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Wednesday, October 21, 2020

.3 LD 18 ISSUES

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THUNDER V-BALL

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FESTIVAL MAN

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Million White Lights prospects brighten BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

P. 38 | S P O RT S

ity of Phoenix inspectors this week could bring a little early Christmas cheer to Ahwatukee by deciding let there be lights. For more than a year, the Festival of Lights – one of Ahwatukee’s most popular Christmas season traditions – has been in jeopardy because city inspectors have demanded expensive repairs to the wiring and other infrastructure that power the festive display. They threatened to withhold permits unless the Festival of Lights Committee completes repairs to power boxes and other apparatus in the medians of Chandler Boulevard between Desert Foothills Parkway and 24th Street.

But Festival of Lights Committee President Raphael Isaac – who has been working with the city to resolve the issue – said the Phoenix Planning and Development Department now might let the lights shine as long as the repairs are done next year. Isaac and other members of the all-volunteer committee of local business owners were to meet with inspectors later this week for a final walk-through along Chandler Boulevard. But Isaac told AFN he’s hoping that meeting will end happily so the display can go on for the 25th consecutive year. “We’re very optimistic,” Isaac said. “The city has verbally told us that we can light the islands using last year’s infrastructure.” But the display is not out of the woods by a

Scare package Climate, city bills push tiny HOA to the brink

long shot. Even if it goes on as scheduled beginning Thanksgiving Week through New Year’s Day, the future of the display will hinge considerably on the generosity of Ahwatukee businesses and residents. Ironically, while the pandemic shattered the two big events – popular community traditions in their own right – that help pay for the display, it apparently softened the city’s insistence that the infrastructure repairs be completed before the lights go on. Social distancing guidelines largely provoked the cancellation of both this year’s adults-only Beer Wine and Culinary Festival

see LIGHTS page 4

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

hen he thinks about climate change, Craig Sullivan isn’t necessarily thinking about melting glaciers and rising sea levels. For Sullivan and the other residents of the 68 units that comprise the tiny Ahwatukee homeowners’ sub-association called RD-1, “climate change is banging on our doors.” In fact, the front and back doors at RD-1, one of the 16 age-restricted subdivisions among the 56 communities that comprise the sprawling

see LAWN page 19

Henry Ibarra has spent 18 years scaring up some Halloween thrills outside his Ahwatukee home and he’s getting ready for Year 19. Read about his tradition on Page 23. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Writer)

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2021-22 Enrollment Begins January 12 www.kyrene.org/discover #discoverkyrene

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

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

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

PUBLISHER Steve T. Strickbine

VICE PRESIDENT Michael Hiatt

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

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

Classified:

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

Circulation Director:

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

NEWS STAFF Executive Editor:

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

GetOut Editor:

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

Sports Editor:

Zach Alvira 480-898-5630, zalvira@timespublications.com

Designer: Ruth Carlton - rcarlton@timespublications.com

Production Coordinator:

Courtney Oldham 480-898-5617 production@timespublications.com

Reporters:

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

WRITE A LETTER

To submit a letter, please include your full name. Our policy is not to run anonymous letters. Please keep the length to 300 words. Letters will be run on a space-available basis. Please send your contributions to pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com.

EDITORIAL CONTENT

The Ahwatukee Foothills News expresses its opinion. Opinions expressed in guest commentaries, perspectives, cartoons or letters to the editor are those of the author.

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The content and claims of any advertisement are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. The Ahwatukee Foothills News assumes no responsibility for the claims or content of any advertisement.

Kyrene board seeking internal Vesely successor

50 YEARS OF TRUSTWORTHY SERVICE!

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

he outgoing Kyrene Governing Board hopes to hire an internal replacement for Superintendent Dr. Jan Vesely, who is retiring at the end of December. The board last JAN VESELY week outlined its process for selecting her replacement, stating that it was leaving open the possibility of an external search if its review of internal candidates failed to produce a satisfactory replacement. The announcement means that even though two current board members – President Michael Myrick and John King – are leaving the board, the four of five candidates for three open seats will not have any say in deciding the district’s next top executive. Board member and Tempe Union High School District administrator Michelle Fahy is seeking reelection in the race, which also includes four other educators – Ivan Alfaro, Wanda Kolomyjec, Triné Nelson and Margaret Wright. Since Fahy joined her four board colleagues in signing the announcement of the selection process, The Arizonan asked the four other candidates for their reaction to the board’s intentions on picking Vesely’s replacement. Before the board last week laid out its timeline, Kolomyjec said, stating: “The current board has the institutional knowledge to know more accurately what the school district needs in a new superintendent. However, the make-up of the new board is changing significantly with possibly three new sitting members. “It is a hard call,” she said. “I wonder if the answer might be in a compromise. Perhaps the current board narrows the field of choices to two or three candidates and the new board chooses which one they think is best. That would seem to take advantage of the best of both worlds: institutional knowledge, but also agency by the new board to choose a partner who they think will best serve in the leadership position.” After the board released its timeline Oct. 13, Kolomyjec added, “I am trying to understand the decision. I reviewed the last two board meeting archives to see if the reason was discussed. I couldn’t find it. Not being part of the board nor part of the decision-making and having access to the reasons, it is hard for me to comment or be critical of their decision. “My inclination is that it makes sense to let the new

see VESELY page 6

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

LIGHTS from page 1

and the family-friendly Festival of Lights Kick-Off Party. But the pandemic’s impact on global supply chains also has made it impossible for the FOL Committee’s contractor to undertake the Chandler Boulevard repairs until January. “Basically, we had two estimates to do the repairs,” Isaac explained. “One of them was incredibly high and the second one – which was the contractor we had wanted to go with all along – came in at a very reasonable price. “He’s looking at around $50,000 to do the work but because of COVID and the short supply of materials, he cannot start until January.” Isaac said he’s been working the last few weeks with city inspectors and that “the city has been very understanding.” He said inspectors likely will point out some relatively minor repairs that must be addressed immediately but is optimistic that Christmas Lights Decorators, which sets up the display, will be able to start hanging the lights up within a matter of days. This year that task will be a little different – and the lights display ultimately will be different as well. Isaac said he’s already been getting calls from people concerned about the saguaros that the lights hang on because the Valley’s long dry spell have left many cactuses brittle and prone to falling. He’s seen three down on Chandler Boulevard. “A lot of them are dying. A lot of them have fallen over,” he said. “We’ve reached out to an arborist to give us an opinion. We don’t want to damage the saguaros.” He said Christmas Lights Decorators owner Doug Topham “does an amazing job and is very careful in wrapping them. But if we determine that there are one, two or however many saguaros that maybe are not healthy enough, then we are going to skip lighting those and just let them be for the year.” While “the lights are LED and they don’t give off any heat,” Isaac said he and the FOL Committee want to make sure no saguaros are damaged by the stress of wrap-

t o Gews? N

The FOL Committee includes, from left, Carlene Wehrli, Deb Hoover, Jeffri-Lynn Campbell, Raﬁ Isaac, Dawn Matesi and Janine Moeller. (AFN File photo)

ping and unwrapping lights around them. Saguaros aren’t the FOL Committee’s

only concern. Indeed, the biggest right now is money.

Aaron Moeller, left, and FOL Committee President Raphael Isaac stand with the yard sign that donors of $200 or more can pick up from the Postnet on Ray Road near Kohls. (Courtesy Raphael Isaac)

Isaac said the loss of the Kick-Off Party and Beer Wine & Culinary Festival put a major dent in the committee’s treasury, particularly with the cost of the upcoming repairs. He said the committee is grateful to the Foothills and Club West HOAs, which traditionally donate a combined $75,000 annually to pay for the electricity and lights set up, but that the display – particularly with the impending repairs – costs a lot more. “The lights are going to cost somewhere around a $120,000 to $130,000,” Isaac said. “Then we’re looking at potentially another $50,000 for the repairs. We still have our agreements with the HOAs, so that brings in about $75,000 but obviously we’re still well short.” And that’s where the Ahwatukee community can help. So far, people and businesses have donated a total $13,000 – and Isaac is hoping more will open their hearts and their wallets at folaz.org to kick in to help. “The response has been overwhelmingly very positive,” Phillips said. “People want the lights to stay on and they understand what we’ve all been up against this year with COVID-19 and people have been stepping up. That’s been wonderful to see.” The wine pull – a popular attraction at beer-wine festivals of the past – will be offered the committee’s website. For $25, people can “spin” a prize wheel and win a bottle of wine that will be worth at least that much and likely more. Additionally, the FOL Committee is offering sponsorship sweeteners – like a yard sign identifying donors of $200 or more. Sponsors who pony up $1,500 to $2,000 will get their name on a large ornament that will hang on a median in Chandler Boulevard. And any donation, no matter how large or small, will be recognized in scrolling recognition on the FOL Committee’s website as well as in ads the committee will run in January in AFN, Isaac said. “I think everybody needs this this holiday season,” said Isaac, who hopes the community agrees that one way to celebrate it is with the Million White Lights.

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

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

VESELY from page 3

board – which will have at least two of five new board members and possibly three – have the final say. Perhaps it is simply a timing issue. I will say the board did a great job last time in hiring a quality person like Dr. Vesely. Therefore, I have hope and confidence they will do a good job again.” Wright said, “I do not have any issues with the Kyrene board moving forward If you owe more than with the superintendent search. I think they are very qualified to do so as they $10,000 incredit card have worked together the last four years or other debt, see how to guide Kyrene.” Kyrene is not the only board facing a National Debt Relief possible membership change that is picking a superintendent before the election. can resolve your debt In Higley Unified, Superintendent Dr. for a fraction of what Mike Thomason announced his retirement in July and the board within three you owe. weeks approved a three-year contact naming his assistant superintendent, Dr. Call today: Dawn Foley, as his replacement. The board said it is choosing an internal search first because “that will provide the most our community.” uxury Vfor ~ Lstability inyl ~ rea Rugs“The A Coun m onset of the COVID-19 pandemic ACCREDITED tert Custo ~ s BUSINESS r e has had significant implications o e ~ Wood ~ Laminate ~ Show psin both the short uand long term for the district gs ~ Luxury

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budget outlook, as well as enrollment,” it said in a joint statement. “Staff, students and parents have weathered rapid changes in teaching and learning as a result of the pandemic, and the board is concerned with introducing new leadership at this critical juncture that could result in additional change.” It also said leadership consistency was a goal, stating it wants “someone with the skills, characteristics and knowledge that would adapt well to the unique culture of the Kyrene district and community.” “The Board is extremely proud of the work being done in each of our 26 schools, the progress on the Strategic Plan 2022 and the momentum of our equity initiatives. The next superintendent should ensure that work continues.” Stating it believes “there are individuals within the Kyrene system who possess the skills required to fill this position; individuals who are familiar with the Kyrene vision, mission, culture and community,

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the board also set a timetable that begins with a community survey and ends with a goal of hiring someone two days before Thanksgiving.” The board said “community engagement and transparency are critical components” of its process, and created a special page on the district website to update parents and others on its progress at kyrene.org/Page/53792. Its timeline calls for forums with employees Oct. 20-21 and an application deadline Oct. 25. The board hopes to pick finalists by Nov. 6 and interview candidates Nov. 10 in a session closed to the public. In the survey, people are asked to indicate what’s important to them in terms of district leadership, community relations, management of district operations, management style, experience and skills. Vesely has been superintendent since mid-2016 and announced her retirement earlier this month.

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

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

Freeway interchange, path delayed again AFN NEWS STAFF

he Arizona Department of Transportation has again delayed the opening the 32nd Street Interchange and the multi-use path along the South Mountain Freeway. And just because the new opening date is Oct. 30 doesn’t mean ADOT is playing trick or treat. “Previously we projected Monday, Oct. 19, as the opening date for both areas,” ADOT spokesman Tom Herrmann said. “Because of unanticipated delays, both are now scheduled to open Friday, Oct. 30. As always, schedules are subject to change because of unforeseen situations.” Until the shared-use path and interchange are open, both areas are active construction zones, he said, adding, “For everyone’s safety, no one should use the shared-use path at this time.” But it might be just as well that the path remains closed. A leader of the cycling community who has been working with ADOT said the agency still must address a number of issues

going to be a bigger attraction than we even expected.” Struttman has raised a number of issues like adequate signage, the timing of signals for path pedestrian The multipurpose path along the freeway’s southern edge, left, likely will become a big attracand cycling tion when it ﬁnally opens. (Tom Sanﬁlippo/Inside Out Aerial) traffic as it along the 6-mile path that impact the safety crosses 32nd Street, a dropoff as steep as of bikers and pedestrians who will use it. four inches from the path’s surface to the Those issues are important, said cyclist adjacent berm, reports of water pooling Joe Struttmann, because of the interest on the path’s surface near 32nd Street and people already have shown in the path. the need for more signage around a barWhile ADOT wants people to stay off it, rier near 17th Avenue to ensure cyclists Struttmann said many cyclists have been don’t accidentally wind up on a freeway taking an early spin and that “I think it’s exit ramp.

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“It has now been over seven weeks since we have heard from your team acknowledging our inquires, or been provided a status of the path elements that remain to be finalized or installed,” Struttmann wrote ADOT Senior Engineer Robert Samour last week. “The revised opening date of 10/30 is rapidly approaching, so we are requesting an updated status to avoid any additional safety issues or surprises for the users, due to any misunderstandings.” Although ADOT has not replied, Struttmann and other cyclists have been working for months with the agency to address construction details along the multipurpose path. That and the 32nd Street Interchange are the remaining pieces of the $1.7 billion freeway, which opened in December and connects the Chandler and 59th Avenue interchanges of I-10. The 6-mile multiuse path is open to nonmotorized vehicles and pedestrians and is likely to quickly become a mecca for cy-

see FREEWAY page 12

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ow that Tempe Union High School District is equipping every student with a laptop, parents are being billed $30 annually for a new Laptop Protection Program to cover much of the cost of replacing or repairing them. The Governing Board last week approved the program, which reduces the parent’s cost significantly if a laptop breaks. The board in June approved spending $2 million to equip every incoming freshman with a laptop that they will use as long as they are enrolled in a district school. They keep those laptops until they graduate or leave the district. “Laptops are checked out to students for daily classroom and homework purposes, much like textbooks, and are expected to be returned to the district at the end of the school year in good working condition,” the administration said in a memo to the board. “Parents and students will be required to complete and sign a Technology User Agreement, which acknowledges expectations and financial responsibility,” it continued, though it indicated the protection program is voluntary. If parents don’t want the protection program, they could pay dearly if something goes wrong. For example, replacing the entire machine would cost $525 instead of the $200 it would cost if they’ve purchased the district’s insurance. If the motherboard goes on the fritz, parents would pay only $20 if they’re insured – or fork out $210 if they’re not. If the screen cracks, they’d also pay $20 – not the $130 it would cost without the protection plan. “We want our students to have some ownership in the game and accountability

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clists across the Valley. For years, bicyclists across the Valley flocked to Pecos Road, which was considered a premiere training facility where they could cruise up and down hills while reaching speeds of up to 40 mph. The path is accessible at each freeway cross street, including 40th, 32nd and

with a device that we are literally giving to them,” Superintendent Dr. Kevin Mendivil explained, likening the protection plan to insurance that Best Buy customers can buy for devices bought there. But Mendivil also said the district would create a student resource fund that would help students whose families can’t afford the insurance. “I don’t want to have any of our students being a position where they can’t afford even the nominal fees that in the event something happens,” he said. “We are committed as a district to have a student resource fund, if you will, to help offset when families are struggling and they don’t have the resources to pay if something wrong.” He also said the district understands that devices aren’t perfect and that they can break down through no fault of the student. Mendivil also was asked about the district’s recovery of laptops that were loaned to students when campuses were closed last spring and had to be returned in late May. “We were able to retrieve a large majority of our devices back, especially from our returning students,” he said, adding that it was a little more difficult with students who graduated or didn’t return this year. He said the district IT department and high school administrators are “still struggling to get those back,” adding that as many as 600 to 700 laptops were never returned but that those efforts have whittled the number of missing laptops “down to a couple of hundred – I think even less than 200 now.” The district is able to track the devices so that if they are not returned at the end of the year, officials can track down who hasn’t brought them back. 24th streets, Desert Foothills Parkway and 17th Avenue. Struttmann hopes ADOT addresses some of his concerns before the end of the month, but added there are longer term issues that also will need to be resolved. “The facility is coming up pretty nicely overall,” he said, “but, yeah, there are definitely safety concerns.”

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

Extreme heat could be with us for years BY DANYA GAINOR Cronkite News

rizona will experience more days of extreme heat in the coming decade, according to an Arizona State University study. But researchers are looking for ways to mitigate a hotter, drier climate. The study, “The Motley Drivers Of Heat And Cold Exposure In 21st Century U.S. Cities,” is one of the first looks at human exposure to extreme temperatures, examining three factors that haven’t previously been considered together: data on population growth, greenhouse gas emissions and temperature changes caused by human development. Researchers at ASU’s School of Geographical Sciences & Urban Planning ran decade-length climate simulations “to quantify potential changes in populationweighted heat and cold exposure” in metropolitan regions. Phoenix and other fast-growing Sunbelt cities will see the “largest relative changes

Ally

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assistant research professor at the School of Geographical Sciences & Urban Planning who co-authored the study. “We need a localto-regional scale of information to try to quantify the different agents (variables), these different agents are responsible for impacting climate Ahwatukee resident Craig Sullivan used U.S. Weather Service data to put together change,” said Matei Georgescu, a cothis chart on temperatures in Arizona between June 1 and Sept. 30 over time. (Courtesy of Craig Sullivan) author of the study and associate director of the ASU school. in population heat exposure,” according to Every city has its definition of extreme the paper. heat – in Phoenix, it’s 112 degrees. Ac“It was all about trying to understand cording to Austin Jamison, a meteorologist how these three major factors combined and interact to determine better how at the National Weather Service in Phoehumans will experience climate change nix, August and July were the two hottest in the future,” said Ashley Broadbent, an months recorded in Phoenix since official

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record keeping began in 1896. September 2020 tied with September 2010 as the third hottest September on record in Phoenix, he said. “The way the weather pattern played out this summer,” Jamison said, “we have a lack of clouds and humidity, which would otherwise reduce the amount of solar energy to bake the ground. And there were less thunderstorms around that normally help cool the air as well. These patterns could very well happen each year.” Based on data provided by the Climate Prediction Center, Jamison also predicts this winter will be warmer than usual in Arizona. “If you look at the predicted forecast for these next few months, we expect a 50 percent likelihood that temperatures will be above normal,” he said. “We are looking at a possibility of below-average precipitation, too.” The team is focused on the smallerscale impacts of their research. “If we are discussing extreme heat,” Georgescu said, “what we are really very

see HEAT page 19

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orrisome trends about an increase in COVID-19 cases in Arizona were noted by a prominent Valley health expert and an organization that tracks cases in the state’s 15 counties. Joshua LaBaer, executive director of Arizona State University’s Biodesign Institute, said last week the rise in COVID-19 numbers in recent weeks is reminiscent of early summer conditions that preceded a spike in cases and rollback of measures to reopen businesses. “This is a moment to sort of stop and take measure and think hard about: What can we do to prevent this?” he said. Meanwhile, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation predicted an escalating increase in deaths beginning next month if the state imposes no new restrictions and said the effective “reproduction rate’’ of the virus in Arizona is at 1.14, its highest point since early June. Data for Ahwatukee’s three ZIP codes posted by the county health department on Oct. 15 showed an abrupt shift, particularly in 85045. Two weeks ago, all three benchmarks for 85045 were in the category signifying minimal virus spread. But last week, cases per 100,000 people jumped from 0 the previous week to 61.27. On the other hand, that metric for Ahwatukee’s other two ZIP codes dropped a bit – from 50.17 to 44.6 in 85048 and from 40.89 to 33.68 in 85044 in health department postings from Oct. 8 to Oct. 15. The data are 12 days old when they are posted.. The other two benchmarks for all three ZIP codes – positive new test results and the percentage of hospital visits with COVID-19 symptoms – remained well within the minimal virus spread category. Arizona dropped into negative numbers in June after Gov. Doug Ducey reimposed some of the restrictions he had allowed to expire the month before, but he has already said he would not impose new restrictions if the numbers should spike. The state Department of Health Services is reporting an upswing in the past month

in the number of patients in intensivecare units of Arizona hospitals who have with COVID-like symptoms. And the outlook unless something changes is not good. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation projects that the number of daily deaths, which has been on a declining trend since the beginning of August, is likely to start rising again by the end of the month based on current projections. But IHME contends that could be sharply tempered if the state were to impose a universal requirement for people to wear masks. By Christmas, for example, the report says Arizona will have an average of more than 31 deaths a day using current practices. But a statewide requirement for everyone to wear a mask, it says, would cut that to fewer than 15. Gubernatorial press aide Patrick Ptak said no one should be alarmed by the figures. “We’ve been clear that as schools resume and businesses begin operations again, we should expect a rise in cases,’’ he said, noting other states are seeing a resurgence of the virus. Steve Elliott, spokesman for the Department of Health Services, acknowledged that the “dashboard’’ of issues his agency monitors, things like cases, deaths and hospital admissions, “has shown an uptick in statewide cases in recent weeks.’’ “It serves as an important reminder that COVID-19 remains active in communities,’’ Elliott said. “And that this is no time to let our guard down.’’ Ptak said the Ducey administration sees no reason for restrictions. He said Arizona is in a much better situation now, with businesses like restaurants that were allowed to reopen now operating at reduced capacity and customers required to wear face masks. Ptak said large gatherings remain prohibited, though that does not apply to political rallies. And the governor himself has said repeatedly he won’t reimpose any restrictions even if the infection rate goes up.

see COVID page 17

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation put together this fever chart showing the trend of COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began in Arizona in March and plotted three possible scenarios for the coronavirus over the next six months. (Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation)

COVID from page 16

“Arizona’s economy is open, Arizona’s educational institutions are open, Arizona’s tourism institutions are open,’’ he said three weeks ago. “The expectation is they are going to remain open.’’ As to that rising reproductive rate for the virus, commonly referred to as “Rnaught,’’ Elliott said his agency does monitor that statistic. But the decisions being made by the health department are not tied to it, saying that the modeling used by Rt Live is “sensitive to days with high reports of cases or low lab numbers’’ and “may not provide the full picture when comparing to all data.’’ “Our response will be based on an uptick in the metrics on our dashboard,’’ Elliott said, which measures things like new cases, daily deaths and hospital admissions. But how important those reproduction rate numbers are to the Ducey administration appears to be based on whether they tell the story the governor and his staff want to convey. On Sept. 1, for example, Ptak tweeted

Geowts? N

out “BREAKING: Arizona’s r-naught has dropped to being the lowest in the nation again at 0.81.’’ Now Arizona has the tenth highest reproductive rate in the country. The change in Ducey’s staff publicizing the rising rate did not escape Will Humble, the executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association. He said the governor wants to use those numbers for PR purposes only when they are low. “And then it’s like CIA data when it’s 1.2,’’ said Humble, a former state health director. Humble said health officials also need to look at things like the percent of tests coming back positive, hospitalizations and even the number of visits to emergency rooms of people with COVID-like symptoms. He said monitoring hospital capacity, as does the health department, simply “shows you where you are.’’ “But the Rt can forecast what might be happening in terms of hospitalizations in the coming days and weeks,’’ Humble said. LaBaer foresees “a path headed toward exponential growth.”

