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Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Holland Center wins Spirit of Scottsdale award BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF
T NEWS.................. 7
Abrazo recognizes National Doctors’ Day
he Holland Community Center was presented the Spirit of Scottsdale award by Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega at a celebration at Scottsdale City Hall March 21. The award recognizes one organization each year that helps strengthen and build Scottsdale’s community through their commitment to and involvement in neighborhoods. “A lot of people earned this award,” said Jennifer Rosvall, executive director of The
see HOLLAND CENTER page 4
BUSINESS.......... 16
Valley Homewatch earns accreditation
FEATURES......... 21
Museum to feature ‘Story of the Unknown Solider’
OPINION.................... 10 BUSINESS.................. 16 FEATURES................. 17 CLASSIFIEDS............. 22 Zone 2
During a celebration at the Scottsdale City Hall on March 21, Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega presented the Spirit of Scottsdale award to the Holland Community Center for its dedication to its local neighborhoods. (Holland Center/Submitted)
Grim reality hangs over city budget talk BY PAUL MARYNIAK Foothills Focus Staff Writer
A
nthem residents will have their chance on Thursday, April 6, to weigh in on Phoenix’s 2023-24 spending plan, which focuses millions on soaring homelessness and raises for most city employees. To comment on the budget in person, residents can appear at 8:30 a.m. at the Cholla Library, 10050 N. Metro Parkway East. And if they can’t make it, they can file comments at phoenix.gov/budget/contact-us or email budget.research@phoenix.gov. More information on the spending plan for the fiscal
year beginning July 1 is at phoenix.gov/budget/ hearings. The 2023-24 General Fund trial budget for Phoenix — a precursor to a proposed budget that will be presented to City Council May 2 with an eye on final approval a few weeks later — totals $2.02 billion and includes a surplus of $134 million. Out of that $2.02 billion, the city administration is projecting just under $1.9 billion in actual expenditures — an increase of $109 million, or 6.1%, over current spending. It calls for spending 85% of the surplus — or $114 million — on raises for city employees “so we can provide the highest level of service ensur-
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see BUDGET page 6
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NEWS
THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 29, 2023
HOLLAND CENTER from page 1 The Foothills Focus is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout the North Valley. To find out where you can pick up a copy of The Foothills Focus, please visit www.thefoothillsfocus.com CONTACT INFORMATION Main number: 623-465-5808 | Fax: 623-935-2103 Circulation: 480-898-5641 Publisher: Steve T. Strickbine Vice President: Michael Hiatt ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising: 480-348-0343 Classifieds/Inside Sales:
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Holland Community Center. “Our donors, our staff, all the volunteers and our community of supporters all deserve recognition for making this happen.” Scottsdale’s Neighborhood Advisory Commission selected the Holland Community Center from a list of 36 nominees based on their active years strengthening neighborhood identity, how they address the dynamic needs of a neighborhood, and their unique contributions of time, effort, skills and financial resources to a neighborhood. “I think when you win an award like this, it sets a standard that benefits everyone,” Rosvall said. “We have a benchmark now that we will always strive to meet and exceed. And it’s a good reminder of the impact we do have on the community, and the responsibility that’s involved.” For 14 years, The Holland Community Center, a 501(c)(3) organization — and the only community center north of the Loop 101 — has been supporting nearby neighborhoods by partnering with local and national speakers, artists, clinicians and community organizations to provide a variety of enrichment opportunities like community theater, Sonoran Desert conservation education, lifelong learning classes and community leadership development. “The center’s programming and community outreach efforts have
Scottsdale’s Neighborhood Advisory Commission chose the Holland Community Center from a list of 36 nominees for the award. (Holland Center/Submitted)
made tremendous gains in a relatively short timeframe,” said Frank Tyrol, president of the Holland Community Center’s Board of Directors. “The Holland Community Center will continue to improve programs and be a focal point of our Foothills and North Scottsdale community.”
CIRCULATION : 623-535-8439 Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny aaron@TimesLocalMedia.com The Foothills Focus is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation company owned & operated by Times Media Group. The public is limited to one copy per reader. For circulation services, please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@TimesLocalMedia.com.
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The Holland Community Center has been supporting its locals for 14 years. It is the only community center north of the Loop 101. (Holland Center/Submitted)
Rosvall came aboard as the executive director for the Holland Community Center in 2019. Managing that transition — and then the anomaly of COVID-19 afterward — was challenging. There was a significant loss of activity and income; but, under Rosvall’s leadership, the community center rebounded. It’s not uncommon now for the center to have 1,000 people walk through the doors on their busiest days, she said. “We’re so proud of Jennifer Rosvall and all she’s accomplished as the executive director in just four short years,” said Dolores Thain, community resident and longtime supporter of the Holland Community Center. The Holland Community Center is located at 34250 N. 60th Street, Building B, Scottsdale. It serves North Scottsdale, Cave Creek and Carefree. For more information, visit hollandcenter. org.
