room learning was warranted in only four counties in Arizona. Maricopa County is not among them. Neither Maricopa County’s benchmarks nor the state’s interpretation of virus data are mandatory. “What we heard from our stakeholder conversations over the summer from school leaders is they wanted to have flexibility to work with their communities,’’ said Education Department spokesman Ritchie Taylor, citing a belief that the state should defer to the extent possible to the locally elected school board members. Tempe Union laid out four scenarios for partial reopening, with classrooms open one, two or four days a week, depending on the county’s COVID-19 metrics. In all those scenarios, Wednesday would find all students learning at home so the district can deep-clean schools. With the one- and two-day schedules, Tempe Union students would be divided, possibly alphabetically by the first letter of their last name, to keep on-campus populations at a level where social distancing

can be better managed. But even as Tempe Union laid out its plan, other challenges emerged in public that illustrated how the pandemic has seeped into virtually every corner of school life. Tempe Union board member Sandy Lowe raised the issue of ventilation – a challenge in school buildings, which have few windows. Available scientific data has indicated that fresh air helps dispel the presence of coronavirus, which is spread by respiratory droplets. “We’re working with our HVAC systems and we’re ensuring that we’re cleaning the filters more often than normal,” Assistant Superintendent Sean McDonald told Lowe. “There’s a component that allows us to bring in more fresh air. …When you’re talking about HVAC systems, especially during the summer, we’re actually pulling in the maximum 20 percent fresh air into our system, So we’re changing that out quite frequently. So, we’re starting with that and then we’re assessing all of the ventilation systems currently.”

Puppies that are 10 weeks to 6 months old with at least one round of vaccines can come and socialize with other puppies and humans. All supervised by trainer Brenda Dreyer of Foothills Canine Academy. Information: 480-577-0514 or Facebook.com/Gordy’s Goodies Pet Food & Supplies. On the agenda for the Tempe Union Governing Board meeting tonight is a $100,000 expenditure for HVAC maintenance and repair on an “as-needed basis.” Tempe Union “has numerous boilers, chillers, cooling towers and HVAC equipment that require annual preventive and predictive maintenance and repair services,” the agenda item notes. Kyrene Governing Board last week approved buying individual portable HEPA filtration systems for all classrooms, health offices and other areas sections of schools and other district facilities. “The new HEPA filters will be funded with bond dollars, thanks to Kyrene voters who continually support our schools,” the district said. “The HEPA units will quietly filter the classroom air every 35 minutes, capturing 99.97 percent of particles.” During Tempe Union’s board meeting, member Michelle Helm said the typical classroom layout was fine for social distancing, but wanted to know how students would be kept sufficiently apart in tighter spaces, like locker rooms and classrooms for band, choral and drama. McDonald noted that while many of those rooms are bigger than normal classrooms and that the number of students would be lower than normal. “We may be looking at 7 or nine students in the classroom at a time,” he said. Only certain lockers would be available to students on different days to keep students sufficiently apart from each other.

GOT NEWS?

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

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

Ahwatukee multiplex reopening tomorrow AFN NEWS STAFF

MC Ahwatukee 24 is scheduled to reopen tomorrow, Sept. 3, nearly six months after the pandemic forced it and all other movie houses and live theater venues to close. The reopening of the multiplex in the Ahwatukee Foothills Towne Center at Ray Road and 49th Street comes several days after Harkins opened all its Valley venues and the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema did the same. Both Alamo and Harkins began special showings two days ago of what was supposed to be this summer’s first big summer blockbuster – Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet.” The Ahwatukee AMC schedule for its reopening does not list that film on its reopening card. And if you’re planning to take in that flick – or any others – be prepared to wear a mask. Unless you’re eating popcorn or some other munchies, you’ll have to wear one. Otherwise, you’ll have to either wait till Maricopa County relaxes its mask man-

date – something not likely any time soon – or just go back to Netflix. If you get to the AMC Ahwatukee 24 and forgot your mask, don’t worry: The theater will be selling them for $1. And have your credit or debit card with you: all transactions, even at the snack bars, are cashless. The Arizona Department of Health Services last week gave the green light to the theaters’ safety plans for reopening as the it weighs reopening requests from hundreds of theaters, bars and gyms. It’s tricky for bars. Only those that convert to “restaurant service’’ can reopen. That means customers must be escorted to tables, groups limited to no more than 10, no standing or mingling, and limited waiting areas. And patrons will have to forget dancing, karaoke or looking for love. Social distancing will be enforced. Bars that only serve wine and beer and those that serve booze as well but don’t serve food remain closed – and will be in-

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definitely. Indeed, over the weekend, state health officials padlocked the doors to two Scottsdale bars and yanked their licenses for reopening without permission. With benchmarks showing fewer cases of COVID-19 in Maricopa County, gyms and fitness centers were allowed to reopen at 25 percent capacity. But they are required to provide the state Health Services Department with an attestation of compliance with its safety protocols and post that in a visible site on their premises. More information is at azhealth.gov. The department also issued an announcement encouraging people to report violators to either the state or county health department or even local police. Multiplexes will offer a different experience. Audience capacity has been reduced to 40 percent or less to reduce the number of people hanging around in the lobby. Additionally, screening times are being staggered and the time between showings expanded to accomplish the same thing as well as allow time for additional cleaning. Stickers on the floors will instruct visitors how to navigate the common space without getting too close to others. “There is no question that this has been the most difficult time in my 50 plus years in the business. I am so excited and so appreciative of our incredible team and tremendously loyal guests that have continued to support us through this challenging time,” said Dan Harkins, owner of the theaters that bears his family’s name. Harkins President/CEO Mike Bowers said reopening is not only good news for them but for moviegoers numbed by the wave of pandemic-related news in recent months. “In trying times, people have always looked to us to escape for just a few hours of solace and to immerse themselves in another world,” said Bowers. Social distancing also will be maintained by staggering the seats that can be occupied. Automatic ticketing will block off seats so that only couples or groups of

GOT NEWS?

four can sit together, separated by several empty seats on either side. Harkins said its new protocols “will meet or exceed uniform guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, governmental health authorities and the National Association of Theatre Owners so that guests can sit back, relax, and get lost in the magic of the movies.” Harkins is adding enhanced cleaning and sanitizing, daily health checks for staff, social distance seating between every pair of seats and reduced audience capacity and showtimes. Harkins Loyalty Cups will be refilled with a new paper cup and all other refills on paper drink and popcorn containers will be discontinued until further notice. Along with hand sanitizers throughout its theaters, AMC and Harkins have installed increased fresh-air, hospital-grade MERV 13 air filters and HEPA filtered vacuums in all auditoriums. Alamo is also taking an additional step over Harkins and AMC by assigning one employee to a special position it calls “the lobby mayor” to guide guests around common areas and maintain traffic flow. In a way, closing theaters made little difference for movie fans since blockbusters were already moved to late this year and even next. Hollywood started cancelling or delaying the release of many highly-anticipated films in mid-March and eventually resorted to releasing some movies through video-on-demand services. The reopening of the Ahwatukee AMC will be welcome news to the other shops in the strip mall, particularly restaurants, because they depend on the foot traffic generated by the multiplex. For a while, it was unclear if AMC would even reopen. “AMC is carrying billions in debt and has been teetering on the edge of bankruptcy for months,” The Hollywood Reporter said two months ago of the nation’s largest movie chain. Information: drafthouse.com, harkins.com, amc.com.

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

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

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Since 3rd grade, DV senior has given back BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

mall acts of kindness have been a part of 17-year old Amara Horton’s life since she was a third grader at Kyrene de la Estrella Elementary School. Volunteering with various community groups, churches and schools is woven into the fabric of the Desert Vista High School senior’s life and urges of other teens becoming involved once COVID-19 parameters allow more opportunities. Not being able to help during the pandemic is one of the most frustrating parts for the Ahwatukee teen – along with not hanging with friends or starting her senior year without the camaraderie and bustle of DVHS hallways and classrooms. But Amara found one outlet for her volunteer spirit as her mother, Irmalisa Guti-

errez-Horton works at the Kyrene Family Resource Center. The teen has been volunteering at the Kyrene Family Resource Center since she was 9. Along with adult volunteers, she would help assemble school supplies in backpacks for the annual Stuff the Bus campaign, deliver turkeys to Kyrene’s needy families at Thanksgiving and organize and wrap gifts at the Kyrene Foundation’s Winter Wonderland each December. Wearing her mask pulling her long brown hair into a ponytail, Amara is helping to organize and pack Remote Learning Packages for distribution to Kyrene children in need during the pandemic. “I’m so happy to be able to go to the Family Resource Center and help out as much as I can,” she said. “They’re not able to have the usual volunteers come in because of

COVID so I’m thankful I get to be here.” Instead of stuf�ing school supplies into new backpacks as in former years – they will be given to children when campuses reopen – Amara has been sorting and placing donated school supplies in large see-through plastic bags. Many of the donated school supplies were collected in donation boxes throughout the community, many of which Horton dropped off before the center’s drive began. Then she went back to collect them, ferrying donations back to the Kyrene Resource Center located at 1330 E. Dava Drive in Tempe, located next to Kyrene de

�� AMARA �� 23

Amara Horton sorts out school supplies at Kyrene Family Resource Center, where she has frequently been a volunteer. (Special to AFN)

Ahwatukee comedian makes a clean sweep BY MELODY BIRKETT AFN Contributor

hat do cleaning and comedy have in common? For Ahwatukee resident Anders Berg, it’s being a clean comedian in the cleaning business. Berg supplies cleaning products through his business Swede Clean while doing clean stand-up comedy. The cleaning business came �irst. Born in Sweden, Berg moved to Ahwatukee in 1988 and has worked in the professional cleaning industry since 1969 in many countries. He started Swede Clean in 1990, offering general cleaning services before turning it into a carpet cleaning business. Micro�iber cloths is what sets the company apart from much of its comAhwatukee resident Anders Berg, who has gained a following on social media with his witty observations, organizes a monthly clean petition. comedy show. (Special to AFN) Micro�iber is a �ine synthetic �iber used to make apparel, upholstery, in-

dustrial �ilters and cleaning products,” he said: Just add water. “You can clean without using chemicals,” said Berg, adding he was introduced to micro�iber products in 2000 and has become a product “very close to my heart.” Berg went from supplying cleaning products to doing clean comedy. “In 2005, a friend of mine said, ‘Hey, I want to do standup comedy. Can you come and support me?’” Berg said. “Before I knew it, we started a monthly event at the Grace Inn Hotel. Did that until 2009.” After leaving the former Grace Inn, Berg performed at many venues throughout the valley. In 2013 or 2014, he ran out of places so he stopped doing comedy until July 2019 where he picked it up at the Ahwatukee Country Club and soon after at the Tuk Urban Kafe at Generations Ahwatukee.

Things changed on both the cleaning and comedy front with the coronavirus. “Everything was just handy dandy and then we got this virus and things are not handy dandy anymore,” said Berg. So, Berg went from operating a cleaning service and doing carpet cleaning to just selling his products online where customers can do it themselves. “I sold my equipment and said goodbye to secure work,” he said. “I’m just involved in selling the product on the website.” As far as comedy, Berg hopes to return to the Tuk Urban Cafe soon and “bring laughter back to Ahwatukee.” As he puts it, “Cleaning matters, laughter matters.” Meantime, Berg posts jokes each week on his Facebook page under Anders Berg. Info on his cleaning products at Swedeclean.com

COMMUNITY

SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Boosting your immunity during the pandemic BY SARAH NEUMANN AFN Guest Writer

elf-care is critical during the pandemic. While there is no magic formula to preventing COVID-19 transmission, you can boost your overall immune function and health and well-being by staying hydrated, getting more rest, taking key supplements and watching your diet – especially your sugar intake. Why hydration is so important. Water is a vital part of all bodily functions. Drinking enough water not only improves skin, muscle and joint health, it helps the body’s cells absorb nutrients, �ight infection and get rid of harmful toxins. Drink at least 8-10 glasses per day, more if you take certain medications or if you consume caffeine drinks. Get your rest. We are all stressed to some extent during COVID-19, and many of our routines have gone by the wayside. Try to not let your sleep be negatively affected as its imperative for your overall health and well-being. At least 6-8 hours nightly allows your body to restore itself and can help you manage pandemic anxiety more effectively.