“The tricky thing about exponential growth is that it doesn’t look like it’s growing very fast at first,” he said. “The numbers day over day don’t look like they’re big changes. But then all of a sudden, it really can take off. And so I am concerned.” As of Oct. 1, no county in the state remained in the “substantial” transmission category, meaning restaurants, movie theaters, gyms and other businesses could begin reopening. “The choices Arizonans have made in the interest of public health have gotten us to this milestone,” Dr. Cara Christ, director of the state health department, said at the time. But there must be a balance between public policy and personal responsibility, LaBaer said, urging anyone in a public-facing job or who interacts with new people to get tested on a regular basis. “We’re still not testing enough,” he said. “People are just not showing up.” LaBaer noted that things might only get worse with Halloween weeks away, followed by Thanksgiving and the December holidays of Christmas, Hanukkah and

Kwanzaa. He advises parents to proceed with caution if they plan to allow their children to trick or treat. He recommends wearing masks that cover nose and mouth, avoiding big groups of people and wiping off candy wrappers before the kiddos dig in. Traditional trick-or-treating and indoor parties have been designated as high-risk activities by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. LaBaer said upcoming holiday parties should be kept small and restricted to immediate family, noting that larger gatherings have been found to be COVID-19 “super-spreaders.” If events can’t be kept small, he recommends mask-wearing, social distancing and testing before the event to ensure safety. “We have to really be thoughtful about gatherings of people,” LaBaer said. “It’s just not good right now to bring a lot of people together, and if people are coming together, they really need to be wearing masks and maintaining distancing.” Capitol Media Services and Cronkite News contributed to this report.

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HEAT from page 15

interested in is not the extreme temperature itself, but the extreme impact it will have on humans.” Maricopa County recorded 197 heat-related deaths in 2019, compared with 182 the previous year. The public’s vulnerability to climate change must be addressed “on multiple levels,” Broadbent said, “mainly through infrastructure, but also through some of

LAWN from page 1

Ahwatukee Board of Management master HOA. Located along Cheyenne Drive just off 51st Street, lush grass yards and common areas make RD-1 a stand-out in an area dominated by concrete and desert. And those grassy areas, as well as the trees, have put Sullivan, the vice president of the tiny HOA’s board of directors, and his neighbors in a nearly losing battle with Mother Nature. The unusually hot and dry summer – combined with an antiquated irrigation system and rising city water rates – threaten to doom the nearly 6 acres of grass that make RD-1 such an inviting place to live. Watering that grass is the association’s expense, paid out of its annual budget of about $155,000. But last month, the board told residents they’d have to use their own water to feed their back and front yards because the HOA is getting closer to going broke. The news unsettled some RD-1 homeowners who physically can’t maneuver a hose because they use walkers or wheelchairs. To help them out, more abled neighbors are pitching in. Other neighbors are conscious of the dire straits confronting their community and have already been watering not only their yards but nearby trees, which also are showing the stress of a period between June 1 and Sept. 30 that saw only an inch of rain, 37 days of temperatures over 110 degrees and another 14 days that topped 115 degrees. Add to that back-to-back annual increases of 6 percent in city water rates and a steadily aging irrigation system that keeps springing leaks and the RD-1 HOA board is feeling strapped. “The two biggest issues that are killing us is the water and the irrigation repair,” said Sullivan, who has lived in RD-1 for

the measures that will help protect vulnerable people from heat. We have quite a lot of projected population growth for the Phoenix metropolitan region, so that really compounds another potential problem to heat deaths.” The increasing heat over the next few years will not affect Arizona residents equally, and Phoenix has projects in place to prepare for this, said Ariane Middel, a senior scientist at the Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation at ASU.

“It’s important for the city to identify disparities and make a plan to reduce heat exposure. And they have,” she said To help battle the increasing heat in Phoenix, the Phoenix Street Transportation Department this year chose sections of eight neighborhoods and one city park for a pilot project that involves painting pavement with a lighter color than asphalt. Cool pavement, reflects sunlight rather than absorbs the heat. Over the past 10 years, Phoenix has also

been planting more trees and building shade structures as part of its Tree and Shade Master Plan to achieve an average of 25 percent shade coverage for the entire city. Middel said, “If you do plant trees or do these interventions, to do them where people are. It’s not just good enough to increase the tree canopy cover in the Valley. “It’s important to plant those trees where people actually stand at the bus stop, or where people walk so that they’re directly getting the benefits from the shade.”

Grassy yards and common areas, together with mature trees give RD-1 a parklike feel, but this summer’s brutal heat, which Craig Sullivan charted out in the illustration on the left, threaten to take a toll as the HOA deals with a rickety irrigation system and high city water bills. (Special to AFN)

four years. Sullivan said the crisis hit a peak as summer neared an end. From June to August, the water bills “were the highest we’ve ever had and I’ve got records going back to 2013.” “When it got to September, we’re looking at the bills and saying ‘We can’t continue like this; we have to do something.’” Initially, the board decided to water the lawns only two days a week, Sullivan said, but “the bills are just outrageous. We budgeted $60,000 for water this year and I’m projecting we’ll be closer to $85,000 by the end of the year.” Then there’s the irrigation system, a cheap network of thin-walled PVC pipe that the original developer nearly 50 years ago buried no more than an inch or two below the surface. It breaks frequently, spewing more water than needed and demanding an increasing number of costly repairs. Between 2013 and 2019, the board has spent between $11,740 and $19,467 on repairs annually. This year, it projects it will be the most expensive at just over $21,000. “We’ve done our best to Band-Aid,” Sul-

livan said, “by repairing those irrigation leaks knowing full well that at some point in time, we’re going to have to go in and just redo the whole irrigation system.” “You can’t Band-Aid the problem so long but you know, we were hoping that we would have some time to do this, maybe a couple of years,” he explained, adding: “We had put together a committee of homeowners called Long Range Planning Committee to take a look at what we want to do in terms of our community, what we want it to look like and what kind of irrigation system do we need to install so that we can match what we want to have.” Hounded by the seemingly unending heat and arid months, the HOA’s back is against the wall. “We’re trying to come up with solutions that will get us through this year and then take a look at what we need to do next year,” Sullivan said. He explained that replacing the irrigation system “is a can that’s been kicked down the road for the last 20 years but we can’t kick the can anymore. We’ve got to do something but it’s going to require homeowner approval.” In the meantime, Sullivan worries that

RD-1 will lose its special character. “I had a homeowner several years ago telling me that when he bought his home, his Realtor said, ‘You live in a park’ and we do. We have these nice big tall trees around us. We have all this nice green grass and it is a park-like setting and we don’t want to lose that.” Homeowners are doing what they can to help neighbors who can’t handle a hose. “People are stepping up,” Sullivan said. They also rose to the occasion when the board expressed concern for the survival of 17 trees the board planted in May to replace dead ones that had been torn down over many years. “We’re trying to keep our community still green or keep it as green as we can,” he said. “Fortunately, we’re getting into cooler weather. The grass is starting to go into dormancy and we don’t seed in the winter. But we still have got to do some watering.” As for the future, he’s concerned – especially since the board might have to sell homeowners on a plan that could require an increase in their $220-a-month HOA fee. “It’s a beautiful community,” Sullivan said, “and we don’t want to lose it.”

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Haunting Ahwatukee for 18 years and counting BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

ong-time Ahwatukee resident Henry Ibarra is on a one-man quest to keep the happy in Halloween. This Oct. 31 marks the 19th year Ibarra has transformed the family home into a much-anticipated Halloween haunted house event. In years past, his wife Melissa and daughters Bianca and Mia have hosted a Halloween haunted house in their elaborately staged two-car garage at 4641 East Frye Road. This year, due to COVID-19, the parameters have changed but not even a pandemic can keep Ibarra from making sure local families and their children can celebrate Oct. 31 with spooky fun. “I’m not building a haunted house inside my garage this year; I’m doing a sociallydistanced outdoor haunted house,” said

so people can see it from the sidewalk, or driving by,” explained Ibarra, adding that the full moon will add to the evening’s ambience. T y p i c a l l y, Ibarra would take a week off work to put together his haunted That scary figure looming behind Henry Ibarra is just one of his many creations he’ll be house, but thrilling passersby with at his home at 4641 E. Frye Road, Ahwatukee. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff with the nePhotographer) cessitated Ibarra, an employee with Phoenix-based change of venue, Ibarra has scheduled two weeks. Avnet where’s he worked for 32 years. “I’m going to get creative so I took two “I am setting up all my props outside

weeks off,” he confessed. Presenting his annual Halloween haunted house has its roots in his childhood growing up in Phoenix. “As a child, I always loved Halloween with all the spooky stuff. I’m the youngest of eight kids, and as children, my parents couldn’t afford to take us all to a haunted house where they charged,” he reminisced. “Now as an adult, I like to think I’m bringing the haunted house to the community for free for families to enjoy.” The Ibarra family started presenting their Halloween Haunted House when they lived on E. Dry Creek Road in Ahwatukee and continued the tradition upon moving to Maricopa. When they returned to Ahwatukee at their Frye Road house, they once again offered it free of charge to the community. “The Haunted House is a little on the

For Ahwatukee pilot, the sky’s the limit BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

om Cruise ain’t got anything on Capt. Ryan Daniel Kunce, an Ahwatukee native and 2009 Desert Vista grad who recently was picked for one of the U.S. Air Force’s premier training spots. He’s getting ready for a six-month Weapons Instructor Course that will begin in January at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada – the same course depicted in Cruise’s iconic movie, “Top Gun,” though in real life it’s twice as long as the threemonth stint Cruise put in. “WIC is the premier course for USAF pilots to reach their maximum potential,” Kunce told AFN. “I have no doubt that I will receive the best training of my life. “I also have no doubt that I will have to work harder and put in more hours than I ever have before. I will have to work for

six days a week and will rarely work less than 12 hours a day – often more than 12.” Hard work is no stranger to the 29-yearold son of Michael and Karen Kunce of Ahwatukee, who currently is stationed in Alaska with his wife and high school sweetheart, Brittani Nichole. From Desert Vista, he enrolled in the Air Force Academy, motivated by several reasons. “The main reason is that I really wanted to become a pilot – more speci�ically, a �ighter pilot,” he explained. “There are multiple ways to become a pilot in the USAF. However, if someone graduates from the USAF Academy and is quali�ied to be a pilot, they have the best chance of getting a pilot slot compared to the other

�� AIR FORCE �� 26

Ahwatukee native and U.S. Air Force Capt. Ryan Daniel Kunce, with his wife and high school sweetheart Brittani Nichole, currently live in Alaska. (Special to AFN)

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

Consider a smart approach to teens/car safety BY DR. NORMA HUBELE AFN Guest Writer

f you have a teenager, you know how cooped up they’ve been at home this year. Now as schools begin to re-open, you can imagine how they might be tempted to fully enjoy their freedom behind the wheel. But as parents, we worry. When our kids go out, we hold our breath until they get home safely. And we’d do anything to make sure they don’t become a statistic – even sit them down and talk about car safety. National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 18-24. Even with everything we’ve been through this year, motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for teens. As a mother, I know how hard it is to get your kids’ attention. So let me suggest an

approach that they will grasp immediately because it involves their smart phone. Help them picture a shattered phone screen and then think about a shattered windshield of a car. One is an inconvenience. The other is a lifelong tragedy. Protection vs. personal responsibility Packaging engineers design systems that protect phones during shipping. That includes a box, a hard plastic shell that cradles the phone, and material that cushions its trip to the store. Once your teen buys the phone, most of them add a protective case. But even the best case won’t protect the phone 100 percent of the time. Teens also need to adopt responsible habits. They learn to keep their phones away from water, try not to drop it, and they de�initely keep it away from their siblings. On the road, their vehicle is the protective case. Many modern cars have crumple

zones that absorb and redistribute some of the force from a crash. Then there’s the passenger compartment that works to protect the occupants. But even if your teen’s vehicle comes with the most advanced safety features, statistics show that they’re still in danger. As a parent, you are not powerless. You can prepare your teen to spot risky situations – and to take responsible actions. Tips for teen drivers & passengers Statistics indicate that drivers die the most in crashes. So if your teen is driving, tell them not to be afraid to call you if they’ve been drinking or feel tired. You’d much rather rescue them at a party, than visit them in the hospital. And it’s �ine to have fun, but let’s keep our eyes on the road and our foot off the gas. As the driver, it’s their job to get their friends home safely. If they’re in the passenger seat, then

they can take responsible actions, too. If the driver is drinking, don’t get in the car. If he or she is distracted or speeding, get them to stop, leave the car, and call you for a pickup. If there’s no seat belt, get out of the car. Speed, distraction, alcohol, and driving older cars with fewer safety features all put your teen at risk. But they don’t have to become a statistic. Instead, talk with your teen about car safety and let’s keep the joy of newfound freedom going strong. Ahwatukee resident and Arizona State University engineering professor emeritus Norma Hubele is the inventor of TheAutoProfessor.com, a website that helps families make safer car choices. She is working on a book, “Car Safety: Where the Numbers Help and Where They Don’t.”

NBC streaming service honors Ahwatukee ranger BY CECILIA CHAN AFN Staff Writer

n Ahwatukee woman who is a Gilbert park ranger was honored for her work by Peacock, NBCUniversal’s new streaming service, and the network’s cast a long-running sitcom. Park ranger Supervisor Jody Becker’s duties include everything from inspecting playground equipment for safety to chasing down pet bunnies left to fend for themselves at Gilbert’s Riparian Preserve. And that service over 25 years won her kudos from Peacock’s Park and Rec stars and the National Recreation and Parks Association. The special celebration recognized the real-life Leslie Knopes and Ron Swansons, characters in the network TV sitcom “Parks and Recreation,” which ran on network TV from 2009-15 and continues to be streamed on Peacock. Becker and four other essential park workers around the country were each given a plaque and interviewed by Jim O’Heir, who portrayed Jerry Gergich, an employee of the Parks and Recreation Department in the �ictional town of Pawnee in Indiana. “I guess I am kind of mysti�ied to some degree,” Becker said. “I don’t think I did any-

“Parks & Rec” star Jim O’Heir, who played Jerry Gergich in the iconic sitcom, chatted on Peacock with Ahwatukee resident Jody Becker, a Gilbert parks ranger supervisor, after the network streaming service honored her work. (PeacockTV)

thing that special but on the other hand if you look at the fact my guys had just as much responsibilities as me in all of this, I am really proud of my people. I really wished they could have been directly included.” Though the Ahwatukee resident’s accomplishments are many, she is mainly credited with developing Gilbert’s park rangers. When Becker was hired in 1996, she replaced one of two non-uniformed caretakers assigned to help with maintenance duties at the town’s major parks, which at that time included Freestone, Crossroads District, the �irst phase of McQueen Park

and a handful of neighborhood parks. Today, there are eight uniformed rangers tasked with protecting and securing the town’s nine major parks and 14 neighborhood parks and their amenities. Despite several new parks coming on line, including the 272-acre regional park, Butler’s favorite remains Freestone near Lindsay and Guadalupe roads. That’s where she started her career. “The others were, ‘oh, a woman working at night, aren’t you scared,’” Butler recalled being asked at the time. “Freestone was the worst, the hardest one to do and I

liked that because it was a challenge.” At the time, Freestone had no sprinklers at the softball �ields and so, at the beginning of her shift, Butler would have to water the grass by hand, lugging a heavy, water-�illed hose from one �ield to the next. Summers were the worst because the water would create an uncomfortable humidity as she stood there watering, according to Becker. Because the town used treated wastewater for the parks, she would work her entire shift covered in mud and smelling of ef�luent, she said. “It was great,” she said. “I loved it. It kind of reminded me about the old Army recruitment commercial, ‘We get more done before 6 a.m. than most people do all day.’ The work was kind of the same.” Becker, who is a certi�ied playground safety inspector, also oversees court-appointed community service and county crews, rescues and rehabilitates wildlife and work on graf�iti abatement. Becker was asked what she liked best about her job. “It’s hard to choose between getting to rescue and being in contact and close up to the wild critters out there,” she said.

�� PARKS �� 25

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OCTOBER 21, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

HALLOW �� 23

spooky side. Even when I had the haunted house inside, I would warn parents to cover the little ones’ eyes. It’s scary but it’s nothing too disturbing, nothing gory,” he said. Every year, Ibarra worked to add new and spooky images in his haunted house and was rewarded as the crowds continued to grow. When Halloween ended, Ibarra was already determining what he might add for the following year. Last year, he had exciting additions planned for Halloween for 2020. “I told myself, man, 2020 is going to be a great year and then this happens,” he said addressing the pandemic and subsequent shutdowns Crowds like the one in the lower left turn out regularly every Halloween for Henry Ibarra’s elaborate and new rules governing people and Halloween set-piece. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer) places. “But like with any type of their two daughters, Bianca, 21 and an Ari“He takes pride in what he does and he change, you have to adapt to it.” Even in his outdoor haunted house, zona State University student, and Mia, an works hard at it. Unfortunately, this year because of COVID, he’s displaying the Ibarra will be incorporating one creepy Akimel A-al Middle School seventh grader. Melissa Ibarra, who teaches at Mesa’s haunted house out on the lawn. He has prop he’s had for more than a decade. “The oldest prop I have is a handmade Carson Junior High School, said the family’s some props up now but on Saturday, Halcof�in that was made by a friend and Halloween tree is already lit and decorated loween night, he’ll have everything set up and ready.” given to me 11 years ago,” he said of the with her Halloween ornament collection. It’s part of a tradition the whole family, “I think people were concerned if there custom wooden burial piece perched on a was going to be much of Halloween bebier and propped open to reveal a glaring but especially her husband, enjoy. “Henry loves Halloween,” she said. “He cause they thought the state might not gargoyle, wig-bedecked skeleton or other loves to set up the haunted house every allow kids to trick-or-treat. Even then, I frightful character. Another annual treat for those coming by year, and it brings back childhood memo- thought, well, at least they can drive by and the Ibarra house is their Halloween tree – ries for him. When he was growing up he see the outdoor haunted house,” he said. “And it’s really a shame because Hallowa traditional Christmas tree in the Ibarra’s had a neighbor that would do the same picture window shining with untraditional and it made Henry excited and happy, so een falls on Saturday this year. Even when he says he wants to do the same for our Halloween was on a weekday, we’d have orange lights and Halloween ornaments. This component of Halloween is the prov- girls and kids in the neighborhood to make tons of people go through the haunted house,” he said. enance of his wife of 26 years, Melissa and it memorable and fun for them,” she said.

