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Open Lakes course by 2022 or pay $3.5M, judge tells Gee BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

wner Wilson Gee’s company must pay $3.5 million in cumulative penalties if he does not have an 18-hole Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course and all amenities restored and ready for duffers by Aug. 31, 2022, a Superior Court judge decreed on Monday. In a blistering and detailed 24-page opinion, Judge Theodore Campagnolo set three deadlines with accompanying penalties for Gee to meet in order to end two homeowners’ sixyear legal fight to reopen the course he closed in 2013. The judge ruled Gee’s company, ALCR, must pay $500,000 if he has not finished design and

other pre-construction work by June 21, fork over another $1 million if construction has not started by Sept. 1, 2021, and cough up another $2 million if the course is not open a year from that date. Campagnolo’s order is not clear on whether ALCR would get the money back if it eventually completes the work but misses those deadlines. The judge alternatively used the words “fines” and “sanctions” in his ruling. Regardless, however, Campagnolo’s ruling makes it clear that Gee must obey his directive – and so must anyone who might happen to buy the 110-acre site. Campagnolo swept aside Gee’s contention that the 2018 judgment by another judge to restore the course was too vague and didn’t

say what kind of course can be built. “The judgment was clear and unambiguous as to ALCR’s obligation to restore and operate an 18-hole executive golf course,” Campagnolo wrote. “ALCR knows exactly what needs to be restored and operated,” he added. “There is nothing in the judgment that places any burden on plaintiffs to dictate the design of a golf course. ALCR’s claims are baseless, and further demonstrate its contemptuous behavior.” Campagnolo’s order came only a few days after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Gee’s request to hear his contention that ordering him to run a business that he calls unprofitable was

see LAKES page 18

Ahwatukee Bowl 2020 Local dance world ‘won’t be the same’ mourns its star Ahwatukee Bowl preview: pages 41-44

hen the bright lights of Karl Kiefer Stadium flicker on Friday night as Mountain Pointe and Desert Vista football teams take the field for the 24th Ahwatukee Bowl, the atmosphere surrounding one of the state’s best and longest rivalries will be different. There will be no band. There will be no student sections shouting across the field. The crowd, limited to a couple hundred spectators per team, will be spaced out with masks on. Nobody but the winning team will rush the field when the final

see TUKEE BOWL page 12

AFN NEWS STAFF

BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

P. 41

This year, the Ahwatukee Bowl trophy likely won’t be given in a crowd. (Special to AFN)

hwatukee’s large and vibrant dance community is in mourning and shock over the sudden death of Antoine Olds, co-artistic director and co-founder of the Phoenix Dance Cooperative and director of the Soul Shock Dance Company. He was 37 and died Nov. 9. Students, parents and other supporters maintained evening vigils last week in front of the Cooperative’s studio at 12020 S Warner-Elliot Loop, Ahwatukee, festooning the windows with hand-made cards of condolence, hanging balloons and lighting candles in his memory. The award-winning Soul Shock Dance Company is a reg-

ANTOINE OLDS

ular participant in the Ahwatukee Kiwanis Easter Parade. For the complete story, see page. 3.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 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

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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

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

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

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Dancers and parents mourn artistic dance director Antoine Olds

50 YEARS OF TRUSTWORTHY SERVICE!

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

s the minutes would tick down to their appearance on the stage, Antoine Olds was known to give his dancers an uplifting, somewhat humorous bit of encouragement. “Fix your face,” he would say, his beaming smile and high-energy personality giving them a spirited lift before they started their show. But those words just wouldn’t work last week for his students, their parents and colleagues as they mourned his passing Nov. 9 at age 37. A longtime Mesa resident, Mr. Olds also was a legendary figure in Ahwatukee, where he and a small group of parents started the Phoenix Dance Cooperative – a different kind of dance studio because the nonprofit is funded and run by parents whose children learn ballet, hip hop, lyrical and other forms of dance. His sudden passing – the cause of death has not been disclosed – prompted grief-stricken students and parents to head to the Phoenix Dance Cooperative’s studio on E. Warner-Elliot Loop for evening vigils. They lit dozens of candles, hung balloons and pasted its storefront with handmade posters expressing their gratitude to Mr. Olds and their grief over their loss. “He has touched countless dancers’ lives in Ahwatukee for the last 15 years,” said Kyrene Governing Board member and Ahwatukee resident Margaret Pratt. “The loss is immense.” Echoing the sentiments of untold numbers of parents, Pratt said two of her four daughters began studying under Mr. Olds a few years ago “and it was a dream come true for them.” “He taught them so much and they wanted nothing more than to make him proud,” she said. He did that to students, colleagues and others said: You wanted to do your very best because he gave them his very best – and that was something very special. “He was a very important person and loved and respected by many dancers and their families,” said Ahwatukee Dance Studio 111 owner Kimberly Lewis. “I did not know him personally but knew him through the dance community and knew he was loved by so many dancers and their families,” she added. “This is truly heart breaking.” Ironically, while many students in the world of dance start stepping when they’re as young as 2 or 3, Mr. Olds did not take his first dance lesson until he was 18. He quickly made up for that late start, setting up two years later the Independent Dance Xtreme company, where he was artistic director.

see ANTOINE page 4

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ANTOINE from page 3

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

themes and sub-themes. He loved stuff like that and all of these kids got to experience that.” Perhaps his closest friend and colleague was Ambur Towns, Tempe High School’s dance program director and Mr. Olds’ artistic co-director at the Phoenix Dance Cooperative. She was too grief-stricken to talk about her loss. So too were family members, who had not yet released any details about services for Mr. Olds. Arrangements are being made by the Melcher Mortuary Mission Chapel & Crematory in Mesa, but no obituary had yet been posted by AFN’s print deadline. That grief hangs over the Phoenix Dance Cooperative members as well. Wentworth Columbia recalled that last week, “We were all talking at our little vigil the other night about what Antoine would say about the inconsolable crowd gathered in front of the studio. “We were all there crying and mourning and we were all kind of joking about what Antoine could see us all sitting out in front of the studio. He would say, ‘Fix your face and keep going.’ And that’s exactly what we’re going to try to do.”

His choreography won numerous regional and national awards and by 22, he had won eight choreography awards, including one presented by world-renowned choreographer Brian Friedman. His skills became internationally known as companies and dance competitions sought him as a choreographer, instructor and judge. “He taught and judged competitions in Australia, in New York and Texas,” said longtime friend and colleague Michelle Wentworth Columbia. “People brought him out to their studios all over the country to choreograph dances for them, to teach their kids, to do workshops. Even in Australia and London, people were reaching out to him.” Wentworth Columbia and Mr. Olds knew each other from when they were both instructors at the old Dance Depot in Ahwatukee. Tempe High School dance director Ambur Towns and Antoine Olds were not only best friends but also shared But in 2011, the Dance Depot closed its artistic direction at the Phoenix Dance Cooperative. (Special to AFN) doors, raising concerns among six dads whose professions had little to do with was, but it has kept us all together, it al- special graduation ceremony for the six dance except for the fact they all had lowed the kids to dance and has allowed high school seniors who were students at Phoenix Dance Cooperative. daughters who had formed a tight bond me to teach, so it works.” “Antoine planned Connection was important to Mr. Olds at the defunct studio. an entire high school and his infectious smile and the energy They reached out to Mr. Olds to help graduation just for he brought to evthem organize the our graduating seerything he did Phoenix Dance niors,” Wentworth cemented relaCooperative. Antoine planned an entire tionships with Columbia said. “He The parents dihigh school graduation just his students and set up a stage. He vided into volunfor our graduating seniors. colleagues in the had a balloon arch. teer committees He set up a stage. He had a dance world far He had speakers. to run day-to-day and wide. He had music playoperations while a balloon arch. He had speakers. His skills with ing. He had diploboard of directors He had music playing. He had choreography, cosmas for them. They was set up to make diplomas for them. They got tume design and got to put on their the bigger decito put on their cap and gowns good old-fashioned cap and gowns, flip sions. They set it up flip tassels and we live-streamed mentoring and tassels and we liveas a nonprofit so all coaching became streamed it for all it for all their families. proceeds could go Wentworth Columbia so well known their families.” back into the stuthat he just wasn’t Mr. Olds was pardio and the instrucsought for dance ticularly fond of ortors. exhibitions. ganizing banquets, Mr. Olds, who was co-artistic director at “He planned weddings and bridal she added. the cooperative, said at the time, “My big “He just threw concern was making sure I didn’t lose any showers and baby showers and proms,” said Wentworth Columbia, whose own these incredible, of our kids to anyone. wedding and baby shower were planned elaborate events,” “As teachers we invest so much time by Mr. Olds. she said. “He just into them,” he said. “I’ve taught at many In May, when pandemic-fueled school went above and be- Phoenix Dance Cooperative students staged a series of vigils outside the Ahwatustudios but this is the first where I’ve had kee studio last week, sharing memories of their late co-artistic director Antoine closures left high school seniors without yond with over-thesuch a connection with the kids. Like evOlds. (Michelle Wentworth Columbia/Special to AFN) live graduations, Mr. Olds organized a top decorations and eryone else I didn’t know what this model

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Former AFN Photographer Todd Lillard remembered to know. “He drove his signature green camper ervices were held Nov. 10 in Ten- truck down to Douglas so we could folnessee for Todd Hampton Lillard, a low the first college practices of a Desert former Ahwatukee Foothills News Vista High School football player, Bobby photographer in the 1990s who died Wade.” Powers recalled that one night someearlier this month. He was 60 and lived one broke into that truck and stole his in New Bethel, Tennessee. Born and raised in Memphis, Mr. Lil- fireman’s gear. “I felt horrible since we were there lard attended and Mississippi State University and worked as a commercial for my story,” he recalled. “He wasn’t photographer in Memphis as well as for happy but true to Todd’s character and demeanor, he stayed focused on the task Federal Express and Home Depot. A devout Christian, he moved to the at hand. I never doubted his dedication Phoenix area for five years to help build and willingness to help others.” “He was one of those people who just a church and eventually returned to Fayette County, Tennessee, for the farms stays with you,” Powers added. Kris Black, another acquaintance he loved. “I worked with Todd at the Ahwatukee whose wedding Mr. Lillard photoFoothills News for about five years be- graphed 25 years ago, recalled his fore he decided to move back to Tennes- laugh and smile and said, “He loved the see,” wrote Jim Powers on Mr. Lillard’s Lord and everyone around him.” In Tennessee, Mr. Lillard was known online obituary. “He was one of the best for “enduring photographers I have ever worked with Lhis uxu ~ s g ry Vinyl interest” in working u aR Arehu~ Conouthe family farm. mbest with big equipment o but more importantly one of the t s nter Cu ~ s r topwork for e “As a young man he would w man beings I have had the opportunity o h S ~ s e AFN NEWS STAFF

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hours alongside the long-time farmers of Fayette County, absorbing everything they could teach him about tractors and farm equipment,” his family said in his obituary. “These memories and the stories they inspired were one of Todd’s favorite things to talk about. “Todd had a great sense of humor. Family meals were often interrupted with the sounds of laughter as he told one of his stories. He also loved animals for his entire life but none more than his rescue dog Kipper. “Many people knew of Todd because he and Kipper went everywhere together. They were regulars at their favorite restaurant the Wolf River Café in Rossville, Tennessee, and often sat on the porch together enjoying a catfish dinner.” Mr. Lillard is survived by his father, David Hicks Lillard, Sr.; a sister, Robin Lillard Bates; and his brother David Hicks Lillard, Jr. as well as an aunt, uncle and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

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Veterans Day extra special for Ahwatukee woman AFN NEWS STAFF

n Ahwatukee veteran who has seen combat and other action around the globe got a special Veterans Day salute last week. Annemarie Patterson was told by Forrest Anderson Plumbing and Air Conditioning that she was the winner of a new air-conditioning system after polling the most online votes on the company’s website among five finalists in its fifth annual Military Hero A/C Giveaway. “It’s unbelievable,” she said. “Such a blessing.” A mother of two who is a veteran of the U.S. Army and National Guard, Patterson had been selected as a finalist by Forrest Anderson as part of a contest it runs every November that “honors the sacrifices of veterans, active duty service members, and their families.” “I am blessed and grateful to be the recipient of 2020’s Forrest Anderson’s Military Hero Giveaway because it eases the financial burden of replacing my 20-year old air conditioner,” said Patterson, who

tal health: Remember Your Tribe! They want to support you as much as you need their support, which is something I learned from being a finalist in this contest.” “The Forrest Anderson team is proud to honor Annie and all our Veterans for the sacrifices they and their families made to serve our country,” said Audrey Monell, President of Forrest Anderson. “We share their stories every year because we want to start converArmy and National Guard Annemarie Patterson, flanked by her sations about the importance of sons, celebrate her honor from Forrest Anderson Plumbing and Air supporting military members, Conditioning. (Special to AFN) many who return home with congot an unintended bonus when several ditions that impact their physical and menformer fellow soldiers saw her on Forrest tal health.” Anderson’s contest site. Patterson served 15 years in the mili“More importantly, this contest gave me tary working as a combat medic, orthopemy tribe back,” she said. dic specialist, and hospital administrator. “As a combat veteran who struggles with She served in Germany, and Saudi Aramental health challenges and self-isolation bia as part of Operation Desert Storm. tendencies, I was able to reconnect with As a medic in the Washington Army many wonderful, supportive, and loving peo- National Guard, she provided forest fire ple whom I lost touch with over the years. medical support. “For fellow Veterans struggling with menShe also served in the Florida Army Na-

tional Guard, assisting in hurricane relief, and in the Arizona Army National Guard, providing training and operations as a hospital administrator. Today, Patterson is raising her two teenage boys and mentoring veterans with PTSD to help them heal. Forrest Anderson shared Patterson’s and the four other finalists’ stories on social media and gave the public two weeks to vote for their favorite. The runners-up include Ron Breland, a U.S. Army Veteran from Glendale; Michael Butcher, a U.S. Army Veteran from Tolleson; Jed Davis, a U.S. Marine Veteran from Phoenix; and Lucy Wong, a U.S. Navy Veteran from Gilbert. They will each will receive a free A/C Tune Up for one unit valued at $84.95. Monell also recognized industry partners, MORSCO HVAC/Bush Supply and Smiley Crane Service, whose contributions again made it possible to run the contest. Since 2016, Forrest Anderson has worked with local partners to sponsor the Military Hero A/C Giveaway every year around Veterans Day. 

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

Kiwanians need your help on foster kids’ Thanksgiving AFN NEWS STAFF

or the last seven years the Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club has worked with three churches to serve a Thanksgiving dinner to kids who live in group foster homes. The pandemic has forced them to cancel a festive gathering held a few days before the holiday, but it has not dampened the Kiwanians’ determination to do something special for these kids. They are continuing an event started in 2013 by Andy Pettyjohn and Carolyn Blaney-Arndt. This year, instead of having the kids brought to dinner, the Kiwanians are partnering with Boys Team Charity Ahwatukee to bring dinner to them at 21 homes. Ahwatukee Kiwanis member Annlouise Ferguson and Stacy Rasmussen and BTC Chair Karen Snyder are leading the effort to serve the children and teens a proper Thanksgiving dinner. They already have received help from

TUKEE BOWL from page 1

horn sounds. The usual boisterous chants of “we run ‘Tukee!” will be faded, if present at all. Instead of meeting at midfield for the ceremonial handshake, teams will instead only raise a helmet to opponents. Fans will then exit their seats and leave the stadium. There will be only limited time to celebrate. “It’s going to be completely different than it has been in the past,” Mountain Pointe Athletic Director Aaron Frana said. “I remember coaching in the Tukee Bowl and we would come out during warmups and the stands on both sides would be packed. Now, we will show up and there will be only a couple hundred fans on each side, socially distanced. “The atmosphere won’t be the same.” All of those characteristics of the Ahwatukee Bowl rivalry between Mountain Pointe and Desert Vista will be missed by coaches, players and parents alike. Surely, they will never be taken for granted again when, and most importantly if, the world is able to return to normal. But for now, as the coronavirus pandemic rages on and Arizona sees a new surge in cases, the new reality seemingly puts a

erations Ahwatukee, Nicholas Goode of Edward Jones, Vision Management, the Desert Vista High library staff and Desert Landscaping Professionals. Now, BTC and the Kiwanis Club need Ahwatukee residents to help get the meals to the kids. They also need donations of cash and holiday table dressings, paper and dinnerware, In the past, volunteers would gather at a Mesa church to serve Thanksgiving din- plastic ner to hundreds of kids from group foster homes. The pandemic has changed centerpieces and disthings. (AFN file photo) posable coolers and the Ahwatukee Board of Management, cooler bags and ice packs. Ahwatukee Foothills Friends and NeighThe items can be dropped off at Ahbors, Trader Joe’s locations in Ahwatukee, watukee Board of Management, 4700 E. Tempe and Arizona State University, the Warner Road. Volunteer drivers can conAhwatukee Board of Management, Carrie tact Ferguson at annlouise.ferguson@ Chapman of Dream Vacations, Liv Gen- gmail.com.

