Ahwatukee Foothills News - 12.22.2021 by Times Media Group

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Kyrene, TU go separate ways on facemasks BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

@AhwatukeeFN |

mid a surge in a new COVID-19 variant, Kyrene and Tempe Union school districts so far plan to take opposite approaches on mandatory masks on campuses. With both districts now on a two-week winter break, Kyrene on Dec. 15 reiterated its plan for an optional masks policy for all students

except preschoolers – who will be required to wear face coverings – while Tempe Union two days later announced its mask mandate will remain in effect when classes resume Jan. 3. Masks will still be required for all students using school buses in both districts because they are under a federal mandate. “As we first shared with you in November, the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccination for children ages five and older marks a significant

milestone in the fight against the pandemic. It provides an off ramp for some of Kyrene’s most restrictive safety protocols, including face covering requirements,” Kyrene Superintendent Laura Toenjes wrote in a letter to parents and the general community. “Just as we waited to reopen schools until all teachers and staff had an opportunity to be

A Christmas story of love in hardship BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

bove all, love. William “Bill” Reed lives by that advice, which he imparts in his first book, “Lessons from a Disabled Caregiver: Thriving Together and Maintaining Independence with Physical Disability and Dementia.” Immobilized for nearly a decade by progressive and untreatable nerve and muscle diseases, Reed writes of how he has tended to his wife of nearly

55 years, Jodie, as she weaves her way through the cognitive decline of dementia. “It takes a positive attitude – as difficult as that is at times – perseverance, and ingenuity to overcome the many problems you need to solve. When it comes to caregiving, you need all those attributes; but love is the most important,” he said. “Love is what keeps you going. You want to help. You want to make them happy,” he writes.

see REED page 9

see MASK page 4

Confined to a wheelchair by a progressively debilitating disease, William Reed of Ahwatukee still cares for his wife of 55 years, who is stricken with dementia. (Courtesy of William Reed)

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

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Now, some Kyrene board members are questioning SROs BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

he debate over school resource officers – which has split the Tempe Union High School District community – may now be coming to Kyrene. Prior to the board’s unanimous approval of an update to a contract with the City of Phoenix for SROs at Altadena, Centennial and Akimel A-al middle schools at a total cost of $388,210, Kyrene board member Wanda Kolomyjec voiced concerns about uniformed officers on campuses that echoed some of the sentiments of SRO opponents in Tempe Union. Kolomyjec said that while SROs “could be advantageous in situations,” there was a flip side “where we’re involving police officers in things that perhaps would be better served by other types of professionals.” She said that in the U.S., trends show “that members of populations that are marginalized students of color, students who have disabilities, LGBTQ, the national trends …have a lot more interactions with police officers in schools with bad results. And so they end up potentially ending up in what they call this school-toprison pipeline and that’s a real thing, statistically a real thing.” The discussion came during a week when numerous school districts across the country, including Tempe Union, issued letters to parents and the broader community about another disruptive trend allegedly encouraged on the social media platform TikTok

see SRO page 18

Foothills HOA board seeks to fill vacancy AFN NEWS STAFF

he Foothills Community Association board of directors is seeking interested applicants to fill the remaining term of Jon Samuelson, who resigned. Stating the vacancy “will be filled, in accordance with the governing documents, at the Jan. 26,” the board said in a release that Samuelson’s term expires in October and that “it is hoped, but not required, that those interested in filling the position will choose to run for election in 2022.” Applicants can email Matt Jacobs at mjacobs@premieraz.com to receive a Board Candidate Form, which must be submitted along with a bio of no more than 150 words by 5 p.m. Jan. 15. “If we receive interest from multiple members, a candidate forum will be held” Jan. 24 and “will be open to all members of the association,” the release stated. ■

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

State will help parents’ challenges to quarantines BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

f your child is sent home to quarantine when school resumes because of possible exposure to COVID, you have the right to challenge that in court. And the state even will pay for your lawyer. That bit of information comes because state Sen. Kelly Townsend, R-Mesa, decided to ask Attorney General Mark Brnovich about a section of the state Health Code that gives state and county health officials various powers during a state of emergency. And one of them specifically allows those agencies to “require isolation or quarantine of any person.’’ Townsend has never been a fan of those powers. What got Townsend’s attention is that county health departments were delegating the power to quarantine to individual school districts. And she said that has been happening with schools sending children home to quarantine if they believe the youngsters have been exposed to the COVID virus. Most East Valley school districts, including Kyrene and Tempe Union, have had those same quarantine rules since students returned for in-person learning.

MASK from page 1

vaccinated, we have waited for this opportunity for our students before reviewing current protocols.” Toenjes also encouraged parents to monitor the district’s website throughout the winter break for “any significant updates.” Officials during the Dec. 14 Kyrene Governing Board meeting also stressed that the district recommends students wear a mask, especially if they are not vaccinated. Tempe Union cited three main reasons for keeping its mask mandate in place, noting the latest county health department data showed 236 virus cases per 100,000 and an 11.4 percent positivity rate among new test results and stating only 37 percent of all students are fully vaccinated. The district’s third reason involved social distancing and a desire to minimize campus disruptions. “If indoor masking is removed at this

State Sen. Kelly Townsend, R-Mesa, is urging parents whose students are quarantined to take advantage of free legal help from the state to challenge such actions by school districts. (Capitol Media Services) “There’s a lot of angry parents out there,’’ Townsend told Capitol Media Services. She said a kid would go home for 10 days as ordered. “And they’d immediately get turned around and go home again for another 10 days because a different kid was in the classroom,’’ Townsend continued. “And they wouldn’t tell them which child they had been exposed to, just ‘Your child’s

time, the distance is increased to six feet which would result in more students being required to isolate/quarantine and stay home when exposed, as contact tracing is conducted,” it said. “Our priority is to maintain a continuity of programming for all instruction and activities.” Kyrene’s return to a voluntary mask policy did not sit well with some people who addressed or wrote to the board during the public comment portion while others applauded it – reflecting the debate that has been played out in comment periods in almost every board meeting since summer. Dawn Penich-Thacker, one of the leaders of the Save Our Schools nonprofit, scolded board members for opting for a voluntary mask policy, stating a mask requirement “is recommended by every legitimate doctor and scientist as well as the CDC, as well as the Maricopa County Department of Health. “That is within your control,” she continued. “Even distancing isn’t within your control because you can’t build us new

been exposed.’ ‘’ In some cases, she said, schools would allow for online learning. But not always. “They had kids missing large swaths of school from an arbitrary, random, unknown exposure that they didn’t establish,’’ Townsend said. “And now the child is missing a large amount of education.’’ Hence, her request to Brnovich to find out what parents can do about it. As it turns out, they can fight it, with the state picking up the legal tab. Brnovich, a new formal legal opinion, said there is a provision in the law that does allow for immediate quarantine or isolation without a court order when “any delay... would pose an immediate and serious threat to the public health.’’ What is at issue is that local health departments are authorizing schools to issue isolation orders. In Maricopa County, for example, Brnovich said the health officials told schools that students who come into “close contact’’ with an individual who tests positive for the virus are required to quarantine at home for 10 days. That phrase is defined as being within six feet of someone with COVID-19 for more than 15 minutes over a 24-hour period. There are exceptions if both students were using fitted masks or if the exposed

buildings on our campuses. But you can make sure that every kiddo, everyone in these buildings is wearing that mask which is proven to keep us safer.” On the other hand, a parent urged the district to keep masks optional, stating “with masks, it doesn’t allow your brain oxygen” and that “if you deprive them of oxygen, you’re just dumbing them down.” A fourth grader also spoke, urging a mandatory mask policy because “I don’t feel comfortable with people in my class that are not vaccinated and will not get vaccinated. Adding “I probably won’t be affected that much” if she got infected, she said, “Other people could get it because I could spread it to them.” Later in the meeting, Toenjes reiterated that the district’s safety and virus-mitigation strategies “continue to be based on evolving public guidance, current federal and state laws and orders and Kyrene’s direct experience delivering education and safe environments throughout this pandemic.”

student is vaccinated or has previously tested positive within the prior 90 days. Brnovich said Arizona law requires health officials to seek a court order within 10 days after imposing the quarantine, with the agency required to prove that the isolation or quarantine is “reasonably necessary to protect the public health.’’ But the attorney general’s opinion said those affected don’t have to wait that long. He pointed out that anyone who is ordered isolated or quarantined can go to court to demand to be released from the restrictions. And Brnovich said the court must hold a hearing within 24 hours and issue a decision within 48 hours. There also are provisions in law for those ordered quarantined to seek a court order protesting the conditions imposed. Brnovich said anyone who seeks judicial relief is entitled to have a lawyer appointed, with the state picking up the tab. And that legal representation “continues throughout the duration of the isolation or quarantine of the person.’’ Townsend said she believes Ducey overreacted with the restrictions he put in place due to the pandemic, like closing down all bars and restaurants simply because some establishment had acted recklessly and allowed unmasked customers to pack the facilities. ■

Damien Nichols, Kyrene’s director of emergency management and technology, said the district’s plan once school resumes is more streamlined and replaces a “mitigation level” plan that called for certain strategies to take effect when virus levels had reached various thresholds. “It’s important to understand that Kyrene will continue to implement layered safety measures that include, but are not limited to, our HEPA filtration and washing, physical distancing, testing among and many other strategies,” Nichols said. “This is in addition to the expectation that many of our students and staff will opt to vaccinate and continue masking.” That the debate over masks and the uncertain trajectory of the virus concerned board members was reflected in a remark by Governing Board President Kevin Walsh, who said he and his colleagues are “getting a lot of email.” “I think every one of us here recognizes the trepidation that we all feel about making this decision,” Walsh said. ■

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

Phoenix workers getting bonuses to be vaccinated AFN NEWS STAFF

hoenix full-time employees will get an extra $1,500 and part-timers $750 if they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 if they are fully vaccinated by Jan. 18 under a measure a divided City Council approved last week. With council members Sal DiCiccio, Ann O’Brien and Jim Waring opposing it, the measure is a carrot the city administration proposed after withdrawing the stick of disciplinary action it had initially invoked because of President Biden’s nowchallenged vaccine mandate. Those bonuses will be on top of $500 for full-time employees and $250 for part-time workers and will cost the city between $25 million and $29 million, according to an administration memo. The city will be using some of the $396 million Phoenix is getting over the current and coming fiscal years under the American Rescue Plan Act passed early this year by Congress. Luxuweeks ~Two s g ry Vinylago, City Manager Jeff Baru R a e Ar ~C nter ton pulled back hisoudirective ordering emt ops

ployees to get vaccinated by mid-January, noting that a federal court in Georgia had suspended the Biden administration’s mandate that all federal contractors’ employees be vaccinated. He interpreted the order as applying to Phoenix because it contracts with the federal government. That mandate is different from the Biden order that all employees in private firms with more than 100 workers be vaccinated by next month. A three-judge appellate panel last Friday overturned a lower court stay of that order, which is now expected to land before the U.S. Supreme Court. “Today. It’s important to note that the city did a 9% compensation package increase for our employees and that we’ve tried to regularly show appreciation for people who worked through the pandemic and who continue to do so,” Mayor Kate Gallego said. Citing testimony from a hearing two weeks ago on the original vaccine mandate, Gallego said, “We want to do everything we can to support our health care workers and to make sure that people in our community can get the care that they

deserve. Vaccinations are safe. They’re a good way to protect yourself and I would encourage everyone to do so. “Last week, healthcare leaders shared that natural immunity does not protect you to the same degree as the vaccination and we want our city employees to be as safe as possible. It’s part of the reason certain city employees, particularly those who work on medical issues, do have to get vaccinations as condition of their service,” Gallego continued, stressing elected officials and top-level city executives would not be getting the bonuses. DiCiccio was the only council member to voice the reasons for his opposition, though several callers condemned the bonuses. “I’m going to be voting against this – not that I don’t believe that individuals deserve this money because I think they do and I believe that people should be treated fairly. “But what really bothers me more than anything, is that while certain leaders were cowering in their home, hiding from COVID, brave men and women were out there protecting us. They risked their lives, their family's lives. They risked the lives of the

people around them, to protect us to give those individual that little thank you that they deserve, and now it’s become politicized.” Council’s vote Dec. 15 came the same day that Gov. Doug Ducey signed an order that states that “no person shall be required by this state, or any city, town or county to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine” unless they are employed by a health care institution. Tucson has ordered its employees be vaccinated and most of that city’s workers complied, according to the Dec. 7 hearing held by Phoenix City Council. DiCiccio’s sentiments were far less harsh than those of citizens who called into the Dec. 15 council meeting to voice their opposition to the bonuses. “Stop this discrimination. Stop this attempt to divide our city employees and nip it in the bud,” a Fire Department captain said. “Last week we talked about vaccine mandates and how wrong they are… And so here we are now talking about preferential pay.”

see VACCINE page 12

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REED from page 1

“You want to make them feel safe. Most of all, you want them to feel loved. That is the key not only for their satisfaction and behavior but for your success as a caregiver. The love comes back to you and helps you maintain your health, happiness, and sanity.” Reed’s book, available on Amazon, is a testament to love as well as a primer for others facing challenging caregiving responsibilities. It is also a resource for those with physical challenges. It covers topics from handling grief, financing, safety and end-of-life planning. It is also a tribute to a loving relationship that began in Boston in fall 1964 when a fraternity brother introduced him to her. They married July 16, 1966, near Jodie’s parent’s home in Granby, Massachusetts. “We’ve had over 55 years of a nearly perfect marriage. We remain extremely happy despite our challenges,” said Reed, who attended Pennsylvania State University and earned a B.S. and masters in mechanical engineering. Jodie received her bachelor’s degree at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, before heading to Boston University to obtain her teaching credentials. After a short tenure teaching, she relocated just across the Charles River to Cambridge to work as a professor’s assistant at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. From the beginning, Reed recalls, he was attracted to Jodie by her beauty, her youthful spirit and sunshine smile. He said she retains those attributes. “Even now when she walks down the hallway, everyone talks about her beautiful smile,” he said, smiling. “And she’s two years older than I am but people think she’s the younger one.” The Reeds moved to Ahwatukee from northern California in November 2019 and shortly after they noticed signs of dementia. “Jodie started showing signs of memory loss 15 or 20 years ago. We had a psychologist evaluate her in 2007. He thought her memory was normal for her age; neither of us believed him,” said Reed. “She was re-evaluated in 2013 and 2016. I stopped her from driving in 2017 as she got lost, even in the small town we lived in for 30 years. At that point, neither of us could drive. However, after not driving for almost two years, I learned to drive a modified van with hand controls.” “We never wanted to leave our home of over 30 years in California. Knowing that

Jodie and William Reed share a tender moment in a garden. (Courtesy of William Reed) Jodie had dementia, the long-range plan was to move near our son in Ahwatukee because if anything happened to me, she would need immediate support,” he said. “In July of 2019, I realized that our situation was untenable. Neither of us could drive, and I couldn’t leave Jodie alone even for lunch with my friends once a week, so I decided to implement the long-range plan.” As incapacitated as he was, the wheelchair-bound Reed performed all household duties, including cooking their meals. “We looked at several houses, but all would require significant, expensive modifications, and it was unclear how long they would be suitable for us,” said Reed. “Moving here would provide family life and support. The senior living facility would reduce my workload, even though

we’re in independent living.” Bill and Jodie Reed live in LivGenerations/Ahwatukee. Their son, Mike, also lives in Ahwatukee and has two daughters attending the University of Arizona and a son who is a Desert Vista High School sophomore. Bill and Jodie also have a daughter, Kris, who lives in Georgia. Since the book was completed in June 2020, there have been even more changes in the Reeds’ lives. “During the period covered in the book, I was her sole caregiver. In July, 2020, I broke my leg and had to turn her over to memory care. Within one week she fell and broke her wrist, and then her hip.” He said he was determined never to be without her again. With his disease and her dementia, changes became part of

the future. But being separated was not one of them. A battle with melanoma further tested his resolve. “One of my keys to successfully overcoming one’s challenges is ‘be your own advocate,’” Reed said. The Mayo Clinic recommended two immunotherapies followed by surgery. “As my muscle-related diseases are autoimmune, those treatments, like the COVID vaccine, would accelerate my loss of strength and risk my ability to be independent.” “There was no hesitation to take the vaccine, or to accept Mayo’s treatment plan, because my main goal right now is to survive Jodie. Putting her in the care of others after I broke my leg was a disaster. I don’t want that to ever happen again.” Their future remains a study in adaptation. “Because our diseases are progressive, no solution is permanent,” he said. “What works now will not work later, requiring new solutions again and again. Thus, I gained considerable practical experience on numerous subjects related to dealing with medical challenges and caregiving that would be helpful to many others with different challenges, not just those like ours. “Recognizing that, several people strongly encouraged me to write a book to help others. That is the sole reason for the book and the class I will teach to a senior living community early next year.” Reed was referring to a Zoom class on Feb. 17, 2022, offered through the Grand Learning program at Sun City Grand. “The intent is to prepare seniors, average age 55 to 70, for unexpected medical challenges and provide them with keys for success in overcoming them,” said Reed. “In addition, they’ll receive information about the contents of the book, ‘Lessons from a Disabled Caregiver’ on which the class is based so they’ll know where to get the information they may need in the future.” Pre-registration is necessary, said Reed, and can be made at grandlearning@scgcam.com. A $19 fee is charged by Grand Learning and the class size is limited. In the interim, Reed said his book has been well received on Amazon, and locally. “I had a very positive book signing ceremony here at LivGenerations,” he said. “A University of Florida professor plans to teach an honors class based on the book and so far, Amazon has published 12 five-

see REED page12

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Gorgeous home on an oversized PRESERVE lot in highly sought - after Mountain Park Ranch! Majestic mountain views; truly a rare ﬁnd! Open kitchen family room concept! Resort-style back yard! Sparkling pool, lush mature landscape, multiple garden areas, and large grass area. Perfect for families and entertaining! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 2308 sqft

Fontaine –Retirement Community Listed for

$299,000

PRISTINE home in beautiful Sun City; home of low taxes and multiple recreation centers! Casual dining area off kitchen opens to cozy family room. Exit Family room / casual dining area to the expansive AZ Room, to relax and enjoy coffee, breakfast lunch or dinner, or play games 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1465 sqft

Turtle Rock Listed for

$399,900

Beautiful upgraded home in Turtle Rock, with vaulted ceilings and an open ﬂoor plan The primary bedroom has a private exit to the patio, and enjoys an expansive bathroom with a newer walk in shower. Backyard has lots of shade and artiﬁ cial grass with plenty of room to garden and entertain. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1405 sqft

Pinal County Land - Two Parcels

Listed for $145,000 and $135,000

Beautiful views of the Superstition and Goldﬁ eld mountains from both of these 1.25 acre corner parcels. Fully paved access on both frontage streets. Access to Tonto National Forest, and under 30 minutes to Saguaro & Canyon Lakes! Ideal location to build a home!

