East Valley Tribune: Northeast Mesa Edition - July 23, 2017

This Week

EV cities take aim at dangerous intersections

BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Writer

East Valley traffic engineers are fighting a constant, endless battle to make congested roads and intersections as safe as possible, guiding drivers with extra turn lanes and flashing signals in an attempt to reduce deadly collisions.

Their efforts, essentially an attempt to protect people from themselves by discouraging poor decisions, are paying some big dividends. All East Valley cities follow this ap-

proach, but Chandler is at the forefront. It has rebuilt nine intersections since 2001 and is now rebuilding a tenth.

The process is slow, expensive and frustrating for drivers backed up in traffic for months on end. And then there is the city’s extensive use of photo radar, sometimes a hot-button issue in a conservative state that fears the encroachment of Big Brother.

But Chandler traffic engineer Mike Mah said he is gratified that collisions have dropped 43 percent in the past three years at the nine rebuilt intersections. The improve-

ments include dual left-turn lanes that help protect drivers against devastating T-bone collisions while increasing capacity and traffic flow.

“From our prospective, it really comes down to capacity and safety. We are trying to improve both at the same time,” he said. “What we’ve been doing is making improvements. We’re widening them. It’s something we’ve been doing for 15 years.”

With the rebuilding campaign on the

Turning 15 and facing death, Mesa boy just wants birthday cards

BY JESSICA SURIANO Tribune Staff Writer

AMesa teen battling a terminal illness will turn 15 soon – and all he wants for his birthday is 100,000 greeting cards.

Jacob Priestly, whose birthday is Aug. 28, was diagnosed with a disease when he was 10 that has caused most of the mitochondria in his cells to die. This has left him easily exhausted and with a diminished energy supply.

“Any time someone sends me a card, I get filled with joy,” Jacob said. “If I read it and see people – random strangers – signing cards to another stranger, it makes me have joy.”

The United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation says mitochondria are responsible for creating more than 90 percent of the energy needed by the body to sustain life and organ function. There are currently no cures for the disease.

Aside from his condition, Jacob is just like other boys his age and enjoys joking around with his parents and younger brother, playing video games and listening to music. Some of his favorite games are Minecraft, World of Warcraft and Call of Duty.

He still completes school classes from

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Dispute over dust drifts across agencies, jurisdictions

BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Tribune Staff Writer

Aseemingly small dispute over a one-mile dirt road has spiraled out of control as Sun Lakes residents butt heads with the Gila River Indian Community and Maricopa County in a conflict that has drawn interest from agencies as far reaching as the EPA.

The conflict surrounds Old Price Road, a stretch of unpaved road just under one mile long that lies within GRIC boundaries, adjacent to a Global Native agricultural operation to the west and Sun Lakes to the east.

In recent years, increased traffic on the road has sent plumes of dust into several homes in the neighboring Sun Lakes community, drawing the ire of some residents.

For years, few vehicles used the road. However, traffic has increased in the past several years as school buses, farm vehicles, residents, garbage trucks and other GRIC vehicles make use of the road, Sun Lakes resident Robert Betsko said.

Betsko’s backyard borders Old Price Road, and vehicles traveling at high speeds occasionally cause clouds of dust to float onto his property, coating his patio furniture in dirt, clogging air conditioning filters and making time in the backyard untenable.

Several of Betsko’s neighbors who live along Old Price Road have experienced similar situations.

As a housing development near the edge of the Phoenix metro area, Sun Lakes is adjacent to several sources of dirt and dust, including open desert and agricultural operations.

Some of the community’s residents are retirees from other parts of the country, and several of Betsko’s neighbors acknowledged that they did not inquire about potential blowing dust problems when purchasing their homes and were not informed of those issues by their real estate agents.

One resident involved with the local homeowners association, Len Wood, did ask about the road and was told at the time that there was little traffic.

Betsko and his neighbors are also worried about the potential health issues associated with the dust, specifically valley fever.

It is difficult to determine whether or not there is a valley fever risk in the area without testing the dirt in question

for the presence of fungal spores that cause the infection, said Mayo Clinic infectious disease specialist Dr. Janis E. Blair.

“People think that when (dust) is visible, you are going to get (valley fever) and the reality is it not that simple,” said Blair. “Valley fever is not distributed equally in all pieces of dirt. It is pretty hard to find the hot spots.”

When the dust became a problem in 2014, Betsko reached out to the GRIC Department of Environmental Quality, which committed to identifying ownership of the road and finding a feasible solution.

In the intervening years, little has been done to rectify the dust issue, but that is not for a lack of trying. A tangle of jurisdictional issues, property rights and an obscure federal government Indian land allotment policy dating back to the 19th century have complicated the situation.

“The Gila River Indian Community values being a good neighbor with communities like Sun Lakes and other neighborhoods,” GRIC intergovernmental liaison Manuel Johnson said via a prepared statement. “We have made a good-faith effort to reduce the dust in the interim, and we are working toward a solution that will be mutually beneficial to both communities.”

GRIC has made efforts to reduce the air quality issue, according to emails provided by Betsko.

In an email to Betsko dated May 8, 2015, GRIC Air Quality Program manager Ryan Eberle stated there is no official right-of-way on the property and Old Price Road is not considered a facility or construction project, so

neither Gila River Department of Transportation nor the Air Quality Program has jurisdiction over the area.

On May 2, 2016, Johnson informed Betsko via email that he met with Bureau of Indian Affairs to discuss laying a dust control material on the road.

By October, Betsko acknowledged that GRIC put down a sub-base on the road to reduce dust but did not completely mitigate the problem.

The sub-base was only a temporary fix, Betsko said. He would prefer that GRIC shut down the road entirely.

There had also been discussions about Global Native watering the road to reduce dust, but it is unclear how often watering has occurred – if at all.

At this point, GRIC is working to implement a long-gestating plan to pave a portion of Hunt Highway, providing an alternative route for the Old Price road traffic.

The plan would pave Hunt Highway from Dobson Road west to GRIC homes southwest of Sun Lakes and close off Old Price Road to all traffic except for utilities that need to access to their facilities.

“We are still working on this solution,” said Johnson via the prepared statement. “We believe that this approach will substantially reduce the dust and provide a paved road for our Community members.”

This plan originated with an EPA recommendation in April 2016. It is unclear how long it will take to gain necessary approvals and/or begin paving.

When it comes to implementing a solution dust on Old Price Road, GRIC’s hands are tied, because it does

Mesa’s Winkle in jail after pleading guilty to extreme DUI

BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Writer

An embattled Mesa City Council member pleaded guilty Thursday to extreme driving under the influence, accepting punishment that includes six days in jail and a $3,800 fine.

Ryan Winkle is spending two full days this weekend in jail and 12 hours a day behind bar until completing his sentence on Wednesday. But Winkle said he realizes his biggest challenge awaits him, tentatively on Aug. 31, when he will appear at a disciplinary hearing where the Mesa City Council will act as his jury.

Winkle said he is hoping Mayor John Giles and his fellow council members will decide he has been punished enough and censure him for his lapse of judgment, rather than stripping him of his seat. He’s hoping the council gives him credit for apologizing for his error, admitting his guilt, receiving counseling, staying sober and serving jail time.

“It’s been torture not to do things for the community,” Winkle said. “For me, it’s great to get this over and get it moving.”

No matter the outcome of the disciplinary hearing, “I will serve the community regardless,” he said. “It’s just what I do.”

If documents sent by city attorney Charles “Chas” Wirken to Winkle attorney Tim La Sota are any indication, Winkle can expect a far more grueling experience at the disciplinary hearing

CARDS

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home. History and science are his favorite subjects, but he is not a fan of language arts.

Last year, Jacob and his family made a goal of opening 10,000 birthday cards, but ended up receiving double that amount.

So far, he has received cards from Barack Obama, actor Matt Damon, a postcard from Pixar, a signed guitar from country music artist Harry Luge and a flag from the U.S. Army that traveled from Iraq to Germany.

He has also received cards from abroad, including India, Hong Kong and the Philippines. His family has collected about 12,000 cards for his birthday this year so far.

than in Tempe Municipal Court, where he quietly pleaded guilty during a brief proceeding.

Winkle chose to fight for his position rather than to resign, saying that many of his constituents in the diverse District 3 want him to remain their representative. He took a voluntary leave of absence on May 17, and the council voted unanimously on June 15 to initiate disciplinary action against him.

Tempe police officers Anibal Espinoza and Eric Jensen, who stopped and tested Winkle, are expected to testify. Randy Policar, a city public information officer previously assigned to Winkle, is expected to testify about an affidavit in which he says Winkle initially proposed to blame his arrest on Tempe police but eventually backed off that plan.

because he knows he made a big mistake by driving that night and that he is undergoing counseling after realizing that alcohol had become a problem in his life.

La Sota said Policar’s affidavit shows the city is going to great lengths to target Winkle.

Policar declined to comment on his affidavit, but Winkle said he felt betrayed by Policar, who largely took his statements out of context.

“I honestly feel it is a character assassination,” Winkle said, adding that he thought he was speaking to Policar as a friend in confidence. “I think it destroys trust.”

Winkle acknowledged one of Policar’s allegations, however: that Winkle’s wife, Ericka Varela, was initially driving that night but pulled over when she realized she was impaired.

on whether he should be removed from the council or given an opportunity to redeem himself.

The evidence against Winkle kept growing, one damaging piece at a time. At first, there were the frightened pedestrians, who jumped out of the path of Winkle’s BMW before it came to a hard stop at a red light at Kyrene and Baseline roads.

After an officer saw the car weaving, Winkle was stopped at Baseline and Mill Avenue, where he flunked the field sobriety tests and was booked for misdemeanor DUI. The charge was elevated to superextreme DUI when tests revealed a blood alcohol content of 0.22 percent.

Wirken described how Winkle had lied to Tempe police repeatedly about not drinking that night, contending that his behavior violated the council’s code of conduct.

Policar also quotes Winkle as telling him that his arrest was not a “big deal” and downplaying the significance of incriminating police body cam videos, in which Winkle speaks in slurred speech and is unable to follow basic commands.

Winkle has said the opposite in public, telling a reporter that he alone was to blame, that he was eager to plead guilty

Winkle said it was his mistake to take over behind the wheel for his wife.

“We were not sober people to make good decisions,” Winkle said. “That’s the whole reason we stopped drinking.”

Winkle became a lightning rod for controversy in Mesa after his May 7 arrest by Tempe police on suspicion of driving under the influence, with a debate raging

Jacob said cards from prison inmates are some of the best ones because most have detailed drawings and supportive messages.

Jacob’s mom, Britney Priestly, said the idea for the birthday card campaign came about two years ago, when his condition was declining and he was bedbound most of the time.

“We had no idea what to give him for his birthday,” she said. “We got like 200 cards, and we gave them to him on his birthday and he was so excited. He was so happy.”

His parents said the way Jacob handles adversity and his smile are their favorite qualities about him.

“He can be in pain and hurting,

but he has a joke or is singing a song,” Britney said. “He’s just a happy kid, and that’s everybody’s favorite thing about him.”

Jacob said he’s grateful for all his

Wirken also noted Winkle’s arrest by Scottsdale police in 2008 for another extreme DUI, where his blood alcohol content was recorded at 0.23 percent. Wirken said Winkle obviously did not learn his lesson, despite statements to the contrary and after serving 45 days of jail time for that arrest.

“Council member Winkle had been drinking very heavily,” Wirken said at a council meeting in June. “His drinking and driving demonstrates a lack of responsibility and poor judgment.”

– Reach Jim Walsh at 480-898-5639 or at jwalsh@ timespublications.com.

parents do to help him succeed and stay as healthy as possible.

“They’re an inspiration to me,” he said. “They help me go through all of this. Without my parents, I don’t know what I would be.”

Jacob’s favorite types of cards either have animals on them or funny jokes. To learn more about Jacob’s life and mission to receive 100,000 birthday cards, visit his Facebook page: Adventures with Mighty Jake or his Twitter account: @ mightyjake828.

To help

Want to help Jacob and his family reach their goal this year?

Send cards and letters to:

Jacob Priestly P.O. Box 855

Queen Creek, AZ 85142

INTERSECTION

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verge of completion, Mah said any further safety improvements will have to come from improved human behavior. The engineers are quick to observe that all it takes is one impaired motorist – or distracted driver staring at a smartphone and ignoring the road – to sabotage their efforts.

“I think it comes down to human factors,” Mah said, with distracted drivers becoming a bigger problem all the time. “It’s too tempting to use your cellphone and drive at the same time.”