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NEWS
THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 29, 2023
BUDGET from page 1 hopes to build with additional allocations over the following four years to cover emergencies and other unexpected costs. The spending plan calls for no increases in taxes or fees, although the separate city Water Services budget includes rate hikes and a revised system for assessing residential and commercial water use. Claiming that 17% of existing city jobs remain vacant, Barton said the city needs to spend most of its surplus on increased employee compensation in order to make Phoenix more competitive with other municipalities in the job market. Of that $114 million, $20 million would be set aside for raises in the 2024-25 fiscal year. The specifics about those raises for the coming fiscal year remain cloudy because the city is still working on a job class and compensation study that is likely to be given council sometime in June. But while council members spoke in favor of giving city employees more money, their initial reaction during a hearing March 21 focused mainly on the city’s growing number
of tent cities, especially in Central Phoenix. Those encampments were the subject of a hair-raising front page report in the March 19 edition of the New York Times that fired up Valley talk shows throughout last week. Using Central Phoenix to illustrate the problem, the Times reported “cities across the West had been transformed” by “an epidemic” of “a housing crisis, a mental health crisis and an opioid epidemic.” It said all of that “landed on the doorsteps of small businesses already reaching a breaking point because of the pandemic.” Council members were clearly rattled during the March 21 hearing by the Times account of the stark reality of the spread of tent cities in Phoenix. That account said that within about a half block of one downtown business last year, the charred remains of a fetus were found in a dumpster and the city recorded 1,097 medical emergency calls, 573 fights, 185 fires, 140 thefts, 125 armed robberies, 13 rapes and four homicides. Additionally, 16 people were found dead because of suicides, heat and hypothermia and drug overdoses, the Times said.
“The situation is not improving,” Councilman Tom Waring told administration officials who had presented the trial budget at the hearing last week. “I know we’re spending a lot of resources and I am not blaming anybody,” he continued, “but, you know, we’re making the national news.” Waring said he assumed the Times noticed the encampment during coverage of the Super Bowl. “It’s not a pretty picture,” he said. “It’s not sustainable and can’t go on. Whatever we’re doing is costing us a fortune.” “It’s just hitting people front and center. It’s a terrible look for the city,” said Waring, adding, “I’m not discounting the situation folks are in but we’re not doing them any favors by letting this go on. “And to the extent that we’re not going to let it go on, I really think more proactive action is necessary. …I just know that what we’re doing right now doesn’t seem to be having any kind of impact at all.” Barton responded by saying that “there is no antidote, there is no immediate fix” to “the cycle of homelessness and all the ills
that go along with it.” “You’ve got to help folks get back to where they can redeem themselves and they believe in themselves,” Barton said. “And sometimes that’s a substance abuse issue. Sometimes it’s mental health. Sometimes it’s simply housing and jobs. “But we do have models that we’ve been able to demonstrate that if we have the resources in place for these folks to rehabilitate themselves, then there is an opportunity to salvage them.” He also called Phoenix’s Washington Street shelter “a prime example of what it is we’re trying to emulate across the entire city as it pertains to our homeless services.” His aides told council members the city opened 592 new shelter beds last year, with 200 of them at the Washington Street shelter, where a total 800 people were served “and 70% have exited to a positive exit destination.” Waring remained unconvinced — as did other council members who said more money needs to be spent on the problem. Councilwoman Laura Pastor said she and
see BUDGET page 8
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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 29, 2023
Abrazo recognizes National Doctors’ Day SPECIAL TO FOOTHILLS FOCUS
A
brazo Cave Creek Hospital is recognizing March 30 as National Doctors’ Day, paying tribute to its physicians for their service, skill and compassion. The theme of “Thank you for your commitment to heal” depicts a collective sentiment of deep appreciation for the outstanding group of physicians who tirelessly care for our community. “On behalf of all our employees and patients, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our physicians,” said Abrazo Health Chief Executive Officer Brian Elisco. “I believe strongly in the value of saying thank you every day, but as we celebrate Doctors’ Day on March 30, we pause to honor the contributions of our physicians for their dedication to the health of our community.” Across its Valley-based network of hospitals, emergency centers and physician practices, Abrazo Health recognizes its physicians for being the pillars of the high-quality, distinctive services provided to Valley residents. Over the last year, this has included accomplishments such as supporting expansion of cardiovascular, spine and neonatal services; performing life-saving care for stroke, cardiovascular disease and traumatic and emergent events; and improving lives through orthopedic surgery and bariatric weight loss programs, to name a few. Celebrated on March 30 each year, Doctors’ Day was officially established in 1991. March 30 also marks the anniversary of the first use of general anesthesia in surgery by Dr. Crawford W. Long in 1842. National Doctors’ Day is commonly celebrated in health care organizations as a day to recognize the contributions of doctors to individual lives and communities. Abrazo Health is one of the largest health systems in Arizona, serving the greater Phoenix area with advanced
Brian Elisco is Abrazo Health’s chief executive officer. (Abrazo Health/Submitted) programs in cardiovascular, neurosciences, orthopedics, spine and sports medicine, trauma and emergency services, surgical robotics, general surgery and maternity care. The Abrazo system includes Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital, Abrazo Arrowhead Campus, Abrazo Central Campus, Abrazo Cave Creek Hospital, Abrazo Scottsdale Campus, Abrazo Surprise Hospital and Abrazo West Campus — along with freestanding emergency centers, primary care and specialty physician practices and graduate medical education programs. For more information about services at Abrazo Health hospitals or a physician referral, visit abrazohealth.com.