Circle Mountain Land Listed for

$185,000 each

Two parcels; 4.7 acres each. Residential Acreage abutting Pyramid Peak and state trust land. Elevated property, away from ﬂ ood zones. Build a grand estate or subdivide a small community! Beautiful Northeastern views of New River Mesa and surrounding mountains. Zoning requires at least 1 acre per home. 15-20 minutes from Anthem and Cave Creek and still only 45 minutes from Sky Harbor 9.4 acres total available (10 acres minus 40 foot road easement along Northern edge.)

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra! see POLICE page 11

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

EV home for up to a million people is born ably will ensure the success of this early phase. “We think this first development is great,” Hutchinson said. “The location is good. It’s really exceptional for Apache Junction.”

BY GARY NELSON AFN Correspondent

obody knows, exactly, how many shovelfuls of dirt there are in 275 square miles. But the first few of them have now been dug in the vast tract of state trust land known as Superstition Vistas. And by 2023, the first of what could someday be a million residents will be moving into their new homes. The chief partners in this first phase of a project expected to span generations are Apache Junction, Brookfield Residential Properties Inc., and D.R. Horton, a Texasbased homebuilding firm. With giant earth-moving machines as a backdrop, 17 men and women dug their shovels into a pre-softened pile of dirt in a ceremonial groundbreaking on Dec. 7. After that, the earth-movers got busy with on-site work for an expected 10,500 homes to be built over the next 10 years on about 4.3 square miles. “It’s more than historic,” Apache Junction City Manager Bryant Powell said. “It will change the face of the city and the region.” Powell said the project is the biggest thing Apache Junction has ever undertaken. “Probably the biggest story we have here is that we just launched Superstition

VACCINE from page 6

“If you’re going to give out this premium pay for employees,” he added, “it should be given equally to every city employee, regardless of whether they’re vaccinated or not vaccinated.” Another caller said, “It’s getting really

REED from page 9

star reviews. Reed’s book also has a foreword written by Dr. Marwan Noel Sabbagh, a board-certified neurologist and a leading expert in Alzheimer’s and dementia. “The story of Bill and Jodie Reed is a case study of physical and psychological resilience,” Sabbagh wrote. “The story itself is both inspiring and informative and practical. Often there is no ‘how-to’ manual on caregiving in dementia. This is a very good version of a ‘how-to’ manual.” Still, Reed reminds readers that there

Longtime vision

As big as this particular phase is, it is but a tiny sliver of an area that has been the focus of intense This map shows the area that would be covered by Superstition interest for at least Vistas, including residential, commercial and recreation develop- two decades. ment. (Special to AFN) The concept of Superstition Vistas as a discrete planning Vistas,” said John Bradley, president of area hadn’t popped into anyone’s head Brookfield’s Arizona division. “It’s a long until Sept. 18, 2003. time coming.” Roc Arnett, who at that time was presiBrookfield is known for several projdent of the East Valley Partnership, was ects in the Valley, including the Eastmark driving home that day from a meeting that development on former General Motors had been called to discuss potential develproperty in Mesa. opment in Pinal County. The term “SuperstiMike Hutchinson, a former Mesa city tion Vistas” occurred to him as he came over manager who has overseen planning for a rise in the road and saw the grand sweep the Vistas on behalf of the East Valley Partof the landscape now bearing that name. nership, called the Horton project “a great Arnett’s brainstorm led to a 2006 report first step,” and that good planning prob-

exhausting to bribe people with $2,000 to do the right thing for safety when we’re in the middle of a massive surge. This is ridiculous and a massive misuse of COVID relief money and I can’t believe that it’s even on the agenda." Another city worker who called said, “You are not only discriminating against

are many bumps along the path. “An Alzheimer’s caregiver watching a loved one morph from what was once a capable, intelligent, wonderful person into someone entirely different, generates many intense, unfamiliar emotions,” he said. “My own struggles in this regard hit home with great impact by an email attachment from my sister-in-law, Nancy Reed, entitled, ‘Don’t Leave - An Ode to a Caregiver.’ I started crying halfway through it and couldn’t stop for about 10 minutes.” Reed said he thought many caregivers will identify with this ode:

those that choose not to disclose their medical information to you – which I might add is none of your business in the first place. But you’re absolutely retaliating against those people in the best way you can.” “We should all be essential now without having to bend the knee to your ridiculous Don’t leave Hold my hand I recognize you But I don’t know your name I see your tears I want to comfort you But I don’t remember how You work so hard I want to help But my mind gets all jumbled when I try The music you are playing is beautiful I can sing all the words I see a small girl on a swing She sings with me I’d like to tell you about her

by the Morrison Institute for Public Policy at Arizona State University. That document, entitled, “The Treasure of the Superstitions,” offered a visionary analysis of the region’s potential. It is still available online. The report, written by veteran East Valley land-use attorney Grady Gammage Jr., saw Superstition Vistas as an immense empty canvas. It urged creative approaches to governance and infrastructure development to ensure sustainability and livability. While many of the report’s suggestions were not adopted, Pinal County did approve development standards for the region in 2011. Gammage told The Tribune he’s not bothered that his report’s more revolutionary ideas were not fully implemented. “Visionary approaches are never realized, but it’s a way of incrementally moving the needle,” Gammage said. He said the Horton/Brookfield project looks like a good way to kick off development in the Vistas. “You have to start somewhere,” Gammage said. “I am excited to see that it’s getting started.” Back when the report was written, many expected the development of the Vistas to begin in short order. But 2006 was the last year of a real-estate bubble that burst

see VISTA page 14

mandate – which quite frankly is on its way to the highest court in the land and will eventually be ruled unconstitutional,” he continued. “The fact that you’re dangling an additional $1,500 in the face of those that choose not to be vaccinated .. is probably the lowest thing I’ve ever seen from an employer.” ■ But I am so tired She keeps fading away When she comes back, I will Don’t leave’

“I was greatly affected by how well Nancy captured how it feels to have the love of your life for over 50 years slowly slipping away,” he lamented. “Jodie is sensing it too. She often asks if I am going to always be with her. Beyond that, it passionately describes the confusion Jodie must be feeling – the frustrating inability to express herself, and the vague knowledge of what is coming.” ■

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

VISTA from page 12

and plunged the world into the Great Recession. The economic calamity set many projects back by at least a decade. Hutchinson said the time lag allowed various entities to do their own planning work in the Vistas area. “We started looking at freeway corridors, drainage issues. The utility companies got to identify utility corridors. SRP and some others worked on some of the water-related issues,” he said. With all that work now in the books, Hutchinson said the 2011 Pinal County development standards probably need to be revisited.

Historic auction

By far the greatest piece of Superstition Vistas is still owned by the state under auspices of the Arizona State Land Department, which is expected to sell the property piecemeal over time. The 275 square miles – enough land to contain Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert and Chandler combined – stretches from Apache Junction to the northern border of Florence. The first chunk was sold at auction on Nov. 4, 2020. D.R. Horton was the winning bidder on 2,783 acres bounded by the Elliot Road alignment on the north, the Ray Road alignment on the south, Meridian Drive on the west and the Idaho Road alignment on the east. The land lies immediately south of another tract called Lost Dutchman Heights, a 7,700-acre parcel of former state land now under development by Phoenix-based Hunn Development Co. Horton’s winning bid came to $245.5 million in an auction that was tailored to ensure only deep-pocketed development firms could participate. Three other companies bid on the land. Brookfield was not one of the bidders, but it was partnering with Horton on the purchase. Bradley said Brookfield and Horton agreed to split the land, with Horton developing the western half and Brookfield the eastern. In October, Apache Junction annexed 6,600 acres of Superstition Vistas land, in-

Ground was broken earlier this month for the first development in the sprawling Superstition Vistas planning area. (Special to AFN) cluding the parcel bought by Horton. Horton has agreed to rezone and provide infrastructure for the land that lies outside the parcel it bought. Some criticized the auction procedure at the time, saying the state could have gotten more money by selling the land in smaller parcels. But Bradley said selling a big chunk for the first development was a key to launching work in the Vistas. “It couldn’t get off the ground without someone doing the necessary entitlements, which isn’t that difficult, and infrastructure, which is that difficult,” Bradley said. “So this program starts that and creates oversized infrastructure that will allow the state to sell land in the future under their more typical format.” The state prefers to sell parcels of about 100 to 150 acres, Bradley said, “and they couldn’t do that at Superstition Vistas be-

cause you can’t do that unless you have infrastructure.”

What’s coming

The Dec. 7 groundbreaking kicked off work on the 2,783 acres bought by Horton. The developers expect the first 1,825 homesites to go up for sale in early 2022. Eventually the tract is expected to accommodate 10,500 homes. The developers are setting aside 40 acres for commercial uses, 20 acres for an elementary school site, 73 acres for recreational uses and 10 acres for a public facility that may include a library, police and fire services. Among the planned amenities are a 16-acre regional park to be built in partnership with Apache Junction, five other community parks and 30 one-acre neighborhood parks. Bradley said a signature feature of the development will be streets angled to take advantage of the setting. “Their focus will really be the Superstition Mountains, so as you drive north on a street you’ll be looking right at the Superstitions,” Bradley said. According to documents asThe mighty Superstition Mountains will play a major role in the way de- sociated with velopers will lay out residential neighborhoods. (AFN file photo) Apache Junc-

tion’s Oct. 5 annexation vote, taxpayers will not be on the hook for infrastructure in the new development. A staff report written for the Planning and Zoning Commission says: “The applicant is responsible for a number of infrastructure improvements including but not limited to the construction of water and sewer lines, booster stations, a water treatment plant and streets.” Apache Junction’s water utility will serve the new neighborhoods. “They have developed a very robust water portfolio,” Bradley said. “And they have allocated a portion of that to this development. So, it is assured.” City documents indicate that Apache Junction’s drinking water comes primarily from groundwater wells and the Colorado River via the Central Arizona Project. Long-term reliance on Colorado River water may be problematic amid a deep Western drought that has forced water managers to impose the first-ever reductions in deliveries from the beleaguered stream. The initial cutbacks, imposed this year, affected agricultural users in Pinal County. Bradley said, however, that Apache Junction, although it lies in Pinal County, is not as susceptible to water shortages as other portions of the county because it is part of the Phoenix metro water management area. Hutchinson believes Apache Junction should have no problem supplying water for this first phase. “They’re prepared to do that,” he said. “They’ve been planning for it for years.” But as the Vistas develop further, he said, “There may have to be some additional water supplies acquired over the next 30 or 40 years. It’ll cost more money than people are used to paying today. There’s been some pretty good thinking about what that future is.” As for the future, Bradley said that was the focus of the Dec. 7 groundbreaking. “We asked everybody to imagine – put yourself there 20 years from now, 30 years from now, and imagine,” he said. “Everybody will have a little different picture in their head. But it’s going to be really quite amazing.” ■

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

Record fentanyl seizure by Scottsdale cops, DEA BY ALEX GALLAGHER AFN Staff Writer

cottsdale Police, joined by state and federal officials, last week announced a record seizure of fentanyl. Police and the DEA said the Dec. 14 bust yielded 1.7 million pills of fentanyl that weighed a total 360 pounds, 10 kilos of powdered fentanyl that could have produced an additional four million pills and 1 pound of methamphetamine.

The total stash had an estimated value of $9 million. The pills are believed to belong to the Sinaloa cartel, whose members Scottsdale Police and the DEA kept under close surveillance over the past few months. “Over the past few months, the Scottsdale DEA task force has undertaken an investigation related to the Sinaloa cartel, which has been operating within the Phoenix metropolitan area,” said Scottsdale Police Chief Jeff Walther. “That investigation

uncovered a currier that ultimately led to this seizure.” The pills were stored in a number of storage lockers and residences throughout the Valley, though police declined to disclose those locations. It is believed the drugs were set to be distributed throughout the country. Ever since the pandemic broke, fentanyl has been linked to a soaring number of drug overdoses, many fatal. The Centers for Disease Control’s Na-

tional Center for Health Statistics last month reported that there were an estimated 100,306 drug overdose deaths in the United States during a 12-month period ending in April 2021, an increase of 28.5 percent from a year earlier. The new data estimated overdose deaths from opioids increased to 75,673 in the 12-month period ending in April 2021, up from 56,064 the year before. Overdose

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If you thought you have been to a Mexican restaurant lately you probably need to reconsider and visit La Casa De Juana in Ahwatukee. The fare is authentic Mexican, and when we say authentic we mean it, unlike many of the restaurant chains that call themselves Mexican. Upon entering you’ll be dazzled by the colorful décor, the tables and chairs are beautiful, Mexican painted murals, colorful banners hanging from the ceiling and the gracious service with warm orange and yellow tones echoing throughout the restaurant will make this your favorite Mexican restaurant. With great lunch and dinner specials, live guitar player on Tuesdays and a bar with freshly made drinks, TVs, and live guitar music for all ages on the weekends and least but not last their happy hour from 2 pm to 6 pm every day $3 beer domestic and imports and $3 margaritas this place is a must. In conclusion The flavorful salsa, the delicious margaritas, the extraordinary and well-priced food will definitely keep you coming back.

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NEWS

DRUGS from page 15

deaths from synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl) and psychostimulants such as methamphetamine also increased in the 12-month period ending in April 2021. “The Sinaloa cartel primarily uses the trafficking routes that run through Arizona,” said Cheri Oz, the DEA special agent in charge of the Phoenix field division. “We are confident this is Sinaloa cartel narcotics.” Oz called the Valley a hub for drug shipments across the nation, stating, “Phoenix is historically known as a repackaging and distribution area. Most of these drugs were destined for other parts of the country.” Police feel last week’s seizure is part of a bigger issue. So far this year, the DEA has seized over 20 million fake pills laced with fentanyl, which is more pills than the last two years combined and enough to provide a lethal dose to every American. “A few months ago, using a multi-prong approach, the DEA launched its one pill can kill campaign in conjunction with the public safety surge,” Oz said. “Over the last two months, DEA and our partners nationwide initiated a second public safety surge targeting those re-

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

make a staggering number of arrests and seize millions of pills. “In total, during the twomonth surge, we seized 3 million pills, 45 kilos of fentanyl powder, over 35 firearms and arrested over 40 drug traffickers,” Oz said. Arizona itself has also accounted for a considerable number of the whopping amount of fentanyl seized by the DEA this year. “Since January, the DEA has seized over 9.5 million pills in Arizona,” Oz said. State Attorney General Mark Brnovich blamed the influx of fentanyl partially on the border crisis but mainly on the demand of the drug. “When the price of Police displayed some of the pills confiscated in a valley- drugs like fentanyl and methwide investigation. Not displayed is the fentanyl powder amphetamine fall in our comconfiscated since it is so dangerous even a few grains can munities, that’s a result of debe lethal when they come into contact with a person's mand,” he said. skin or are inhaled. (Special to AFN) Because of this, Oz undersponsible for flooding our communities scored the importance of educating loved ones about how these pills make it into the with fentanyl.” In just two months, the DEA was able to homes and ultimately into the bodies of our

loved ones. “It is more important now than ever before that we continue to work together to turn this epidemic around,” Oz said. “Talk to your children, friends, neighbors and loved ones about the dangers of these deadly pills. The only pills safe are the pills prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacy.” Oz also alerted that drug traffickers are utilizing technology and social media to market their products. “Drug trafficking is evolving and drug traffickers are using technology to get into homes to sell pills,” she said. “Traffickers are using social media platforms, posting emojis and code lingo that has specific meanings.” What was most glaring to Oz was how many lives were spared in this seizure. “What is alarming is that four out of every ten of those pills contain a potentially lethal dose,” Oz said. “ The seizure was a victory for Scottsdale Police, the DEA and for the city as it was a record one-time seizure for DEA in Arizona. “This is an example of federal, state and local officials working together to keep our community safe,” said Brnovich. “This is law enforcement cooperation at its very best.” ■