Erik Guderian, Mesa's deputy transportation director, said traffic engineering can be frustrating occupation – just as driving in traffic frustrates most drivers at one time or another.

“We can design the safest roadway, but if someone decides to make a bad decision, it’s out of control,” he said.

The Maricopa Association of Government compiles a list of the county’s 100 highest-risk intersections for traffic collisions using a formula that includes the number of crashes and their severity, frequency and type.

The highest-ranked – or riskiest – East Valley intersection on the list is busy Interstate 10 and Baseline Road in Tempe. It was ranked as the 16th riskiest intersection in the region, with 275 collisions between 2011 and 2015.

But the East Valley looks relatively good on the list and on an associated map, with 18 intersections making the list – far fewer than in central Phoenix and west Phoenix.

“Comparatively, the East Valley is really doing well,” said Sarath Joshua of Chandler, a MAG’s senior program manager, who compiles the list.

He said MAG sends a team of experts

to some of the highest-risk intersections to make evaluations and suggest improvements to cities. One such road safety assessment was performed recently at I-10 and Baseline.

While the details of such assessments are considered confidential, the experts conducting the assessments typically find a gamut of issues, such as malfunctioning signals, trees blocking the view of signs and other problems that might contribute to collisions.

“You would be amazed by what we find out when we do these investigations,” Joshua said. “We find all kinds of deficiencies.”

Cities are notified immediately if the experts find an obvious risk to public safety that needs correction, Joshua said. About a dozen intersections on the top 100 list are analyzed each year.

All East Valley cities are represented on the list and many cities keep lists of their own, using somewhat different criteria than MAG.

Despite the aggressive rebuilding project, Chandler makes the unflattering list, but just barely, with four intersections

finishing at numbers 93, 94, 96 and 99.

Tempe, the East Valley’s most urban city, has several intersections much higher on the list, but it has more severe traffic challenges than its more suburban counterparts. Tempe has Arizona State University, a city within a city, at the heart of its downtown. The city’s downtown character has changed dramatically with such developments as the high- and mid-rise State Farm campus near Tempe Town Lake.

Tempe pursues a multi-modal approach to transportation, incorporating roads, bike lanes and mass transit – including Valley Metro light rail – said Julian Dresang, city traffic engineer.

“We are really in the middle of the region. We don’t just carry city of Tempe traffic,” Dresang said.

While better design of intersections promotes safety, the answer is a combination of engineering, education and enforcement, he said.

“We work closely with the police department on education and enforcement,” he said. “We can’t solve all of the problems with engineering.”

Tempe estimates it has a “sleeping population” of 165,000 at night but a “daytime population” of about 275,000, including many students who are lessexperienced drivers prone to taking more risks, he said.

“The intersection itself isn’t dangerous; 90 percent of crashes are caused by human error,” Dresang said, noting that better design can help. “We’re changing the intersections so they make better decisions.”

He said Tempe constantly monitors collision data, looking for short-term fixes that may promote safety until adequate funds are available to rebuild intersections. Those with a higher number of collisions resulting in serious injuries or fatalities become the top priority.

“It’s our job to do what we can to make

our streets as safe as possible,” Dresang said. “Traffic safety is something I care passionately about.”

He said the only acceptable goal is to eliminate all serious injury collisions and fatalities, although that might sound unrealistic with so much unpredictable behavior occurring every day.

“Anything less than that makes it OK for someone to not go home to their loved one,” Dresang said.

Short-term fixes might include better signs, better lane markings and improvements to landscaping that might promote better visibility.

The next intersection Tempe plans to rebuild is Southern Avenue and Rural Road, a busy place with a grocery store, a Walmart and the Tempe library on three corners.

In fall 2016, Mesa finished rebuilding the intersection of Dobson Road and Southern Avenue, flagged as the East Valley’s second riskiest intersection on the MAG list, Guderian said.

The rebuild was part of Mesa’s Fiesta District redevelopment plan, with Mesa Community College and Banner Desert Medical Center located nearby. Southern Avenue was narrowed and additional medians were installed to limit dangerous left turns from nearby strip malls.

Mesa’s next priority is to rebuild Stapley Drive and Southern Avenue to improve the flow of north-south traffic and to reduce left turns. The improvements will be designed next year and construction should begin in about two years.

“When you look at the number of crashes, it ranks near the top,” Guderian said.

Jennifer Alvarez, a Gilbert spokeswoman, said the town is developing a list of intersections that might be candidates for improvement. She said several bad collisions in recent months have concerned officials, including a fatality at Val Vista Drive and Elliot Road in April that left one jogger dead and another critically injured.

The MAG list flags that intersection as the 33rd riskiest in the county and the worst in Gilbert, with 119 crashes between 2011 and 2015.

Guderian said that improving intersections to make them safer is an endless job in a metropolitan area inundated with traffic.

“Relatively speaking, I think we are doing a fairly good job of roadway design out here. We are always looking to improve safety for the traveling public,” he said.

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SUN LAKES

not own the land. The land that the road and Global Native farm sit on is actually allotted land within the Gila River Indian Community.

Neither GRIC Department of Transportation nor Bureau of Indian Affairs Department of Transportation has authority to engage in activity on the land, according to an August 2015 email from BIA Regional Roads Engineer David R. Smith.

Allotted land refers to land belonging to individual tribal members. Beginning in the late 1880s, Congress attempted to break up tribal land holdings by taking tribal land and breaking up ownership by allotting land to individual members and, in some cases, to non-Indians, said Robert N. Clinton, foundation professor of law at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University.

Clinton is also chief justice of the Winnebago Supreme Court and the Hopi Appellate Court.

Allotted land is likely to be held in trust by the federal government for those members or their descendants.

It is unclear who owns the allotted land in question. However, tribal member Lyle Reams is a board member of Global Native, which leases the land, and has been involved in discussions regarding the dust issue.

Reams and Global Native did not return a request for comment.

Despite this setback, Betsko persisted. Since 2014, he has sent letters to a range of local, state and federal officials, including Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, GRIC Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis, Gov. Doug Ducey, Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and former Administrator Gina McCarthy, and then-Congressman Matt Salmon.

Betsko expressed anger with many of his local, state, and federal representatives for failing to address the issue or respond with anything more than a form letter.

At this point, the Old Price Road issue has involved an impressive range of players – from the residents of a small community on the edge of the Valley to a massive federal agency.

Yet no solution has been found.

Only time will tell if GRIC is able to succeed where other entities have failed and pave Hunt Highway, finally bringing an end to the saga of Old Price Road.

Chandler efforts run up against dangerous driver behavior

BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Writer

Chandler police made 500 traffic stops in June at the four intersections in the city with the highest number of collisions – part of a collaborative effort to promote traffic safety through a combination of engineering and enforcement.

Since 2001, the city has rebuilt nine major intersections to promote traffic safety and is rebuilding the tenth, at Chandler Boulevard and Alma School Road, which has the highest collision rate, according to police statistics.

The enforcement addresses a problem that engineering can’t – changing driver behavior.

The motorcycle officers in the enforcement effort knew what type of violations to target, whether it was red-light running, following too close or making high-risk left turns. They received data outlining the violations that contributed to collisions from Dana Alvidrez, a traffic studies engineer.

The effort was disclosed to the public in a Chandler police press release issued the day before it started.

“We want to do education and public education work before enforcement,” said Lt. Scott Veach, the traffic unit’s supervisor. “We tailor our enforcement by those violations.”

Police received diagrams showing how specific violations contributed to the collisions at Dobson and Ray roads, Alma School Road and Chandler Boulevard, Arizona Avenue and Chandler Boulevard, and Arizona Avenue and Pecos Road.

“When they blow these intersections out and make them much bigger, it makes a huge difference,” Veach said.

Alvidrez said the data is derived from

police reports submitted electronically by police and fed into a state database made available to cities by the Arizona Department of Transportation.

She said the data she analyzes does not contain personal information, such as the names of drivers.

“We do it to identify trends and crash patterns,” Alvidrez said, giving officers factual data to rely on rather than anecdotal evidence alone. “It gives them a fuller prospective.”

The data-driven approach is common among East Valley police agencies, looking to deploy their limited number of officers to make the biggest impact.

But the conclusions drawn from the data seem all too familiar.

“That’s what we see in our fatal crashes: drunk driving and distracted driving,” she said. “Hopefully, the driving behavior

changes” after motorcycle officers issue citations.

Although all the safety efforts are helpful, Veach said, there needs to be more cooperation from the public. He said new photo radar cameras installed at Queen Creek and McQueen roads recorded 1,000 speeding violations during the month-long grace period. Chandler photo radar cameras usually record about 200 violations a month.

A motorcycle officer recorded a driver hitting 111 mph on Price Road between Chandler Boulevard and Ray Road on a recent afternoon. The driver was booked into jail for a criminal speeding violation.

“Our speeds are getting ridiculous,” Veach said.

– Reach Jim Walsh at 480-898-5639 or at jwalsh@ timespublications.com.

The East Valley’s most dangerous intersections

Here are the 18 East Valley intersections listed among the 100 most dangerous in the Valley by the Maricopa Association of Governments. Included is their rank in the MAG list and the number of crashes over the last five years.

16. Baseline Road and Interstate 10, Tempe (275)

19. Dobson Road and Southern Avenue, Mesa (205)

20. University Drive and Rural Road, Tempe (232)

29. Southern Avenue and 48th Street, Tempe (115)

31. Baseline Road and 48th Street, Tempe/Phoenix (163)

33. Val Vista Drive and Elliot Road, Gilbert (119)

56. Higley and Baseline roads, Gilbert/Mesa (145)

58. Rural and Broadway roads, Tempe (158)

63. Hardy and Baseline roads, Tempe (111)

64. Ellsworth and Baseline roads, Mesa (79)

74. Val Vista Drive and Baseline Road, Mesa/Gilbert (185)

84. McClintock Drive and Apache Boulevard, Tempe (128)

88. Southern Avenue and Power Road, Mesa (91)

90. Broadway and Alma School roads, Mesa (61)

93. Ray Road and McClintock Drive, Chandler (117)

94. Warner and Alma School roads, Chandler (122)

96. Warner Road and Arizona Avenue, Chandler (148)

99. Ray and Dobson roads, Chandler (153)

– Jim Walsh, Tribune Staff Writer

Tempe Union superintendent will step down in June 2018

Tempe Union High School District Superintendent Kenneth Baca has told the governing board that this coming school year will be his last.

Baca said in a letter to the board last week that he will resign next June 30 and that he decided to tell members now to “give you the time needed to carefully consider the person who will lead Tempe Union into the future and allow for a smooth transition that does not hinder the amount of progress we have made together.”

Baca, appointed in March 2011, did not give a reason for leaving, stating only “one has to know when it is time to say goodbye.”

– TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT

2 victims of Mesa plane crash identified

Mesa police have identified the victims of a July 17 plane crash at Longbow Golf Club as 53-year-old Alan Ram and 22-year-old Krista Buchanan.

The Lancair Evolution plane was headed for Mesa’s Falcon Field when it went down on the fairway of the 10th hole, near McDowell Road between Recker and Higley roads.

The Federal Aviation Administration reported that the pilot, Ram, had experienced mechanical trouble and said the plane was unable to reach the airport. Ram was a Scottsdale businessman, leading Alan Ram’s Proactive Training Solutions.

Some people were on the golf course at the time, but no one was playing the 10th hole when the crash happened, according to employees of the course. No one on the ground was hurt.

– TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT

Gilbert ranked one of the worst cities for recreation

WalletHub has selected 2017’s Best & Worst Cities for Recreation, and Gilbert comes out near the bottom.

Rankings included 44 key indicators of recreation-friendliness, including basic living costs, the quality of parks, the accessibility of entertainment and recreational facilities, and the weather.

Gilbert ranked 93rd. The five best cities were Orlando, Florida; San Diego; Las Vegas; Tampa, Florida; and Atlanta.

Chandler was ranked 38th, and Mesa was 50th.

Mesa was tied for fifth, with Phoenix, for lowest movie prices. But Mesa and Gilbert were ranked near the bottom for fewest tennis courts per capita – 93rd for Mesa and 97th for Gilbert.

– TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT

Chandler woman who helped plot prison attack sentenced to 8.5 years

Michelle Marie Bastian of Chandler will spend 8.5 years behind bars for plotting a terrorist attack at the Arizona State Prison Complex–Lewis, the state has announced. A judge also sentenced Bastian to lifetime probation after she is released from prison.

