january newspaper
Post on 04-Apr-2015
821 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
www.InMaricopa.comJanuary 2011
NEWSThere is another boom coming for Arizona Page 8
BUSINESSAttorney Jose Chaidez charted his course early Page 12
steven m. thomas
POSTAL CUSTOMER
BY THE NUMBERShow concerned are you with city finances?
Source: InMaricopa.com poll: 295 total votes
the federally subsidized maricopa Unified school District food service program serves more than 100,000 meals each month, including ones provided free to needy children.
Extremely concerned
Somewhat concerned
No opinion
Not concerned
58%
29%
10%
3%
MUSD fights fraud, feeds kids Page 6
“We really hope we can give the biker community a positive outlet.” — Curt “Preacher” Chamberlain, founder of mountain view Community Church’s biker Bible study
COMMUNITYCanadians key to Maricopa’s wintertime economy Page 16
2 InMaricopa.com January2011
OnNov. 2 the ballots werecast;thevoteswerecountedand the results are in. TheRepublicans won clear ma-jorities in the state Houseand Senate as well as thegovernorship and otherstateoffices.
Now the Republicansmustdosomethingthattheyhavefailedtodoforthepast40years—govern.
You see for the past 40years they have controlledthe Arizona Legislature. Inthatposition,theyhavebeenrequiredbythestateconsti-tution to pass a balancedbudget — something theyfailed to do over the pasttwo years. In fact, it wouldbe even longer if previousgovernorshadnotused theveto pen to get a balancedbudget.
Now Republicans mustdigArizonaoutofthefiscalmess that they are mainlyresponsible for. However,given some of the rumbleswe are hearing from theirleadership it sounds liketheygoingdigusdeeperintodebt.
The Republican legisla-ture,withconcurrenceoftheRepublicangovernor,closedstate parks, cut off fundingfor low income healthcare,closed highway rest areasand took away funding fornumerous other programsthatmainly effect low- andmiddle-income citizens ofArizona. Nothing has beendone to secure more jobsin the state, even though itisclear thatArizonacannotrelyonjustthehousingandtourist industries for em-ployment.
Inpast sessions,Repub-licans have pushed moreandmorecostsoffontocit-iesandcounties.Becauseofthat practice, these entitiesare already strapped to thedegreethatourpublicsafetyand infrastructure are notjust suffering, but may infact put citizens of Arizonain imminent danger. Cit-ies are laying off police of-ficers and firefighters, clos-ing parks and cutting backon essential services. Stategovernment must stop thepracticeofforcingcitiesandcountiestopickupthecostsfor their inability to do thejobtheywereelectedtodo:Govern.
Yes, Republicans wonclear majorities across Ari-zona. With that win comesresponsibility. That issomething that they have
Maricopa NotebookPublisherScott Bartle
EditorSteven M. Thomas
ReportersJoyce HollisTom KesslerMichael K. RichSteven M. Thomas
ContributorLinda Melone
PhotographersTom KesslerCindy PriceMichael K. RichSteven M. Thomas
Art DirectorCarl Bezuidenhout
Operations ManagerCarolyn Struble
Customer Loyalty CoordinatorMichelle K. Winegard
Advertising ConsultantsJennifer BakerKathy Dodge
ClassifiedsKathy Debevec
VOLuME 3, IssuE 1 COntACt us:
85239.com, LLCdba InMaricopa News19756 n. John Wayne Parkway, suite 100P.O. Box 1018Maricopa, AZ 85139(520) 568-0040 tel(520) 568-0050 Faxnews@InMaricopa.comsales@InMaricopa.com
Published advertisements are not an endorsement of products or advertising claims by InMaricopa News. no part of this newspaper may be reproduced by any means without the prior written permission of InMaricopa News. Copyright 2010.
Sharing the thoughts and opinions of Maricopa
(520) 494-733344600 W. Smith-Enke Road, Suite 103
(Next to Walgreens)
www.CobblestoneDental.com
Quality. Comfort. Convenience.
• Evening hours • Complimentary consultation • Dentures • Crowns • Implants • Cosmetic
The Democrats are sup-posedtobethepartyof theworking folks. The Demo-cratsaresupposedtobetheparty of opportunity. TheDemocrats are supposed tobethepartyofhope.Really?Instead,DemocratsseemtowanttopasstheblameontoRepublicans instead takingsomeoftheblame.