AMARA �� 22

los Ninos Elementary School. Volunteerism began for Amara when she was 9 and in third grade at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Ahwatukee. “I was pretty young and there weren’t a lot of kids helping but I didn’t mind,” she recalled. “One of my favorite things to do was making Easter baskets for kids. We’d �ill them with little toys, plastic eggs �illed with candy, bubble makers. Honestly, it just made my heart happy. “Even that young, I loved helping people. After that �irst event, I kept volunteering because I saw that it made a difference and brought so much joy.” Next in her volunteering experience was wrapping gifts for the annual Kyrene Foundation’s Winter Wonderland, a festive event for district families who otherwise would not have a Christmas. Those families are treated to holiday entertainment, refreshments and the opportunity to select presents to give to their children on Christmas. It was an event she attended every year through last December. “I loved seeing the families at Winter

A tip for better sleep: Avoid blue light in the bedroom. This means your TV, computer or phone. Simply put it down or turn it off. The �lickering blue light from your devices tricks your brain into thinking its daylight and can disrupt your sleep patterns. Meditation. If you shut everything down and sleep is still evading you, try a quick meditation. Meditation allows your brain to �ind quiet and lets your REM (Rapid Eye Movement) rest be a greater percentage of your night’s sleep. REM sleep is the most rejuvenating form of sleep that you can get. You can learn more about this online or, if you must use a device at bedtime, new apps like Headspace provide a quick and soothing guided meditation. Importance of supplements. The vitamins we take play a key role in preventing infection and helping �ight disease. Vitamins A, C, E, and B6 all support healthy, normal immune responses to pathogens like viruses, as do minerals like folic acid, zinc, selenium, iron, and copper. New studies also suggest that Vitamin B in particular may potentially prevent or reduce COVID-19 symptoms. Start with the basics, like a good daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, especially if you are

Wonderland. I wrapped the presents they picked for their children,” Amara said. “It was very special to see their happy faces.” Like others, Amara is missing the human connection and hopes the coming months will once again allow in-person interactions. She’d also like to work with other teen volunteers in real time. “I always invited my friends to volunteer with me. It is something that colleges and clubs look at, but it’s different volunteering one time just to have colleges see it on your resume versus continuously volunteering and helping out to bene�it those who are less fortunate,” she said. In pre-pandemic days, Amara was a welcome face in the town of Guadalupe. “We have a lot of Kyrene kids that live in the Guadalupe community and I saw a big need there. I’ve helped at Frank School and the Guadalupe Community Center that opened about a year and a half ago,” she explained. “I’ve volunteered at events such as, Multicultural Night, Tempe Tardeada and Dia De Los Niños. I also help with the food pantry and clothing closet at their Community Center.”

not eating a well-balanced diet. Vitamin D. During these unprecedented times, we also recommend adding extra Vitamin D to your daily regimen. Recent research has discovered more incidences of COVID-19 in countries with vitamin D de�iciency. Vitamin D is the key to maintaining strong bones by helping the body absorb calcium, but it’s also essential in that it can boost the immune system to �ight off invading bacteria and viruses. Even in sunny Arizona, many of us are not getting enough of this important nutrient derived from sunlight. This can be especially true for anyone quarantined or simply staying inside to avoid the summer heat. Ensure that you take Vitamin D after food, as its fat soluble, and aim for at least 2000 milligrams per day or more based on your Doctor’s advice. Zinc. There has been a great deal of talk about Zinc and the novel Coronavirus. Zinc plays a vital role in immune function and has anti-virus properties. We suggest 50 milligrams twice daily after food as it may cause a fair amount of nausea if you don’t. Vitamin C. Vitamin C supplements also boost your immune system and, perhaps more importantly, reduce the length of Her commitment and passion for others who are less fortunate materially has not gone unnoticed. “We need more Amara’s in this world.” said Normalicia Blanco, who runs the Family Resource Center at Frank School in Guadalupe and serves as school liaison for the Tempe Elementary School District. Blanco, who oversees the food and clothing bank at the Guadalupe Community Center (Seewa Tomteme) where Amara volunteers, said the teen has “been a bright shining star.” “I thank her for the labor of love she’s demonstrated to her community since middle school, and especially for those in need. She’s always been very helpful in assisting with whatever we need to do to feed the less fortunate. From sorting and preparing food boxes and organizing our clothing bank, she does it all with a smile,” said Blanco. “During this horri�ic pandemic, Amara is helping with the distribution of masks to communities. She is the kind of young lady that doesn’t need attention or recognition. She’s a behind the scene kind of girl, and that to me speaks volumes.” said Blanco.

symptoms of any virus. Try taking at least 500 milligrams daily. Diet, sugar and immunity. If you, like so many of us, have been indulging in candy bars and snacks more than usual, try to get back to eating a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and �iber. Lay off the sugar, in particular, because it can cause a decrease in immunity within an hour after ingestion. Diet is one of the easiest and best ways to focus on the overall health of you and those closest to you. While it’s important to note that none of these suggestions can necessarily prevent COVID-19, taking a proactive approach during these dif�icult times will help increase your sense of wellness. It’s important to remember to consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement or health care regimen. Lastly, wash your hands, practice social distancing and make smart decisions and, most of all, use common sense. Sarah Neumann, MMS-PA-C, Physician Assistant and dietician, is the founder of Ahwatukee Skin & Laser at 4425 E. Agave Road, Bldg. #9, Suite 148, in Ahwatukee. Information: ahwatukeeskincare.com or 480-704-7546. Blanco said the teen sets an example for all the younger people she interacts with as she volunteers. Her willingness to use her gifts and abilities has great in�luence on the young girls and boys that follow,” she said. “I believe Amara’s excellent character and her desire will take her far in life.” Like many high school seniors, Amara is often asked what she plans after graduating, and like many, she admits she’s not yet sure – although medical school at some point tops her list. Whatever she does, wherever she goes, she said she’ll continue to volunteer where she can. “My plans for the future remain up in the air; this is my senior year and I still have yet to commit to a college,” she said. “When I do commit, I will always be looking for volunteer work – especially if I’m in a new city, I think that’s a great way to meet new people and help the community,” she said. “Volunteering has taught me the importance of giving back and helping people. I plan on going to medical school because I want to continue making a difference and helping people.”

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REAL ESTATE

Real Estate Guide Phoenix nation’s leader in home price increases AFN NEWS STAFF

hoenix remains at the top of the nation’s major metropolitan regions for year-over-year increases in the price of homes. Cromford Report, which closely monitors the Valley’s housing market, said last week that average home prices rose 9 percent between July 2020 and July of last year. “The national average was 4.29 percent,” it reported. “Phoenix remained in the top spot yet again and now has opened up a

bigger gap of 2.5 percent over the number 2 city - Seattle.” Rounding out the top five for average home price increases were third-placed Tampa, Florida; fourth-place Charlotte, North Carolina; and Minneapolis. While Seattle’s year-over-year average price in crease was 6.5 percent, the other three cities saw prices rise between 5.4 and 5.9 percent. More astonishing, it reported, 34 percent of all Valley home sales in July closed

see SALES page RE2

Spectacular, one-of-a-kind custom contemporary home by Soloway Designs in Equestrian Estates. See Rachael Richards SeePage Page6 6 Listed for $1,499,000

SPO OTLIGHT home

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

Listed for $1,950,000

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See See Page Page 6 6

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

Listed for $1,510,000

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Tapestry Canyon - Front

Mike Mendoza

Tapestry Canyon - Back

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

Listed for $1,325,000

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REAL ESTATE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

Rooms with a view This four-bedroom, 3,500-square foot home on E. Cathedral Rock Drive in Ahwatukee recently sold for $825,000. Its huge windows offer plenty of muntain views and sits at the end of a cul de sac for additional private enjoyment of those views. The single-story house boasts a sleek semi-custom design with high ceilings, a well-appointed chef’s kitchen, a stone wood-burning fireplace, cedar pantry and closets throughout and a master bedroom with expansive bathroom that has a jacuzzi tub and double shower and twin vanities. (Special to AFN)

Ron & Coleen Tompkins

Clear & Complete Communication

SALES �� page RE1

above the asking price – which Cromford called “an abnormally high percentage of active listings.” “It can be hard for a buyer to understand this and they may need a lot of evidence to

persuade them that will need to pay more than list price if they want to have a good chance of being a successful buyer,” it said. Most of the above-asking price deals involved homes selling between $200,000 and $250,000 – which are particularly scarce, it added.

GOT NEWS?

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

SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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Tenant/landlord assistance programs are needed tenants began facing hardship, the need continues to escalate. Retirees, families, individuals, couples and small businesses have invested substantial portions of their life savings in real estate. These owners are not big companies turning a profit; they are real people struggling in the same ways’ renters are struggling to stay afloat financially. The governor’s eviction moratorium has deprived these small property owners of the income they need. If the state and local government funds are at appropriate levels to address the needs of tenants in the form of rental assistance and landlords in the form of foreclosure prevention – as stated by the Governor’s Office – then there is no need for an eviction moratorium. This is necessary only because funds are far below an appropriate level and the government is not dedicating the re-

sources to award qualified applicants assistance at the appropriate speed. Arizona Realtors continues to advocate in every way possible to get available financial pandemic assistance to both those living in rental homes and the property owners. We continue to ask Gov. Ducey to heed calls to properly fund and implement effective and accessible tenant and landlord assistance programs so that evictions and foreclosures are not tomorrow’s reality. Property owners across the state have done so much to support Arizona’s more than 920,000 rental households. It is now time for the Governor’s Office to do its part to properly fund tenant and property owner assistance programs. Michelle Lind is CEO of Arizona Realtors, the largest trade association in Arizona and representing approximately 52,000 Arizona realtors.

GOT NEWS?

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

Leading Luxury Home Experts

BY JOHNNY PALLARES AFN Guest Writer

any modern-day households are finding vinegar an eco-friendly way to clean their homes. Distilled white vinegar contains 5 percent acetic acid, a compound that dissolves dirt and debris. Vinegar has been proven to work as a disinfectant killing certain bacteria known to cause foodborne illnesses, according to the National Sanitation Foundation. A dilution of ¼ white vinegar to half a gallon of water is recommended for cleaning surfaces. Using this solution on counter-

FOOTHILLS RESERVE

2812 W Glenhaven Dr

The pandemic is especially putting a bigger spotlight on homebuilders nationwide to demonstrate how healthy their new homes actually are. As the first homebuilder to be recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with the prestigious “Indoor airPLUS Leader of the Year” award in

2018, Fulton Homes has focused the last few years on building healthier homes. That commitment has earned Fulton Homes national recognition and accolades, including being recognized as Indoor airPLUS Leader award recipient for five consecutive years. According to the EPA, Americans spend

90 percent of their time indoors and indoor air is typically two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. “Comfort, health and safety are becoming important mainstays to our buyers, especially now,” said Doug Fulton, CEO of

3625 E Nambe Ct

GALLERIA TEMPE

$679,000

2,583 sqft, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Remolded single level split floor plan in Ahwatukee Customs Estates situated on a premier cul de sac large street with incredible mountain views! Custom wood front door leads to elegant foyer and open floor plan. Elegant dining room with great mountain views. Large and cozy great room for entertaining, with a floor to ceiling fireplace and views of South Mountain making this room a wonderful place for family gatherings. Incredible chef ’s kitchen and a cozy breakfast nook overlooking the large patio and yard. Split Elegant master suite with large walk-in closet and incredible spa like bathtub. Relax and enjoy in the amazing private backyard with extended covered patio, outdoor kitchen, stone fire pit, soothing above ground spa, putting green and mature shade trees and fruit trees. This property has it all!

602.369.1085 BONNY HOLLAND Ahwatukee Resident and Realtor since 1995

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Fulton Homes is focusing on improved indoor-air quality AFN NEWS STAFF

or years, homebuilders have been trying to gain a competitive advantage by meeting the needs of increasingly wellness-conscious homebuyers – especially when it comes to improving indoor air quality.

$504,900

3,482 sqft, 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms. Beautiful Home in the ‘’Foothills Reserve’’. This house sits with the sun rising in the East and setting in the West. Makes a very pleasant back patio and a gorgeous morning with the view of the mountains. The master bedrooms is very large and is on the lower level away from other bedrooms. The kitchen has all new granite counter tops and backsplash, plus a new, big farm sink. This home features a 315-sq.ft. home theater with all the luxuries of a real movie theater. Sparkling Pebble tech pool with 2 water features and a 6-foot water slide. Outdoor kitchen with built-in BBQ, entertaining bar, and large covered patio with ceiling fans and a misting system. The mountain views are priceless!

FEATURED LISTING!

with soap and water is the eco-friendly way. Vinegar also works great on hard water stains accumulating in the shower, bathtub and bathroom sink. The acid in the vinegar quickly eats away at the stains, allowing for some light scrubbing and wipe away the residue. Essential oils are an effective way to disperse vinegar’s smell. Adding only a few drops of citrus or lavender oil can add a pleasant aroma to the vinegar solution.

BELA FLOR

3394 E Aquarius Court,

THE SANCTUARY

$1,199,900

4,288 sqft, 5 bedrooms, 4 ½ bathrooms. Luxurious Custom Home in the sought after gated community of Bela Flor! Exquisitely maintained on nearly a 1/2 acre lot. The interior is comprised of an Expansive Great Room w/16’ ceilings and a 20’ wall of glass slider pocket doors w/electronic shades. Chef ’s kitchen w/massive 64’’ dbl door refrigerator, SS appliances and gas range. 4 of the 5 bedrooms are En-Suite. Separate office & Formal Dining Room. Walk into your backyard Oasis with a Zero Edge 43’ Play Pool w/dual Baja Pads, Floating Jacuzzi, 2 in ground Fire Pits w/blue glass, and a Unique Outdoor Shower w/ tankless water heater. It will simply leave you speechless! Too many upgrades to list!