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NEWS
THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 29, 2023
Activity features minerals found during gold panning
BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF
G
old panning, which was a big part of Cave Creek’s early mining era, is one of the most popular stops at the town museum’s Arizona Gold Mining Experience. The outdoor exhibit will be open to the public from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8. Only a few more demonstrations are available through the season. Guests are encouraged to try their luck at the gold-panning station, as museum volunteers show visitors how to pan for ore and minerals. Visitors learn about the types of stones and minerals found during gold panning. They include sand, pyrite (fool’s gold), black sand, magnetite, garnet, quartz, turquoise, obsidian and shark’s tooth. Millions of years ago, Cave Creek’s Black Mountain was underwater, hence the shark’s tooth. Guests learn how hard miners had to work for the chance to find a bit of gold. “Gold is heavier than other rocks,” said
Bob Flach, with the museum. “Water and techniques are used to spill lighter rock from a pan leaving gold behind. Each guest receives two bags, one with sand and rock to be panned and the other to take their rock treasures home.” The Arizona Gold Mining Experience features the Golden Reef Stamp Mill and Tramway, Arizona’s only fully operational 10-stamp ore crushing mill. The 10 1,000-pound stamps slam down in synchronized motion to pound ore removed from
BUDGET from page 6 her colleagues frequently get calls from citizens about homeless people camping at intersections and on overpasses. “We get so many calls that Phoenix is not equipped to handle what we’re facing,” Pastor said, asking administration if the city can increase the money it’s spending on services to homeless people.
the mine into fine gravel. The stamp mill was brought from its former location at the Golden Reef Mine on Continental Mountain to Cave Creek Museum. The stamp mill is also connected to a working tramway and ore carts that carry the ore to be pulverized to the stamp mill. Other exhibits showcasing Arizona’s mining history include historical and archaeology; articles from Cave Creek’s mining and agricultural past; the historic first Cave Creek church; and the tuberculosis cabin, which is
on the National Register of Historic Places as the only known existing tubercular cabin from that era. Admission is $15 for adults, and children younger 12 are free. Reservations are required. Reserve tickets online at cavecreekmuseum.org. Visitors, who should plan on coming early, can check in at 9 a.m. Culture passes are not accepted for this event. Groups and homeschool groups are requested to contact the museum office to schedule for special arrangements on another date.
But Waring suggested some other action is needed, although he did not elaborate on specifically what the city should do. “There is not one citizen in the City of Phoenix who is going to say things are better than two years ago,” he said. “We spent hundreds of millions of dollars and not one will say, ‘Aha. Success!’ No way.” He suggested judges have “hamstrung our police department” and said city officials
need to consider “whatever we need to do within the confines of the law.” And he warned the administration to avoid projecting much success for its huge expenditure on aid to homeless people, stating,. “It’s not your fault. …I would be very cautious to try and put out any statistic that makes it sound like it’s better when there isn’t one person who is gonna go, ‘Yeah, I’ve noticed it’s definitely better.’”
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•• 10
OPINION
THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 29, 2023
Celebrating 16 Years!
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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN
The racket of spring comes tapping BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist
We’re So Happy TO MEET YOU!
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!
S
pring has evidently arrived. Yep, it’s March Madness, like in basketball and busted brackets. Except most of my madness is coming from a pesky cardinal who is constantly rapping on my house windows. The red birds are territorial, so whenever they see their reflection in a window, they try to peck it to death. So far, I have printed out a big, terrifying picture of a hawk and taped it to his favorite window (doesn’t work). We have hung long foil strips on strings (a joke). I have rapped back and closed blinds (doesn’t matter). I am trying to outsmart a bird! And it’s not working! Whoever thinks birds are not smart because they have “bird brains” should stop by my place. I have a percussion orchestra section in session during all daylight hours. Now it is a pair of cardinals who love to tap away. Studies claim that cardinals have a territory of approximately 17 miles, and these birds will do everything they can to chase away possible interlopers from their space. That means pecking at any bird (or their reflection) until the intruder is gone. Silly bird, it’s you that you see! What about those little brains? Shouldn’t we worry about concussions? We also have plenty of woodpeckers who love to peck at drywall or the flashing around fireplaces. Scientists say that when a woodpecker rams into a hard surface with its beak, the 12001400 G-force of each peck can be 20 times greater than what would cause a concussion in humans. Ouch! Plus, woodpeckers can move their head at 15 miles per hour and
see BLUHM page 13
12,000 times a day! Science is now using this information to help design better football helmets, neck collars and head gear for other sports. I was thinking just the opposite — that perhaps we should fashion tiny helmets for our feathered friends who seem determined to crack their skulls! Like Edgar Alan Poe’s words, “While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping. As of someone gently rapping at my chamber door.” Well, this is no tapping at my chamber door, it is at windows in my house! And let’s not forget the rearview mirror on the driver’s side of my Subaru. It must be garaged immediately because the cardinal flutters up and down, back and forth, repeatedly chasing his reflection as his image fights back fiercely. I am thinking (hoping) that eventually the combatants will lose interest and realize they have won the battle with their intruders and just go back to building a nest. So far, they are completely obsessed with their own re-
see BLUHM page 12
OPINION
THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 29, 2023
Remembering a ‘Prophet without Office’
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nother Saint Patrick’s Day has come and gone, so pack up your garishly green sweater and put away your shamrock-shaped badge with “Kiss me, I’m Irish!” Now, the legacy of another Patrick who emerged as a modern-day prophet of what America could become — and circle the date Jan. 20 on your calendar. It was on that last day of the workweek in the first month of this year that longtime “Newsmax Insider” Patrick J. Buchanan gave that website a scoop: his forthcoming syndicated column would be his last. Of course, confining a description of Buchanan to a mere mention of his affiliation with a conservative news outlet is akin to restricting the resume’ of Thomas Jefferson to his status as the inventor of the dumbwaiter. While history understandably devotes several volumes to the “Sage of Monticello,” it should also make room for much more than just a footnote on this most “Un-Washington” of native Washingtonians and his three campaigns for the Presidency. After all, Buchanan served as a White House advisor to the two GOP chief executives who were re-elected by historic margins — Richard Nixon, who carried 49 states in 1972, and Ronald Reagan, who won 49 states as well as DC, but lost Minnesota in 1984. Now that he’s retired at 84, both friends and foes find it difficult to believe that Pat will strictly observe his right to remain silent in the “Courtroom of Public Opinion.” That’s because he punctuated his years advising presidents and running for the office himself as a celebrated and unapologetically conservative columnist and commentator. And it’s the “unapologetic” part of that description that prompted so many jeers and so much static from today’s mislabeled “Liberals.” In fact, it was alleged that one wag from the “socialist authoritarian” camp could scarcely contain his glee, crowing that “The ‘Great Right Hope’ has left the debate!”