Let’s start with the bud-getcrisisandgobacka fewyears. In March 2007, theprojection was that statesales tax receipts would in-crease by 8.5 percent overthe next two years. Andthatwasconsideredaprettyconservative projection. In-stead, theyhavegonedownbyover16percent.Andthesales tax is themost steadyandpredictableofthestate’stax sources. The governor’soffice comes upwith a rev-enue forecast as does thelegislature. Agreeing on acommon one is part of thebudgetnegotiations.
State Treasurer DeanMartin went to GovernorNapolitano inMarch, 2008and told her that the statespending needed to stopand that a revised budgetneeded to be negotiated orthe state would go into thered. Governor Napolitanocalled DeanMartin “Chick-en Little,” and said that hewasnot fully informed.Thegovernor said that the statehasmoneythatthetreasurer
didn’t know about. Really?Thatisillegal.GovernorNa-politano quickly retractedher statement knowing shecouldfacesomelegalbattlesifherstatementweretrue.
Therearethreeareasthatthe legislatures need to fix,andthatmeansbothRepub-licansandDemocrats.Thosethreeare theeconomy, jobsandtheborder.Let’slookathowwegetourstatebackontrack.
Economy: We need tocut useless spending, andeven though that soundssimple, it isn’t. If you lose30 percent of your income,you cut expenditures, butthe problem is that thestate expenditures are 30percent higher. We passedthe sales tax propositionthatwillbring inaround$1billion, but that still leavesabouta$2billiondeficit. Ifwe do nothing, the deficitwill be around $4 billionby 2014.The state reliedformany years on tourism,
Legislatureshouldconcentrateonjobs,economyandimmigration
By Brenda Hermanson
NowRepublicansmustgovern
By Joe roBIson
Continued on page 4 Continued on page 4
$15 Free slot play and a Free buFFet
• Now through March 31, 2011
• Sign up for a Total Rewards® card at the Total Rewards Center and receive $15 in Free Slot Play and a free buffet.*
• Guests who have never had a Total Rewards card or who have a Total Rewards card but have never played at Harrah’s Ak-Chin are eligible.
• Visit the Total Rewards Center for more details.
starbuCKs buCKsEvery Thursday in January, 1pm – 8pm, at the Promotions Center, you’re guaranteed to walk away with a free 4-pack of bottled Frappuccino® coffee drinks by Starbucks.
Plus, you could instantly win Free Slot Play™, a fabulous gift or a Starbucks Gift Card!
*Free Slot Play™ is not redeemable for cash. Buffet offer must be redeemed within 30 days from the date of issue. Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700 or 1-800-NEXT STEP. ©2011, Caesars License Company, LLC. 1600-0111-009
WaKe up your WeeK WItH Free starbuCKs® at HarraH’s aK-CHIn
Harrah's AK-ChinProperty: $15 and a FreeProject: Job#: 48275.5 8:53 AM
Trim: 10" x 4.938" Live: x VO: x Bleed: noneShow: 12/20/10 Ship: 12/20/10 Insert: 1/1/11
Final Mats:PDF File JamieArtist: 2Rev:InMaricopa News 10” x 4.938”Desc.:
dMax:Vendor: InMaricopa News
V1_48275.5_10x4.938_4c_Ad.indd 1 12/20/10 6:22 PM
Chaidez Law Firm, PLLCE� ective, Professional Representation
1-888-803-487649237 W. Papago Road Suite 3, Maricopa, AZ 85139 • www.ChaidezLawFirm.com
• Criminal/DUI• Loan Modifi cation• Estate Planning
• Personal Injury• Foreclosure Defense• Real Estate
• Business Formation
José L. Chaidez, Esq.
Se Habla Espanol
The helpful place.
21542 N. John Wayne Pkwy.
Maricopa520-494-7805
Hurry, offer ends 01-31-2011.
4 InMaricopa.com January2011
NowRepublicansmustgovern
Continued from page 2 shunned for thepast fourde-cades.Oureducationsystemisin serious trouble. Class sizesare ballooning, teachers arebeing cut, dropout rates areclimbingandnothinghasbeendonetocurbanyofit.