2012 E Brookwood Court

$489,500

14808 S 4th Dr

$789,900

3,770 sqft, 5 bedrooms (+office), 4 bathrooms . Spectacular home in the highly coveted community of Montana Vista. This home has been impeccably maintained, with large improvements made over the past 6 years. The spacious kitchen features a large island with breakfast bar, stainless appliances with 5-burner gas stove. The kitchen flows seamlessly into a breakfast nook and an incredibly warm family room with a gas fireplace. The Master suite is conveniently located downstairs and is a relaxing retreat with access to the back patio. The Master bathroom features dual sinks, separate tub and shower and a large walk-in closet. The very private backyard is perfect for entertaining and relaxing while you take in breathtaking South Mountain views and the twinkling lights of Club West. This space features a gorgeous pool with travertine tile surround, covered patio, grassy area and an organic garden! This home has it all!

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$1,052,050

4,836 sqft, 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms. Welcome to this fabulous single level custom estate in the hillside gated community of The Sanctuary backing onto wide green belt. This home includes 4,836 sqft of livable space, front courtyard, casita suite with bathroom, 3 additional bedroom suites, 3.5 bathrooms, formal living and dining rooms, gourmet kitchen with new stainless steel appliances, family room, game room, theater room, office, exercise/nursery room, multi-room network wiring with automated controls, 3-car garage and resort style backyard with amazing mountain views!

SUMMERHILL

MONTANA VISTA

2,624 sqft, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Stunning home in desirable Galleria Tempe! Huge, grassy backyard with expansive views, features a sparkling blue pool and lush green grass. Inside you will find formal living room, vaulted ceilings, barn wood builtin cabinet w/ bench, dramatic wide staircase. Brick and barn wood accented fireplace in the roomy family room. 1 bed and 1 bath downstairs perfect for guests!! Gorgeous kitchen offers plenty of cabinets, pantry w/ pull-outs, new high-end appliances and greenhouse window. Beautiful master suite has a lavish bath comprised of separate tub/shower, dual sinks, walk-in closet, and hidden storage room.

see FULTON page RE7

SOLD!

AHWATUKEE CUSTOM ESTATES

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is unplugged and use a small toothbrush to scrub the blades and other components. Vinegar can also be used on wooden surfaces or any wood with a polyurethane finish. Using the same solution will wipe away dust, leaving a glossy finish behind. However, vinegar should not be used on unfinished coarse wooden surfaces. The acidic properties of vinegar seep into the grain and breaks down the wood. Cleaning these surfaces

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REAL ESTATE

tops, floors, windows, wooden surfaces and the bathroom will leave them sparkling. Simply spray your surface with the solution and wipe down with a microfiber cloth. Vinegar is a safe way to clean your garbage disposal. Over time, disposals can become clogged with food and grease. Pouring a half a gallon of vinegar down the disposal will help loosen the debris and clear the funky smell coming out of the drain. Ensure your disposal

NEW LISTING

rizona businesses continue to be affected by the economic impact of COVID-19. Particularly hard-hit are those individuals whose business is the ownership and management of rental homes throughout the state. As tenants struggle to make ends meet, landlords were mandated by an executive order to adjust their rent collections schedules, allowing tenants upwards of eight months abeyance on payments. While this order provided needed relief to the tenants, it created additional hardship for the landlords, whose own financial stability often relies on the income generated from these rental properties. And although no rent was collected, the landlords were still expected to meet their

financial obligations. Arizona Realtors is dedicated to the protection of private property rights. As such, we question why the available financial pandemic assistance to both those living in rental homes and the owners obligated to make mortgage payments and pay taxes, insurance, and maintenance fees on those homes have not been widely distributed. The Arizona Department of Housing’s rental assistance program has only $5 million in available funding. These funds are not legislative or federal COVID-19 relief funds. More than $12 million in rental assistance applications have been submitted, and only 7 percent of those applications have been processed. To make matters worse, only about $2.1 million of the allocated $10 million has been provided to those in need. Nearly five months after landlords and

Vinegar provides eco-friendly house cleaning

NEW LISTING

BY MICHELLE LIND Guest Writer

SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

14613 S. 1st St

FEATURED LISTING

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

FEATURED LISTING

REAL ESTATE

PENDING

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$1,349,900

Magnificent hillside custom estate nestled in the pristine South Mountain gated community of Summerhill. Every inch of this home is customized! Fabulous foyer opens to beautiful formal dining room and spacious formal living room with custom wet bar, mountain views and patio access. Gorgeous gourmet kitchen with large custom island. Great room with custom stone two-way fireplace and mountain views. Marvelous master bedroom suite with custom stone fireplace,private patio access and a seating room and views. Amazing Master bath with custom granite vanity, stone jetted tub, large walk in shower. The backyard is phenomenal! Huge covered travertine patios, custom Ramada with outdoor kitchen and dining area/bar for entertaining. Amazing pebble tec pool & spa with water feature both heated. Large grass area, cozy firepit, mature landscaping and incredible mountain views.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

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SPO OTLIGHT home Sanctuary

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

Listed for $1,950,000

Mike Mendoza 480.706.7234 www.MendozaTeam.com

kw SONORAN LIVING ®

KELLER WILLIAMS® REALTY

EQUESTRIAN ESTATES 3 7 36 E MAR E CO URT

Spectacular, one-of-a-kind 6 bed / 7.5 bath custom contemporary home by Soloway Designs in the highly sought after Ahwatukee neighborhood of Equestrian Estates. This home has 5,412 sq ft PLUS an additional 1,545 detached studio/multi-purpose room w/ AC, private bathroom & glass wall w/ view. Architectural delights in every room including stunning front door, arched wood beam ceiling, glass block accents & stunning 360 degree glass fireplace. Enjoy the remarkable views from the full window wall in main living room. Bright & spacious kitchen offers tons of space, stainless appliances (including double ovens & large flat top stove w/ electric ‘’hidden’’ hood), granite counters, huge walk-in pantry, and large island w/ second sink, as well as a separate unique semicircle bar top seating area perfect for serving & entertaining. Upstairs you will find the amazing master suite w/ it’s floor to ceiling stacked stone fireplace, private balcony & luxurious master bath w/ oversized jacuzzi tub, sprawling vanity w/ dual sinks & seated area, enormous tile/glass block shower, private toilet & unbelievable walk-in closet w/ custom organization. All bedrooms have their own washer/dryer in the closets for added convenience. Resort-like backyard has everything you would want including pool, spa, casita, synthetic grass, perfectly placed desert landscaping, huge shade trees & extended stone tile patio. Don’t miss the 2 garages. Attached 4 car garage & the detached “garage/bonus room” which has AC & bathroom & unlimited possibilities! Located in Ahwatukee’s Equestrian Estates with easy access to the freeway & just minutes from great shopping, dining & entertainment choices. Quick drive to Sky Harbor, downtown Phoenix & ASU. Come check out this one-of-akind property. Schedule your private showing today! LISTED AT $1,499,000

Rachael Richards

480.270.5782 • rhouserealty.com

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

Listed for $1,379,000

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

REAL ESTATE

SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

FULTON �� page RE5

Fulton Homes. “We are proud of the work we’ve done for our homebuyers that provide them the peace of mind gained through our awardwinning participation in the EPA’s Indoor airPLUS program. We want individuals who are looking for those features in a new home to know that Fulton Homes is, and has been, Arizona’s leader in this area.” Fulton Homes builds all its homes to Indoor airPLUS standards - providing homebuyers with healthier and more comfortable options. The Tempe-based homebuilder joined the Indoor airPLUS program in 2014, starting with just over 60 labeled homes that year. After making the Indoor airPLUS 100% Commitment and foreseeing a growing demand for healthier homes, Fulton Homes continued its path with 886 Indoor airPLUS labeled homes in 2019. Fulton Homes works closely with the rater and trade contractors to refine construction details. The company is also committed to educating homebuyers on the value of improved indoor air quality.

480-706-7234

Tapestry Canyon ST JU TED S LI

Indoor airPLUS is a companion label to ENERGY STAR for Homes certification. “Together, these programs provide comprehensive health protections,” a spokesman said. He noted that the builder uses a variety of construction practices and technologies to achieve the Indoor airPLUS label and reduce indoor air pollutants and improve the indoor air quality inside the home. Homes displaying the Indoor airPLUS label include additional measures for moisture control, radon-resistance, pest prevention, combustion pollutant control, HVAC filtration and low-emission materials. Fulton recently opened the Lakeview Trails South East neighborhood on Gilbert’s Morrison Ranch, selling 10 homes first four hours of the launch. The buying frenzy continues with 24 homes beginning constructions. Fulton said those sales set off an unprecedented trend of sales for the homebuilders with 150 homes being sold across the Valley in the past four weeks. “We are in the final phase at Lakeview Trails and people are in a frenzy to get their piece of Morrison Ranch,” he said. “The sought-after Gilbert location com-

480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@ timespublications.com

5 BR / 5.5 BA / 5,002 SQFT

5 BR / 4.5 BA / 4924 SQFT

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

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

4BR / 3BA / 2,800 SQFT Rare opportunity on hillside lot with great views. New interior paint in 2020. Roof replacement in 2019.

Mountain Park Ranch

GOT NEWS? Contact Paul Maryniak at

Ahwatukee’s #1 Team for Over 30 Years

Listed for $585,000

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

Listed for $1,325,000

Listed for $1,510,000

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bined with the luxury floorplans are an incredible draw.” Starting in the $400s, Lakeview Trails South East features six distinctive styles of flex-space homes, each with a three-car garage. The largest, Canary Pine, features five bedrooms with walk-in closets, five full bathrooms, a loft and more in its 3,157 square feet of space. Other floorplans range between 2,930 square feet and 1,631 square feet. For no additional cost, buyers can customize their homes with granite countertops, maple cabinets, and ceiling fans through the Fulton Features program. Morrison Ranch features more than 400 acres of greenbelts, open space and treelined streets. Information: fultonhomes.com.

Sanctuary

Tapestry Canyon ! LD O S

Mountain Park Ranch

Listed for $1,950,000

4 BR / 2.5 BA / 2,450 SQFT

7 BR / 4.5 BA / 8,873 SQFT

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

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

Listed for $475,000

Listed for $1,950,000

Circle G at Riggs Ranch

Tapestry Canyon

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

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Ahwatukee Custom Estates One of the most amazing view lots in

$2,099,000

SOLD!

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

Calabrea

Ahwatukee Custom Estates

$1,379,000

$1,950,000

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

Calabrea $1,099,000

Cabrillo Canyon $689,000

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

Summerhill $1,099,000

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

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

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

www.GenoRoss.com Donna Leeds

�

TOP GRI, ABR REALTOR

949.310.5673

lf"fl!

SOLD!

Geno Ross

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

602.751.2121

wwwBestAgentWUSA.com

Making Ahwatukee

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

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

Tapestry Heights

$2,149,000

Pointe South Mountain

$397,000

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

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

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

Ahwatukee

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

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

SOLD!

Canyon Verde

$879,900

$599,000

PENDING!

$449,900 1,782 sq ft…This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in Camelback East won’t disappoint. Light and bright spacious floor plan boasts a Large Kitchen and Eating Area which opens to ample outdoor entertaining space and patios. Master Bedroom Suite has separate seating area with Sliding door to patio, walk-in closet and updated bathroom. Secondary bedrooms are over-sized with lots of storage. Newer HVAC (8/17) and Roof (3/18) w/ 10 yr warranty, Skylights, Block Construction, 2 Car Garage, & Tesla leased solar panels with almost zero monthly APS bills.

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

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

Harbor Island

PENDING!

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

Escondido Hermosa

Harbor Island

$499,000

PENDING!

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

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

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

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

Foothills Reserve

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

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

SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

25 Family managed since 1981

WHOLESALE to the TRADES

HUGE LOWEST PRICES, SELECTION LARGEST SELECTION! OF 480-802-1309 OVERSIZED Southern Chandler POTTERY! 23843 S. Cooper Rd. PET 1/4 Mile S.Delivery of Chandler AvailableHeights Rd. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. 5p.m., Sun. a.m.pm - 5 p.m.FRIENDLY! Hours: Open-Daily 9:00 am11 - 5:00 CLOSED TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS

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Vaccines. Scheduled surgeries. Specialist visits. Visit phoenixchildrens.org or call 602-933-KIDS to schedule an appointment.