Crowds like this one from last year’s Ahwatukee Bowl won’t be present at this year’s annual event. (AFN file photo)

damper on a great community rivalry. Or does it? “This game is fun, it’s always fun,” Desert Vista Athletic Director Tommy Eubanks said. “It’s the team to the north, we want to take them down and they feel the same way about us,” he said. “This is what sports are all about. It’s this competitive,

friendly rivalry type of moment where you see who rises to the occasion to get the job done.” Parents and player will be called on to try to replicate the energy usually present in the community when it’s Tukee Bowl week. Tempe Union High School District has placed strict limitations on fan atten-

Ferguson said they would prefer drivers with Arizona security clearance cards because group foster homes’ addresses are to protect the young residents, many of whom were removed from their biological parents’ homes because of abuse. But she said that because the deliveries have to be made starting the Saturday before the holiday, or even the holiday itself, time is growing short so she’s willing to talk to volunteer drivers who may not have their card. The Kiwanians already have recruited 70 volunteers to cook the meals, helped by Trader Joe’s donations to a pantry started by Kiwanian Linda Joachim. Because they are being transported, the packaging has to protect food temperatures – hence the need for coolers. As it has been for many nonprofits, the Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club took a big hit, losing out on the Spring Fling, a main fundraiser. But Ferguson and Snyder believe, every kid should have a Thanksgiving.  dance at sporting events in an attempt to keep players and parents safe while on campus. Per those guidelines, each player is allotted two tickets for family members. Ticket sales to the general public – a major factor in the size of the crowd in past Tukee Bowl games – are forbidden by the district. Additionally, with Tempe Union still in a hybrid learning model with students only on campus two days a week, students are also not allowed to attend games. Initially, the district had hoped to allow the student-body to attend athletic events, but that depended on whether the district could move into a full in-person learning environment. But that never happened as cases surged. “It’s really too bad because this game brings out the whole community,” Tempe Union Athletic Director Dave Huffine said. “Even though the teams aren’t doing as well as they traditionally have, it’s still a rivalry that has deep roots and it means a lot to a lot of people. “I’m excited for it and glad we still get to experience it in a very turbulent year.” Regardless of fan attendance, this year’s game has already shaped up to be the first

see TUKEE BOWL page 14

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

Sellers pulls off slim county supervisor win BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

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

TUKEE BOWL from page 12

of its kind in the rivalry. For the first time ever, both Mountain Pointe and Desert Vista enter the game winless. The Pride’s loss to Queen Creek last Friday put their overall record at 0-7 heading into the final week of the pandemicshortened regular season. Desert Vista, which was forced to cancel their Week 6 matchup against powerhouse Chandler due to COVID-related

t o Gews? N

JACK SELLERS

the end of this movement.” Sellers on his Facebook page thanked voters and congratulated Hodge “for running a very competitive campaign.” “This was a very close race and the voters came out in record numbers,” Sellers wrote. “It is now incumbent upon me to ensure all residents feel included in decisions made by the Board of Supervisors. “We have many issues to work on, most importantly our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic vitality of our county. Working together, we can protect public health while ensuring our business community can survive the crisis and preissues, had a scheduled bye last week and are currently 0-5. Both teams entered the season young and with several new pieces on both sides of the ball. Desert Vista has just one senior on the offensive line and several sophomores at other key positions, including quarterback Jackson Akins. Mountain Pointe’s hiring of Eric Lauer drew in players from other programs, many of which from Laveen and south Phoenix. Both junior quarterback Amier Boyd

pare for an even stronger future.” Sellers also noted that the campaign was fought on issues “without attacking each other.” He said Hodge called him and “we had a very cordial and productive conversation. We agreed to get together soon to start an open dialog on issues that are important for our district.” Although Hodge faced an uphill battle in a district where Republicans hold a 20,000 registration lead, he outran Sellers in the race for campaign cash. Sellers’ victory clinched all county offices for Republicans as well as retained the 4-1 control they have on the Board of Supervisors. The only Democrat who held a county office the last four years was County Recorder Adrian Fontes, who conceded late last week to Republican challenger Stephen Richer. In other final unofficial results, the new members of Kyrene Governing Board appear set. Kyrene member Michelle Fahy and Tempe Union’s Berdetta Hodge both led their respective competitors. New to Tempe Union will be Ahwatukee resident Armando Montero, a 2018 Desert Vista High School graduate, and Chandler teacher Sarah Lindsay James. James clinched the third spot in the eight-way race for three seats and held a lead of about 1,100 votes that the fourth-

– who has started the entire season after winning a hardship appeal to become eligible – and sophomore Chris Arviso III transferred from South Mountain after a coaching change. Both teams have struggled to find a rhythm and get in the win column. But both have also improved. And as many have said and will continue to say for many years with this rivalry, records don’t matter. “I’m excited for our young group,” Eubanks said. “The record may not reflect

place candidate, Chandler Realtor Lori Bastian was never able to close. In Kyrene, while Paradise Valley Community college biology teacher Margaret Wright of Chandler had the secondplace spot locked, Ahwatukee resident and adjunct professor Wanda Kolomyjec cemented her hold on third place in a close contest with Ahwatukee teacher Trine´ Nelson. Kolomyjec, who for a while had a nipand-tuck battle with Nelson, ended up with a 488-vote lead. The four newcomers will take their seats in January and will be thrust into the thick of their respective districts’ battles with COVID-19 and the economic consequences of the pandemic. During the campaign, all four newcomers shied away from criticizing the current Kyrene and Tempe Union boards and instead focused on the skills and experience they could bring to the table. Montero, who was a fierce advocate for more attention and spending on students’ mental and emotional well-being when he was a Desert Vista student, said he would seek the same as a board member. A legislative analyst and regional director for the Arizona Students’ Association, Montero also said that as a recent district grad, he will “bring a fresh perspective along with a voice that has been missing

see ELECTION page 16

it, but we’ve competed. And I know they have, too. It’s been a fun year watching these kids grow and get better.” So, while this year’s Ahwatukee Bowl will surely be different than in years past, it continues to carry the same appeal it has since its inception in 1997. “It’s still the Tukee Bowl,” Frana said. “These kids all know each other, and nobody wants to lose this game. I just want to see both teams get after it and play their butts off.” Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

Kyrene board explains rush to hire new superintendent

“She’s met with focus groups and I think through this process she’s demonstrated her passion for sure and her qualifications,” Walsh added. Calling the selection of a superintendent “probably one of the most important jobs that any school board member can participate in,” Fahy said Vesely’s unexpected departure required quick action. “I know that we are doing something in a very short time frame and it feels like a very rushed process,” Fahy said. “It feels rushed to me as well.” She said Vesely’s planned departure at the end of December “put us in a challenging position.” “I think that part of why it feels very rushed is that we do have a very short amount of time to make this decision the board did decide to do a job,” Fahy said. “I hear all of the concerns,” she contin-

yrene Schools Governing Board is moving ahead with hiring Assistant Superintendent Laura Toenjes to replace retiring Superintendent Dr. Jan Vesely. The board last week voted 3-0 to authorize the district’s general counsel to enter into contract talks with Toenjes, and is expected to ratify the contract before Thanksgiving. The vote on contract talks came as the three board members at the meeting seemed almost apologetic about their process and speed in selecting a replacement for Vesely. They also stressed that Toenjes was qualified and had passed a rigorous interview with the board. After Vesely announced on Oct. 5 her retirement, the board immediately said it

would first seek internal candidates with an eye toward making a replacement decision by Thanksgiving. Toenjes was the only internal applicant. Two board members were absent at the Nov. 10 meet. Margaret Pratt just had a baby. John King also was absent, missing some citizens who wanted him to resign, saying his voter registration record shows he no longer lives in the district. King told the AFN he still maintains a residence in the district and that his attorney has proof Both board President Michael Myrick, who is leaving the board next month after opting against reelection, and member Michelle Fahy said they had received numerous emails and phone calls from residents who expressed concern that the board was moving so quickly on replacing Vesely. And member Kevin Walsh stressed the negotiations with Toenjes will cover both compensation and the length of her contract while Myrick noted that when he came

on the board four years ago, Vesely had already been hired by the preceding board. “She’s gone through the whole process,” Walsh said of Toenjes, citing letters of recommendation the board received.

SARAH JAMES

WANDA KOLOMYJEC

ARMANDO MONTERO

MARGARET WRIGHT

She also had expressed concern about the difficulties that students have with online learning in Tempe Union and about how hard it is for teachers to determine online a student’s mental and emotional wellness. In Kyrene, Wright, who has two children in the district and another in Tempe Union, admitted that she’s an introvert, but said she would bring an ability to analyze complex data and make researchbased decisions. Wright called attention during the campaign to the impact of closures not only on students’ emotional and mental wellness

but also on the district’s ability to adhere to its five goal categories, particularly on issues of equity and closing achievement and disciplinary gaps between white students and students of color. Kolomyjec campaigned on her experience as a former high school teacher, current ASU adjunct professor and “two decades of international business ownership” and said she, too, wants to address equity gaps in the district. Like the other newcomers to Tempe Union and Kyrene boards, Kolomyjec also expressed concern for students’ mental and emotional wellness and said that as

the pandemic drags on, these issues required considerable attention. The outcome of the races showed that money doesn’t necessarily make for a successful election outcome – though it didn’t hurt in some board campaigns. While Hodge led all her competitors in raising money, mostly from small contributors, and James held second place in the cash race, Fahy led the Kyrene field with hardly any money spent on her bid for a second term. However, both Kolomyjec and Montero garnered significant financial support for their campaigns. 

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

ELECTION from page 14

for too long on our school board.” James also is a district graduate and stressed her experience as a teacher. “While we currently have board members who advocate for educators, the insight a teacher has is invaluable,” she said. “I also have the additional insight of raising two children in our schools, so I can also provide the perspective of a parent.” She described her children, 8 and 12, as “future Corona students” and will be the only member of the Tempe Union board with school-age children.

LAURA TOENJES

see VESELY page 21

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

LAKES from page 1

tantamount to violating the U.S. Constitution’s prohibition of slavery. Campagnolo said he framed the penalties in a way to ensure that Gee had the money to bring the site back to life. Citing ALCR’s “history of failing and refusing to comply with the Judgment entered on May 31, 2018,” Campagnolo wrote: “Because ALCR has demonstrated its ability to expend hundreds of thousands of dollars in delaying its obligations under the CCR, and because ALCR has consciously chosen to rid itself of financial resources, the Court concludes that ALCR will be able to obtain the necessary funds and/or financing to actually comply with the judgment.” The “CCR” refers to the covenants, conditions and restrictions governing the site and that require a golf course there unless 51 percent of the Lakes’ approximate 5,100 homeowners agree to a land use change. Stating monetary penalties were necessary to “provide ALCR with sufficient motivation to meet the deadlines,” Campagnolo also outlined his reasoning for the steep amounts. “First, the cost of building a golf course, based on Mr. Gee’s testimony, is in the neighborhood of $5 million, so the specter of sanctions should be relatively high,” he wrote. “Second, ALCR’s history, as magnified by Mr. Gee’s historical involvement with the Golf Course, strongly indicates that ALCR will do all it can to stall and delay its obligations under the judgment. Third, it makes more economic sense for ALCR to spend its funds for the building of the golf course rather than using that money to pay a civil fine that will only require it to expend additional amounts of money to comply with the judgment.” As for setting up the three deadlines, each with a separate penalty, Campagnolo said he wanted to “avoid the possibility that ALCR completes its pre-construction duties, but then fails to commence construction. “Also, the Court wants to avoid the pos-

t o G s? New

Judge Theodore Campgagnolo wrote that Gee purposely let the Lakes Golf Course deteriorate in an attempt to force residents to let him make a quick profit. (AFN fle photo)

sibility that ALCR puts one shovel in the dirt simply to meet its construction commencement deadline, and then does nothing more. It is also important to ensure completion of the golf course, so that the construction continues apace, and so that ALCR can begin operating the golf course.” Campagnolo said his order does not prevent Gee from making a deal with a company called Suntereo, which Gee said has offered to build the course if it can use 10 acres to build an assisted living center.

Expressing skepticism about Suntereo’s proposed terms for the deal, Campagnolo said Gee nonetheless would have to adhere to the deadlines established in the order. Campagnolo’s detailed the long legal history of the lawsuit filed by Lakes homeowners Linda Swain and Eileen Breslin as well as the history of Gee’s operation of the course, which he bought through another company, Bixby Village, in 2006. He said both Bixby and ALCR “have

If golfers aren’t out on the Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course looking like this by fall 2022, owner Wilson Gee could lose $3.5 million in court sanctions. (Special to AFN)

been employing baseless reasons to stall and delay their obligations under the CCR for seven years” and said ALCR “must stop its hemming-and-hawing charade and get to work.” “The Court cannot dictate the business decisions made by ALCR in shedding itself of any assets so that it is nothing more than a shell company. The Court cannot dictate the business decision that be creating a shell company, ALCR has no money to comply with the CCR. “The Court, however, an determine whether those business decisions have resulted in sanctionable activity.” He said ALCR knew the CC&Rs required a golf course on the site but instead Gee “believed that the shell company could thereby avoid restoring and operating a golf course because it was penniless.” Stating “every contingency” in Suntereo’s letter of intent to buy the course “does nothing more than allow ALCR to delay its obligations for years,” Campagnolo ripped Gee’s testimony on several key points. The bottom line, he said, is that “ALCR’s only desire is to build residential or commercial properties on the golf course and then sell the golf course (without a golf course) for a quick profit.” “ALCR’s primary endeavor, as driven by Mr. Gee since 2013, was to purposefully maintain the golf course as a barren stenchfilled wasteland,” Campagnolo wrote. “By doing so, ALCR hoped to hold this eyesore as ransom against the property owners to convinced them that their only alternative to a continued dirt pile was to modify the CCR so that ALCR could theoretically make millions by building houses and/or office buildings on the golf course.” “The Court concludes that Mr. Gee, through the Bixby Group and now ALCR has wagered everything on an empty hand that this years-long desolate view would ultimately cause the property owners to relent and give in to ALCR’s demands.” “Despite staring at this eyesore for years,” he wrote, “it is clear the property owners have called ALCR’s bluff and refused to fold their hand. ALCR must now make good on its lost wager.” 

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

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

School officials alarmed by COVID-19 surge AFN NEWS STAFF

tate and local school officials last week expressed concern over the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Arizona, pleading with the entire community – not just students and school personnel – to do their part to keep the virus in check and kids in classrooms. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman held a news conference with several superintendents and state health director Dr. Cara Christ about the pandemic’s continuing impact on schools. Hoffman said that a new spike in COVID-19 will force local schools into the “impossible decision’’ of whether to shut their doors to in-person learning to prevent students and teachers from getting sick. “Without serious changes from us, the adults making daily choices that determine the virus’ path, we cannot expect these numbers to head in a safe direction,’’ Hoffman said. Within Tempe Union’s boundaries, cases per 100,000 people rose from 87 the week of Oct. 17 to 112 the week of Oct. 24, putting that benchmark in the moderate spread category. The data are 12 days old when the county posts them. The percentage of positive new test results rose from 4.2 to 5.3 percent but that remained at a level for minimum virus spread, as did COVID-like symptoms in hospital visits, which rose from 3 to 4 percent. Kyrene showed similar levels for all three benchmarks. Within Kyrene’s boundaries, cases per 100,000 rising from 77 to 100. The other two benchmarks remained within the minimal spread category. Some districts farther east in Maricopa County, particularly in Gilbert, reported significantly higher readings in the positivity and cases per 100,000 categories. Chandler Unified also showed cases per 100,000 rising from 68 to 111 and positive new test results going up from 5 to 5.3 percent. Citywide, Chandler saw cases per 100,000 jumped from 68 to 102 and positive new test results up from 4.6 to 5.2 percent. Ahwatukee’s three ZIP codes presented

This somber memorial on the Washington, D.C., Armory parade grounds contains flags for each of the 241,949 Americans who have died from COVID-19. (Cronkite News)

a mixed bag of data with cases per 100,000 more than halved in 85045, from 147 to 61, and the other two benchmarks within the minimal spread category Cases per 100,000 increased in 85044 from 91 to 101 and from 75 to 111 in 85248 – both in the substantial spread level. While hospital visits remained in the minimal spread level in both those ZIP codes, test positivity went into the

moderate spread in 85048 rising from 3.3 to 6.2 percent. Christ made multiple suggestions for dealing with the spread of the disease but said she’s not prepared to recommend new restrictions on individual and business activities. “We continue to monitor the data on a daily basis,’’ she said. And the health chief said some “miti-

The state Health Services Department last week released this chart showing the age groups most affected in Arizona by the surge in COVID-19 cases. (Arizona Department of Health Services)

gation strategies’’ are being discussed should counties, now considered at “moderate’’ risk of spread of the virus, move back into the “substantial’’ category they were at earlier this year. “We would work with the local health departments to identify what strategies we could implement,’’ Christ said. But she stressed there would be no universal model. “Each community is going to have different factors playing a role,’’ Christ said. Christ detailed how the state is now approaching 260,000 confirmed cases of the virus. More significant, she said, is that 9 percent of the tests administered the last week of October came back positive. And Christ said there has been an increase in the number of people showing up in hospitals with COVID-like symptoms. Christ also expressed concern about rising suicide rates among young people in Arizona as they struggle with the pandemic’s disruptive impact on their academic and personal lives. Hoffman said she is concerned about the impact of another major round of campus closures. “When our schools close to in-person instruction, it is devastating to our communities,’’ she said. “Parents are thrown in flux as they try to decide the best model for distance learning, whether at home or at an onsite learning center,’’ Hoffman continued. “Educators must adapt quickly, transitioning from in-person and hybrid to distance learning. Christ said her and Hoffman’s department are setting up a pilot program for free weekly testing of teachers. But John Carruth, superintendent of the Vail Unified School District, said what is happening in the classroom is not the problem. “Both our experience and what I think our Pima County data are showing is that transmission is happening in the community and not within our schools, which is encouraging,’’ he said. Christ does have some answers to that, specifically with recommendations for what families should be doing this

see VIRUS page 20

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

Arizonans among COVID-19 vaccine guinea pigs BY JOSH ORTEGA Cronkite News

ith Santa Cruz County facing one of the highest rates of COVID-19 cases in the state, Tubac Fire Department Fire Chief Cheryl Horvath knew that a vaccine is what’s needed to bring an end to the pandemic. But a vaccine requires human volunteers as test subjects. Horvath had never taken part in a clinical research trial before and was a little concerned about the risk, but she said she wanted to do something that would help her community and also protect her firefighters. So, after some research, she signed up. Rep. Amish Shah, D-Phoenix, knows all about the risks involved in clinical trials from his 19 years working as a doctor. But he also knows the safeguards. And Shah, like Horvath, wanted to help. “Having a familiarity with it, I felt comfortable volunteering for it,” Shah said. “I understand the risk and benefits of what is involved, and I think it’s a service to humanity.” They are just two of the tens of thousands of people across the country who have volunteered to be test subjects for pharmaceutical companies racing to come

VIRUS from page 19

Thanksgiving to prevent these traditional family gatherings from turning into spreader events. It starts, she said, with moving celebrations outside or a local park. If that can’t happen, Christ said “create spaces’’ indoors so people can distance from one another, open doors and windows for better ventilation, and reduce the number of people gathered around the table. “And consider celebrating virtually with your college-age students or your higherrisk and elderly relatives,’’ she said. Mesa Public Schools Superintendent Andi Fourlis said one of her district’s campuses, Mesa High, has been forced to go back to two days a week of in-classroom learning because of an outbreak. Because of the concern about holiday gatherings, she also said the district will extend the long weekend by a day, with

Arizona State Rep. Amish Shah of Phoenix has volunteered to be a COVID-19 vaccine guinea pig, saying his training as a physician has made him comfortable with participating in a trial. (Cronkite News)

up with a vaccine to fight the coronavirus that had infected 10.7 million and killed more than 244,000 people, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Arizona officials reported 269,577 people had tested positive for COVID-19 and 6,257 had died from it as of Friday. Pfizer announced last week that one of their vaccines was approved for an Emergency Use Authorization by the Food and Drug Administration. The Trump admin-

only virtual learning for all students on the Monday after Thanksgiving. While the state determines the standards for how and when businesses can operate, that isn’t the case for schools. Instead, the state provides “guidance’’ for local districts, along with reports of COVID-19 case and trends, and then leaves it to school officials to work with local health departments to figure out how to respond. Quintin Boyce, superintendent of the Roosevelt Elementary School District in Phoenix, many students in his district live in multi-generational households with not just parents and siblings but grandparents, too. “That influences the decision that we make,’’ he said. Meanwhile, Gov. Doug Ducey Governor Doug Ducey, announced last week that he and Hoffman will be making grants available from a pool of $19 million of the state’s federal pandemic relief funds

istration said Friday it could soon have tens of millions of doses of the Pfizer vaccine available soon, with more vaccines from other companies expected in the coming weeks. Being a test subject is not without risks. Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly both temporarily halted their trials last month after an individual Data Safety and Management Board recommended a pause in recruitment when one of their subjects

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

potentially developed side effects from the vaccine. Those trials started back up again a few weeks later after that oversight board recommended it. Shah said that’s how the process is supposed to work. He said there are side effects with anything done in medicine, and a participant developing side effects is the very reason clinical trials exist. “That is something that is built into their protocols, too,” Shah said. “They know that they have to monitor people carefully, look for those side effects, and then have a plan for when those occur.” “They typically will take care of that person on their dime,” Shah said. “And they will then decide, based on everything that has happened to that person whether or not to continue or pause the trial.” Shah said the first step in a clinical trial is determining who is eligible for the vaccine trials, which is determined through a lengthy medical screening. After that, researchers will start an administrative file and inform the participant of any and all risk involved. “Once you throw your hat into the ring, they send you quite a bit of information,” said Horvath.

see VACCINE page 21

sure no student falls behind this year,” said Ducey. “These dollars will boost those efforts, funding proven acceleration strategies to keep kids academically on-track.” The Arizona Department of Education will administer the grant and develop reporting and progress measures for grant recipients. Eligible schools will be able to choose programs that best fit their needs from a list of strategies proven to accelerate academic achievement. Examples the governor cited included: training teachers in best practices for math and literacy instruction; teacher stipends for additional student tutoring sessions; contracting with qualified math or reading specialists to do one-on-one or small group work with students; and summer math or reading intensive programs for students in need.