Wecontinue tohearaboutproposals to increase bordersecurityandtochasedownille-galimmigrants.WithRepubli-cansintotalcontrolonewouldthink that rather than spendArizonataxdollarsonwhatisclearly a Federal responsibil-itytheywouldbeworkingwithour congressional delegation,whereRepublicanshaveama-jority,tohavethemsecureour
borders as they are requiredto do. Arizona’s tax dollarsshouldbespentonourneeds,not doing what the FederalGovernmentisrequiredtodo.
Iamclearlyapartisan,buttheelectionisoverandnowitis time to govern and tend tothe state’s needs. All electedofficialsmustbeapartofsolv-ing Arizona’s problems. Bal-ancing the budget, caring forour cities and counties, im-provingourcrumblingeduca-tionalinstitutionsandcreatingjobsshouldnotbepartisanis-sues. Getting Arizona’s houseingoodordertakesinputfromeveryone, Republicans andDemocratsshouldbeinvolvedin crafting solutions to ourpressingneeds.
Good legislation comesfromworking with all partiesand on some if not most oc-
casionsmaking the necessarycompromisestohaveourstatemove forward and start tosolveourmanyproblems.Wecannot wait another four de-cadestogetthejobdone.Thetimeishereforthoseelectedtotake responsibility and moveourArizonaforward.
Joe Robison is chairman of the Pinal County Democratic Party.
Legislatureshouldconcentrateonjobs,economyandimmigration
Continued from page 2
sales taxes, and income taxes
foritsrevenue.Jobs: Tax incentives, and
how the state governmenttargeting on how to use taxincentives to create jobs isessential. If tax incentivescreate a flow of money intojobs, employed people payingtaxes will keep governmentrunning. Over 308,000 jobshave been lost in Arizona, soif government is going to liveon sales tax revenues, thenlegislaturesmustpayattentiontojobcreation.
The Border: Arizona’sillegal immigrant populationiscostingthestate’staxpayersevenmore than once thought— a whopping $2.7 billion in2009,accordingtoresearchersattheFederationforAmericanImmigration Reform, thepublic interest group thathelped write the state’s new
immigration law. FAIR’s newbreakdown shows that illegalimmigrants take $1.6 billionfrom Arizona’s educationsystem, $695 million fromhealthcare services, $339million in law enforcementandcourtcosts,$85millioninwelfarecostsand$155millionin other general costs. JackMartin, the chief researcheronthereport,sayshisdata,infact, do include benefits likethe estimated $143 millionin taxes paid by an estimated500,000illegalimmigrants.
These3areaswillhelpim-prove the state ofArizona formany years to come. This isgoing to takebothDemocratsand Republicans working to-gethertomakethishappen.
Brenda Hermanson is president of the Maricopa Republican Club.
YOUR CLEAN TEAMYou keep a busy schedule, you deserve to come home to a clean, neat house. Count on us to provide reliable
trustworthy and thorough cleaning service.
• House cleaning • Carpet cleaning • Tile and grout cleaning • Windows
520-568-2074www.AnthonyClean.com
25%25% OFFOFF SECOND SERVICESECOND SERVICE
Ask us about Maricopa’s #1 & provider!
www.PremierOrthoAz.com
Casa Grande1968 N. Pearl Rd., Ste 25Casa Grande, AZ 85222
(520) 421-0800
• We make orthodontics comfortable and fun!• Advanced technology braces and Invisalign orthodontics
for children and adults• Interest free payment plans, insurance accepted• Extended early morning appointments available
Maricopa21083 N. John Wayne Pkwy, Ste C105
Maricopa, AZ 85139(520) 568-5600
DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!