OPINION

Opinion 26

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

Share Your Thoughts:

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

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

www.ahwatukee.com

Time to turn Lakes, Club West courses into parks BY ANDY LENARTZ AFN Guest Writer

onverting the Ahwatukee Lakes and Club West golf courses into city parks has moved from a dream scenario to a plausible alternative and the time to act is now. The situation has dragged on long enough. We need to proceed together in pursuit of this vision of a better Ahwatukee. My Aug. 19, AFN article that proposed using funding through the Great American Outdoors Act to purchase the Ahwatukee Lakes and Club West golf courses in order to convert the courses into parks has prompted more feedback than on every previous article that I have written for the Ahwatukee Foothills News combined. The feedback has been largely in support of this proposal. Some people have different visions for the park, some dis-

agree with specific aspects. But the overall vision appears to be one that we can all come together in support of, which is desperately needed at the moment. The steps for converting the two golf courses into city parks is clear. The stakeholders whose buy-in is required for this plan to work are: the owner of the two courses, titleholder of the Club West Golf Course, two HOAs impacted by the decision, and the City of Phoenix. Getting these parks built will require a change in mindset and sacrifice by all of these stakeholders. The titleholders for the two courses will need to accept that development is not desired by the two communities containing the courses and be willing to give up the land. Members of the Ahwatukee Lakes and Club West HOAs would also need to move past the idea of resurrecting golf courses and be willing to change their Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) to

permit the conversion of the courses into a permanent park. There is also the matter of the two lawsuits centering on the golf courses. Dropping the lawsuits and moving forward as a unified community to make these parks happen would be another valuable step toward achieving this vision. The City of Phoenix would be required to sponsor the grant application from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). If the grant is approved, the LWCF would cover half of the cost. The other half would need to come from some combination of Arizona State funds, City of Phoenix funds, and external grant funding. Phoenix should be the easiest stakeholder to convince, as long as the other parties are in agreement on this path forward. We are the City of Phoenix. We provide the funding and make the city possible, so if this is what residents of our community want, it is the city’s obligation to

make it happen. And Councilman Sal DiCiccio will support our community’s decision. As he stated in his Aug. 26 AFN column “We need a solution that maximizes and preserves open space at the Club West course. That is my priority.” Converting the Ahwatukee Lakes and Club West golf courses into city parks maximizes and preserves the most possible open space and utilizes federal funds to achieve this goal. And 100 percent of the land will be preserved. It is not possible to identify an option which more clearly achieves the objective Councilman DiCiccio stated in his article. If we as a community choose this path forward, he can help us to make it happen. Among these stakeholders there is no villain, only members of our community with different visions of what Ahwatukee

The Edge is encouraging the community to define that as “asking for the moon.” The plans circulating from the Edge right now include such features as pickleball courts, a dog park, a frisbee golf course, a sculpture park, fitness stations, a sitting area with shade pavilion, etc. They are also talking about extensive new landscaping that require a tremendous expense for irrigation for the next two years as the plants take root. We don’t know how much of a check The Edge would be willing to write (essentially the “bribe”) to fund a frisbee golf course, sculpture park or whatever, but we all know there is no such thing as a “free lunch.” The Edge might contribute money toward the cost of these parkland features, but only by selling new houses. The more parkland features community members put on the “wish list,” the more houses the Edge will say it must build to justify the cost. The one thing we can count on in this

deal is that the Edge will make their millions from new housing and then leave us with the ongoing future maintenance costs of the parkland and all those special features. The Edge is only talking about parkland right now, not houses, but you can be certain that they will soon drop the hammer about the 100-300 new houses that the community MUST allow them to build to pay for it. Moreover, the inflated expense for an elaborate parkland plan will also indirectly be paid by the entire community, which will see its open space views decimated, traffic increase, schools more crowded... all while suffering through 3-4 years of construction dust and noise. The cost to golf lot owners who have houses built behind their backyards will be much more direct, as their property values will likely drop $50,000-$70,000 each. Extravagant, expensive plans are fine,

but what does this community really want in a walkable parkland? There are endless possibilities, but we do know one thing for sure. The CWC’s recent survey indicated that 81 percent of homeowners would prefer to leave the land largely “as is” with modest maintenance versus allow new houses to be built. Our discussions with local landscapers indicate that regular weed mowing, tree trimming, debris removal and sidewalk maintenance can be done for under $30,000 annually. On a per homeowner basis, that’s only about $10 each, which is the same amount we donate to lighting the holiday trees on Chandler Blvd. every December, without giving up our rights to open space. There is a real cost to the community here. We should ask ourselves, “Which parkland features would we want if the costs were

see LENARTZ page 29

Club West residents should be wary of The Edge’s plan BY MATT TYLER AFN Guest Writer

re new houses required to have a walkable parkland? Of course not! But that’s not what the Edge/CLS home developers are telling our community. As you know, the Club West Conservancy continues to fully support the restoration of the full-length golf course as legally required in the Club West CC&Rs. In our recent survey of the community, 77 percent of 800+ respondents said they would like to see golf return to Club West. However, because the survey also indicated that 85 percent of the community would be OK with a “parkland,” and The Edge is building a case for a grandiose parkland plan based on a community wish list, the CWC believes we should examine what The Edge’s parkland could mean. First of all, what is a “parkland”?

see TYLER page 30

OPINION

SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Water dooms any golf course plan for Club West BY TERRY DUGGAN AFN Guest Writer

here have been a lot of discussion surrounding the recent Arizona Superior Court ruling on Ahwatukee Lakes and its potential impacts on the shuttered Club West course. Currently, I am the president of the Foothills Golf Group and previously oversaw the Club West Golf Course. Due to my experience at Club West, I firmly believe that restoring this course is not attainable nor sustainable. Here are some relevant facts for everyone’s consideration. On Dec. 30, 2009, the Foothills Golf Group purchased Club West Golf Course for about $550,000. At the time of the purchase, the Club West Golf Club was losing over $400,000 annually. Providing sufficient water supply has always been a major concern for the course and was the number one objective when purchasing the course in 2009.

During my time at Club West, our highest annual water bill was $750,000. However, this amount only accounted for 75 percent of the water needed to maintain the 70 acres of turf. So, in fairness, the accurate water bill would have been approximately $1 million to properly maintain the turf at the highest quality. During this time, approximately 10 years, we spent a total of $3,984,860 solely on water. In 2020, with all the increases in water costs and services, the water bill would be closer to $1.2 million annually to maintain the 70 acres of turf alone. This is a huge burden for any golf course to endure. To fully understand the complexity of the water supply, we conducted two test wells at a cost of $16,000 per test. The first test was conducted on Club West HOA property near Pecos Road. The second test was conducted at the Foothills Golf Club. These tested were conducted by Beaman of Arizona. Neither test produced any water.

The ownership group prior to the Foothills Golf Group conducted five tests for water and after observing the results and data the driller advised that continuing was a waste of time, money and effort. The only alternative solution to provide water to the course was to deliver SRP water to Club West. However, SRP would only guarantee a five-year deal and require the installation of a pipe, which would be an additional $1.3 million cost. After the five-year deal was completed, SRP could discontinue providing water supply to the course or raise the prices significantly. In order for this source of water to be practical, we determined that we would need at minimum a 25-year commitment from SRP at a cost of 40 percent of potable water. Club West lost a combined total of $2,085,324 from Dec. 30, 2009 until it was sold to the Edge Group in May 2020. I wish this wasn’t so. But the facts are what they are. Recently, I am aware that the owner of

the Ahwatukee Lakes has received offers of approximately $4.5 million to purchase and revitalize it. But all of these offers involve significant development plans. In order for any plausible restoration of a golf course, some form of development is required. For Club West, it’s time to sit down and try to resolve this problem to where the entire community benefits. Golf courses are continuing to close across the country and they are complex endeavor to undertake. Club West is even more complex as no viable water source is available and significant updates, improvements and rebuilding is required. But I believe the Club West community can cohesively work together to achieve a plan that brings new life to the open space that is both appealing and financially feasible. The neighborhood will always be a part of me, so I am rooting for a resolution.

vided a much-needed floor on the economic decline – keeping people and essential commerce moving, virtually or otherwise. In that sense, America has had some good fortune, thanks to our nation’s leadership in online marketing and communications. Without the ability of leaders like Google, Zoom, and Amazon to swiftly expand service to millions of Americans, it’s hard to imagine how many of the nation’s workers – both blue-collar and white – would avoid being added to the recordbreaking unemployment rolls. It’s a technological safety net that, until recently, has gone unnoticed or unappreciated. Some of our own elected leaders have been using tech leaders as a political punching bag on the dubious theory that big is automatically bad. But when it comes to innovation, companies like Amazon and Google are often

vital players in promoting U.S. competitiveness. With COVID-19 keeping consumers at home, the value of those online tools is now fully on display right here in Arizona. At Nonnahs Marketing in Phoenix, we specialize in helping local businesses grow through targeted social media and online advertising. From GSuite to Google Ads, it’s a robust toolkit that wouldn’t be available in a world without ‘big tech.’ The success and popularity of Google’s tools is likely what makes the company so popular among consumers. A recent study by the National Taxpayers Union found that only 17 percent of respondents had a negative opinion of Google and only 9 percent had a negative opinion of the tech industry in general. That same study showed that antitrust investigations are the lowest priority to Arizona citizens with only 4 percent be-

lieving that it should be the most important priority. Arizonans have a high opinion of our tech providers, and they also do not believe antitrust investigations are a priority during the pandemic. I can’t help but wonder, why are our politicians willing to spend millions in taxpayer dollars to fund them? My point is that no industry is perfect but I think that the tech industry is providing a huge benefit to society right now and our politicians should recognize that. Let U.S. tech companies help us through this difficult time and work with them to address issues of concern, outside of the courtroom. Ahwatukee resident Moses Sanchez, a Navy combat veteran, is director of operations at Nonnahs Marketing in Phoenix and an adjunct faculty member at South Mountain Community College.

Terry Duggan is president of Foothills Golf Group.

This is a bad time for costly anti-tech litigation BY MOSES SANCHEZ AFN Guest Writer

n most sectors of the economy, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has slowed commerce down to a crawl. Millions are out of work, demand for commodities like fuel has evaporated, and small businesses are struggling to stay afloat as shoppers stay home. The impact on Arizona’s economy has been profound, although it is nothing compared to the burden on those who have fallen ill, their families, and health care providers. Still, our experiment in social distancing has held a magnifying lens up to an array of business trends and supercharged others. As always, necessity is the mother of invention, and rapid expansion in online commerce, education, and tele-health has pro-

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OPINION

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Anti-maskers’ rugged Individualism is a myth

The myth of rugged individualism is killing America. Americans have been taught and believe this county was built by the quintessential rugged individual. Nothing could be further from the truth. This country was settled, built and fought for not by individuals but by cooperation and organizations. Take for instance the example of the settlers of the West and the Great Plains. Most of these settlers traveled the great roads of the times like the Oregon Trail. The Oregon Trail was almost exclusively tackled with a wagon train. Why? Because it took cooperation and organization to make the journey. Any substantial hill (which were innumerable) had to be double or triple teamed up the hill, meaning the travelers would need to share their mules with another wagon or two to get up the hill, then switch the mules to another wagon. Cooperation was the key to making it across the plains alive. We also never won a single war with rugged individualism. We won wars through cooperation and everyone chipping in, to both fight and pay for the war. Realizing we are a small cog in a large machine that makes spectacular accomplishments possible is how things really get done in society. I understand it does not sound grand or pompous, but we need a dose of reality right now to continue to survive. Oppenheimer did not single-handedly develop the atom bomb and Thomas Edison had an entire team working on the light bulb. Ike Eisenhower planned with a huge team the D-Day invasion and it took a bigger team yet to carry out the plan. These accomplishments always require people to chip in and pay the price and most will never get any credit for it. I would submit to you that sacrifice for the greater good is really the American spirit. We had hundreds of thousands of people who claim to be patriots converging on a town in North Dakota. Most could not make the small sacrifice of wearing a mask to save fellow Americans. Why? Because they are rugged individualists and it is all about them. If you believe this is a hoax, there are

170,000+ families that can tell you otherwise. Herman Cain was an anti-masker: he went to the Trump rally on June 20 without a mask and was dead by July 30. If you want to be a rugged individualist, you need to live separate from us. It takes society to bring you water, electricity and build your roads and you endanger that society by not wearing a mask. I agree you have the right to endanger your own life, but you do not have the right to endanger my mother’s. Society is real. Rugged individualism is a myth. -Barry Smith

How did this abusive man get let into our circle?