Capitol Media Services contributed to this report. 

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

Walking for a cure

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce partnered last Saturday with Visiting Angels owners Joe and Holly Miller for a Walk to End Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death nationally and the fourth in Arizona. Joe Miller said that five million Americans suffer from it when other forms of dementia are included. Alzheimer’s deaths have increased 146 percent and there is currently no cure. (Courtesy of Joe Miller/Visiting Angels)

VACCINE from page 20

When she learned of all the risks involved, including the fact that she would not receive a live strain of the virus, it put her at ease. The next step is testing participants with a nasal swab and blood-antibody tests to determine if they currently have COVID-19, or had it in the past. Finally, participants will receive either the vaccine or a placebo, which is most likely a saline solution. One month later, participants return, and the same procedure would be performed a second time. While some people might be hesitant to volunteer for these vaccine trials, Shah said this is standard for clinical research from his own work in the medical field, and now as the subject of one in Phoenix. He said he learned of the need for test subjects after seeing an article in the paper that talked about COVID-19 vaccine trials taking place in Phoenix. Shah did not hesitate to call the number in the article – he said he knew he had to volunteer.

Tubac Fire Chief Cheryl Horvath said that while concerned about volunteering for a COVID-19 vaccine trial, she wants to help her community. (Cronkite News)

Working as an academic researcher and full-time faculty at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City gave him both the knowledge and experience to trust in the system of clinical trials.

VESELY from page 16

ued, adding she had been “hoping that we might have some external applicants.” But she also cited the crisis created by the pandemic. “I really need to put all of my own personal feelings and maybe your frustrations aside and really genuinely consider what I think is best for the Kyrene District at this time,” Fahy said. “My number one goal is that we have someone in place who can take over who has Kyrene’s best interest at heart and is knowledgeable about Kyrene and kind of knows where we are going.” She also said the board met with Toenjes for more than four hours in her job interview and that she was convinced of Toenjes’ genuine care and respect and concern about the staff and students and Kyrene right now.” Fahy also said that given the rising number of COVID-19 cases, she felt at some point Kyrene will have to close campuses again. “We’re in the middle of this pandemic and I expect that things are going to get worse before it gets better. I think at some point we’re going to go into closure,” she said.

Shah, a first-generation American, also knows that Asian-Americans are not a well-represented group in the study, and he wants to make sure that if people like him get the vaccine, they will be safe. Shah said researchers continue to struggle with recruiting minorities, but he hopes to use his own experience to educate the community. “They were having trouble having certain underrepresented groups be in the trial,” Shah said. “I passed on that information to a lot of my friends who are members of those groups.” Gilberto Lopez, associate professor of Transborder Studies at Arizona State University, said part of the reluctance to volunteer among minorities comes from historic abuses. He said that history needs to be addressed when researchers try to recruit a more diverse group for clinical trials. Communicating in the potential subject’s language is one way to narrow the gap, along with using culturally tailored and relevant information. Lopez said he is working with Creative Frontiers, an international marketing agency, along with the

NEWS

“My number one concern is the health and safety of our students and staff,” she said. “And I don’t mean just their physical health but their mental and emotional health.” She also said the district needs consistency right now and that once the new board members learn the ropes of their duties and know Toenjes better, they can then decide “whether they want to move forward…maybe continuing with the person that we picked or maybe making a different decision.” Toenjes, a Chandler resident, was hired shortly after Vesely became superintendent in 2016. Both worked together in the same Tucson district prior to that. Both Fahy and Myrick also cited the severe teacher shortage in Arizona. Myrick said he was concerned about having an experienced executive team in place so that Kyrene can compete with districts for high-quality teachers. “For me it’s just that stability is such a huge component, especially in the middle of a pandemic,” Myrick said. “We were harder on our interview with Miss Toenjes than we would have been on an external candidate.” “We asked some very, very difficult and challenging questions,” he said.

University of North Carolina, to increase the number of Hispanics in COVID-19 vaccine research. “We are creating a series of Spanish language animations that explain clinical trials, the COVID-19 vaccine, and what to expect in their participation of the clinical trial,” in addition to their rights as trial participants, Lopez said. For many, it’s a question of addressing fears. Horvath said that the lab she goes to in Tucson for her part in the study takes all standard precautions to protect volunteers by testing initially and regularly throughout the study. As someone approaching the 65-and-up population, Horvath is considered more vulnerable to the virus than a younger person, but said she “just felt like I would have been a good subject” for this. After reading up on the vaccine and having any questions she had answered at her first orientation, she “wasn’t too concerned after that.” “I don’t get sick very often,” she said. “I felt like the risk was low enough that I was relatively comfortable doing it.” 

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Early resident’s book recalls Coal Country life BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

t age 91, Marjorie Conder of Ahwatukee has finally finished what she started a decade ago: publishing her book. Called “’Furriners’ in Appalachia,” it is a memoir of the four years she and her late husband of 67 years, Steve, spent in a coal camp near the little hamlet of Wooton in the eastern mountains of Kentucky. Coal, copper and small towns are woven into the fabric of the former teacher’s life, but by her own admission, she was a stranger in a strange land back then. Born in the Verde Valley town of Clarkdale, where her father was chief engineer for the Phelps Dodge Corporation copper smelter before his company relocated the family to Douglas, Conder and her husband lived in little places most of their life together. They lived in Carlsbad, New Mexico; El

kee because at that time it had a real, small-town atmosphere and we had both loved living in those small mining towns.” “At that time Ahwatukee had only one grocery store, one pharmacy – and the post office was in Millie’s Hallmark store,” Conder recalled. But as much as she loved small towns, Conder was no bumpkin. She was class valedictorian when she graduated high school in 1947. She first atAhwatukee author Marjorie Conder writes about the four years she and her tended Colorado Woman’s Colhusband spent in Appalachia in the early 1950s, when residents rode wagons to a lege in Denver, where she met drive-in set up by her late husband’s best friend. (Courtesy of Marjorie Condor) Steve, who had just come back Paso, Texas, and then she ended up again anyway – that they were continuing that serving in the Navy throughout World in Douglas, where her husband wound up small-town life in the shadow of the big War II and was attending Colorado School of Mines. working for the same mining company city. Though she admitted that “I dragged “He impressed me with his maturity, his that had employed her father. Even when she, Steve and their two sons my heels all the way, not wanting to leave manners, his Southern charm, his wonand daughter moved from Douglas to Ah- that wonderful small town for the big, hot �ee CONDOR page 27 watukee in 1981, it seemed – for a while, city,” she and her husband “chose Ahwatu-

Local brothers launch good-deed motorcycle club BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

hree Ahwatukee brothers have launched a motorcycle club that promises to be a benefit to the community in which they grew up. Kort, Steve and youngest brother Nico F. Natali founded the Ahwatukee Nut Chippers Motorcycle Club – complete with an embroidered patch declares theirs the Ahwatukee chapter. It is, Nico explained, “one of the goodguy motorcycle clubs.” “Normally the term ‘one percenter’ describes the 1 percent outlaw motorcycle clubs like the Hells Angels with the other 99 percent being law-abiding citizens,” he said. “But we like to say we’re the 1 percent that’s out here to do good.” The trio, all Ahwatukee residents, are al-

Members of the Ahwatukee Nut Chippers Motorcycle Club include, from left, Kort Natali, Steve Natali, Sharon Briggs and Nico Natali. (Courtesy of Nico F. Natali)

ready doing good locally at several levels. “We are all deeply-rooted in Ahwatukee

and want to help out in our community,” said the youngest brother, who graduated

from Desert Vista High School in 2016. Steve is a 2013 Thunder grad and Kort graduated from Horizon Honors High School in 2004. Their parents moved to Ahwatukee from Tucson in 1997. Their club’s unusual name comes with its own backstory. “Actually, I embroidered an acorn and we thought that would be really cool as a jacket or vest back patch. We were brainstorming and my brother Kort was thinking of a nutcracker, the kind you see at Christmas, but he had a slip of the tongue and said ‘Nut Chipper’ and we went for it,” said Nico, adding he hand-embroiders each club patch. “The club started with me and my brothers,” he recalled. “We’ve always collected Hondas, built them and worked on them

�ee CHIPPERS page 28

COMMUNITY

Desert Vista senior, a Summit School grad, writes physics book AFN NEWS STAFF

Summit School of Ahwatukee graduate who now is a Desert Vista High School senior has published a book. Sahil Khan, 17, has published “The Potential of Physics,” which tackles complex subjects like time travel, wormholes, black holes, teleportation and quantum computing. The son of Saba and Shazir Khan, Sahil began attending Summit when he was 3 and was in the eighth grade Class of 2017 and developed an interest in math “around middle school.” “I just liked math a lot but wanted to apply it,” he said. “I liked using math in different scenarios and my interest just developed over time.” His interest in physics blossomed from there – and then came a desire to write a book about what he learned. “I have been doing a lot of research on my own since eighth grade,” Sahil said. “Not a lot of people know about black

Ahwatukee women’s group slates virtual meeting, ‘positive message’

Ahwatukee Foothills Friends and Neighbors will hold their monthly meeting online again. Diana Rabb, PhD, will present “Maintaining an Attitude of Gratitude” for a positive look on life at 1 p.m. Nov. 23. To join, email affanwomensgroup@gmail.com.”

Festival of Lights auction has begun

The Festival of Lights has launched its online auction at folaz.org and should be launching its celebrated wine pull soon. The cash-strapped FOL Committee, which is staring at a $50,000 repair bill next year to keep its million white lights burning along Chandler Boulevard between Desert Foothills Parkway and 24th Street, is still on track to have the display going this holiday season. People also can donate to the nonprofit at the website. FOL Committee President Raphael Isaac said Christmas Light Decorator of Mesa was to start hanging the display along the boulevard’s medians this week, avoiding saguaros that appear to weak to support them. He added the lights themselves pose no threat to the water-starved, heat-impacted saguaros.

Kyrene Foundation seeks cash to pull off annual Winter Wonderland

The pandemic is forcing the Kyrene Foundation to

holes and astrophysics and I wanted to broaden people’s perspectives. I thought maybe if I could explain physics in an entertaining way, some people might like to read about it.” Explaining physics was the easy part because Sahil had done a lot of research and knew what he wanted to write about. But he didn’t start out intending to write a book. “My research was just a fun side project and it became bigger and bigger.” In the end, he decided that “since I put so much work into this project, I might as well publish it.” Sahil did encounter some challenges. He said that the illustrations were difficult because he is a “terrible artist.” Eventually, he found that he was able to use Photoshop to help illustrate his book. “Finding citations to back up what I wrote was difficult,” he said, adding that after all, “Who is going to believe a 17-year-old without proof?” He said his parents have been his big-

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

gest supporters throughout the project. “They encouraged me to keep going, and the book wouldn’t be what it is today without them,” he said. Andrea Yocum, Sahil’s middle school science teacher, is proud of her former student’s achievement, “Sahil was a curious and driven student,” Yocum said. “He loved to be challenged and to push himself to complete more in-depth and challenging concepts, especially in physics, his 8th grade year. He was never afraid to ask questions or to seek answers so that he could learn anything and everything about science and its application.” Sahil’s advice to current Summit students, “Explore what you are passionate about and don’t be afraid. It wasn’t my end goal to write a book. My goal was to do something that I enjoyed because it was fun for me.” Though he has not identified a future college or university to attend yet, he’s eyeing a major in either physics or computer science. 

Desert Vista High School senior Sahil Khan shows the physics book he wrote. (Special to AFN)

AROUND AHWATUKEE

seek cash donations instead of gift items for its annual Winter Wonderland. Last year, organizers said in a release, “with the tremendous outpouring of support from schools, businesses, and community members, our foundation was able to ensure family’s basic needs were met and children did not go without the simple joy of a gift during the holiday season.” “For families who are struggling, the holidays look very different this year, and the pandemic has pushed us to find new ways to support these families while maintaining the health and safety of our community,” they added. This year the foundation hopes to raise $35,000 by Dec. 10 for over 700 kids and their families in need within the Kyrene community. Donations can be made at kyrenefoundation.org/ winterwonderland. They also can be dropped off at Keller Williams Realty, Sonoran Living, 15905 S. 46th St., #160, Ahwatukee 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and at R Squared Graphic and Web Design, 8400 S. Kyrene Road, Tempe, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

and their foster parents. “There are over 19,000 children in foster care throughout Arizona. Your donation of a toy for children ages 1–12 could provide hope and love for these children in a tangible way,” said group spokesman Jaden Gerdis. Donations can be dropped off, unwrapped, Anytime Fitness, 1420 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee until Dec. 5. No toys replicating violence are allowed, such as nerf guns and similar items. Recommended gifts for infant-2: wood blocks, board books, LEGO Duplo sets, musical toys, O-Ball toys, shape sorters, stacking toys, Fisher Price Linkimals, Little People Playsets. For ages 3-7: craft kits, dinosaurs, play vacuum and cleaning sets, magic kits, multicultural dolls, National Geographic Science Dig Kits, Paw Patrol/PJ Mask, remote-control cars and superhero items. For 8-12 age bracket: Craft/DIY/jewelry making kits, journals and sketch pads, magic kits, make-up/nail/hair kits, National Geographic Science Dig Kits, sport balls and young adult coloring books. For all ages, STEM kits, LEGO sets and K’NEX.

Desert Vista High School group launches toy drive for foster kids

Women’s golf group has annual Blankets & Bears Drive underway

Student Community Outreach, an Ahwatukee nonprofit organized by five Desert Vista High Schools students, is collecting toys for the AZ Helping Hands Holiday Toy Drive. AZ Helping Hands supports foster kids

The Ahwatukee Women’s Golf Association is again conducting its 21st annual Blankets & Bears Drive, this year benefitting Cardon Children’s Hospital at Banner Desert Hospital. The drive started in 1999 and has gen-

erated blankets and stuffed bears in the thousands to Phoenix Fire Station # 38; Cardon Children’s Hospital; Mesa Fire and the Child Crisis Center. New knitted, crocheted and fleece blankets of all kinds are needed. Crib size or smaller is preferred. Stuffed animals need to be new. Dolls or stuffed animals should be soft and cuddly and something that a child can hold and carry. Because of COVID-19, blankets and bears need to be small enough to fit into plastic bags (approximate size of 15” by 13”). Donations without bags will be bagged by volunteers. Donations are accepted at the dining room of Ahwatukee Country Club, 48th Street and Warner Road. Items will be placed under the ACC Christmas tree and packaged and delivered. Staff at ACC is aware that there may be some “special deliveries.” Information: Joyce Blobner at 480-381-4195.

Ahwatukee couple offers free pool treatments at their home

An Ahwatukee couple is offering free “Waterathon” exercise program sessions for men and women 7:30-8:10 a.m. Monday-Thursday beginning Nov. 23. Pool temperature is is set between 96 to 98 degrees and an optional hydrotherapy in an oversized spa is available. Space is limited to eight people to insure social distancing and reservations are required at waterfeel.club. 