Don’t be so sure. Even if he refuses all interviews and never writes another column, Buchanan’s voice endures. You won’t have to track down old recordings of Pat’s days as the original conservative co-host of CNN’s “Crossfire,” nor his later time at MSNBC — where those letters have come to stand for “Makeup Stuff and Never Believe Conservatives.” Instead, it is the simple power of his prose and many of the ideas behind it. The words used by Buchanan — in several of his aforementioned columns, his 13 books and on the campaign trail — are not only on the Right, most are absolutely right. In 1992, he challenged incumbent President George H.W. Bush, and made an eloquent case against what today is called “equity.” “If discrimination is wrong when practiced against black men and women, it is wrong when practiced against any man or woman. All quotas in federal agencies will be abolished — and the ideas of excellence and merit will be restored.” From his 1996 campaign for the Republican nomination, where he scored early wins in Louisiana, Missouri and New Hampshire, Buchanan bemoaned Bush 41’s relaxed border security and increasingly incoherent approach to immigration. What he described over a quarter century ago sounds as if it’s ripped from today’s headlines:
see HAYWORTH page 12
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11 ••
•• 12
OPINION
THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 29, 2023
Indicting Trump would inflame a tinderbox
BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist
W
ith stories, there’s how you wish they’ll play out and how it goes. Nowhere is this truer than with the long, painful tale of President Donald Trump and the possibility of his arrest and trial. A quote from another time comes to mind: From Gerald Ford, our 38th President, the Michigan Republican who inherited the office after the resignation of Richard Nixon. Watergate pushed the nation to an abyss. Ford’s inaugural speech was beamed live from the East Room in August 1974. “My fellow Americans,” said the new President. “Our long national nightmare is over.” The late Wolverines football lineman never could have imagined where we are today. How would I like the Trump story to go? I’d like the Democrat District Attorney of Manhattan, Alvin Bragg, to use his prosecutorial discretion to punt on the case — not because I believe Trump’s egomaniacal, ab-
surd denials, but because prosecuting such a case will further inflame a country that’s already like dry kindling awaiting a match. Is anyone above the law? No, not even a former POTUS. But for all Trump’s lies and bloviation — counterbalanced by some of the results of his presidency, which I appreciated — I don’t relish the idea of old 45 in court for a trial focused on $130,000 his scummy lawyer wired to a porn star in 2016 so she wouldn’t discuss an adulterous sex romp from 2006. Did the payment and its timing violate campaign finance law? Maybe. Was the repayment hidden in Trump’s business records in some felonious manner, to be written off as legal expenses? Probably. But in the end, Bragg’s case is too esoteric, a yawner, the political equivalent of getting Al Capone on tax evasion. Except Scarface didn’t have millions of followers on social media and hundreds of thousands of supporters ready to riot in the streets. My Republican friends will call me out for
being too hard on Trump; my Dem pals will say I’ve gone soft in the head and gut. Guilty as charged. But our bitter partisan nightmare, with the 2024 election less than 600 days away, represents more than what would be at stake in a New York City courthouse. This is an inflection point, an American moment beyond Vietnam, Watergate, Clinton/Lewinsky, 9/11. Trump in handcuffs would delight progressives, but mark my words — you’re not going to like the way this turns out. Bragg’s prosecution is the right’s persecution. It will breathe new oxygen into the fires burning in MAGA land, to results that will make America worse off than when we started this sordid tale. In my fantasy — one I know is certifiably insane – Trump takes the out provided by a prosecutorial pass and passes himself on 2024. Or, better still, he gets politically euthanized in the primaries by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis or Nikki Haley or any sane Republican capable of looking at Kari Lake and saying what’s obvious to the rest of us: “Vice President? I wouldn’t buy you a movie ticket, much less put you on a ticket for the White House.” I know. Crazy talk. This is a time for seri-
HAYWORTH from Page 11
March 30
through
April 8
“We need a sea wall to stop the tidal wave of illegal immigration and narcotics sweeping over our southern border. We need a ‘time out’ on legal immigration — to assimilate and Americanize the millions who have come in recent decades.” Ironically, Donald Trump briefly battled Buchanan for the Reform Party nomination in 2000. Though the billionaire businessman quickly withdrew, it appears he became an “apprentice” to Pat’s political philosophy,
BLUHM from Page 10
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flections. My neighbor suggests wrapping their “favorite” windows with black plastic (depressing). My friend says to just ignore the pesky birds and soon they will stop. Well, it has been two weeks, but I will remain hopeful that they will just fly away.