In June, Bastian pleaded guilty to terrorism and conspiracy to commit misconduct involving weapons. Bastian is the second defendant to be convicted on state terrorism charges by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

Bastian knowingly sent items to her husband in prison, Thomas Bastian, to be used to construct and set off an explosive device within the facility. These items included instructions about how to make a homemade explosive device as well as terrorism propaganda and information in support of ISIS.

Thomas Bastian is currently awaiting trial. He is charged with four felony counts including terrorism, conspiracy to commit terrorism, conspiracy to commit misconduct involving weapons, and conspiracy to promote prison contraband.

– TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT

East Valley bribery indictment may be tip of iceberg, feds say

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Federal prosecutors are offering to tell East Valley defendants in the Corporation Commission bribery case who and what else they’re investigating – but only if they agree not to share that information with anyone else.

The proposal, made in a new court filing, comes as attorneys for former utility regulator and former Mesa legislator Gary Pierce, his wife Sherry, lobbyist Jim Norton, and Pinal County water company owner George Johnson seek details of the FBI inquiry that led to their indictment in May on multiple federal charges. The lawyers say they need that information to prepare their defense for the Oct. 3 trial.

In that filing, the prosecutors essentially admit they pretty much tripped across the facts that led to the bribery charges against the four “during a much larger and more intensive investigation.’’ They provided no specifics. But in communications with defense attorneys, Assistant U.S. Attorney

Frederick Battista, who is leading the legal team, said he does not want to tip off those other targets – targets that could include not only other current or former members of the Arizona Corporation Commission but potentially executives at Arizona Public Service Co.

In the latest court filing, Battista conceded the government has to disclose information needed by the defense lawyers. And he said they can have pretty much what they want if they keep anything not related directly to this case confidential.

“We do not seek a blanket gag order,’’ he told U.S. District Court Judge John Tuchi in the pleadings. “And a defense claim that we do is incorrect.’’

But Battista said the demand for confidentiality of what his office discloses not only protects the larger ongoing investigation but ensures that others with information about that case do not refuse to come forward because their names will “end up splashed across headlines.’’

That excuse holds no water for Ashley Adams who represents Sherry Pierce,

saying prosecutors haven’t told her what else they’re investigating that they want to keep secret.

“I think we can all take a pretty good educated guess what it relates to,’’ she said.

The federal probe appears to be an outgrowth of an investigation originally started at the state attorney general’s office. That included allegations that executives of APS had met secretly with regulators while the utility was in the middle of a rate case before the commission.

And Gary Pierce confirmed to Capitol Media Services after being interviewed last year that FBI agents questioned him about the 2014 election, a race in which his son, Justin, was running for secretary of state.

There also have been questions about whether Bob Stump, then chairman of the commission and not up for reelection, was coordinating spending by outside groups, including APS, on behalf of commission candidates Doug Little and Tom Forese.

APS acknowledged that at least one of its officials also had been interviewed by the FBI.

Adams said she and the other defense lawyers should not be hampered in what they can do with the evidence disclosed to them because of that other not-yet-completed probe.

According to the indictment, Johnson, who runs a water and sewer company that bears his name, funneled money to Pierce, who at the time was commission chairman, in exchange for favorable votes on two issues.

One involves a 2011 vote to increase the value of the company, a move that allowed it to collect more from customers. The other is a change in policy

crafted by Pierce allowing the owners of small companies like Johnson Utilities to recover some of their personal income taxes through higher rates.

The bribe, according to the indictment, was $31,500 provided by Johnson through lobbyist Jim Norton to Sherry Pierce for what prosecutors say was minimal work, money that wound up in the couple’s joint bank account.

All four have denied guilt.

“We don’t know anything about this other investigation and they haven’t articulated in this case what is going to hamper their investigation in the other case,’’ Adams said.

But Battista, in his own legal filings, said such limits are appropriate when there is “good cause.’’ He says he has that – and not just that “unwarranted and unnecessary dissemination of discovery materials will likely jeopardize the ongoing, larger investigation.’’

Specifically, he worries about happens if all that information becomes public.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Gilbert mayor to join board of Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport

Gilbert Mayor Jenn Daniels will join the board of directors of the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport Authority, the body responsible for maintaining and operating the airport.

Daniels succeeds Mesa Mayor John Giles in the position. Giles will now serve as a director, along with Phoenix Councilwoman Thelda Williams. The board elects its officers from the six board members yearly.

Other board officers include Apache Junction Mayor Jeff Serdy, vice chair; Gila River Indian Community Lt. Gov. Monica Antone, secretary; and Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney, treasurer.

The board holds public meetings on the third Tuesday of every month in the board room at Gateway Administration Building at 5835 S. Sossaman Road in Mesa.

– WAYNE SCHUTSKY, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Tempe students to benefit from national backpack giveaway

TCC and Wireless Zone stores across the nation are giving away 172,000 backpacks full of school supplies, and the store at Arizona Mills will hand out some from 1 to 4 p.m. today, July 23.

TCC’s annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway hits the store at 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Suite 678 with 220 backpacks filled with pencils, paper, a pencil box, folders, glue and more. The backpacks are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Any leftover backpacks will be donated to local schools.

– TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT

Queen Creek to host ice cream social

Queen Creek is inviting residents to an ice cream social from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 29, at the Recreation Annex, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road.

The event, hosted by the Queen Creek Town Council, provides an opportunity for residents to learn more about what’s happening locally. Town representatives will be on hand to answer questions, share information and display upcoming projects.

To learn more about activities in Queen Creek, visit QueenCreek.org/News.

– TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT

Tempe calls on photographers to contribute to exhibit

Tempe and the Tempe History Museum are looking to commission four photographers to contribute to a coming exhibit and social media site, Humans of Tempe.

The photographers will be required to gather short interviews and take informal portraits of people within Tempe. The goal is to create a selection of street style images that depict a diverse selection of the people of Tempe.

Each commissioned photographer or photography team will receive $800 to cover all expenses.

Deadline to apply at tempehistorymuseum.submittable.com/submit is midnight Monday, July 24.

Information: tempe.gov/Home/Components/News/News/8695/1546, dan_ miller@tempe.gov or 480-350-5115.

– TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT

Community

Deadline nears for helping needy Kyrene kids get ready for school

BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA Tribune Contributor

On Aug. 3, children enrolled in the Kyrene School District’s 25 elementary and middle schools will bound or trudge through school doors, possibly sporting new clothes and new backpacks.

But some of these children’s families can’t afford the ever-spiraling costs of school supplies. And what kid wants to start the new academic year with a tattered backpack and last year’s crayon nubs?

To ensure every child has the opportunity to start fresh, the annual Kyrene Stuff the Bus campaign sponsored by the Kyrene Foundation works throughout June and July to gather as many backpacks, and school supplies to stuff inside them, as they can possibly garner.

The deadline for this year’s drive is Monday, July 24. Donations are accepted 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Kyrene District Office, 8700 S. Kyrene Road, and Monday through Friday at the Kyrene Family Resource Center, 1330 E. Dava Drive, both in Tempe.

During the July 2016 drive, the Kyrene Foundation served around 490 students and 210 families over the course of three days by providing backpacks, clothing, food and hygiene items as well, district spokeswoman Lauren Clark said.

“They expect to serve the same amount or more this year,” Clark added, noting the students aided made up about 2.6 percent of Kyrene’s approximately 17,000 students.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

MESA

Mesa ranked most conservative large city in the U.S. by Pew

Mesa has been ranked the most conservative city in the U.S. with a population over 250,000. The finding by Pew Research Center will appear in an upcoming issue of the American Political Science Review.

The top five conservative cities were Mesa; Oklahoma City; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Jackson-

The Stuff the Bus campaign has longtime donation gatherers and supporters such as Tempe’s Children’s Dental Village.

There are also brand-new donors like the Cedric Ceballos Foundation, which marked its first-year anniversary by collecting backpacks and monetary donations at its Comedy Construction event, co-sponsored with Die Hard Raider Nation.

Sylvia Lopez, program coordinator for the Kyrene Family Resource Center, said 800 filled backpacks are this year’s goal.

“Kyrene Family Resource Center supports students in need in all 25 schools of the Kyrene School District,” said Lopez who has headed the center for two years.

ville, Florida.

The most liberal cities were San Francisco, Washington, Seattle, Oakland, Boston, Minneapolis, Detroit, New York, Buffalo and Baltimore.

TEMPE

Blood donors will get free tickets to Shark Week at Sea Life Arizona

Donors at a special American Red Cross blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, July 23, at Sea Life Arizona will get a complimentary ticket to come back and

Collecting backpacks and school supplies is a yearly passion for Children’s Dental Village, 7360 S. McClintock Drive in Tempe, where even its phone message reminds callers to “Be the change that you want to see in the world”.

“We like to do philanthropic efforts, and we like coordinating with the Kyrene Foundation to help these children,” said Leslie Barrett, Dental Village’s director of operations for six years.

Mike Fisher of the Cedric Ceballos Foundation said the former Phoenix Suns player is dedicated to helping the lessfortunate wherever and whenever he can.

“We partnered with the local Die Hard Raider Nation, who were already involved

check out Shark Week.

To make an appointment or for more information, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767 and use the sponsor code “sealife.”

McClintock Pool celebrates grand reopening after renovation

Mayor Mark Mitchell and Tempe councilmembers will be on hand to celebrate the reopening of McClintock Pool from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 29, at 1830 E. Del Rio

with Kyrene Schools,” Fisher said, adding:

“Our motto is that every kid deserves the best chance possible, and if we can help, we’re there. People don’t know that Cedric came from Compton, and he could have fallen into those stats, but he made his way out of it.”

Fisher went to Compton’s Dominguez High School with Ceballos.

The Comedy Construction fundraiser at Cactus Jack’s Ahwatukee Tavern requested new backpacks or $10 to enter the show that had seven comics donating their talents for the night.

Money collected, including raffle proceeds, were earmarked for the Stuff the Bus Campaign.

In addition, Ceballos and Fisher are scheduled to be among those handing out backpacks to children and their families on Thursday, July 27.

Backpack distribution days are Tuesday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday-Thursday, July 26-27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kyrene Family Resource Center, 1330 E. Dava Drive in Tempe on the campus of Kyrene de los Ninos Elementary School.

Besides backpacks, school supplies such as lined paper, spiral notebooks, pencils, crayons, glue sticks, three-ring binders, multicolored pocket folders, markers and colored pencils are being sought.

For more information on donating, contact Sylvia Lopez at SLopez@kyrene. org or Tatiana Ward at TWard@kyrene. org or phone 480-541-4773.

For larger donations, phone to arrange pick-up at 480-541-1520.

Drive.

The free community celebration will have games, music, snowcones and swim time from 6 to 9 p.m.

For more information about McClintock Pool, go to tempe.gov/pools.

CHANDLER

Chandler Public Library joins with 2 counties for e-books

The Chandler Public Library has partnered with the Navajo and Pinal coun-

EV public pools take measures to fight cryptosporidium

BY GABRIELLA J. DEL RIO Tribune Staff Writer

Last year, 549 people visiting public swimming pools in the Valley were infected with cryptosporidium, a bacterium found in feces that causes diarrhea and/or extreme vomiting.

This summer, public pools are taking action to ensure that those numbers are kept low.

Mark Foote of Mesa Public Pools said crypto outbreaks happen every year, just not in such large numbers.

“Crypto is one of the most highly susceptible” water-borne illnesses, said Zach Crader, an inspector for the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department. “It doesn’t take very much to get someone sick.”

The infection does not typically call for a trip to the hospital, according to Dr. Jeannine Hinds, a family physician with HonorHealth. She advises patients to rest and drink plenty of fluids.

Because 74 pools were affected with the bacteria last year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, local pools are updating main-

BRIEFS

from page 10

ty libraries to share e-book collections. Chandler library users now have access to more e-books, especially older backlist titles and the newer popular materials.

In the first two weeks of the partnership, which started in June, Chandler customers borrowed more than 1,200 copies from the other libraries.

To learn more about e-books and the cloudLibrary app, go to chandlerlibrary.org.

QUEEN CREEK

Groundbreaking to begin for new 30-acre West Park

A groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 7 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, for the new 30-acre West Park in Queen Creek at 19535 E. Appleby Road.

The design includes lighted youth baseball/softball fields, lighted multipurpose field for soccer, football and other sports, playground, splash pad, a walking trail, and restrooms/concessions.

It will be developed over the next 18 months, with completion tentatively scheduled for fall 2018.