COMMUNITY

NOVEMBER 18 , 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

CONDOR from page 25

derful sense of humor. The fact that he was studying to be a mining engineer, like my dad, probably had an influence, too,” Condwr said.” After getting an associate’s degree, she went to the University of Denver, where she picked up a bachelor of arts degree and a Phi Beta Kappa key. She and Steve already had married between their sophomore and junior years and had their first son while they were both still in school. “Finishing college was a very busy time for me,” Conder said. “I had to keep my grades up in order to continue receiving my scholastic scholarship at DU. With a new baby and a husband to care for, plus commuting from Golden to Denver each day for classes and tons of homework, my days were very full.” After graduation came the “huge challenge” of moving to Kentucky, where Steve had landed his first engineer’s job. “I missed the mental stimulation of the college experience but I did enjoy having time to spend learning new skills, a new language and a new cuisine, making dear friends and experiencing a far different climate.” But there also was the challenge of acclimating to a place that Conder called “very primitive at the time.” Despite its breathtaking beauty, she said, “it had been isolated for 200 years by the steep, heavily wooded mountains. There were no roads into that part of the state until World War II brought the need to extract the coal so valuable.” “The steep, heavily-wooded mountains made life difficult for the native residents,” Condor said. “They scrabbled out a precarious living, raising much of their own food in tiny gardens. Those who worked in the coal mines were better off, earning a pretty good income for that time, about $25 a day.” A close friend of her husband opened a drive-in for which Steve made the marque but cars were not a big part of the audience. “Many of the patrons arrived in their wagons, pulled by mules dressed in their best harnesses and bells. It was a momentous occasion for those people who had never seen a movie before,” Conder said. “Mules were essential for transportation in the rugged hills, where no roads existed at that time.” “The natives had had contact with the

The hamlet of Wooton, Kentucky, where Marjorie and Steve Conder lived in the early 1950s, had been isolated for two centuries. (Courtesy of Marjorie Condor)

outside world, including electricity and automobile transportation, for only 10 years,” Conder explained. “We experienced lots of culture shock coming straight from college campuses.” The natives sometimes had to be treated cautiously. Steve and a crew once got too close to a moonshiner’s still and the moonshiner shot at them. Besides the constant danger Steve faced whenever he entered a coal mine, guns were an integral part of the local culture. “About every man in Leslie County carried a gun and used it frequently to settle disputes,” Conder said. “Their reliance on guns had been handed down from the

The late Steve Conder of Ahwatukee risked death frequently because he had to enter coal mines. (Courtesy

of Marjorie Condor)

time that the first settlers in that mountain country, 200 years earlier, had needed guns to provide food and for protection. Gunfire and gun battles were common.” Labor unrest fueled more violence. “The coal company for which Steve worked had several non-union mines and the front windows of the company store just below our apartment were shot out one night,” Conder recalled. “We were awakened with loud bangs of gunfire and crashing of breaking glass. Violence was an ever-present threat.” Settling in Ahwatukee as her husband headed western engineering for Phelps Dodge, Conder continued her teaching career that dated back to the couple’s years in Douglas. She first taught advanced English and journalism at what was then Kyrene Junior High, now a middle school, and eventually went to Dobson High School in Mesa, where she taught writing and journalism and was the adviser for the school newspaper. She retired in the early 90s at age 62, “burned out from teaching writing in four of my five classes.” “I missed my students after retiring, but not those term papers I had to grade.” She started her book 10 years ago as she began writing about her years in Kentucky, initially planning a magazine article. “I wanted to leave a history of that time for my family because we had so many fascinating, funny, scary and even sad experiences there and we met so many wonderful people whom I wanted to write about.” Her husband helped jog her memory on

some details, but that effort was disrupted about five years ago when Steve became terminally ill. For a year after he passed away, she was too overcome by grief to write at all. But she returned to her project, revisiting in her mind that piece of Coal Country that she and Steve never physically went back to. They stayed in touch with friends, many of whom also left Wooton. One of her sons did go for a visit and reported that the area “was full of open-pit mines, which took the tops off the beautiful mountains,” she said. But Conder left her many memories to cherish. “Most of the people in the coal camp, the miners and their families, had very little education and we had little in common with them,” Conder said. “They considered us outsiders. We spoke a different language. We had different ways. “However, I did have some wonderful neighbors who were very kind to me and became friends and I learned much from them, particularly that a lack of education does not necessarily keep one from being a good person. I think I was an education snob when I finished college, at that stage where I thought I knew everything.” “I will forever be grateful to those good mountain people, who treated us as friends in spite of the fact that with our strange Western ways, we seemed like foreigners to them – pronounced ‘furriners.’” And despite the violence and the danger of the mines, her memories “are mostly fond and I still enjoy reliving the many happy times we had there.” “I remember most of the wonderful people, the gorgeous scenery, the fascinating language – Elizabethan plus Southern English – the scrumptious Southern cooking, the history of that part of the country. She said she “came to understand that book learning is not the only valuable kind of learning.” “I learned so much from the people there, everything from a new language, different ways of cooking, a very different culture, but particularly an appreciation for the uneducated, but truly good, people who lived there much as their ancestors had for the previous 200 years.” “‘Furriners’ in Appalachia” is in paperback and Kindle at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. An autographed copy also is available by writing to margieconder@ gmail.com. 

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

CHIPPERS from page 25

and then friends wanted to join up. Now we have people waiting in the wings. What we want to do is, of course, have fun together riding but also taking care of our community.” This Halloween, the members helped direct traffic around area haunted houses. “Some haunted house displays had a lot of cars driving by and kids crossing the streets and it was crazy,” he explained. “We rode our bikes over and helped keep an eye out for the kids, holding our hand up and stopping traffic.” The club has also selected Mountain Vista Park on 50th Street for a regular clean sweep. “We go there as often as we can to walk the park grounds by the playgrounds and look for any hazardous litter,” Nico said. “Unfortunately, there’s a crowd of folks who leave drug paraphernalia behind, laying on the benches surrounding the playground. We’ve found hypodermic needles and even a meth pipe sitting on the bench. We make a sweep and make sure it’s safe.” He said club members, who work a variety of occupations and hours, try to get to the park in the morning or midday. “Sometimes because of work schedules, we go in the evening but we try to get there before families get home and take their kids there to play.” The nascent motorcycle club has also just finished paperwork to adopt a portion of Chandler Boulevard through the City’s Adopt-A-Street program. The program requires the stretch of Chandler Boulevard between Shaughnessy Road and 19th Avenue to be maintained and cleaned at least four times a year for two years. Although the members enjoy riding their bikes as a club while sporting their Nut Chippers Ahwatukee patches, they are also serious about helping their community. “I’m motivated to do good along with the club. We’re all good friends and like riding together but also doing good stuff for people is something we try to do when we can,” said Ahwatukee resident James

t o G ws? Ne

The Nut Chippers show off their fancy embroidered jackets as they prepare to clean up a local park. (Nico Natali)

tell you this: I’ve lived in Ahwatukee since I was 17 and I’ve never seen a group of fellas more passionate about a town and about doing the right thing in life,” said Holbrook, 42. “The three brothers, the core of the group, really have Ahwatukee in their hearts, and I can see the fire in their eyes when we discuss what we can do for our beautiful community. “I believe as our club grows and Ahwatukee gets to know us, the sky’s the limit for what we can do and I’m quite intrigued to travel down this road with my club mates.” Holbrook rides a Honda Trail 70 that he had been gifted as a boy and rediscovered in his mother’s garage after her passing. “When I found the Nut Chippers, they helped me restore it. Kort, who is president of the club, has a couple himself so he has experience working on them,” said Holbrook. Each of the Natali brothers say they are pleased that the These hand-stitched designs grace the Nut Chippers’ official club Nut Chippers is catching on, and jackets. (Courtesy of Nico F. Natali) garnering community interest.

Stanton, 27, who rides a Suzuki Hayabusa or Bultaco two-stroke dirt bike. “We have some charity stuff we’re working on which should be good for everyone involved,” he added. Nut Chipper Karl Holbrook agrees. “I’m not a man of many words, but I’ll

“I’m very excited that the club I founded with my brothers and friends has reached this point where we can spread our message of kindness and caring to our community,” said Kort, 34, and father of a 2-yearold son with another on the way. “We hope to continue with our quest to better this world, and I think you can expect some really great things to come with the Nut Chippers.” To date, the Nut Chippers Motorcycle Club is made up of men ages 22 to 42, but women are welcome. “We’re striving to be an all-inclusive club unlike a lot of other clubs out there that pick and choose members based on their gender, race etc.,” Nico said. “We want to be on the opposite side of that spectrum and welcome everyone, with the only requirements that you live in Ahwatukee and you have a bike.” And your bike needn’t be a road hog. “We’re mainly into mini bikes, 200cc

I’m motivated to do good along with the club. We’re all good friends and like riding together but also doing good stuff for people is something we try to do when we can James Stanton, Ahwatukee resident

and below,” he explained. “We do have full size bikes for road use, but we mostly always ride the minis. Being inclusive, big bikes are welcome too, but it’s a plus if you have a vintage mini for meet-ups and things like that.” All the Natali brothers work and restore vintage and newer mini bikes. Kort is the professional mechanic, Nico does touch up and detailing and Steve also works on projects but right now is focused on his education at Grand Canyon University. The Nut Chippers Motorcycle Club can be found on Facebook and quickly responds to any messages sent through the site. 

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

REAL ESTATE

Real Estate Guide Downsizing a home is a process, not an event BY ALLEN HENDERSON AFN Contributor

n my 25 years of helping home sellers sell and home buyers buy their homes, one axiom has always held true: Things Change. One change I see frequently in our market is the need to downsize to a smaller property. Downsizing isn’t limited to one age group or one demographic. The motivations behind the need to downsize a prop-

erty are diverse. However, the process is surprisingly similar regardless of the cause or concerns that prompted the need to downsize. Every situation is unique but the path to a solution is consistently the same. It is important to remember that downsizing a property is a process and not an event. Some people contemplating downsizing are excited to be shedding their years of acquisitions and to be off on their new ad-

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REAL ESTATE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

Luxury and views

This 6,800-square-foot house on S. Honah Lee Court recently sold for $1 million. The six-bedroom, five-bath two-story home has a gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry, a full-length balcony where people ca enjoy breathtaking views and a state-of-the-art media room among a number of amenities,. (Special to AFN)

HENDERSON �� RE1

ventures and eagerly anticipate the sale of their property. Many others have been in their properties for years. They have a houseful of memories and a house full of stuff they are unwilling or reluctant to part with. Sadly, some have �inancial or health issues that weigh on their minds. Many call me realizing they have to make a change and don’t know the steps to take to resolve their solution.

Step 1: Research and make a plan We always advise home sellers who are considering downsizing to explore their options to decide if downsizing is what they want or need to do. Many don’t know. We encourage them to assess their motivation and make a list of their needs and

goals. It helps to visualize how they would like their future life to be. Let me emphasize again, downsizing your home and your lifestyle is a process and not an event. It takes planning. It takes time. The process will usually take weeks and not days. You will be well-served to start with small steps and start early.

Step 2: Digitize memories, important docs Before you start to address what to do with all of the years of accumulated stuff, we advise home sellers to digitize their memories. Before you move or remove anything, we encourage you to get a digital camera or smartphone and take pictures of everything in every room. Take pictures of the furniture and pictures on the wall, appliances in the kitchen, collections and memorabilia. Sort through those boxes of papers and old receipts.

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The same thing applies to those boxes of family photos. Scan them and archive them digitally. This will be your archive of documents and memories. It can also be a great tool to help you decide what to take and what to discard or sell. Be sure to download the pictures and documents to your computer and back up to an archival device. You can do it a room or two at a time, but be sure to do it.

Step 3: Start with little-used areas of your home Don’t try to clear everything out in one fell swoop. Little used areas of your home are a great place to start and allow you to ease into the sorting and assessing process. Basements, attics, spare bedrooms, closets, bathroom cabinets and shelves, linen closets, and out of the way storage areas can be treasure-troves of unused and unneeded items. Step 4: Move on to the furniture Once you know where you are going, it is time to decide what furniture if any you will be taking to your new abode. The process can proceed quickly as you tag items with different color tape to designate what you are going to do with them. Don’t forget to label the pictures and artwork as you go through each room. Now you are well on your way. Step 5: Pack rooms that will not be going to your new residence Once furniture, pictures, and artwork

have been labeled, it is time to pack and empty the rooms that will not be moving with you. Go through all of the drawers, clear all of the shelves, and put in boxes labeled “take,” “sell”, “maybe,” “giveaway,” and “throw away.”

Step 6: Get rid of books Moving books is a pain! They are heavy and hard to move. Keep reference books that you will use. Keep sentimental books and books you want to re-read. But really, do you need boxes and boxes of books to cart around? Downsize your collection.

Step 7: Sentimental and legacy items In the case of sentimental items and collections, be sure to follow the advice above and digitize each item for your archive. If your new residence will not accommodate the entire collection, pick a few favorites and sell or gift the rest to friends or family. If there are family heirlooms that are going to pass on to future generations consider giving those items now. You get the bene�it of having those items out of your way and also enjoying the joy they bring the recipients. Step 8: Allow time to contemplate and reminisce Downsizing can be an emotional process. Take time to contemplate and reminisce about past events and people as you sort and pack. Take the time you need and

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NOVEMBER 18 , 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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resident-elect Joseph Biden’s ambitious housing plan could have momentous consequences – if it shakes out to more than just empty campaign promises. A historic home shortage and recordlow mortgage rates have pushed prices to new heights, even as the U.S. entered into the worst recession since the Great Depression. “Everyone may not love the outcome of this long-drawn-out roller coaster of an election, but I think everyone can breathe a sigh of relief that it’s over,” said Realtor. com Chief Economist Danielle Hale. “Biden has a really ambitious agenda that will try to create opportunities for more low- and middle-income Americans to become homeowners or afford rental housing.” That could result in some big changes, according to Edward Goetz, an urban policy professor at the University of Minnesota. “The issue is really how affordable housing, as a category of efforts, compares to

standing, improper service and debt dispute are defenses used to contest a foreclosure sale. If the assessments are actually owed, however, your defenses in a judicial foreclosure lawsuit will likely be very limited and, in most instances, courts have held that the obligation of a homeowner to pay assessments exists independently of an HOA’s obligations to homeowners. In other words, arguing that an HOA failed to perform its duties is usually not a defense to a foreclosure action. The laws governing HOA foreclosures can be complicated. If your HOA has initiated a foreclosure, you should consider obtaining legal advice. Ahwatukee attorney Patrick MacQueen is a co-founder and partner of MacQueen & Gottlieb, PLC, of Phoenix, one of the state’s leading real estate law firms. Information: patrick@mandglawgroup.com or 602-533-2840. 

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prices. However, they would need to buy and move into homes in either struggling, lower-income neighborhoods or pricier communities that don’t offer much more reasonably priced housing. Campaign promise: Address racial discrimination in housing. Biden pledged to help fight the racial housing gap that has resulted in lower homeownership rates for communities of color. He’s proposed a national standard for appraising homes to make sure properties in communities of color wouldn’t be assessed for less than similar homes in comparable white neighborhoods. “It’s certainly a step in the right direction, but it’s not going to [completely] solve the problem,” said Hale, noting buyers ultimately determine the price of a property by how much they’re willing to pay. In addition, Biden has proposed creating a public credit agency that would help raise the scores of minority home buyers by considering things like rental payment histories and utility bills paid on time.

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the other things he’s going to want to accomplish, such as student loan debt, climate change,” and how he prioritizes them, Goetz said. Here’s a roundup of Biden’s to-do list. Campaign promise: Help more Americans achieve homeownership. One of the main planks of Biden’s $640 billion housing plan, which his campaign dropped in February, has been to help more Americans become homeowners. He plans to give first-time home buyers a down payment tax credit of up to $15,000 that they could actually use at the time of purchase. As home prices have soared in recent years, this could be a big help to many cash-strapped buyers. “Biden recognizes how challenging it can be for some people to become homeowners,” said Hale, predicting he will “pursue policies that will make getting your foot in the door easier.” Meanwhile, teachers, first responders, and other public and national service workers would also be eligible for down payment assistance and lower home

This could help more buyers qualify for mortgages with lower fees and rates. In contrast, President Donald Trump ended a rule over the summer that required many suburban communities to diversify. The President Barack Obama-era regulation forced communities receiving federal housing money to assess and address housing discrimination. Many wealthier towns and suburbs had fought more affordable housing, ranging from apartments and condos to smaller single-family housing for fear of lower property values. Biden has said he will require and incentivize local and state governments to do away with regulations that perpetuate segregation and make it harder for builders to put up new housing. His administration could “make local governments understand they’re going to be held to some standards,” said Goetz. “It could change local planning and policies related to the kinds of housing that can be built. It means more housing opportuni-

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SOLD OVER LIST

our homeowners association has the right to foreclose on your property and force the sale of your home. Yes, that is right. In Arizona, HOAs have very strong protections when it comes to collecting HOA fees. And, one of the most powerful protections is the placement of a lien on a homeowner’s property and the ultimate foreclosure of that lien. Specifically, under A.R.S. §33-1807, an HOA lien is automatically placed on your property when your HOA assessment becomes due. There is no need for the HOA to even record the lien. It is automatic. At the very least, the existence of the lien may complicate your ability to finance or sell the property.

At the very worst, Arizona law allows the HOA to foreclose on, and force the sale of, a homeowner’s property to collect fees once either of the following are true: (a) the homeowner has been delinquent in payment for 1 year or more; or (b) the total late HOA fees are $1200 or more (not including late fees, collection fees, or attorneys’ fees). Through a foreclosure action, the HOA can force the sale of your home and collect the following from the proceeds of the foreclosure sale: (1) all unpaid HOA fees; (2) late fees; (3) reasonable collection fees; and (4) reasonable attorneys’ fees. The foreclosure sale is subject to existing liens that are considered priority liens, like most mortgage loans. As a result, the HOA foreclosure will not eliminate your existing mortgage loan. If you are a homeowner faced with an HOA collection issue, you have the opportunity to assert various defenses. For example, lack of notice, lack of

re5

Biden policies could shake up housing market

PENDING

BY PATRICK MACQUEEN AFN Guest Writer

REAL ESTATE

NOVEMBER 18 , 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

PENIDNG

HOAs in Arizona can foreclose on homes for many reasons

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

PENDING

REAL ESTATE

PENDING

re4

$695,500

Wow!! Beautiful 4 bedroom home in unique semi- preserve cul-de-sac lot, located in desirable gated community.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

re6

SPO OTLIGHT home

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 SANCTUARY

LAKEWOOD

16815 S 33RD WAY 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.

Wonderful, move in ready 4 bed (plus loft) / 2.5 bath twostory home in the sought after Ahwatukee community of Lakewood. Vaulted ceilings, plantation shutters, beautiful flooring & upgraded lighting/fixtures throughout. Spacious & bright living room/dining room greet you. Family room features gorgeous stacked stone corner fireplace as focal point, as well as French doors to backyard. Great kitchen w/ upgraded cabinetry w/ glass front accents & wine rack, granite counters, tile backsplash, SS appliances (including 6 burner gas grill w/ hood) & huge curved island w/ sink & tons of storage. Perfect bay window table nook w/ view of pool. Fabulous downstairs master suite offers double door entry, vaulted ceilings, private door to back patio, huge walk-in closet w/ shelving & master bath w/ dual sinks spa tub, glass/tile shower, linen closet & private toilet. Upstairs loft w/ built-in entertainment & “study wall” w/ 2 desks makes perfect home office or child’s study/ game room. 2nd bath upstairs also has dual sinks, as well as the shower/tub & toilet conveniently separated by a door. Indoor laundry room offers storage cabinets & sink. R/O & water softener is a bonus. Clean 3 car garage w/ epoxy flooring & lots o built in storage is a huge plus. Delightful backyard w/ covered patio, raised planters, perfectly placed landscaping, sparkling pool & large side yard w/ cement walk way to gate. Lakewood is a family friendly community w/ the well-known “Lakewood loop” perfect for running, walking & biking. Greenbelt w/ 2 lakes (catch & release fishing allowed), picnic/ BBQ ramadas & children’s playgrounds. Located in popular Ahwatukee area w/ tons of shopping, dining & entertainment just minutes away, including Trader Joes & Dutch Bros right outside the neighborhood. Easy freeway access is a plus. This home is easy to show & will not last long, so come check it out today!