PARKS �� 24

Another big appeal of the job is no one day is the same, she added. “I might come to work and spend four to six hours on playground safety inspections and on the way from one to the next I may get a call to the Preserve to chase a pet (abandoned) there. You can’t leave them out there for coyote bait. “People turn their domesticated pets loose in the Preserve and don’t understand they are handing them a death sentence.” She’s rescued pet dogs, cats, bunnies, tortoises and iguanas from the Preserve and parks and turned them over to the appropriate rescue groups. One aspect of the job she doesn’t particularly relish is using her enforcement

powers when there are violations. “It’s not our favorite thing,” she said, adding rangers preferred to educate the public for voluntary compliance. Gilbert’s shut down of its park amenities in late March to stop the spread of the virus proved challenging for rangers. “Everybody wanted to get out and everybody wanted to go to the parks,” Becker said. “We had to keep explaining to them this is why you can’t be here right now; you can’t all be in a dugout for your own safety.” Becker also gives back to the community through a successful Junior Ranger program, she and her staff facilitate that educates 6- to 11-year-olds on the responsibilities of a park ranger. So far, 24 youths have completed the program. Becker said she didn’t learn of the TV

show until after its �irst season and soon became a fan. When it comes to the show character she most identi�ied with, Becker picked two – Amy Poehler’s Knope and Retta’s Donna Meagle. Meagle, the of�ice manager for the Pawnee Parks and Recreation Department, surprised people with things from her background like she served on a NASCAR pit crew and came in ninth in Italy’s Got Talent. “I sometimes surprise my colleagues when they discover things I did before coming here,” Becker said. “I was in the Army, I used to jump out of airplanes and I used to �ight �ires.” Knope is the main protagonist of the show and for most of its duration was the parks department’s deputy director.

The time and money spent creating the haunted house to share with the community annually isn’t because Ibarra doesn’t have plenty else to occupy his time and mind. Besides his Avnet career, he is an actor and currently starring in “Out West” as Clem Newton also starring Eric Roberts. Episode 2, �ilmed in Heber, Arizona, appears Oct. 24 on greatamericanwesterns. com. He has also acted in other movies. Busy schedule or not, pulling the plethora of boxes �illed with Halloween props out of storage every October is something Ibarra wouldn’t miss for anything – especially this year. “With so much trouble going on in the world, we have to put a little joy out there, and this is my way of doing that,” said Ibarra.

“Leslie is really passionate about what she does and that is why I may identify with her to a degree because people tell me, ‘you’re like a Leslie,’” Becker said. Becker said she was totally surprised by the award and didn’t realize she was even nominated for it. She has received other recognition for her work. She was Gilbert Employee of the Quarter in 2001 and the Gilbert MVP for Innovation in 2014. “Honestly, it’s not so much my own accomplishments but the thing I am most proud of is my team,” Becker told O’Heir during the interview. “A lot of the things I’ve been acknowledged for are things we, my entire team and I are responsible for.” To see the video: youtube.com/ watch?v=O9ppSPe8hxw&t=7471s

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AIR FORCE �� 23

commissioning sources.” Besides, he noted, “I also wanted to go to the USAF Academy because of the incredible education that is totally paid for. Not only is it paid for, but cadets are actually paid a small amount each month while they are enrolled. That amount is not much but all expenses are paid for while attending.” Because cadets are not allowed to marry, he had to wait until he graduated in 2013 to tie the knot with Brittani. She then accompanied Kunce to his �irst duty station at Columbus AFB in Mississippi, where he undertook pilot training for 13 months and then another twomonth training course in �ighter pilot fundamentals. After still more training, Kunce �inally got his �irst operational assignment, with the Hawaiian Raptors at Hickam AFB in Hawaii. He was there for three years until last year, when he and Brittani got a somewhat jolting move to Alaska, where Kunce was assigned to the Joint Base ElmendorfRichardson. His current job has two main responsibilities. First, he is an instructor for new F-22 pilots. Second, he is a �light commander in charge of eight other pilots. “I make sure that their training and quality of life are optimal,” he explained. The move to Alaska was more than a little jarring after three years in Hawaii. “Brittani and I both really loved living in Hawaii,” Kunce said. “That will always hold a special place in our heart. We actually moved to Alaska in September of last year,

TU Education Foundation slates ‘Par for Purpose’ golf tournament

The Tempe Union High Schools Education Foundation is seeking sponsors and players for its On Par for a Purpose golf tournament at 8 a.m. Nov. 19 at Arizona Grand Golf Course. Sponsorships range from $1,500 to $5,000 and the money supports the foundation’s mission of creating “a vision of an enhanced educational experience that broadens student achievement and promotes workplace success. The foundation supports innovative teacher projects, mentor and tutor programs, at-risk student summer school and special education programs. Last year, the tournament raised $40,000. All district golfers will play on teams representing a school in the district. The teams will be competing for a chance to win a $1,000 grant to their school. Organizers are

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

of being a �ighter pilot that powers Kunce’s current career. Flying for country is in his DNA. His father �lew an F15A – the Air Force’s premier airto-air �ighter plane that was a predecessor of the F-22 that Kunce �lies. His mother’s father was a tail gunner on the B-24 and �lew over 50 combat misCapt. Ryan Kunce refuels his F-22 fighter plane in mid-air in this dramatic photo. (Courtesy of sions in the Capt. Ryan Kunce) European which meant that winter and darkness Theater during WWII and his father’s fafollowed shortly thereafter. Negative tem- ther was a dentist in the Air Force. peratures and only �ive hours of sunlight is “My parents have had a huge impact on certainly dif�icult during the winter time.” me becoming a pilot and of�icer in the Air Fortunately, once the sun resumed its Force,” Kunce said. “They continue to be a fulltime tour of duty, things brightened up huge support to me today.” considerably. His dad separated from the Air Force in “This past summer was �illed with 1991 and has been a pilot for Southwest countless hours of daylight and chances Airlines since then. to explore the vast wilderness,” he said. But Kunce doesn’t know how long he “Alaska is also going to be a place we will himself will be with the Air Force. never forget.” Pilot training locks him into a minimum There’s more than just the glamour 10 years with the Air Force, so the earliest

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making arrangements to ensure all participants’ safety. Information: onparforapurpose.com.

‘Mommy and Me’ dance sessions are free at Studio 111 every Thursday

Dance Studio 111, 4910 E. Chandler Blvd., will hold a free “Mommy and Me” dance for mothers and toddlers up to age 30 months 9:30-10 a.m. Oct. 15. Dance instructor Carolyn Butters will provide a free lesson, which has been a stepping stone for many girls to a dance career. Moms must make a reservation by calling 480-706-6040 or email dancestudio111@dancestudio111.com. Studio 111 also has started regular classes for children ages 3-4 from 10-11 a.m. Thursday. This is not a free class and includes a half hour of tap and a half hour of ballet.

Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club very much around, always seeking members

The Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club hasn’t let the pandemic shut it down. Members meet online every week and have resumed speakers now that it’s fall. To ensure online security, people interested in the Kiwanis Club or attending a virtual meeting can contact President Mike Maloney at mike.maloney2003@ gmail.com.

Hospice of Valley preparing a session for grieving families on holidays

Hospice of the Valley’s New Song Center for Grieving Children will hold a free online discussion 6-7 p.m. Oct. 28, to help bereaved parents and caregivers deal with the challenges of the holiday season. “Families who are grieving the death of a loved one may find it even harder to cope during the holidays,”

he could separate is 2025. Not that he’s thinking of leaving for now. “Right now, I really like being an of�icer in the United States Air Force,” he said. “However, a lot can change in the course of �ive years so I will not really make that decision until the time comes.” For now, he’s preparing for his next training stint, which will qualify him for the rank of Chief of Weapons in the Combat Air Force – making him in charge of the training plan for the squadron and the chief instructor pilot for things like upgrades in the squadron. “My goal since I �irst learned about WIC was to go as an F-22 pilot, so my most immediate goal is to graduate from WIC in June of 2021,” he said. “After that, my next goals are more family-oriented.” But his next stop won’t come without a sacri�ice – one of many that he and men and women like him make in service of the country. “We know that the Air Force will tell us again in the near future that we have to make another move,” Kunce said. “We are not sure where that will be. We will have to make another big adjustment and move thousands of miles. My wife will yet again have to search for another job. We do not have kids yet but they would have to �ind new friends and start at a new school. “Airmen make a lot of sacri�ices for their country, but it is also airmen’s families that can carry the biggest burdens. Brittani has always been there for me and she is always my biggest supporter. She is even pushing me to go away to WIC where we will be apart for 6 months. I could not do any of it without her.” spokeswoman Deborah Britz said. “Just the thought of celebrating, decorating and continuing old traditions can be overwhelming. “Our experts will cover self-kindness, holiday grief triggers and handling the stress of meeting others’ expectations. They will discuss new and creative ways to prepare for the holidays and successfully manage celebrations with family and friends.” New Song Clinical Director Jill Lovill and pediatric bereavement counselors Erica Schwartz and Amanda Sahli New Song are hosting this educational presentation, in collaboration with Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Ryan House. To register and receive a Zoom link, email rsvp@ newsongcenter.org. For questions, call 602-776-6811. Submit your releases to pmaryniak@ timespublications.com

OCTOBER 21, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

■ RESIDENTS IN 6 STATES CASH IN: The phone lines will be ringing off the hook. That’s because for the next 48 hours, packages containing actual Gold Vault Bricks still loaded with four

5-ounce Jumbo State Bars layered in valuable 24 Karat Gold minted by the Federated Mint are being shipped to residents in 6 states. These are the only Gold Vault Bricks known to exist and everyone wants them. That’s because they’re still loaded with Jumbo Gold Bars bearing the name of The First Bank of the United States of America and the state they were once destined for. And here’s the best part. If you live in one of the 6 states listed in today’s publication you cover only the minimum gold fee set for state residents of just $49 per ounce. That’s a real steal because residents living outside of the designated 6 states must pay $124 per ounce if any remain.

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

Who gets the Jumbo Gold Bars: Listed below in bold are the states that get the gold. If you live in one of these states immediately call the State Distribution Hotline at: 1-800-749-6917 GB1282

AK AL AR Arizona California Colorado CT DE FL GA

HI IA ID IL IN KY KS LA MA ME

MD MI MN MO MS MT NC ND NE Nevada

New Mexico NH NJ NY OH OK OR PA RI SC

SD TN TX Utah VA VT WA WI WV WY R1007C

OCTOBER 21, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

29 SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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

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

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

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

■ FIRST LOOK INSIDE THE GOLD VAULT BRICKS: Pictured above are the Gold Vault Bricks containing the only Jumbo State Gold Bars known to exist bearing the name of the First Bank of the United States of America and the state they were once destined for. State residents are rushing to get them because the Gold Vault Bricks are still loaded with four 5-ounce Jumbo State Bars layered in valuable 24 Karat Gold. To claim you Vault Brick, just call 1-800-749-6917 GB1282 before the deadline ends. Everyone lucky enough to get them better hold on to them because there’s no telling just how much they could be worth.

R1007C

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

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Real Estate Guide Homeownership on a fast track in Arizona AFN NEWS STAFF

rizona is adding homeowners faster than any state in the nation, Gov. Doug Ducey’s office reported last week and sellers in at least one Ahwatukee ZIP code won’t be arguing with that. Cromford Report, which closely monitors the Greater Phoenix housing market, lists 85044 as one of 46 ZIP codes in the metro area where the average sales price exceeded the average listing price. “With low supply and high demand,” it

said, “we see the unusual situation where the average selling price exceeds the average list price becoming more commonplace.” Those 46 ZIP codes comprise about a third of all ZIP codes in the Phoenix metro area, Cromford noted. They included 13 ZIP codes in Phoenix, six in Mesa, five in Gilbert and two in Chandler. None were in Scottsdale. The home buying frenzy – though almost a global event – is particularly strong

see MARKET page RE2

SPO OTLIGHT home

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

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SeePage Page 66 See

See Page Page 66 See

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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.

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REAL ESTATE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

A stunner

This 6,200-square-foot, three-floor home on East Desert Willow Drive in Ahwatukee recently sold for $2.3 million. Built in 2008, the five bedroom house sits on 1.4 acres and has a stunning panoramic view of the Valley. The master bedroom has a balcony and pool acces, coffee bar and two large walk-in closets while the gorumet kitchen has a butler’s pantry and a bar with chilled wine closet. (Special to AFN)

MARKET �r�� page RE1

in Arizona, according to both Cromford and Ducey’s office. Ducey’s office analyzed the latest U.S. Census Bureau data and said the rapid and substantial increase in homeownership is “a sign of continued growing economic momentum in the state.” “The state’s quarter-over-quarter homeowner rate change increased by 7.7 percentage points in Q2 2020, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the best in the nation,” it said in a release. Added Ducey: “The American dream of owning a home is alive and well in Arizona. People continue to flock to Arizona for our growing jobs market, unbeatable quality of living, and affordable housing. “While many states pursue an opposite approach – higher taxes, more regula-

tions and more burdens on regular people – we will continue to pursue policies that keep Arizona an affordable and attractive place to live.” The state’s homeowner rate increased by 7.7 percent between the first and second quarters of 2020, his office said. The second biggest rate increase occurred in Missouri, which saw a 7 percent rise. That was followed, in order, by Kentucky (6.6 percent), North Carolina (5.8 percent) and Virginia (5.6). The next closest state in the Western Region is New Mexico with an increase of 3.7 percentage points, ranking 13th in the nation. Arizona is ranked third best in the nation for economic momentum, based on a new report by State Policy Reports, which ranks states’ economic momentum based on growth in personal income, employment and population. Arizona’s median household income

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Clear & Complete Communication

rose by 15.2 percent, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau that compared income growth averaged between 2017-2019 and 2014-2016. Arizona also experienced the fifth strongest personal income growth in 2019, according to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

The data likely won’t look as sunny once the impact of business shutdowns and the pandemic is added, but the housing market generally – and in the Valley specifically – has stood out. Home values are increasing and more people are buying, largely driven by historically low interest rates.

Eviction ban could end up creating more problems BY BEN GOTTLIEB AFN Guest Writer

n Sept. 1, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published an order providing for a nationwide residential eviction ban effective through the end of 2020. This federal order has significant ramifications for Arizona residential landlords, who have been chomping at the bit to bring eviction actions against non-paying tenants once Halloween arrives, which is the date that Gov. Doug Ducey’s Residential Eviction Postponement Executive Order 2020-49 is set to expire. Executive Order 2020-14, the original residential eviction postponement order, was signed on March 24 and was set to expire in late July. Executive Order 2020-49 extended the expiration date to Oct. 31. Executive Or-

der 2020-49 applies to Arizona residential landlords and requires non-paying tenants to qualify by, among other things, showing a financial hardship due to COVID-19. Those unfortunate landlords who were expecting to save money on Halloween candy and instead spend it on eviction lawyers will now need to wait two more months before bringing eviction actions against tenants who cannot pay rent. The new federal order applies only to residential leases, not commercial leases which include small businesses. The order provides that “a landlord, owners of a residential property, or other person with a legal right to pursue eviction or possession action” may not “evict” a tenant, lessee, or resident of a residential property. Similar to state Executive Order 202049, in order to qualify for protection un-

see EVICTION page RE7

OCTOBER 21, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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and opposing various housing-related bills. As a congressman, Pence voted in 2010 against using Troubled Asset Relief Program money to provide legal services to those facing foreclosures during the Great Recession. The same year he opposed reauthorizing the National Flood Insurance Program, which uses tax dollars to subsidize flood insurance policies of homeowners living in flood-prone areas. He also voted against the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act introduced in the wake of the housing crash. The law basically did away with subprime mortgages and created stricter standards for who was eligible to receive the home loans. It also required lenders to better verify that someone’s financial information was accurate. The law also created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which helps borrowers with mortgage issues. He was against allowing bankruptcy judges more power in restructuring the terms of mortgages on primary residences.

He opposed a bill that standardized licensing requirements for mortgage lenders and required lenders to spell out the maximum costs that borrowers could be charged with on a loan, to prevent subprime and ballooning mortgages. He also voted against housing foreclosure assistance programs and expanding mortgage insurance programs. However, Pence was in favor of extending a home buyer tax credit for first-time buyers of 10 percent of the purchase price of a home up to $8,000. It also established a credit up to $3,250 for homeowners who have lived in their primary residence for five consecutive years. The amount was doubled for couples. Harris, a former San Francisco and then state attorney general, has focused more on housing. Her plans have been designed to provide more government assistance to lower-income and marginalized Americans and increase housing affordability. As a presidential candidate, she debuted

see VEEP page re7

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wanting to buy was to accommodate a growing family (23 percent), while taking advantage of low interest rates and living in a safer community accounted for the rest. “Wanting to capitalize on low mortgage rates and buy before prices go up even further is accelerating the buying timeline,” said Hale. The average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was just 2.88 percent in the week ending Oct. 1, according to Freddie Mac. Just over two-thirds of millennials surveyed have been able to boost their savings during the pandemic. And nearly half are expecting to receive financial assistance from family and friends in paying for their new home. Despite the extra money, more than half want to find a property that’s on the affordable side of the price spectrum. About 36 percent want an entry-level home priced at or below $200,000 while 28 percent hope to find one priced between $200,000 and $350,000. About a third are seeking a property with a $350,000 price tag and up. The median home list price was

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$350,000 in September, according to the latest data from realtor.com. Even though those lucky enough to work remotely can live practically anywhere, nearly half of those surveyed said they want to stay within their current city. Only 13 percent were seeking homes in another city within the same state, while just 8 percent wanted to move out of state. “Being able to work remotely opens up more opportunities for people to move farther away from pricier cities,” says Hale. “Because there aren’t many homes for sale, being able to expand their search radius makes it more likely they’ll find a home that works for them.” Realtor.com provided this report.