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

NEWS

SRO from page 3

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

that urged students to threaten bombings and shootings in schools. The Chinese company that owns the website said it found no videos encouraging such threats and while there was no evidence of impending attacks, school officials across Arizona and the nation were on edge as they issued warnings and some increased patrols on campuses. Echoing similar statements by Tempe Union and Mesa Public Schools, Tempe Union on Dec. 16 issued an alert about the TikTok “challenge” and said, “We are working closely with Tempe PD to monitor these threats, and review and investigate appropriate leads. At this time, there do not appear to be any credible threats to any of our schools. However, we continue to monitor that situation closely and police presence on campus will be elevated if appropriate. Tempe PD will continue to investigate any reports received.” It urged parents to talk to their children about “appropriate and responsible use of social media” and that they remind them “the ramifications of bad choices in

today’s social media environment can have a serious impact.” Kolomyjec’s comments also came after Damien Nichols, Kyrene’s emergency management director, told the board, “We have seen an increase in the need to contact our local law enforcement.” He stressed, however, that “it may not be daily at each middle school.” Kolomyjec also noted that last June a coalition of judges, prosecutors and juvenile justice advocates voted 333-0 that schools have uniformed officers on campuses “only upon a demonstrated threat to the safety of students and staff and faculty.” She said the American Bar Association has urged districts to “eliminate police becoming involved in routine disciplinary matters that result in criminalizing adolescents.” “The reality is that I do know from our statistics that our schools here in Kyrene – from what I’ve seen so far – suspensions and disciplinary actions largely disproportionately affect our students of color,” Kolomyjec said, acknowledging that the money being spent on the three Kyrene middle schools is covered by a state grant. “That can lead to, down the line, students dropping out of school because

they get behind and they have a bad feeling about school, etc., etc., etc.,” Kolomyjec continued. “I’m sort of mashing together, you know, national statistics and these advisory groups that are looking at a problem nationally," she added, "and I don’t want to necessarily paint Kyrene with that brush and I really do want to understand more, but I will say I’m concerned.” Carrie Furedy, executive director of School Effectiveness, said in the intergovernmental agreement between Kyrene and Phoenix Police, “the SRO explicitly in the IGA is prohibited from participating in student-discipline matters at the school site.” “So they’re not going to be criminalizing things that are school disciplinary learning already, though they’ll only be brought in when it’s referred in a criminal matter,” she continued, adding the role of an SRO in high schools “is significantly different than the role of an SRO in middle school.” Stressing the “significant difference of being an SRO on a campus with 700 or 800 students versus an SRO on a campus with 3,000 or more students,” Furedy also said, “I have to say our SROs in Kyrene tend to become very beloved members of the

community.” Still, Kolomyjec said, “I’d like to learn more from some of our marginalized communities, some of our LGBTQ, some of our folks of color, some of our special needs kids and see what their feedback is about it, see if they’re seeing it the same way that you are.” Margaret Pratt said that in her first year as a board member, she met an SRO during a tour of Kyrene schools and said “it was very eye-opening for me.” “I found myself really grateful for the education they provided students to help them make good choices and avoid potentially negative paths,” Pratt said. Board member Michelle Fahy said she thought “it’s important for our community to have an opportunity to learn more” and suggested a study session about SROs. Fahy said it was important to hear from students “as we move forward with our equity work” and that “I want to really understand, are there legislative decisions that maybe shouldn’t be made that are leading to some of these times where we are using SROs, where maybe it could be done with other roles? “And so I really want to get to the heart of the problem,” she added. ■

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COMMUNITY

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Thunder Marching Band seniors relish their big win BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contirbutor

hen the Desert Vista High School Thunder Marching Band was crowned Division 1 Arizona State Marching Champions, 25 seniors – deprived of competing throughout 2020 due to the pandemic – were ecstatic. For Joshua Thye, marching band director and a former DVHS student himself, it was a surreal moment as his 110-member band was one of the smallest competing in Division 1, and one of the smallest in school history as the DV Marching Thunder usually fielded 140 or more. By contrast, in 2018 – another state championship year – the band had 168 members. Yet, this year, the Thunder Marching Band’s ninth State Championship may well be remembered as the sweetest, especially by the senior class members. Band President Liliana Rios said their

Desert Vista High School Thunder Marching Band seniors gathered after winning their ninth State Championship title in 11 years. They had no state competition last year as it was another COVID-19 casualty. From left, back row: Andrew Fuller, Matthew Machado, Eric Parsons, Paige Whitton, Colin Gilmore, Amelia Carter, Joseph Willbrandt, Jordan Salsburg, Jimmy Lau, Katharine Lipari, Jason Bruzas, Neel Ray, Sam Yorio, Diego Parra. front row: Brianna Morales, Saranna Tran, John Zhang, Emily Coonce, Liliana Rios, Elena Marshall, Taylor Somyk, Madeline Shugrue, Drake Brown, Nathan Brown, Michika Eguchi. (Courtesy of Joshua Thye) win was not only a joy for her fellow classmates, but also a tribute to last

year’s seniors. “This win has felt extra sentimental

“Conversations had to move beyond the unimaginative ‘what makes us human’ and ‘learning to think critically’ – which, by the way, are not unique to humanities study,” Lester said. The call to create programs and activities to attract students to this study immediately became an effort to make humanities research and study more accessible to everyone across various disciplinary communities. “What began as a week of focused programming and activities has become year-round programming that attracts hundreds of students, faculty, staff, administrators, volunteers from Arizona State University and other high schools and universities across the country,” Lester said. With its popular tagline of “talking, listening, connecting,” Project Humanities is a recognized local and national leader in

Dr. Neal Lester of Ahwatukee and Rachel Sondgeroth show off the Catalyst Award they received at Arizona State University for Project Humanities, for which Lester is founding director and Sondgeroth is coordinator. She began six years ago as a high school intern with Project Humanities while she was in Texas, then was a student worker through ASU undergraduate education and has been a full time staff member for past two years. (Courtesy ASU)

see BAND page 25

Accolades are long for local prof and his unique program AFN NEWS STAFF

hwatukee university professor Dr. Neal Lester has spent 2021 partly in celebration of the 10-year anniversary of Project Humanities, a program of which he is the founding director at Arizona State University. After beginning the year with a City of Tempe MLK Diversity Award in Education, Project Humanities ended it with receiving the Catalyst Award by the ASU Committee for Campus Inclusion for its ongoing work in diversity, equity and inclusion: “for inspiring and igniting transformation and inclusion.” When Project Humanities began 10 years ago, the idea was to get undergraduate students interested in humanities as a major. Lester, ASU Foundation Professor of English, was Dean of Humanities at the time and saw this as an opportunity to “demystify humanities” for those non-academics and even those in other majors.

see LESTER page 24

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

AROUND AHWATUKEE

Desert Pointe Garden Club looks to a new year with Jan. 3 meet

Desert Pointe Garden Club hopes novice and veteran gardeners will join its next meeting at 1 p.m. Jan. 3 at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center, 5001 E. Cheyenne Drive. Members will share their favorite houseplants and tips for growing success and there will be a presentation on making a Japanese moss ball called a kokedama. Later in the month, members will visit the Japanese Friendship Garden. Information: 480-759-4407 or visit Desert Pointe Garden Club – Arizona Federation of Garden Clubs (azgardenclubs.com).

Annual Blankets and Bears Drive underway in Ahwatukee

The Ahwatukee Women’s Golf Association has launched its 22nd annual Blankets & Bears Drive. Since its inception in 1999, the drive has raised thousands of new blankets and new bears to be given to children in traumatic circumstances of all kinds.

Previous beneficiaries have included Phoenix Fire Station #38 and various other fire departments, Banner Children’s Hospital and the Child Crisis Center. New knitted, crocheted and fleece blankets of all kinds are needed. Crib size or smaller is preferred. Dolls and stuffed animals need to be new and should be soft and cuddly. The association said be sure they are the size a child can hold. Again this year: Because of COVID-19, blankets and bears need to be small enough to fit into plastic bags approximately 15”x13”. Donors who do not have plastic bags, don’t worry: the women will place them in bags after you have donated them. Donations are being accepted at the dining room of the Ahwatukee Country Club, 12432 S. 48th St. 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.” Questions or to arrange another location for a delivery: text Joyce Blobner at 480-381-4195. “We hope we need a truck,” association member Carol Schade said. “Items do-

Summit success

Summit School of Ahwatukee Student Council members Bella Yeck and Sydney Hardy proudly display some of the 13, 670 diapers they and their colleagues collected for the Central Diaper Bank of Arizona, which services hundreds of needy parents who cannot afford diapers. (Courtesy of Summit School)

GOT NEWS?

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

nated are needed and appreciated.”

Cactus Jack’s plans to rock today with a Christmas bash

Cactus Jacks Bar & Grill will host its annual Holiday Dance Party beginning at 6:30 p.m. today, Dec. 22, with line dancing lessons and open dancing. “We will also have treats and raffles as well,” spokeswoman Carrie McNeish said. “Wear your ugly sweaters or holiday spirit.” There will be a $5 cover at the door. Cactus Jack’s Bar & Grill on the southwest corner of 48th St. and Elliot Road in Ahwatukee. Information: dancemeetsfitness.net.

Gala in Scottsdale will support Janice’s Women’s Center

The two Ahwatukee women who are trying to raise $6 million to build a shelter called Janice’s Women’s Center are seeking sponsors for a gala to be held Feb. 12 at The Scotts-

LESTER from page 23

critical public conversations that center diversity, humanity and justice. It includes ongoing series like “Vital Voices” – which invites attendees to bring something to share that relates to a specific topic – and “Dispelling the Myths,” looks at current ideas that polarize, such as “critical race theory” and “transgender athletes in sports.” Project Humanities has hosted hundreds of programs over 10 years on diverse topics – Indigenous mascots, menstrual equity, modern-day voter suppression, parenting across cultures, cultural appropriation, rural healthcare, Indigenous rock music, and others. The programs match the diversity of the audiences who attend these events as facilitators, panelists, volunteers, interns, and keynotes. “The work of Project Humanities continues to speak to the question of ‘Are we losing our humanity?,’” Lester noted. That topic has been broached with such Project Humanities luminaries as poets Nikki Giovanni and Rita Dove, feminist critic bell hooks, singer Ruth Pointer, Indigenous activist Clyde Bellecourt, Mexican humorist and columnist Gustavo Arellano, and most recently with Dr. Bernice A. King, daughter of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King. From the annual “Hacks for Humanity: Hacking for the Social Good,” which draws hundreds of participants as competing teams, volunteers, mentors, and corporate sponsors in “a multidisciplinary 36-hour burst of creative innovation via technolo-

dale Resort, 7700 E. McCormick Pkwy., Scottsdale. Sponsorships are available for individuals, businesses and organizations. Shante Saulsberry also is soliciting auction items. To learn more: info@janiceswomenscenter.com or 602-603-5211.

Foothills Golf Course Ladies League ready to hit the links

The Foothills Golf Course Ladies League is open for play. Participants play 18 holes of handicap golf every Tuesday morning now through May. Play includes weekly games, prizes and friendly competition. Interested women can email Lucille Heid at lpheid@outlook.com for details.

Submit your releases to pmaryniak@ timespublications.com gy and business entrepreneurship” to the biweekly Service Saturdays homeless outreach to hundreds of unsheltered adults in downtown Phoenix, Project Humanities “continues to bring individuals and communities together to do better and to be better,” Lester said. That record and history of doing impactful and far-reaching work earned Lester a November 2021 accolade from the Phi Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated as Citizen of the Year for “outstanding contribution to humanity and to the welfare of mankind.” He and Project Humanities also have been honored by the Phi Beta Kappa Society, Association of Departments of English (an affiliate of the Modern Language Association), the City of Tempe, the City of Paradise Valley, the City of Phoenix, East Valley NAACP, United Gay Informed Men of African Descent, Ion Arizona, Echo Magazine, Diversity Leadership Alliance, Holy Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the African American community trio: Jack and Jill of America, the Boule, and Links. And next month, Lester will receive the inaugural ASU Faculty MLK Award for his “many years of service and work in academia, for teaching excellence, for university wide Project Humanities initiative, and work with LGBTQ and homeless populations” – in short, for his “commitment and passion for community.” To connect with and get involved with Project Humanities: projecthumanities. asu.edu, email us at projecthumanities@ asu.edu, or call 480-727-7030. ■

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

BAND from page 23

because we seniors felt that not only did we need to work hard for ourselves, but also for the seniors last year who were not given the opportunity to have a marching band season,” said Liliana, who plays piccolo in the marching band and flute in the school’s band program. “It was equally special because we seniors also had to mentor and lead more than half the band that had never marched before,” added Liliana, who is bound for Arizona State University. “Overall, we’re very grateful for the outcomes of this season and what we have accomplished. I’m also so appreciative of Mr. Thye and the entire marching band staff for all their hard work helping us achieve this successful band season.” Thye noted that freshman and sophomore band members were experiencing a state championship for the first time after having never marched before. “Keep in mind, last year didn’t really happen,” he said. “The senior class this year is really special. They believed in me and the program and were willing to give it one more try. And they kind of helped me believe again. It’s remarkable that this group was undefeated in competitions this year.” Katharine Lipari, band vice-president and drumline section leader, said despite pre-season doubts, the year proved that the band is “stronger than ever.” “I think the fact that we missed a year made everyone so much more thankful for the small practices and experiences that this marching band gives us. Just being back on the field and producing something that I am proud of has honestly been therapeutic because it shows that things are slowly getting better after this pandemic,” said Katherine, who like others of the senior class, are graduates of Altadena Middle School. “I have been playing percussion for about seven years now, starting back in 6th grade at Altadena with Mr. (Casey) Ehrler. He inspired me as well as so many other people. I wouldn’t be the musician I am without him,” she said. “The band directors around here like Mr. Thye, Mr. Ehrler, and Mr. (Michael) Krill who teaches at Akimel, are fantastic people that contribute so much to the music community. They’re so selfless and truly love to inspire brand new musicians and transform them into their best selves,” continued Katharine, 18, who plans to major in chemistry at a university not yet decided.

Another Desert Vista graduate, Corona del Sol Marching Band Director David DuPlessis, led his band to second place behind his high school alma mater. (Special to AFN) Michika Eguchi, Color Guard captain for the Thunder Marching Band, agreed that her middle school experience led to her becoming a member beginning in her freshman year. “I started as a winter guard member at Altadena Middle School, and I’ve been spinning since I was 13. Almost all my friends are part of band (cq), but I’ve never played an instrument,” smiled Michika, who plans to join the ASU marching band/ color guard next fall. “The band has been a huge part of my high school life.” The many disappointments and cancellations of band events throughout the pandemic year meant emotionally tough times she doesn’t forget. “Two years ago, as my junior year began, my coach told me that the season would be drastically different due to the pandemic. Our yearly camp was canceled, we couldn’t compete, and we couldn’t interact with each other in person. After that season, I thought, ‘I’ll never be able to have a normal season at Desert Vista ever again,’” she recalled. “Because of that year, being able to attend the camp, compete to earn scores, and high five my peers after a good rehearsal during this season felt like a pure miracle for me,” said the 17-year-old, who is called Chika by her peers and band staff. “I couldn’t thank my directors, staff, and parent volunteers enough for letting us have a full season while also making sure that all members stay healthy.” She credited Thye especially for leading by example: “Mr. Thye, is the most hard working person I know. He is always working and moving, and the atmosphere

that his work-ethic creates inspires us as members to work just as hard.” “If I or any other member has anything we need to talk about, Mr. Thye is always there to listen. He supports us even outside of the marching band program, such as connecting those who struggle academically to a tutor or another student that can help. I strongly believe that we would not have earned what we have if it wasn’t for his support.” Thye said his band members encouraged him as they all recovered from a year without band. “2020 was really more emotionally taxing than some people realize. When you’re a band director, you spend a lot of time and energy being out in the community, all the way back to fifth graders as you get them ready for being in band,” he said, explaining the Kyrene School District, his feeder district, canceled all music classes, including band, during the pandemic. “The 2020-21 band did not really exist; we didn’t get to have a marching band last year,” Thye said. “And I’ll be the first to tell you band is not something you can do casually. It’s rigorous. It’s demanding. It’s 5:45 morning rehearsals and weekend rehearsals. It takes commitment.” “And that school year was so hard. I felt I was giving bad news after bad news after bad news cancelled events and other things they love and are so much a part of their DNA.” COVID-19 also brought personal doubts for Thye. “There were moments when I wondered what the future could bring. Were the glory days of the band behind us?” he said. Glory days were those with which Thye and the DV Thunder Marching Band were well acquainted. They were Division 1 State Champions in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 and notched second place/runner up wins in 2009, 2014 and 2019, losing most recently to Mountain Ridge High School (2019). This year’s state contest was a David-andGoliath scenario with the 110-member Thunder Marching Band wearing David’s mantle as their two rivals brought bands with 170-plus members to the battle. “It was a little intimidating,” acknowledged DV senior Eric Parsons, Woodwind Line captain and baritone sax player. “And it wasn’t just size, but lack of experience. But I like to think we put up a good fight, even volume-wise. Eric said he also enjoyed being a mentor

Joshua Thye led the Desert Vista Thunder Marching Band to its ninth state title last month. (Special to AFN) to the newbies. “I’m just glad I got to be a part of this season, and I’m more excited for the freshman and sophomores who got to have this season,” he said. At last month’s Division 1 State Finals, Corona del Sol placed second to Desert Vista’s first place, and Mountain Ridge ranked third in a close contest. Corona del Sol’s band director, David DuPlessis, is also a DVHS high school alum. “We had an end of September competition, our very first show of the year, in Tucson. We got packed and drove down there, keeping in mind we haven’t been able to perform in two years, and... that show got rained out,” he said. “October 2 ended up being the first time we performed since November of 2019. I was so emotional that night; I said thank you to the 110 who stayed with it.” The 2021 State win at Glendale Community College was equally moving for the veteran director. “I remember standing on the track in tears, just knowing they’d done such a great job to get here,” DuPlessis said. “When they read our name off as first place, I was like, ‘no way!’ I was just happy to rebuild, and winning first place was just so great, so amazing, and I was really happy for these 110 kids who’d worked so hard.” Next on the list for the Thunder Marching Band is an April trip to Washington D.C. to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial, an invitation received pre-pandemic. Desert Vista High School will represent the State of Arizona as the instrumental music ambassadors, and join other bands and choirs from all 50 states. ■

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REAL ESTATE

Real Estate Guide Inflation looms as local home market stays hot BY ALLEN HENDERSON AFN Columnist

he average sale prices for Ahwatukee properties dipped last month while inventory was up slightly and the number of units sold slightly decreased. The average price of a home sold in Ahwatukee decreased in November to $536,195 – down 5.6% from $566,695 in August. The marketing time to get a contract increased from 21 days in August to 31 in November.