For more information, go to queencreek. org.

an Heather Austin. The new equipment “works with [our] existing filtration and chlorination systems to deactivate microorganisms in the water, including chlorine-resistant pathogens,” she said.

fect surfaces like handrails, door handles, etc., with a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution on a weekly basis,” Passey said. “In addition, we follow the recommendations from Maricopa County and CDC when a fecal incident occurs and maintain proper disinfectant levels in the pools.”

tenance procedures and equipment. For some pools, the precautions taken can be as minimal as taking breaks.

“We do safety breaks every hour,” Foote said. “We pull them out to remind them not only to rehydrate but also to use the bathroom. We have posters and fliers that patrons can read to practice what the CDC advises.”

Even the bigger waterparks in Arizona are acting by installing new equipment to ensure it doesn’t strike again.

Wet ‘n’ Wild in Phoenix has invested $500,000 into a new UV sanitation filtration system, according to spokeswom-

Although no cases of cryptosporidium were reported in any of Chandler’s public pools, the city also has installed secondary UV equipment to prevent any parasitic outbreaks in its pools.

“UV is one of the only effective methods to kill the parasite,” Sheri Passey, the aquatic superintendent of the city of Chandler said.

A third type of disinfectant has also been incorporated at Mesquite Groves and Hamilton Aquatic Centers, according to Passey. The third system adds oxygen, a disinfectant, into the water.

“We are on a super-chlorination schedule for each body of water, which is typically every two weeks, and we disin-

Mesa pools use super-high-rate sand filters, which do a good job of turning over the water, according to Foote. He explained that Mesa pools use gas chlorine, which is more effective for sanitation.

While these pools are working to ensure bacteria doesn’t spread once more, people at home can also contribute to keeping the pools clean.

Swimmers are urged to shower before and after entering the water, put diapers on children who are not potty-trained and use restrooms frequently. For people who have been ill with diarrhea, they should wait at least two weeks before going into the water, according to Passey.

“We are diligently taking proactive measures in our facilities because the health and safety of our customers is a top priority,” Passey said.

EDITORS

WHO KNOW THEIR SCHTICK

Walmart upgrades in Gilbert, features self-serve pickup kiosk

BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Tribune Staff Writer

Walmart and the town of Gilbert celebrated the grand reopening of the retail giant’s location at 2501 S. Market Street on July 7 and showed off a host of technological upgrades for shoppers.

The most notable addition comes in the form of the Pickup Tower, a large cylindrical automated kiosk for customers picking up online orders. The massive kiosks allow customers to scan a barcode sent to their smartphones and retrieve purchases.

The towers are not available at all stores. Walmart has finished its pilot program for the technology and is now expanding to locations across the country, according to a blog on the Walmart website.

Previously, customers had to wait for an employee to retrieve packages at the back of the store. The new machines significantly reduce customer waiting time, store general manager Jason Allred said.

The kiosks can hold up to 300

packages, with some restrictions. They do not hold groceries, prohibitively large items or liquids like bleach and detergents.

Customers ordering groceries also can have items delivered to their car by an employee.

The location also will feature upgraded self-checkout stations because the option has become more popular in recent years.

“Almost half of our customers use selfcheckout,” Allred said.

In addition to these tech upgrades, customers will notice a redesigned floor plan that will bring the location in line with other Walmart stores.

“Walmart is trying to align (store floor plans), so the experience is the same across all stores,” Allred said.

Several departments in the store will now feature expanded offerings, including electronics, hardware and infant goods.

The grocery department now has a berry cooler with expanded fresh fruit options as well.

Representatives from the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and the

town attended the groundbreaking. In addition to offering retail services to the town, Walmart has made several charitable donations to the community. These include donations to Arizona Youth Theater and a nearby veterans’ association, Gilbert Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kathy Tilque said.

– Reach Wayne Schutsky at 480-8986533 or wschutsky@ timespublications.com.

Business

Company catching the meal-delivery wave with health emphasis

BY JESSICA SURIANO Tribune Staff Writer

Achieving healthier eating habits and weight-loss goals just got a lot easier – thanks to the premade, customized meals from AZ Taste Buds delivered right to the front door.

The food prep-and-delivery service relocated from California to Chandler last September and now provides about 15 to 25 organic meals a week to around 40 regular customers.

“We just wanted to give back to the community and actually help people get closer to their goals just simply by changing the foods that they’re eating,”

Daniel Lindsey, master chef and coowner said. “We don’t want people to have to make it a job to eat – we want to make it fun to eat.”

Lindsey said the business is growing by the week. Convenience, dietary restrictions, fresh foods and even preparation for special occasions such as weddings or athletic events are some of the most common reasons customers contact AZ Taste Buds.

The business now also services the East Valley, West Valley, Anthem, Buckeye and Ahwatukee. Lindsey and his partner/head chef, Bre O’Donnell, work with a team of employees with years of nutrition experience to fit every meal plan to a specific customer’s health

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Mesa tax amnesty program continues through July 31

Mesa’s business community has until Monday, July 31, to participate in the Tax Amnesty Program.

Business owners will be allowed to submit unfiled transaction privilege (sales) tax, transient lodging tax and use tax returns for periods through December 2016 without penalty and with a 50 percent reduction in interest due on delinquent balances.

Businesses that have an unpaid tax balance with Mesa are also invited to participate.

For more information, visit mesaaz.

goals.

Typical meals are about $5 to $7, including the cost of delivery. They are prepared, cooked and delivered every Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. Customers can submit orders Monday through Saturday until 5 p.m. at aztastebuds.com or by visiting the kitchen at 961 W. Ray Road.

On Mondays and Tuesdays, Lindsey said, the business donates free meals to churches and nonprofit organizations.

gov/business/collections/tax-amnesty, call 480-644-5473 or email TaxAmnestyInfo@ mesaaz.gov.

Private equity firm is new owner of golf courses, including Seville

Four Arizona golf courses, including Seville Golf & Country Club in Gilbert, may be under new ownership after a private equity firm purchased their parent company.

Dallas-based ClubCorp Holdings Inc. was sold to private equity firm Apollo Global Management for $1.1 billion.

ClubCorp is the owner of Seville, along with Anthem Golf and Country Club in north Phoenix and Gainey Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale. It also owns Oro Valley

These come from the “Donate a Meal” option available to customers on the website.

The rest of the week, the company is devoted to marketing their service as well as picking up supplies and ingredients for the following week. Lindsey said the ingredients come from commercial wholesale suppliers as well as organic farmers markets around the Valley.

“We try and stay local,” Lindsey said.

Country Club outside Tucson.

The company owns about 200 clubs in all.

Gilbert’s Fluff It Marshmallows changes name to Toasted Mallow

Fluff It Marshmallows, a Gilbert dessert shop, has changed its name to Toasted Mallow.

Owners Tricia Arce and Hazel Arce said the updated name will help with branding and “better expresses and showcases what we do best and why people love coming to see us.”

The shop serves gourmet, handcrafted s’mores, flavored marshmallow squares, pies and cookies.

Toasted Mallow is at 1034 N. Gilbert

“We want to boost up other small businesses as well.”

The protein doughnuts, zucchini lasagna, street tacos and Stella’s Chili are some of the company’s most popular menu items.

“We’re blowing through so many doughnuts, you’d think I own a doughnut shop,” Lindsey said.

Lindsey and his team also offer customers training and fitness tips and break down every meal’s nutritional makeup, such as its carbohydrates, sugars and fats, to fit every individual’s needs.

Although not all food delivery services have the health benefit of AZ Taste Buds, the food delivery industry could grow to be worth as much as $210 billion eventually, according to research by Morgan Stanley, a financial services company.

“We are in the early days of a potentially significant shift in access to delivery, as various mobile internetenabled businesses begin to scale and offer unprecedented variety, speed and convenience to the consumer,” said John Glass, Morgan Stanley’s U.S. restaurant analyst in a July 2016 report.

Thanks to word of mouth about AZ Taste Buds, Lindsey doesn’t see his business slowing down anytime soon.

“They just loved us,” Lindsey said. “They literally eat it up.”

Mesa’s Eastmark community among best-selling in U.S.

The Eastmark community in Mesa has been named among the nation’s top 20 best-selling master-planned areas.

In the first six months of 2017, 502 new properties were sold, an average of 82 monthly. Real estate advisory firm Robert Charles Lesser & Co. placed Eastmark No. 1 in Arizona for the third consecutive year and No. 6 nationwide.

Also, data from Home Builders Association of Central Arizona confirmed that Mesa surpassed Phoenix in new home permits for the month of May.

Despite

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist

The neurosurgeon speaking about the glioblastoma assailing Sen. John McCain described this form of brain tumor using terms like “aggressive” and “relentless,” a warrior force that can be slowed down, stymied for the time being, but never defeated.

Funny thing. That’s exactly how I’ve always thought of John McCain himself. As indomitable. Unbreakable. Persistent in the extreme. As, to be frank, one of the last unconquered men or women this nation has ever produced.

As news of the senator’s brain cancer made the rounds beginning Wednesday morning, it quickly became fashionable in certain circles to make political points about McCain’s health-care coverage, or to suggest that McCain’s voting record, his role in the “Keating Five” abomina-

A look at McCain’s care

My Arizona U.S. senator, John McCain, is in Mayo Clinic. I wish Sen. McCain a full recovery and a healthy life. It strikes me, though, that my Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Arizona health care coverage does not allow me in-network coverage at Mayo Clinic.

If our representatives had the same health-care insurance we constituents have or we could get what they have for their families and staff, the health-care insurance crisis in the United States would be quickly resolved.

– Matt Winkler – Mesa

tion and his Republican politics somehow have undermined his status as an American hero.

If you came to this space looking for such smarm, by all means feel free to stop reading here. Let me be abundantly clear: If you don’t think being shot down at 550 mph over Hanoi and surviving 5½ years as a prisoner of war at the hands of North Vietnamese torturers deserves the word “hero,” you’re a fool. End of story.

As a journalist, my path has crossed McCain’s many times over the years, with the great man always fast-witted, frank, quick with a joke and irascible as hell. In 1996, I shadowed him from sunup to deep night around the Republican National Convention in San Diego. The most vivid memory? Watching his press secretary comb his hair before a TV interview because McCain’s war injuries had left him unable to raise his arms enough to complete that simple task.

In 2000, when the memoir “Faith of My Fathers” hit bookshelves, I found myself

6-month job review

returning time and again to the chapters about McCain’s imprisonment: The two years he spent in solitary confinement, alone with his daydreams and prayers, the tap code he and his fellow prisoners devised to communicate between the walls of the Hanoi Hilton, the endless hours of beatings he suffered at the hands of subhumans like The Bug and Slopehead and the offer of early freedom that McCain’s sense of honor compelled him to turn down.

On Election Night, Nov. 4, 2008, when McCain fell short in his second run at the presidency, he took the stage at the Arizona Biltmore and gave a concession speech that should be regarded as one of his finest moments – 10 minutes of humility and grace in the wake of a turbulent campaign that saw McCain lose, but not become a loser. His closing lines that night have stayed with me ever since.

“I call on all Americans, as I have often in this campaign, to not despair of our present difficulties but to believe always in

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Mrs. Clinton isn’t in jail!

It’s usually fair to grant a new employee at least six months on the job to determine whether they are proficient in the position for which they were hired. Has their preemployment resume and rhetoric been matched by their on-the-job performance? Have they been competent, cooperative, cerebral and candid on carrying out their duties? Here’s one voter’s look at President Trump’s sixmonth “report card”:

The wall on our Southern border hasn’t even begun to be built and Mexico has adamantly refused to pay for it.

President Trump’s taxes still haven’t been released. Is this the longest “audit” in IRS history?

the promise and greatness of America, because nothing is inevitable here,” McCain told us that night. “Americans never quit. We never surrender. We never hide from history. We make history.”

It is in that spirit, I am sure, that John McCain now faces the final, toughest fight of a life well lived. He is 80 years old now, and maybe the science and the smart money says glioblastoma, undefeated, wins this battle, too. But we are not talking an ordinary human being here. We are talking about someone so much larger than life, he positively dwarfs it, a true warrior from a line of warriors, a man who has faced captors and cancer, heartbreak and defeat and managed to still stand tall all the while.

If ever a man alive could beat cancer’s ass, it’s John McCain. Screw the smart money. I’d say that brain tumor is in for the fight of its life.

It’s still unproven that thousands of people stood on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River and cheered as our World Trade Center was destroyed.

It’s still unproven that former President Obama or anyone else secretly bugged Trump Towers in New York City.

The D.C. “swamp” not only hasn’t been drained, but one could easily claim that alligators and crocodiles have been added.

Is there any independent proof that coal mining and manufacturing jobs are returning to the United States as promised?