❈ Installation❈ Accent Lighting❈ Weed Control❈ Tree Removal❈ Yard Additions❈ Misting Systems❈ Irrigation Installation
& Repair
(602) 359-620320928 N. John Wayne Pkwy, Suite C13 PMB 337 • Maricopa, AZ 85139
RESIDENTIAL EXPERTS • LICENSED
$100OFF
Maricopa’s Yard Maintenance Specialist RYAN RIECKS
OwnerMaricopa Resident
Winter Installation
Your EntirE FurniturE PurchasE* From 1PM - CLOSE ONE DAY ONLY
11%Off
or
MONT
HS ENTIRE FURNITURE PURCHASE*
TAK
E
20 11%FREE FINANCING FOR20
NEW YEAR EVENT PRICE:
$44143
COLO
RADO ST
1375 E. FLORENCE BLVD
N
(520) 876-4500
287E. FLORENCE BLVD.
FRY’SFOOD &
DRUG
WALMART
LOWES Come Visit Us At Your Local Showroom
1375 E Florence Blvd
(520) 876-4500
Browse the world’s largest online furniture showroom at http://www.ashleyfurniturehomestore.com
Monday-Friday 10-8Saturday 10-8 • Sunday 11-6
Now Hiring! Come Join Our Growing TeamFax Resume (623) 209-2754
NOQUESTIONS
ASKEDRETURN POLICY
NOQUESTIONS
ASKEDRETURN POLICY
††
NEW YEAR EVENT PRICE: 2Pc. Sectional$69599
50700RCSECT Ottoman Sold Separately * No further discount can be applied to this item
*No Interest If Paid In Full Within 20 Months: Available to customers making purchase of $1,200.00 or more using CitiCorp Trust Bank, FSB Credit Card. Minimum monthly payments required. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the purchase balance (including premiums for optional credit insurance) is not paid in full within agreed payoff terms or if you make a late payment. With Credit Approval with qualifying purchases made on the CitiCorp Trust Bank, FSB Credit Card. As Of 12/29/10. APR for purchases 27.99%; Penalty APR 29.99% (rates may vary). Minimum Interest Charge: $2.00. See card agreement for details including when the penalty rate applies. Offer
subject to change without notice. See store associate for details. Offer Expires 1/08/11. May not be combined with any other offer. All previous purchases excluded. On approved credit, all purchasers may not qualify for offer. *11% OFF Discount: Excludes As-Is, Floor Samples, Super Value Items, Electronics, non-Ashley Accessories, Fire-places, All Simmons, Southerland, Sealy, Ashley Sleep, Stearns & Foster, Tempurpedic Products, Protect-A-Bed and Factory Closeouts, Special Purchases or Overstock items. Leather protection, Fabric protection, Wood protection, Advertised Merchandise and delivery are excluded. All previous purchases excluded.
†† If you would like to return your furniture for any reason, it is not a problem at Ashley Furniture HomeStore. Maybe you realize the color doesn’t match, it is too big for the intended space, or you simply changed your mind. All you need to do is contact Customer Service within 72 hours of delivery for a full merchandise refund, (original delivery fee ex-cluded). Furniture must be in new condition and have sustained no damage since the time of delivery to qualify for the return. Return/re-select applicable on Special Orders. Simmons, Sealy, Southerland, Stearns & Foster, Ashley Sleep, Tempurpedic products, Electronics, Fireplaces, non-Ashley accessories are excluded from this return/re-select policy.
Return/re-select policy will only be honored once per transaction. *Leather Match upholstery features top grain leather in the seating surface with skillfully matched vinyl everywhere else. * Blended Leather upholstery features a Polyurethane/Leather blend (57% Polyurethane, 26% Poly-cotton, 17% Leather) in the seating areas with skillfully matched Polyurethane everywhere else. Pictures may not represent item exactly as shown, advertised items may not be on display at all locations. Although every precaution is taken, errors in prices and/or specification may occur in print. We reserve the right to correct any errors. Expires 1/08/11
Leather-Match*
4130238
Sofa Ashley Direct Price: $595.99 minus -11%
NEW YEAR EVENT PRICE: $53043
*Leather Match upholstery features top grain leather in the seating surface with skillfully
matched vinyl everywhere else.