Bonny Holland

When we compare the November 2021 Ahwatukee real estate market to the same month last year, we see average prices increased dramatically. The average sale price increased from $454,864 in 2020 to the current $536,195 – 18% higher. For the first few months of 2021, the average number of active listings was under 50 – frequently much under. Inventory in August was was around 100 units but last month dropped to about 80. As we have noted all year, this is still a very strong seller’s market.

see HENDERSON page RE2

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REAL ESTATE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

Highest priced homes in Ahwatukee

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This five-bedroom, 4,096-square-foot house in the 13000 This 2,912-square-foot house in the 14000 block of South 4th This 3,587-square-foot house in the 2800 block of East Frye Road, block of South 32nd Street, is up for sale for $1,230,000. Built Avenue, is priced at $865,000. The single-level, four-bedroom is priced at $3.5 million. The single-story house, built in 1974, is in 1997, the two-story home in Mountain Park Ranch sports a home, built last year, features a kitchen with upgraded cabi- billed as an “exquisite one-of-a-kind mountain masterpiece built “stunning kitchen” with 3-inch granite slabs and white cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, a great room with 10- into the side of the mountain and offering breathtaking bird’s nets, a pool-equipped. Backyard, and numerous other ameni- foot ceilings, fireplace and built-in surround sound and great eye views of city lights, pastel sunsets, sunrises and expansive mountain views both inside and out.” (Special to AFN) ties. (Special to AFN) mountain views, among other amenities. (Special to AFN)

HENDERSON from page RE1

In August, the number of units that closed escrow slipped to 125 units – 23% less than the average 155 units sold per month in the January-August market. The trend we noted in August continues in the November market with 135 units closing escrow. If inventory continues to increase and the number of units sold continues to decline, it could bode well for frustrated buyers. There could be a slowing or even a reversal of the rising prices as well as an increase in the number of homes for sale. The increase in the number of active listings and the lower average prices of closed listings in November could portend a slowing down of property price increases in Ahwatukee. Despite the drop in the average sale price, it was higher than the asking price at most price points. The average list price of an Ahwatukee property that closed in

November was $532,637 while the average sale price was $536,195 – 2.2% higher. Between Jan. 1 and Nov. 30, 1,701 Ahwatukee properties closed escrow at an average price of $516,308 with an average 27 days on the market. The number of units sold increased 12.9% over the 1,506 units sold in the same time frame in 2020. The average sale price of $516,308 in the first 11 months of this year in Ahwatukee is up 23.9 percent from the same period in 2020, when the average sale price of $416,564. The dramatic year-to-date increase in the value of Ahwatukee properties continues to be fueled by incredible, demand coupled with the continuing record, low-interest rates that allow buyers to purchase homes that would be out reach if interest rates were even a few points higher. Here’s another snapshot of the Ahwatukee market between Jan. 1 and Nov. 30: • Properties over $1 million: There

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O: 480.477.8464 | D: 602.757.2171 | F: 602.445.0913 | ekinneman@lendsmartmortgate.com | www.erickkinnemanloans.com

were 75 sales with an average sale price of $1,443,576. • $600,000 to $999,999: There were 279 properties sold for an average $730,393. • $500,000 to $599,999: The 251 properties sold at an average $557,962. • $400,000 to $499,999: The 466 properties sold for an average $454,029. • $300,000 to $399,999: The 380 properties sold for an average $365,201. • Under $300,000: The 205 properties sold for an average $253,935. When we expand our search to include the Metro Phoenix area, we see similar trends. In the same Jan. 1-Nov. 30 time frame, 80,808 properties closed escrow at an average price of $529,547 – 28% higher than the average sale price of $415,136 in 2020. Metro Phoenix and Ahwatukee homeowners were hit hard by declining home values between 2007 and 2009. The current hot market is reminiscent of the market we experienced leading up to the real estate debacle. But now is not then. The numbers are showing that current demand remains incredibly high. Inventory started to increase since August. Bidding wars are now common and homes are still selling above asking prices. Mortgage interest rates have remained at record lows. Experts believe that this market will continue until buyers are forced to the sidelines because they can no longer aﬀord the escalating prices. So is there any end in sight? Will the real estate bubble burst?

In the current market, institutional buyers and speculators are buying properties virtually sight-unseen. Demand is outpacing the rate of newhome construction. In my opinion, as long as interest rates remain relatively low and demand remains high, the number of units sold and the average sale price will continue to increase in both the Ahwatukee and Metro Phoenix market. The biggest variable is the rampant increase in the rate of inflation. When this market does slow down, it will be a result of out-of-control inflation and prices surpassing the ability of buyers to aﬀord to make the payments. Most importantly – and of the most concern to me – is the increasing inflation rate. Unchecked inflation is currently the most pressing factor in the stability of the real estate market. Treasury debt levels have never been higher as economic stimulus and massive infrastructure debt increases. These factors will increase taxes, create dramatic increases in consumer costs, reduce consumer spending and put downward pressure on home prices and the volume of homes sold. So, despite the booming real estate market, inflation should be on the watchlist for all buyers and sellers as well as those contemplating getting into or out of the market. Ahwatukee resident Allen Henderson is a broker and owner of Henderson Real Estate. Reach him at 480-392-2090 or Allen@HomesAhwatukee.co ■

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

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H appy HOLIDAYS

From our family to yours,

New Year

best wishes for a fun and healthy

480.576.4411

RHouseRealty.com

1345 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 119 Phoenix, AZ 85048

YOUR HOUSE IS

R·HOUSE we value your home as if it were our own

C O N TA C T U S T O D AY.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

short-term rental operator continue to operate the property as a short-term rental since it was lawful at the time it purchased the property? Under Arizona law, an amendment may not be imposed if it unreasonably alters the nature of the governing documents. If the original governing documents contain limits or regulations on renting property in the community, the purchaser is arguably put on notice that rentals were subject to regulation in the community. Further, to the extent that the governing documents contain amendment procedures, the purchaser is also aware the governing documents could be amended at a future date. If these facts are present, the purchaser is arguably on notice that the shortterm rental property could be regulated

CANYON RESERVE

14230 S 24th Way, Phoenix

BONNY HOLLAND Ahwatukee Resident and Realtor since 1995

602.369.1085

Bonny@LeadingLuxuryExperts.com

2016 & 2017 BREA Award for Most Sales in Ahwatukee!

$980,500

SUMMERHILL

14625 S Presario Trl

1,385,000

TAPESTRY CANYON

1827 E Rocky Slope Dr, Phoenix

3318 sqft, 5 (+6) bedrooms, 4 baths

6629 sqft, 3 (+5), 3 baths

Elegant single level custom estate in the Ahwatukee Foothills hillside gated community of Summerhill.

One-of-a-kind architectural masterpiece built into the side of a mountain facing South Mountain in the Ahwatukee Foothills.

15634 S 6th Pl, Phoenix

SHADOW ROCK

$1,674,900 1532 E Silverwood Dr, Phoenix

FOOTHILLS CLUB WEST

Call for Details 405 E Mountain Sage, Phoenix 4082 sqft 5 bedrooms, 4 baths

Gorgeous Home with magnificent views on 2/3 acre overlooking the Valley.

This home is on 1/3 acre lot in one of the best and most sought after locations in the Foothills at the base of South Mountain.

Each Keller Williams Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Meghann Holland:

Meghann@LeadingLuxuryExperts.com 480-241-4976 Transaction Coordinator

$1,299,000

4525 sqft. 5 (+7) bedrooms, 4.5 baths

www.LeadingLuxuryExperts.com

Dave Cox:

Dave@LeadingLuxuryExperts.com 509-869-0358 Team Leader

$2,650,000

Beautiful home in privately gated prestigious Community of Diamond Ridge II on a 13,000+ sqft lot.

14261 S Canyon Dr, Phoenix

$1,199,000

#1 AGENT IN AHWATUKEE CLOSED VOLUME 2020

NEW LISTING

This true Custom Home located in the beautiful gated community of Canyon Reserve is a must see!

needed to have a balanced market and in Ahwatukee, the supply of homes is less

4068 sqft, 4 (+7) bedrooms, 3.5 baths

EAGLE RIDGE

3439 sqft, 3 (+5) bedrooms, 3 baths

We continue to run in a strong seller’s market. A 6-month supply of homes is

than one month. The number of luxury homes sold in 2021 is four times the number sold in 2019, as is the total volume sold. After the strong market in 2021, 2022 is also expected to be a strong market – especially for sellers. While property values will not grow the 32% we saw in 2021, experts agree that an increase of 10%-12% is a reasonable growth prediction. Please reach out for advice on how the real estate market in 2022 will impact you and your family. Contact Bonny Holland for a conversation about what is right for you and your family in this market. bonny@leadingluxuryexperts.com 602-369-1085. ■

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

see GOTTLIEB page RE7

DIAMOND RIDGE 2

SOLD

ationally, Phoenix has been one of the hottest real estate markets in the nation. This has translated into more homes being sold, very quickly and for a lot more money. The growth in property values, from September 2019 through September 2021 is as follows: 2019: 5.3% 2020: 12% 2021: 32% This market has been fueled by incredible demand and an extremely limited supply of homes for sale.

SALE PENDING

Leading Luxury Home Experts

BY BONNY HOLLAND AFN Guest Writer

SOLD

rentals from operating, homeowner associations can prohibit short-term rentals through the governing documents (i.e., covenants, conditions & restrictions or CC&Rs that encumber the HOA properties. This can be accomplished through an amendment to the CC&Rs that unequivocally prohibits leasing HOA properties for a short duration. While the current law appears to provide clarity on the issue, a common question that arises is how a court might resolve the scenario where a purchaser purchases property in a HOA and begins utilizing the property as a short-term rental. At the time of purchase, the governing documents do not prohibit shortterm rentals. Later, however, the community passes a lawful amendment, amending the governing documents to outlaw short-term rentals. The question becomes, can the

SOLD

rizona is known as a business-friendly state. A few years back, Gov. Doug Ducey signed into law state legislation prohibiting towns and cities from enacting codes or ordinances that prohibit a property owner from operating a short-term rental. This law is viewed favorably by investors who wish to purchase property and utilize the property as a short-term rental. Over the past decade, short-term rentals (properties that house guests rent for very short periods of time) have soared in popularity in Arizona. The reasons for the surge include (1) the potential ability for investors to make more money through rental income than a traditional lease, and (2) increased demand by guests who prefer to

rent out a house for a few days rather than stay at traditional lodging such as a hotel. In Arizona and elsewhere, short-term rentals are controversial and the debate surrounding short- term rentals tends to be polarized. On one end of the spectrum are people who strongly favor short-term rentals. These people are typically investors and favor short-term rentals because they are more profitable for the owner of the property. Also, people tend to like short-term rentals because they offer an innovative approach to lodging. On the other end of the spectrum are people who strongly dislike short-term rentals. From their perspective, shortterm rentals cause nuisance-like issues that include (1) excessive noise, (2) excessive litter and garbage, and (3) lowering of overall neighborhood reputation. While Arizona state law prohibits cities and towns from prohibiting short-term

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Ahwatukee home values likely to keep rising in 2022

Short-term rentals and grandfathered rights in HOAs BY BEN GOTTLIEB AFN Guest Writer

REAL ESTATE

DECEMBER 22, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

SOLD

REAL ESTATE

COMING SOON

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FAMILY RUN TEAM

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

re6

SPO OTLIGHT home

Circle G at Riggs Ranch

Estate living with refined tranquility in this exquisite setting. Meticulous stonework adorns entire exterior of this luxury home. Inviting entry opens to diagonally laid tile with granite inlays and dramatic wooden staircase. Formal dining room with stacked stone fireplace. Gourmet kitchen features granite countertops, large island, Subzero refrigerator, and Wolf gas cooktop with double ovens. Fireplace and wet bar in great room. Floor plan boasts seven bedrooms, playroom and large game room. Expansive master suite includes large sitting area with two-way fireplace, crown molding, separate walk-in closets and spacious bathroom. Three custom iron doors lead to massive covered patio with pavers, built-in barbeque, heated pool with waterfall and slide, gorgeous landscaping with fruit trees and koi pond. Large secondary bedrooms. Oversized laundry room with sink, granite countertops, cabinetry and room for a refrigerator. Additional upgrades throughout include 8’ solid core doors, speakers, surround sound in numerous locations, designer paint and exterior security cameras. Three masonry fireplaces. Anderson windows installed six years ago on entire first level. Four Trane a/c units with variable speed. Over-sized side entry four car garage. Availability to park an RV in the back as long as a garage is built for it. Over 7,000 square feet of stone on exterior. Almost acre-sized lot affords complete privacy.

Listed for $1,790,000

SOLD!

Mike Mendoza 480.706.7234 www.MendozaTeam.com

kw SONORAN LIVING ®

KELLER WILLIAMS® REALTY

ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING LOTS AVAILABLE IN AHWATUKEE!!

405 E MOUNTAIN SAGE DR, PHOENIX

FOOTHILLS CLUB WEST FEATURED LISTING 4082 sqft. 5 bedrooms, 4 baths This home is on 1/3 acre lot in one of the best and most sought after locations in the Foothills at the base of South Mountain.

Listed for $1,299,000

LOCATED IN FOOTHILLS MOUNTAIN RANCH ESTATES!! OVER 5 ACRE HILLSIDE LOT WITH STUNNING MOUNTAIN VIEWS FROM EVERY DIRECTION•BUILD YOUR DREAM CUSTOM ESTATE OR BUILD MULTIPLE HOMES ON THIS SIGHT•ZONED R3*THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS ON THIS RARE OPPORTUNITY•THERE IS NOT ANOTHER PIECE OF LAND IN AHWATUKEE THAT OFFERS THIS MANY BUILDABLE ACRES•NO HOA•LOCATED AT THE END OF A CUL-DE-SAC•BE THE KING OF THE HILL WITH VIEWS ALL THE WAY TO FOUR PEAKS•PLANS AVAILABLE AND OTHER CUSTOM HOME OPTIONS AVAILABLE FROM A WELL KNOW AHWATUKEE CUSTOM HOME BUILDER*DO NOT MISS THIS AMAZING HILLSIDE LOT IN AN AMAZING LOCATION!!!!

SONORAN LIVING

KELLER WILLIAMS® REALTY

Bonny Holland

602.369.1085 • www.LeadingLuxuryExperts.com

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

REAL ESTATE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

First-timers willing to spend more on homes GOTTLIEB AFN NEWS SERVICES

irst-time homebuyers are getting fed up with losing bidding wars—and many are taking steps to become more competitive in this cutthroat housing market, whatever it takes. Instead of giving up, more aspiring homeowners, who have been steadily saving money during the COVID-19 pandemic, are willing to spend more on a home and offer more than the asking price in their quest to become homeowners, according to a recent Realtor.com survey. “First-time homebuyers internalized how competitive the real estate market has been this year and have been willing to adjust their budgets, strategies, and expectations,” said George Ratiu, manager of economic research at Realtor.com. “Low mortgage interest rates have allowed first-time homebuyers to stretch their budgets,” he added. “And many firsttime homebuyers who have been able to work remotely have been able to save a little more for a down payment.” Of the more than a quarter of would-be

480-706-7234 ! LD O S

first-time buyers who haven’t closed on a home this year, nearly three-quarters plan to keep trying. More than 9 in 10 first-time buyers plan to offer more than 20% down, when possible, and check online listings daily to make themselves more competitive. Many are also willing to pay more to become homeowners. The number of folks looking for homes in the $500,000 to $750,000 range more than doubled from 6% in the spring to 13% in the fall. Meanwhile, fewer folks were seeking properties priced below $350,000, dropping from 75% of first-time buyers to 62%. Despite rapidly rising prices, nearly a third of these buyers are now willing to offer 30% over the list price of a home, compared with none in the spring when Realtor.com conducted a similar survey. Offering that much can add more than $110,000 to the price of the typical home. “Many of these first-time homebuyers have gone through multiple failed bidding wars,” said Ratiu. “As a result, they’re willing to pay significantly over asking to win.” As the pandemic drags on, millennials are increasingly seeking out more flex-

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

! LD O S

! W NE

D! L SO

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

Sanctuary

Fox Crossing ! LD O S

4BR / 2 BA / 2,036 SQFT Updated single level with pool plus 2020 AC, water heater, dishwasher and flooring.