The generous overall grade I would say our president has

earned after a half year on the job would be a D. Should we feel duped, deceived, disillusioned or disgusted with the performances emanating from the White House since President Trump’s inauguration? Everyone will make up their own mind concerning President Trump’s performance thus far, but this engaged and interested voter is eagerly awaiting the midterm elections in 2018 and the next presidential election in 2020!

To submit letters: Go to eastvalleytribune.com/ opinions and click “Submit letter” or email forum@evtrib.com.

Gilbert soccer player Danny Baca named All-American

BY GREG MACAFEE Tribune Sports Editor

His senior season of soccer at Gilbert High School ended with a state championship. Now, Danny Baca can add one more accomplishment to his resume after being named to the 2017 NSCAA High School Boys All-America Team.

“It’s an amazing honor. It’s humbling,” Baca said. “I’m just grateful to be recognized for all of the hard work that I’ve put in to help out my team. It’s just a huge accomplishment and I really appreciate it.”

Fifty players – 32 girls and 18 boys – representing each state earned AllAmerican honors this season. Baca was the boy from Arizona to make the squad in 2017 after scoring 37 goals and tallying 11 assists in his senior season at Gilbert High. In his junior season, he tallied 22 goals and 10 assists.

In February, Baca decided to continue his soccer career by signing with Fort Lewis College in Colorado. He said it is something that he has always wanted to do since he was young, but it was also a dream he shared with his twin brother Robby, who signed with Fort Lewis as well.

“It’s what we always wanted, and we

very well knew that we could go our separate ways for college,” Danny said.

“Then this came to the table for both of us and it just felt right. To experience college soccer with my brother and to play along with him at the next level and continue our soccer careers and continue that at the college level – I am just so happy.”

Their biggest season together came in their senior season, when they captured a state championship. After missing a penalty kick earlier in the game, Danny scored arguably the biggest goal of his career with six minutes left to put Gilbert on top. Gilbert soccer coach Jeff Perry said that wasn’t really anything new for the All-American.

“He scored a lot of big goals in a lot of big moments,” Perry said. “He ended up being the difference in a lot of games. I mean he contributed on 48 goals – he was big all year.”

While he scored a lot big goals in his senior season, he did the same in his junior year. He put Gilbert up 1-0 in the state championship game before they surrendered the lead late in the game. But that drove him and his teammates to come back even stronger.

“We wanted to do whatever it took to be in that same game and have a different outcome,” Danny said. “We used that as fuel all year long.”

His drive and his ability to score goals were two of the first things that Dave Oberholtzer, his new coach at Fort Lewis College, noticed. He called Baca an “ultra-competitive” kid and a “soccer junkie.” But, he didn’t just see it in Danny, he saw it in his brother as well.

“When I talk about Danny being ultra-competitive,” Oberholtzer said. “His brother is no different. I believe they complement each other very well, they push each other to their limits. I think having both of them is going to be great for us.”

– Contact Greg Macafee at gmacafee@ timespublications.com or at 480-898-5630 or follow @greg_macafee on Twitter.

Arizona junior colleges offer viable route to pro baseball

BY EDDIE POE Cronkite News

When assessing the Major League Baseball talent pool that originates from Arizona, two colleges tend to come to mind: Arizona State University and the University of Arizona. The rival schools have sent nearly 800 players to the professional level throughout the history of their storied programs.

From a lesser perspective, some of the country’s most talented baseball players have discovered their own path to the major league level.

The junior college route.

Across the United States, junior

colleges are providing major league hopefuls with a less traditional yet highly regarded path to the big leagues. Home to a hotbed of athletic talent and optimal weather year-round, JUCO baseball programs in Arizona have created their own measure of prominence.

“If it weren’t for Coach Dangler and Yavapai, there’s no chance I’d have made it to the big leagues,” six-time All-Star pitcher Curt Schilling said in a text

(Facebook)

BASEBALL

from page 15

message about former Roughriders coach Dave Dangler.

Central Arizona College coach Anthony Gilich calls Arizona “an allaround mecca for baseball.”

Eleven of the 14 teams in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference finished this past season with a .500 record or better. Three of the schools – Mesa Community College, Central Arizona and Yavapai College – have combined to win 10 national championships.

Although comparing the talent level of a JUCO program to one at the Division I level is much like comparing apples to oranges, the history of the ACCAC is certainly not short of draft picks.

Central Arizona, Mesa and Yavapai have combined to send over 400 players through the draft. Of those players, 55 have gone on to major league careers. Renowned names include Schilling and Mike Devereaux of MCC.

When choosing to attend a junior college program, players weigh a number of reasons when making their final decision. One of them appears to be more obvious than others.

“A lot of times, good players and good students will turn down the opportunity at the four-year level to come to junior college because they want to continue to be draft eligible every single year,” Gilich said. “That door is open in baseball much more than other sports, and that’s one of the leading reasons why players end up pursuing junior college.”

At four-year schools, the MLB says players cannot be made draft eligible until they’ve completed their junior year or are at least 21 years old.

This allows for a quicker and often more effective route to professional baseball for players at the JUCO level. Not to

The World Belongs to Those Who Show Up

Grow your business with an engaging lineup of programming and events.

April 2017 Schedule, Chamber Events

Mesa Chamber of Commerce

Details, Register or RSVP at mesachamber.org

July 2017 Calendar Events

Non-Pro it Vitality Council Meeting

Details, Register or RSVP at mesachamber.org

Tuesday April 11, 2017

Women’s Business Connection

Tuesday, July 25th, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Buca di Beppo

Mesa Morning Live

Mesa Morning Mixer

Upcoming Chamber Sponsorship Opportunities

Be a part of these great chamber annual events, message kmckinzie@mesachamber.org for additional information.

Welcome to the Mesa Chamber: Member Orientation Thursday April 20th, 2017

Taste of Mesa

1730 S Val Vista Dr • Mesa, AZ 85204

*NOTE DATE CHANGE* Thursday, April 27th, 5:30p-8:00p

Tuesday, August 1st, 7:30 am - 8:30 am

Flancer’s

East Valley Business ExpoOctober 2017

Aviation FascinationNovember 2017

Mesa Community College Performing Arts Center

1902 N. Higley Rd • Mesa, AZ 85205

Friday, April 14th, 6:45a-8:30a

Feat. F.C. Arizona Football Club

Mesa Morning Live

Chamber Ribbon Cuttings: 4/19- Dexcom

Friday, August 11th, 6:45 am - 8:30 am

Crescent Crown Distributing

Chamber Golf TournamentDecember 2017

4/20- Anytime Fitness- Dobson Ranch

1640 W. Broadway Rd • Mesa, AZ 85202

4/25- Brain Balance of Mesa

mention it also allows freshmen and sophomores the opportunity to see immediate playing time rather than being put in the position of having to beat out a 22-year-old fifth-year senior at a four-year school.

“They’re competing against guys their own age,” Gilich said. “It makes it a little easier to get on the field and contribute right away.”

Another factor that weighs on the minds of players as they’re completing their high school careers is maturity.

“There are a few exceptions of guys who play right away at the Division I level, but I was not one of those guys,” Kody Funderburk said. “I knew that I needed the extra two years to grow not only physically but mentally as well.”

Funderburk is an Arizona native and has committed to play next season for Dallas Baptist, a Division I school in the Missouri Valley Conference. He just recently completed his second year at Mesa Community College as an infielder and left-handed pitcher for the Thunderbirds.

He credits his time at Mesa Community College for allowing him

to grow into the player he has become now, rather than attending a Division I school right out of high school and being forced to either redshirt or see little to no playing time.

“If you want immediate playing time, you’re going to have to go to a JUCO program,” he said. “I’ve had a number of teammates who went to Division I programs directly out of high school and ended up coming back for a year because they either had to redshirt or wanted a year away from the game.”

The two-year outlook shines a light on junior college programs in a way that sets them apart from Division I programs. It also provides many players with an optimistic view of where they hope to eventually be. For Funderburk, he knew from the start that he would be at Mesa for two years and that if he simply put his head down and worked, he would move on to something better.

“From a coaching perspective, you get to spend a lot of one-on-one quality time with players at the junior college level,” said Ryan Cougill, coach at Yavapai College in Prescott. “There’s a lot of years where you’re like, ‘Man, I wish I had more time with those guys and could be a part of their lives for two more years.’”

it comes

Prayer can open your eyes to everyday miracles

BY RABBI DEAN SHAPIRO Tribune Guest Writer

I’m sitting on an airplane as I write these words, my tablet perched on my knees because we’re taxiing and not yet allowed to release the tray table.

The tablet’s in airplane mode; the flight attendant just gave the safety briefing. I barely listened. I was paying more attention to the two children in front of me. I doubt they’ve ever flown before.

“Are we flying yet?”

“Not yet,” their mother said. “You’ll know when we lift off.”

“But we’re already going really, really fast!”

I ask myself: When does the shift occur between wonder and weariness? How many airplanes does one have to ride for the act of flight to become mundane? When does life become predictable? Why do we take life and consciousness for granted, when they are the greatest gifts of all?

FAITH CALENDAR

SATURDAY, JULY 29

BACK TO SCHOOL

Generation Church in Mesa will be having its annual Back to School Community Day. Free backpacks and school supplies will be handed out to children in need. Items will be distributed on a first-come, firstserved basis until supplies are exhausted.

DETAILS>> 8-10 a.m., 1010 S. Ellsworth Road, Mesa. Information: help@generationaz.org or 480-986-3149.

MONDAY, JULY 31

T’SHA B’AV

Join us for an evening of reading and discussion of Lamentations by candlelight. Come explore and learn about our Temple and home in Jerusalem, followed by the screening of a thought-provoking, contemporary film.

DETAILS>> Service begins at 7:30 p.m., film at 9. Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler, southeast corner of McClintock and Ray. RSVP requested. Information: 480-855- 4333 or chabadcenter.com.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

TEA FOR ‘WOMEN IN WHITE’

The Lawrence Memorial A.M.E.Z. Church is inviting ‘Women in White’ to bring their favorite tea cup or tea pot and enjoy games, poem reading and refreshment. DETAILS>> 1-3 p.m., Pearl’s Banquet Hall, 1455 S. Stapley Road, Suite 12, Mesa. Cost: $20, $10 girls 5-12.

Prayer is one way to refresh our outlook. When done right, prayer restores our eyes and souls. It returns us to the freshness of NOT expecting what’s going to happen next. It provides a space for deep gratitude.

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel observed that “to pray is to take notice of the wonder, to regain a sense of the mystery that animates all beings, the divine margin in all attainments. Prayer is our humble answer to the inconceivable surprise of living. It is all we can offer in return for the mystery by which we live.”

Heschel’s “Radical Amazement” is the cultivated quality of noticing as if for the first time. How wonderful the wings of a moth are. How extraordinary the petals of the flower on which she sits! How rich and varied are the colors of this world. How complex the inhale-exhale of my breath. I’ve experienced all of these many times, but they are no less astounding at this moment than they were the very first time.

Upon arising each morning, the Jew

Information: 602-817-8675 or 602-689-0457.

SUNDAYS

VALOR CHRISTIAN OUTLINES MISSION

Valor Christian Center in Gilbert offers “great praise and worship and great messages for today’s living,” according to Associate Pastor Thor Strandholt. “Our mission is to evangelize, heal and disciple through the word of God.”

DETAILS>> 10 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Thursdays. 3015 E. Warner Road. Information: valorcc.com.

NEW CHURCH IN MESA

The Rev. Albert Bolden leads the Lawrence Memorial A.M.E.Z. Church in Mesa.

DETAILS>> Sunday school at 9 a.m., worship at 10 a.m., 931 E. Southern Ave., Suite 108. Information: 480393-3001, tlmchurch.info@gmail.com.

HORIZON

SEEKS YOUNG PEOPLE

High school and middle school students meet to worship and do life together.

DETAILS>> 4 p.m. at Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. 480-460-1480 or joel@horizonchurch.com.

UNITY OFFERS A PATH

Unity of Mesa says its Sunday service offers “a positive path for spiritual living” through “transformational lessons, empowering music and various spiritual practices with an open-minded and welcoming community.”

DETAILS>> 9 a.m. Spiritual Discussion Group and

traditionally prays a sequence of blessings called “Nisim B’chol Yom – Daily Miracles.” Isn’t this an oxymoron? Aren’t miracles rare, momentous, dazzling? No, and that’s just the point. Consciousness is a miracle. Opening our eyes is a miracle. Putting our feet on the floor and having our legs support our weight is a miracle. These should in fact be dazzling, but we’ve grown so accustomed to them that we take them for granted. Any elder knows better than to take pain-free walking for granted.