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his year’s coronavirus pandemic and the accompanying recession have turned a lot of people’s financial plans upside down. But millennials who have been lucky enough to hang onto their jobs are fasttracking their plans to buy a home, in part because the pandemic is helping them do so. The nation’s largest generation has been helped by record-low mortgage interest rates, according to a recent realtor. com survey. Those low rates are helping to offset home prices that are at an all-time high in many places. In addition, the survey results show that stay-at-home orders have helped these 20and 30-somethings save money they might otherwise have spent going out, thus helping them amass a down payment. The report is based on a June survey of 2,000 home shoppers who plan to purchase a home within the next year. Those planning to buy a home, of course, are more likely to still be employed. “For those who have weathered the pan-

demic well by keeping their jobs, there have been some opportunities to become homeowners. They can take advantage of low mortgage rates, they may be able to save more for a down payment because they’re not spending as much going out,” said realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale. “But with unemployment rates very near record highs, we know that other millennials are likely struggling and may have to delay homeownership.” Almost half of millennials, 49 percent, pushed up their plans to buy a home due to the pandemic, according to the survey. Of the roughly three-quarters of millennials surveyed who are now working remotely due to the threat of contracting COVID-19, nearly two-thirds hope to buy a home because they can now telecommute. Many are motivated to move because their current home doesn’t fit their needs anymore (26 percent), according to the survey. A big backyard, a home office and space for the kids to do schoolwork never sounded so good! The second most popular reason for

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NEW LISTING

ousing did not come up in the debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Kamala Harris, but that doesn’t mean that housing shouldn’t be top of mind. The country is in the throes of a historic housing shortage that is pushing up prices to never-before-seen highs. Millions of renters are on the brink of evictions. And the housing affordability crisis is making it more difficult for many to achieve the American dream of homeownership. “Their positions generally line up with their respective party lines,” said Realtor. com Senior Economist George Ratiu. He noted Pence “is very much more of a fiscally conservative proponent of property rights” while Harris “is a lot more focused on the affordability issues, which are particularly pressing in the current environment.” What is Vice President Mike Pence’s housing track record? Pence never released any grand housing plans during his tenure as governor of In-

diana or when he served in Congress. “It wasn’t a major issue [for him] in Congress or as governor,” said Michael Tanner, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank based in Washington, D.C. But there are a few clues to be gleaned from his conservative views and years in office. Generally, the vice president has favored a smaller government footprint when it comes to the housing market. Pence has been a loyal supporter of Trump’s housing policies. Trump has capped mortgage deductions and property taxes, advocated for privatizing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and did away with a rule that would have required many suburbs to become more racially diverse. As the 50th governor of Indiana, Pence signed a law in 2015 letting banks off the hook for the maintenance and upkeep of the foreclosed properties on their books. The law also made it easier for properties to be declared vacant to speed up their sales. While serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, from 2001 to 2013, he also amassed a long track record of supporting

FEATURED LISTING

AFN NEWS SERVICES

Survey shows millennials flocking to ownership

PENDING

Veep candidates differ on housing policies

REAL ESTATE

OCTOBER 21, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

FEATURED LISTING

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

FEATURED LISTING

REAL ESTATE

PENDING

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$1,499,000

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

SPO OTLIGHT home

CALABREA

3043 W Briarwood Terrace

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

Listed at $1,450,000

Rachael Richards

480.270.5782 • rhouserealty.com

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, SubZero, 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 aboveground 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

SONORAN LIVING

KELLER WILLIAMS® REALTY

480.706.7234 • www.MendozaTeam.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

OCTOBER 21, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

EVICTION �r�� page RE2

der the federal order, the tenant must state that the tenant has a financial hardship and cannot pay rent and has made his or her best efforts to obtain all available governmental assistance for rent or housing. The federal order also requires the tenant to sign a declaration under penalty of perjury. The federal order applies equally to all landlords across the U.S. Many have questioned how the CDC has such broad authority to fashion such an order. The order argues – and provides accompanying data to support – that a large wave of evictions would lead to mass homelessness, congregating in close quar-

VEEP �r�� page RE4

a $100 billion proposal to help more Black Americans become homeowners. The aim is to help to close the racial wealth gap in the nation. The plan would also strengthen and enforce anti-discrimination laws in renting and buying homes and receiving mortgages. This summer she introduced legislation in the Senate to ban evictions and foreclo-

480-706-7234

ters, and interstate travel among evicted persons, thus exacerbating the interstate spread of COVID-19. Many critics are skeptical of the data and arguments set forth in the order and believe that the order is unconstitutional. Also similar to the state Executive Order 2020-49, the federal order does not relieve a tenant’s obligation to pay rent or late fees. Thus, the federal order may create just as many, if not more, problems than it solves. At the end of the year, many tenants worry they will not be able to repay the total amounts owed. Some tenants may then get judgments against them for a large amount of back rent and late fees. These tenants may have a harder time

sures for a year. The bill would give renters up to a year and a half to pay their landlords their owed rent. The bill would also help tenants fighting eviction receive legal help and limit the amount of damage the missed rent payments would do to their credit. “Given the slow economic recovery combined with a housing affordability crisis and high unemployment, a housing plan which addresses the needs of lower-

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

U ED

NG MION O C SO

Benjamin Gottlieb is co-founder in the Phoenix law �irm MacQueen & Gottlieb, the state’s top-ranked real estate law �irm for two years running. You can contact him at MandGLawGroup.com or 602-533-2840.

more expensive.” Last November, Harris sponsored a bill to invest more than $100 billion in affordable housing. It included putting $70 billion into public housing and $6 billion for housing for the elderly and disabled. An additional $10 billion would be earmarked for doing away with zoning or other regulations making it more difficult to put up affordable housing. Realtor.com provided this report.

4BR / 3BA / 2,800 SQFT

Listed for $575,000

Stunning panoramic views from privately gated luxury retreat with casita on elevated preserve lot.

Rare opportunity for superb Scottsdale Villa with amazing amenities. Largest floor plan with a full third bedroom.

Sanctuary

Winfield NG MION O C SO

3BR / 2.5 BA / 1,689 SQFT New interior paint. Master suite downstairs with loft and Jack and Jill bathroom upstairs. Close to community pool.

Keystone

Call for Details

Mike Mendoza MendozaTeam.com 5 BR / 5 BA / 6,455 SQFT

3 BR / 2 BA / 2,182 SQFT

Call for Details

Listed for $1,510,000

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

Mountain Park Ranch

income Americans is crucial,” said Ratiu. She also attempted to create refundable tax credits for households whose housing costs were greater than 30 percent of their income. This would apply to rent and utilities. “It essentially says we’re going to give a lot of money to people to pay their rent. ... But it doesn’t actually bring down the high cost of housing,” said Cato’s Tanner. “Subsidies ratchet up demand without dealing with supply, which simply makes housing

re7

challenge the declaration as not complying with the federal order. All in all, the federal order is yet another unprecedented step to help protect displacing renters into a state of homelessness. This is certainly a strange year and for the first time in 114 years, there will be no crowd to watch the ball drop-in Times Square as the year concludes. Absent any further extension, 2020 will also conclude with a large wave of eviction lawsuits.

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

Tapestry Canyon

getting back on their feet with respect to employment when dealing with the burden of having to pay off an expensive judgment. Others may be forced into bankruptcy to discharge the judgment. It is strongly advisable that tenants work with their landlords to stay as up to date on rent as possible and to also seek out all available governmental assistance to make rent payments. Some real estate industry experts also anticipate that many tenants will not be able to afford an attorney and aggressive landlords could pursue eviction actions in cases where the tenant has not provided the landlord with the required signed declaration form, as required by the federal order. And even in cases where the declaration is provided, some landlord lawyers could

LF GO

Listed for $1,950,000

2BR / 2 BA / 1,322 SQFT Resort-style living at gated Encanterra Country Club twin home. Built in 2017 with updates throughout.

Listed for $335,000

Encanterra

Tapestry Canyon

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

re8

Ahwatukee Custom Estates One of the most amazing view lots in

$2,099,000

SOLD!

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

Calabrea

Ahwatukee Custom Estates

$1,379,000

$1,950,000

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

Calabrea $1,099,000

Cabrillo Canyon $689,000

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

Summerhill $1,099,000

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

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

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

www.GenoRoss.com Donna Leeds

�

TOP GRI, ABR REALTOR

949.310.5673

lf"fl!

SOLD!

Geno Ross

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

602.751.2121

wwwBestAgentWUSA.com

Making Ahwatukee

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

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

Tapestry Heights

$2,149,000

SOLD!

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

Dobbins Ranch

SOLD! 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!

$535,000

$590,000

Need a BIGGER HOUSE? Traditional Elegance! Downstairs has a living room, 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bath, kitchen, Dining & Family room downstairs, Upstairs features a huge loft, Spacious Master bedroom + 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. Total of 7 bedrooms & 4.5 baths. 4 car garage w/plenty of storage for all your toys, RV gate on E & W side of house & a big yard to enjoy. Submit your offer!

GATED, GOLF, GORGEOUS. This 3100 sq. feet 5 bedroom 3 bath home is located in pristine community of Shadow Rock. Homes boasts remodeled chef’s kitchen and completely updated spa-like master bath. Enjoy your backyard oasis with paver patio, artificial turf and refreshing pebble-tec pool. Walking distance to schools, parks, shopping and restaurants.

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

Ahwatukee

Shadow Rock

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

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

Harbor Island

$599,000

SOLD!

Harbor Island

$499,000

SOLD!

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

Camelot Canyon

$569,900

UNDER CONTRACT

Well Maintained and Updated two-story 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms with unobstructed views. Light & Bright two story home boasts vaulted ceilings, large picture windows, formal living and dining room, New Carpet throughout. Private backyard w/covered patio, sparkling pebble-tech pool, mature trees & grassy area.

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

Foothills Reserve

$674,900

PENDING!

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

OCTOBER 21, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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BUSINESS

Business OCTOBER 21, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Financial advising duo excited about acquisition BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

othing succeeds like success. As cliché as that might sound, it pretty much describes the business and personal trajectory of financial advisors Jim Dwyer of Ahwatukee and Michael McGinley of Gilbert. On the personal side, they have been close friends since the 1990s when they were undergrads at Arizona State University. And for the last seven years, they also have been partners in a Chandler firm they founded called Providus Advisors. Now they’re hanging a new shingle on their offices at 1490 S. Price Road. They’ve been acquired by EP Wealth Advisors, a fee-only registered investment adviser and financial planning firm based in Torrance, California that has offices in the California cities of San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles and Irvine as well as Seattle, Denver, Dallas and Chicago region, managing more than $7 billion through its client-centric financial planning and

Mike McGinley of Gilbert, left, and James Dwyer of Ahwatukee are excited about the acquisition of their ﬁrm by a growing ﬁnancial services company. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

investment management services to individuals and businesses. The two men specialize in investment management and financial planning for high-net-worth individuals and families

and retirement plan services for small businesses. The move helps the two friends, who will hold the titles of partner and vice president with EP Wealth.

Jack Daniels’ lawsuit stirs a whiskey row in federal court BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

major bourbon whiskey manufacturer wants the U.S. Supreme Court to stop an Arizona firm from producing a dog toy that the company’s attorneys say associates its “image of sophistication’’ with “juvenile bathroom humor.’’ And it could all come down to whether the justices think it’s funny. The petition by Jack Daniels seeks to bar Scottsdale-based VIP Productions from producing and selling a squeaky dog toy in the shape

of – and with a label that looks like -- a bottle of the company’s Old No. 7 Black Label Tennessee Whiskey. There are some differences. For example, the “Old No. 7 Tennessee Sour Mash Whiskey’’ on the label is replaced by “The Old No. 2 on your Tennessee Carpet.’’ It’s also labeled “Bad Spaniels’’ instead of “Jack Daniels.’’ And instead of alcohol-content descriptions, the toy was labeled “43% Poo by Vol.’’ and “100% Smelly.’’ A trial judge sided with the whiskey company, citing evidence that 29 percent of consumers believed

Jack Daniels actually sponsored the toy, declaring that it infringed on the company’s trademark. But the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals saw the issue through a different legal lens. “The toy communicates a humorous message, using word play to alter the serious phrase that appears on a Jack Daniels bottle – ‘Old No. 7 Brand’ – with a silly message – ‘The Old. No. 2,’ ‘’ wrote Judge Andrew Hurwitz. “The effect is a simple message conveyed by juxtaposing the irreverent representation of the

see WHISKEY page 34

Although they have maintained a parttime staff over the years, they needed more time to spend with clients. “Typically, we shared financial planning and investment management functions of the firm,” McGinley said. “We did divide other tasks.” Dwyer handled marketing, including the website, and McGinley handled operations, such as compliance matters. Yet, McGinley said, “As our firm grew, we found running the firm on a day-to-day basis to be more challenging. More importantly, we wanted to offer our clients more attention and greater resources. “With EP Wealth, we feel we can offer our clients more and personally improve our own quality of life.” Added Dwyer: “With that added support from such an established firm, we will be able to offer our clients more robust services and an even more personalized experience overall.” They’ll still keep their name – Latin for

see WEALTH page 34

The makers of Jack Daniels, left, are not amused with the label on an Arizona ﬁrm’s dog toy. (Special to AFN)

BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

Pandemic creating havoc with state job numbers BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

rizona added 30,200 new jobs last month but the question of what that means in an unemployment rate is a little less certain. On paper, the state Office of Economic Opportunity puts the seasonally adjusted jobless rate for September at 6.7 percent. That follows a 5.9 percent figure for August and 10.7 percent the month before. What’s causing these wild swings is not the number of people working. It’s the number of people not working but reportedly looking. The way the state figures it, another 151,727 people joined the workforce between August and September. That includes both those working – a figure that did not change markedly – and those who said they are looking. But the month before, the workforce

WEALTH from page 33

“provident, prudent, circumspect, cautious” – adding “EP Wealth” alongside of it. But that hasn’t bothered their clients. “Our clients have been very excited about the transition,” Dwyer said. “Every client moved with us to EP.” EP Wealth is excited as well. “We are thrilled to partner with Providus and add their team’s areas of expertise and industry experience to our roster,” said Patrick Goshtigian, CFA, President and CEO of EP Wealth. “Providus has earned and maintained a loyal client base through a deep commitment to delivering on clients’ financial goals, a philosophy that aligns with the

WHISKEY from page 33

trademark with the idealized image created by the mark’s owner.’’ Hurwitz wrote that the whole purpose is to comment humorously on the message conveyed by a Jack Daniels bottle. And that doesn’t mean it has to be on something like a formal work of art. “The fact that VIP chose to convey this humorous message through a dog toy is irrelevant,’’ the judge said. The company is clearly not amused. “Jack Daniels has invested substantial

figure dropped 151,220. What’s going on? More to the point, are these swings real? Doug Walls, the agency’s research administrator, said blame COVID-19. Not the virus itself, he said, but the pandemic has resulted in some issues with the surveys of households that determine the size of the workforce along with other factors. It starts with what Walls said is “the volatility that’s come from the COVID-19 pandemic.’’ “One thing that we’re hearing from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Labor is that there are challenges that the Local Area Unemployment Statistics are going through and the LAUS program is experiencing associated with the impacts of COVID-19 on the workforce movement,’’ he said. That, he explained, is complicated by the fact that these numbers are based on

a survey of just 1,400 Arizona households. So, some big month-to-month changes in who is employed, who is not and who is looking – all pieces of determining the jobless rate – can play havoc with the data. “It is a challenge to parse out whether those are actual changes in the economy or those are due to the large swings and large changes in the workforce because of COVID,’’ he said. Can the numbers now being released for September be counted on as reliable? And was that 5.9 percent rate for August – which led Gov. Doug Ducey to crow about the recovery – accurate? “Fair points,’’ Walls conceded. “This is something the BLS is working to address.’’ But making true comparisons month over month may be difficult. Walls said BLS used some “modified methodology’’ in coming up with the September figures in an effort to address some of the drastic changes in the numbers.

resources into an image of sophistication,’’ attorney Lisa Blatt, who represents the company, told the high court. “Accordingly, Jack Daniels has a strong interest in protecting its trademarks and trade dress from association with juvenile bathroom humor.’’ Blatt also told the justices that the company “carefully licenses’’ its images on non-whiskey products, including pet products like branded dog leashes, dog collars and dog houses. She said the toy in question is likely to confuse consumers about who is spon-

soring it. What’s happening here, she said, is VIP Products “pirated’’ the Jack Daniels trademarks and design of its bottle by imitating it “while adding dog poop humor.’’ And Blatt took a swat at the 9th Circuit for failing to apply what she said is supposed to be the legal standard: the likelihood of confusion. “In other words, because the court of appeals though VIP Products’ notorious copying was funny, it held that the company has a First Amendment interest in confusing consumers into believing that

EP Wealth approach,” Goshtigian added, stressing that Providus “has helped its clients achieve and maintain financial independence.” The acquisition marks the 11th transaction in a period of strategic growth for EP Wealth. McGinley, a native Arizonan, and Dwyer, a Missouri native who moved here with his family 35 years ago, met at ASU around 1997 when they paired up for a college assignment and have been best friends ever since. They both are certified financial planners, have bachelor’s degrees in finance and got into wealth management for similar reasons. “I’ve always been interested with per-

sonal finance,” McGinley said. “In modern society, money is a challenging topic for everyone and I get enormous satisfaction out of helping my clients.” Dwyer said, “I discovered my path in college when taking an options and financial derivatives class. I have been fascinated by the financial markets ever since.” They also feel they provide an essential service because, as McGinley explained, “Everyone wants to make good decisions in regards to their finances. “Today’s financial world is very complex,” he continued. “A good wealth advisor should be willing and able to assist you with all aspects of your financial life. Investments are important but a good advisor should help you focus on so much

Still, Walls said he believes the September numbers are accurate enough. “They’re not making dramatic changes to the methodology or approach,’’ he said. “The month-to-month comparisons are still justifiable.’’ At least for the time being. Walls pointed out that there is a “benchmarking’’ process where the numbers are reexamined at the end of the year, opening the door to retroactive adjustments to the figures now being released. But those revised and presumably more accurate numbers won’t be available until March. A clearer picture of the Arizona employment situation may come from a separate survey of employers. It starts with that addition of 30,200 jobs. But fully a third of those were in public education, people who are not on

see JOBLESS page 36

more – helping you build an enjoyable retirement, reducing your taxes and having your affairs in order.” They also said that complexity likely has become even more challenging as a result of the pandemic. “I would say many of our clients now place a higher priority on making sure their affairs are in order – in other words, ‘if something happens to me I want to make sure my loved ones are cared for,’” McGinley said. Dwyer added, “I think people have come to realize in 2020 that things can happen that are completely unexpected so having a plan is more important than ever.” Information: 1490 S. Price Road, Chandler; 480-704-3024, epwealth.com. Jack Daniels sponsors a dog toy spotlighting poop,’’ she wrote. VIP is due to file its response to the lawsuit next month. What the court rules could have a spillover effect onto other products manufactured by VIP. The company’s web site features similar products, including Heine Sniff’n in something that looks like a Heineken bottle, Mountain Drool that mimics a Mountain Dew bottle and Cataroma that bears more than a passing resemblance to Corona.

OCTOBER 21, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

BUSINESS

Chandler couple offer relaxation on wheels AFN NEWS STAFF

f one man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity, the pandemic has been a gold mine for Shannon Stevens and Penny Briney. The Chandler couple last year launched an online furniture store, myfurniturefreak.com, and have seen an uptick in business as more people spend more time at home and prefer doing even furniture shopping on the internet instead of entering stores. Now, Stevens has launched a second business that benefits from increased awareness to maintain social distance and the need to relieve the tension that the pandemic and its accompanying woes may be causing for people. For people who hanker for a massage but don’t want to be touched, he’s invented ChairlaxedTM, a mobile service built around the highest end luxury Infinity massage chairs. Stevens bought a trailer, decorated it, equipped it with four of Infinity’s highest-end massage chairs and a 50-inch Smart TV that broadcasts soothing nature sounds and travels to parties or corporate gatherings. Forget those coin-operated massage chairs in malls. “These are totally different,” Stevens said. “These four chairs give you a full body massage in less than half the time because every part of your body is being touched,”

workplace in a climate-controlled coach that pulls up to the office,” he said. “Big companies have their own gyms,” he said. “So, employees can go there and avail themselves of those facilities. However, small and midsized companies typically don’t offer that. ChairlaxedTM is an added perk for Penny Briney and her husband Shannon Stevens are excited about their second new those businesses business, which offers a relaxing experience they take to your curb. to promote em(Special to AFN) ployee wellness he explained. “Plus, built-in airbags pro- and demonstrate appreciation for their vide a soothing feeling as well.” staff.” “Many people don’t like to be touched,” He also makes ChairlaxedTM available he added. “Two of my chairs also provide for weekend social events, such as ladies’ a glute massage. There’s no awkward con- luncheons, bridal showers, bachelorette versation like you may have with a human parties and even block parties. masseuse. Plus, you get a full body masPeople are free to BYOB at their own sage in less than half the time as it’s like private residence. Food is also OK. He also having 10 hands on you at any given time.” offers Pandora or people can bring out a Stevens is targeting both workplaces portable speaker and play whatever music and homes. they wish. “The service is ideal for workplace wellStevens got the idea after buying one of ness in that the chairs are provided for the chairs for him and his wife, who coachbetween one and six hours outside of a es principals in Mesa Public Schools.

“I used to visit my chiropractor every month, but since I started getting massages in ChairlaxedTM, the pain has completely gone away,” he said. Then he decided to sell Infinity chairs through his Furniture Freak business. “I carry the full lineup of Infinity. Many are much lower priced with less features,” he said, noting the ones he uses in his mobile business are top of the line, retailing for $7,000. People also can buy the two highest-end models that he uses in his mobile business. One retails for $179 a month for 24 months and the other goes for $263 a month for two years. It was during a “deep sleep” that Stevens got the idea for the mobile service. “My friends and I did the customization of the trailer ourselves,” he said. “The plan going forward is to offer licensing agreements nationwide.” Even though the mobile service is less than three months old, he’s already seen a big demand. “It’s been a big hit. Some comments I hear are ‘It’s like a game truck for adults;’ ‘This is way better than the massage chairs at the mall;’ and ‘When people start going back to work more, I’m going to have you out for an employee-appreciation day.’” Clients who want the mobile service can make all the arrangements online at Chairlaxed.com.

see CHAIR page 36

ChairlaxedTM comprises four soothing high-end massage chairs that people can sink into while soothing sounds on a 50-inch Smart TV lull them into a state of nirvana. Stevens said the chairs provide a full-body massage in half the time that a spa takes and there’s virtually no hands-on worries. (Special to AFN)

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

JOBLESS from page 34

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annual contracts like food service workers and janitors who are returning to schools. Private sector employment is up 19,400 month-over-month. But the state is still far from being out of the woods. Employment by private companies is still 85,500 below where it was the same time a year ago. There were continued gains in wholesale and retail trade. In fact, Walls says that sector of the economy actually has regained all the jobs lost since February. All that, however, has been more than offset by losses elsewhere. Leading that column is the state’s leisure and hospitality industry. It has shed 56,000 jobs in the past year, with another 24,300 lost in professional and business services.