PKD351-25/02 INCLUDES TABLE AND 4 SIDE CHAIRS
5Pc. Dining Room Ashley
Direct Price: $495.99 minus -11%
NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY DOORBUSTERS Fri. 10am-5pmSat. 10am -8pmNEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAYDOORBUSTERS
By steven m. tHomasSteve@InMaricopa.com
There is some fraud in the free andreduced-price lunch program that 51percent of children in the MaricopaUnified School District participatein, with students who don’t qualifyreceiving federally funded mealassistance. However, due to diligentlocal oversight, the percentage ofbenefitsthatgotothewrongpeopleismuch lower here than inmany otherschooldistricts.
According to MUSD Directorof Child Nutrition Suzette Moe,who oversees the district’s foodservice, approximately 16 percent ofapplications for free or reduced-pricelunchesflaggedforofficialverificationthisyearwererejectedformisreportingincomeornotrespondingtorequestsfordocumentation.
That percentage compares very fa-vorably to some other districts whereupto93percentofauditedapplicationswere rejected in the 2007-08 schoolyear,butstillmeansthatasmany440of the 2,730 local students participat-ing in the program may be ineligiblefor the benefits they are receiving.Since children in the program receiveanaverageof$462 inbenefitsduringaschoolyear,asmuchas$200,000inmealassistancemaybegoingtoMUSDkidswhodon’tqualify.
“Thereisabitofanhonorsystem,”said Tom Beckett, MUSD human re-sources director. “We generally trustwhatpeoplesay,butSuzettealsohandenterseachoneoftheapplicationsandflags them if there is something thatdoesn’tlookright.”
The Department of Agriculture,whichadministersthemealassistanceprogram, requires districts to verify3 percent of what are called “error-prone” applications, ones that show
incomelevelsclosetoqualificationcut-off amounts for freeor reduced-pricemeals.Moegoesbeyondtherequired3percent,usingherknowledgeofthelocalcommunitytoidentifysuspiciousapplications.
“Ipulltheonesthatarejustridicu-lous,”shesaid.“IfIseeafamilyoffourlivinginoneofthenewersubdivisionsreportinganincomeof$100or$200aweek, I contact themtofindoutwhatisgoingon.IwouldsayIverifyabout10percentoftheapplicationsintotal,betweenthe3percentthegovernmentrequiresandtheextraonesIflag.”
Richard B. Russell national school Lunch act
The Federal School Lunch Pro-gram—which alsoprovides free andreduced-price breakfast and after-school snacks for children in need—was originally founded as a nationalsecurity measure. During WWII, 8percentofSelectiveServiceregistrants
werefoundtobeunfitforarmyservicebecauseofmalnutritionorunderfeed-ing.Afterthewar,Congresssoughttoremedy this situation with legislationcraftedbyGeorgiaSenatorRichardB.Russell and signed into law by Presi-dentTrumanin1946.
Section2oftheactreads:“It is hereby declared to be
the policy of Congress, as a measure of national security, to safeguard the health and well-being of the Nation’s children . . . by providing an adequate sup-ply of foods and other facilities for the establishment, mainte-nance, and expansion of non-profit school-lunch programs.”
Today, the program provides nu-tritionally balanced, low-cost or freelunches tomore than 31million chil-dreneachschoolday,inpublicandpri-vateschools.
All lunches served by the MUSDfoodservicedepartmentaresubsidizedtosomeextentbycashpaymentsfrom
thefederalgovernment,eventhoseforwhichchildrenpaythegoingrate.
According to figures provided byMoe,reimbursementratesare$2.72forfreemeals served, $2.32 for reduced-pricemeals, and26cents for regular-pricemeals. The district also receivesan allotment of surplus food such ascheese and pasta that Moe draws onthroughouttheyear.
Childrendonothavetobelivinginpovertytoreceivefreeorreduced-pricemeals,sothehighpercentageofMUSDstudentsintheprogramdoesnotmeanthatthecommunityispoverty-stricken.Children from families with incomesatorbelow130percentofthepovertylevelareeligible for freemeals.Thosewithincomesbetween130percentand185 percent of the poverty level areeligible for reduced-price meals, forwhich they cannot be charged morethan 40 cents. Currently, 130 percentof the poverty level is $28,665 for afamilyoffour;185percentis$40,793.
Children who are homeless orwhosefamiliesreceivefoodstampsorparticipate in certainotherprogramswith independent income verificationare automatically eligible for mealassistance and not subject to MUSDreview.