Practicing “Nisim B’chol Yom” causes us to pause, appreciate and delight. Prayer can return us to wonder.

For this to be true, of course, prayer itself cannot be allowed to get stale. Rote recitations reinforce the ideal that the world is dull. Fresh music, new insight, a different seat in the room – all these create a sense of discovery.

There’s no need to “keep up” with everyone else. Some of my greatest moments of prayer have taken place when I paused to focus on a particular

Meditation Practices Group. 10:15 a.m. Celebration Service. 2700 E. Southern Ave., Mesa. Nursery available for infants through kindergarten at service times. Youth ministry classes are open in the Education Annex at 10:15 a.m. Information: 480-892- 2700, unityofmesa.org, lori@unityofmesa.org.

SUNDAY CELEBRATION SERVICE

Inspirational messages and music to lift your spirit. A welcoming community committed to living from the heart. Many classes and events offered. We welcome you!

DETAILS>> 10 a.m. Sundays at Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe. Information: 480792-1800, unityoftempe.com.

KIDS CAN LEARN JEWISH LIFE

Children can learn and experience Jewish life. Chabad Hebrew School focuses on Jewish heritage, culture and holidays.

DETAILS>>9:30 a.m. to noon, for children ages 5-13 at Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. 480-855-4333, info@ chabadcenter.com, or chabadcenter.com.

MONDAYS

PROSPERITY RECIPES AT UNITY

Internationally known speaker and author, Maureen G. Mulvaney brings back her Prosperity Recipes class series to Unity of Tempe on Monday evenings. Cost: $10 per session

DETAILS>> 6:15-8:15 p.m., Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe. Information: 480792-1800, unityoftempe.com.

idea, when a memory came flooding back, when my mind wandered or when I allowed myself to listen to birdsong. It helps to have a mind that’s clear, the troubles of daily living set temporarily aside. Playfulness in prayer also helps. Prayer can be spontaneous (“Wow!”), or it can be fixed liturgy (“Blessed are You who rolls light away from darkness and darkness away from light”).

Both are legitimate. Both are doorways into the inner experience, bringing to consciousness that which is otherwise unknown, unfamiliar, unexpressed. Even when shared, prayer is intensely personal.

As my plane descends from the heavens back to the dusty streets below, I’ll try to experience it as if for the first time, grateful for the miracle that is flight, and for the extraordinary gift of a safe landing.

“Mommy! I see a city!”

CHURCH PRAYER CALL

The Lawrence Memorial A.M.E.Z. Church in Mesa has a prayer call every Monday.

DETAILS>> 7 p.m., 1-712-775-7085. PIN 162106#.

TUESDAYS

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE BIBLE STUDY

Join Valor Christian Center in Gilbert for great fellowship and walk through the word of God with depth. DETAILS>> 10 a.m. Tuesdays, 3015 E. Warner Road between Greenfield and Higley. Free. Information: 480-545-4321, valorcc.com.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Worship Times: Friday 7:30pm Saturday 10:30am & 1:30pm 2640 N Dobson Rd, Chandler

• www.tjc.org phoenix@tjc.org

Chandler Center for the Arts launches year-round shows

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Contributing Writer

In Michelle Mac Lennan’s 18 years at the Chandler Center for the Arts, she has worked tirelessly to provide the best programming possible.

Now, to broaden and deepen her audiences, Mac Lennan has scheduled shows year-round, instead mirroring the winter visitor season.

“We’re going to do programs outside of that key season,” said Mac Lennan.

The center is hosting a summer concert series in August and September. Tickets are free, but there are suggested donations of $5 per child, $10 per adult and $15 per family.

“We have some phenomenal artists this year,” Mac Lennan said of the summer concert series.

“They’re free, but they’re worth paying for. People who have never been here can find out about the center and attend other events.”

The summer concert series offers more than free shows, however. Patrons can purchase tickets at a 50 percent discount for one of the season’s performances.

“It’s a great way for someone to explore a new title or something they haven’t seen before,” Mac Lennan said. “Someone who attends two shows or more tend to be more committed.”

The 2017-2018 season highlights include a Disneyland Retro Slide Show, 50th

anniversary tribute performances to The Family Stone and The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album, “Musical Thrones, A Parody” and Cesar Millan, Lee Rocker and Clint Black.

Returning to the CCA are Get the Led Out, Black Violin and Texas Tenors, along with Zoppé, An Italian Family Circus, presented by Steena Murray. Celebrating its 175th anniversary, Zoppé features Giovanni Zoppé, a sixth-generation circus performer who plays Nino the Clown.

The season is heavy on multicultural performances, too. The 18th annual Mariachi and Folklorico Festival, under the artistic direction of Vanessa Ramirez, is on the docket, as are Jarabe Mexicano, Moscow Festival Ballet, Celtic Nights and Pacifico Dance Company.

“I think this year is my favorite,” she said. “We have a little bit of something for so many types of people. We’re really trying to develop new audiences and different demographics. It’s something I’ve been proud of.”

What to expect with the 2017-2018

season:

Aug. 4: Santa Pachita with Funky Bonz (free)

Aug. 13: Robby Roberson Band (free)

Aug 20: Niki J. Crawford (free)

Aug. 25: Jessica Fichot Band (free) Sept. 9: Sure Fire Soul Ensemble (free)

Sept. 23: Pushcart

Players’ The Velveteen Rabbit, Reborn

Sept. 30: Mariachi and Folklorico Festival

Oct. 6: Charles

Phoenix: Disneyland Retro Slideshow

Oct. 12: Get the Led Out, American Led Zeppelin

Nov. 4: The Family Stone’s 50th anniversary tour

Nov. 10: The Underwater Bubble Show

Nov. 15: Straighten Up and Fly Right: The Nat King Cole Tribute featuring Ramsey Lewis and John Pizzarelli

Dec. 27 to Jan. 7: Zoppé, An Italian Family Circus

Jan. 19: Jarabe Mexicano

Jan. 27: The Texas Tenors – Let Freedom Ring

Feb. 2: Moscow Festival Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty

Feb. 16: Bumper Jacksons

Feb. 23: Black Violin

Feb. 24: Music of the Knights

March 3: “Always Patsy Cline”

March 11: Celtic Nights-Oceans of Hope

March 16: Classic Albums Live’s 50th

Anniversary of The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”

March 18: “Musical Thrones, A Parody”

March 23: Cesar Millan

April 7: Lee Rocker

April 15: Clint Black

May 4: Pacifico Dance Company

The Chandler Center for the Arts is at 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. For ticket information, call 480-782-2680 or visit chandlercenter.org.

Chow down on chicken wings and cheesecake in the East Valley

BY JUSTIN FERRIS GetOut Editor

The weekend of July 29-30 turns out to be a big one for eating. On July 29, many people celebrate National Chicken Wing Day. For dessert, National Cheesecake Day falls on July 30.

You don’t see that combination of flavorful favorites together very often. However, if you want to indulge in one, or both, we know some spots in the East Valley hungry people should visit.

Actually, our readers voted for most of these eateries in the East Valley Tribune’s annual Best of Mesa and Best of Gilbert publications. If you want to keep making your voice heard, voting for Best of Chandler starts on August 7 at eastvalleytribune.com.

Chicken Wings

A quintessential part of any sportswatching experience, chicken wings are a messy finger food that can range from sweet to burn-your-mouth hot.

Buffalo Wild Wings

With “wings” in the name, you would expect Buffalo Wild Wings to offer something special, and you’d be right. Choose from 16 signature sauces and five

seasonings to build your perfect wing flavor. You can also choose traditional wings or white-meat boneless wings. Enjoy them at the restaurant with domestic, import or craft beer and various sides, or buy buckets of wings to eat at home.

Locations:

Chandler: 3163 W. Chandler Blvd., Ste V120

Gilbert: 970 S. Gilbert Road

Mesa: 6560 E. Superstition Springs Blvd.

Tempe: 705 S. Rural Road, Suite 104

Phone:

Chandler: 480-289-5200, Gilbert: 480-6329464, Mesa: 480-214-9464, Tempe: 480858-9464

Website: buffalowildwings.com

Native Grill & Wings

This wing-focused establishment offers 21 flavors, from basic honey BBQ to mouthmelting ghost pepper. You can also choose

from traditional wings, boneless wings or Native Style Strippers (chicken strips). Eat the wings alone or as a combo with salad and pizza. As a bonus, Native Grill & Wings also serves New York cheesecake.

Locations: Ten locations in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe and Ahwatukee

Website: nativegrillandwings.com

Teakwoods Tavern & Grill

A full-range grill, Teakwoods still lists wings prominently on its menu. While it offers only eight basic flavors, the specialty flavors include some unusual mixes and additions, including prickly pear cactus. It offers three types of wings: traditional, boneless and tenders. If you don’t want to interrupt binge watching to go out to, Teakwoods does deliver to Chandler and Gilbert through Grubhub.

CHOW DOWN

Locations:

Chandler: 5965 W. Ray Road

Gilbert: 151 E. Williams Field Road

Phone:

Chandler: 480-961-0945

Gilbert: 480-899-8325

Website: teakwoodstavern.com

The Hub Grill and Bar

Voted by readers as the best wings in Mesa, the Hub offers a respectable 12 flavors, including the unique raspberry chipotle. In addition to traditional and boneless wings, you can order Arizona smoked style. Thirsty? Wash down your wings with a selection of more than 90 craft and draft beers.

Locations:

1860 S. Stapley, Mesa

1925 S. Sossaman, Mesa

Phone:

Stapley: 480-494-2699

Sossaman: 480-7 18-5440

Website: hubgrill.com

MARK YOUR Calendar

‘The Little Mermaid’

Head under the sea for the musical version of Disney’s timeless classic “The Little Mermaid.” It features your favorite characters, including Ariel, Sebastian and Flounder, and hits songs like “Part of Your World” and “Kiss the Girl.”

DETAILS>> Wednesdays-Saturdays, July 26-Aug. 19. Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert. Tickets: $22-$32. 480-497-1181. haletheatrearizona.com.

Summer Splash Thursdays

Bring the kids out to meet their favorite Disney princesses and superheroes, plus games, music and fun in the splash pad. For its final week, enjoy a Frozen Fiesta with Anna and Elsa.

DETAILS>> 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 27. Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. Cost: Free. 480-966-9338.

Cheesecake

Silky, sweet and cheesy, cheesecake makes the perfect base for a range of gastronomic delights. Include fresh fruit, chocolate, peanut butter or any other ingredient or flavor you wish to make a delicious dessert.

The Cheesecake Factory

Yes, it’s an obvious choice, but you can’t ignore the selection of more than 30 types of cheesecake. Whether you want something sweet, tart, sour, extra chocolate or classic, you can find it. For National

tempemarketplace.com/summer.

Arizona Big Train Operators Exhibit

Marvel at huge G-Scale trains as they pass through intricate historical dioramas. Kids can get hands-on experience, and operators will be available to answer any questions.

DETAILS>> 9 a.m.-afternoon/evening, Thursday-Saturday, July 27-29. Mesa Public Library, 64 E. 1st St., Mesa. Cost: Free. 480644-3100. facebook.com/mesalibrary.

Arizona Breakfast Weekend

Switch up your morning routine. Restaurants around the Valley will offer special breakfast menus and dishes so you can expand your culinary horizons. The range of cuisine comes in three affordable price points.

DETAILS>> All day, Thursday-Sunday, July 27-30. Multiple restaurants. Cost: $7, $10, $15. arizonabreakfastweekend.com.

Sunset Goat Yoga

What’s better than an outdoor yoga

Cheesecake Day, The Cheesecake Factory offers two perks. First, take advantage of the “Any Slice, Half Price” deal on July 30-31. Second, a new celebration cheesecake will be on the menu starting July 30. It layers strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla mousse cheesecake, and vanilla cake under a cream cheese icing.

Locations:

Chandler: 3111 W. Chandler Blvd. Mesa: 6613 E. Southern Ave. Phone: Chandler: 480-792-1300

Mesa: 480-641-7300

Website: thecheesecakefactory.com

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

This well-loved spot for fresh baked goods offers two styles of cheesecake. The fresh berry cheesecake loads a vanilla cheesecake with raspberry filling and tops it with whole strawberries and whipped cream. Or you can opt for the turtle cheesecake with caramel, pecans and chocolate on a cookie base. You can also order online for delivery.

Locations: Eight locations in Chandler,

session? How about yoga with trained goats under a gorgeous Arizona sunset? If that sounds like your type of activity, sign up fast.