! LD O S

San Tan Ranch

Listed for $1,950,000

4 BR / 3.5 BA / 3,860 SQFT Superb single level with travertine patio and fenced Pebble Tec pool with water feature.

Listed for $1,250,000

Listed for $563,000

Listed for $675,000

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

Listed For $650,000

UDC build on oversized cul-de-sac lot with newer AC units and hardwood flooring.

Sierra Canyon

If you have any questions, you can contact Ben Gottlieb at ben@mandglawgroup.com or call 602-533-2840. ■

Beautiful remodel with pebble pool and spa in ideal Chandler location.

Listed for $1,790,000

5 BR / 2.5 BA / 3,156 SQFT

4 BR / 2.5 BA / 3,008 SQFT

from page RE5

through a subsequent amendment to the governing documents, and that the purchaser could have anticipated further restrictions within the scope of the governing document’s regulations. In other words, the new short-term rental prohibition will apply to the purchaser and the purchaser will not have “grandfathered” short-term rental rights. On the other hand, to the extent the amendment unreasonably alters the nature of the governing documents, the purchaser arguably will have “grandfathered” rights and be able to continue to operate the short-term rental. This conclusion is even more strong if the original governing documents did not reasonably put the purchaser on notice that a subsequent amendment could prohibit shortterm rentals. In all cases, it is important to review the HOA’s governing documents prior to purchase property in a HOA to fully understand one’s legal rights and obligations.

Ahwatukee’s #1 Team for Over 30 Years 7BR / 4.5 BA / 8,873 SQFT

Circle G at Riggs Ranch

ible space that they can use for multiple purposes, such as finished basements, guestrooms, and guesthouses, which can pull double or even triple duty, according to the survey. With folks spending more time at home, buyers have been looking for homes with spaces for things like offices, gyms, and online learning if a child’s school goes remote. However, nearly two years into the pandemic, they’re not as willing to relocate to get all of that extra space. About 47% planned to stay in their current towns and cities in the fall compared with 40% in the spring. Just 16% planned to move out of state. “Most people who wanted to move have moved by now,” said Ratiu. Many companies bringing workers back to the office, or planning to in the new year, could also deter some folks from uprooting. Plus, many farther-out and smaller cities became less affordable as the pandemic dragged on. “For many people, the place where they’re living is attractive and suits their lifestyle,” Ratiu added. Realtor.com provided this report.

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Monte Vista

REAL ESTATE

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

Ahwatukee Custom Estates

$1,375,000

SOLD!

Pristine & classy single-level gated tuscan estate! stunning curb appeal w/amazing south mountain views. Grand foyer, entertainment room w/full wetbar & scotsman icemaker, formal dining, family room w/canterra fireplace, kitchen incs :slab granite,alder cabinets,s/s wolf appliances,gas cooktop,miele dishwasher,copper sinks,island, & subzero, most amazing custom stonework ever seen in ahwatukee consisting of marble,canterra,travertine, & granite, large master ste w/sitting area & 2 separate full baths, his/her alder & cedar lined closets, guest suite-2nd master w/ensuite bath & courtyard, extremely private backyard w/covered patio, pebbletec pool w/waterfalls, firepots, firepit, grassy play area, & fully equipped outdoor kitchen, fruit trees inc: apple, orange, lemon, & lime, this dream estate has it all!

Calabrea

SOLD!

$1,339,000

Ahwatukee Custom Estates $1,750,000

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!!

SOLD! Foothills Club West $799,000

Mountain Park Ranch $679,000

Canyon Verde $899,000

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 one is a show stopper!!! over 4200sqft of luxury on a preserve hillside lot in a cul-de-sac, 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath with andThis previewed with 24family hourroom notice andkitchen appointment only. aentertaining. bonus room, formalCan living &be dining room w/soaring ceilings, w/fireplace, includes:s/s appliances,

SOLD! The best view lot in all of club west!!! this stunning custom gated estate in canyon verde has the best privacy & views you will find in ahwatukee*grand foyer*formal living & dining room*executive office*kitchen includes: custom cabinets w/ antiquing, s/s appliances, cooktop, island, breakfast bar, pendant lighting, & walk-in pantry*butler’s pantry w/wine fridge*family room w/fireplace*upgraded fixtures throughout*large master suite w/sitting area*master bath w/jetted tub, snail shower, & spacious closet*guest suite w/separate entrance*all secondary bedrooms are large*paradise perfect backyard w/covered patio, pebbletec pool & spa, firepit, built-in bbq, flagstone, and putting green*oversized garage w/epoxy & built-in cabinets*this custom estate is a dream opportunity! welcome to paradise!!

slab granite, island, & recessed led lights, breakfast nook, gigantic master bedroom with the most amazing preserve views, custom master bath w/walk-in shower, freestanding tub, his/her vanities, & large walk-in closet, all bedrooms are extremely large with walk-in closets, views from every room, laundry room w/built-in cabinets & sink, extended length 3 car garage w/ epoxy, guest bedroom downstairs, paradise backyard w/covered patio, grassy play area, firepit, & custom new pool & jacuzzi 2020, this amazing home is truly stunning and checks all of the boxes!!

www.GenoRoss.com Donna Leeds

�

TOP GRI, ABR REALTOR

949.310.5673

lf"fl!

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!!! Immaculate single level home located in club west on a premium lot, paradise views of south mountain, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, plus executive office and loaded with upgrades, formal living room, formal dining room, family room w/wetbar, builtin media center, & fireplace, kitchen includes:s/s appliances, corian counters, large island, gas cooktop, 42’cabinets, recessed & pendant lighting, breakfast nook, neutral paint & carpet, stone look tile flooring, plantation shutters, large master suite with views, master bath w/dual vanities,glass block walk-in shower w/travertine & mosaics, new exterior paint, paradise oasis backyard with pebbletec pool,waterfall, palm trees, covered patio,extensive decking, built-in bbq, grassy play area, & endless views, patio furniture included, this is the home you have been waiting for!

Ahwatukee Agent 2020

Geno Ross

602.751.2121

wwwBestAgentWUSA.com

Making Ahwatukee

Home Dreams Come True Since 1986

hwatukee s Come True 1986

www.WestUSA.com I 480.893.0600

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

Ahwatukee Country Club

Lakewood

SOLD!

$635,000

2,498 Sq Ft. EXCEPTIONAL HOME Which Has One of the LARGEST LOTS in the Premier Lakewood Community! PEBBLETEC POOL and SPA in your own Oasis backyard! 4 bedrooms 3 baths with Lakewood Parks, Greenbelts & 2 Fishing Lakes, Playgrounds and More.

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

SOLD!

$400,000

$465,000

$580,000

Fantastic 3 bedroom, 2 bath single-level property! Inside you will find an inviting Living Room and Dining Room, Wood Floors, New Carpet in all the right places, and Tile Floors. Kitchen is fully equipped w/Granite Counters, SS Appliances, Spacious Pantry & Breakfast Bar. Spacious primary bedroom comes w/large closet, patio access, & private bathroom. Relax under the Huge Covered patio & enjoy the easy-care backyard.

Marty Griffin 602-692-7653 martygriffin@q.com

Custom home on flat 3.3 acres with horse arena and room to roam. City water! Custom Santa Fe style 4 bedroom with tons of upgrades. Travertine tile galore, family room and other bedrooms also have tile. Kitchen has been upgraded with quartz counter tops, white cabinets and all stainless steel appliances convey. Custom doors and woodwork throughout home. Also, lots of tile work in bathrooms and other upgrades. Over $30,000 spent on upgraded doors and windows.

Donna Leeds

GRI, ABR

949.310.5673

$420,000

PENDING!

Welcome to Tempe! 3 bedroom 2 bath, 1,553 square feet. Just steps to Campbell Park and minutes away from Shopping, Restaurants, the 10 and 202 freeways. close to public transportation. Spacious Master bedroom with walk in closet and direct access to the back yard. Vaulted Ceilings. Kitchen breakfast nook opens to a spacious living room. Additional family room. Tile throughout and carpet in all bedrooms. Plenty of room for the children and walking distance to school.

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

Thunderbird Farms South

Fantastic 2 bed- 2bath + Bonus Room, Great location near restaurants, shopping spots, & ON Ahwatukee Golf Club. Cozy front porch perfect to enjoy your morning coffee. Inside you will find an inviting living room, wood-look floors, carpet in all the right places, an impressive brick fireplace in family room, & vaulted ceilings. Kitchen fully equipped w/granite counters, pendant lighting, SS appliances, & breakfast bar. Spacious primary bedroom comes w/large closets, patio access, & private bathroom. Amazing Arizona room & screened-in patio are excellent for your gatherings. Relax under the covered patio & enjoy the easy-care backyard w/large shade tree. A deal like this won’t last long. New Roof + 55K in upgra

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 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 and entertaining. Can be previewed with 24 hour notice and appointment only.

Sierra Tempe

Ahwatukee Adult

�

Donna Leeds

lf"fl!

GRI, ABR

lf"fl!

wwwBestAgentWUSA.com

Foothills Reserve

$599,900

�

949.310.5673

wwwBestAgentWUSA.com

Carlos Martinez 480-751-8866 teammartinez11@gmail.com

Cays Pavilion

SOLD!

DESIRABLE 5 BEDROOM 3 BATH HOME IN THE VISTAS IN FOOTHILLS RESERVE. New Front Door. Soaring Ceilings in Entry & Living Areas. Lovely Kitchen W/ Cherry Staggered Cabinets, Beautiful Granite Counter tops & Nice-size Island. Open Kitchen to Family W/ Warm & Inviting Stone Fireplace. 1 Bedroom & 1 Full Bath Downstairs. Travertine Tile, 2’’ Wood Blinds, Bidet in Master Bath, Classy Closets in Master Closet. Balcony Off of Master. Custom Floor to Ceiling Garage Cabinets. Relaxing Backyard W/ Mountain Views, Diving Pool, Large Covered Patio and Cool Deck that was Recently Redone. Community Walking Path & Close to South Mountain Hiking Trails!

Geri Thompson 480-239-7589 thompson_geralyn@yahoo.com

$515,000

Mountain Park Ranch

SOLD!

Come check out this gorgeous remodeled home in Ahwatukee that has it all! Soaring vaulted ceilings greet you as you enter to find the formal living & dining rooms. The porcelain tile floors lead you into a remodeled kitchen featuring white shaker cabinets and granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The kitchen leads into a large family room overlooking the perfect size play pool with a brand new variable speed pump, artificial turf and pavers. Upstairs you’ll find 3 generous sized bedrooms and a loft perfect for an office or movie room.

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

SOLD!

$495,000

3,250 sq ft. 5 bedroom, 3 baths! 3 car garage, short walk to the huge HOA pool and top-rated Kyrene Monte Vista. Large kitchen with multiple living areas, nice front/ afternoonshaded patio, in a family-friendly cul-de-sac. Plantation shutters, new plumbing, one newer AC on a split-system, newer interior paint and flooring.

Link Paffenbarger 602-989-7221 linkpaff@gmail.com

BUSINESS

Business AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Millions spent in Valley apartment complex sales BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

nvestors are seeing a gold mine in Valley apartment complexes. One of the most recent examples occurred last month when three Mesa apartment complexes sold for a total of more than $354.5 million in a series of deals over two days with one selling for nearly three times the price paid for it four years earlier. In Ahwatukee, the Adante Apartments at 48th Street and Chandler Boulevard sold in January to MG Properties Group of San Diego for $145.3 million – well above the $85.3 million that Security Properties Residential of Seattle paid for it in 2017, according to Valley real estate tracker vizzda.com. While the activity of large investment groups in the single-family housing mar-

The Adante Apartments in Ahwatukee sold for $145 million in January – $40 million more than the seller paid for the sprawling complex in 2017. (Special to AFN) ket has been widely publicized as a major driver of the double-digit increases in Valley home prices, their interest in multifamily complexes also has risen sharply

– especially in Maricopa County, where thousands of out-of-state residents are coming to live. That feeding frenzy is fueled by several

factors that all spell one thing for renters: “There’s more money than ever betting that apartment rents are heading to new heights,” Bloomburg.com reported, citing a Real Capital Analytics report that investors spent $53 billion on multifamily real estate nationally in just the second quarter of 2021 alone. The Ahwatukee deal involved a massive 578-unit complex comprising 32 three-story buildings on 25 acres. The $145.3 million sale price represented a $5.7 million per-acre price, or $284.84 per square foot or $252,170 for each of the 408 one-bedroom and 168 two-bedroom apartments. The $40 million profit margin in that deal was nearly twice the profit made when Security Properties bought it in 2017 for $85.3 million, five years after the

see APARTMENTS page 28

Corporate world got under aesthetician’s skin AFN NEWS STAFF

s she started this century, Darla Hoffman was ready for a change. The Ohio native moved to Ahwatukee in 2000 and a year later, left the corporate world, where she had been in human resources and recruiting and opted for a world where she considers everyone who walks through her door her boss. She got her licenses for massage and aesthetics and broke into the industry working in medspas, health clubs, fitness centers, chiropractic offices, laser clinics. “But I really wanted to be on my own,” said Hoffman, who in 2006 opened Apeeling Faces at 3936 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee, inside the Signature Salon Studios. “I was so tired of the corporate world and was always very into health and wellness on a personal level,” Hoffman explained. “I loved getting massages and was very interested in corrective skin care. I never looked at those things as lux-

Apeeling Faces owner Darla Hoffman of Ahwatukee started her massage-aesthetics business after tiring of the corporate world. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer) ury, always saw them as a necessity and I still do.” A PCA Skin-certified professional, Hoffman provides a wide range of aesthetic

services as well as therapeutic massages. “I really care about making a difference and making my clients happy,” she said. “I work for them. Essentially they are my

employer and I want them to be 100-percent satisfied. I love when people tell me how they got a compliment on their skin after seeing me, or that they feel so much less tension in their muscles since they have been coming in.” Like many solo business owners whose livelihood involves close contact with customers, the pandemic had imposed a harsh penalty on Hoffman, forcing her to close her business last year for two months. “I was really scared of the unknown mostly, closing without any idea of when I could reopen,” Hoffman recalled. “And I was concerned about the industry, since it’s so hands-on and up close and personal. Once I reopened, I wore a mask but clients really couldn’t if I was doing a peel on their face.” Fortunately, most of her regulars eventually returned “and were so incredibly generous and supportive especially when

see DARLA page 29

BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

Ahwatukee PA says hair loss another pandemic ill AFN NEWS STAFF

s if all the ills the pandemic has visited on people aren’t enough, there’s a new one that Ahwatukee Skin & Laser founder/owner Sarah Neumann, PA, is seeing: hair loss. According to Neumann, many of her patients are seeing their tresses fall victim to the stressors of COVID-19. “Telogen effluvium is a medical condition caused by stressful events that can cause severe hair shedding. While shedding hair is a very normal part of your hair’s growth cycle, excessive shedding is not,” she said. “Emotional or physical trauma, pregnancy, fever, hospitalization and illness, can reset your hair from the growing stage to the shedding stage,” Neumann said. “Patients recovering from COVID-19, even those caring for someone with the virus, often report significant hair loss.” While during the normal hair cycle individuals may lose about 50 to 100 hairs per day, someone suffering from telogen

APARTMENTS from page 27

previous owner paid $61.1 million, vizzda data showed. In Mesa, the three biggest multifamily complex transactions occurred between Nov. 29-30 and involved one of the West’s major real estate investment companies, Los Angeles-based Tides Equities. “We specialize in well-located, ClassB and Core Plus multifamily real estate with high value-add upside,” the company boasts on its website, promising to bring “institutional grade acquisitions acumen and operational efficiency across all realms of multifamily real estate.” Tides Equities demonstrated that acumen Nov. 29 when it sold a property it bought four years ago for $47.2 million to another investment group for $137 million, according to vizzda. The following day, Tides Equities bought two Mesa complexes for a total $217.5 million. Tides’ sale of the Midtown on Main Street Apartments in the 2100 block of W. Main Street was the fifth time the 472-

effluvium m i g h t lose over 300 hairs a day resulting in a noticeable thinning of the hair. To find help, Neum a n n SARAH NEUMANN, PA suggests people seek a dermatologist to determine the cause of the hair loss and rule out any possible underlying medical conditions. Aging, hormonal changes due to menopause and pregnancy, thyroid and auto-immune disorders, diseases such as diabetes and lupus, scalp infections, reactions to chemotherapy drugs and poor nutrition all factor into hair loss, pointed out. Other conditions causing hair loss include androgenic alopecia, a genetic condition that can affect both men and women.

unit complex changed hands since 2005, vizzda’s records show. Built in 1985 on 18.7 acres, Midtown first sold in 2005 for $20.5 million. Tides sold the property to KKR & Co., a New York City-based global investment company that manages a wide variety of assets that include real estate and energy. That deal represented a sale price of $344 a square foot and $290,254 for each of its 186 one-bedroom apartments and 286 two-bedroom units. While it sold Midtown, Tides paid $133.25 million for the Tides at Mesa in the 2000 block of E. Broadway Road at S. Acacia Avenue, a 35-year-old complex on nearly 23 acres that had been owned by IMT Superstition Vista LLC, a subsidiary of IMT Residential, which owns and manages more than 17,000 apartments across the country. The Tides at Mesa sale, at $318 a square foot, represented a per-unit price of $287,176 for each of the complex’s 464 apartments. Tides also bought from IMT the Tides