2 types of fraudBesides individual cheaters, who
misreportincomeorfamilysizetogetmeal assistance, some school districtshavebeencaughtwiththeirhandinthetill. Because many federal programsuse lunch assistance numbers as anindictor of need, districts with a highpercentage of participating studentsgetmoreTitleIfundsandothertypesoffederalandstateassistance.The$30billionTitleIprogramdispensesmoneytoimproveacademicopportunitiesforthe disadvantaged, recruit and trainteachers,reduceclasssizeandupgradefacilities, and themore lunch-assisted
MUSD fights fraud, feeds kids6 InMaricopa.com January2011
Cover Story
maricopa elementary school students (left to right) Rigoberto Guillen, Guadalupe Flores, Brian homar and allan Rodriguez enjoying their lunch break on a Friday in December.
steven m. thomas
Arroyo Vista Landscape & Design, Inc.
With purchase of landscaping package
Ask about our low prices on: • Lighting • Pavers • BBQs • Firepits • Concrete • Flagstone • Sprinklers
DELUXE GRASS PACKAGE500 sq ft of sod and sprinklers • Lawn valve • Curbing –
Concrete Border • 1-24” box tree • 2-15 gallon trees 2-15 gallon citrus (may be substituted for palms)
15-5 gallon shrubs10 tons of rock (1/2” Arizona gold)
$2,495 plus tax
DESERT VALUE PACKAGE1-15 gallon tree • 8-5 gallon shrubs10 tons of rock (1/2” Arizona gold)
$995 plus tax
DESERT DELUXE PACKAGE1-24” box tree • 2-15 gallon trees • 15-5 gallon shrubs
10 tons of rock (1/2” Arizona gold)$1,495 plus tax
LAWN VALUE PACKAGE400 sq ft of sod and sprinklers • Lawn valve • Curbing – Concrete Border • 1-15 gallon tree • 10-5 gallon shrubs
8 tons of rock (1/2” Arizona gold)
$1,595 plus tax
LANDSCAPING SPECIALS
(520) 414-0938Licensed • Bonded • Insured ROC #213314
FREE DRIP SYSTEM
www.ArroyoVistaLandscaping.com
John Deere fl exible fi nancing options for all
your landscaping needs. (on approved credit)
January2011 InMaricopa.com 7
studentsdistrictshave,themorefundstheytendtoget.
“Districts have a vested interestin having a high number of studentsenrolled in the Federal School LunchProgram,”Moesaid.
According to investigative reporterDavid N. Bass, writing for EducationNext, “Some districts encourageparents to fill out applications evenif they are not sure they qualify. OnedistrictinChillicothe,Missouri,offeredparents a $10 Walmart gift card forturninginanapplication.”
MUSDdoesnotofferanyincentiveforfillingoutapplications,but itdoessend an application home with everystudent, according to Rick Neilson,assistant principal for career andtechnical education atMaricopaHighSchool.
Sometimes districts go beyondenthusiasmfortheprogramtooutrightfraud. In September the CaliforniaDepartment of Education determinedthat the Oxnard Union High SchoolDistricthad topayback thestateandfederalgovernments$5.6million thatitoverbilledforschoolmeals.
“We found systematic over billingon free and reduced-price meals atevery school in our district,” OxnardUnionattorneyJackParhamsaid.
Moe said there was no chance ofthat kind of fraud happening here.“We are audited by the state and thedistrict auditors, so there isnoway Icould be claiming students that wedon’tactuallyhave.”
According to Moe, auditors fromtheArizonaDepartment ofEducationgoover everyapplication she submitsto make sure the students meet theguidelines — on paper, at least. Buttheydonotattempttoverifythefactson the applications, leaving open thelikelihood that parentswho give falseinformationwillnotbedetected.
The application parents fill out forchildren to get meal assistance has aclause above the signature line thatstates,“IunderstandthatifIpurposelygive false information, my childrenmay losemeal benefits and Imay beprosecuted,”butMoesaysshedoesn’tknowofanyonewhohasactuallybeenprosecutedforgivingfalseinformation.
In fact, it is unclear who would havejurisdictioninsuchaprosecution,sincelocal, state and federal agencies areinvolvedinadministeringtheprogram.