DETAILS>> 7:30-8:30 p.m., Friday, July 28. Welcome Home Ranch, Gilbert. Tickets: $13.65. 480-269-4144. goatyoga.com.

Monsters in the Museum

Parents can drop off their kids ages 4 and up for a fun evening of games, activities, interactive exhibits and adorable monsters. Dinner is provided.

DETAILS>> 6-9 p.m., Friday, July 28. I.d.e.a. Museum, 150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa. Cost: $20. 480-644-4332. facebook.com/ ideaMuseum/events.

Zen Nights Block

Party

If you want to connect with cruelty-free food vendors and like-minded people, this family-friendly block party should be on your schedule. It also features live music.

DETAILS>> 6-10 p.m., Friday, July 28. Downtown Mesa, MacDonald & Main St., Mesa. Cost: Free. facebook.com/

Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe and Ahwatukee

Website: kneaders.com

Piefection

As the name suggests, Piefection focuses on pies and pie-shaped desserts. It carries a range of cheesecakes, including flavors like cherry, triple berry, blueberry, lemon and fresh strawberry. Also, the Pie of the Month is a special berry lemonade cheesecake, which features fresh strawberries and blueberries in a lemon glaze with real whipped cream.

Location: 6731 E. Brown Road, Suite 104, Mesa Phone: 480-218-7437

Website: piefectionaz.com

Local grocery stores

Ask many people their favorite place for cheesecake and they’ll name the bakery section of their local AJ’s, Basha’s, Fry’s or Safeway. The selections might learn toward basic – although sometimes they’ll surprise you – but for cost and convenience, you won’t do much better.

zennightsaz.

Desert Echoes Flute Project: A Summer Adventure

Hear two flute choirs perform a range of fun works including Kahkonen’s “Summertime Romp,” Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Dance of the Tumblers” and Saint-Saens’ riotous “Bacchanale.” They’ll even use some rare and unusual flutes.

DETAILS>> 7:30-9:30 p.m., Friday, July 28. Mesa Community College, 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa. Tickets: $6-$8. mesacc.edu/ arts/events.

Queen Creek Ice Cream Social

Learn about present and future projects in Queen Creek, and interact with town representatives, as you enjoy delicious ice cream.

DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, July 29. Queen Creek Recreation Annex, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek. Cost: Free. facebook.com/qcrecreation/events.

ACROSS

1 Speedometer stat

4 Puncturing tools

8 Into the sunset

12 Savings plan acronym

13 Biblical boatwright

14 Eastern potentate

15 Wanting company

17 One of the Jackson 5

18 Margery of nursery-rhyme fame

19 Played aloud, as a TV

21 Without a cent

24 Winter woe

25 Year, in Uruguay

26 Snitch

Simple cheesecake is simply a tasty treasure

BY JAN D’ATRI

Tribune Contributor

Join the sheet-pan cooking trend with a juicy steak dinner

SBY JAN D’ATRI

Contributor

ome recipes are just treasures – like this simple cheesecake. Please don’t be intimidated by it. It’s basically cream cheese, a few eggs, some sour cream, vanilla and a little lemon zest! Most people make their own crust with graham crackers and butter.

Want to know why sheet-pan cooking is all the rage? Well, it’s one complete meal cooked on one sheet pan all at one time. It doesn’t get any easier that, and the combinations are endless – steak and potatoes, fish and fresh veggies, sausage and peppers to name just a few.

But a ready-made graham cracker crust makes it even easier for you. The topping is just as simple. It’s basically sour cream blended with sugar and a little more zing of citrus.

28 Square dance group 32 Rickey flavoring 34 Shrill bark 36 Genealogy chart 37 Put forth

Cookie holder

Coffee vessel

Add your favorite seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic salt,

Drizzle with some olive oil and then toss to

When sheet pan is hot, lay proteins on (The hotter

Return pan to oven and cook until proteins and

U.K. flyers 44 Burns or Browning 46 Serving piece 50 Astronaut Grissom 51 Floater 52 Boring 56 Con 57 Culture medium 58 Scratch

59 Uncategorized

1 cube (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter

strawberries, blueberries and blackberries)

I’m not even giving this cheesecake a water bath. I simply pour the filling into the crust, and cook at 375 for 10 minutes, then drop the temperature for one hour. Then make the topping and you’re golden.

Sheet-pan cooking is the perfect method for busy families who want a delicious dinner on the table quickly and with very little cleanup. Here, I’m sharing the recipe for a flavorful T-bone steak and veggies. For the steak, I created a flavor bomb with herbed butter. Then I tossed the veggies lightly in oil and seasonings. Throw them all together on one sheet pan and you’ve got a main meal in just minutes. Before you begin, here are a couple of my favorite sheet pan cooking tips:

1. If you really want to make sure that your steak has a nice sear on the outside, you can cook your steak in a hot skillet to sear before finishing it off in the oven to desired temperatures.

This cheesecake is delicious plain or with fresh berries in season. I simply mixed the berries together with a fruit glaze and then I spooned it right over the top! With this recipe, you’ll get one large or two small cheesecakes.

Oh, I must say … life is sweet!

Easy Cheesecake

For the crust:

2. If using potatoes, cut them into wedges or smaller pieces, and cook in microwave for two minutes to soften. Then, add them to the other vegetables. Check out my how-to video here: jandatri.com/ recipes/one-minute-kitchen.

2 ready-made graham cracker crusts (6 oz. Keebler)

For the filling:

Sheet Pan Steak and Veggies

5 packages (8 oz. size) cream cheese, softened

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups sugar

5 large eggs plus 2 yokes

Protein of your choice (steak, chicken, fish)

1/4 cup sour cream

3-4 or more fresh veggies (1-2 cups each)

2 teaspoons fresh grated lemon zest

Olive oil to coat veggies

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the cheesecake topping

Salt, pepper and seasonings of your choice to taste

3 cups sour cream

3/4 cup sugar

Directions:

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 475 degrees.

For the berry topping

Coat a sheet pan lightly with olive oil. Season your steak with salt and pepper.

Fresh berries of your choice (I used 1 pint each

Marie’s Glaze for Strawberries (14 oz. container, found in produce section of store)

Directions:

1 teaspoon fresh garlic minced 2 teaspoons fresh or dried herbs of your choice. (All herbs combined should equal 2 teaspoons) 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Directions:

Soften butter just enough to combine herbs, garlic and salt.

Mix together, spoon into container. Or, spoon herbed butter on parchment paper, cover and roll into a log and chill in the freezer for 30 minutes, then slice! Place a pat of the herbed butter over top of steak after cooked.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Add sour cream, lemon zest and vanilla, mixing until well combined. Pour into two 8-inch ready-made graham cracker pie shells. Bake for 10 minutes. Without removing cheesecakes from oven, reduce oven temperature to 250 degrees and bake for about 70 minutes (1 hour and 10 minutes).

Cheesecake is done when toothpick comes up clean. Allow cheesecakes to cool.

Meanwhile, make cheesecake topping. In a bowl, whisk or beat together sour cream, sugar, lemon and salt until smooth and creamy. When cheesecake has completely cooled, spread topping evenly over cakes.

EASTMARKCOMMUNITYFACILITIESDISTRICTNO.1 MESA,ARIZONA

PHASEVIIIROADWAYIMPROVEMENTS(DU3/4) PROJECTNOS:S867,S868,S869,S870

ADVERTISEMENTFORBIDS

NOTICEISHEREBYGIVENthatsealedbidswillbereceiveduntil Thursday,August10,2017,until1:00p.m. Allsealedbidswillbereceivedat MesaCityPlazaBuilding,EngineeringDepartmentat20EastMainStreet,5 th Floor,Mesa,Arizona.Pleasemarktheoutsideofthebidenvelopewith thenameofthisbiddocument.Anybidreceivedafterthetimespecifiedwillbereturnedwithoutanyconsideration,exceptforbidsdelivered30 minutespriortoopeningwhichwillbereceivedattheinformationdesk,1st floor,mainlobbyoftheMesaCityPlazaBuilding.Nobidshallbealtered, amendedorwithdrawnafterthespecifiedbidduedateandtime.

AmandatoryPre-BidConferencewillbeheldThursday,July27,2017at2:00p.m.intheupperlevelCouncilChambersat57E.FirstStreet, Mesa,Ar izona.

Apre-bidreviewofthesitehasbeenscheduledforThursday,July27,2017at3:30p.m.Thesitevisitisrecommendedbutnotmandatory.

PHASEVIIIROADWAYIMPROVEMENTS(DU3/4):

Thiscontractshallbeforfurnishingalllabor,materials,transportation,andservicesfortheconstructionand/orinstallationofallimprovementsshown onthePlans,including,butnotlimitedtothefollowing:

• S.Copernicus(S867)–TheProjectconsistsofapproximately834feetoftwolane,fullstreetsurfaceimprovementstyingintoexistingimprovementsinS.Copernicus.Improvementsincludeinstallationofsewer,potablewater,stormdrain,dryutilities,concretecurb&gutter,sidewalk,paving, striping,signage,streetlights,streetsleeves,landscaping,andirrigation.

• E.PointTwenty-TwoBlvdPhase1(S868) –TheProjectconsistsofapproximately2,426feetofhalfstreetimprovementsandlandscapedmedian withonelaneinea chdirectiontyingintoexistingfourlane,fullstreetimprovementsinE.PointTwenty-TwoBlvd.Improvementsincludeinstallationof sewer,potablewater,stormdrain,concretearchculvertandpedestrianunderpass,dryutilities,concretecurb&gutter,sidewalk,paving,striping,signage,streetlights,trafficsignalconduit,streetsleeves,entrymonuments,landscaping,andirrigation.

• S.InspirianParkway(S869) –TheProjectconsistsofapproximat ely1,835feetoftwolane,fullstreetsurfaceimprovementstyingintoexistingimprovementsinS.InspirianParkway.Improvementsincludeinstallationofpotablewater,stormdrain,dryutilities,concretecurb&gutter,sidewalk,paving,striping,signage,streetlights,trafficsignalconduit,streetsleeves,entrymonuments,landscaping,andirrigation.

• TrafficSignalatRayRoadandSignalButteRoad(S870) –TheProjectconsistsoftheinstallationof afour-waytrafficsignallocatedattheintersectionofRayRoadandSignalButteRoad.

Forinformationcontact:MelodieJackson,CityofMesa,(480)644-2526,melodie.jackson@mesaaz.gov.

Allprojectquestionsmustbesubmittedby5:00p.m.onFriday,August4,2017.SeeSection11oftheProjectSpecialProvisionsformore information.

ContractorsdesiringtosubmitproposalsmaypurchasesetsoftheBidDocumentsfromThomasReprographics,Inc., http://public.constructionvaults.com,clickon“RegisterToday”andfollowthepromptstocreateyouraccount,besuretoclickfinishattheend.Fora listoflocationsnearestyou,logontowww.thomasrepro.com,andclickonPhoenix.ThecostofeachBidSetwillbenomorethan$182.00,whichis non-refundableregardlessofwhetherornottheContractDocumentsarereturned.Partialbidpackagesarenotsold.Youcanviewdocumentsonline(atnocost),orderBidSets,andaccessthePlanHoldersListontheThomasReprographicswebsiteatthe“PublicConstructionVaults”address listedabove.Pleaseverifyprintleadtimepriortoarrivingforpick-up.

OnesetoftheContractDocumentsisalsoavailableforviewingattheCityofMesa’sEngineeringDepartmentat20EastMainStreet,Mesa,AZ. Pleasecall(480)644-2251priortoarrivingtoensurethatthedocumentsareavailableforviewing.

Workshallbecompletedwithin 248 (twohundredforty-eight)consecutivecalendardays,beginningwiththedayfollowingthestartingdatespecifiedin theNoticetoProceed.

BidsmustbesubmittedontheProposalFormprovidedandbeaccompaniedbytheBidBondfornotlessthantenpercent(10%)ofthetotalbid,payabletoDMBMESAPROVINGGROUNDSLLC,oracertifiedorcashier'scheck.PERSONALORINDIVIDUALSURETYBONDSARENOTACCEPTABLE.

ThesuccessfulbidderwillberequiredtoexecutetheDMBMesaProvingGroundsLLCContractandrespectiveAddendaforconstructionwithin ten (10)days afterformalNoticeofContactAward.Failurebybi ddertoproperlyexecutetheContractandprovidetherequiredcertificationasspecified shallbeconsideredabreachofContractbybidder.DMBMesaProvingGroundsLLCshallbefreetoterminatetheContractor,atoption,releasethe successfulbidder.