CHAIR from page 35

Stevens said he arrives 15 to 30 minutes ahead of time to cool down the interior of the trailer. “Customers come out, get in the chairs and I do a quick tutorial about picking the correct massage for their needs and how much pressure to apply,” he said. Then he turns on the soothing TV program and lets the chairs do the rest. The service starts at $195 an hour – good for four hour-long massages, eight 30-minute sessions or 16 15-minute sessions. Through Sept. 30, his grand opening prices are two hours for $295, three for $395 and six hours for $595. He also is offering a $45 coupon on the website for a first booking. Information: relax@Chairlaxed.com or 480-329-4131.

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951374

OPINION

Opinion 38

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

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Editor’s note

AFN invited the three Republican and three Democratic candidates for the state Senate and House seats in Legislative District 18, which includes Ahwatukee, to write a pre-election column on the following question: What are the two major issues in LD18 that you want to address if elected and what are your ideas for addressing them? Those candidates who accepted the invitation are published here today.

Bowie: Pandemic relief, public education are my top priorities BY SEN. SEAN BOWIE

he two biggest issues moving forward in 2021 will be continuing our response to the COVID-19 pandemic by passing additional support for families and small businesses, and continuing our investment in our K-12 schools. As your state senator, I have a record of bipartisan leadership on both issues. With the COVID-19 pandemic still at the forefront, additional support will be needed as we continue to safely re-open our economy. Earlier this year, my legislative colleagues and I passed bipartisan legislation to assist families with things like rental assistance and unemployment benefits, and worked with our congressional delegation

to make sure small businesses were able to access PPP loans. With the fate of additional relief legislation in Congress uncertain, I look forward to working with both parties to continue to find ways to help working families and small business owners as we continue to fight our way through this pandemic. As a product of our local public schools, supporting our students and our teachers has been and will always be my number one priority as your state senator, and I have the record to prove it. I have voted for multiple pay raises for our teachers in recent years and supported ground breaking legislation to invest in our state universities as well. While we have made progress in recent years to help our teachers and students, more work needs to be done. Arizona still has the highest teacher turnover rate in

the country, and the highest student to school counselor ratio as well. In addition to raises for our teachers and educators, I have also led the effort at the state capitol to expand mental health resources for our kids. Over the last two years, I have passed three bipartisan bills into law that provide greater support and resources for mental health, including the Mitch Warnock Act in 2019 that requires all school personnel in grades six through twelve receive regular training in suicide prevention so they can better spot the warning signs in our children. Now in place, the law is already making a difference in the lives of teachers and our kids. We are blessed to have some of the best K-12 schools in the state right here in Ahwatukee, including the schools

that I attended growing up. I am committed to helping make sure our schools stay the best for future generations, and help ensure that Ahwatukee continues to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family. My proven record of bipartisan leadership and putting our community first is why our campaign has received such a broad base of bipartisan community support. For example, our campaign has been unanimously endorsed by small business groups in our community, including the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, and the National Federation of Independent Businesses. We have also been unanimously endorsed by our firefighters and police officers in our

strong, safe communities and a welcoming business environment. Two areas that I believe are critical to the wellbeing of LD18 – pre- and postCOVID-19 – are education and economy. We are welcoming over 250 new residents to Arizona daily, making Maricopa County the fourth largest county in the nation. As a licensed real estate professional in Arizona since 1995 and currently serving as a commissioner on the Ahwatukee Village Planning Committee, I can tell you that with this kind of incredible growth, it is essential to protect policy (and lack thereof) that promotes a business friendly environment to entice the nation’s top employers and educators to our state that can best prepare and provide our citizens with the jobs that will carry us into the future.

I have read reports saying that Arizona schools are some of the fastest improving schools. While this is good news as it helps drive up property values in our neighborhoods and appeals to new businesses, I feel the improvement needs to continue. COVID-19 has exposed many issues that need to be addressed. I will call for transparency on what curriculum is being used and how our education dollars are being spent. As a parent of three children who have gone through the Kyrene public schools and a 28-year resident of this district, I believe our first responsibility is to ensure we always do what is in the best interest of our students followed by making sure we take care of our teachers. We want to attract and keep the brightest and most talented teachers by making

sure they get the pay and benefits they deserve. This is why I believe in school choice. When there is a choice there is competition and where there is competition there is excellence. Our children deserve excellence in education and the same opportunities for success should be available to all regardless of a parent’s financial status. Recently, research has shown that school choice has had a positive impact on communities that lack good public schools because their programs allow families to separate housing choices from education choices. While we here in LD18 are blessed with quality schools this benefits us in other ways such as allowing parents who may work within a different district to be able

see BOWIE page 40

Sharer: I will fight for common sense, transparency, legislative restraint BY SUZANNE SHARER

was born and raised in Arizona by my wonderful parents who have always been active in the issues that shaped our beautiful state. My father’s first job after attending Arizona State University was as a land planner for the City of Phoenix. He eventually was able to realize his dream and opened his own Architectural firm in Old Town Scottsdale, where I worked for several years learning about zoning and responsible urban and suburban progress. Being raised in this environment fueled my passion for Arizona’s growth and taught me how critical it is to have strong leaders who understand the core tenants of what builds solid foundations for

see SHARER page 40

OPINION

OCTOBER 21, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Epstein: Will address Unemployment Insurance, education BY REP. MITZI EPSTEIN

his pandemic presents enormous challenges that require leadership in the Arizona legislature that both recognizes the problems and has the competence to develop solutions. Drawing from my experience in international business and technology – and decades advocating for strong schools – I

am bringing forward a vision and plan for our Arizona House of Representatives to do a better job of including the public and fostering teamwork among legislators. We need to empower all of our resources to come out of this pandemic stronger, and our best resources are our people. Challenges: Pandemic related stress is hard for us all. Isolation is especially hard on the most vulnerable, like those in the disability community and the elderly. Workers who lost their jobs through

no fault of their own have had their lives turned upside down. The cost of housing is rising faster than wages; healthcare is imperative and too expensive. Parents and teachers are juggling enormous workloads as they navigate the best way to educate our children. Schools need funding for PPE, sanitation and ventilation on top of the need for funding for better teacher pay to keep our great teachers, more counselors and building repairs.

Solutions: We all need our schools and businesses to be open, and stay open with safe, healthy conditions for students, customers and workers. For schools: I am proud to have been named a “Champion of Public Education” by organizations of school board members, teachers, and parents – not only as a legislator but also previously as a volunteer. Past legislators cut education funding in

fully but by perilously narrow Republican majority action disintegrated. Despite their passion to occupy public office which necessitates swearing allegiance to federal and state Constitutions, the “progressives” and their selectivity with respect to the rule of any written law has manifested itself this year beyond any traditional excuse to ignore or deny. The dichotomy between the image of multi-month and ongoing occupation of territory by terrorist groups versus the

autocratic executive orders regarding the virus has unmasked to true nature of the Democrat vision of power. As always, my standard warning regarding the moral responsibility of support for Democrat politicians and thus Democrat platform and leadership identifiable “principles” should override any parochial special interest if one places things in a properly ordered perspective. When we cooperate in a crime – oh, say, hire a mafioso to off an adversary – we

greatly share in the guilt. Electing a person known to advocate for and attempt to implement evil behavior not only of the perpetrator(s), but involve the general public through taxation for it, constitutes supermen cooperational guilt. Now let’s look at some of our incumbents’ demonstrated positions with some simple analogies in case the evil escapes you. Politicians like these distract from their

the South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., Overstock.com, Inc., and Newegg, Inc. judgement by the U.S. Supreme Court on taxation of goods sold over the internet. Arizona also has about $400 million left from the state’s share of CARES Act (Public Law 116–136) funding and money remaining in the state level Crisis and Contingency Safety Net Fund (A.R.S. 41-110), which we can put to good use helping small business who are struggling after the economic shutdown.

I have been working with the Arizona Commerce Authority to put together a proposal to spend $20 million of the remaining Crisis and Contingency Safety Net Fund to help a recovery grant program for small businesses with less than 50 employees, including sole proprietors, independent contractors, self-employed individuals carrying a trade or business, Tribal small businesses, nonprofits and employee cooperatives with a priority to those who were not able to qualify for the

federal assistance programs. Additionally, our LD18 team has been working with policy experts to shore up the state’s unemployment system and propose an increase in benefits using some of the remaining CARES Act funding. Both programs are important and necessary because they help to keep our economy moving. When commerce continues and money

issues in a way that reflects and respects the values of our community. I am running to bring leadership to the complex challenges facing our state, to bring people together around ideas that will improve the lives of hardworking Arizonans and to preserve the way of life we treasure. My public service has centered on building a better state by prioritizing good paying jobs, public safety, and fiscal responsibility, while spearheading next gen

investments in critical education, health care and transportation. Pre-COVID, Arizona enjoyed record job creation and historic lows in unemployment. Most immediately, we need to work closely with our governor and federal delegation to keep the doors of our small businesses open through this pandemic so Arizonans can get back to work. Longer term, we must encourage smart economic development policy so that

Arizonans’ personal income grows along with our economy. That means being vigilant to keep our taxes and regulatory burdens competitive in the region and enhancing the local manufacturing supply chain to create new private sector jobs with employer-paid benefits. It also means getting our schools and day care centers open safely again, so parents are not forced to choose between

Hawker: Don’t ignore the ‘progressives’ and their agenda BY DON HAWKER

ot to disrespect the question posed, I must take some liberty as my major issues are not unique to this district. My action to address all issues would be accomplished by the grace of becoming elected to replace either of the sitting representatives, both of whom have attempted reprehensible legislation which thank-

Jermaine: Economy, missing persons are major priorities BY REP. JENNIFER JERMAINE

he first major issue that I am focused on is the recovery from COVID-19 and the recession that it caused. Fortunately, our state budget is not in as bad of shape as was originally predicted. This is primarily because of the federal stimulus and unemployment benefits and because Arizona has fully implemented

see EPSTEIN page 40

see HAWKER page 40

see JERMAINE page 40

Robson: Priorities are COVID response and recovery, education BY BOB ROBSON

s we consider Arizona’s future, my two top priorities as your representative are the state’s COVID response and recovery and public education. As a husband, father, small business owner and longtime resident of LD 18, I am very concerned about the ability of our current representatives to address critical

see ROBSON page 41

OPINION

BOWIE from page 38

community, teachers and education groups, and also by our first responders and front line health care workers. My opponent, on the other hand, believes in conspiracy theories like QAnon and thinks that the COVID-19 pandemic was planned decades ago by a secret organization seeking world domination. It’s no wonder why her campaign has been rejected by the organizations above and why we have such as strong base of bipartisan community support.

EPSTEIN from page 39

the last recession, and it has never been restored. Our budget must be balanced, but not on the backs of our children and teachers. Not again. We must restore education funding to provide quality education for students: better pay for educators, more counselors, STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts, and math – and affordable college and job-skill tuition. For business: Part of our economic recovery should include my plan to support our small businesses being open

HAWKER from page 39

problem issues by itemizing a litany of their more innocuous or even occasionally acceptable work. But to ignore their ignoble actions is like an attitude that one is bound to eat some delectable dish knowing that it is laced with poison. So, if I had a long list of good political proposals but one was the dispensing of concern for the comfort and painlessness of capital punishment recipients – hardened criminals whose sentence survive the typical years of appeal processes, and proposed sensible dismemberment, disemboweling and decapitation, the hue and cry would reverberate virally! (Or substitute

JERMAINE from page 39

flows through the economy, we stave off and prevent a full economic crash while giving the market time to recover. The second major issue that I am focused on is missing persons. During the 2019 Legislative Session, I was able to unanimously pass a Study Committee on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (Laws 2019, Chapter 232). Since then, the Study Com-

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

My proven record of putting our community first speaks for itself. It’s why I have been named the most bipartisan member of the Senate on multiple occasions, and have been able to pass so many bills into law as a member of the minority party. My heart is in the work of serving our community, and I hope to earn your support to continue to represent our community for another two years. My website is seanbowieforaz.com if you would like to know more about me or where I stand on the issues. Thank you!

SHARER from page 38

to choose a more convenient school near their workplace. As your senator, I will work to eliminate excessive government interference in our lives and fight for common sense, transparency and legislative restraint to prevail in all areas of our lives as Arizonans. I believe that over-regulation is the death knell of prosperity, freedom, and opportunity. This has been a unique election cycle to say the least as COVID-19 has created

and safe, with appropriate enforcement, and with the support of low-cost loans or grants, and technical advice about how to operate safely. We also need job creation. The CBO has rated Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits as the Number 1 plan to create jobs. It has bipartisan support. A study commissioned by the Bush Administration showed that UI created 1.75 million jobs during that economic downturn. When people have money in their pockets, they can afford to pay the landlord and local businesses, which stops job losses and increases paid work right here

in our community. However, right now management of UI in Arizona is frankly a mess. Eligible people face weeks or months of UI delays while we hear several news stories of people getting benefits fraudulently. I am leading a team to reform UI in Arizona. We have gathered economists, businesses, and many others to work on three parts: increase benefits, audit the UI division of the Department of Economic Security and assure the UI Trust Fund is secure and taxes are fair. Small businesses must be held harmless and must not see increases in their UI

mittee has interviewed 73 law enforcement agencies throughout the state and discovered that there are major policy, procedure and administrative gaps when it comes to how law enforcement agencies in Arizona respond to missing children and adults. I am working on legislation that would require all juvenile missing persons cases be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) database and that Arizona create a sys-

tem similar to the AMBER Alert system for adults who are missing under abnormal or suspicious circumstances and require those cases to be entered into the National Missing & Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) or the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) databases based on the individual case circumstances. I am also working with nonprofits and policy experts who specialize in ending sexual and domestic violence to ensure there are safeguards in place to protect

your favorite victim, perhaps animals). Yet LD18 installed in 2016 a host of people who eagerly toil to accomplish just this, not for reprobate murderers but for untried, innocent, defenseless beings whose execution supposes being conceived unwanted to be a super-capital offense. Now let’s examine the implications of their attempt to enforce recognition of the anti-scientific, narcissistic concept of gender imagination in law by legal provision to alter birth, driving, and death documents to reflect the ideology. The publicly passed Title 30 of the Arizona Constitution – -establishing oneman, one-woman marriage. This gender ID (GI) effort to falsify documentation

does not change a person from one gender to the other: e.g., a man is still incapable of having a baby. It does nullify Title 30, something legislators are not allowed to do with a simple bill majority. It establishes precedent that what is claimed to be in the interior of an individual’s mind supersedes all other realities. Drunk driving example: A policeman pulls it over a weaving driver, asking regarding alcohol consumption. The driver replies “I am completely sober.” With the new legal paradigm, the incident is over, case closed. So, one must mentally prepare for the co-ed mixture of showers and sports, even male prisoners could simply declare fe-

some unique challenges to our state as well as highlighting some of our weaknesses and opportunities. I believe that if we deal with these issues swiftly using constitutional principles, we can come back stronger showing the rest of the country how we as Arizonans will always rise above and shine. I will work to re-open Arizona fully and safely, protecting us now and from such harmful shutdowns in the future. Please visit my website at sharerforAZ. com to learn more about me and what I stand for.

taxes because they already pay more than their fair share to help the economy. As your state representative, I do the work to help our economy to thrive in balance with high quality public education, health, and safety. In committee meetings and on the floor of the House, I speak up to protect consumers from rip-offs and to protect and empower our vulnerable populations including the disability community, our seniors and those who need a bridge to the next job. I ask for your vote so that I can continue this work.

male to get into the female prison. Another unconstitutionality of GI...it nullifies trial by jury. If the only relevant information is the perpetrator’s own mind, the other minds, on the jury, are irrelevant. To allow the individual to declare reality results in chaotic decimation of human society. And so, I ask for your examination of hawker2020.com and consideration whether for right (i.e. conservative or correct--no difference) positions respecting Arizona presidential vote diluting “national public vote,” enforcement against illegal immigration, arms rights, true life defense as basis for responsible, children-oriented family legislation.

individuals who are escaping an abusive situation. The final parts of this policy proposal will create an Arizona Missing Persons Fund to give families and social service agencies financial resources to help locate their missing loved ones and enact reforms to the Arizona Victim’s Compensation and Assistance Fund (A.R.S. 41-2407) which will allow more crime victims and surviving family members to apply for reimbursement of medical and funeral expenses.

OPINION

OCTOBER 21, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

ROBSON from page 39

their career and their children’s education. Infrastructure investment matters, too. Closer management of our precious natural resources is needed to assure our water supply. With more Arizonans working and studying from home, broadband must be expanded. Likewise, we need a state energy plan that puts residents first so we know our energy supplies will be reliable and our utility rates affordable in the move to clean energy, especially for our seniors and low-income families. No Arizonan should live with the fear of rolling blackouts or service cutoffs during

Gang hangs out in her Ahwatukee courtyard

The courtyard behind our house has become a gang hangout. When the sun goes down, they circle the streets to gather their members. In darkness, calls of intimidation ring through the neighborhood. Patio lights pop on and wide eyes watch from the slits in the blinds. Yelps and snarls precede lunges as the bravest challenge each other. A voice shouts, “Go on!” And the gang breaks up. Individual members slink away toward their dens under the bushes. Six young coyotes rule the night behind our house. “Yip yip yowl ooo” they call into the October night. -Rebecca Ballew Dockum

Mother grateful for Armer Foundation, founder

My 10-year-old daughter, Kailyn Hinkle, was involved in an accident Aug. 15 of this year where she was hit by a boat trailer and dragged underneath it, causing life threatening injuries and landing her in the pediatric ICU at Cardon Children’s Hospital for 10 days, then requiring round the clock care upon discharge. I am a speech-language pathologist, so I make a decent income however, like many single parents, it is still a paycheck to paycheck living situation for us. I work a full-time job outside our home and a part-time job remotely. I do not have an

the summer heat. Above all, we need a strong P-20 public education system that equips people with knowledge and relevant career skills. The Legislature should step up and support what is needed for our schools, community colleges and universities. Incredibly, our representatives have voted against additional education funding. That is unacceptable. We also must address the K-12 education achievement gap so that all young people, no matter their background, are able to succeed in high school and beyond. We need to reward the schools and teachers who innovate and improve student achievement - and get tough on the schools that fail our kids.