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Men with this condition, also referred to as male pattern baldness, can begin noticing hair loss as early as their teens or early 20s. It also impacts approximately half of all women sometime during their lifetime which can affect them both socially and psychologically, said Neumann. Alopecia areata, another condition, can start suddenly creating patchy hair. This condition may result in complete baldness but for most people their hair will eventually return. To combat hair loss, the former registered dietician suggests that patients make sure they are getting adequate nutrition, including proteins such as eggs, and add dietary supplements including Biotin. There are also new medical options available to encourage hair growth and increase the thickness of the hair. One innovative treatment being offered at her practice is PRP, platelet-rich plasma, to target hair loss. Neumann said PRP is a three-step medical treatment in which a person’s blood is drawn, processed, and then injected into the scalp.

on Southern at Gilbert Road and Southern Avenue on Nov. 30, paying $84.25 million – or $337 a square foot – for a 306unit complex that was built in 1984 on 15 acres. The sale represented a per-unit price of $275,326. Tides has called attention on its website to its expansion in Phoenix, boasting of more than 50 acquisitions in the Phoenix Metro market. “Tides has remained active in the Phoenix market over the past couple of years. This year alone, we have acquired 19 properties in the Phoenix MSA, which accounts for approximately $1.2 billion in transaction volume,“ Sean Kia, co-founder and principal at Tides Equities, told MultiHousing News a week before the three Mesa transactions. It also told the industry newsletter, “Favorable market conditions continue to drive demand across the Greater Phoenix area. … The robust population growth is not only supporting rent increases, but also luring in investors.” “Tides continues to believe in the short-

PRP injections trigger natural hair growth by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle to help thicken the hair shaft and has been a highly effective treatment for COVID and stress induced hair loss, she said. “None of us can completely reduce the stress in our lives, especially with an outside event such as the pandemic, but we can all take steps to increase our health and well-being,” Neumann added. “Selfcare, including scalp massages, can help. Massaging your scalp for three to four minutes a few times a day will increase circulation and may stimulate hair growth.” The practice, located at 4425 E. Agave Road Building 9, Suite 148, is open Monday through Friday and is accepting new patients. Urgent care appointments are available on Wednesdays from 12-1 p.m., and on Thursdays from 7-8 a.m. Ahwatukee Skin & Laser has been a multiple year award-winner for Best Skin Care, Best Practice, Best PA and in other categories in local polls since 2010. Information: 480-704-7546 or ahwatukeeskincare.com. ■ and long-term growth of Phoenix as it is forecasted to lead the nation in job growth over the coming years and is further aided by the accelerating demand by millennials and generation Z to relocate to cities within the Sun Belt,“ said Tides Co-founder and Principal Ryan Andrade. Multi-Housing News reported Phoenix isn’t the only market where Tides is aggressively courting complexes, noting it has acquired a string of sites in Las Vegas for more than $313 million. The newsletter added that Tides has acquired more than 80 complexes in the West in the last five years. Part of the rising interest in apartment complexes, Bloomberg noted involves a move by real estate investors from offices, hotels and malls, which it said “fared poorly in the pandemic.” “The influx of money has pushed prices higher and forced private equity firms to behave like the aggressive homebuyers in the frenzied housing market,” Bloomberg

see APARTMENTS page 29

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

DARLA from page 27

I first reopened,” she said. “I can’t even express how appreciative I am to have such a wonderful client base,” she said. “Some clients just still aren’t comfortable coming back and I completely respect that too, though. I do keep everything sanitized and follow CDC guidelines.”

APARTMENTS from page 28

berg said. “Some investors are frustrated by current prices for apartment buildings. But many are raising their bids, waiving inspections and promising to close fast, with rising rents driving a flurry of deals.” It quoted one investment activist as stating: “That’s what happens in a white-hot market. Some of them will sharpen the pencil on the next one and get a little more aggressive because they need to deploy that capital.”

She also is grateful that she has “got quite a few new clients after reopening, which was great and I would love to see more new clients.” But there are challenges with her business that aren’t directly related to the pandemic, she said. Asked what the biggest of those are, Hoffman replied, “I think getting people to

According to a number of analysts, the interest in apartment complexes also is being fueled by soaring home prices that have especially impacted first-time homebuyers and aging baby boomers anxious to downsize. Large investors also aren’t just looking at apartment complexes for the long-term benefit of a steady revenue stream that rent delivers. The Cromford Report, which closely watches the Phoenix Metro housing market, noted that large investors also are

make time for themselves and make wellness a priority. I’ve always been of the philosophy to be good to yourself. “With skin care too, people want immediate dramatic results and it doesn’t work that way. Whether its anti-aging or acne or dark spots, it takes a few months to start to see results, but then its constant and consistent once you commit to a regimen. I compare it

buying single-family homes in bulk – and not turning them over for resale. Instead, the Cromford Report noted, “investors are extremely interested in purchasing single-family homes in Phoenix. The receipts from rents are rising faster than anywhere else in the country. “Rents are rising because there are more people wanting to rent than there are rental properties. Many families are starting to see single-family rentals as preferable to apartments or condo-style rentals. This effect is probably supported by living

conditions during a pandemic. “While this continues, we can expect investor demand to remain robust, which in turn prevents the market cooling down as it would if ordinary home buyers were the only source of demand.” Manage Case, a company that manages apartment complexes, echoed that lure of rent for investors. “There is little to support any prediction other than rising rent prices,” it said. “Those hoping for a lull in the rising price trend will likely be disappointed.” ■

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to working out, if you stop working out, you will eventually lose your results.” A frequent Best of Ahwatukee winner, Hoffman also was the Palo Verde Business Woman of the Year Award Winner for the Ahwatukee Chamber of Commerce in 2015. To learn more about her services: apeelingfaces.com or 480-540-7555. ■

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

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We need to change the perception of blindness BY DAVID STEINMETZ AFN Guest Writer

am one of the fortunate few Americans who are blind to be gainfully employed. National statistics indicate 70% of individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities are unemployed. I have faced and overcome obstacles, many of which could have led me to become a statistic. Some of these obstacles were self-imposed, but the majority were those stereotypes, misconceptions, and generalizations of the capabilities of people who are blind, by others. As a young man, I was working my way up in a small manufacturing company. Then, like out of the blue, the darkness fell upon me... I had become legally blind. When informing my employer of my situation, as soon as the words left my mouth,

the owner saw me as a liability. My new degree and past work experience got me in front of a lot of hiring managers, unfortunately I was not able to “seal-the-deal.” I truly believe these employers were making a fear-based decision based on my disability. A study conducted by National Industries for the Blind (NIB) indicates that 54% of hiring managers believe that there are zero jobs within their organization that a person who is blind could be successful at. Our perception of the world around us not only comes from our senses, but is also influenced by our expectations. These expectations or “prior beliefs,” are generally derived from family values, cultural norms and our past experiences. So, when a candidate who is blind walks into an interview and the hiring manager

has no past experience with blindness, then the expectation is that this person is not qualified. As the Public Relations Manager at Arizona Industries for the Blind, I share my story in hopes of, “changing the perception of blindness; one conversation at a time.” I challenge the business community to give people who are blind or visually impaired the opportunity to prove that with the proper training and technology, a person who is blind can compete and be successful in the workplace. Arizona Industries for the Blind is a role model in the community – hiring people who are blind based on their abilities, not disabilities. AIB empowers people who are blind to achieve their highest goals and aspirations through meaningful employment. Alongside the assistive technology, AIB

utilizes industry standard applications to manage day to day operations throughout the organization. People who are blind or visually impaired add diversity and social responsibility to businesses by offering fresh perspectives and ideas on how to accomplish tasks and implement strategies. And we are loyal: According to a “study of 8,500 persons with disabilities in competitive employment – this group has a nearly 85% job-retention rate after one year as measured by companies like DuPont and Sears who measure retention rates,” the Arizona Department of Economic Security says.

vehicle tax credit – with the supposed aim of increasing the amount of EVs on the road. Instead of applying to any of the 50plus road-ready EVs sold in the U.S., the new tax credit is applicable to just a handful of union-built vehicles most prominent in the Midwest. Many popular EV models will not enjoy the benefits of this tax credit, despite their potential for expanding the market. The goal of any proposed EV tax credit should be improving and diversifying and encouraging companies to invest in producing electric vehicles – not benefiting a concentrated group of workers at the expense of jobs here in Mesa and across our state. Arizona has made a big bet on EVs. This

has allowed our state to become a desirable home for manufacturing facilities, like ElectraMeccanica’s plant in the Mesa region, and leading to good-paying, nonunion Arizona jobs. This biased tax credit threatens the EV economy we’ve built in favor of special interest groups. International automakers with nonunion U.S. manufacturing facilities sell popular EV brands. These companies, as well as auto dealers who sell their EVs, support nearly 700,000 American jobs. In Arizona, there are over 160 dealers that support nearly 14,000 jobs. There is no good argument for why these jobs should be penalized – not when the aim of the tax credit, accelerating EV adoption, will in fact result in the opposite by limit-

ing consumer choice. Any legislation dealing with EV adoption should be for incentivizing a bigger, more diverse EV market. That will not only break our dependence on foreign energy, but also provide the benefit of protecting Arizona jobs. It’s not too late. Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema can protect Arizona’s growing EV market by pushing Congress to amend the proposed EV tax credit so that it applies to all qualifying, road-ready EVs. It is the right thing for Arizona.

The author is a spokesman for Arizona Industries for the Blind. Reach him at 623 233-2337882 or dsteinmetz@azifb. com. ■

Proposed tax credit threatens growing EV economy here BY JEFF DIAL AFN Guest Writer

arlier this year, Canadian vehicle maker ElectraMeccanica announced it would construct an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing facility in Mesa, with plans to build 20,000 EVs per year. These locally built cars will provide as many as 500 jobs and help move us closer to a net-zero carbon future. Disappointingly, a tax provision in Congress’s budget reconciliation legislation could prevent our community from realizing the full economic potential this plant and EVs have to offer. Congress is considering a new electric

Got s? New

Jeff Dial is a former Arizona state senator and representative, whose district covered Ahwatukee and parts of the East Valley. ■

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

OPINION

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

Only in America do we fight over holiday cheer BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist

t the risk of being politically incorrect in the extreme, there’s an old English insult known as “the Chinese curse” – though apparently no one can actually track it back to originating in China. Anyway, the idea is, the most pleasant times in life are often dull and free of drama. So the curse goes, “May you live in interesting times.” That we live in times more interesting than any in the last 2,000 years was driven home for me the other night when I had post-golf beers with a few friends and our gathering degenerated into hard feelings over one fellow wishing another who was about to depart, “Happy holidays.” The guy being wished well stopped a step from the table. He made a facial expression like something was putrid. “You mean Christmas?” He gave out a

theatrical snort. “If that’s what you mean, why not say it? Merry %$*ing Christmas.” The well-wisher looked one part astonished and one part homicidal. “You’re kidding me, right? You’re bent out of shape because I wished you happy holidays?” What became apparent from the beery argument that ensued is that – as with everything else in our culture today – Americans appear to be entrenched in several camps over the subject of season’s greetings. Towards the more “woke” end of the political spectrum, it’s deemed appropriate to make every effort to be inclusive. Thus, phrases like “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Hanukkah” are considered offensive, on the off-chance the person being spoken to does not celebrate the holiday in question. Among many conservatives, meanwhile, it appears that sayings like “Merry Christmas” are a badge of honor – sort of like a “Let’s Go Brandon” for the holidays. Despite the fact that some people may be offended when you say it, you say it anyway, and you

do so proudly, because saying things that offend some people apparently brands you as a member of the cool kids’ club. Then there’s the third group of people, to which I belong. My guess is, this group comprises approximately nine out of 10 Americans with an IQ above, say, room temperature – at the North Pole. In an igloo. In mid-winter. Members of this group don’t take pride in actively offending people, nor are we offended when people make a sincere effort to wish us a “Merry Christmas” or any other sort of good day. If the holiday in question happens to be one we don’t celebrate, we give the person credit for trying and we say something clever in response. Like, “Thanks! You too!” We handle situations like this in stride because we prefer not to spend our time on Earth policing holiday greetings, or arguing over minutiae. Not that we’re averse to arguments, understand. But we prefer to save our fighting for

truly earth-shattering topics, like whether “Breaking Bad” was a better series than “The Sopranos” (by a smidge) or which Valley community has the worst drivers (Apache Junction during snowbird season, hands down). In our world, a phrase like “Happy Holidays,” isn’t linguistic code for anything other than a genuine wish that the recipient enjoy the time period between late November (the beginning of Hanukkah this year) and late December to early January (which includes Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s). For us, being in the holiday spirit also means cutting our friends and kind strangers a little bit of slack. To recap: If we meet each other, feel free to wish me season’s greetings, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or whatever floats your boat. When you live in interesting times, you take your merriment and wishes for happiness wherever you can find them. Because only in America are we cursed to fight over holiday cheer. ■

Recently, the company launched a paid, 16-week returnship program that will train participants to work on projects matching their expertise, abilities, and interests, and by the end of the program they even might gain a full-time employment at Intel. This is a perfect opportunity for job seekers with career gaps to update their skills and develop new ones. With two new semiconductor chip manufacturing plants under construction, Intel is working to develop a pipeline of potential talent that can fill new hightech, high-wage jobs while supporting an estimated 15,000 additional indirect jobs in the community. Currently, the company has 300 plus open positions across all levels and is paving the way to fill them up with suitable candidates through trainings and specialized programs focused on different sections of the community. And for those young adults who are just embarking on their career journeys, or are still in school, Intel is partnering with the YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix Arizona Equity in STEAM initiative to boost the number of women and people of color in Arizona across STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) careers.

This partnership will fund twenty grants to nonprofit organizations, public or charter schools, or colleges across Arizona to help develop interest in STEAM-related careers. It’s not just a financial award. The winning organizations will also be part of the first YWCA Equity Leadership Learning series to discuss ways in which students from diverse backgrounds can be brought together to explore various STEAM career pathways. Intel’s Arizona RISE Report explains the company’s aims and goals towards increasing the representation of women and underrepresented minorities in leadership and technical positions worldwide. Under the direction of CEO Pat Gelsinger, Intel promotes an inclusive culture that welcomes all perspectives and is critical for attracting, retaining, and progressing top talent. His team is committed to providing a work environment where employees from all backgrounds are valued, respected, challenged, acknowledged, and rewarded so they can achieve their full potential. They have successfully brought more women and underrepresented minorities into senior leadership roles and has a goal to continue this in the future.

Recently, Intel’s commitment to investing in the future of Arizona was recognized at 2021 Governor’s Celebration of Innovation where Intel was awarded with the Ed Denison Business Leader of the Year for contributing to Arizona’s technology industry through relentless community involvement, leadership, visibility, and excellence in economic activity. Arizona Manufacturers Council’s Awards named Intel as the Economic Driver of the Year for making significant positive contributions to economy through their high-skill and high-paying jobs. Arizona’s Hispanic Chamber of Commerce welcomed Intel into the AZ 2021 Million Dollar Circle of Excellence for its inclusivity and diversity focus. The company was also recognized for its community impact at Phoenix Business Journal’s Corporate Philanthropy Awards. Intel has a long track record of supporting the community and the people who live here since entering Arizona in 1979. With two new semiconductor facilities under construction and plans to hire 3,000 people, the company and the community can benefit from all measures to build a more inclusive future for all Arizonans.. ■

How Intel is building an inclusive, diverse and well-trained workforce BY SMRITI SHAKARGAYE AFN Guest Writer

uring the pandemic, thousands of Arizonans left the workforce to care for their families when schools and other childcare facilities remained closed. It was a sudden shift that reflected a growing trend where capable, committed, and ambitious professionals take a break from their careers for several reasons such as starting or raising a family, caring for a family member, military service/spouse, teaching, community service/volunteer work, or continuing education. Today, many of those workers want to re- enter the workforce but get overlooked due to their age or career gap. This has created challenges for our state’s technology industry that is rapidly growing with emerging startups and international powerhouses that need a stable workforce, like Intel in Arizona, where the focus is on how to grow and progress talent by giving them the right training. As a global company that values experience, Intel wants to normalize career breaks and help bring these professionals back to workforce.