ousness, not fantasies. Like that speech Ford gave almost 60 summers ago, quoting leaders whose faces are on Mount Rushmore. “Thomas Jefferson said the people are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty. And down the years, Abraham Lincoln renewed this American article of faith, asking, ‘Is there any better way or equal hope in the world?’” Let’s hope the people have stronger spines and hearts than our leaders, and we find a way to get beyond the headlines yet to come in the case of the State of New York vs. President Donald Trump.
eventually adopting its cornerstone as his own. In fact, the Trump of today sounds like the Buchanan of three decades ago, who wrote, “Our resolve is to put America First, to make America First again, and to keep America First… We must begin to look out for the forgotten Americans right here in the United States.” Pat Buchanan will not be forgotten, nor will many of his ideas gather dust. Instead, Americans will come to regard him as a “Prophet without Office.”
Yes, my pain-in-the-glass cardinals are beautiful, funny to watch, annoying to listen to, but are also the epitome of persistence. Still, it is late March, so I’ll be watching NCAA men’s basketball. Because a bracket is better than a racket. No madness required. Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Contact her at judy@judybluhm.com or at aroundthebluhmintown.com.
13 ••
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•• 14
OPINION
THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 29, 2023
READER’S VIEWPOINTS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Better long-term option
Editor: As the mayor of Carefree for seven-plus years through December 2022, I had knowledge of the facts developed and the deliberations of the Carefree Fire Safety Committee as they investigated the various options and costs for fire and safety coverage in Carefree for the coming years. The committee’s considered recommendation was that Carefree adopt the automatic-aid approach, funded via a limited property tax. I support the committee’s recommendation to vote “yes” on the current ballot initiative that fulfills their recommendation, but I recognize that there are some valid points supporting both sides of this debate. Placing Carefree residents in an increased risk situation would be reckless, and, while I have long opposed a property tax for Carefree, for this necessary expenditure it is the only viable funding option. Back-up fire and safety coverage in Carefree has become problematic because the two remaining Rural Metro supported communities in reasonable proximity to Carefree, Cave Creek and Fountain Hills, have now broken their ties with Rural Metro. However, the statements from the people urging a “no” vote on the initiative that back up support from Rural Metro’s station supporting Rio Verde Foothills is 10 minutes from Carefree are incorrect and misleading. The more accurate Rural Metro back-up response time from Rio Verde is closer to 25 minutes. The referenced Rural Metro Fire Station is 15 to 17 miles away from different parts of Carefree. Assuming an average travel distance of 16 miles to reach their destination in Carefree within 10 minutes, the fire and safety equipment dispatched would have to travel at an average speed of 97 miles per hour. Much of that travel time would be through populated areas. That’s not a reasonable assumption upon which to build a response time model. For reference, the National Fire Protection Association has set a top speed of 68 mph for fire trucks, and the average speeds reached nationally traveling to an incident location are approximately 35 mph. I also don’t believe that Rural Metro, however well they have performed for Carefree
residents in the past, is a viable long-term solution for our town. There are questions of whether Rural Metro will want to continue to operate in Carefree beyond the termination of the current contract, which can be extended beyond June 2024 for an additional three-and-a-half years but, beyond which time, it would need to be renegotiated. Available information suggests that Rural Metro is losing money servicing only Carefree under the current pricing structure. By 2024, Carefree will be the last municipality in Arizona with which Rural Metro has a master contract. A substantially higher price to continue their support beyond the threeand-a-half-year remaining contract term would be likely. If Carefree didn’t continue with Rural Metro beyond the current contract duration, there is a real danger that Carefree would be forced to implement its own fire and safety department, which would be even more costly. If that were to happen, Carefree would also need to re-apply for admission into the automatic-aid program at that time, the outcome of which would be uncertain because it would require a positive vote from the fire chiefs of the other automatic-aid participants. I also dismiss those arguments which have surfaced recently suggesting that Carefree enter into the automatic-aid arrangement but fund the incremental costs out of increased sales tax revenues from the commercial development of two high traffic locations on Carefree Highway. Each of these properties will require zoning changes. Relying upon these properties to generate substantial additional revenue in the short term would lead to unrealistic expectations, given that no development applications are currently under consideration by the Carefree Planning and Zoning Commission. Such a review and approval process will likely be lengthy, given that Carefree is in the midst of changing its general plan. Plus, the potential developer of the most sales tax lucrative site is now considering proposing that two-thirds of the property be developed with high density modestly priced housing.