Beyond total dollars, the formula that allocates K-12 funding is due for an update to better meet student needs and enhance taxpayer fairness. With more than half of students in the Phoenix metro area attending a school other than that assigned, it’s essential to move beyond the place-based property tax system. Inside the classroom, civil discourse and civics education must be preserved. Unlike my opponents who have voted against civics education, my commitment is to value our public schools and affirm their important role in sustaining our American system of government. Preparedness for new waves of COVID and other threats is essential. We must

repair our safety net so adequate unemployment assistance and basic health care is available to Arizonans in need. Apart from shoring up stockpiles of critical supplies and safety equipment, Arizonans deserve to have timely facts and clear, credible information to protect themselves and their families. It’s time to bring our community together under proven leadership that reflects our priorities and values. I have a long track record of working collegially and professionally with members of both parties to deliver results for our district, and I ask for your vote. With mutual trust and respect, we can get the job done for the people of Arizona. Visit robson2020.com to learn more.

emergency fund. I do not have a savings account. I do not own a home. I have nothing to borrow against. Our life works because I work hard. Following Kiki’s accident, I was faced with an impossible situation. She was completely dependent for all activities of daily living in the weeks following her accident. She could not transfer herself, toilet herself, shower herself, feed herself, etc. She was traumatized and afraid to be away from me for any amount of time and I felt the same way about being away from her. Continuing to work full-time outside of our home was not a possibility. First, my daughter needed me at home. Second, I was in no condition to complete the important medical duties my full-time job required. NOT working full-time was also not a possibility because that meant surviving about one month before I would have been in serious financial trouble and by that, I mean unable to pay my rent, utilities, etc. Add to that the fact that I knew the upcoming medical bills would be astronomical and I carry our medical insurance through my full-time job. The situation I found myself and my family in, by no fault of our own, is one that is difficult to describe but I will start with scared. Sickening. Horrible. Impossible. Then along came Jennifer Armer and the Armer Foundation for Kids. I had never met her. I did not know of their family business. I did not know about her foundation. But thank God she found us. Diana Lopez from Ahwatukee 411 contacted me and told me a little bit about Jennifer and that she wanted to help us. We connected soon after and since then she has been nothing short of

amazing. On our first phone call she asked a little bit about me and what I thought I needed as far as finances so I gave her a number that I thought would work. She immediately realized it was too low and that I had no idea what I needed. Instead of putting me in a situation later where I would have to ASK for help, she just took the wheel and got things rolling. She immediately put Kiki and her story on her Armer Foundation for Kids website and started accepting donations and shared it on social media. She organized a community sale for Kiki, but she did not wait until the sale weekend to start making money for her. She started an online pre-sale to kick start the actual sale. She started reaching out to businesses to sponsor signs for Kiki’s golf tournament. She explained to me the process and possibility of getting grants. When Kiki’s story began to get media attention, she sheltered us from reporters until she knew I was ready to tell Kiki’s story. She took the time to plan short-term and long-term financial goals – all of this for a family she has never met. She is one of several people and local businesses in the Ahwatukee community who has reached out to help us since Kiki’s accident. Jennifer helps families in situations like mine because she has a passion for community service, especially for children with medical needs. Within weeks of meeting her I knew she wanted to open a community resource center. She has made it crystal clear that she will do whatever it takes for however long it takes until we are okay. Jennifer is an amazing wom-

an on a mission, with a dream in her heart to make life easier for families who are going through a tragedy. I never in my wildest dreams imagined anything like this would happen to my daughter. When tragedy strikes, you are not able to formulate thoughts and plan financially, especially if you do not have emergency funds at your disposal. When your child is sick or injured your only worry should be taking care of them. Thanks to people like Jennifer Armer, that is my only worry right now. The peace she has instilled in my heart while I navigate my daughter’s recovery is immeasurable. The first day I spoke to her I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I just knew somehow everything was going to be okay. There is a debt of gratitude to her that can never be repaid. The most amazing thing about that is – she does not do this expecting anything in return. She helps without making you feel like a charity case. She is transparent in all her fundraising and keeps exquisite records, so you do not ever question what is happening with your child’s money. She keeps nothing for herself. Jennifer Armer walked into our lives as a stranger, but she will remain a forever friend. -Laura Myers

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Foothills Community board annual election today

You can still vote in person at the Foothills Golf Course clubhouse today, Oct. 21, at 5:30 p.m. Like the reform vote in July, it is important

see LETTERS page 42

OPINION

LETTERS from page 41

that everyone votes. However, it is even more critical in this board seat election because the built-in advantage of the corporations is further multiplied by a factor of four due to the “cumulative voting” provision in our CC&Rs. Please take the time to vote, and please ask your neighbors to vote. If enough homeowners vote, the corporations will not be able to control the outcome. Here are the candidates who support the recent HOA reforms: Rob Doherty, Vicky Glover, George Lemley, and Michael Warren. You can find more information about them at TheFoothillsInfo.com. -Vicky Glover

Voting by mail early is easy in Arizona, so no excuses

Telling viewers that he sent in his ballot in the 2010 elections when he was working on the Space Station in Earth’s orbit, Mark Kelly strongly encouraged voters to make a plan, turn out, and vote, saying: “There’s no excuse for you this election. Arizonans have many easy and convenient options to vote early this year by mail or in person. So make sure to go to iwillvote.com/AZ to make your plan today.” Captain Mark Kelly is right. Compared to states like Georgia and Texas where their state governments, aided by some federal courts, are making it harder for people to vote and the citizens there have had to stand in line for many hours, Arizonans have it fairly easy to exercise their Constitutional right to cast a ballot. -David Gordon

Start paying attention to redistricting panel

Five choices for the Independent Commissioner who will manage the commission for drawing the Arizona Congressional and legislative lines for a decade on the Independent Redistricting Commission are about to be designated. Watch for upcoming information where your voice will be able to participate in these critical maps. The future is ours. Use your voice to be heard. -CJ Briggle

As a mom, she appreciates Adel’s leadership

As a mother of three children and two grandchildren, their safety and well-being is my top

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

priority. This impacts the decisions I make each day, advice I provide to each of them, and who I choose to support during an election. There is a lot of noise out there, in the media and especially on social media, about what is at stake this election. For me, one of the most important races this year is Maricopa County Attorney. Allister Adel was appointed to the role October of last year and has exemplified principled and characterdriven leadership. A working mom herself, Allister has made keeping children and families safe her top priority and it is evident in the work she does daily at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Not only is she committed to holding violent criminals accountable but also providing treatment and services to those who are battling addition or mental illness so they can recover, work and raise their families. Her opponent Julie Gunnigle is a political activist who is focused on implementing the policy priorities of out-of-state progressive organizations rather than the actual duties of the Maricopa County Attorney. Gunnigle supports efforts to defund our local police and plans to release criminals back into our communities. We cannot afford to have this type of radical overseeing our county’s criminal justice system? Allister is a proven leader and she has the resume and record to back it up. In less than a year, she created programs for those who are battling drug addiction, resources for families regarding human trafficking, domestic violence and cyber bullying, and increased transparency and accountability. This is what real leaders do: they take bold action because it is the right thing to do. This is why we need Allister’s leadership now more than ever. I am proud to support Allister Adel for Maricopa County because I know she will work hard to protect children and families. To learn more about Allister, visit: AllisterAdel.com -Jill Norgaard

Mitzi Epstein is fighting for my kids and yours

As a regular American citizen living in the Kyrene School District, I have had the good fortune to see Rep. Mitzi Epstein in action because she makes herself available to hearing from her constituents. Her self-created “Neighborhood Council” has been the seed of many pro-community ideas put into action, where she asks experts

and community members alike to gather. Personally, I’ve been in discussions surrounding suicide prevention awareness for our students and obtaining more school counselors and I was there when my friends were first carving out “Jake’s Law,” requiring insurance companies to address mental health and physical health issues equally. Rep. Epstein listened and was able to move this along in the legislature and it passed this year. As the head of the “Ways and Means Committee,” Rep. Epstein has put great emphasis on our public tax dollars to be allocated to our public schools so that every child in every neighborhood can have a quality public education. She has called out the unethical behavior of those in our legislature who would rather funnel our tax dollars to their privately owned schools and/or to corporations at great loss to our children’s future. And she has communicated clearly in so many budget meetings what funds need to be restored (to education) and how this can be achieved in practical terms. An educated society cannot be underestimated — especially in these times when, so often, Science has been disregarded and replaced with “alternative facts” and conspiracy theories. As a parent and a citizen, this really concerns me! And, I know when children receive factual information and learn real critical thinking from well trained, well paid teachers in a positive environment our society can really thrive. Mitzi Epstein knows that too and that’s why she fights so hard for my kids and yours. Because I know her personally and I know her character, if she votes “no” on something that sounds good on the surface, there’s a good reason for it. I also know I can just ask her and she’ll give me the truth. I wish all our leaders were like Rep. Epstein and recognized that they work for us. She will always vote (and has!) to pay teachers better, add school counselors, and support any funding that will create stronger public schools for our community because Education really is the foundation for everything else. -Suzanne Whitaker

Arizona fails to elect leaders who will address climate

We will continue to fail to act on climate if Arizona voters continue to elect climate deniers like O’Connor into office. I was flabbergasted by ACC candidate Jim O’Connor’s response to one of the debate questions to learn that he is not convinced about the science of

climate change. Anna Tovar, Shea Stanfield, and Bill Mundell recognize the urgent need to follow the science and act on climate. They are committed to increasing the amount of clean energy in Arizona and making our state the solar capital of the world. Please support Anna Tovar, Shea Stanfield, and Bill Mundell to serve on the Arizona Corporation Commission. We can’t continue to fail on climate policy. -Rebecca Hinton

These candidates favor freedom for individuals

Arizona is a state that has always believed in freedom for the individual. If you: Value the freedom to protect yourself; enjoy lower taxes than many states; want fewer regulations on small businesses; value all life; want to protect the border from drugs, human trafficking; want to keep jobs here in the United States; want school choice so your child can get the education that fits your child’s needs; want the freedom to worship your religion, want freedom of speech, you need to vote for: Martha McSally, Merissa Hamilton, President Trump, Ivan Alfaro, Dave Giles, Margaret Wright, Suzanne Sharer, Don Fletcher, Bob Robson, Lori Bastian, Stephen Richer, Mike Myrick. -Nancy Dombrowski

Voting Democratic top to bottom, against ‘idiocracy’

Steve Schmidt, former Republican and cofounder of The Lincoln Project, called it right while coining a new word, “Idiocracy.” Most Americans now know the emperor has no clothes and are saying it out loud, unlike his Republican enablers in the US House and Senate who would follow this Idiocrat off a cliff (yes, you are one of them, Martha McSally) along with his Republican enablers in Arizona from the governor on down. Conscientious voters in Arizona will be voting the Democratic slate from top to bottom and, one day, like a miracle, he’ll be gone. Vote early. -Doug Arnold

Liked letter in last week’s Ahwatukee Foothills News

In the Oct. 14 issue: Bravo to Stanley D’Souza! Your response “Not sure Democrats live in her country“ was spot on! Thank you! -Tim Propps

OCTOBER 21, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Re-elect

Mitzi Epstein For Clean Air in Healthy Communities! Healthcare: Mitzi will continue her work for affordable healthcare, patient protections and lower costs of medicines. Clean Air: Fighting for clean air is about health. Mitzi leads collaborations to develop practical, cost-effective solutions • From the simple - like planting trees in school yards • To the complex - like electric vehicle charging stations, and electric fire trucks that save money for cities and the state. Endorsed by Scientists

3.14 Action - “Electing scientists who will use evidence and facts to fix our broken healthcare system and address climate change” Endorsed by: Parents and teachers, Healthcare Professionals, grocery store clerks, the Sierra Club, and Humane Voters of Arizona, ME4AZ.com

Vote Early Please! Return your mail-in Ballot today. www.BeBallotReady.vote Paid for by Mitzi Epstein for AZ. Authorized by Mitzi Epstein

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

SPORTS

Sports & Recreation OCTOBER 21, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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Desert Vista volleyball thriving at midway point of season BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

fter nearly every point, whether they are winning or losing, members of the Desert Vista volleyball team come together and share smiles and often some laughs. Longtime head coach Molly West often has to lean over the court boundary to remind them to focus, but it’s rarely done on a stern manner. She knows it’s a sign of the chemistry and overall closeness between players on the team. And it’s that sense of togetherness that has so far helped Desert Vista thrive in a pandemic-altered season. “I can appreciate the fact that they’re having some fun out there, they need to have that,” West said. “The thing I worry about sometimes is their ability to recover quickly. Sometimes it takes them a little longer because they are too relaxed. “I’m glad they’re having fun, we are just young.” The coronavirus pandemic set Desert Vista behind in the summer, as volleyball

the girls had become accustomed to over the course of their time with the program had to be altered. Masks also had to be worn at all times, which at first presented a difficult atmosphere. As a result of some school district opting not to begin with others across the East Valley and state, Desert Vista’s schedule was altered. The Thunder only play 15 games versus 17 like some other teams. Additionally, there are a couple of circumstances where they play three times in one week, often resulting in back-to-back matches. Desert Vista wrapped Desert Vista junior Kylie Moran has emerged as one of the vocal leaders of the team alongside fellow junior Logan Blutreich. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff) up a 3-1 victory over rival Mountain Pointe last was unable to practice until late July and Thursday to improve to 7-1 at the midway into August. Even then, many of the drills point of the season. The Thunder’s only

loss came in a 3-0 affair to Highland, one of the top-ranked programs in the state. That match, however, was Desert Vista’s third of the year in September. At that point in time several members of the team were still adjusting to playing at the varsity level. A tall task in itself when the varsity roster is comprised of only sophomores and juniors. West said she is still looking for girls to solidify them as leaders of the program. Some are beginning to stand out, including juniors Kylie Moran and Logan Blutreich. “We are really close outside of volleyball, we are like a family,” Moran said. “We know what to do to cheer each other up when we are down and how to motivate everyone.” Through eight games, Moran leads the Thunder in kills and is among the top players for aces. The junior has established herself as one of Desert Vista’s goto players when points are needed. Her explosiveness at the net has played a key role in Desert Vista’s success through the first half of the season, and she’s hav-

and improved tremendously from last week. Jackson did a great job with our (run, pass, option) game tonight. “He made some great reads.” Sophomore quarterback Jackson Akins, who was one of several to make the jump from the freshmen team last year to varsity this season, easily had his best performance under center for the Thunder. The 6-foot-1, 170-pound gunslinger showed poise under pressure from Basha’s defense and an overall ability to escape the pocket. His ability to manage the Desert Vista offense was Desert Vista sophomore quarterback Jackson Akins and the rest the Thunder offense showed improvement despite losing to made abundantly clear early on, as he of Basha. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff) marched the Thunder down the field In the third quarter with Desert Vista early in the first quarter and called his trailing by two touchdowns, Akins orchesown number for a 1-yard touchdown.

trated yet another drive that ended with an 18-yard pass to junior wideout Cade Colemere, who managed to get a foot in bounds in the back of the end zone for the touchdown. Despite three interceptions – one of which on a tipped pass – Akins completed 20 of his 35 attempts for 300 yards and a touchdown. He added 43 yards and another touchdown on the ground. Four Desert Vista wideouts had 30 or more receiving yards on the night. Sophomore athlete Michael Allison, who shined in the Thunder’s loss to Highland, once again paced the offense with 98 receiving yards. Desert Vista found a new sense of urgency against Basha. Some of that likely stemmed from the energy showed by

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Thunder turn corner despite loss to Basha BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

esert Vista head coach Dan Hinds aims to see improvement from his team on a weekly basis, regardless of result. He had hoped they would carry some momentum from the late drive against Highland in Week 2 that saw the Thunder offense click and get into the end zone for the first time this season. It was clear early on in Friday’s contest against Basha Hinds would get more than just leftover momentum, as the offense and defense showed flashes of vast improvement despite a 3824 loss to Basha. “Our team turned the corner tonight,” Hinds said. “We did a lot of good things

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SPORTS

Nonprofit helping kids get in the game BY CIERRA LUNA Cronkite News

aquel McNabb, a former college athlete and mother of four active children, has witnessed firsthand how money affects or limits a child’s ability to participate in sports. Maybe kids can afford the uniform but not the travel expense. Others can’t pay for the required equipment. Some children never get around the first road block: team or entrance fees. That is why McNabb, along with fellow Valley moms Nicole Hawkins, Jennifer Krause and Ashley Schuggher, founded Caris Sports Foundation, a Chandler nonprofit designed to help children and their families meet the costs associated with recreational and competitive sports. “We saw a lot of kids who are struggling to pay,” McNabb said. “A lot of the burden either falls on the organization who are struggling to raise money themselves, or other parents reach in their pockets and cover costs for kids, or the kids just do not play.” Even before the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily shuttered sports worldwide, youth sports suffered declines in participation in the last few years for numerous reasons, from health and safety concerns to lack of time and travel commitments. Nonprofit organizations in the Valley are stepping in to alleviate the burden of costs to ensure all kids who want to play organized sports, can. In an Aspen Institute study called Project Play, data showed that only 21.6 percent of children, ages 6-12, from a household with annual income under $25,000 participate in sports regularly. That’s compared to 42.7 percent of children from a household with an income of $100,000. “If you look at the statistics, kids that come from affluent families have more opportunities to play sports,” McNabb said. Founded in 2019, the Caris Sports Foundation, said McNabb, has a simple goal and purpose: donate money to kids and club teams in need. “Some foundations are really complicated, and we are not. We raise funds to help kids play sports,” she said. “We have actually given out approximately $30,000 in funds this year to kids.” McNabb was a high-achieving athlete herself. A point guard for Syracuse in the

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

The purpose of nonprofits like the YMCA and the Caris Sports Foundation are to get more kids on the field. Once that happens, a child’s future is likely to expand. “I think it’s just tremendous for children to build positive relationships with other children through sport,” Broslma said. Both Raquel and Broslma agreed that skills learned in organized sports play an important role in a child’s future job prospects and influence who that child eventually becomes in their adult lives. “I think you learn so The co-founders of Caris Sports Foundation all share the same passions for sports, giving back and helping kids get on the field regardless of socioeconomic status. They include, from left, Jennifer Kruse, Ashley Schugg, Raquel McNabb and Nicole Hawkins. (Courtesy Caris Sports Foundation) much about your own abilities, your ability to 1990s, she made the Big East academic and family, regardless of economic status, persevere, your ability to work with othAll-Star team three times, was named the have the same opportunities as anybody ers on a team,” Brolsma said. school’s Athlete of the Year and was twice else,” Brolsma said. “We feel it is important to play sports Like other youth sports programs, the because of all the other values and skills team MVP. “It gave me the ability to travel places I YMCA charges program fees, but when an that come with playing,” McNabb said. would never travel otherwise,” she said. athlete cannot afford to pay they are of- “How you develop as a person, not just as “And the bonds that I made, the relation- fered some assistance. an athlete.” “We raise money every year directly for ships built and all the fun times. That is Brolsma said coaches also positively inscholarships so that every child is able to fluence athletes and deserve just as much what was important.” McNabb also mentioned the disparities access the same experiences that all other credit in shaping children’s futures. in participation of children from minority children do,” Brolsma said. “I think they are paramount as well, the groups compared to white (non-Hispanic) “There are 10 kids on a basketball team relationship with a coach that a child can children. and four or five of them might be on some build and learning from an adult role modAccording to the Aspen Institute report, sort of financial assistance or scholar- el that’s not their own parent, is really, reparticipation rates among minorities were ship,” Brolsma said, “But nobody on the ally important,” Brolsma said. about 5 percent less than white children. team would know and aren’t treated difHe said that the coaches at the YMCA are When the age range is widened to children ferently.” volunteers who generously give their time ages 6-17, according to the National SurFormer NFL quarterback Donovan to children not because they have to or are vey of Children’s Health, the participation McNabb, a spokesperson for Caris and being paid but because they want to be among white children is about 70 percent husband of Raquel, said when starting the there to teach and support. and among minorities 48-58 percent. foundation they had similar goals in mind. Donovan McNabb said youth sports can “When we level the playing field, it is “The thing that stuck with us, there are also open doors for athletes that would othgiving everybody the opportunity to play,” kids coming from single parent homes or erwise remain closed had they not played. McNabb said. adopted, and they don’t have the financial “Club sports play such a major factor in Garrett Brolsma, YMCA’s district execu- (backing) to pay AAU and club dues each the future of these individuals, these kids,” tive director who oversees the East Valley and every month,” he said. said McNabb, who played 13 seasons in the location and helps lead youth sports and “We are providing support for them to NFL, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. aquatic operations, said nobody will be be able to do that, so that the kids may “It gives them an opportunity and platform turned away from the facility’s programs have the opportunity to be on the same to be showcased, to be put out there so colplatform as other kids who do have fami- lege coaches can recruit them, and they can because of an inability to pay. “We want to make sure that every child lies who can afford to pay the dues.” fulfill a dream of playing D1 sports.”

SPORTS

OCTOBER 21, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

VOLLEYBALL �� 45

ing fun while doing it. “Even if at times we get stressed, we know how to have fun with it,” Moran said. “That’s one of the points of the game, is to have fun. We don’t get down if we are behind. We know how to balance the fun and competitive nature of the game.” Blutreich, a 6-foot-3 middle blocker, is following in the footsteps of her older sister, Brooke, who was a senior captain for the Thunder last season. She sees herself as a vocal leader for her team, motivating the other players if they make a mistake or if the team falls behind in a match. She said much of her new-found leadership qualities stem from watching her sister at the varsity level last season. “I try to be a role model just like she was as a senior,” Blutreich said. “I try to be pretty vocal and motivate the other girls if they’re struggling.” Much like Moran, Blutreich has become a force on the net. She leads the team in blocks with 27 and is second on the team in kills with 63 through eight games.