In my early dating years, I knew very little about the games people play and I certainly didn’t know how to spot a red flag. I was young, naive, and inexperienced in recognizing the ways people can “gaslight,” stretch the truth, outright lie to get what they want. So, one day, I saw this disingenuous, puffed up man. He made lewd remarks and I just shrugged them off. After all, men just talk like that – it’s locker room talk. But I did cringe when I witnessed the look on my friend’s face as the man called her a “pig.” It was even worse when that man bullied and mocked another friend for being disabled. The man just laughed. And, before long, he assaulted another friend – he prepared to rape her because he knew he could overtake her easily and she meant nothing to him. After all, she is just a dispensable woman who will become “nasty” if she speaks up or defends herself. All the constant lies he told all of us… Wow… How did we let him into our circle, this selfish, abusive, soulless man? It was pretty obvious he had absolutely no moral fiber, no moral compass because who acts like that?! -Suzanne Whitaker

Times seem to have changed, old sport

The word “sport” is derived from the word “disport” which some believe was brought into the English language in the 14th Century by Geoffrey Chaucer, renowned for his Canterbury Tales. It meant to divert oneself away from work or seri-

ous matters to something more pleasant or distracting or entertaining. “Disport” itself harkens back to the Latin word “portare” which meant to “carry away,” and from which we get the words portable and transport and deport and export, all involving action away from something. When people would disport, basically they would try to have fun and forget momentarily about life’s troubles. In the past, people used sports as an escape – from work, from politics, from bad relationships, from war, from tension, stress and anxiety about “the real world.” Clearly, times have changed. -Bob Baron

Trump trying to regain a positive balance

President Trump is trying to get our loss of a positive balance of trade, bring back jobs and not over populate the country with illegal immigrants with no job skills who are increasing the welfare rolls. My grandparents came from Russia with the right legal documents. I went to military academy where honor, respect for chain of command and history of the greatest and freest country in the world made me proud I was born American. I believe the USA was developed by winners and not losers. If protestors destroy personal property, especially federal buildings, the President has the right to protect these buildings and criminal protestors should be punished. I support President Trump and I will vote for capitalism, free enterprise and democracy. I believe we should be led by efficient performers, increase jobs for American citizens and decrease welfare rolls. When I was president of the Tempe Jaycees our creed said, ”We believe in free enterprise and service to humanity is the best work of life.” - Dr. Jeff Eger

Facts dispute Trump claims of greatness

I was dumbfounded reading the followup letter by Jan Johnson in your newspaper Aug. 26. She wants to get the facts straight but very quickly resorts to fiction. She claims that Trump has given us the

best economy ever. With 180,000 COVID related deaths and counting and a huge GDP drop we are on the brink of a major recession. Unemployment rate of 10.2 percent is at a 40 year high. These are the present facts with actual numbers to back them from the CDC and Department of Labor – not some fancy words from right-wing talking points. The so-called Middle-East peace deal, Jan mentions, is one in name only. How can you have a peace deal if one major party, the Palestinians, don’t even accept it? The Palestinians, who are the major players in any peace proposal, are still not sitting at the same table Jared and his buddies are sitting at and making decisions. That is no peace deal. It is a surrender plan for the Palestinians. Besides, why does Trump deserve the Nobel Prize for this, when Jared has done all the “work”? Again, the so-called peace is fiction and things remain the same in the Middle East. The latest Russian investigation report handed by the GOP-led Senate Committee is pretty damning and yes, it does say that Trump’s surrogates did transpire with the Russian and the Russians interfered in the 2016 elections. Again, a fact which is categorized by right-wing media and others as “fake” news. Trump loves to take credit when things look good. But when things go bad, he conveniently blames it on others. Jan is quick to point that Trump has had many achievements over the last 3.5 years, too many to mention. We would love to get a list of all those great achievements. While you are at it, please don’t forget to mention that right now, we are the laughing stock of the rest of the world. We have the highest number of COVID deaths and cases in the world and our “great” healthcare system is at its knees. It really took a “great” President to achieve those goals! -Stanley D’Souza

Trump supports have no patent on patriotism

Okay, Jan Johnson is right. I was trained to hate my country and oppose Donald Trump and what he stands for. Here’s

see LETTERS page 30

OPINION

SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Moms of disabled kids need state help now BY MICHELLE THORNE Guest Writer

ince the shutdown in March, the Department of Developmental Disabilities and the Department of Education have had ample time to figure out how to best serve the communities education needs in the midst of the pandemic and the response has been miniscule. We understand that this is an unprecedented time. We understand it is not usually the role and responsibility for the Department of Education to provide in-home aids to parents attempting to do in-home learning. We understand it is not usually the De-

LENARTZ �� page 26

should look like in the future. The pursuit of differing goals got ugly and resulted in a contentious split in the Club West and Ahwatukee Lakes communities. This division fueled the local Ahwatukee battles that came later, left a space for divisiveness, suspicion, and animosity to creep in. It left us fighting amongst ourselves instead of working together. It left our neighbors and local businesses vulnerable when a real crisis arrived. The benefits of converting these golf courses into parks are numerous. This will preserve the space for perpetuity, land our children and their children will

partment of Developmental Disabilities’ policy to pay parents to have providers in the home during school hours. These are not typical times. We need action and we need it quickly. Our community is crumbling. Mothers who usually suffer from PTSD are losing their battle with depression and anxiety and as they watch their children fall farther behind, the Education Department and Department of Developmental Disabilities quibble over which department is responsible to provide these services. We need action – and not in a week or two; we need it now! We need creative solutions to this problem.

be able to utilize. The courses are currently part of the community’s flood management plan, to control water runoff from South Mountain. If the courses become parks, this role will be maintained. Converting the courses into parks will effectively expand the size of South Mountain Park, given the location of the parks. It will also expand wildlife corridors, connecting and extending open space. We are increasingly learning that cohabitating with wild animals requires not only the preservation of land, but routes connecting open land for animals to thrive safely near cities. These parks will help to maintain wild-

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life corridors. Turning the Ahwatukee golf courses into parks is a new vision, one we can re-unite behind. A vision we can work together to achieve, as it will take all of us to make this happen. In doing so, we can set an example for the rest of our nation. That we are stronger when working together. That divisiveness, paranoia, and hatred harm all of us. We can use the pursuit of this park to heal our community, bring something positive from this challenging time. Return the unity to our community. Which may be the ideal name for our two new parks: Ahwatukee Community Park and Anytime. Ahwatukee Unity Park.

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leaders to lead. Now is when we need these departments more than ever. They can impact the mental health of parents and children all around the valley by simply stepping up and making the tough decision to allow for unconventional solutions during this unprecedented time. We need help. We need some relief. I pray that they take swift action to help the families under their care. Michelle Thorne is founder of the Differently Abled Mothers Empowerment Society, which helps mothers of disabled children. Information: damesusa.org.

Together, we can make this happen. During this time of division, these parks can be a common cause to unify us. During this time of turmoil, these parks can serve as a much-needed reminder of peace. Let’s demonstrate that by joining together instead of tearing apart we can address any challenges we may face and will persist as a united community. We can make this happen. In support of this plan? Have other ideas? Contact me at andy_lenartz@yahoo.com. Ahwatukee resident Andy Lenartz is a frequent outdoors writer for AFN

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We need DDD to allow parents to hire respite workers to come into the home during school hours to help with in-home learning. We need the Department of Education to forge creative solutions to this problem by partnering with Universities and to create programs that would allow students to get University credits to work with SPED students in-home during the pandemic. We need to have online options for students who are medically fragile even if schools have re-opened to in-school learning. We need help. We are drowning and we need our

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OPINION

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

LETTERS �� page 28

how it happened. I grew up in a small town in Indiana that voted overwhelmingly for Barry Goldwater in 1964. My elementary school teachers were Deep State moles committed to the destruction of Donald Trump should he ever become president, even though they’d never heard of him. The movie “Hoosiers” pretty much captured my high school experience, except it left out the part where the Physical Education class included instruction in square dancing. Girls had to wear skirts or dresses to class. Boys could not wear jeans – khakis only – or have hair touching their ears. This was a public school, which had obviously been penetrated by the Barber’s Union. I was raised in a Southern Baptist home. Could just as easily have been a Muslim home. We moved to Scottsdale, another hotbed of Deep State activity at a time – again, before general knowledge of a Deep State. This is where I was first exposed to the Marxist leanings of Mayor Herb Drinkwater. Had I only known then what I know now. I went to ASU, right up there with CalBerkley as a flash point for Viet Nam protests and Socialist propaganda. I worked as a management consultant, a profession known for its anti-business attitudes and a melting pot for wild-eyed liber-

TYLER �� page 26

paid by all homeowners equally?” Money should be spent like it is your own, not your neighbors’. Again, the Club West Conservancy believes that restoration of the golf course

als looking to overthrow the government. There it is. My confession. Jan Johnson says if I love my country I should “hold my nose and vote for Trump.” I have news for Donald Trump and the rest of Trump’s enablers: I love my country very deeply and I’m holding my nose, all right. Joseph McCarthy and his followers wanted people to believe they held the patent on patriotism, too. They didn’t, and neither do Donald Trump and the people who so blindly excuse his demagoguery and ethical bankruptcy. -Scott Cox

Post Of�ice mishandling a matter of concern

Because I grew up relying on postal delivery to our rural mailbox every day and now my wife has a small business that relies on postal delivery, I decided I better watch the House hearings of the Postmaster General DeJoy the other day. Disruptive or misdirected questioning clouded my impression of the hearings. But I needed to know what is happening to our essential service for the citizens of this country, so I listened further. Why were actions to change operations of the post office made with little analytic data and no plan for success? Why was there no business plan? If DeJoy did not order the scanning machines and mailboxes removed and is the best outcome and therefore the golf course CC&Rs should be strictly enforced. In addition, it is the position of the CWC that the HOA Board’s actions to dilute the votes necessary to change the CC&Rs is not legal. But if a parkland ever

the overtime changes that were made, changes resulting in slow delivery, then who else has the authority to order those changes? If DeJoy, who said he only directed the trucks to leave on time, then who changed the other operational details? Who ordered the scanning machines, the mail boxes, the overtime and other operation details to be changed? Questions were asked about why food deliveries were delayed and left to rot on loading docks, why diabetes meds were not arriving on time, why checks, personal mail, bills, contracts and other documents all were waiting on a dock at a post office, somewhere? As is true with much of the last few years of this administration, we only get halftruths, if that. The appointment of DeJoy and his inability to manage the complex and massive Post Office is a huge concern. -Marc Riske

Arizona Chamber on the wrong side of history

It’s disgusting that the AZ Chamber of Commerce has made the defeat of the Invest in Ed ballot initiative their top priority this November. The Chamber’s PAC opposing Prop 208 already has $600,000 of dirty money in the bank. Explain to me why a well-funded K-12 educational system threatens the business community? It’s insane. Don’t we as-

becomes a legitimate possibility, there are many affordable options that do not require surrender to an outside home developer. We hope the community will not be intimidated by the scare tactics of The Edge home developers, who will cite inflated

pire, as a state, as a country, to a well-educated workforce and informed citizenry? I remember Tempe City Councilwoman Lauren Kuby debating the Chamber’s Garrick Taylor on Prop 206 back in 2016. His arguments against earned sick days and an increase in the minimum wage were the same hysterical rhetoric used against the child labor laws in 1938 and the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1940. Some things never change. The Chamber will be on the wrong side of history once again. But thanks for raising my ire. I just donated to the Invest in Ed PAC. -Susan Arnold

McSally shows she’s out of touch with Arizonans

Arizonans are feeling the effects of this pandemic: job loss, food insecurity, evictions, medical bills, concern for school safety, isolation, and losing loved ones. In June, while Arizona was among the worst of the states hit by COVID-19, Sen Martha McSally introduced a bill that would give a tax credit to those taking vacations. In July, McSally argued for an extension of unemployment benefits for a whopping seven days. McSally’s latest request to “fast a meal” in order to donate the cost of that meal to her campaign is yet another example of how out of touch she is with everyday Arizonans. -Rebecca Hinton high-side costs to create an over-the-top parkland to justify the need to build as many houses as they can. There’s nothing “just” about their plans. Matthew Tyler is president of the Club West Conservancy.

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SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

A Sustainable Solution For Permanent Open Space At Club West Is Underway That Includes A New Park, Trails And Amenities - And Your Input is Important! The goal is simple: get rid of the blight and create beautiful, permanent open space for the enjoyment of Club West Homeowners. These open spaces would be preserved now, and forever. We want to thank you all for your great suggestions. Please keep them coming! We are listening! The plan currently provides pickle ball, public art, and over five miles of an enhanced trail system. Among the Zero Cost Amenities that you have suggested are The Club West Food and Arts Festival, a Farmers Market, and an Annual Candlelight Holiday Walk and Lights Contest. Our Advisory Group is working with a renowned Landscape Architect on a concept that is natural, beautiful and sustainable. The Park will feature native plants to minimize the water usage that makes golf course restoration extremely costly, if not prohibitive. The Park at Club West will be a sustainable, permanent jewel of our community. To offset the costs of revitalization and maintenance, new homes consistent with the community would be responsibly built primarily in areas where commercial structures are currently located.

Existing Conditions

Proposed Landscape

Help us plan our best possible future today! Our work is far from done. We are working to revise the conceptual layout to address bicycle and pedestrian concerns because that is what YOU requested. An abandoned golf course is unacceptable. An 18 hole golf course is not sustainable. Help us work on a plan that takes our community from good to great.