see LETTERS page 15
OPINION
THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 29, 2023
LETTERS from Page 14 Any possible short-term sales tax revenues from these properties are speculative, and would require a minimum of five or more years to be realized. Voting “yes” supports a long-term commitment to the optimum available fire and first responder support for the residents of Carefree. While arguments can be mounted on both sides of this question, in my opinion those supporting a “yes” vote are of greater benefit to Carefree residents than those supporting a “no” vote. I believe that a “yes” vote to enter into the automatic-aid program and fund that participation via a limited property tax is Carefree’s better long-term option. Les Peterson
Hotel regulation needed
Editor: I am writing to express my support for the Cave Creek town attorney’s first draft of an amendment regulating short-term rentals, and to urge the council to approve it rather than a watered down second version. As many residents are aware, short-term rentals in residential areas are essentially unregulated hotels. They pose significant health, safety and welfare risks to permanent residents. They also often have a negative impact on the character of residential neighborhoods, disrupting the peace and quiet that homeowners expect in these areas. The first draft of the amendment proposed by the town attorney discourages the proliferation of these neighborhood hotels throughout Cave Creek neighborhoods. These regulations, modeled after Fountain Hills and other similar-sized communities, would require background checks for sex offenders, insurance business licenses, sales tax permits, notification of neighbors, regular inspections and maintenance, and establish a process for addressing complaints and violations. However, there is a risk that a watered down second version of the amendment may be approved instead. This version may not include the necessary provisions to protect residents from the negative effects of short-term rentals. I urge the council to prioritize the health, safety and welfare of the community and approve the town attorney’s first draft of the amendment regulating short-term rentals. Homeowners in desert rural residen-
tial zones do not want these commercial businesses in their neighborhoods, and the council should listen to their concerns. I encourage all concerned citizens to contact the Cave Creek mayor and council to voice their support for the first draft of the amendment, and to help ensure that the right decision is made for the community. John Hoeppner Member 1985-86 Cave Creek Incorporation Committee, Cave Creek
No property tax
Editor: Look at the budget report. Carefree says: “The Town of Carefree has little debt.” “We have saved more money than we have spent.” Those savings have enabled us to accumulate a $16.5 million reserve. Our revenue continues to grow “with businesses re-opening after the pandemic” and new businesses opening like the Hampton Inn. In the last two years we have accumulated almost $6 million with revenue growth significantly outpacing spending (even though we have spent quite a lot, too). Carefree is on strong financial footing. There is no public safety issue. Rural Metro has served Carefree well for five decades, which is why Carefree renewed Rural Metro’s contract for another five years (June 2022 to May 2027). But, if we wanted to go to automatic aid, we could easily do that without a property tax. So why all this unnecessary fear mongering, telling residents, “Our public safety is at risk”? Three years ago, we dealt with another expensive and emotional campaign to get residents to support the water transition. Now, just a few years later, a similarly emotional and divisive campaign has been manufactured to encourage residents to support a property tax disguised as a public safety initiative. Is this really how you want Carefree to be governed — going from one manufactured crisis to another, inevitably costing residents more money. Let’s learn from our mistakes, not repeat them. Vote no on May 16. If we want automatic aid, we have more than enough money to pay for it without a property tax. So enough of the drama please. Stephanie Barbour Carefree
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comfortable doing and/or have experienced. “We go over what their skills are and what their interests are. For instance, if they would be okay driving someone to an appointment, or if they have experience helping with showering or assisting a person with incontinence, are they comfortable preparing a meal or providing light housekeeping assistance” he said. When a new client signs up for service, Lask will personally introduce his caregiver to the client. “I find it so distasteful to have a stranger show up at one’s door, show their badge, and say ‘I’m here to take care of you.’ It’s such an impersonal approach to introducing families who already have anxiety to someone they don’t know to take care of their loved one,” he said. “I work hard to be sure we are offering continuity of care, and I really like the idea that we are doing things that are creative and that will help people.” In addition to getting assistance with a variety of needed services and tasks, Lask said his clients appreciate the camaraderie that comes from being helped by someone from their generation. “Our caregivers relate well to our clients. They are retired from various professions and are at the point of their lives where they want to help someone else,” he said. Looking back, Lask said he is pleased with his decision to open Seniors Helping Seniors, and he is humbled by the positive feedback and referrals he has received from many clients. “I have a soft place in my heart for these folks,” he said. “The name ‘Seniors Helping Seniors’ resonates with everyone. It says exactly what we are doing and how each party helps each other. I feel we are fulfilling the need to help two groups of people, and it feels really good to be part of it.” For more information, call 480-674-5400, email info@shsscottsdale.com, or visit www. shsscottsdale.com.