PaymentandPerformanceBondswillberequiredforthisWork.Thesuccessfulbidder,simultaneouslywiththeexecutionoftheContract,shallberequiredtofurnishaPaymentBondintheamountequaltoonehundredper cent(100%)oftheContractPrice,andaPerformanceBondinanamount equaltoonehundredpercent(100%)oftheContractPrice.SuccessfulBiddershallnameDMBMesaProvingGroundsLLCasobligeeonboththe PaymentandPerformanceBondsandnametheCityofMesaasanadditionalobligeeonthePerformanceBondusingaDualObligeeRiderform.An approvedDualObligeeRiderFormisincludedhereinasExhibitEintheContractDocuments.

Therightisherebyreservedtoacceptorrejectanyorallbidsorpartsthereto,towaiveanyinformalitiesinanyproposalandrejectthebidsofanypersonswhohavebeendelinquentorunfaithfultoanycontractwiththeDMBMesaProvingGroundsLLC;CityofMesaorEastmarkCommunityFacilities DistrictNo.1.

BETHHUNING

DistrictEngineer

ATTEST: DeeAnnMickelsen DistrictClerk

EASTMARKCOMMUNITYFACILITIESDISTRICTNO.1MESA,ARIZONA PHASEVIIROADWAYIMPROVEMENTSPROJECTNOS:S865andS866

ADVERTISEMENTFORBIDS

NOTICEISHEREBYGIVENthatsealedbidswillbereceiveduntil August17,2017,until3:00p.m.Allsealedbidswillbe receivedatMesaCityPlazaBuilding,EngineeringDepartmentat20EastMainStreet,5thFloor,Mesa,Arizona.Pleasemark theoutsideofthebidenvelopewiththenameofthisbiddocument.Anybidreceivedafterthetimespecifiedwillbereturnedwithoutanyconsideration,exceptforbidsdelivered30minutespriortoopeningwhichwillbereceivedattheinformationdesk,1stfloor,mainlobbyoftheMesaCityPlazaBuilding.Nobidshallbealtered,amendedorwithdrawnafterthe specifiedbidduedateandtime.

AMandatoryPre-BidConferencewillbeheldAugust2,2017at3:00p.m.intheupperlevelCouncilChambersat57 E.FirstStreet,Mesa,Arizona.

Apre-bidreviewofthesitehasbeenscheduledforAugust2ndat4:00p.m.PleaserefertoSpecialProvisionSectiontitled"Pre-BidReviewofSite"foradditionalinformation.Thissitereviewisnotmandatory.

PHASEVIIROADWAYIMPROVEMENTS:

Thiscontractshallbeforfurnishingalllabor,materials,transportation,andservicesfortheconstructionand/orinstallationof allimprovementsshownonthePlans,including,butnotlimitedtothefollowing:

• SignalButteRoadPhase2(S865)-TheProjectconsistsofapproximately1900feetofhalfstreetsurfaceimprovementsto includeconcretecurbandgutter,sidewalk,paving,striping,signage,streetlights,streetsleeves,landscapingandlandscape irrigation.Theimprovementsalsoconsistoftheinstallationofa24”waterlineforaportionoftheroadway.

• WilliamsFieldRoad(S866)-TheProjectconsistsofapproximately3700feetofhalfstreetsurfaceimprovementstoincludeconcretecurbandgutter,sidewalk,paving,striping,signage,streetlights,streetsleeves,landscapingandlandscape irrigation.Theimprovementsalsoconsistoftheinstallationofan18”stormdrainanda24”waterlineforaportionofthe roadway.

Forinformationcontact:MelodieJackson,CityofMesa,(480)644-6951,melodie.jackson@mesaaz.gov

ContractorsdesiringtosubmitproposalsmaypurchasesetsoftheBidDocumentsfromThomasPrintworks,Inc., http://public.constructionvaults.com,clickon"RegisterToday"andfollowthepromptstocreateyouraccount,besuretoclickfinishattheend.Foralistoflocationsnearestyou,logontowww.thomasprintworks.com,andclickonLocations.Thecostof eachBidSetwillbenomorethan$130,whichisnon-refundableregardlessofwhetherornottheContractDocumentsare returned.Partialbidpackagesarenotsold.Youcanviewdocumentson-line(atnocost),orderBidSets,andaccessthe Plan HoldersListontheThomasPrintworkswebsiteatthe"PublicConstructionVaults"addresslistedabove.Pleaseverifyprintleadtimepriortoarrivingforpick-up.

OnesetoftheContractDocumentsisalsoavailableforviewingattheCityofMesa'sEngineeringDepartmentat20East MainStreet,Mesa,AZ.Pleasecall(480)644-2251priortoarrivingtoensurethatthedocumentsareavailableforviewing.

Workshallbecompletedwithin87workingdays,beginningwiththe dayfollowingthestartingdatespecifiedintheNoticeto Proceed.

BidsmustbesubmittedontheProposalFormprovidedandbeaccompaniedbytheBidBondfornotlessthantenpercent (10%)ofthetotalbid,payabletoAVHEM,LLC,oracertifiedorcashier'scheck.PERSONALORINDIVIDUALSURETY BONDSARENOTACCEPTABLE.

ThesuccessfulbidderwillberequiredtoexecutetheAVHEM,LLCContractandrespectiveAddendaforconstructionwithin five(5)daysafterformalNoticeofContactAward.FailurebybiddertoproperlyexecutetheContractandprovidetherequiredcertificationasspecifiedshallbeconsideredabreachofContractbybidder.AVHEM,LLCshallbefreetoterminate theContractor,atoption,releasethesuccessfulbidder.

PaymentandPerformanceBondswillberequiredforthisWork.Thesuccessfulbidder,simultaneouslywiththeexecutionof theContract,shallberequiredtofurnishaPaymentBondintheamountequaltoone hundredpercent(100%)oftheContractPrice,andaPerformanceBondinanamountequaltoonehundredpercent(100%)oftheContractPrice.Successful BiddershallnameAVHEM,LLCasobligeeonboththePaymentandPerformanceBondsandnametheCityofMesaas anadditionalobligeeonthePerformanceBondusingaDualObligeeRiderform.AnapprovedDualObligeeRiderForm isincludedhereinasExhibitEintheContractDocuments.

Therightisherebyreservedtoacceptorrej ectanyorallbidsorpartsthereto,towaiveanyinformalitiesinanyproposaland rejectthebidsofanypersonswhohavebeendelinquentorunfaithfultoanycontractwithAVHEM,LLC;CityofMesaor EastmarkCommunityFacilitiesDistrictNo.1.

BETHHUNING DistrictEngineer

ATTEST: DeeAnnMickelsen

DistrictClerk

Water Safety Tip

BE ON THE LOOK OUT.

Don’t take your eyes off your kids when they are near any water, including tubs. Supervise kids at all times.

Remember, drowning happens quickly and quietly. Avoid distractions while watching kids around water.

Obituaries

PEREZ, Elena Parra Monroy

Elena Parra Monroy Perez, age 97, of Hidalgo Mexico, passed away Tuesday July 18, 2017 in Mesa

She is preceded in death by her parents Bernabe Parra and Jovita Monroy and daughters Jovita and

lalobos) Perez Parra, Maria Elena Skousen, Eph-

Amy Fuller, numerous Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren and Great-Great Grandchildren Mama Elenita served two missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) in Mexico

She devoted herself to serving her family and the LDS church Thanks to her influence and passion in the church, many of her children and great grandchildren have served and are serving as missionaries of the LDS church in different parts of the world She will be dearly missed by all those encountered in her life

Visitations will be held Friday July 21st 6pm to 8pm at the Chur ch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 977 E Broadway, followed by services Saturday July 22nd from 8am to 9am Visitation with a 9am Service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 977 E Broadway Interment will follow at Mesa City Cemetery

Entrusted to Wyman Cremation and Burial Chapel (480) 668-2898

Sign the Guestbook at: www.EastValleyTribune.com

GOLDFARB, Frances Elaine

81, of Clovis, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at h o m e s u r r o u n d e d b y h e r f a m i l y o n J u l y 1 2 , 2 0 1 7

Frances was born in Xenia, Ohio to Eileen and Pearle Compton on December 18, 1935 While serving in the United States Air Force, she met and married Eugene Goldfarb on August 31, 1956 in Raton, NM Frances had many hobbies and interests but she mainly enjoyed being with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren

Frances graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in May 1977 with an Associates Degree in Science and worked as a Juvenile Probation Officer for fourteen years Frances, referred to lovingly as “Bobo” by her grandchildren and family, was known to all as a great storyteller and the family historian She had a dry, yet warmhearted sense of humor and a sharp wit She was always able to “tell it like it is” without you realizing you were just put in your place! She touched and influenced the lives of all she met, including those she supervised as a Juvenile Probation Officer

Frances is preceded in death by her parents Eileen and Pearle Compton, s i s t e r B e c k y A l l e n d e r , b r o t h e r J a m e s C o m p t o n , a n d d a u

Joyce Goldfarb She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Eugene Goldfarb; her sons Joseph, Jeffrey and wife Cindy, John and wife Bridget; daughter Elaine Morrow; brother Stephen Compton and wife Sharon; sisters Pat Stormont and husband Dick, Angela Kinnaman and husband Jim, Jeanne Adlesburger and husband Don; grandchildren Michael, Brian, Brant, Danae, Jennifer, Mark, Lauren and Kyle; great grandchildren Ashton, Alexander, Preston and Bella, numerous nieces and nephews and many friends including best friend, Lavon Bennett of Ohio

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the doctors and staff at Presbyterian Plains Regional Medical Center Hospice and Cancer Center

A memorial service is scheduled for 10:30am on Thursday, August 3, 2017 at Steed-Todd Funeral Home Chapel Interment will take place at 10:30am on Friday, August 4, 2017 at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM

Online condolences may be made at www.steedtodd.com

Employment

Employment General

Tailor, Full-time, design, make, alter, repair & fit garments Email to starcleanersaz1@ gmail com

Star Cleaners Inc 10421

E McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85255

customer experience and provide customers

guidelines. Qualified candidate is an energetic and

of customer service experience, preferably in the

At Western, “what” you know is important, but not as important as how you relate to teammates and customers We differentiate ourselves through our

ment, and the ability to listen effectively and com-

ments, and doing our absolute best every day. We believe that our ability to deliver o n our promise of being Your Hometown Bank is a result of these high standards This is a full-time position with be-

If you are looking to contribute your energy and skills to a dynamic, collaborative, forward-thinking environment, and possess the experience described above, apply online at www westernbanks com/careers

Western State Bank is an EEOE and Affirmative Action Employer Member FDIC

Oliver Shirley Jane

Sushi Chef, Full-time Apply at Hsueh Chiang, dba Lucky Sushi & Chinses Restaurant 1350 E Florence Blvd #B, Casa Grande, AZ 85222 mchiang1963 @hotmail com 480-208-0865

Meetings/Events

OPTIMIST CLUB

Would you like to belong to an organization dedicated to improving children's lives in a variety of ways? Do you have a desire to give back to the community?

If so, we are looking for new members & new ideas for fundraising! We have supported Sunshine Acres Children's Home for 60 yrs, we provide scholarships to students from local schools & we support the Children s Cancer Fund If interested, contact Ann Crawford 480-234-1549

craftyanni@aol com OR phxphntm@cox net

Seeking CAREGIVERS

Join our ResCare HomeCare Team! Hiring for all East Valley Cities in Maricopa & Pinal Counties

Great Caregiver Candidates:

* High level of Professionalism

* Are Caring & Compassionate

* Looking for Rewarding Work

* Have LIFE Experience Caring for a Loved-One and/or Currently a PROFESSIONAL Caregiver

* Would like to Give Back to the Community While Earning Income

* Seeking Flexible Hours

Direct Care Workers Curriculum Paid Training and Employee Discount Program offered!

Open Caregiver Positions:

* Companions * Personal Care Attendants

* Certified Nursing Assistants

* Home Health Aides * Certified Caregivers

For more details please call: Carol at 480-491-1140 www ResCareHomeCare com

ssed away on July 15, 2017 She had a big heart d during her lifetime worked as a caregiver which e enjoyed very much She was especially

and four sisters (Kathy Mauch, Sharon

business/customer visits, and strong community focus

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The qualities of the ideal candidate are as follows: ✦Currently managing commercial and industrial op-

Degree in Business Administration, Finance, or Business Management preferred ✦7 to 10 years of business banking experience preferred

This is a full time position with benefits

A re you Ready to Join the Western State Bank Team?

If you are looking to contribute your energy and skills to our team apply online at www westernbanks com/careers

Western State Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer Member FDIC

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