Learn more about this plan and let us know what you think. Go to TheParkAtClubWest.com

BUSINESS

Business 32

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

New ramen diner’s passion: Make ‘em happy BY LEE SHAPPELL AFN Guest Writer

t’s a Friday evening just before 6, and already the line to pick up takeout orders is out the door of the small stripcenter spot. The sign of the restaurant’s predecessor isn’t even down yet. A temporary banner with the name of Ahwatukee’s hottest new restaurant, Origami Ramen Bar, is hung beneath it. The mom-and-pop shop has been open only a couple of weeks, but clearly it has been discovered. At this pace, owner Yusuke Kuroda’s plan to hire staff will be accelerated. He and his wife, Amakiko, work the kitchen, and on this bustling evening they’re sprinting to stay within a half-hour of the demand. Grand opening was Aug. 11 in the space at 4810 E. Ray Road on the northeastern

LEFT: Yusuke Kuroda, 36, a native of Osaka, Japan, who has been a chef his entire career. (Origami Ramen Bar) ABOVE: The new Origami Ramen Bar serves ramen dishes, hand rolls and rice bowls. (Origami Ramen Bar) RIGHT: The new Origami Ramen Bar, 4810 E Ray Road, has replaced UD Thai, an outstanding mom-and-pop restaurant that closed. (Lee Shappell/ Special for AFN)

corner of 48th Street. It previously was occupied by UD Thai, an outstanding momand-pop that closed. That’s an ominous history in ominous times for small businesses, but Kuroda,

36, is lacking neither experience nor con�idence. “People have a lot of sadness, a lot of disaster in the economy right now,” he said. “I feel I should do something for the peo-

Ohio transplants feel at home with their wellness center BY ANDREW HAYES AFN Guest Writer

ete and Barbara Purdom were so passionate about weight loss and how it impacted the community, they wanted to help others. So, in April 2019, Bodiac Sculpting opened its doors. Weight management had been a struggle for Barbara and she just wanted to make an impact in other lives who fought this battle daily. Pete and Barbara both became certi�ied lifestyle weight management coaches and trained/certi�ied technicians for body sculpting. The �irst week they were so nervous and were literally fearful if they would even have interested clients, but by month two, they needed bigger space.

People were really coming to the medspa for help and support. Sometimes that support transcended from just a mere physical change. As clients obtained results, they were seeing their self-esteem and personal happiness heighten as well. It is so rewarding to partner with clients and the Ahwatukee community, who are really doing their best to make healthier choices and be so motivated by their own success. That is how Bodiac Sculpting a Wellness Center & Medspa started in the heart of Ahwatukee. The husband-wife team came to Arizona from Ohio in August 2018 with a dream that they may be able to operate their own wellness center at some point. Leaving Ohio was a dif�icult choice. They have four children and three

ple. The only thing I can do is cook. “That’s my passion. I want to give people great food and make people happier with

�� RAMEN �� 33

grandchildren who are all thriving, married and have fantastic careers. The question was “How do you make such a major change at this stage of your life?” As a family, they are incredibly bonded. Plus, the Purdoms literally knew no one in Arizona. In addition to family values, they both had thriving careers – Pete as a Realtor and Barbara in executive leadership. However, a change was de�initely in order and it turned out to be more a great blessing. They said they found Arizona was so refreshing in atmosphere and culture. They both knew that it was time to step away from corporate roles and they continued their normal business Pete and Barbara Purdom opened their Bodiac Sculpting in Ahwatu-

�� BODIAC �� 34

kee last year with a ribbon cutting sponsored by the Ahwatukee Chamber of Commerce. (Ahwatukee Chamber)

SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

3 ways to become a millionaire BY DR. HAROLD WONG AFN Guest Writer

any Americans say they want to be a millionaire but it’s just a dream for most. Credit-Suisse reports that in 2020 there were 18.6 million individuals (representing 11.8 million households) that had a net worth of at least $1 million or more. This is 3 percent of the U.S. population. According to Investopedia and Thomas Stanley, author of “The Millionaire Next Door” series, 80 percent of all millionaires are �irst generation, self-made millionaires. According to Spectrum, the average age of a millionaire is 62 and about 38 percent are over 65. Research by Thomas Stanley shows that there are three ways to become a millionaire. High income. The �irst is to earn such a high income that even if one doesn’t save, one is worth at least $1 million. There are many cases of very highly-paid athletes or entertainers, whether it be Mike Tyson the boxer, or Willie Nelson the country

RAMEN �� 32

great food, give them a smile. Nobody knows what’s going to happen tomorrow, so I should do it right now in the right way. That’s why I opened the restaurant.” Kuroda grew up in Osaka, Japan. By age 6, he was learning to cook from his grandmother. He earned a culinary arts degree from Tsuji Culinary Institute and at 19 began working in Kyoto in his �irst Kaiseki restaurant, one that prepares traditional multi-course Japanese dinners. “I always wanted to come to America and share my food,” he said. He landed in Charleston, South Carolina. Soon, he was invited to join the staff of the prestigious Nobu in Beverly Hills, California “It was pretty amazing,” he said, but it wasn’t his dream.

singer, who went broke. In 1990, Willie Nelson �iled bankruptcy because he owed $16 million to the IRS. If they lose their money, they will live a very meager lifestyle. However, if they are able to keep their house and it’s free and clear, they can still have a net worth of $5 million or more because they live in expensive homes. However, you can’t pay your bills with house equity. Small business. The second path to becoming a millionaire is to start a small business. This is what many immigrants have done in the past, especially when normal employment options were closed off by discrimination. In New York City, there was historic discrimination against the Irish, Italians, Asians, Puerto Ricans, Jews and every new immigrant group. Many in these groups started small businesses and became millionaires. Even without the typically high incomes of doctors, dentists and highly-paid of�icers of major companies, they prospered with a very tough formula. Start a small business; work 10-16 hours per day, six to seven days per week,

“My mission is to deliver Japanese culture, especially Japanese food culture, to the countryside, he said. “In Los Angeles and New York and the big cities, there is a lot of Japanese food. Out in the countryside away from the big cities, they don’t have that.” He acknowledges that Ahwatukee, which he had been scouting for 18 months, now is more urban than the country atmosphere that de�ined it in the 1970s and 1980s. But it has retained its small-town vibe, being tucked behind the mountains and separated from mainstream Phoenix. His is not the only ramen house in the village, but he explains that what makes his different is preparing the food with chicken broth rather than the pork broth used at most others. “So, our ramen is a little different,” Kuroda said. “Chicken broth gives it a rich, creamy �lavor. American people are used to chicken broth. They use it in many things.

for decades; and live like poor immigrants. I know of Asian immigrants who never netted more than $75,000 pro�it in their small business, but died with $2 million because of their high savings rate. Often, both spouses worked full-time in the business and the kids helped out, such as at the corner grocery or convenience store. Example: Net pro�it from the small business is $75,000, but the owner saves 40 percent or $30,000 annually. If he can average a 6 percent annual return for 30 years, that becomes a $2,514,050. In addition, the family home would be free and clear and they could sell the business. However, this formula will not work for most Americans, who want weekends off; an 8-hour work day; and spend almost all their income. According to an August 6, 2020 article by Jennifer Rudden in Statista.com, the 2019 personal savings rate in America was 7.6 percent of disposable (after-tax) income, compared to 11 percent in 1960. The third way. The third way to becoming a millionaire is to invest in real estate. There’s a famous quote by Andrew Carn-

It is very familiar to American people.” Origami Ramen Bar currently is open only for dinner takeout orders, which can be placed at origamiramenbar.com Tuesdays through Sundays, 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. As the COVID-19 pandemic eases, he plans to open for in-house dinners. Eventually he hopes to expand hours to include lunch. The ramen menu includes the Origami Classic, with house-made, ultra-rich, creamy sea-salt chicken broth with curly noodles, topped with house-made pork belly cha-shu, egg, green onion, �lavored oil and black pepper. A variation is Origami Spicy, with �lavored chili oil and black pepper. Others are J Style, Cha-Shu Men, Spicy Tan-Tan, and Creamy Vegan. Origami also serves hand rolls and rice bowls. Kuroda’s favorites on the hand roll menu

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egie, founder of U.S. Steel and one of the original Robber Barons in U.S. economic history: “Ninety percent of all millionaires became so through owning real estate. More money has been made in real estate than in all industrial investments combined. The wise young man or wage earner of today invests his money in real estate.” There are many real estate formulas, whether it be single family homes, apartment buildings, or hotels. All require skill as there can also be great risk. Conclusion: America is a country that offers economic freedom. If your goal is to become a millionaire, your vision and hard work give you the opportunity. Free information on retirement planning, solar business investments, and tax savings can be found at drharoldwong. com or solarbusinessinvestments.com. RSVP by contacting Dr. Harold Wong at 480-706-0177 or harold_wong@hotmail.com. Harold Wong earned his Ph.D. in Economics at University of California/ Berkeley and has appeared on over 400 TV/radio programs.

are Baked Crab, with spicy crab topped with green onion, and Unagi, with Japanese barbecued eel. Others include ChaShu, Sweet Corn Mayo, California, Spicy Tuna, Salmon-Avocado, Philly, Karaage, Ebi-Ten and Vegetable. Among the rice bowls are Cha-Shu Don, prepared Japanese donburi-style with house-made cha-shu and onion-topped sesame seed with white rice; Karaage Don, with crispy fried chicken; Ebi-Ten Don, with shrimp tempura, and Sweet Miso Pork Don, with ground pork. “I hope to �ind spots in the countryside in other states and open more restaurants and spread Japanese culture with Japanese food,” Kuroda said. “I put everything into my food -- myself, my experience. “Most of all, my goal is to keep this restaurant open for 50 years. When I’m 80 or 90, for it to still be open spreading Japanese food culture is my dream.”

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

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Grandparents Day a good time to consider these steps BY JOSEPH ORTIZ AFN Guest Writer

ach year, on the �irst Sunday after Labor Day, we observe National Grandparents Day. Although it’s not as widely recognized as Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, if you’re a grandparent, you probably want to do whatever you can to help your grandchildren on their journeys through life. So, you might want to consider the following moves: Contribute to their education. If you want to help your grandchildren pay for college, you have a variety of options, including 529 plans. You could also simply set aside some money in an investment account earmarked for education. But you don’t just have to stick to helping out �inancially – you might also want to do some research to see what scholarships are available.

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Consider a UGMA/UTMA account. The Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) and Uniform Transfer to Minors Act (UTMA) are custodial accounts that provide a relatively easy way for you to give money to your young grandchildren. A �inancial advisor can help determine if such a plan is right for you. However, once you put money into the UGMA or UTMA, you no longer have any legal access or authority over the funds unless you are the custodian managing the account. After children reach the age of majority – typically 18 or 21 – or the age of termination if the state where they live allows for the assets to be held until a later age, they will control the assets, and they may not want to use the money as you had envisioned, such as for college. (Also, tax issues for custodial accounts can be complicated, so, before opening an UGMA or UTMA, you’ll want to consult with your tax advisor.) Consider gifts to older grandchil-

dren. If you have older grandchildren, you might want to help them out if they’re saving for a down payment on a home, or are between jobs, or perhaps are even having children of their own. You can give $15,000 per year, per individual, without having to �ile a gift tax return. Your spouse can also give $15,000 per year to the same individual, again without triggering the need for a gift tax return. Review your will. If you’ve already created your last will and testament, you may want to review it upon the arrival of grandchildren. You can include speci�ic instructions, such as requiring your grandchildren to turn a speci�ic age before they can receive their inheritance. You could also codify the same requirements through the use of a living trust. Contact your legal advisor to determine if such a trust is appropriate for your situation. Update bene�iciary designations. If

you want your grandchildren to receive proceeds from various accounts, such as your 401(k), IRA and life insurance, you may need to update the bene�iciary designations, which can even supersede the instructions on your will. Keep in mind that if you have grandchildren with special needs, you may want to designate a supplemental needs trust for your grandchild as the bene�iciary instead of naming your grandchild directly. Again, contact your legal advisor for more information. These aren’t the only steps you can take to help your grandchildren, but they should give you some options to consider. The world is an expensive place, and any assistance you can provide to your beloved grandkids can make a big difference in their lives. Ahwatukee resident Joseph Ortiz is a �inancial advisor for Edward Jones. Information: 480-753-7664 or Joseph. Ortiz@edwardjones.com.

BODIAC �� 32

components that they may not know about that can show them personal genetic diet traits and how this impacts their weight loss, what they can metabolize and what they cannot and which exercises actually bring the strongest results in their weight loss journey. Consultations for anything we do is always free. Pete and Barbara also work hard to give back to their community in different ways. They offer monthly give-a-ways of free services to give back to those who have had a major setback during COVID-19. All year long veterans always receive an additional 10 percent discount as Pete is a former Marine and wants to continue to show his appreciation to his military brothers and sisters. They provide community service such as volunteering in their local church, they have collected donations for Treasures 4 Teachers, and even have hosted events for children such as Halloween Trick or Treat at their wellness center and medspa. They found their niche in Ahwatukee. They found family as well inside the community. There is absolutely no better place in the world.