THUNDER �� 45

Grubbs, who missed last week’s game against Highland with a knee injury. Grubbs primarily played safety throughout the first quarter, where he proved effective in coverage and in the run-game. He was used sparingly on offense in the first half but added a spark in the second quarter on a 19-yard touchdown run in which he plowed through multiple defenders before sprawling out for the goal line. Despite only rushing six times on the night, he finished with 60 yards and the score. Grubbs said he was happy to be back on the field and looks forward to Desert Vista’s home opener against Mountain View and the debut of its new turf field. “I’m glad to finally be able to play at home,” Grubbs said. “I think it’ll bring a little more confidence to the players that need it. We just need to finish the game with just as much effort, physicality and energy as when we start it.”

She credited the team’s off-the-court friendships for their success this season but agrees with West in the ability to get better and truly find their identity as a team by the time the state tournament begins in November. “There are definitely times where we need to focus more,” Blutreich said. “That starts in practice. We just need to work hard and work together.” Desert Vista was ranked No. 6 overall in 6A as of Friday’s updated rankings. West hopes to remain in the top eight to avoid the play-in tournament and secure a firstround playoff game on their home court. Though, she admits she would like to see them continue to climb and potentially secure more than just the one postseason match at home. But that’ll take an added sense of discipline on the court. “We are really focused on these girls being disciplined and focusing on the little things,” West said. “Everything can’t be fast, it sometimes has to be deliberate to manage tough situations. That’s kind of part of the youth thing with us, but they’re getting better.”

Desert Vista volleyball coach Molly West has seen her team of all juniors and sophomores begin to find themselves as a team through the midway point of the season. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff)

Late touchdown the difference in Pride’s loss to Shadow Ridge

forgettable first half by Mountain Pointe quickly turned into a near perfect comeback as the Pride fell to Shadow Ridge after a last-second touchdown, 39-30. Leading 30-26 with under a minute left in regulation, Mountain Pointe’s defense stopped Shadow Ridge’s offense short of the goal line on three consecutive plays. But as time ticked under 10 seconds, the Stallions capitalized on fourth down to take the 33-30 lead. A last-ditch effort on kick return as time expired resulted in another Shadow Ridge touchdown after several laterals by Mountain Pointe. Mountain Pointe was unable to find any rhythm on either side of the ball in the first half, as Shadow Ridge quickly built to a three-score lead. Then, however, something clicked. “We started flat on offense and that hurt us the first half,” Mountain Pointe coach Eric Lauer said. “We came out

first thing in the second half and started making it a ball game. They fought, they didn’t give up.” A strong drive out of the locker room put Mountain Pointe on the board. A defensive stop then led to a field goal to cut Shadow Ridge’s lead in half. After a Stallions’ score, senior defensive end Zach Hay tipped a pass at the line of scrimmage and returned it for a touchdown. On the Pride’s next offensive possession, sophomore running back Jay’len Rushing further cut into Shadow Ridge’s lead with a short touchdown run. Mountain Pointe’s go-ahead touchdown was the result of a bobbled snap by Shadow Ridge’s punter. Pride senior safety Jason Ramirez picked up the poorly timed kick and fell into the end zone. “Our defense is getting better,” Lauer said. “We always talk about making the offense play another play. They gave us opportunities. They’re keeping us right

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

there in games.” Having battled through several injuries the first two weeks of the season, Lauer believes his team is on the right track to getting key pieces back on the field. Senior tackle Zereoue Williams made his first start of the season after a foot injury kept him sidelined. Senior tight end Kevin Sawitzke, who has been out with a hand injury, is set to return soon which will give junior quarterback Amier Boyd a 6-foot-6 target down the middle of the field. Lauer hopes to continue seeing improvement as his team hosts Basha on Friday. “They’re performing and doing what we ask,” Lauer said. “They are staying the course. I saw Basha won tonight and they played a good game a couple weeks ago against Shadow Ridge. “It should make for a good game Friday back at home.”

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020 PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT

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As senior leaders of America’s military, we took an oath to defend the United States from all enemies, foreign and domestic. At present, our country is now confronted with enemies here and abroad, as well as a once in a century pandemic.

As retired military officers, we believe that Donald J. Trump has been tested as few other presidents have and is the proven leader to confront these dangers. It can be argued that this is the most important election Gen. Alfred Hansen, USAF, Ret., Gen William R. Looney III, USAF, Ret., Gen. Lance Smith, USAF, Ret., ADM. Mark Fitzgerald, USN, Ret. ADM. Thomas B. Hayward, USN, Ret., ADM. Jerome L. Johnson, USN, Ret., ADM Leighton Smith, USN, Ret., ADM. Steven White,USN, Ret.ADM Paul Yost, USCG, Ret., LTG Edward Anderson, USA, Ret., LTG Emil “Buck” Bedard, USMC, Ret, LTG William G. Boykin, USA, Ret.LTG Dennis Cavin, USA, Ret., LTF James Chambers, USAF, Ret., LTG Matthew T. Cooper, USMC, Ret. LTG, Gordon E. Fornell, USAF, Ret.LTG Jay Garner, USA, Ret, LTG Stan Green, USA, Ret,.LTG Earl Hailston,USMC, Ret.,LTG D.J. Heljlik, USMC, Ret,.LTG James H. Johnson, Jr., USA, Ret, . LTG Timothy A. Kinnan,USAF, Ret., LTG James M. Link, USA, Ret.LTG Frederick McCorckle, USMC, Ret. LTG Thomas McInerney, USAF, Ret.,LTG Thomas J. Owen, USAF, Ret.LTG Garry L. Parks, USMC, Ret. LTG Clifford H. Rees, USAF,Ret.LTG James C. Riley, USA, Ret. LTG Richard M. Scofield, USAF, Ret.LTG Leroy Sisco, USA, Ret.LTG Ellie G. Shuler, Jr., USAF, Ret.LTG Hubert G. Smith, USA, Ret.LTG David Teal, USAF, Ret. LTG William Thurman, USAF, Ret.LTG Garry Trexler, USAF, Ret. LTG Thomas C. Waskow, USAF, Ret.LTG Ronald L. Watts, USA. Ret. LTG R. L. Wetzel, USA, Ret.LTG John W. Woodmansee, Jr. USA, Ret.LTG John L. Woodward Jr., USAF, Ret.LTG Michael W. Wooley, USAF, Ret.VADM Edward Briggs, USN, Ret.VADM Toney M. Bucchi, USN, Ret. VADM E.W. Clexton, USN, Ret. VADM George W. Emery, USN, Navy, Ret.VADM W. J. Hancock, USN, Ret, VADM Peter Hekman, Jr., USN, Ret.VADM Gordon Holder, USN, Ret. VADM Paul Ilg, USN, Ret.VADM William Dean Lee, USCG, Ret.VADM James W. Metzger, USN, Ret.VADM James Pappas, USN, Ret.

VADM J. Theodore Parker, USN, Ret.VADM John M. Poindexter, USN, Ret.VADM Robert J. Spane, USN, Ret.VADM Edward Straw, USN, Ret.VADM Donald C. Thompson, USCG, Ret. VADM Howard Thorsen, USCG, Ret. VADM Nils Thunman, USN, Ret.VADM Jerry Unruh, USN, Ret.MG James E. Andrews, USAF, Ret. MG Joseph Arbuckle, USA, Ret.MG Paul Bergson, USA, Ret.MG Casey D. Blake, USAF, Ret.MG William G. Bowdon, USMC, Ret.MG Edward Bracken, USAF, Ret. MG Patrick Brady, MOH, USA, Ret.MG David Burford, USA, Ret. MG H. Hale Burr, Jr., USAF, Ret.MG Thomas Carter, USAF, Ret. MG. Carroll Childers, USA, Ret.MG Peter W. Clegg, USA, Ret.MG Jeffrey Cliver, USAF, Ret.MG John Closner, USAF, Ret.MG Richard S. Colt, USA, Ret.MG James W. Comstock, USA, Ret.MG Wesley Craig, USA, Ret.MG James Cravens, USA, Ret.MG Thomas F. Crawford, USAF, Ret.MG Gene A. Deegan, USMC, Ret.MG James D. Delk, USA, Ret.MG Robert E. Dempsey, USAF, Ret.MG Travis Dyer, USA, Ret.MG Neil Eddins, USAF, Ret. MG David Eidsaune, USAF, Ret.MG Fred E. Elam, USA, Ret.MG Peter Franklin, USA, Ret. MG John t. Furlow, USA, Ret.MG David C. Garza, USMC, Ret.MG Brian I. Geehan, USA, Ret.MG Timothy F. Ghormley, USMC, Ret.MG Francis C. Gideon, Jr. USAF, Ret.MG William A. Gorton, USAF, Ret. MG Lee V. Greer, USAF, Ret. MG John S. Grinalds, USMC, Ret. MG John Gronski, USA, Ret. MG Patrick J. Halloran, USAF,Ret. MG Gary L. Harrell, USA, Ret.MG Bryan Hawley, USAF, Ret.MG John W. Hawley, USAF, Ret.MG C.A.“Lou” Hennies,USA, Ret.MG Robert R. Hicks Jr. USA, Ret.MG Geoff Higginbotham, USMC, Ret. MG William Hobgood, USA, Ret.MG Bobby Hollingsworth, USMC, Ret. MG. Jerry D. Holmes, USAF, Ret.MG Clinton V. Horn,

since our country was founded. With the Democratic Party welcoming to socialists and Marxists, our historic way of life is at stake. …The Democrats have once again pledged to cut defense spending, undermining our military strength. The Democrats’ opposition to border security, their pledge to return to the disastrous Iran nuclear deal, their antagonism towards the police and planned cuts to military spending will leave the United States more vulnerable to foreign enemies. President Trump’s resolute stands have deterred our enemies from aggression against us and our allies.... We believe that President Donald Trump… will continue USAF, Ret.MG Dewitt T. Irby, Jr. USA, Ret.MG Donald L. Jacka, USA, Ret.MG William K. James, USAF, Ret.MG Alan D. Johnson, USA, Ret.MG David J. Kaucheck, USA, Ret.MG Michael C. Kerby, USAF, Ret.MG Anthony R. Kropp, USA, Ret.MG John A. Leide, USA, Ret. MG Vernon Lewis, USA, Ret. MG Thomas Lightner, USA, Ret.MG JamesE. Livingston, MOH, USMC, Ret. MG Robert E. Livingston, Jr., USA, Ret.MG John D. Logeman, USAF, Ret. MG Jarvis Lynch, USMC, Ret.MG O. G. Mannon, USAF, Ret.MG Randall Marchi, USA, Ret.MG Clay T McCutchan, USAF, Ret.MG John Miller, USAF, Ret.MG Paul Mock USA, Ret.MG Bruce Moore, USA, Ret.MG William A. Navas, Jr., USA, Ret.MG George Norwood, USAF, Ret.MG Ray O’Mara, USAF, Ret.MG. Joe S.Owens, USA, Ret.MG Richard Perraut, USAF, Ret.MG Ronald G. Richard, USMC, Ret.MG Ernest O. Robbins II, USAF, Ret.MG H. Douglas Robertson, USA, Ret.MG Nels Running, USAF, Ret.MG John P. Schoeppner, Jr., USAF, Ret.MG Richard A. Scholtes, USA, Ret.MG Gregory Schumacher, USA, Ret.MG Richard Secord, USAF, Ret.MG Mark Solo, USAF, Ret.MG Melvin Spiese, USMC, Ret.MG James Stewart, USAF, Ret.MG Michael P. Sullivan, USMC, Ret.MG Paul Vallely, USA, Ret.MG Russell L. Violett, USAF, Ret.MG Robert Walter, USA, Ret.MG. Kenneth W. Weir, USMC, Ret.MG Geoffrey P. Wiedeman, Jr., USAF, Ret.MG Gary C. Wattnem, USA, Ret. MG Richard Wightman, Jr., USA, Ret. MG Robert J. Williamson, USA, Ret.MG Michael N.Wilson, USA, Ret. MG Walter H.Yates, USA, Ret. MG. Albert Zapanta, USA, Ret. RADM Philip Anselmo, USN, Ret.RADM Stephen Barchet, USN, Ret .RADM Jon W. Bayless, Jr., USN, Ret. RADM Timothy Beard, USN, Ret. RADM James B. Best, USN , Ret. RADM Stanley D.

Bozin, USN, Ret .RADM Bruce B. Bremner, USN, Ret .RADM John T. Byrd, USN, Ret. RADL Norman Campbell, USN, Ret. RADM James J. Carey, USN, Ret. RADM Arthur Clark, USN, Ret. RADM Jay Cohen, USN, Ret. RADL David Cronk, USN, Ret .RADM Ernest A. Elliot, USN, Ret .RADM James. R. Fowler, USN, Ret. RADM George Furong, USN, Ret . RADM Albert Gallotta, USN, Ret. RADM William J. Gilmore, USN, Ret. RADM Andrew A. Granuzzo, USN, Ret. RDML John G. Hekman, USN, Ret .RADM Robert P. Hickey, USN, Ret. RADM Donald E. Hickman, USN, Ret. RADM Steve Israel, USN, Ret. RDML Grady L. Jackson, USN, Ret .RADM Ronny Jackson, USN, Ret. RADM John Graham King, USN, Ret. RADM Jon Kreitz, USN, Ret. RADM Charles Kubic, USN, Ret. RADL Bobby C. Lee, USN, Ret .RADM Douglas E. Lee, USN, Ret .RADM Frederick L. Lewis, USN, Ret .RADM Edward S. McGinley II, USN, Ret .RADM John H. McKinley, USN, Ret. RADM Mark R. Milliken, USN, Ret. RADM Ralph M. Mitchell, Jr., USN, Ret. RAML Robert Moeller, USN, Ret. RADM Douglas M. Moore, Jr., USN, Ret. RADM John A. Moriarty, USN, Ret. RADM David R. Morris, USN, Ret .RADM William E. Newman, USN, Ret .RADM Robert Owens, USN, Ret .RADM John F. Paddock, Jr., USN, Ret. RADM Marc Pelaez, USN, Ret .RADM Russell S. Penniman, USN, Ret .RADM Leonard F. Picotte. USN, Ret.RADM David P. Polatty III,

to secure our borders, defeat our adversaries, and restore law and order domestically. We urge our fellow Americans to join us in supporting the re-election of Donald Trump for President. 300 retired generals and admirals, including nine 4-star and fifty-two 3-star flag officers, have signed this letter endorsing the re-election of Donald Trump.

Donald Trump Stands with America. He Fought the China Virus Joe Biden Defends China

www.flagofficersfortrump.com USN, Ret. RADM Brian C. Prindle, USN, Ret. RADM J.J. Quinn, USN, Ret. RADM Michael Roesner, USN, Ret. RADM Norman T. Saunders, USCG, Ret. RADM William R. Schmidt, USN, Ret. RADM Scott Semko, USN, Ret.RADM Doniphan B. Shelton, USN, Ret.RADM Robert Shumaker, USN, Ret. RADM Kenneth Slaght, USN, Ret. RADM Bernard J. Smith, USN, Ret. RADM Alton Stocks, USN, Re t.RADM Thomas E. Stone, USN, Ret. RADM Barton D. Strong, USN, Ret .RADM Jeremy D. Taylor, USN, Ret.RADM William E. Terry, USN, Ret. RADM Robert P. Tiernan, USN, Ret. RADM Lenn Vincent, USN, Ret .RADM George Wagner, USN, Ret.RADM Garry R. Wright, USN, Ret. RADM H. Denny Wisely, USN, Ret .RADM Ray Cowden Witter, USN, Ret.RADM Charles B. Young, USN, Ret.BG John Allen, USAF, Ret.BG John Arick, USMC, Ret.BG Mark Beesley, USAF, Ret.BG Charles L. Bishop, USAF, Ret.BG William A. Bloomer, USMC, Ret.BG Donald C. Bolduc, USA, Ret. BG Frank Bruno, USAF, Ret.BG Jimmy Cash, USAF, Ret.BG Clifton C. Clark, Jr., USAF, Ret. BG Peter b. Collins, USMC, Ret.BG Keith B.

Connolly, USAF, Ret.BG Howard G. DeWolf, USAF, Ret.BG Duane Deal, USAF, Ret.BG Philip M. Drew, USAF, Ret.BG David K. “Bob’ Edmonds, USAF, Ret.BG Curtis Emery II, USAF, Ret.BG Terry Ethridge, USA, Ret.BG Robert L. Floyd II, USA, Ret.BG Jimmy E. Fowler, USA, Ret.BG Jerome V. Foust, USA, Ret.BG CWilliam Fox, Jr. MD, USA, Ret.BG Edmund J. Giering, USA, Ret.BG Timothy J. Grogan, USA, Ret.BG Norman R. Ham, USAF, Ret.BG David A. Herrelko, USAF, Ret.BG C. J. Hindman, USAF, Ret.BG Stanislaus J. Hoey, USA, Ret.BG Thomas Honeywill, USAF, Ret. BG Tamhra Hutchins-Frye, USAF, Ret.BG James Johnston, USAF, Ret. BG Phillip Jolly, USA, Ret.BG Charles Jones, USAF, Ret.BG Robert Jordan, U.S. Army, Ret. BG Jack Kotter, USA, Ret.BG Douglas E. Lee, USA, Ret.BG Robert W. Lovell, USAF, Ret.BG Ronald S. Mangum, USA, Ret.BG Thomas P. Maney, USA, Ret.BG Michael H. McClendon, USAF, Ret.BG Michael P. McRaney, USAF, Ret.BG James M. Mead, USMC, Ret. Brig Gen Joseph Mensching, USAF, Ret.BG Bruce Miketinac, USA, Ret. BG Daniel L. Montgomery, USA, Ret.BG Hans Mueh, USAF, Ret. BG Charles W. Neeley, USAF, Ret.BG Michael I. Neil, USMC, Ret. BG John Nicholson, USA, Ret. BG Joseph Oder, USA, Ret.BG Guido J. Portante, USA, Ret.BG Teddy E. Rinebarger, USAF, Ret.BG Douglas J. Richardson, USAF, Ret.BG Steven A. Roser, USAF, Ret.BG Michael Scholes, USA, Ret. BG George L. Schulstad, USAF, Ret. BG Richard M.Tabor, USA, Ret.BG David B. Warner, USAF, Ret.BG David Weeks, USA, Ret.BG William O. Welch, USAF, Ret.BG Robert E. Windham, USA, Ret.BG Robert V. Woods, USAF, Ret. BG Robert H. Woods, Jr., USA, Ret.BG David Zalis, CH, USA, Ret.

Our Military leaders stand with Trump. 300 U.S. Retired Generals and Admirals signed an Open Letter supporting President Trumps’re-elections. For a full list of signers go to flagofficersfortrump.com This is the most important election in our history. The choice is between socialist/Marxist policies and our freedoms and the traditional way of life for our children and grandchildren. Vote for Trump

Paid for by JewsChoose4MoreYears@gmail.com. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee. Carol Greenwald, Treasurer, 62 William St, NY, NY 10005, 845-743-0608

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Three weekends of free fall festivals BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA GetOut Contributor

n Organic Pumpkin Farm Stand, hot air balloons aglow in the gloaming, a BBQ cook-off, a variety of local food trucks and retail vendors, a beer garden. What’s not to like? Those are but a few attractions scheduled at the free Fall Fest held Oct. 23 through Nov. 7 on the grounds of Phoenix Premium Outlets at Wild Horse Pass and organized by the Arizona Events Group and their indefatigably optimistic president and CEO Tim Matykiewicz, an Ahwatukee resident and McClintock High Class of ‘81 alum. The germ of the idea for the Fall Fest in the East Valley came shortly after the completion of the very successful 2020 Arizona Balloon Classic this past January in Goodyear. After months of research and arrangements, the agreement to have the Fall Fest was signed with Simon Properties/Phoenix Premium Outlets on the Gila River Indian Community on March 1, 2020. And then COVID and the mid-March statewide shutdown struck. “Live events are one of the first things to shut down and the last to reopen,” said Matykiewicz. “We signed the deal the first of March, just two months after our ninth annual Arizona Balloon Classic. “We were on the road producing hot air balloon Glows in Beaumont, Texas, and Riverside, California. And then, March 10, COVID craziness started.” Originally, the Fall Fest event was envisioned as a one-weekend BBQ and Balloons, or what he called a BnB event, but Arizona Events Group was asked to expand it. As happens sometimes when organizing events, unforeseen obstacles loom – as it did just two weeks ago when the Gila River Indian Community Task Force asked for a meeting to review all plans for the already-in-place event.