Listed for $1,950,000

Mike Mendoza

SONORAN LIVING

KELLER WILLIAMS® REALTY

480.706.7234 • www.MendozaTeam.com

Rachael Richards

480.270.5782 • rhouserealty.com

REAL ESTATE

NOVEMBER 18 , 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

BIDEN from page re5

ties for populations that have historically been discriminated against.” Biden would also attempt to cut the carbon footprint of the country’s buildings in half by 2035. Developers would be eligible for incentives to retrofit homes to become more energy-efficient and create their own clean power. Campaign promise: Get assistance to struggling renters. Biden plans to fully fund Section 8 vouchers so that every low-income American who qualifies for the program would receive the assistance. Currently, about a quarter of households eligible for the vouchers don’t receive them because there aren’t enough to go around. He also will offer low-income renters a tax credit designed so they pay only up to 30 percent of their income on housing and utilities. “The program will be costly to administer, but it will help the individual,” said Ken Johnson, a real estate economist at

Florida Atlantic University. Biden may also decide to extend Trump’s eviction moratorium to prevent renters from losing their homes during the pandemic. It makes it illegal for landlords to evict most tenants until next year. The new president has also pledged to increase the housing supply by putting $100 billion toward constructing and upgrading affordable housing. He will use tax incentives to erect affordable housing in areas where it’s in short supply and try to limit local and state government restrictions on the amount of new construction. “It’s overdue,” Goetz said. “We’re in the middle of a housing crisis and we have affordability issues all over the country.” In addition, Biden hopes to ease homelessness by providing emergency funding to shelters and provide case management services for those in need. He vowed to provide more housing for the disabled, elderly and formerly incarcerated. Realtor.com provided this report.

GOT NEWS?

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

480-706-7234

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

Listed for $1,510,000

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

Mountain Park Ranch

enjoy the process. It is appropriate to include a friend or family member to share your experiences and emotions as you review the artifacts of your life to date.

Step 9: Address the kitchen The kitchen is usually the family hub. It is also where most of the items you use every single day are located. The first thing we recommend in the kitchen is an adventure to go through your drawers and cabinets and identify and pull out your old friends, the items you use and love. The first rule is, take only one of each item. No duplicates! The second rule is, no matter how pretty, don’t move items you haven’t used in years to your new home. Now is the time to lighten the load. You will be surprised at how liberating it is to leave the old things behind and enjoy the best and the new. Step 10: Arrange for the disposition of your stuff So now you have digitized and sorted, boxed and discarded, gifted and reward-

If you have any questions or if you need a free professional consultation, Ahwatukee Realtor Allen Henderson can be reached at 480-392-2090. 

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

Tapestry Canyon

HENDERSON from page RE2

Listed for $585,000

Winfield NG MION O C SO

Mike Mendoza MendozaTeam.com

3 BR / 2 BA / 2,182 SQFT

5 BR / 5 BA / 6,455 SQFT

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

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

Listed for $589,000

Listed for $1,950,000

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

Keystone

re7

ed. Give some thought to what you are going to do with the boxes and piles of items that are scattered around you. Start selling the items on Craigslist or eBay and local online buy-sell groups, as soon as possible. Make plans to have your boxes and appropriate furniture delivered to your new home. Arrange for the items you are donating to be picked up before your move out date. Get commitments that gift and legacy items will be picked up before your move date. Get a firm commitment, date, and time and make them stick to it. No, you aren’t going to store it for them until they can pick it up. This list of suggestions is far from complete but hopefully, the tips and ideas will start you on the road to a game plan to make your downsizing adventure easier and more enjoyable. Stay positive! It is a process and not an event. It will soon be over and you will be off on your new life adventure.

Call for Details

Sanctuary LF GO

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 | NOVEMBER 18 , 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

Pecos North

Dobbins Ranch

Overgaard, Arizona

DC Ranch

$535,000

$69,900

$308,888

Well maintained 3 bed 2 bath home, light and bright, with soaring vaulted and cathedral ceilings in the great room w/wood-burning FP. Roof replaced 2018, interior and exterior recently painted, neutral tile in main living spaces, bedrooms carpeted. Upstairs master suite with loft area and French doors to balcony. One Year 2-10 Home Warranty paid by Seller. Front yard landscaping maintained by HOA, community pool and heated spa, volleyball court and wonderful green space to enjoy.

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!

Highly sought after Mogollon Estates corner lot with plenty of trees and across from National Forest. All underground utilities including water, power, telephone/DSL, paved streets AND SEPTIC are in. Build your dream cabin retreat or a year round home located a quiet cul-de-sac with existing custom homes on level easy build lot. Super Low HOA fees!

Over $10,000 worth of upgrades!!! This ground ﬂoor condo with it’s beautiful views of the McDowell Mountains cannot be beat. Ready for you to move in with the Gorgeous new tile & paint throughout. Maple Cabinets, stainless steel appliances & Granite Counter tops just ﬁnish off this great 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo.

Ahwatukee

Chandler

$325,500

PENDING!

Randy Stopher 480-270-9130 Randy@ListWithRandy.com

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

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

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

Chipperwood Chandler

PENDING!

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

Desert Foothills Villas

$459,900

$195,000

Desirable Single Level 4 Bedroom 3 Bath Home with No HOA on Almost A 1/4 Acre Lot! Split Floorplan, Two Master Bedrooms. Beautiful Backyard with Pool. RV Gate and Parking!!

Fully and beautifully remodeled home located in a cul-de-sac lot in the HEART of Tempe. This open and bright ﬂoor plan with 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage and over sized yard( room for RV gate). The kitchen offers all new white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and Quartz counters. Enormous family room with ﬁreplace and vaulted ceilings. Beautiful neutral palette. New a/c unit, water heater , roof, windows and doors Easy access to Freeways and lots of shopping and restaurants.

Rare find! Ground floor 2 bedroom 2 bath. New paint and carpet. Granit counter tops and close to pool in gated community. Walking distance to shopping and restaurants and fifteen minutes to Sky Harbor Airport.

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

Kelly Quek, M.B.A. 480-734-9808 www.kellyqrealty.com

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

NOVEMBER 18 , 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

SALE PENDING

Ahwatukee Foothills

Hillside • Single Level Split Floorplan • Pebble Tec Pool 3 BR • 2 BA • 3 G • 2,167 sf

$524,900 SOLD!

Biltmore/Arcadia

COMPLETION JANUARY 2021

Single Story • Open Concept • Split Floorplan Office • 2016 New • 3 Car Garage 3 BR • 3 BA • 2,416 sf

$825,000

SOLD! OVER LIST PRICE

Fountain Hills Eagle Ridge

Stunning 2020 Built Custom Gated • Hillside • Negative Edge Pool • Gas Floor Plan & Finishes Available Upon Request 4 BR • 5.5 BA • 5,435 sqft • Office • Game Room • 3G

$2,455,000

Cynthia Worley

SOLD! OVER LIST PRICE

BROKER ASSOCIATE

480.330.7035 cynthia@stellarealtyAZ.com www.stellarealtyAZ.com

ClubWest

$493,000

Ahwatukee

$362,000

Mountain Park Ranch $539,000

All offices independently owned and operated

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

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BUSINESS

Business 32

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Wicked Brews makes owner’s dream come true BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

hen Chip Mahoney graduated from the University of Nevada in 1994 with a double degree in business and restaurant management, he knew where he wanted his career path to lead. Last Thursday at 8:40 a.m. the final puzzle piece in that vision fell into place as Wicked Brews, Bites & Spirits at 4921 E. Ray Road, Ahwatukee, got notice their liquor license had been approved. Though the restaurant had been open a few days and the ‘Bites’ were in place, the liquor license was imperative to fulfill the ‘Brews’ in their name. “Bites” are already established with Chef Creighton

Gee-inspired menu. “Spirits” is evidenced in the 20-plus specialty craft cocktails and, in the future, their own still and distillery. The “Wicked,” as in “wicked smart,” was always in the vision. And Mahoney and his team are hoping Wicked Brews, Bites & Spirits will be wickedly successful. Learning the liquor license was approved in time for the first official weekend at the former site of Uncle Bear’s Grill & Tap was an emotional moment for Mahoney, who has been at work since signing the lease for his first solo venture Oct. 15. “My liquor agent sent me the approval this morning, said we’re all good,” he said. “I was speechless and called my wife right away. I’ve been

working my butt off and we’re finally here,” he added, his voice cracking in emotion as the news hit him afresh. Mahoney said he hopes to have the onsite brewery up and running by late November or early December. The opening of Wicked Brews, Bites & Spirits is the culmination of decades of experience garnered since his first job in college with the Big Dog’s Hospitality Group in Las Vegas. He was their first intern and rose to be the youngest general manager in the company. His career curve was focused and step by step, position by position he learned while rising through the ranks of various restaurants including a six-year stint with the

The Wicked Brews, Bites & Spirits team includes, from left, Mike Awalt, Chip Mahoney, Chef Creigh-

�ee WICKED page 33 ton Gee and Zach Schroeder. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

Ahwatukee financial planner earns award AFN NEWS STAFF

oseph B. Ortiz of the financial services firm Edward Jones in Ahwatukee recently earned the firm’s Jim McKenzie Award for “exceptional achievement in building client relationships.” The award is named after Jim McKenzie who, following in his father’s footsteps, joined Edward Jones in 1962 and opened a branch in Kearney, Nebraska. “It’s truly an honor to receive recognition for building relationships with those clients we serve,” said Ortiz. “And it’s quite inspirational to receive an award named after a firm legend such as Jim McKenzie who was dedicated to individual investors and understood each investor’s unique financial goals.” Ortiz, who has lived in Ahwatukee with his wife and three children since 2008,

JOSEPH B. ORTIZ

had a successful marketing business in Southern California but he and his wife wanted to be closer to family. Besides, the Great Recession was com-

ing on strong and Ortiz was looking for something that offered room for income growth as well as stability. So, he attended an Edward Jones recruitment dinner to hear about its opportunities. And he was hooked. His job demands both a command of an unending stream of data and a good bedside manner with clients with a wide variety of financial needs and desires. He developed the command of data at an early age. Born in 1976, well before the internet and the invention of Excel, Ortiz as a youngster became fascinated financial data through the influence of his mother, a career bank employee who handled loans, and his father, who worked for the paint giant PPG and invested in his employer’s stock.

“I got in the habit of watching his stock price, then started looking at other companies’ stock,” he told AFN several years ago. “He used to ask me to find an article in the newspaper that I liked. I’d read Fortune Magazine and use to circle the companies I liked. My father took me to work with him, showed me a lot of things about business.” “I grew up in the old style,” he added. “My mother had to type all kinds of loan stuff and I’d sit with her and mess with calculators and I would ask her things.” Over time, he became sufficiently proficient with financial data that he got a job for a real estate company analyzing its clients, checking credit ratings and other records to give his employer a clearer idea of whom they were dealing with.

�ee ORTIZ page 34

BUSINESS

NOVEMBER 18 , 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

As 2020 nears end, consider financial moves BY JOSEPH ORTIZ AFN Guest Writer

e’re nearing the end of 2020 – and for many of us, it will be a relief to turn the calendar page on this challenging year. However, we’ve still got a few weeks left, which means you have time to make some year-end financial moves that may work in your favor. Here are a few suggestions: • Add to your IRA. For the 2020 tax year, you can put in up to $6,000 to your traditional or Roth IRA, or $7,000 if you’re 50 or older. If you haven’t reached this limit, consider adding some money. You actually have until April 15, 2021, to contribute to your IRA for 2020, but the sooner you put the money in, the quicker it can go to work for you. Plus, if you have to pay taxes in April, you’ll be less likely to contribute

WICKED from page 32

12,000-square-foot TGI Fridays Front Row at Chase Field, where he served as general manager. Yardhouse, Scottsdale was followed by Bar Louie in Glendale and Tempe before he became minority partner and general manager at Cabin Whiskey and Grill, where he created a new craft food menu. He also required all bartenders to learn how to make the 20 new craft cocktails he’d created using old-school mixology techniques. Those craft cocktails, mixology and even some of his former bartenders and bar manager are present at Wicked Brews, Bites & Spirits. Also on staff are many others who have worked for and with Mahoney at various restaurants, several from four to nine years. “I have a lot of people that trust in me and I consider everyone that has stuck with me as family. When I put this together, I specifically put in that we will have a portion of profit sharing that will be in a pool so that every employee - down to the lowest level, will be in that pool and share in profits of the company,” Mahoney said. “They’ve all been brought up in the restaurant business and will be here helping us be successful. I’ve also hired some amazing people that will hopefully be with us for many years to come.”

to your IRA then. • Make an extra 401(k) payment. If it’s allowed by your employer, put in a little extra to your 401(k) or similar retirement plan. And if your salary goes up next year, increase your regular contributions. • See your tax advisor. It’s possible that you could improve your tax situation by making some investment-related moves. For example, if you sold some investments whose value has increased, you could incur capital gains taxes. To offset these gains, you could sell other investments that have lost value, assuming these investments are no longer essential to your financial strategy. Your tax advisor can evaluate this type of move, along with others, to determine those that may be appropriate for your situation. • Review your investment mix. As you consider your portfolio, think about the events of these past 12 months and how you responded to them.

When COVID-19 hit early in the year, and the financial markets plunged, did you find yourself worrying constantly about the losses you were taking, even though they were just on “paper” at that point? Did you even sell investments to “cut your losses” without waiting for a market recovery? If so, you might want to consult with a financial professional to determine if your investment mix is still appropriate for your goals and risk tolerance, or if you need to make some changes. • Evaluate your need for retirement plan withdrawals. If you are 72 or older, you must start taking withdrawals – technically called required minimum distributions, or RMDs – from your traditional IRA and your 401(k) or similar retirement plan. Typically, you must take these RMDs by Dec. 31 every year. However, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stimulus Act suspended, or waived, all RMDs due

Deanna Slattery is a 23-year Ahwatukee resident. One year after meeting her, Mahoney moved here in 2004. When Mahoney talks about his menu, he emphasizes his commitment to the freshest and locally-sourced ingredients. “We will have the Wicked Brews not only serves a full menu of food and beverages but also offers loads freshest craft food of LED screens for sports viewing. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer) that we can make,” Chef Creighton Gee and Bar Manager he said. “We strive to make our own prodMikey Awalt are also long-time employees uct using as much Arizona-sourced product as possible. The menu has been conwho followed Mahoney to Ahwatukee. Wicked Brews, Bites and Spirits is very structed by our entire team led by Chef Creighton.” much a family affair. A wood-fired oven is the centerpiece of Wife Deanna “Dee” Slattery, who was a bartender/supervisor at Cottonwood Wicked Brews kitchen. Mahoney has his own menu favorites alCountry Club for 20 years, will be on hand ready and they include the classic Reuben to supervise. Daughters Kayla and Ashlyn Slattery with custom thousand island recipe and will host and serve, and son Shane Slattery locally-baked thick cut marble rye bread, the Asian Apple Kale salad and the origiwill also be a server. Gee’s cousin, Tanya Begay, has signed on nal Tatanka Bacon Burger. “Creighton is Native American from the as sous chef, and Awalt’s mother, Nancy Mishaud, will help host and fill in where Navajo Nation and for him to create this awesome bison burger where he’s mixed needed.

in 2020. If you’re in this age group, but you don’t need the money, you can let your retirement accounts continue growing on a taxdeferred basis. • Think about the future. Are you saving enough for your children’s college education? Are you still on track toward the retirement lifestyle you’ve envisioned? Or have your retirement plans changed as a result of the pandemic? All of these issues can affect your investment strategies, so you’ll want to think carefully about what decisions you may need to make. Looking back – and ahead – can help you make the moves to end 2020 on a positive note and start 2021 on the right foot.

Joseph Ortiz is a financial planner for Edward Jones. Reach him at 480-7537664 or joseph.ortiz@edwardjones. com 

bacon in and put bacon on top just makes for a perfect burger,” enthused Mahoney. But the microbrews that will be brewed onsite at the restaurant are expected to be a big draw. “We expect it will take about six months to get our beer line in place and then we’ll start working on getting the license for our still,” Mahoney said. Master brewer Zach Schroeder has more than 25 years in the crafted beer business, the last 12 as a master brewer at one of Phoenix’ larger microbreweries. “Zach and I have been working on this project for over two years and needed the right location before we launched. We feel that our Ahwatukee location is prime for success,” smiled Mahoney. With 8,000 square feet, the Wicked Brews, Bites & Spirits restaurant at Ray and 50th set aside 2,000 square feet for the brewery, 2,500 for restaurant seating, and 1,500 for the kitchen that features a woodfired oven for their hand-crafted pizzas. Outside seating with winter heaters and summer misters is inviting and dog friendly. Wicked Brews, Bites and Spirits is open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to midnight. Menus and special offers are available on wicked-bbs.com and on Facebook. Take-out is available. 

BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

Area Chef Robbie Held is a lifelong cook BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

hen Robert ‘Robbie’ Held was 5, growing up in an Italian family in suburban Chicago, he learned to whip up some spaghetti and meatballs. At age 7, he was consumed by his grandmother’s and mother’s cookbooks. “I read cookbooks like they were comic books,” Held quipped. His love of cooking continued through a hospitality career that included bartending, and heading his own marketing firm after moving to Arizona in 2007. Yet, it was cooking and launching his business as a personal chef that won out. He’s thankful he chose that path. “I’ve always done private parties for friends, and then people started reaching out to me. After the calls started coming in regularly, I decided to start my own business,” Held said. “I have complete insurance, I follow CDC guidelines and I’m finding in-home personal chef services are more in demand since COVID.” His business, Health Held in Hand, began in the fall 2019 and immediately took root. He now has five employees and has landed a number of high-profile clients, including local athletes in the NBA and NFL. Chef Robbie, as his clients and friends call him, said unlike many businesses, the pandemic has actually been a boon for him. “Business was going decently before COVID, but since the shutdown and even now, my business has more than doubled,” he said. “People were and some still are afraid to go out, and I bring the restaurant

ORTIZ from page 32

Today, he can talk to people in terms of the national and global financial challenges their generation has gone through – as well as their personal dreams and hurdles. Besides the importance of a face-to-face introduction, he also learned “how surprisingly warm Ahwatukee is” when he started his new career. “I started in July and a lot of really nice Ahwatukee folks offered me water” he said. “One guy driving down the street asked me if I wanted to stick my head in his car because I had a suit on.” “Slowly but surely, people started to phone me,” he said. “The first guy I talked

gela in the frozen food aisle of a local Fry’s supermarket. “You know that meet-up scene with Steve Martin in ‘My Blue Heaven’? Well, that’s how I met my wife except I tripped and fell flat on my face. Then I introduced myself.” Chef Robbie’s inhome chef services can be a one-time special event or on a regularly-contracted basis. Dan Oswald, prinChef Robbie Held does it all at homes, from buying ingredients for his catered meals cipal at Scottsdaleto cleanup. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer) based Oswald Conexperience to them.” sulting, had Chef Robbie and Health Held in Whether Chef Robbie books a romantic Hand on a contractual basis, sometimes an dinner for two or a dinner party of 10, he average of 17 hours weekly, and said he was says he makes the process painless for pleased with the service. those hiring him. “Chef Robbie was our personal chef for “I do all the shopping, the prepping, various months this year and the overall the cooking and the clean-up; I do every- experience was great,” Oswald said. “He thing,” he said, adding he’s not always hid- experimented a bit in our kitchen, resultden away in the kitchen. ing in meals that were both unique and “Sometimes I’ll give the people a taste of delicious. He was always prepared with what I’m cooking and that whets their ap- the freshest ingredients and emphasized petites for what’s coming.” clean eating.” Though Chef Robbie has clients throughAlexandra Loye, senior vice president out the valley, he proudly states more than of Healthcare & Life Sciences Services/ half come from the Chandler area. Arizona hired Health Held in Hand for a “I’m a local business, I like keeping dinner party. the business in the community,” said the “Chef Robbie was so personable. He taiChandler resident, who met his wife An- lored our private dining experience at my

to had been working on his car and we just started talking about cars. He became a client.” Ortiz still knocks on doors – though not as often as he’d like to because he also has a lot of clients. He moved his office to 8950 S. 52nd St. in Tempe to take on the additional role of an Edward Jones recruiter while he still serves his clients. “Joseph Ortiz understands that if the financial services firm Edward Jones is to maintain its top-rated client service record, it must continue to attract dedicated, quality people to become financial advisors,” the company said in a release. It was so impressed with his perfor-

mance as a recruiter in 2018 that he was among the 431 financial advisors – out of more than 18,000 nationwide – to receive the Top Talent Acquisition Award. “We are dedicated to serving individual investors and serving them well,” Ortiz said. “If I know someone who I believe could enhance our team and live up to the standards Edward Jones sets for its brokers, I try to bring him or her on board. Besides striving to do a good job myself, that’s the best way I know to maintain our reputation.” Edward Jones has been named the No. 9 large company on the Top Companies to Work for in Arizona list compiled by the Arizona Commerce Authority. It also was dubbed the same by Forbes Magazine and

home to the theme I chose, which was a Latin theme, with drink and food options,” said Loye. “He was prompt and had a lot of positive energy which made me have confidence immediately that the night was going to be fabulous. I was able to relax with my guests versus serve them and he cleaned everything up before leaving which is the perfect end to any hostess’s dinner party.” The chef admits much goes into each home visit whether it is for family or a group. Not only does he work with the client on the menu, serve multiiple courses, navigate dietary limitations, purchase the ingredients and travel to your home but with his usual flourish and handlebar mustache, he presents the dinner as theater. And he says even with the loosening of pandemic parameters, people appreciate being able to have the restaurant feel without the worry. “You know with everything that’s going on these days, it’s kind of scary to go out to restaurants,” he said. “You don’t know where your server, or their co-workers, or their other past clients have been. “With me you get a healthy chef, that goes shopping the day of your events so you get the freshest, handpicked products available. No additives or preservatives. All fresh, made with love, in your own home.” “We do everything with safety and health in mind,” he said. Chef Robbie is also working on a line of organic baby food. Information: ChefRobbieH.com or find him on Facebook  received its Spotlight on Diversity award. It has 277 branches across Arizona and a home office in Tempe that provides support to the firm’s more than 14,000 branches in North America. Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in St. Louis, provides financial services in the U.S. and, through its affiliate, in Canada. The firm’s 19,000-plus financial advisors serve more than seven million clients with a total of $1.2 trillion in client assets. Financial advisors aren’t the only positions available at Edward Jones. Ortiz noted there are internal positions that interested people can search at careers. edwardjones.com. 

BUSINESS

NOVEMBER 18 , 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

West USA Realty here honors 12 agents AFN NEWS STAFF

est USA Realty Ahwatukee Branch has announced its 2019 Ahwatukee Top Realtors and honored 10 other Realtors for years of service that totals 140 years. West USA Realty originated its first office in Phoenix in 1986 and became one of the largest real estate firms in the State of Arizona and in the nation. It has grown from one agent to over 2,900 serving the Valley. The Ahwatukee branch opened 30 years ago and is still in the same location with over 230 Realtors. As West USA Realty, celebrates its 34th year providing real estate services to Arizona, it counts more than 250,000 clients it has helped since its founding. The Ahwatukee branch also has gained a reputation for numerous charitable endeavors, from water bottle drives to

school supply collections to helping other nonprofits with their efforts, such as the Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club’s annual baby shower for new foster moms. The two Realtors honored with awards for excellent are Kim Healy, Top Producer in Volume, and Tom Wolf, who also was in the top 1 percent. Those honored for years of service include Julie Torrance, who this year logged 25 years of service. Honored for 20 years of service were Ray Healy and Cliff Swaim. Saluted for 15 years of service were Jenifer Bulfur, Shirley Schollmeyer, Link Paffenbarger, Diane Cain and Anna Howard. Realtors recognized for 10 years of service include Jim Parker and David Grago. West USA Realty is located at 4505 E. Chandler Blvd., STE 170, Ahwatukee. Information: 480-893-0600.

JENIFER BULFUR

DIANE CAIN

DAVE GRAGO

KIM & RAY HEALY

ANNA HOWARD

JIM PARKER

LINK PAFFENBARGER

CLIFF SWAIM

JULIE TORRANCE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

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OPINION

Opinion 38

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

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All Club West homeowners have a stake in this �ight BY MATTHEW TYLER AFN Guest Writer

n February, the Club West Conservancy (CWC), a not-for-pro�it organization of Club West homeowners, brought a lawsuit against the HOA board of directors seeking to undo the board’s decision to accept the transfer of the golf course declarant rights and amend those declarant rights to substantially lower the threshold for approval of home development on the Club West Golf Course Property from a 75 percent super majority of all residents to a mere 16 percent (a majority of 30 percent who choose to vote). Despite this litigation being pending for approximately eight months, it is troubling that as far as CWC is aware, the board has never directly communicated to the homeowners anything about the lawsuit despite expending community resources to defend itself. CWC continues to work hard to keep the community up to date on the status of the legal action and the reasons we believe it was absolutely necessary to �ile the lawsuit. Since the board won’t update residents about the lawsuit, the CWC will. On Nov. 8, the court ruled that the board is now prohibited from moving forward to approve a vote on new housing on the golf

IRC champions Native American appointment

The makeup of the appointments to the Independent Redistricting Commission is complete with the announcement of Derrick Watchman, a well-respected Apache County businessman. As a Navajo Nation member, Derrick is the �irst Native American to serve on this prestigious Commission that will redraw the 2022 maps for our Arizona congressional and legislative districts. The four partisan appointees, two Democrats and two Republicans, will now

course property until the underlying lawsuit against the board is decided. A trial is currently set for February 2021. In making its ruling, the court made several signi�icant �indings which supports CWC’s position that it is time for the Board to reverse their misguided strategy. • The court found “serious questions about the validity” of the board’s acceptance of the golf course declarant rights and the subsequent amendment about voting (reducing the 75 percent to 16 percent) because these “are not the types of actions that may be taken in executive session.” In other words, it’s improper to take such actions in closed meetings and then not provide any notice of such actions to the residents. • The court said that the golf course declaration, which requires land use only as a golf course, is legally a “tract declaration” and according to the Community’s Master CC&Rs any “tract declaration” must “in all cases be consistent with and subordinate to” the Master CC&Rs. Since the Master CC&Rs require 75 percent of residents to approve any amendments, it follows that the golf course declaration requires a 75 percent voting threshold too. • While the board argued that the Club West Master CC&Rs say that it is possible

that the golf course might someday cease operations, the court said that this does not mean that the land can be used for new housing or any other purpose besides golf. • Finally, the court found the development of the golf course property for “non-golf uses would have an immediate negative impact on the value of the lots adjacent to the golf course.” This underscores the probability of future lawsuits against the board by any resident whose property value is negatively affected by construction of new housing on the golf course property. As a reminder, before the CWC �iled this lawsuit last February, the CWC presented the board with a memorandum explaining our position and asked the board to retract the actions it had taken. The board refused. Then, after the lawsuit was initiated, the board �iled a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, which the court denied. Then the CWC asked the board to at least agree not to bring a vote on development of the golf course property prior to the scheduled trial in February 2021. Again, the board refused. The board’s persistence in continuing to defend their improper actions not only costs the CWC legal expense, the board must also expend money to defend the lawsuit.

In addition, the lawsuit distracts the board from what it should be doing – working for a solution to the golf course property that serves and enhances the entire community in keeping with the requirements of the Club West Master Declaration. Some of our current Board members have been on the Board for 15-20 years. The CWC supports term limits for our board, which were recently approved in a vote at the nearby Foothills HOA by as resounding 92 percent of residents. Maybe it is time for some new fresh perspectives on the board. We suspect that there will be new candidates running for the board this year and we encourage their initiative. CWC is asking for everyone’s involvement. There is strength in numbers. We need to be able to show the board of directors that our Club West homeowners care about what is, or is not, happening in their community. Our website is clubwestconservancy.org. This website provides information on how to join our organization and also how to contact us. We are all about getting more community involvement and are open to your input. Matthew Tyler is the president of the Club West Conservancy. 

collaborate on choosing an Independent to lead this group. Ahwatukee’s lines are at stake. Your voice in the upcoming open IRC meetings to retain our school districts and healthcare movements within these lines will be vital. -CJ Briggle

of himself standing in front of a church he does not attend, holding a Bible he cannot read. -Barbara Clark

group registered in the Global Terrorism Database, has committed criminal actions against innocent civilians. Actions being taken by the government is solely against TPLF and not the people of Tigray. The United States should: • Support efforts of the Ethiopian government to quell terrorist attacks and bring peace and stability throughout Ethiopia. • Enlist leaders of TPLF as terrorists. • Provide �inancial and logistical sup-

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Say what you will about Joe Biden, but….

You may or may not “like” Joe Biden. But you know darn well that he will never gas your granny so he can get a photo

Terrorism in Ethiopia needs to be eradicated

I urge you to support the United States’ strategic and geopolitical interest in the Horn of Africa by supporting the Ethiopian government’s effort to root out terrorism and maintain law and order in the Tigray region. The Tigray People Liberation Front, a

�� LETTERS �� 39

NOVEMBER 18 , 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Election is a wake-up call for Arizona GOP BY SEN. MICHELLE UGENTI-RITA AFN Guest Writer

he results of Tuesday’s election should serve as both a wakeup call to Republicans and serve as a referendum on the direction the party has taken over the last several years. With the victory of President-elect Biden and the United States Senate Republican majority hanging in the balance, our party’s leaders must take a much stronger and active role in defending our core beliefs and principles if Republicans plan to stay competitive in 2022. While I am pleased most Republicans in Arizona managed to hold onto their seats, maintaining the status quo and hanging on for dear life is not a winning strategy nor is it something to celebrate. In this election, Republicans lost another United States senate seat, the Presidency in Arizona and in recent elections we have lost majority representation of our congressional delegation and the Of�ices of Secretary of State and Superintendent of Public Instruction. If our party was led with a united front, advocating for our conservative principles, we would be growing our Republican

LETTERS �� 38

port to the Ethiopian government to combat terroristic acts. • Work with congressional leaders to freeze the assets of TPLF leaders. -Nurelegn Bayih

Even now, it continues to be all about him

Throughout his campaign in the 2016 presidential election and the almost 4 years of his presidency, it’s been clear that it’s all about Donald Trump. It’s never been about the United States

representation from the top of the ticket all the way down to the local races. It is dif�icult to reach any conclusion other than we have fallen short of governing by and accomplishing the goals, principles and beliefs of conservatism. One of the �irst and most fundamental tenets our of party is “Restoring the American Dream.” Essentially this means rebuilding our economy and creating jobs, enacting a pro-growth tax code, stimulating private investment through lower corporate income taxes and reduced regulatory burdens, investing in infrastructure (including transportation), developing our workforce by investing in education and workforce development, and most importantly, adhering to �iscal responsibility and eliminating debt. The Republican Party has to take a hard look at itself and assess what it means to be a Republican and how we want to move forward. It is no longer acceptable to campaign on our principles and then abandon them when leading and legislating. Some members of our party may be advocating that now is the time to begin “reaching across the aisle” and working collaboratively and I agree there is a time and place for that. However, we must �irst take inventory of America. It’s never been about the citizens of the United States of America. It’s always been about Donald Trump. And now, with the election lost, it’s still about Donald Trump. It matters not to him what price Americans will pay for him to get his way. There is no cost too great to him to get what he wants. Americans have voted. Their decision has been made. This means nothing to him. It’s all about Donald Trump. - Ed Kalogeros

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of ourselves and what we are as Republicans. With the dynamics as they currently are, we can no longer afford to not stand as one. My political beliefs and philosophy have and always will be conservative and that is why I am proudly registered as a Republican. My beliefs are limited government, �iscal responsibility and the pursuit of personal and economic freedom. Unfortunately, during my tenure in the legislature party leaders has strayed from legislating those beliefs – though many still espouse them. Now, more than ever, we need leadership in our party that can unite and truly represent our shared philosophies. We can no longer afford to bury our heads in the sand and avoid the dif�icult decisions that have to be made. We also cannot celebrate the state’s �inancial condition when it is being sustained on borrowed money from the federal government. These are not the principles we campaigned on. The voters were told how we would govern and they expect and de-

Elizabeth Estes

serve us to do so. The future of our state and party depends on it. The Legislature is set to reconvene on Monday, Jan. 11. Whether Republicans have a one vote majority in each chamber or not we must return united and with an agenda to not only �inish the work we failed to complete last year, but to also quickly set a path for restoring the American Dream. This will be accomplished �irst and foremost by terminating the Governor’s March 11, 2020 Declaration of Emergency which we have lived under for too long. Undeniably, we are in a health crisis, but it is one that can and should be managed by the legislature and Governor together. Through the legislative process with public and stakeholder input we can reopen our state to get businesses �lourishing, people back to work, children back in schools and people living and recreating in our great state. Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita represents Legislative District 23, which includes part of Scottsdale. 

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Impact players to watch in the 24th Ahwatukee Bowl BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

he 24th rendition of the Ahwatukee Bowl is unlike any others in years past for multiple reasons. Not only is the ongoing coronavirus pandemic limiting the number of spectators to just immediate family members of the players, bands are also unable to perform and both teams have struggled to secure a win in the shortened season. But as all players, coaches and even fans have said since this rivalry first began in 1997, records don’t matter. Both teams have struggled with injuries and an overall abundance of youth. But when it comes to bragging rights in Ahwatukee and for one of the teams to secure a victory to end the season, virtually everything is on the line. Here’s a look at some of the players who will likely make a large impact on the outcome of the game.

• Desert Vista Michael Allison Sophomore athlete Michael Allison has become one of the key playmakers for the Thunder this season at nearly every position. On offense, he is used primarily as a slot receiver, showing off his speed in the open field. That same speed is used on special teams, where Allison has shined this season – especially on fake punts. He also provides a physical presence at linebacker for the Thunder.

Jackson Akins Sophomore quarterback Jackson Akins won the starting job in the summer and has started to find his way in the Desert

Vista offense. His youth was a p p a re n t early on in the season but managed to have a breakout performance against Basha. He’s thrown for 599 yards and five touchdowns so far this year against a tough schedule, that included the likes of Hamilton and undefeated Mountain View and Corona del Sol.

Quinton Ivey Sophomore running back Quinton Ivey’s freshman film stood out amongst several others, which lead to his promotion to the varsity roster. Little did he know, he would become the Thunder’s lead back due to lingering injuries to star junior

Devon Grubbs. With Grubbs sidelined for the Tukee Bowl, Ivey will once again lead the Thunder’s backfield. He hasn’t yet had the breakout performance like he did as a freshman, but Desert Vista coach Dan Hinds and offensive coordinator Sean Morin believe it’s only a matter of time.

Kama Huakau Hinds called senior offensive and defensive lineman Kama Huakau the “heart and soul” of this year’s team. Despite being undersized at 5-foot-8, 210 pounds, he often finds himself dominating op-

see IMPACT page 43

Tukee Bowl newcomers value rivalry impact BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

very year a new group of players suit up in their respective school colors and go to battle for the coveted Ahwatukee Bowl Trophy and bragging rights in the community. The 24th installment of the Tukee Bowl will be no different, even with the changes that have been implemented due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year’s game will feature its fair share of veterans on both teams, players who know what this game means to all of those involved. But for many other players, it will be their first time experiencing the rivalry. But the lust that surrounds it remains. “It’s a big game, the community usually comes together in other times,” Mountain Pointe senior offensive lineman Anthony Ortiz said. “Records don’t matter. It’s bragging rights for the whole year.