The community is welcoming and supporting with stunning views of South Mountain. The only thing that will make this adventure even better is when they �inally convince their kids to move to Ahwatukee. In the meantime, their staff is their second family. Their team wants to build a strong bond in the community and hope locals come in and see what Bodiac Sculpting can do for them. Information: bodiacsculpting.com, 480-770-6271

routines even when they �irst arrived. The Purdoms were so invigorated and energized in Arizona and they got their hands on a decade worth of research, which sealed the deal. In August 2019, they founded their new business address in the Ahwatukee Palms Shopping center on 48th & Warner. By January 2020 not only were they a full-�ledged wellness center, but they had also expanded into a medspa. It has been an exciting journey, with some de�inite highs and lows in 2020. But they are still here, still blessed and still busy. Today, Bodiac Sculpting offers full fat/ cellulite reduction non-invasive procedures with the latest technological advancements. It also offers non-invasive face rejuvenation uplifts, massage and many aesthetician services such as medical grade chemical peels, advanced facials with high frequency and galvanic technology, and really much more. In addition, they offer DNA weight loss kits that provide clients with the genetic

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Desert Vista golfers ace start of season BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

fter a summer full of uncertainty away from teammates, two Desert Vista golfers started off the 2020 season with back-to-back holes in one.. During the Thunder’s �irst match of the season Aug. 25 at Arizona Country Club, sophomore Ross Koscis and junior Cody Besetti both hit a hole-in-one to �inish their rounds. It was the �irst hole-in-one for both golfers. “You just don’t see things like that in sports, at all,” Desert Vista golf coach Matt Russo said. “It was amazing. I’m just glad I was able to share that moment with both of them.” Both golfers hit the memorable shot on the ninth hole at Arizona Country Club, a 156-yard, par-3. Both used an 8-iron. The shots came at Arcadia’s home course, which played host to the Thunder, Mountain Pointe and Saguaro. Desert Vista �inished third overall with a score of 153. Arcadia won the match, while Saguaro placed second. However, the end results had a little less meaning after Koscis and Besetti’s near once-in-a-lifetime shots. “You know, in a shortened season every match is important,” Russo said. “But in retrospect, yeah, it probably didn’t outweigh what they were able to accomplish.” Koscis said he didn’t realize the ball had gone in until Russo had seen it. At the time, he was walking up to the green wondering where his ball had gone. Koscis recalled Russo holding up his arms in celebration. Of course, he didn’t believe it at �irst. “I really was just hoping to get a good shot in,” Koscis said. “There was one guy I was talking to who said he had never hit a shot like that, and he had been playing that course for years. I just couldn’t believe it.” Besetti then arrived at the ninth hole with the next group of golfers. He himself

Desert Vista sophomore golfer Ross Kocsis hit his first-ever hole-in-one on the final hole at Arizona Country Club, a par-3, 156-yarder. (Photo courtesy Matt Russo)

the path of the ball, in the back of my head I just thought, ‘oh my gosh, this has a chance,’” Bisetti said. “I don’t know if it had some sidespin or it was just the break of the green, but it rolled into the cup. “I don’t really remember too much of what I did after I hit it, I was just so caught up in

didn’t believe what Koscis had done until the moment.” Koscis was unaware Besetti had just hit Russo con�irmed the hole-in-one. From there, Besetti said Russo gave him a hole-in-one on the same hole until after he �inished his round. In fact, he didn’t a bit of a challenge. “I checked the scores after I got off the even hear it from his teammates or Ruslast hole and saw Ross’ score was three so. The news was shared by a member of less than it previously was,” Besetti said. an opposing team who had been in Be“I clicked and saw the one. I didn’t believe it at �irst then I asked coach and he told me Ross got the hole-inone. “Before I went up to hit my shot, coach said, ‘show me what you can do.’” Besetti lined up, swung and watched as the ball bounced and rolled on a near perfect line toward the cup. Desert Vista junior golfer Cody Besetti, in the group behind Kocsis, also hit a hole-in-one “Once I saw on the same hole with the same club, an 8-iron. (Photo courtesy Matt Russo)

setti’s group. “He came up to me and was like, ‘hey, did you know your teammate just hit a hole-in-one, too?’” Koscis said. “I was just in disbelief when he said that. It’s such a cool thing.” The two shots were the �irst for the Desert Vista golf program in its competitive history. Both Koscis and Bisetti called it a bonding moment. As a whole, the Thunder program has long been one of the best in the state under Russo, who joined the program as the girls coach in 2012 and remained for three years until he began to coach the boys. In 2016, he led the boys to the Division I state title. Since that magical, turnaround year in 2016, the boys have been perennial contenders, �inishing at or near the top of the rankings in the state golf tournament. Normally, golf can �ly a bit under the radar compared to other sports, especially when taking into consideration it is widely an individual game. But this year, with the staggered start to fall sports due to the coronavirus pandemic, golf had the attention of most being the �irst sport to begin its season. With eight returning golfers from last year’s team, Russo said the expectations are a bit higher than usual. All in all, they aim to continue to take strides both as individuals and as a team as the season progresses toward the state tournament. “Golf is an individual sport, but our guys have made it into a team sport,” Russo said. “They have really embraced the bonding aspect. It’s a ‘my bogie is our bogie,’ sort of thing. They have really come together in a short amount of time.” Desert Vista played Brophy on Thursday, Aug. 27 and against both Cactus Shadows and Red Mountain on Tuesday, Sept. 1. The Thunder’s next match will take place Friday, Sept. 4 at the 2020 Antigua High School Golf Invitational at the Cattail Course at the Whirlwind Golf Club at Wildhorse Pass in Chandler.

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Wild Horse Pass unveils major tower project Laveen. “This expansion is a major investment in the Gila River ila River Hotels & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass has broken ground on Indian Community and syma $143-million expansion project bolic of a new chapter in our in Chandler – a move that a spokesper- history,” said Gila River Hoson said “aligns with the enterprise’s tels & Casinos CEO Kenneth Manuel. rapid growth in Arizona.” “It re�lects our commitment Scheduled to open in fall 2021, an 11-story hotel tower will be added to to be a leader in the gamWild Horse Pass and connect to its existing and hospitality industry through enhanced experiencing hotel. The 150-foot tower will feature 205 es and amenities, and we look guestrooms for a total of 447 guestrooms forward to seeing the continued representation of our on the property. Other highlights include rooftop dining community’s culture in the with spectacular views, two pools, a new expansion project,” he said. Sundt Construction Project lounge and additional meeting space. Executive Mike Nunn said he Sundt Construction, Inc., TynanGroup and Friedmutter Group are partnering and his team are “inspired to The new tower of the existing Gila River Hotels & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass, (Courtesy of Gila River Hotels & Casinos) on the project – the �irst expansion proj- build the Wild Horse Pass exect for Gila River’s Wild Horse Pass prop- pansion.” expansion will continue to provide a long is the new 11-story hotel tower. “Working with Gila River Indian Com- lasting and positive impact to the Comerty since it opened in 2009. The new 205 guestrooms will include It is owned by the Gila River Indian munity reminds us of our passion of munity, and Sundt is honored to be an 103 rooms with king beds, 63 rooms Community (GRIC) who also operate quality, integrity and community sup- integral part of the project team.” with two queen beds, six poolside suites Lone Butte in Chandler and Vee Quiva in port,” said Nunn. “When completed, the The project management and 27 tower suites. �irm of the expansion, TynanIn addition, the new tower will have Group, has managed the con- four Gold Suites and two 1,500-squarestruction of hotel and casino foot Platinum Suites with king beds, dinprojects for the Gila River ing rooms and a balcony with views of Indian Community dating to the Estrella mountains. 1999 and was also involved In addition to the existing with the initial construction of 12,000-square-feet of conference space Gila River Hotels & Casinos - at Wild Horse Pass, the expansion will Wild Horse Pass. feature an additional 18,000-squareLas Vegas based Friedmut- feet of indoor meeting space and 4,000 ter Group, which is known for square feet of outdoor meeting space. its iconic hotel and casino deThe second �loor of the new tower will signs, is the project architect boast an intimate bar and lounge while and has worked with the Gila the 11th �loor provide a rooftop dining River Indian Community for option with mountain and sunset views. the past 10 years on renovaThe project will also feature new ametion and expansion projects nities at Wild Horse Pass, including an for all of its existing casinos oversized oasis pool area for guests to and hotel properties. soak in the sun. At the center of the Wild The pool area will feature two hot tubs, Horse Pass expansion project The existing hotel, will have numerous amenities like an adult pool on the top floor. (Courtesy of Gila River Hotels & Casinos)

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full-service cabanas and access to the Bar & Grill with a full-service menu yearround. Open to those 21 years or older, the pool provides direct access from six select suites. The expansion will be adorned with custom artwork from 17 different artists who reside in the Gila River Indian Community. From paintings to photographs, the art will re�lect the culture of Arizona and the Gila River In-

dian Community. The casino �loor will be revamped with new carpeting, color palette, lighting �ixtures and a LED screen overhanging the �loor stretching 80 feet wide and 12 feet tall. For information about Gila River Hotels & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass, Lone Butte or Vee Quiva, please visit PlayatGila. com/expansion. 

The existing hotel, will have a stunning lobby as well as numerous amenities. (Courtesy of Gila River Hotels & Casinos)

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Born April 1, 1920, passed away on July 23, 2020 having celebrated her 100th birthday. She is predeceased by her parents Oscar and Marie Nelson, and her husband of 62 years, George, a WW II veteran. She is survived by her children; Glenn (Nancy) of Laurel, Maryland, Craig (Cathy) of Mt. Vernon Illinois, Geary (Gail) of Marine, Minnesota, and Gayle of Phoenix. June has 8 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. A private service of interment was held at the Mountain View Lutheran Church columbarium in Ahwatukee. June and George enjoyed their retirement in the Ahwatukee area since moving there from Wheaton, Illinois in 1981. The family thanks June’s many friends, including past and present neighbors, the Ahwatuckee Recreation Center and its Entertainers group, church members and the friends with whom she loved playing bridge.

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(Min. $1,000 job. Valid 5/1–8/1/20.)

Concrete & Masonry

Block Fence * Gates

Contractors

BEFORE AFTER

If It’s Broken, We Can Fix It!

Lowest Prices * 30 Yrs Exp Serving Entire Valley

• Long track record of satisfied customers, — check out our 5-star Google and Yelp reviews

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

• Same Day Service • On-Site Repairs • Servicing All Major Brands • Quality Guaranteed

We Also Buy, Sell & Trade Used Appliances Working or Not

480-659-1400 Licensed & Insured

DESERT ROCK

CONCRETE & MASONRY BLOCKWALL CONCRETE RETAINING WALL BLOCK FENCE PLANTER BBQ

FOUNDATION DRIVEWAY SIDEWALK PATIO

PAVER • CONCRETE REMOVAL • HARDSCAPE BONDED & INSURED • ROC#321648 SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! FREE ESTIMATES • 16 YEARS EXPERIENCE RESIDENTIAL CALL JOHN: 480.797.2985 COMMERCIAL

• We avoid being within 6 feet of another person. • Never in any other area of your home! • We will clean the area each day before leaving. • If any employee is sick, they will not come to work and be in your home.

• 25 Years of Flooring Experience

• Friendly, professional and reliable installers with attention to detail

Appliance Repairs

Appliance Repair Now

Our dedicated team follows & observes safe practices with this protocol:

• Tile selection and creative design assistance

602-989-8255 | floors4youaz.com

ROC #296456 & ROC #297719 “Licensed-Bonded -Insured”

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Call us to place your ad online!

480-898-6465

CLASSIFIEDS

SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Doors

Garage/Doors

OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE SERVICING & INSTALLING GARAGE DOORS AND OPERATORS

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE East Valley/ Ahwatukee

OPEN 24/7

Broken Springs Replaced

• SERVING ALL OF METRO PHOENIX • HONEST AND REPUTABLE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

ANOZIRA DOOR SYSTEMS

Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610

Not a licensed contractor

Home Improvement

Handyman

REMODEL CONTRACTOR

MALDONADO

Plans / Additions, Patios New Doors, Windows Lowest Price in Town! R. Child Lic#216115, Class BO3 Bonded-Insured-Ref's

480-215-3373

Electrical Services

Irrigation

HOME REPAIR SERVICES

CALL DOUG

480.201.5013

THE HANDYMAN THAT HANDLES SMALL JOBS THAT OTHERS DECLINE

• Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service

NTY

5-YEAR WARRA

✔ Painting ✔ Gate Restoration ✔ Lighting ✔ Plumbing Repairs ✔ Replace Cracked ✔ Sheetrock Roof Tiles Texturing Repairs ✔ & MUCH MORE!