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Thunder players sign NLI, Pride players hold off BY DREW SCHOTT AND ZACH ALVIRA AFN Contributing Writer and Sports Editor

uring his freshman season at Desert Vista High School, Devon Grubbs was pulled up to the Varsity team, joining his brother Tyson on the roster. The two played different positions – Devon at outside linebacker and Tyson at running back – and spent two seasons together on the Thunder’s roster before Tyson moved on to college football at Northern Arizona. Devon will be joining him in Flagstaff soon. On Dec. 15, nearly 30 people gathered at Desert Vista High School for National Signing Day and watched Grubbs and Jai Rodriquez sign their letters of intent to the Lumberjacks and New Mexico State, respectively. “They’ve both been tremendous leaders and kids look up to them,” coach Ty Wisdom said. “(My) first year being here, you’re lucky to inherit a Devin Grubbs and a Jai Rodriquez. They are both great kids and great athletes and they’re both going to succeed at the next level.” Despite suffering a broken collarbone, Grubbs finished the 2021 season with 519 yards and eight touchdowns at running back. He rushed for 1,190 yards and 15 touchdowns during his Thunder career, and racked up an impressive stat line on defense as well. He recorded 85 tackles, three tackles-for-loss, four fumble recoveries and one interception, primarily playing on that side of the ball during his sophomore and junior year. Grubbs verbally committed to Northern Arizona over the summer and intends to play nickel linebacker when he joins the team next fall. Throughout the recruiting process, Tyson, a running back for the Lumberjacks, helped his brother understand his options, mentally prepare for college football and know the importance of nutrition and healthy living. When Devon made the decision to head up north

for his collegiate career, Tyson was “hyped.” “The role he had was he always pushed me,” Grubbs said. “I knew if I played with my brother in college, it would just get me even better because we have that bond and that drive to be From left: Desert Vista’s Devon Grubbs (Northern Arizona University) and better than each Jai Rodriguez (New Mexico State) signed their National Letter of Intent other.” on National Signing Day Wednesday. (Special to AFN) Rodriquez will continue playing offensive line for the Ag- der players to sign national letters of ingies after a strong career in the trenches tent during Wisdom’s tenure, he put their for Desert Vista. New Mexico State’s longtime friendship into perspective. “As an offensive lineman, you have to coaches have told him that they would like him to play tackle, but he is open to any have a special relationship with your running back,” Rodriquez said. “He has to be position on the line. With his family and teammates in at- able to trust not only on the field, but off tendance, Rodriquez, who was originally the field too. Being us, the only two here committed to Northern Arizona, will en- today signing, it put a little cherry on top roll at New Mexico State next fall and is of that friendship.” The start of the early signing period “glad to be an Aggie.” Rodriquez first met Grubbs during his has typically been met with football playfreshman year and blocked for him on the ers from both Ahwatukee high schools line. As the two became the first Thun- signing to play at the next level. This year, however, during a recruiting cycle that involves thousands of players in the NCAA transfer portal, offers have been harder to come by and players want to make the best decision for them. That’s why Mountain Pointe’s Devon Sparks is among the Pride players who decidMountain Pointe ed to hold off and not sign during the early period, which began last Wednesday. He hopes to earn more opportunities after the Blue-Grey players such as All-American Game. (AFN File Photo) senior offensive

lineman Jack Plote decided to hold off on committing to one of the six schools who have offered him so far. “I love all the offers that have been coming in and I feel hopeful for what’s next,” Plote said. “I am now beginning to understand that the decision I make will impact the rest of my life. I am looking at programs at schools and trying to figure out what is the best fit for me and will take me to the next level. I have faith.” Plote followed in the footsteps of his older brother, J.R., when he arrived at Mountain Pointe. J.R. received a scholarship to South Dakota State. So far, Plote has offers from five Division III schools and one Division II – Fort Lewis College. He has options now, something he didn’t have at the beginning of his senior season. “My entire high school experience has been an exercise in learning patience,” Plote said. “I appreciate the support over the last four years and believe I have options and opportunities that are yet to come.” Devon Sparks, a two-way player for Mountain Pointe, also decided to hold off on signing during the early period. He received an offer from Arizona Christian University and verbally committed to the Firestorm on Dec. 6. But his season isn’t quite over. Sparks was selected to take part in the Blue-Gray All-American Game. He wants to see what, if any, opportunities arise after the showcase. But no matter what happens, he cherished the opportunity to help the Mountain Pointe program bounce back and make the postseason this year. Just like he did for the Pride, he hopes to create a legacy at the next level. “I just want to continue to build my last name and become a better person every day,” Sparks said. “I honestly just want to thank everyone who coaches at Mountain Pointe for being a part of my high school career. Being good enough to play at the next level, all my praise goes to God.” ■

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

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DJ Dillon Francis celebrates bubbly third album BY JORDAN HOUSTON GetOut Staff Writer

latinum-selling artist, producer, songwriter DJ Dillon Francis has made waves since dropping out of Santa Monica College – including the recent release of his jovial happy-house third studio album. In celebration of his 34th birthday, the Los Angeles-based musician recently launched “Happy Machine,” an infectious and bubbly house album boasting a grip of new material. The eight-track piece features previously released songs “Unconditional,” with 220 KID and Bryn Christopher, “Love Me Better,” which recently reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Dance/Mix Show Airplay Chart with Shift K3Y and Marc E. Bassy, and “Reaching Out,” featuring Bow Anderson.

DJ DILLON FRANCIS

“Happy Machine” seeks to celebrate life, family and friends, while signifying the joyous journey in returning to a post-pandemic era, Francis shared.

“I feel like the reason I named it is so self-explanatory,” Francis said. “I feel like you would have an inkling that it must be a very happy album to listen to – so, be prepared for hooking yourself up with a serotonin IV drip while listening to this.” The Mad Decent-released album, which exudes optimism and bright beats, is also the 34-year-old’s most collaborative work of art. It highlights contributions from globally recognized songwriters who have worked with the likes of Selena Gomez and Shawn Mendes, including Jenna Andrews, MNEK, Teddy Geiger and Sarah Aarons. Despite its title, Francis said he was the opposite of “happy” when he created the album during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I was really going through it, I had been Pelotoning a lot and my favorite instructors happened to all be from the UK,”

Chandler exhibit celebrating quilt stories by area women

BY SRIANTHI PERERA GetOut Contributor

inda McCurry’s art quilt depicts adversity. Years ago, her Gilbert home caught fire around the chimney; the fire burnt downstairs near the fireplace and upstairs through the master bedroom. Her koi fish died in her pond due to firefighters putting a flame retardant in it. In flaming red, orange, brown and yellow, she traces the story in her quilt titled “From the Ashes.” “There was a lot of restoration to do,” McCurry said. “You could say from the ashes we rose and came back as strong as we could.” Stories such as this are what exhibit curator and judge Ellen M. Blalock sought when she was invited to assemble the City of Chandler’s annual art quilt show. Art Quilts XXVI: Stitching Stories, featuring 64 story quilts made by 53 artists from across the country, runs through Jan. 8 at Vision Gallery and CCA Gallery. A resident of Syracuse, New York, Blalock is passionate about story quilts. “I know that quilters work and artists work in all kinds of different ways and I wanted to be inclusive of a lot of people’s voices because not everybody does figu-

he explained, noting his favorite instructor frequently played “euphoric” piano house music. “I started listening to a lot more music in that genre and it was making me so happy, especially for what we were all going through,” he continued. “Though that, I kept diving into piano house and said, ‘You know what, this is what I want to make right now.” Since 2011, Francis has built a reputation for himself a champion of the moombahton electronic genre, as well as embracing trap and dance-pop. With numerous chart-hitting records and Grammy nominations under his belt, Francis’ resume includes the No. 1 Dance Radio Airplay hit “Anywhere” (feat. Will Heard), “Candy” (feat. Snappy Jit), No. 1 Billboard Dance Club Songs chart

see MACHINE page 42

rative work,” she noted. “What is also important to me is the story behind the quilt and not just a story the quilt is telling. Somebody may be having the story of why they made the quilt and or it could even be the process,” she added. Blalock herself is a narrative artist documentarian who works in photography, video, drawing and fiber. Most of her creations come in series form, such as the 32-piece Family Quilt Project; Not Crazy, which looks at mental illness in the African American community; and the one on feminism. In addition to creating picturesque fabric art, Chandler artist-novelist Laurie Fagen often portrays causes important to her. For this show, Fagen chose to highlight a photograph her brother, a nurse practitioner, sent of himself: gowned, gloved and masked for work in the COVID ward. “I don’t typically manipulate photos in Photoshop for my fiber art, but this one I specifically did because In her story quilt titled “Seeking Center/Finding Balance,” Shelly it was the year of the pandemic, he was frazzled and White creates a visual snapshot of her goal of “calm” as she the world was frazzled,” she said. “So, I changed the navigates competing concerns, an overload of information and colors, I left threads attached to it, I just made it as confusion. The layered colors of nature, repetitive patterns and frazzled as possible.” topographic lines help chart a path to peace, order, and beauty,” she said. (Courtesy of Shelly White.)

see QUILTS page 42

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

Chandler, EV ring in New Year with music

nix Symphony. Best known for his role as Aaron Burr in “Hamilton,” he will blend classics, pops and surprises to keep attendees glued to their seats. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix, 7:30 p.m., tickets start at $44, phoenixsymphony.org

BY SARAH HABER GetOut Contributor

he Chandler Center for the Arts will be saying farewell to 2021 with a special New Year’s Eve show featuring four powerhouse vocalists and a 10-piece orchestra presenting the hits of Broadway shows. With Musical Director Jr McAlexander, vocals will be provided by Jamie Parnell, Kristen Drathman, Kaitlynn Kleinman Bluth And Jordan Bluth They will be performing the big bold music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Rodgers & Hammerstein, as well as songs from “Mamma Mia!,” “Jersey Boys,” Carole King’s “Beautiful” and more. There will be a champagne toast and party favors as well as a photo booth for complimentary photos and a special souvenir from the evening for all attendees. JR McAlexander is the owner, executive producer and genius behind local stage company Showtune Productions. A 25year veteran of the professional theatre, he has overseen the music direction of more than 375 productions throughout the United States and Canada, including numerous national touring Broadway companies. Chandler Center for the Arts Showtime Series also features productions created by Showtune Productions and JR McAlexander. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, 8 p.m. Dec. 31, Tickets $26 to $46, chandlercenter.org Straight No Chaser singer Jasper Smith predicts the group’s a cappella New Year’s Eve performance at the Mesa Arts Center will be extraordinary. “This is the last show in our tour, so we are going to pull out all of the stops,” Smith said. Founded at Indiana University, Straight No Chaser has spent the year on its “Back in the High Life Tour,” pushing the deluxe edition of the album “Social Christmasing,” which features “Celebrate Me Home” with Kenny Loggins and “Christmas Show.” The newest member of Straight No Chas-

Sublime with Rome

Music fills the air on New Year’s Eve New Year’s Eve at Mesa Arts Center. (Special to AFN) er, Smith describes the shows as “having a little bit of something for everyone. There are all kinds of genres from ’40s, ’50s all the way to Dua Lipa.” The performances are just as special for Straight No Chaser as they are for fans. In mid-November, a Texas audience member shouted, “I missed you!” “(The concerts) speak to the connection we have with the fans,” he said. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa, 8 p.m., tickets start at $90, mesaartscenter.com Straight No Chaser is among several entertainers ushering in the New Year around the Valley. Here are other ways to celebrate the end of 2021 and what’s to come in 2022.

Linger Longer Lounge

Uptown Phoenix’s Linger Longer Lounge is offering a block party-style evening with two performance areas featuring Meet the Sun, Citrus Clouds and Bee Bohannon. DJs include Layton, Jules Quimby and Jake Stellarwell. The evening will end with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. 6522 N. 16th St., Suite 6, Phoenix, 8 p.m., $24 before December 14, $35 between December 15 and December 31, lingerlongerlounge.com

Phoenix Symphony New Year’s Special with Leslie Odom Jr.

Tony and Grammy Award winner, Leslie Odom Jr., lends his pipes to the Phoe-

The Chandler Center for the Arts will present songs from Broadway hits with four powerhouse vocalists and an orchestra. (Special to AFN)

MerryChristmas

Reggae rockers Sublime with Rome hits the Marquee stage for two nights, including December 31, to ring in 2022. Special guests include Phoenix’s Katastro and The Irie on December 30, and Katastro and Spray Allen on December 31. Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe, 8:30 p.m., tickets start at $50, luckymanonline.com

Decadence Arizona

Relentless Beats and Global Dance present Decadence Arizona, also for two nights, December 30 and December 31. The epic lineup is Alesso, Alison Wonderland, BIJOU, Chris Lake, DJ Snake, Gem & Tauri, Kaskade, Madeon (DJ set), Martin Ikin, Nora En Pure, Purple Disco Machine and Seven Lions on Dec. 30; Alan Walker, Destructo, Diesel aka Shaquille O’Neal, Dillon Francis, Excision, Fisher, Gordo, Lost Kings, Loud Luxury, Marshmello, Sonny Fodera and TV Boo on NYE. Rawhide Western Town & Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 5 p.m., tickets start at $200, relentlessbeats.com

“My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & The Therapy Continues”

Comedian Peter Fogel brings his oneman show to the Herberger Theater Center from December 29 to January 30, including New Year’s Eve. On stage, Fogel shares crazy holiday memories while bringing to life a multitude of hilariously eccentric characters. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, 8 p.m., tickets start at $69.50, herbergertheater.org. ■

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

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MACHINE from page 38

topper “Coming Over” with Kygo (feat. James Hersey), and the RIAA platinum certified “Get Low” with DJ Snake, which surpassed 500 million worldwide streams. In 2012, Francis made history as “the first moombahton artist to achieve the No. 1 spot on Beatport” on the Something, Something Awesome EP, according to Insomniac. His 2014 major label debut “Money Sucks, Friends Rule” graced Rolling Stone’s Top Electronic Albums of 2014 list, while its 2015 follow up “This Mixtape Is Fire” EP bowed at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Dance/Electronic Albums Chart. In 2018, Francis earned back-to-back Latin

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

American Music Award and Latin Grammy nominations for the song “Sexo,” featuring Residente and iLe. But the path to success wasn’t always a straight arrow for the exuberant entertainer, he shares. Born in 1987, Francis grew up LA as the son of an alternative medicine doctor. However, he was a fan of mix of punk and electronic music by the time he reached high school. Francis later briefly attended Santa Monica College, in which he also started experimenting with music production. It wasn’t long before he took the plunge to drop out of college pursue his dreams of making music full time. Francis recently announced his upcoming Sugar, Spice and

Everything Ice U.S. tour with co-headliner Yung Gravy for 2022, featuring stops in New York, Washington, D.C., Austin, Nashville and other locations nationwide. The platinum-selling artist said he is looking forward to performing for live audiences again, emphasizing the value of interacting with fans. “It’s really awesome to finally see people ingesting the song,” he shared, recalling a recent performance of “Real Love” in Tampa. “It was already so cool to see people singing it in the crowd. That is such a satisfying feeling because I’ve played them without anybody listening to the songs – I can see the reaction now.” ■

Who: Alan Walker; Alesso; Alison Wonderland; Bijou; Chris Lake; Destructo; Diesel, aka Shaquille O’Neal; Dillon Francis; DJ Snake; Excision; Fisher; Gem & Tauri; Gordo; Kaskade; Lost Kings; Madeon (DJ set); Martin Ikin; Nora En Pure; Purple Disco Machine; Seven Lions, and Sonny Fodera Where: Rawhide Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler When: 6 p.m. Dec. 30 and Dec. 31 Cost: TTwo-day general admission passes are $159; VIP passes are tiered Info: decadencearizona.com

being able to take any fabric and work with them is always just something that’s very satisfying to me,” she said, adding “everything from the design to the creation to the actual manipulation of the fabric, I enjoy the whole process.” Annemarie Comes of Mesa works in a similar process to weave photography to fabric. Her quilt titled “Branching Out” is a cyanotype of one of her photographs. “My image was printed in my dark room in black and white, then turned into a large-scale transparency which was exposed overtop of chemically coated fabric,” she said. “Our Arizona sun was then used to transfer the image onto the fabric.”

“As an Arizona-based photographer, I try to capture special moments in time – a lot of sunsets – so others can enjoy the beauty, as well,” she added. After isolating for much of the past months due to the pandemic, Comes rel-

ishes the freedom to create art. “It was wonderful to revisit fabrics/ quilting and the cyanotype process in the past year. It’s so wonderful to allow others to enjoy my image in a quilted form once again,” she said. ■

If You Go...

Left: Annemarie Comes of Mesa created her art quilt “Branching Out” by “weaving” into fabric a cyanotype of a photograph of tree trunks. (Courtesy of Annemarie Comes) Center: Laurie Fagen of Chandler created “Frazzled,” a story quilt portraying her nurse practitioner brother outfitted to work in the COVID ward. (Courtesy of Laurie Fagen) Right: Linda McCurry’s “From the Ashes” depicts a story about her Gilbert home catching on fire. (Courtesy of Linda McCurry)

QUILTS from page 38

Fagen, who also authors crime fiction novels and creates polymer clay jewelry, imparts texture and dimension to her work. Her recent line of fiber art involves taking photos, printing them on the fabric and thread painting with a few miles of thread. “I embellish the art quilt with thread, give it texture and dimension. That’s my basic technique that I’ve been doing recently. Oftentimes they’re embellished with other things – charms, yarn, ribbon, surface designs, foiling techniques and adding paint,” she said. “I love the tactile feel of the fabric and

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 40

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

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On November 24, 2021, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt has gone to be with Jesus after a battle with dementia. Bettye Lorene Cross was loved by so many people and her spunk and spice for life was evident. We will all miss her and cannot wait to see her again one day as we join her in heaven. Bettye was born March 12, 1944, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. However, she spent most of her life in Phoenix, Arizona with many family and friends close by. She was the eleventh of twelve chil-dren born to Lilly Bell Royse and Carl Agustin Royse. Her siblings from oldest to youngest are Lucille, Francis, Emma Fay, John Carl, Fred, Richard, Samuel, Vera, Sarah, Laverne, and James. James and Emma Fay are still living. Bettye graduated from Dollarway High School in 1962. Soon after graduation, she married and had two children, Sherie and Carrie. She lived in Tennessee, Georgia, and Oklahoma with her ﬁrst husband. She later divorced but found the love of her life after moving to Phoenix in 1981. Gary and Bettye married that November, joining two families, adding Gary’s two sons, Jeremy “JJ” and Keith. Gary and Bettye Cross were married for 39 years and were still kissing and holding hands the week she passed. She worked for Basha’s supermarkets and eventually left there to work for Bank One and then the State of Arizona. She received her AA from Phoenix College in Business Administration. She loved her work and helping others and made many friends

along the way. Bettye was frequently a volunteer at her church, sang in the choir, and loved music. Her pasttimes included doing puzzles of all kinds, volunteering at church, spending time with her grandchildren and watch-ing sports with Gary. They also loved a good trip to play the slot machines in Laughlin or traveling to see family. Bettye loved her collection of elephants, TV game shows and her crosswords, and you could ﬁnd her often trying to solve a new puzzle. She was beautiful and kind and yet had a spice and spunk to tease those around her. Her laugh and hugs were the best. She is survived by her loving husband, Gary Joseph Cross, four children, Sherie Lynn Petersen (husband Chris), Jeremy Joseph Cross, Keith Allen Cross (wife Beth), and Carrie Elizabeth Cross. She had eight grandchildren; Elizabeth (husband Ryan), Joshua (wife Bekah), Bailey (husband Tyler), Brian, Kayla, Alyssa, David, and Lincoln, as well as three great grandchildren; Emma, Sawyer, and Aila. Bettye is also survived by three siblings, Carol (sister-in-law), James and Emma Fay and many nieces, nephews, and cousins all over the country. We will miss Bettye but know when we one day see her in heaven, she will be ready to do a puzzle with us, do our nails, or watch Wheel of Fortune! May you rest in peace Bettye Lorene, we love you! A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM on 2021-12-29 at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 South 48th Street, Phoenix, AZ, USA. Sign the Guestbook at: obituaries.EastValleyTribune.com

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

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*Up to $1,000 Sign-On Bonus** *Start Immediately* *Competitive Pay* *Paid-Time Off (PTO) For All Positions*

*Full Beneﬁts Package Offered* *401K with Company Match* *Full-Time + Year-Round Employment* *Valley-Wide Positions*

We offer competitive pay, beneﬁts, and a casual work environment. Email: careers@caretakerinc.com

Call: 480-292-6777

Apply Online: www.caretakerlandscape.com Corporate Ofﬁce: 741 N. Monterey St. Gilbert, AZ 85233 EOE/M/G/VET/DISABILITY/DRUG-FREE/E-VERIFY EMPLOYER **Terms and Conditions Apply

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

Miscellaneous For Sale Beautiful Like New Kohler & Campbell Ivory Baby Grand Piano, Matching bench SKG 500. 5'1". $5500 Used more as decoration. 480-893-6641. Leave message please

CASH OUT!