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BUSINESS
THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 29, 2023
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Palms up or palms down? CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Pastor Ed Delph
Foothills Focus Columnist
Y
ou may remember the story of Palm Sunday. At the height of His ministry, Jesus came into Jerusalem days before He would go to the cross. He rides into the city on the colt of a donkey as a Servant King, contrary to the day’s culture. Multitudes of people spread out their clothes and tree branches on the road for Jesus as He enters the city. You might be asking, “What is all the hubbub about? Why the celebration? Why the palm tree branches and the gold carpet treatment?” Well, the people knew Scripture was being fulfilled right before their eyes. How did they know? It had been written in the scriptures years before in Zechariah 9:9. “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” This event was foretold hundreds of years before it happened, but this day the foretold has become “forthtold.” A prophecy is being fulfilled right before their eyes. The next has become the now, and these people are watching it happen. People are shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” The Psalmist foresaw this day coming hundreds of years earlier in Psalm 118: “This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” The atmosphere is electric. “This is the day” — an awakening, a quickening, an epiphany, a revival, a stirring that ripples through everyone’s space in the city. The crowd’s shout of “Hosanna” was very significant. Today, many think the word Hosanna means praise. But the original Aramaic (or Hebrew) meaning meant something so much more than praise. The real meaning of
Hosanna is a desperate cry from the people for help, deliverance, or salvation. It meant, “I beseech thee, save me now, or I perish.” The Scripture says, “And when He entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred saying, “Who is this?” Two types of people observed Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. One group was the people who celebrated Jesus, and the other was the religious, academic and political elite disrespecting Jesus. One group was palms-up, and the other was palms-down. The palms-up crowd, or people supporting Jesus, asked, “Who is… This?” with expectancy, joy and the revelation of Scripture fulfilled. The palms-down group trivialized the event, asking, “Who… Is this?” In other words, who is messing up what we have raised up? God sent Jesus to mess things up in a positive, uplifting, elevating, ascending, resurrecting, eternal-life-giving way. You see, Jesus was raised up to mess things up for the better. Where did Jesus go when He dismounted the colt? He went right to the temple, the church at that time. What did He do there? Jesus revealed four characteristics of God’s temple (or church) was created to be: 1. A Church of Purity. Jesus first cast out those robbers buying and selling, turning over the moneychangers’ tables and the seats of those selling doves for sacrificial offerings at exorbitant prices. Through the years, the temple had lost its purity and turned into a robbers’ den at the expense of worshippers and those needing help. This type of profiteering hurts everyone and presents a wrong picture of God. People associate God and money in a way that God hates. (Matthew 21:12) 2. A Church of Prayer. God’s church was designed to be a house of prayer for all nations. Still, it had deteriorated into a place of dysfunctional robbers using clever marketing techniques and temple leaders far from God. Their religion was a religion of rules and
regulations. They were more concerned with external behavior than internal redemption and transformation. Jesus wanted them to be aware of the purpose and power of prayer. Prayer is the boiler room of the church. And, prayer was for all the nations, not just one select nation. (Matthew 21:13) 3. A Church of Power. The temple had lost its power. When Jesus evicted the robbers and money changers, it created room for the blind and the lame to enter the house of the Lord. Jesus healed them. In effect, Jesus pointed everyone toward caring for people, not using or abusing people. That’s what a real church does. A true church reaches the lost, disciples the found, and releases the ready into the community to be salt and light. (Matthew 21:14) 4. A Church of Praise. The temple leaders had forgotten whom the people were to praise. Temple leaders were being lifted, not God. These leaders wanted to be praised as they had always been, but the children praised the real God. Jesus even quotes a verse written many years before to the leaders, saying that on this day, praise will be given to God out of the mouths of babes. (Matthew 21:16) Why did Jesus come to earth? To make God known in people’s hearts through church services and transformed communi-
ties. God revealed Himself to people through Christ. People, churches and communities: make “this is the day” your day today. And don’t let the money changers crowd you out of coming to a church of purity, prayer, power and praise. Raise your palms upward. Ed Delph is a noted author of 10 books, as well as a pastor, teacher, former business owner and speaker. He has traveled extensively, having been to more than 100 countries. He is president of NationStrategy, a nonprofit organization involved in uplifting and transforming communities worldwide. For more information, see nationstrategy.com. He may be contacted at nationstrategy@cs.com.
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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 29, 2023
KUMA’S GREAT ADVENTURES
Bartlett Lake and the drive to it are scenic TOLD BY KUMA AND WRITTEN BY LORRAINE BOSSÉ-SMITH Foothills Focus Contributing Writer
W
hat a wild winter we have had here in Arizona. I have loved the cooler temperatures, but I have missed the sun. Hopefully spring brings us more sunshine. Regardless of the weather, a great place for a picnic is Bartlett Lake. From North Phoenix, the drive is just over an hour one way. The address is 20808 E. Bartlett Dam Road, Tonto National Forest, Rio Verde. We took Carefree Highway East to Cave Creek Road north and turned right on Bartlett Dam Road, where we drove for about 13 miles until we came to the entrance for the lake. We just missed the flowers. It was a chilly, cloudy day when we drove out. However, if you go now, you will see tons of wildflowers. The drive will be just as scenic as the destination itself. Take pictures! The cost is $6 per vehicle and an additional $4 for boats. We sold ours some time ago, so we packed a lunch to enjoy the views from land. There are several day-use areas, but we prefer
Rattlesnake Cove. Don’t let the name scare you. We have never seen a snake. It is located on the north side of the lake and boasts great views and sandy beaches. Plenty of picnic tables with shade and human restrooms await you. They did a good job of layering the areas so more people could enjoy the views. There really isn’t a bad seat in the house. We had the place to ourselves, but with spring break and summer coming, be prepared for crowds. Mom was glad she wore layers and something over her ears. The sun was warm, but the wind was cold. Soon enough, it will just be hot, so we try not to complain about it. We enjoyed Mom’s homemade macaroni salad and some chips. Of course, I always get my special jerky. Yum! The lake was quiet and calm. We sat admiring the views and then decided to take a little walk. During another visit, we took the actual trail to hike around. It is 4.5 miles out and back and follows the shore of the lake most of the way. Today, we opted to head over toward the boat ramp to see what we could find. The trail was muddy, and we quickly
Bartlett Lake is a great picnic spot. (Lorraine Bossé-Smith/Contributor)
Kuma stretches his legs. (Lorraine Bossé-Smith/Contributor) learned the boat ramp on that north shore is closed for repairs. We didn’t get very far before turning around. We hadn’t come to hike, so we were fine with a short stretch for our legs. We sure enjoy having Bartlett Lake relatively close. We hopped back in the car to head home as Mom still had some work to do. This was just a long lunch break. I got to eat yummy food and enjoy fresh air with views. A good time in my book. Like I said, the drive will be spectacular now with wildflowers. Don’t miss them. Once the heat arrives, the flowers will wither and die. The desert is incredibly green and lush — soak it up while you can. My mom, Lorraine BosséSmith, is kind enough to Kuma and his mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, on the trail. (Lorraine help me share my Great Bossé-Smith/Contributor) Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, cor- mom ever. porate trainer, executive recruiter, busiEnjoy my blog at https://bit.ly/ ness consultant, coach, fitness expert kuma0901, follow me on Facebook @ and author of nine published books. kumathedog or Instagram @kumaitoMore importantly, she’s the best doggy thedog.