Several players on both Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe learned quickly just how important the Ahwatukee Bowl is on a yearly basis. (AFN File Photo)

“We don’t associate with blue or gold.” Ortiz has been involved in the rivalry at the varsity level since his sophomore season. It was that same year Desert Vista reclaimed the trophy at Karl Kiefer Stadium by scoring a go-ahead touchdown with

less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. That memory still burns to this day. Like Ortiz, Kekamalei Huakau, a senior lineman at Desert Vista, has experienced the rivalry from early on in his career. He

was on the varsity roster when former Thunder quarterback Parker Navarro connected with Dominic Shepardson to give Desert Vista the 28-27 win in 2018. He was also a starter last season when the Thunder won it again, going back-toback for the first time since 2007-08. Now preparing to play in his final installment of the rivalry, Huakau has become one of Desert Vista’s leaders who have explained the meaning of the rivalry to the new varsity players this season. “The intensity level is always up,” Huakau said. “We know there will be some yapping during the game and after, but that’s how this game is. I just try to explain to them that its natural for that to happen. “We don’t like them and I know they don’t like us.” Two of those new varsity players include sophomores Jackson Akins and Michael

see NEWCOMERS page 43

SPORTS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

Hinds, Lauer renew friendly Tukee Bowl rivalry BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

ven after having been a part of the rivalry since its inception in 1997, the annual Ahwatukee Bowl between Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe still holds a special place in the heart of Dan Hinds. The Thunder head coach was an assistant under legendary coach Jim Rattay when the rivalry was created between Desert Vista and a Karl Kiefer-lead Mountain Pointe team. For years the rivalry was dominated by the Thunder under Rattay and Hinds when he took over the program in 2002. But the Pride eventually gained a foothold, making the annual meeting one of the best Arizona has to offer. “Karl Kiefer was the king of creating rivalries,” Hinds said. “He created the Tempe-McClintock rivalry and he created this one. It changed when I took over for Rattay and coached against Kiefer. “But no matter the coach or the situa-

Desert Vista coach Dan Hinds, who has been part of the ‘Tukee Bowl since it began in 1997, said he and Mountain Pointe coach Eric Lauer will continue the legacy that is one of the best rivalries in the state. (Zac BonDurant/AFN Contributor)

tion, this rivalry has always been here and always will.” For years, Mountain Pointe and Desert Vista traded two-to-three-year streaks in

the rivalry. In 2012, three years after Norris Vaughan took over, the Pride went on a hot streak that didn’t end until the 2018 season, when Hinds and the Thunder re-

claimed the trophy. Hinds coached the Thunder to a backto-back Tukee Bowl win last season, and now aims to claim the trophy for a third consecutive year – a feat that hasn’t been done since 2006, 2007 and 2008. But this year presents the renewal of a rivalry intertwined within the big game. Hinds will coach against Eric Lauer, a former top assistant under Vaughan and the first-year head coach of the Pride. “Eric and I have known each other for a long time,” Hinds said. “He was at Mountain Pointe for a long time and I respect him. I think since I took over, we’ve made it a healthy rivalry and Eric and I will continue that.” Lauer was hired to take over the team he once helped become one of the most dominant programs in the state. Under Vaughan and Lauer, the Pride captured the 2013 Division I championship and finished as a top-10 team in the country. When Vaughan retired in 2018 and Rich

see COACHES page 44

Thunder girls place 1st, boys 2nd at cross country final BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

esert Vista’s cross country program has long been established as one of the most dominant programs in the state, finishing near the top of the leaderboard on a consistent basis. Despite a 2020 season that was seemingly always in doubt due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Thunder once again proved themselves at the statechampionship meet. Led by sophomore Lauren Ping’s firstplace finish, the Desert Vista girls captured the state championship, holding off perennial contender Highland by just three points. The boys, led by junior Noah Jodon’s second-place finish, became the runnersup behind state-champion Brophy. “I’m just happy that we were able to get this far,” Desert Vista girls coach Megan Ping said. “We always took it as this could be our last race. These girls all push each other and have fun together. So even if the meets did get canceled, we still were able to have fun.”

Crossroads Park in Gilbert – by as many as 11 seconds or more. Grace Ping, a senior and Lauren’s older sister, placed sixth overall. Her ability to compete in the race is an accomplishment in itself, as she battled through injuries all season. Sophomores Emily Littlefield finished 11th overall for Desert Vista and Bailee Christofis 27th. Olivia Thatcher, a senior, finished 29th to round out the scoring positions for the Thunder. “Highland was really close to us, so I was kind Desert Vista’s girls cross country team, led by sophomore Lauren Ping, captured their second straight state championship. (Pablo of nervous waiting for the Robles/AFN Staff) results,” Lauren said. “I’m Desert Vista’s girls entered the state championship team. Along with Lauren, just so happy that we won and I’m so meet as the favorite to repeat as champi- junior Katie Sigerud led the pack and fin- grateful for everything. We put in the hard ons, as the Thunder returned nearly all of ished second overall. Both girls beat their their top runners from last season’s state- sectional times – which was also held at see CROSS COUNTRY page 44

SPORTS

NOVEMBER 18 , 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

IMPACT from page 41 posing players. From his footwork to the speed of his hands, Huakau has emerged as one of the best linemen on this year’s team. He also has a motor that never stops running, allowing him to go both ways.

Tyson Martinez Senior linebacker Tyson Martinez doesn’t often get as much attention as his counterparts. But when he does, it’s well-deserved. Hinds described Martinez as a coach’s player. He never complains and throughout the season has played through injuries. His natural athletic ability is also used on Desert Vista’s offense. Especially with Grubbs not able to play, Martinez will find himself on the receiving end of carries out of the backfield.

are preparing for their first taste of what the Tukee Bowl is all about. Both quarterbacks transferred from South Mountain in the offseason after a coaching change. Boyd, who was eligible at the beginning of the season, has taken most of the snaps under center for the Pride, passing for 622 yards and a pair of touchdowns while rushing for 313 yards and two more scores. Mountain Pointe has deployed a quarterback by committee in recent games, allowing Arviso III to rotate in every other quarter. With different styles of play, both will be key for the Pride against Desert Vista. Zach Hay and Anthony Ortiz

• Mountain Pointe

Amier Boyd and Chris Arviso III Junior quarterback Amier Boyd and sophomore quarterback Chris Arviso III

NEWCOMERS from page 41

Allison, who made the jump from freshman to the highest level of prep football in Arizona. Akins was named Desert Vista’s starting quarterback this season while Allison has become a do-it-all player for the Thunder in all facets of the game. The two acknowledged how different the Tukee Bowl is compared to the freshman level and varsity. In a normal season, fans of both teams and community members would pack both sets of stands. Student sections would wear opposite colors, often times black and white. “Even though this is a big rivalry in the state, we are going to approach it the same way we have all season,” Akins said. “We don’t let the lack of a crowd bother us anymore. At the end of the day we know what we have to do when we step on the field.”

Neither Akins nor Allison figured they would play as big of a role as they do as sophomores at the varsity level. And they definitely figured they wouldn’t be among those who the Desert Vista coaching staff will look to as players who can make a significant outcome on the game. With this being their first experience at the varsity level in the heated rivalry, they know they have an opportunity to not only help Desert Vista claim the trophy for a third straight year, but to make a statement going forward. “We want to show them what we have,” Allison said. “Even though we are young, we want to show them who is the better team. We’re going to bring it.” Mountain Pointe also has its fair share of players competing in the Tukee Bowl for the first time. While many are young and moved up in the program, several others

Two seniors coming off injuries, both said they should be healthy to play against Desert Vista. Mountain Pointe coach Eric Lauer said there were very few things that would have gotten in the way of the two playing in the Tukee Bowl for the final time. Hay made the transition to defensive end this season from linebacker and has excelled at the position. But a foot injury against Corona del Sol has kept him sidelined. Ortiz, who plays left guard for Mountain Pointe, rehabbed from a lower leg injury and is ready to make his return. Both players change the entire dynamic of Mountain Pointe’s offensive and defensive lines.

Jaden Crockett It didn’t take long for the senior transfer from Alhambra to become one of the leaders of this year’s Mountain Pointe team. He is vocal on the field, an overall playmaker and a natural leader, all reasons why his new teammates voted him as a captain. Crockett’s athletic ability is used everywhere on the field. He returns kicks on special teams, often lines up at wideout on offense and has become one of the more feared safeties on defense. Kevin Sawitzke Senior tight end Kevin Sawitzke still

came by way of transfer from other schools. Senior defensive back Jaden Crockett transferred from Alhambra to Mountain Pointe when the Phoenix Union High School District initially announced the postponement of fall sports. Crockett’s natural leadership lead his new Mountain Pointe teammates to vote him as a captain this season. Despite the matchup with Desert Vista being held at the end of the season, Crockett said many players – including Ortiz – already groomed him on what the rivalry between the two Ahwatukee schools meant to the community. He experienced it first-hand when he watched the game in person last year. He quickly adopted the same mindset as Ortiz and several other veterans of the game. “This is my first year playing with these guys but they’re my brothers,” Crockett

has a cast on his left hand from a previous injury but that hasn’t stopped him from producing when called upon. In just two games played this season, he’s caught seven passes for 84 yards. He also uses his 6-foot-5, 230-pound frame to pick up key blocks on run plays for the Pride. Isaiah Ice-Robinson The junior wideout has started to break out of his shell for the Pride, providing not only a speed option on the outside but a deep threat as well. Two clutch catch-andruns by Ice-Robinson against Mountain View helped keep Mountain Pointe in contention for the game. With Mountain Pointe airing it out as of late, Ice-Robinson will be key against the Thunder. 

Have an interesting sports story?

Contact Zach Alvira at zalvira@ timespublications.com and follow him on Twitter @ZachAlvira.

said. “If my brothers don’t like these guys, then I don’t like these guys.” Mountain Pointe junior quarterback Amier Boyd became accustomed to an annual rivalry while at South Mountain against Betty H. Fairfax in Laveen. But based on the history of the Tukee Bowl and the overall change in energy in the weeks leading up to the matchup, he knows this rivalry is on a different level. Boyd said one of the first things he learned when he arrived to Mountain Pointe was about the rivalry. Now, he hopes to make an impact in his first appearance and bring the trophy back across Chandler Boulevard. “I’m excited to be a part of this rivalry,” Boyd said. “I’ve heard about it from other schools and all the hype that surrounds it. I never thought I would be playing in it. It’s exciting.” 

SPORTS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

COACHES from page 42

Wellbrock was hired as his successor, Lauer became the head coach at nearby Marcos de Niza, where he developed the Padres into a playoff team. When Wellbrock stepped down as head coach after the 2019 season, Lauer took the opportunity to return to Mountain Pointe and will now lead the Pride into arguably the game every player looks forward to the most each season. “The worst thing you ever want to do is get into it with your neighbor,” Lauer said. “But if you get into it and you lose, you still have to live there. So, for the next year you have to live with that. The wife looks at you funny. “This game is against your neighbor. There is a level of heightened pressure with this game because of that.” Like it does for Hinds, the Tukee Bowl holds a special place in Lauer’s heart. As much as he would like to take the approach of it being just another game for his program, he knows that is far from reality. The Tukee Bowl, in a non-pandemic year, brings together the entire community. Families who may not have a prefer-

CROSS COUNTRY from page 42

work and it paid off.” Much like the girls, Desert Vista’s boys entered the state meet among the favorites to challenge a loaded Brophy team for the title. Jodon led the way for the Thunder with his 15-minute, 37.8 second run, while senior Wyatt Hanson finished sixth about 20 seconds later. Junior Gabe Parham finished eighth, while sophomore Tyler Anderson and juniors Nolan Billeter and Johnathan Estrada placed 29th, 34th and 36th, respectively. The boys finished 10 points behind firstplace Brophy, which was led by a strong performance from senior Xander Black. Behind Desert Vista was Highland, which virtually rebuilt its roster after the departure of several key pieces to last year’s championship team, including Leo Daschbach. The 2020 season was unlike any other in the past for Desert Vista and the rest of the field. Several key meets, including high-profile ones held out of state, were canceled due to the pandemic. Additionally, teams competed in less events than

Eric Lauer, in his ﬁrst year as head coach of Mountain Pointe after spending several years as a top assistant under Norris Vaughan, compares the ‘Tukee Bowl to a feud with a neighbor, one in which neither wants to lose. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff)

ence for the winner would often attend the game. In its glory years, when both programs were vying for a state title, as many as 15,000 fans would pack in each stadium and create a standing room only environment. Even as the size of the crowds has tapered in recent years, the game still

holds the same value in the hearts of all those involved with either program. “I remember walking out to 15,000 and the kids feeling like rock stars. It’s a big deal, it’s the battle of Ahwatukee,” Lauer said. “As coaches we try to keep things even keel. But we know how important this game is to the kids. It’s always been

exciting, and we want to keep it going.” Both Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe enter the game winless for the first time in history. But many would argue that brings a new level of intensity to the game – especially taking place at the end of the season. The winner will not only receive the coveted Ahwatukee Bowl trophy but bragging rights for the next year. Perhaps most importantly, the winner will receive a boost of momentum heading into an important offseason for both teams. “As this comes down to be our last game, you want to finish off strong and roll into the offseason with a rivalry-game win if at all possible,” Lauer said. “It’s a big deal. It helps set the tone as we head into the offseason.” Sure, maybe this year’s Tukee Bowl may not get as much attention around the state as it has in the past. But as it has for several years, it still means everything to Hinds, Lauer and their players. “People may think it sounds funny, but this could be one of the most important Ahwatukee Bowls played in a long time,” Hinds said. “Things have been so crazy this season with COVID. “Both teams are looking for that win, and both have a chance.” 

compete at a high level with no guarantee of doing the same the next day. It was that mindset that helped them capture the title. “We definitely wanted to be state champs again,” Sigerud said. “We worked together as a team and motivated each other. We all wanted to get faster than sections and one of my personal goals was to PR at state, so I’m happy with that.” The end of a season where teams are constantly walking on eggshells was a welcoming sight to many, including Megan in her first year. She was thankful to share this season with both of her daughters from a mother’s perspective but remained proud of the way all of Desert Vista’s runners competed. And with the likes of Lauren and Sigerud returning next season, the Thunder will likely once again be in position to The Desert Vista boys placed second overall behind Brophy thanks in large part to a strong run by junior Noah Jodon. compete for a title. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff) “I’m always proud of them no matter where they place,” Megan said of Lauren runners forced into quarantine due to they would in a normal season. and Grace. “They’re always doing their At any point, Desert Vista’s team could contact tracing. Sigerud and the rest of the team took hardest and set an example for everyone. have been shut down. Whether it be from a positive case within the program or that to heart as they pushed themselves to It feels amazing.” 

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

NOVEMBER 18 , 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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Area artists are ‘Hidden in the Hills’ BY KRISTINE CANNON GetOut Staff Writer

ne of the largest free arts events in the Valley returns for its 24th year this year: the Hidden in the Hills (HITH) Artist Studio Tour, coordinated by nonpro�it organization Sonoran Arts League. Boasting 140 artists and 35 private studios throughout the northern Scottsdale, Carefree, and Cave Creek areas, HITH will continue to offer downloadable and digital maps to make self-touring easy. But what will look different at this year’s two-weekend event are Sonoran Arts League’s implementation of health and safety measures at participating studios. “Everyone involved in HITH is committed to following strict CDC guidelines. Meetings to review proper procedures to ensure everyone’s safety have been ongoing all summer and fall,” said Carole Perry, HITH marketing chair and event co-founder. HITH takes place Nov. 20-22 and Nov. 27-29. The free, self-guided tour invites attendees into the studios of local artists, where they can not only view their work, but can also speak with the artists and purchase one-of-a-kind artworks. Many of the participating artists and studios are also planning a “safer, expanded space with more art and creative activity outside.” “We hope everyone who decides to visit some of the amazing artists and studios will honor our efforts to keep them and ourselves safe,” said Perry, a glass artist and host of Laughing Glass Studio No. 23 in Cave Creek. Artists from across the Valley participate in HITH. Among them is Bruce Larrabee, a guest artist at Mark Lewanski’s Glass Studio No. 12. Larrabee, a soon-to-be full-time Mesa resident, is a full-time potter and owner of Larrabee Ceramics in Park City, Utah. While Larrabee typically creates unique

LEFT: Mesa ceramic artist Bruce Larrabee is returning to the Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour for his second year. (Bruce Larrabee) ABOVE: Bruce Larrabee will exhibit his porcelain and stoneware creations during the 24th Annual Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour. (Bruce Larrabee)

cups, bowls, and more, he created large, “interior design-oriented” vases – “some of them as large as 3 to 4 feet tall” – speci�ically for the HITH event. “Hidden in the Hills is such a fun event that if I wasn’t a participating artist, I would be visiting the artists’ studios myself. It is a great diversion from all else going on in the world and you just might �ind that perfect piece of art for yourself,” Larrabee said. Also showing at Lewanski’s studio is Scottsdale resident and bronze artist Jason Napier, whose whimsical jackrabbit “Weedeater” graces the cover of Hidden in the Hill’s artist directory this year. “Weedeater” was among more than 100 pieces of �ine art entries submitted for consideration of the HITH cover art during an online juried selection process.

“We had many wonderful entries, but Weedeater won our hearts for this year’s cover art,” said HITH co-chair, mixed media sculptor and studio host Joanie Wolter. “Jason is masterful with his form, and he brings each piece to life with rich and colorful patina �inishes.” While this year’s HITH has a slew of �irst-time participants, overall participation is down compared to past years. Last year’s HITH featured 199 artists and 47 studio locations. “The decrease in the number of studios and artists is due 100 percent to COVID-19,” Perry said. “Those artists who felt their studio did not allow suf�icient social distancing wisely opted out this year.” As for attendance, HITH saw a 10 to 15 percent increase every year; and not only did established studios welcome more than

1,000 visitors, but the �ive new studios last year had at least 500 to 600 visitors. This year? “Attendance is uncertain,” Perry said, “but we feel con�ident that the many serious art lovers who’ve been starved for the opportunity to view new art again will be coming up to the Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour in signi�icant numbers.” “Even with the COVID-safe guidelines in place, we intend to engage with our visitors as we always do; welcoming, demonstrating, answering questions and showing off the new, brilliant artwork we’ve been creating for the past year,” Perry added. For more information and to download the Hidden in the Hills map, visit hiddeninthehills.org or call 480575-6624. 

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NOVEMBER 18 , 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Navajo Warrior marks 30 years on mats

entertainment.” As a Native American wrestler, it was important for him to be a positive role model. “I wanted to represent our culture in a way where if a young Native American boy or girl happened to see me on television or see me live, it would give that feeling of ‘somebody who looks like me is doing this,’” he said. Islas used to operate an Arizona wrestling school. “I would always remember the guys who came before me who would take the time to teach me something, even if it’s just a small lesson of how to do something in the ring or the etiquette of how to carry myself,” Islas said. “If I can pass on the knowledge that was given to me to the next person, and they could �ind success in it and pass it on to the next person, that was one of the things I did because I wanted to keep the wrestling business full of new, fresh faces.” He was inspired by wrestlers like Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Wahoo McDaniel and Tito Santana. He wrestled through junior high and high schools. His persona evolved with him. “The persona went from as the Navajo Kid, it was the youthful good guy that was full of �ire, full of energy,” Islas said. “As it has developed, it is the seasoned veteran who is not afraid to take a shortcut here and there to get a win but still �ights with that �ire.” 