480.654.5600 azirrigation.com

Ahwatukee Resident, References Available, Insured

Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

*Not A Licensed Contractor

Drywall LLC

JOSE DOMINGUEZ DRYWALL & PAINTING House Painting, Drywall, Intall Doors, Baseboards, Crown Molding Reliable, Dependable, Honest! QUICK RESPONSE TO YOUR CALL! 15 Years Experience • Free Estimates

Residential Electrician

Call Sean Haley 602-574-3354 ROC#277978 • Licensed/Bonded/Insured

480.266.4589

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

★ Room Additions ★ Water Damage ★ Popcorn Removal ★ Residential/Commercial ★ Interior/Exterior Painting

• Electrical Repair • Plumbing Repair • Dry rot and termite damage repair

SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

All Estimates are Free • Call:

520.508.1420

Garage/Doors

Licensed, Bonded &• Insured • ROC#317949 Painting Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Ask me about FREE water testing! Decks • Tile • More!

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Marks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical “No Job Too ✔Small Flooring Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Man!” Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Electrical Decks • Tile • More! Quality Work Since 1999 Decks •Affo Tile • More! rdable, ✔ Plumbing 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 ✔ Drywall Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor “No Job ✔ Carpentry Same Day Service Too Small Marks the Spot for“No Job Too ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks Painting • Flooring • Electrical Repair/Install All Major Brands Small Man!” “No Job Too Man!” ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry

FOOTHILLS GARAGE DOOR

Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More! ✔ Kitchens 9 199 ce Sin rk Affordable, Quality Wo ✔ Bathrooms BSMALLMAN@Q.COM 2010, 2011 9 199 ce rk Sin 2012, “No 2013, Job Too Affordable, Quality Wo And More! 2010, 2011 Small Man!” 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

• FREE ESTIMATES • Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 2012, 2013, 2014 References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor Ahwatukee / References Call Ahwatukee BruceResident/ at 602.670.7038 480-893-8091 Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Work

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor Bruce at 602.670.7038

Ahwatukee Resident • Dependable & Honest

ROC#126694

ROC# 262737

Repairs • Modifications • Installs

GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES

Call for Our Monthly Special Discount

★ Ahwatukee Resident ★ Call 480-200-0043

Sprinkler & Drip Systems

www.husbands2go.com Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs!

josedominguez0224@gmail.com Not a licensed contractor.

• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations

Bonded/Insured

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

• 20 Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty

480.345.1800 ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •

• Panel Changes and Repairs • Installation of Ceiling Fans • Switches/Outlets • Home Remodel

ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932 Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured

Handyman

Jaden Sydney Associates.com Visit our website! Landlord and Homeowner Property Services

Repairs • Drywall • Painting • BINSR Items Trash Removal • HOA Compliance

AND so much more!

Ahwatukee Resident

480.335.4180 Not a licensed contractor.

Home Improvement Landscape/Maintenance

Home Remodeling • BASE BOARDS • DRYWALL • ELECTRICAL • PAINTING • PLUMBING • BATHROOMS • WOOD FLOORING • FRAMING WALLS • FREE ESTIMATES • GRANITE FABRICATION & INSTALLATION • CARPET INSTALLATION • LANDSCAPING

No Job Too Small! Senior Discounts!

David Hernandez (602) 802 3600

Arizona Specialty Landscape NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

Electrical Services

daveshomerepair@yahoo.com • Se Habla Español

New & Re-Do Design and Installation Affordable | Paver Specialists All phases of landscape installation. Plants, cacti, sod, sprinklers, granite, concrete, brick, Kool-deck, lighting and more!

Free Estimates 7 Days a Week! ROC# 186443 • BONDED

480.844.9765

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

Landscape/Maintenance Juan Hernandez

Juan Hernandez

Drip/Install/Repair & Tune ups!

TRIMMING

SPRINKLER Not a licensed contractor

25 years exp. Call Now (480) 720-3840

TREE

Landscape/Maintenance

WANT A GREEN LAWN?

I could help you have your palm trees and other trees trimmed by giving you a reasonable and better price than the others.

480-940-8196 theplugman.com

FREE ORGANIC LAWN FERTILIZATION TREATMENT WITH CORE AERATION FERTILIZATION * SOIL AMENDMENTS * LAWN SOIL TESTING

ROC 282663 * BONDED * INSURED YOUR LAWN EXPERT SINCE 1995

Not a Licensed Contractor

480-217-0407

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

Not a licensed contractor

Ahw. Res - 30 yrs Exp Free Estimates. Call Pat (480) 343-0562

Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control Starting @ $60/Month!

Specializing in Controllers, Valves, Sprinklers, Landscape Lighting, P.V.C. & Poly Drip Systems

Repairs - Installs - Modifications

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

$25 per visit.

Install/Design We do it all!

Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

SPRINKLER DOCTOR Timers/Valves/Sprinklers DRIP-PVC-COPPER Backflows & Regulators

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Interior, Exterior House Painting. Stucco Patching. Gate/Front Door Refinishing. Quality work/Materials Free Estimate Ignacio 480-961-5093 602-571-9015 ROC #189850 Bond/Ins'd

Foothills Touch Landscapes LLC Lawn care/Maint.

• One Month Free Service

Call Lance White

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

High Quality Results

Not a licensed contractor.

Call for a FREE consultation and Estimate To learn more about us, view our photo gallery at: ShadeTreeLandscapes.com

480-730-1074

Bonded/Insured/Licensed • ROC #225923

Lawn Mowing Starts At $40 Full Service Starts At $70

480-586-8445

East Valley PAINTERS Add a Background Color to Your Ad! Classifieds 480-898-6465 Painting

INC.

Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior

• High Quality Materials & Workmanship • Customer Satisfaction Free Est imates • Countless References • Carpentry Services Now Available Visit us at Suntechpaintingaz.com or view our video promo at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM5pbvpZJlg

480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Like us on Facebook to stay current & Receive 5% Off Services

(480)785-6323

SUN TECH

SH ALL YOU NEED IS A PU

• Interior & Exterior

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

PAINTING

Is your lawn ready for the holidays? Call for a clean up.

• Epoxy Floors & Concrete Coatings

www.AcpPaintingllc.com

15 Yrs Exp! All English Speaking Crew

480-745-5230

• Best Painters EVER!

Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242

SONORAN LAWN

Residential • Commercial

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

602.515.2767

Specials

Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years! Family Owned & Operated

ACP is 100% Veteran Owned

Not a licensed contractor.

Custom Built-ins, BBQs, Firepits, Fireplaces, Water Features, Re-Designing Pools, Masonry, Lighting, Tile, Flagstone, Pavers, Culture Stone & Travertine, Synthetic Turf, Sprinkler/Drip, Irrigation Systems, Clean ups & Hauling

The Valley’s Premier Painters

• Call or Text for a Free Quote

Jose Martinez

Custom Design and Renovation turning old to new

Not a licensed contractor

“Professional, Punctual & Clean”

Complete Clean Ups

Landscape Design/Installation

The Possibilities are Endless

Jose Dominguez Painting & Drywall SEE OUR AD IN DRYWALL! Quick Response to your Call! 15 Years Exp 480-266-4589

• Licensed, Bonded Insured for your protection.

TRIM TREES ALL TYPES GRAVEL - PAVERS SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

25 years Experience & Insured

Serving the Valley for over 28 years

Painting

Landscape/Maintenance

Irrigation Repair & New Installation Yard Clean-ups • Storm Damage • Palm & Tree Trimming Tree Removal • Landscape Lighting Installation & Repair Landscape Design

Responsible • 100% Guaranteed Ask for Ramon

Painting

Starting as low as

25 Years exp (480) 720-3840

RAMON LANDSCAPING SERVICES

Landscape/ Maintenance

602.625.0599 ROC #155380 Family Owned • Free Estimates

Voted #1 Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting

10% OFF

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality Free Estimates! Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com Family Owned & Operated Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

Now Accepting all major credit cards

CLASSIFIEDS

SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Painting PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Interior, Exterior House Painting. Stucco Patching. Gate/Front Door Refinishing. Quality work/Materials Free Estimate Ignacio 480-961-5093 602-571-9015 ROC #189850 Bond/Ins'd

Plumbing

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL $

Off 40work done *Any

CASH OUT!

Pool Service / Repair

$25 OFF

Filter Cleaning! Monthly Service & Repairs Available

602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5

www.barefootpoolman.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH!

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

ROC#309706

Beat Any Price By 10% • Lifetime Warranty Water Heaters Installed - $799 Unclog Drains - $49 FREE RO UNIT w/Any WATER SOFTENER INSTALL NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 Months!! ‘A’ RATED PLUMBING REPAIR Free Estimates • Same Day Service

See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

Crops of Luv

"My dream is that one day we will be able to give every "wish" child a scrapbook to remind them that dreams do come true." Jody, co-founder, Ahwatukee based non-profit

Come Join us: Help make embellishments, organize or assist with events, scrapbook, donate your time, money or space. Teens who need to fill Community Service hours for High School are welcome! Come be apart of something Awesome!

Pool Service / Repair

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

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

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

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

Cropsofluv.com 480.634.7763

Roofing

cropsofluv@cox.net

1st Month of Service FREE

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

For a limited time

Call Now!

and every step of the way.

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

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

Call me, Howard:

480.231.9651

AZPoolExpert.com BBB Member “We get your house looking top notch!” ★ Interior/Exterior Painting ★ Drywall Repair & Installation ★ Popcorn Ceiling Removal

★ Elastomaric Roof Coating ★ Epoxy Floors

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

Not a licensed contractor.

480-446-7663

480-405-7099 ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

★ Small Job Specialist

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

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

Scott Mewborn, Owner 480-818-1789 License #ROC 298736

Plumbing

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

Plumbing

PLUMBING $35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

We Repair or Install ROC # 272721

SERVICE • REPAIR • REPLACEMENT

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.5422

(480)

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

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

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

Roofing

TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS

602-938-7575 $ 1000 OFF

Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

10% OFF COMPLETE UNDERLAYMENT Commercial & Residential Family Owned & Operated

480-446-7663 with this ad

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

10% Discount for Ahwatukee Residents 100% NO Leak Guarantee Re-Roof & Roofing Repairs Tile, Shingles & Flat Roof Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

Call for your FREE Roof Evaluation

Valley Wide Service

10% OFF MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com

inexroofing.com

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING

FREE ESTIMATES 602-736-3019

when you show this ad

Serving The Valley Since 1996

Over 30 Years of Experience Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers!

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

on qualifying complete roof replacements

Let us show you the IN-EX Difference!

Roofing

Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

ROC #152111

Your leaks stop here! New Roofs, Repairs, Coatings, Flat Roof, Hot Mopping & Patching & Total Rubber Roof Systems

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

FREE ESTIMATES & MONSOON SPECIALS

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs Complimentary & Honest Estimates

Call our office today!

480-460-7602

30 Years Experience References Available

Ask us about our discount for all Military and First Responders!

Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 286561

www.porterroofinginc.com

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

MISSED THE DEADLINE?

480-898-6465

Senior & Military Discounts

480-280-0390 Roof Leaking?

Licensed • Bonded • Insured ROC # 269218

Call us to place your ad online!

SAME DAY SERVICE

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@timespublications.com

Call a Plumber in the Classifieds!

SHARE WITH THE WORLD!

Place a Birth, Anniversary, Wedding Announcement, In Memoriam, Obituary or any life event in this paper today! Call us for details.

class@timespublications.com or call 480-898-6465

CLASSIFIEDS

SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

palmabrisa.com

NOW SELLING

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

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

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

ERIC WILLIAMS

480-641-1800

TERRY LENTS

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

LABOR DAY IT’S OUR BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR … WE’D RATHER SELL IT THAN COUNT IT! NOW IS THE TIME TO GET TO SPENCERS ... YOU NEED A DEAL, WE NEED TO MOVE IT OUT OF OUR WAREHOUSE. EVERY MANUFACTURER HAS LOWERED PRICES!! ASK ABOUT OUR EXCLUSIVE REBATES. GET TO SPENCERS TODAY!!

MONTHS NO INTEREST**

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√ BEST SELECTION √ BEST SERVICE OVER THE RANGE MICROWAVE

G R E AT DEAL! FPBM307NTF CLOSEOUT

12 MONTHS NO INTEREST**

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

18 CU. FT. REFRIGERATOR

• 2 Adjustable Glass Shelves • Fixed Gallon Door Shelves • Sealed Drawers with Glass Cover

449 499 UN58TU7000

GRM183TW

RANGE

4.5 CU. FT. WASHER

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

7.5 CU. FT. DRYER

• 2.1 Cu. Ft. • 400 CFM • 2 LED Lights • Power Sense™ Cooking Technology

REFRIGERATOR

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

599

199

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

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

LSE4611ST

OVER THE RANGE MICROWAVE

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

LFXS26973S

EACH **

*Pedestals not included.

DISHWASHER

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

• QuietPower™ Motor • 14-Level Wash System • Heated Dry Option • Hot Start option • Deluxe Silverware Basket GSD2100NBB

299 4149

BUYS ALL 4 PIECES

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

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

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

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