Ahwtaukee promotions expert Tim Matykiewitz produces the Arizona Balloon Classic in Goodyear every January and is hoping to create a similarly festive atmosphere with his three weekends of Fall Fest at Phoenix Premium Outlets at Wild Horse Pass. (Special to AFN)

“It’s been crazy,” Matykiewicz said. other large metro Phoenix events would “You’re getting excited, you’re discour- expect large crowds at their events. Yet, aged, you’re excited, you’re discouraged with people hesitantly emerging from the but we have a positive outlook and keep months-long quarantine, he’s uncertain what to expect. moving forward. “I’m not sure we’ll get the masses as some “The Gila River Indian Community and Simon Properties have been very profes- people are still being cautious, and we unsional, understanding and really willing to derstand. But we’re committed to making work out details for a fun, successful and our event the very cleanest and healthiest environment in Arizona,” he said. safe event.” “When you come to the Fall Fest at And that is what Matykiewicz and his staff are doing while striving to meet the Outlets, you’ll be required to wear a health protocols to assure locals that the mask – which is enforceable – distance Fall Fest is seriously taking their COVID when you can and we’ll be swimming in hand sanitizer.” concerns to heart. He said what he and his company want “In regard to social distancing, we’re distancing all our vendors – food and retail most is to offer the East Valley community so as to not have too many individuals in a little hope amid the pandemic gloom, one place and since it’s an open-air loca- provide activities for them to have a good time and to help tion, we have plenty raise money for the of space,” he said. Phoenix-based Hope “As for personal for the Homeless distancing space, nonprofit. we’re not enforc“This year with the ing anything, but effects of COVID-19, are relying on each unemployment and individual’s responsmall business hardsibility to their most ships, we want to comfortable position give back to those in and there’s lots of our own community signage stating this with this free Fall health protocol.” He said where Fest; plain and simnormally the AEG ple,” he said. organizers that host Tim Matykiewicz is committed to making his Fall The organizers are the Arizona Bal- Fest extravaganza clean, healthy and fund. donating 25 percent (Special to AFN) loon Classic and of all gross liquor

sales and 25 percent of all Relief Raffle ticket sales directly to Hope for the Homeless. Additionally, Fall Fest attendees are urged to bring at least one canned food item to be donated for a Thanksgiving food drive. The opening weekend for Fall Fest is Friday, Oct. 23 through Sunday, Oct 25 with festivities from 10 a.m to 10 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Food trucks, a variety of retail vendors, a beer garden and an organic (and sanitized) Pumpkin Farm Stand with pumpkins suitable for cooking or carving direct from Crooked Sky Farms of Phoenix, a certified organic and non-GMO produce grower are components of weekend. Under recommendations from the Gila River Indian Council, the proposed fireworks were eliminated. Halloween Weekend at the Fall Fest begins Oct. 28th and runs through Oct. 31 with the Pumpkin Farm Stand, food trucks and beer garden and retail vendors returning. And, as Matykiewicz said, it wouldn’t be Halloween weekend without a costume contest, a pumpkin decorating competition and other family-oriented activities. A fitting 2020 Fall Fest addition is the newly-added COVID mask competition. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6 and 7, is BBQ n Balloons Weekend with a People’s Choice BBQ competition, hot air balloon glows and tethered hot air balloon rides. All Fall Fest weekends include the beer garden, food trucks and a variety of retail, food and drink vendors. Undertaking such a large-scale event isn’t for the faint at heart, but Matykiewicz has a great deal of faith and years of experience from which to draw. A life-long east valley resident who parlayed his McClintock High school football prowess to a scholarship at Colorado Christian University where he also played basketball, his post-grad credentials include a 10-year stint as corporate mar-

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

Scarecrows, playful pumpkins take over Mesa BY JACQUELINE ROBLEDO GetOut Contributor

ay Villafane’s playful, carved pumpkins are synonymous with Halloween in Carefree. But when COVID-19 hit, he was forced to make a change when the town canceled its events. “Strange Encounters: A Halloween Scavenger Hunt” was installed throughout Downtown Mesa and in its storefronts – all visible from the sidewalk to ensure proper social distancing. Maps are available online and in Downtown Mesa until the show ends on Nov. 8. Villafane explained each scene tells its own anecdotal story. This year, “Mr. Hallows” is making his debut. A 9-foot-tall scarecrow, Mr. Hallows is made from natural materials – a pumpkin for a head and limbs made from branches Villafane found on a hike. He has a heart made of hag stone and three felted mice living inside of him. “I’m probably most proud of that scarecrow and I’m excited for his final debut,” he said. Villafane said he uses hag stones as the hearts for his scarecrows because they have naturally occurring holes through the middle and they signify magic and good luck. “My life is constantly in the pursuit of finding what makes me tick what I’m really passionate about,” he said. “Over the

Ray Villafane’s unusual and entertaining pumpkin art can be found throughout downtown Mesa through Nov. 8.

(Courtesy of Ray Villafane)

years I’ve refined it to the point where I really find myself settling with making things with natural materials for the public to enjoy.” Villafane was a K-12 art teacher when he carved a pumpkin for his students, who loved it. He soon traded his chalkboard for sculpting tools.

Acclaimed sculptor Ray Villafane brings his vignettes and creepy cast of characters to Downtown Mesa this year. (Courtesy Villafane Studios. (Special to AFN)

He began commercial sculpting on the side and eventually, Villafane became a full-time commercial sculptor, working for companies such as Marvel, Warner Bros., DC Comics and McFarlane Toys. As he became more skilled in his craft, he began receiving more attention for his work, including that of the Food Network,

eventually contributing to the launch of a pumpkin carving series. Villafane found his niche in storytelling using pumpkin carving and sculpting as his medium. “I just created this sort of enchanted magical world utilizing natural materials,” he said. “I just love creating magic, making stuff from nothing. I love working with natural materials and making enchanted storylines, and while it is based in a sort of Halloween vibe, it certainly transcends that.” Villafane’s work has been displayed around the world. To name a few, he has carved at the White House, Heidi Klum’s annual Halloween party and Ocean Park Hong Kong. He holds two Guinness Book World Records, including largest pumpkin sculpture and has been called the “Michelangelo of pumpkin carving” by Martha Stewart. “It is the most magical Halloween on the planet,” Villafane said.

If You Go...

What: “Strange Encounters: A Halloween Scavenger Hunt” Where: Downtown Mesa When: Through November 8 More info: mesaartscenter.com/ strangeencounters

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FESTIVAL �� 49

keting manager at the Arizona Lottery, Director of marketing and special events for Phoenix Home & Garden Magazine for eight years, executive director for the Thunderbird University Balloon Classic, where his love for hot air balloons spurred him on to start Arizona Events Group with Nanette Duncan in 2008. Matykiewicz said he’s accustomed to hard work, and yet, there’s the desire and pleasure of seeing people having a good time that also drives him – especially in 2020.

“Nothing’s easy right now for a lot of people and businesses but it looks and feels like people want us to be in business. I can sense that cabin fever is peaking and people are coming out more. They’re putting their foot in the water and testing it out, and they’re taking precautions as they start to go out.” Phoenix Premium Outlets at Wild Horse Pass is located at 4976 Premium Outlets Way, Chandler. For more information: theazfallfest. com

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SOLD $285,000 $275,000 Much sought after townhome 2 split Master bedrooms, 2 ba, 3c gar, glass enclosed in Tuscany Courts in Arizona room 16x16, great Ahwatukee 2br/2.5 Baths 2 gar. Gently lived in. This is not room, fireplaces, low maint. landscaping. Near Multiin the 55+ neighborhood! Million $ Rec center, shopping. Near community pool.

$350,000 3br/2ba/2gar excellent location backing to lush greenbelt lot, 2,294 sq ft his and her home offices. Western décor. Mature landscaping. Near shopping and multi-million $ rec center, single level.

SOLD $335,000 55+ Popular Pueblo flr plan 3BR / 2BA / 2 GAR. Great location near Multi Mil $ Rec Center and Shopping. Mature citrus.

petemeier.com

Call for a FREE Home Value Analysis

Carpet Cleaning

Family owned and proudly serving Ahwatukee for over 20 years. Powerful Truck Mounted Soft Hot Water Extractions.

*Includes: MLS/Realtor.com/Zillow/Trulia/etc.

PAUL RUSTON, Broker 480-626-0166 ● Paul@RCH-AZ.com

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

Air Conditioning/Heating

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship Summer AC Tune Up - $99 New 3-Ton AC Units - now $3,995 New Trane Air Conditioners NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 MONTHS!

Carpets, Tile & Grout, Upholstery, Pet Stain/Odor Treatment Residential/Commercial

Cleaning Services

JB's House Cleaning REASONABLE RATES to Fit Your Budget! Reliable! No Crews! Owner & Helper only. 14 yrs Exp in Ahwatukee!

ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

Not Enough Time in the Day? Call

• 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

Small Jobs Welcome!

Block Fence * Gates

602-789-6929 Roc #057163 Lowest Prices * 30 Yrs Exp Serving Entire Valley

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

DESERT ROCK

CONCRETE & MASONRY CONCRETE BLOCKWALL Quality Professional Cleaning

If It’s Broken, We Can Fix It!

Call Garcia 602-515-6627 Free Estimates

Cell Cell

Call Janeth (480) 330-7579

480-898-6465

Appliance Repair Now

CONCRETE MASONRY Block Walls • Concrete • Pavers BBQ & Fireplaces • Stucco Cool Deck • Imitation Flagstone Not a licensed contractor

480-405-7588

Appliance Repairs

Concrete & Masonry

480.460.5030

Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252

Call us to place your ad online!

Deadlines

Classifieds: Friday 3pm for Wednesday Life Events: Friday 10am for Wednesday

www.extractioncleaning.com 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!

‘A’ RATED AC REPAIR FREE ESTIMATE SAME DAY SERVICE

MISSED THE DEADLINE?

Ahwatukee Foothills News

1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway #219 Tempe, AZ 85282 • 480.898.6465 class@timespublications.com

Weekly, Bi-Weekly & Monthly

(480) 833-1027 JENNIFER BEEBE References Available 20 Years Experience Bonded & Insured

It’s a Clear Choice!

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

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

OCTOBER 21, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Electrical Services

Garage/Doors

Glass/Mirror

C. READ & SON ELECTRIC

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS

Ahwatukee Resident

 Electric Car Chargers for ALL your  Fans electrical needs  Lighting 41 years  Troubleshooting  And much more experience

East Valley/ Ahwatukee

Broken Springs Replaced Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610

Not a licensed contractor

2008 through 2019

ROC #158440 Bond/Insured

www.readelectricaz.com

480-940-6400 Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet.

Drywall

Please recycle me.

Family Owned with 50 years' EXPERIENCE. Shower and tub enclosures, Framed, Frameless or Custom Doors, We also install insulated glass, mirrored closet doors, window glass, mirrors, patio doors, glass table protectors. If it’s glass, we can help you. QUALITY SERVICE at Competitive Prices. FREE Estimates

WESLEY'S GLASS & MIRROR wesleysglass.com SERVICING THE ENTIRE VALLEY Call 480-306-5113

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Handyman

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

Residential Electrician

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

★ Ahwatukee Resident ★ Call 480-200-0043

JOSE DOMINGUEZ DRYWALL & PAINTING House Painting, Drywall, Intall Doors, Baseboards, Crown Molding Reliable, Dependable, Honest!

FOOTHILLS GARAGE DOOR

QUICK RESPONSE TO YOUR CALL! 15 Years Experience • Free Estimates

• FREE ESTIMATES •

480.266.4589

480-893-8091

josedominguez0224@gmail.com Not a licensed contractor.

Electrical Services HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

• 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

Same Day Service Repair/Install All Major Brands

Call for Our Monthly Special Discount

Ahwatukee Resident • Dependable & Honest

ROC#126694

Bonded/Insured

OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE SERVICING & INSTALLING GARAGE DOORS AND OPERATORS

OPEN 24/7

REMODEL CONTRACTOR

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

CASH OUT!

480-215-3373

Handyman

MALDONADO HOME REPAIR SERVICES CALL DOUG

480.201.5013

THE HANDYMAN THAT HANDLES SMALL JOBS THAT OTHERS DECLINE ✔ Painting ✔ Gate Restoration ✔ Lighting ✔ Plumbing Repairs ✔ Replace Cracked ✔ Sheetrock Roof Tiles Texturing Repairs ✔ & MUCH MORE! Ahwatukee Resident, References Available, Insured

Plumbing

*Not A Licensed Contractor

Electrical Paint

Garage/Doors

ROC# 262737

• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •

FREE Estimates!

Home Improvement

Tile

Able Handyman Service LLC

And Much, Much More!

Not a licensed

contractor Jim 480.593.0506 Ablehandyman2009@gmail.com

Jaden Sydney Associates.com

LLC

• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations

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

GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

All Estimates are Free • Call:

520.508.1420

www.husbands2go.com

Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC#317949 Ask me about FREE water testing!

Visit our website! Landlord and Homeowner Property Services

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

AND so much more!

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Ahwatukee Painting Resident • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Not a licensed contractor.Decks • Tile • More!

480.335.4180

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! • SERVING ALL OF METRO PHOENIX 1999 e Quality Work Sinc Decks •Affo Tile • More! rdable, ✔ Plumbing 2010, 2011 • HONEST AND REPUTABLE 2012, 2013, 2014 ✔ Drywall Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 CUSTOMER SATISFACTION Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor “No Job ✔ Carpentry GUARANTEED Too Small Marks the Spot for“No Job Too ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks ANOZIRA DOOR SYSTEMS Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small Man!” “No Job Too Man!” ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry

Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More! ✔ Kitchens ce 1999 Sin rk Wo y alit Qu e, Affordabl ✔ Bathrooms BSMALLMAN@Q.COM 2010, 2011 rk Since 1999 2012, “No 2013, Job Too Affordable, Quality Wo And More! 2010, 2011 Small Man!” 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 2012, 2013, MORE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE! 2014 Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor 1999 Since Ahwatukee / References Work ty Quali , dable Affor 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, www.Ahwatukee.com Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor 2014 Bruce at 602.670.7038

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Home Improvement

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

NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

Contractors

daveshomerepair@yahoo.com • Se Habla Español

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

CLASSIFIEDS Landscape/Maintenance Juan Hernandez

Foothills Touch Landscapes LLC Lawn care/Maint.

TREE

TRIMMING

Starting as low as

25 Years exp (480) 720-3840

$25 per visit.

Install/Design We do it all!

Juan Hernandez

Not a licensed contractor

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

SPRINKLER Drip/Install/Repair & Tune ups!

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

Landscape/Maintenance

High Quality Results

SPRINKLER DOCTOR

TRIM TREES ALL TYPES GRAVEL - PAVERS SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

Repairs - Installs - Modifications Timers/Valves/Sprinklers DRIP-PVC-COPPER Backflows & Regulators

Complete Clean Ups

Jose Martinez

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

Not a licensed contractor.

Not a licensed contractor

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

602.515.2767

25 years Experience & Insured Not a licensed contractor.

Specials

Irrigation

SYNTHETIC TURF • PUTTING GREENS • Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service

480.643.9772

Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

15 Yrs Exp! All English Speaking Crew +

SONORAN LAWN

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

480.654.5600 azirrigation.com

Lawn Mowing Starts At $40 Full Service Starts At $70 480-745-5230

NTY 5-YEAR WARRA

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@times publications.com

Landscape Design/Installation

Sprinkler & Drip Systems

Irrigation Repair Services Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

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

Call Lance White

480.721.4146

Repairs • Modifications • Installs

Serving the Valley for over 28 years

The Possibilities are Endless

Custom Design and Renovation turning old to new

• 20 Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty

480.345.1800

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

Call for a FREE consultation and Estimate

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

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

Not a Licensed Contractor

480-217-0407

Arizona Specialty Landscape

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

INSTALLING A WINTER LAWN?

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

480-940-8196 theplugman.com

IMPROVE RYEGRASS GERMINATION AND REDUCE SOIL COMPACTION FERTILIZER PROGRAMS * SOIL TESTING * LAWN SERVICE ROC 282663 * BONDED * INSURED YOUR LAWN EXPERT SINCE 1995

See MORE Ads Online!

To learn more about us, view our photo gallery at: ShadeTreeLandscapes.com

480-730-1074

Bonded/Insured/Licensed • ROC #225923

RAMON LANDSCAPING SERVICES

www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

Landscape/Maintenance

www.Ahwatukee.com

• One Month Free Service • Licensed, Bonded Insured for your protection. • Call or Text for a Free Quote

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

480-586-8445 Painting

Jose Dominguez Painting & Drywall SEE OUR AD IN DRYWALL! Quick Response to your Call! 15 Years Exp 480-266-4589 Not a licensed contractor

CLASSIFIEDS

OCTOBER 21, 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

Painting

SPEND A LITTLE…

MAKE A LOT!

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

East Valley PAINTERS

PAINTING INC.

Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior

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

• 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

602.625.0599 ROC #155380

10% OFF

Family Owned • Free Estimates

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

ROC#309706

SUN TECH

Voted #1

Plumbing

Pool Service / Repair

Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

Residential & Commercial Painting • Interior & Exterior • Professional Cabinet Reﬁnishing • Epoxy Floors & Concrete Coatings • In-Home Color Consultations “Professional, Punctual & Clean”

Veteran Owned

Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242

(480)785-6323

Call Juan at

24/7

Inside & Out Leaks

Bonded

Toilets

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

Disposals

1st Month of Service FREE For a limited time

$35 off

Call Now!

ACCREDITED BUSINESS

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

Any Service

Not a licensed contractor

Add a Background Color to Your Ad! Classifieds 480-898-6465

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

Plumbing

Not a licensed contractor.

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

Off 40work done *Any

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

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH! 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

PLUMBING

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-405-7099 ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

$35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

We Repair or Install

www.ACPpaintingllc.com

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

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

Water Heaters

Now Accepting all major credit cards

Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years! Family Owned & Operated

showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

Anything Plumbing Same Day Service

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL

Looking To Freshen Up Your Home? WE CAN HELP!

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR

affinityplumber@gmail.com

Plumbing

Juan Hernandez

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

ROC # 272721

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured (480)

704.5422

CLASSIFIEDS

Pool Service / Repair

$25 OFF

Filter Cleaning!

Roofing

7 6 6 5

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

Roofing

Watch for Garage Sales in Classifieds! You will find them easy with their yellow background. Garage Sale Fri & Sat 7a-11am Household, clothes, kitchen items, furniture, electronics, mason jars, kid items, DVDs, MORE 555 W. Lane Dr Mesa

Monthly Service & Repairs Available

602-546-POOL

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 21, 2020

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

Pool Service / Repair

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

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

TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS

when you show this ad

on qualifying complete roof replacements

Let us show you the IN-EX Difference!

10% OFF COMPLETE UNDERLAYMENT

Serving The Valley Since 1996

Commercial & Residential Family Owned & Operated AZROC #283571 | CONTRACTOR LIC. AZROC #312804 CLASS CR4 | FULLY INSURED

FREE ESTIMATES 602-736-3019

inexroofing.com

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

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

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

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

480-446-7663

10% OFF

Call for your FREE Roof Evaluation

with this ad

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

Roofing

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

Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

and every step of the way.

ROC #152111

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs Complimentary & Honest Estimates

Call our office today!

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

OUR JOB BOARD HAS THE TALENT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR

480-460-7602

480-446-7663 Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

Ask us about our discount for all Military and First Responders! Licensed • Bonded • Insured ROC # 269218

www.porterroofinginc.com

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

480-898-6465 EMAIL: jobposting@evtrib.com JOBS.EASTVALLEYTRIBUNE.COM MORE INFO:

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@timespublications.com

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

CLASSIFIEDS

OCTOBER 21, 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 | OCTOBER 21, 2020

Take advantage of fall discounts if you Dare! ** Get up to

3,899

in dealer Rebates

–and–

No interest if paid in full within 18 months on a qualifying trane purchase

Includes a 16-Point FALL Inspection. $ TUNE-UP Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the LIMITED TIME ONLY purchase balance is not paid in full within the promotional period. RESIDENTIAL ONLY SPECIAL! REG. $99. YOUR HOMETOWN AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALIST

FREE

SINCE 1982 ROC #C39-312643

Service Call Second Option

(WITH REPAIR)

480-725-7303 www.BrewersAC.com **See your independent dealer for complete program eligibility, dates, details and restrictions. Special financing offers valid on qualifying equipment only. Special rebates from $75 to $500. All sales must be to homeowners in the United States. Void where prohibited. The Wells Fargo Home Projects credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 1/1/2020 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. The offer expires 12/31/2020.