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Seminar covers small spaces design
19 ••
BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF
W
ith any outdoor space, it’s best to think about “outdoor rooms” and, much like interior design, first think about the way the space will be used. Consider how elements of color, hardscape, furniture, shade, sun, water, fire and light fit and interact with the chosen plants. On Saturday, April 15, Carefree Desert Gardens welcomes Katie Coates, certified desert landscape designer. Explore ideas to help create an oasis in smaller spaces, whether a small yard, courtyard, balcony or patio. Knowing the right plant for the right place is essential to creating the ideal space. Coates has lived in mountain regions in the West and Southwest. After moving to Arizona 15 years ago, she blended her skills in Rocky Mountain gardening with desert landscaping. She became a certified desert landscape designer through Desert Botanical Garden in 2010 and a University of Arizona Maricopa County Certified Master Gardener in 2014. The program, usually including a plant raffle, will begin at 9:30 a.m. and run approximately until noon at the Carefree Town Council chambers at 33 Easy Street and Nonchalant Avenue. A minimum of $5 donation is appreciated. For more information, call 480-488-3686.
Katie Coates, a certified desert landscape designer, will speak on behalf of the Carefree Desert Gardens. (Carefree Desert Gardens/Submitted)
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American Legion Post 34 plans bottle auction BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF
A
merican Legion Post 34 has planned a bottle and silent auction for Saturday, April 15.
The doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the auction begins at 6 p.m. The event is open to the public. Veterans, their families and the community are encouraged to drop
off quality bottles of liquors and wines to Post 34 bartenders for the auction. Please clearly mark bottle(s) as a donation for the fundraiser. During the evening, guests will bid
on boxes containing unknown bottles of fine spirits. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. This fundraiser will directly benefit Post 34 veterans and their families.
Museum, Kiwanis present Earth Day party BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF
C The American Legion Post 34 bottle auction will benefit its veterans and families. (American Legion Post 34/Submitted)
ave Creek Museum will partner with Kiwanis Club of Carefree to present Earth Day in the Sonoran Desert from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 16. “Our desert is fragile, our resources precious,” said Evelyn Johnson, exec-
Pawsitive on Purpose with your Arizona tax dollars
utive director for the museum. “Join Cave Creek Museum for Kiwanis’ Family Fun Day to learn how what you do makes a difference to our beautiful desert. Decide what kind of difference you want to make.” During fun, interactive play, children and adults learm how to make a positive impact on the Sonoran Desert by small acts of conservation as part of their daily routine, like creating a take-home craft from recycled materials. Registration is required in advance. Visit cavecreekmuseum. org. The cost is $5 per child. For more information, call 480488-2764.
Pawsitive Friendships is a local 501c3 providing goal-orientated animal-assisted therapy to individuals with special needs.
1,100 served annually
100% Community Funded
96% Volunteer Ran
throughout Maricopa County
Donate Today Mail
Online
QCO # 20861
or
Pawsitive Friendships 3317 S. Higley Rd #114-778 Gilbert, AZ 85297
Earth Day at the Cave Creek Museum includes crafts for kids. (Cave Creek Museum/Submitted)
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21 ••
Museum to feature ‘Story of the Unknown Soldier’ BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF
C
ave Creek Museum will feature the “Story of the Unknown Soldier” featuring Matthew Scott from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the museum. Register by visiting cavecreekmuseum.org. The event is free for museum members and $10 for nonmembers. “Scott’s presentation will focus on the selection and burial of the first unknown soldier in Arlington Cemetery,” said Evelyn Johnson, the museum’s executive director. “It is a riveting program that highlights the emotion-wrenching process by which the first real unknown soldier from the battlefields of France was selected. The accolades from France and the world were heaped upon this anonymous soldier who represented the thousands of unnamed men who
fell in battle, and the pomp and ceremony that accompanied the soldier’s reunification with his homeland and interment in a crypt at Arlington National Cemetery.” Cave Creek Museum invited Scott back by popular demand, she said. Scott’s research includes the use of a report documented by his grandfather who was a clerk in the cemetery division of the department of war, and who was directed to document the details of the ceremony in France and the burial in Arlington in November of 1921. His presentation in May 2022 was the catalyst for the Veterans Memory Garden, which will be sited on the Cave Creek Museum grounds as a show of appreciation for all who served and sacrificed in the name of our country. A groundbreaking was held on Feb. 28 and it is anticipated that the dedication will take place on Dec. 7. Visit
cavecreekmuseum.org for more details about the project and donating to it. The 52-year-old museum’s mission is to preserve the artifacts of the prehistory, history, culture and legacy of the Cave Creek Mining District and the
Cave Creek/Carefree foothills area through education, research and interpretive exhibits. The Cave Creek Museum is located at 6140 E. Skyline Drive. For more information, call 480-4882764.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is at Arlington National Cemetery. (Cave Creek Museum/ Submitted)
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