BY LAURIE LATZKO GetOut Contributor

s the Navajo Warrior, Gilbert native and wrestler Steve Islas traveled the world for major individual and tag-team matches. This year, he celebrates his 30th anniversary as a professional wrestler with a special event at Sun Studios of Arizona Nov. 21. The main event will be a six-man tagteam match with three wrestlers on each side, including the Navajo Warrior. With VIP tickets, patrons will receive a chance to see a special VIP wrestling match and take part in a Q&A with Islas. Islas said his 30th anniversary evokes feelings of nostalgia and pride in what he accomplished as a wrestler and teacher. “I’m feeling like the time �lew by,” Islas said. “It doesn’t feel like it’s been that long. It’s a good feeling to see the guys and girls who I’ve wrestled with and traveled with, do their thing, branch out and have their success. It’s a really cool feeling.” To build his wrestling career, Islas said he has lived a healthy lifestyle and continued to work out, including weight training and Strongman lifting. “It is a lot of taking care of yourself. You really can’t avoid injuries, but if you can minimize the number of injuries you get, it helps with longevity,” Islas said. In his career, Islas sustained major injuries such as torn ligaments in his knee and a broken leg. He returned to wrestling the same day his cast for the broken leg was removed. Islas continues to occasionally wrestle through companies such as Impact Zone Wrestling, which he cofounded. Islas still lives in Arizona and travels for work, handling licensing for wrestling video games. During his wrestling career, Islas won major tag-team as part of the Tribe with his student, Hawaiian Lion, and heavyweight titles with organizations like the

Gilbert native Steve Islas, giving a headlock to an unlucky opponent, has been a professional Native American wrestler for 30 years. (Special to GetOut)

World Wrestling Federation, now known as the WWE. He worked with the Hawaiian Lion since 2004, when they went to Japan to wrestle together. The two had a strong rivalry with fellow tag teamers the Ballard Brothers, whom they wrestled in 15 countries. He

enjoyed the experiences he had in Japan, Spain, Germany and England. “In Japan, it is treated like a sport,” Islas said. “You would get the newspaper, and in the sports section, you would have the results of the baseball games and also the results of wrestling matches. In the United States, it’s looked at as

If You Go...

What: IZW NAV30: 30 Years Brother! Navajo Warrior 30th Anniversary Celebration Where: Sun Studios of Arizona, 1425 W. 14th Street, Tempe, $20 to $30 When: 6 p.m. Saturday, November 21 More info: facebook.com/ izwwrestlingaz

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

GET OUT

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

Family Dining Guide

Cake Loves Coffee. Coffee Loves you. Get them both at #WhereUBean Coffee

NOW

ting Inside Sea PLUS Curbside Service! NEW Hours: 6am-6pm/7 days a week

wubcoffee.com 480-584-3886 48TH & CHANDLER BLVD

OLD WORLD ITALY IN AHWATUKEE, AZ

HAPPY HOUR 3-6pm v E ery Day

Thank You Ahwatukee for Nominating Us

Best New Restaurant!

4855 E. Warner Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85044 • 480-855-9990 Open 6 days a week, Closed Mondays • Tue to Thur 2pm-10pm • Fri-Sat 12pm-10 pm • Sun 12pm-9pm

We invite you to experience the taste of authentic Italian cuisine made from fresh seasonal ingredients.

We’ve missed our loyal customers in Ahwatukee and look forward to seeing you again.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Live music every Saturday 5:00 to 8:00 pm! 1/2 OFF NOVEMBER 2020

KOOL DOWN AT KEEGAN’S DRINKS STARTING AT $3 AND APPETIZERS STARTING AT $4

DAILY FROM 2 PM - 6:30 PM & 8 PM TO CLOSE ASK YOUR SERVER FOR DETAILS

AHWATUKEE

4723 EAST RAY ROAD

480-705-0505

Lunch entree!

with purchase of a 2nd entree. Must include the purchase of two beverages. Not valid with social hour pricing, daily/weekly specials, or any other promotions, discounts or specials. One coupon per table. Dine-in-ONLY at the Ahwatukee location. Equal or greater value, minimum $9.00. Expires 11/30/20.

1/2 OFF

Dinner entree!

Everything Made from Scratch Daily

NOVEMBER 18 , 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

King Crossword ACROSS

1 6 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 22 24 27 29 32 35 36 37 38 40 42 44 46 50 52 54 55 56 57

Flourish “Rabbit, Run” author Tearjerker Construction piece “Anna Christie” playwright Coats Lima’s place Father of Thor Away from WSW Style Lummox Most Wanted List org. Elite alternative Bart’s sister Lincoln’s election year Region Location Storm center Inseparable Osso buco base A cont. Level Apiece Boardroom props Prophet Half a storybook duo “My heavens!” Clothing Unlike a rolling stone?

Garage Sales/ Bazaars

Obituaries Laurie Curto

34 39 41 42 43 45

Multitude Old anesthetic Starts Turkish potentate “Animal House” group Capri or Wight

47 48 49 51 53

Sudoku

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 18 21 23 24 25 26 28 30 31 33

Dogfight participants 23-Down’s old name The lady Sixth letter after 53-Down See 51-Down

Part of N.B. Lecherous look Poppy drug Lubricate Tunes Wrinkly fruit Challenge for Laurel and Hardy in “The Music Box” Saharan Obsession “Show Boat” composer Gaelic Doo- -- music Fool Make a choice, with “for” “The Greatest” Shriner’s chapeau Life story, for short Unknowing Waiting area Pigpen Nay canceler Coop denizen

PUZZLES ANSWERS on page 24

Laurie Elizabeth Curto was born to Doug and Esther Watson on September 26th, 1959 in Bogota, Columbia. She passed away on April 9th 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. Laurie lived all over the US before finally settling in Arizona. Laurie worked retail for many years, as a child care coordinator at the Ahwatukee YMCA, before she finally found her passion working at Norte Elementary as a beloved lunch lady. Of all the jobs shes had, working at Norte added so much joy to her life. As she had so many wonderful stories to tell about her work day. Laurie can be remembered for her laugh and outgoing personality, generosity, and her ability to make each person feel appreciated. She is survived by her children Kimberly and Michael, her brother Mark Watson, his wife Robin Watson, their children, and many life long friends.

Employment Employment General Seeking Administrative Assistant to organize several small projects. P/T as needed Quickbooks and Excel a must. Cost Summary Reports, File storage/archiving. Ahwatukee area. Send resume and compensation requirements to conover.paul@gmail.com. Arizona Kidney Disease & Hypertension Centers, LLC dba AK-DHC seeks a Nephrologist to work in Phoenix, Arizona and at multiple unanticipated sites throughout Arizona. Req’d: MD + eligible for state med. lic. + BC/E in Nephrology. Mail CV to Kristen Klein at 3333 E. Camel-back Rd, Ste 180, Phx, AZ 85018 and refer to job code 089.

Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet.

Moving/Garage Sale 11/20 and 11/21 8am-4pm. New and like new items. House, kitchen, golf, yard accessories, and power tools. New Xmas decor and lights and much much more. 3822 E. Goldfinch Gate Ln PHOENIX, AZ 85044

Please recycle me.

Pets/Services/Livestock

While Your’ Away Services Pet, Home & Property Checks

Voted one of the “Best of Ahwatukee” 10 Years Running!

Reasonable Rates Special Pricing on Extended Service Licensed/Bonded/Insured Ahwatukee Resident

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Announcements Adult Care/Assisted Living

LATIN’S HOME Private and Semi Private 10601 S 42nd St, Phoenix, AZ 480-249-6143

ASSISTED LIVING MORE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE! www.Ahwatukee.com

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

Classifieds

Ahwatukee Foothills News

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

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

The Place “To Find” Everything You Need | Ahwatukee.com Click on Marketplace

Real Estate for Rent

Automotive Services

AHWATUKEE MOBILE CAR DETAIL

Homes For Rent

MOBILE DETAIL SERVICE TO YOUR LOCATION IN GREATER PHOENIX

FULL SERVICE & FULL TIME PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Air Conditioning/Heating ● $85 monthly ● $895 leasing fee* due after we lease your home ● Monthly inspections ● 30 Years Experience ● Ahwatukee local since 2003 *Includes: MLS/Realtor.com/Zillow/Trulia/etc.

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

Real Estate for Sale Homes For Sale

Pete Meier

Need More Houses to Sell! Call Pete! Call us for a FREE Consultation

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship Furnace / AC Tune Up - $69 New 3-Ton AC Units - now $3,995 New Trane Air Conditioners NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 MONTHS!

‘A’ RATED AC REPAIR FREE ESTIMATE SAME DAY SERVICE

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.

$325,000 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 in 55+ community.

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

CONCRETE MASONRY Block Walls • Concrete • Pavers BBQ & Fireplaces • Stucco Cool Deck • Imitation Flagstone Call Garcia 602-515-6627 Free Estimates

Cell Cell

480-206-9980 AHWATUKEEMOBILECARDETAIL.COM Not a licensed contractor

Small Jobs Welcome!

Carpet Cleaning

DESERT ROCK

Family owned and proudly serving Ahwatukee for over 20 years. Powerful Truck Mounted Soft Hot Water Extractions. Carpets, Tile & Grout, Upholstery, Pet Stain/Odor Treatment Residential/Commercial

C O N C R E T E & M A S O N RY CONCRETE BLOCKWALL RETAINING WALL BLOCK FENCE PLANTER BBQ

FOUNDATION DRIVEWAY SIDEWALK PATIO

www.extractioncleaning.com 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!

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

Appliance Repairs

Cleaning Services

Block Fence * Gates

Appliance Repair Now

Not Enough Time in the Day? Call

Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252

480-405-7588

ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

Associate Broker, CRS, GRI

602-690-3361

QUALITY WORK, AFFORDABLE PRICING DISCOUNT RATES FOR: SPECIAL EVENTS • FLEETS • COMPANY CAR WASH DAYS

Concrete & Masonry

480.460.5030

If It’s Broken, We Can Fix It! • Same Day Service • On-Site Repairs • Servicing All Major Brands • Quality Guaranteed

Quality Professional Cleaning

Weekly, Bi-Weekly & Monthly

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

480-659-1400 Licensed & Insured

References Available 20 Years Experience Bonded & Insured

Lowest Prices * 30 Yrs Exp Serving Entire Valley

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

(480) 833-1027 JENNIFER BEEBE

602-789-6929 Roc #057163

It’s a Clear Choice!

SHARE WITH THE WORLD!

THE MOST READ PAPER in Ahwatukee!

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 480-898-6465 class@timespublications.com

CLASSIFIEDS

Contractors

Electrical Services

Garage/Doors

Glass/Mirror

Holiday Services

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS

Your Christmas Lights Hung with Care!

East Valley/ Ahwatukee

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

Not a licensed contractor

Residential Electrician

Call Sean Haley 602-574-3354

HAVE A SERVICE BUSINESS?

ROC#277978 • Licensed/Bonded/Insured

Garage/Doors

Drywall

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

FOOTHILLS GARAGE DOOR

Same Day Service Repair/Install All Major Brands

480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Handyman

FREE Estimates!

Call for Our Monthly Special Discount

Plumbing

480.266.4589

• FREE ESTIMATES •

Electrical

480-893-8091

josedominguez0224@gmail.com Not a licensed contractor.

ROC#126694

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

★ Room Additions ★ Water Damage ★ Popcorn Removal ★ Residential/Commercial ★ Interior/Exterior Painting ★ Ahwatukee Resident ★ Call 480-200-0043

Ahwatukee Resident • Dependable & Honest

Bonded/Insured

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Painting • Flooring • Electrical Handyman Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Decks • Tile • More!

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

Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More! ✔ Kitchens ROC# 262737 rk Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Wo ✔ Bathrooms BSMALLMAN@Q.COM 2010, 2011 9 199 ce rk Sin 2012, “No 2013, Job Too Affordable, Quality Wo And More! 2010, 2011 Small Man!” 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 2012, 2013, 2014 Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor 1999 Since Ahwatukee Resident / References Affordable, Quality Work Electrical Services 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 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

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

We can make your phone ring!

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

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

Paint Tile

Able Handyman Service LLC

And Much, Much More!

• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •

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

ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932

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

*Not A Licensed Contractor

Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured

LLC

• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations

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

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

GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES

Ahwatukee Resident

All Estimates are Free • Call:

AND so much more!

480.335.4180 Not a licensed contractor.

480-721-3309 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

daveshomerepair@yahoo.com • Se Habla Español

Not a licensed

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

20 years exp. Call Rudy & Arturo now!

contractor Jim 480.593.0506 Ablehandyman2009@gmail.com

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

Hang your Lights, Decorate & Remove. Take down services.

Irrigation

MALDONADO

SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

520.508.1420

www.husbands2go.com

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

NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

NOVEMBER 18 , 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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

NTY

5-YEAR WARRA

480.654.5600 azirrigation.com Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

Landscape/Maintenance

High Quality Results TRIM TREES ALL TYPES GRAVEL - PAVERS SPRINKLER SYSTEMS Complete Clean Ups

Jose Martinez Not a licensed contractor.

602.515.2767

CLASSIFIEDS Irrigation

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

Landscape/Maintenance Juan Hernandez

SPRINKLER Drip/Install/Repair & Tune ups! Not a licensed contractor

Sprinkler & Drip Systems

Juan Hernandez

TREE

TRIMMING 25 Years exp (480) 720-3840

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

Repairs • Modifications • Installs

SYNTHETIC TURF • PUTTING GREENS

480.643.9772

RAMON LANDSCAPING SERVICES

Foothills Touch Landscapes LLC Lawn care/Maint. Starting as low as

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

$25 per visit.

Install/Design We do it all!

Not a licensed contractor

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

SPRINKLER DOCTOR Repairs - Installs - Modifications Timers/Valves/Sprinklers DRIP-PVC-COPPER Backflows & Regulators LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

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

480-730-1074

Bonded/Insured/Licensed • ROC #225923

Lawn Mowing Starts At $40 Full Service Starts At $70 15 + Yrs Exp! All English Speaking Crew

SONORAN LAWN

480-940-8196

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

Not a licensed contractor.

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

480-586-8445

theplugman.com

ROC 282663 * BONDED * INSURED YOUR LAWN EXPERT SINCE 1995

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

ROC# 186443 • BONDED

480.844.9765

Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

See MORE Ads Online!

Free Estimates! Home of the 10-Year Warranty! www.eastvalleypainters.com

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

10% OFF

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality

480-688-4770

Call Lance White ROC# 256752

East Valley PAINTERS Voted #1

Free Estimates 7 Days a Week!

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

Painting

FERTILIZATION * SOIL AMENDMENTS * SOIL TESTING

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

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

480-745-5230

FREE FERTILIZER & SOIL AMENDMENT TREATMENT WITH CORE AREATION

New & Re-Do Design and Installation

Call for a FREE consultation and Estimate

Specials

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

Arizona Specialty Landscape

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

480-217-0407

WANT A GREEN LAWN?

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

Custom Design and Renovation turning old to new

Not a Licensed Contractor

Starting @ $60/Month!

ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

The Possibilities are Endless

Responsible • 100% Guaranteed Ask for Ramon

25 years Experience & Insured

480.345.1800

Serving the Valley for over 28 years

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

Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control • 20 Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty

Landscape Design/Installation

Landscape/Maintenance

www.Ahwatukee.com

Family Owned & Operated Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

Now Accepting all major credit cards

CLASSIFIEDS

NOVEMBER 18 , 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Painting

Plumbing

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

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

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH!

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

★ Elastomaric Roof Coating ★ Epoxy Floors ★ Small Job Specialist

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

480-405-7099 ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

ROC#309706

Plumbing INC.

SERVICE • REPAIR • REPLACEMENT

Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior

• High Quality Materials & Workmanship • Customer Satisfaction Free Est imates • Countless References

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

• 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 Family Owned • Free Estimates

Looking To Freshen Up Your Home? WE CAN HELP!

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

Plumbing

PLUMBING

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

$35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

Veteran Owned

We Repair or Install www.ACPpaintingllc.com

(480)785-6323

Off 40work done *Any

Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541 affinityplumber@gmail.com

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor Water Heaters

24/7

Inside & Out Leaks

Bonded

Toilets

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

Disposals

$35 off

Any Service

Pool Service / Repair

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR

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

Residential & Commercial Painting

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years! Family Owned & Operated

Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL

Anything Plumbing Same Day Service

SUN TECH

PAINTING

Plumbing

Not a licensed contractor

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

ROC # 272721

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.5422

(480)

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

CLASSIFIEDS

Pool Service / Repair

Meetings/Events

Crops of Luv

$25 OFF

Filter Cleaning!

"My dream is that one day we will be able to give every "wish" child a scrapbook to remind them that dreams do come true."

Monthly Service & Repairs Available

602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5

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

Jody, co-founder, Ahwatukee based non-profit

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

Cropsofluv.com 480.634.7763

cropsofluv@cox.net

1st Month of Service FREE For a limited time

Call Now!

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

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

Roofing

30 Years Roofing Experience

Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

JILEK ROOFING, LLC

ROC #152111

Cell: 480.417.3689 Office: 480.912.5014 Email: tomjilek60@gmail.com

Complimentary & Honest Estimates

New Roof Installation & Roof Repair Specialist

Licensed & Insured • Bonded, Res/Com ROC 328854

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs

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

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

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

on qualifying complete roof replacements

480.231.9651

Call for your FREE Roof Evaluation

Not a licensed contractor.

www.porterroofinginc.com

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

inexroofing.com

AZPoolExpert.com BBB Member

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

Serving The Valley Since 1996

Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

Call me, Howard:

480-460-7602

Let us show you the IN-EX Difference!

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com

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

Call our office today!

Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers! We have a “Spencer” on every job and every step of the way.

Roofing

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

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

480-446-7663

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

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

10% OFF with this ad

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS

10% OFF COMPLETE UNDERLAYMENT

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

Licensed • Bonded • Insured ROC # 269218

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

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

FREE ESTIMATES 602-736-3019

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

480-898-6465

CLASSIFIEDS

NOVEMBER 18 , 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 | NOVEMBER 18 , 2020

WINTER IS COMING,

DON’T GET CAUGHT IN THE COLD ** 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. $ Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the TUNE-UP LIMITED TIME ONLY purchase balance is not paid in full within the promotional period. RESIDENTIAL ONLY SPECIAL! REG. $99. YOUR HOMETOWN AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALIST Service Call Second Option Estimates

FREE

(WITH REPAIR)

SINCE 1982 ROC #C39-312643

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.