Real Estate for Sale

Licensed/Bonded/Insured Ahwatukee Resident

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465

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

Merchandise

Call Eleanor Today!

480.287.4897

www.WhileYourAwayService.com

Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet. Please recycle me. Employment General

inside | sales Join our experienced inside sales team! Do you have print media/digital advertising selling experience? We may be looking for you! The position is in Tempe (Broadway curve area) includes lots of out-bound calls selling advertising all over Phoenix Metro and even Tucson! Our 20 local publications, newspapers, magazines and digital solutions fit pretty much every need! Great team environment Our small team wants to grow with you! Do you get excited when you sell? Do you talk louder when you are selling something you believe in? We get it—it’s exciting to sell! Do you learn quickly, like to stay organized, multi-task, are you familiar with Gmail, Google Docs/Sheets/Voice, Word, Excel, internet browsing and other software programs? This is a full time job with benefits. 8:305pm Mon-Fri. If you think you are the missing puzzle piece, please apply! Wait, did I mention we are a FUN team? Send your resume with cover letter to Elaine: ecota@timespublications.com

Homes For Sale

Pete Meier Associate Broker CRS, GRI

602-690-3361

Happy Holidays to my current, former and future clients! Thank you for your business I need

MORE HOUSES to sell!

I’ve been SELLING AHWATUKEE SINCE 1973! Call for a

FREE Consultation! petemeier.com

Call for a FREE Home Value Analysis

ALL YOU NEED IS A PU

480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Need More to Sell! Ca Call us for Consult

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

Air Conditioning/Heating

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship New 3-Ton 14 SEER AC Systems Only $4,995 INSTALLED! New Trane Air Conditioners NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 MONTHS!

Over 1,000 Five-Star Google Reviews ★★★★★

Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252

480-405-7588

Appliance Repairs

Appliance Repair Now

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

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

480-659-1400 Licensed & Insured

Concrete & Masonry

HIRING?

Garage/Doors

Block Fence * Gates

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

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE East Valley/ Ahwatukee

People are looking at the Classifieds Every day!

Broken Springs Replaced

Email Your Job Post to: class@times publications.com

Not a licensed contractor

480-898-6465

Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610

or Call

Electrical Services HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

Contractors

Carpet Cleaning

• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •

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

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

BESTOF

2021

FALL TUNE-UP SPECIAL!

REG. 99. $

Includes a 16-Points Inspection. LIMITED TIME ONLY. RESIDENTIAL ONLY

FREE INDOOR REME HALO® IN-DUCT AIR PURIFIER*

Glass/Mirror

GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS

• Reduces common allergens from pollen, mold dander & dust • Eliminates pet, cooking and musty odors • Reduces airborne and surface bacteria & viruses, such as MRSA, e-coli, and Norwalk 99+%,

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

Electrical Services

*With a qualified ac system purchase

YOUR HOMETOWN AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALIST FREE Service Call With Repair FREE Second Opinion ★ FREE Estimate

C. READ & SON ELECTRIC Ahwatukee Resident

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

Handyman

A + Rating

480-725-7303 www.BrewersAC.com SINCE 1982 ROC #C39-312643

We offer Big Savings and Great Financing!

Some restrictions apply. See website for additional information. Special rebates and financing offers are valid on qualifying equipment and pre-approved credit. Offers expire 12/31/2021.

Air Duct Cleaning

Air Duct Cleaning & Dryer Vents BY JOHN

★ 30+ Years HVAC Experience ★ Disinfected & Sanitized With Every Job

(480) 912-0881 – Licensed & Insured

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

Jaden Sydney Associates.com

www.readelectricaz.com

Visit our website! Landlord and Homeowner Property Services

2008 through 2019

Concrete & Masonry

ROC #158440 Bond/Insured

480-940-6400

AND so much more!

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

Not a licensed contractor

Small Jobs Welcome!

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

480.335.4180 Not a licensed contractor.

See MORE Ads Online!

Residential Electrician

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

www.Ahwatukee.com

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

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

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! ks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical “No Job Too ✔Small Flooring Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Man!” lumbing • 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 ✔ Bathrooms 2010, 2011 2012, “No 2013, Job Too And More! 2010, 2011 Small Man!” 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 2012, 2013, 2014 dent/ References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor 1999 Since Ahwatukee / References Work Affordable, Quality 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, ences/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor 2014 Bruce at 602.670.7038

Since 1999 dable, Quality Work BSMALLMAN@Q.COM 9 Quality Work Since 199

uce at 602.670.7038 t 602.670.7038

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

MALDONADO HOME REPAIR SERVICES CALL DOUG

480.201.5013

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

*Not A Licensed Contractor

LLC

• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations

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

HIRING?

Home Improvement

If someone Needs a Job, They Look Every Day!

REMODEL CONTRACTOR

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

Out & Back House Sitting Services

For a Quote email: class@times publications.com

480-898-6465

480-215-3373

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

Shadetree Dreams Remodeling

SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

Coach Broze is a local homeowner, a former Desert Vista Security Guard and Track/Cross Country Assistant Coach.

“An honest, trustworthy and reliable neighbor.”

■ Twice Daily Home & ■ Great Rates Property Checks ■ Sole Proprietor ■ Mail Pick-Up ■ Only Person In Your Home ■ Plant Care ■ Contact For A Quote ■ Pet Care & Pool Service ■ Taking Reservations Now Available For Winter Break

DAVID Broze

I’ve got your back while you’re out!

daveshomerepair@yahoo.com • Se Habla Español

GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES All Estimates are Free • Call:

House Sitting Services

NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

Text or call

480-278-1355 dbroze@hotmail.com

See MORE Ads Online! www.Ahwatukee.com Irrigation

Repairs • Modifications • Installs

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

Meetings/Events?

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

Hauling

Specializing in: • Drywall/Texturing | Painting • Roof repair and installation

• Concrete Slab • Remodeling Debris • Old Tires

azirrigation.com Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

MD’S LANDSCAPING Drip Systems Installed, Valves/Timer Repairs

Let’s get your Watering System working again! System Checks • Drip Checks FREE ESTIMATES! CALL 24 HOURS 25 Yrs Exp. I Do All My Own Work! Call Mark

480.295.2279 Referred out of Ewing Irrigation Not a licensed contractor.

WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED!

Landscape Design/Installation

Serving the Valley for over 28 years

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

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

ROC# 225923 Licensed, Bonded & Insured

• Yard Waste

480.654.5600

Custom Design and Renovation turning old to new

480-730-1074

• Old Paint & Chems.

NTY 5-YEAR WARRA

The Possibilities are Endless

Call for a FREE Consultation and Estimate!

• Furniture • Appliances • Mattresses • Televisions • Garage Clean-Out • Construction Debris

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

Sprinkler & Drip Systems

520.508.1420

www.husbands2go.com

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

Irrigation

• 20+ Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty

480.345.1800 ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

480-730-1074

Bonded/Insured/Licensed • ROC #225923

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

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

Landscape Design/Installation Irrigation Systems & Outdoor Lighting Fountain Repair alls C - Caring Repairs & Instuse. D - Dedicated for long term S - Service No Yard .

LANDSCAPING

Maintenance

• 8am - 6pm Monday - Saturday • You Pay Labor & Materials Only • FREE ESTIMATES • ROC#312942 • David R Smith Phone, Text or Email

480-580-4419

david@swo-of-artworks.com www.swo-of-artworks.com

Landscape/Maintenance

Landscape/Maintenance Juan Hernandez

TREE

TRIMMING 25 Years exp (480) 720-3840

Sell Your Stuff! Call Classifieds Today!

480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

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

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

Responsible • 100% Guaranteed Ask for Ramon

Not a Licensed Contractor

480-217-0407

Painting

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

SPEND A LITTLE…

MAKE A LOT!

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

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

Call/Text 480.695-3639 Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control Starting @ $60/Month! • One Month Free Service

INC.

Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior

• High Quality Materials & Workmanship • Customer Satisfaction Free Est imates • Countless References • Carpentry Services Now Available

602.625.0599 ROC #155380 Family Owned • Free Estimates

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

480.721.4146

Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years! Family Owned & Operated

SPRINKLER DOCTOR

Residential & Commercial Painting

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

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

480-586-8445

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

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

Veteran Owned

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

25 years Experience & Insured Not a licensed contractor.

★ Small Job Specialist

PAINTING Interior & Exterior Residential/Commercial Free Estimates Drywall Repairs Senior Discounts References Available

— Call Jason —

(602) 502-1655

Call us to place your ad online!

480-898-6465

East Valley PAINTERS Voted #1

www.ACPpaintingllc.com Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242

WANT A GREEN LAWN?

★ Epoxy Floors

MISSED THE DEADLINE?

www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

★ Elastomaric Roof Coating

Scott Mewborn, Owner 480-818-1789

CALL US TODAY!

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

★ Interior/Exterior Painting ★ Drywall Repair & Installation ★ Popcorn Ceiling Removal

SUN TECH

PAINTING

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Arizona Specialty Landscape

“We get your house looking top notch!”

License #ROC 298736

Visit us at Suntechpaintingaz.com or view our video promo at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM5pbvpZJlg

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

(480) 785-6323

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

10% OFF

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality

480-940-8196 theplugman.com

FREE FERTILIZER & SOIL AMENDMENT TREATMENT WITH CORE AERATION FERTILIZATION • SOIL AMENDMENTS • SOIL TESTING ROC 282663 * BONDED * INSURED YOUR LAWN EXPERT SINCE 1995

Free Estimates! Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

480-688-4770

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

Now Accepting all major credit cards

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

Pool Service / Repair

Painting

Plumbing

CONKLIN PAINTING

Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541

Drain Cleaning Experts, water heaters, disposals, water & sewer lines repaired/replaced & remodels. Rapid Response. If water runs through it we do it! 602-663-8432

Free Estimate & Color Consultation

Interior Painting ● Pressure Washing Exterior Painting ● Drywall/Stucco Repair Complete Prep Work ● Wallpaper Removal

affinityplumber@gmail.com

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor

480-888-5895 Lic/Bond/Ins ROC# 270450

Water Heaters

24/7

Inside & Out Leaks

Bonded

Toilets

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

Disposals

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

$35 off

Any Service

81% of our readers, read the Classifieds!

Not a licensed contractor

ConklinPainting.com

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH!

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

HOME FOR RENT? Place it here!

Anything Plumbing Same Day Service

ROC#309706

FREE Service Calls + FREE Estimates Water Heaters Installed - $999 Unclog Drains - $49

Call Classifieds 480-898-6465

Over 30 Years of Experience

$25 OFF

Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers!

Filter Cleaning! Monthly Service & Repairs Available

602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5

480-446-7663

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

10% OFF with this ad

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL

Off 40work done *Any

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

All Water Purification Systems Voted #1 Plumber 3 Years In A Row OVER 1,000 5-STAR REVIEWS

Pool Service / Repair

Call for our 3 Month Special! Starting at $145.20/month

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-405-7099

Classifieds: 480-898-6465

Plumbing

RESIDENTAL Juan Hernandez COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL && RESIDENTIAL

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

We Got You Covered! We Got You Covered! PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar I R Specializing in New, Tile and Shingle Roofs • Repairs showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

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

PLUMBING $35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

ROC # 272721

Valley Wide Service

10% OFF

Place YOUR Business HERE! in the Service Directory

We Repair or Install

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING

www.barefootpoolman.com

Plumbing

Rooﬁng

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.5422

(480)

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

MARK’S POOL SERVICE Owner Operated - 20 Years

Play Pools start at

$85/month with chemicals

Ask About Filter Cleaning Specials!

Mark 602-799-0147 CPO#85-185793

New Roofs, Repairs, Roof, & Coatings •FlatCoatings, Roof HotFlat Mopping Hot Mopping & Patching Patching •Total Rubber Roof Systems & Total Rubber Roof Systems

Same Day Service All Work Guaranteed

FREE Estimates SAME DAY SERVICE

602-551-2255 30 Years Experience ROC#288-123 • Licensed • Bonded • Insured

We Pay Your Insurance Deductible Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 288-123

Senior & Military Discounts

602-551-2255

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

Rooﬁng

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

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

LICENSED | BONDED | INSURED | ROC #269218

$1000 OFF when you show this ad *on qualifying complete roof replacements

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

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

Serving All Types Clean, Prompt, Friendly and Professional Service of Roofing: FREE ESTIMATES

• Tiles & Shingles sunlandroofingllc@gmail.com • Installation • Repair • Re-Roofing

602-471-2346

Rooﬁng

TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS

u Th

e IN

Call

-EX D i ﬀe r e n c e

Let Us Show Yo

for your FREE Roof Evaluation Today! oﬁn

Commercial & Residential Family Owned & Operated

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

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

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099 Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

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

602-938-7575

www.InExRo

10% OFF COMPLETE UNDERLAYMENT

FREE ESTIMATES 602-736-3019

PHILLIPS

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

g.c o m

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

ROC #152111

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs Complimentary & Honest Estimates

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@timespublications.com

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

Sell Your Stuff! Call Classifieds Today! 480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Window Cleaning

480-460-7602

Sustainable/Chemical Free Residential/Commercial Paint Removal Screen Cleaning

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

FREE ESTIMATES

www.porterroofinginc.com

WINDOW MASTER

@windowmasteraz (602) 515-2828

Windowmasteraz.com • Windowmasteraz@gmail.com

Free Estimates Monday through Saturday Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

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

Call our office today!

623-873-1626 THE MOST READ PAPER in Ahwatukee!

480-446-7663

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

Ahwatukee Based Family Owned and Operated Insured • Free Estimates

See our reviews and schedule at:

www.cousinswindowcleaning.com

480-330-2649

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2021

Arizona’s Resort-Style Home Builder MASTER PLANNED CELEBRATED COMMUNITIES BY BLANDFORD HOMES

Award-winning Arizona builder for over 40 years. Blandford Homes specializes in building master planned environments with a variety of amenities, parks, and charm. You’ll find the perfect community to fit your lifestyle. A STRATFORD NOW SELLING B C D E F G

A Dramatic New Gated Community in Gilbert Vintage Collection • From the mid $500’s • 480-895-2800 Craftsman Collection • From the high $600’s • 480-988-2400 PALMA BRISA – In Ahwatukee Foothills NOW SELLING A Dramatic New Gated Community Vintage Collection • From the low $600’s • 480-641-1800 Craftsman Collection • From the high $700’s • 480-641-1800 BELMONT AT SOMERSET – Prime Gilbert Location NOW SELLING Luxury estate homes and timeless architecture • From the low $1,000,000’s • 480-895-6300 MONTELUNA – Brand New Gated Community B in the Foothills of Northeast Mesa NOW SELLING McKellips Rd just east of the Red Mountain 202 Fwy • From the $600’s RESERVE AT RED ROCK – New Upscale Resort Community in the Foothills of Northeast Mesa COMING IN 2022 Stunning views of Red Mountain • From the $600’s ESTATES AT MANDARIN GROVE – In the Citrus Groves of NE Mesa CLOSEOUT 11 luxury single-level estate homes with 3- to 6-car garages plus optional RV garages and carriage houses • From the mid $1,000,000’s • 480-750-3000 ESTATES AT HERMOSA RANCH – In the Citrus Groves of NE Mesa CLOSEOUT 12 single-level homes on extra large homesites with 5- to 6-car garages plus optional RV garages and carriage houses • From the mid $1,000,000’s • 480-750-3000

G F

C GERMANN

BlandfordHomes.com Not all photos shown are representative of all communities. Terms and conditions subject to change without notice.