Putting children firstAccording to paymentaccuracy.
org, an official website of the UnitedStates government, the $9 billionNational School Lunch Program hasthe highest percentage of “improperpayments” of any federal program,with$1.5billion going astray infiscal2009.Thatnaturallyraisesthehacklesoflegitimatefiscalconservatives.
On the other side of the scale,despite fraud and errors in payment,the program clearly benefits societythrough lower healthcare costs andhighereducationalattainment.
“TheEffectsoftheNationalSchoolLunch Program on Education andHealth,”an in-depth reportpublishedinJanuary2010,foundthatincreasedaccesstomealassistanceaddednearlya year to the level of educationalattainmentformalestudents.
This could be due in part tostudents attending school in orderto eat when food is not available athome,andsodoingbetterandstayinginschool longer,or tobetter learningand success rates for students whoreceiveadequatenutrition.Eitherway,totheextentthateducationisgoodforindividuals, and educated people aremore productivemembers of society,there is a direct connection betweenthe school lunch program and thebettermentofthenation.
Alsoweighingintheprogram’sfavoristhenaturalcompassionmostpeoplefeel for hungry children. At MUSDschools, kids who might otherwise
go hungry receive a hot, nutritionallybalancedluncheachdaythatincludesunlimited fruit and salad that theyservethemselvesfromasaladbar.
“Childrenwhoneedbreakfastshowup half an hour early, get in line andgivethecashiertheirnameandreceiveahealthybreakfast,”saidMoe.
Thedegreeofsupportforchildren’swell-being was demonstrated whentheU.S. Senate unanimously passedtheHealthy,Hunger-FreeKidsActonAug.5.Thebillwasdelayedformonthsafterward by Republican obstructionin the House of Representatives, buteventuallypassedthereaswellonDec.2.WhenPresidentObamasignsitintolawitwill,inthelanguageoftheHouseCommittee on Education and Labor,“dramatically improve children’saccess to nutritious meals, enhancethequalityofmealschildreneatbothin andout of school and in childcaresettings, implement new school foodsafety guidelines and, for the firsttime,establishnutritionstandardsforallfoodssoldinschools.”
Theactwillprovide$4.5billion innew funding to expand school mealprograms,combathungerandimprovechildren’shealthoverthenext10years.
“Myofficeisatdistrictheadquartersnowinsteadofinaschool,butIstillseethechildrenintheschoolsallthetime,”saidMoe.“Whenyouseesomeofthemcoming in who have obviously gottenready for school by themselves thatmorning, you know they really needthisprogram.”
Meals served in MUSD schools in NovemberBreakfastFree meals 16,590Reduced-price meals 2,626Paid meals 5,195LunchFree meals 39,376Reduced–price meals 7,692Paid meals 22,576 Including snack bar meal equivalents and adult meals, the MUSD food service program overseen by Suzette Moe served 108,781 meals in November.
allan Rodriguez (left) and trevaughnte minous enjoy the ‘all you can eat’ salad bar.
8 InMaricopa.com January2011
By steven m. tHomasSteve@InMaricopa.com
Realestateexpertandeconomicfore-casterElliottD.PollacksaidtheworstisoverforthePhoenixarea,includingPinalCounty,butthatrecoverywillbeslow.
“2012 and 2013 will be a hell ofa lot better than 2011,” Pollack tolda group of 200 or so governmentofficials, developers, financiers andother business people at the PinalCountyPartnership’sannualeconomicforecastonDec.17.“And2011willbeahellofalotbetterthan2008and2009.By2014and2015,youallwillhavebigsmilesonyourfacesagain.”
In the short term, according toPollack’s analysis, economic progresswillbemodest,mainlybecauseofthedepthandaftereffectsof the collapsein homebuilding and real estateprices,includingthecontinuingglutofforeclosures. Tight credit conditionsfor both homebuyers and businessesand continuing unemployment willalso act as dampers, preventing thekind of robust bounce-back typicalaftermostpreviousrecessions.
PollacksaidArizonacannothavea
robust recoveryuntil theconstructionindustry gets back on its feet andthat sucha reboundwon’t fullyoccuruntil 2014, when the current excesshousing inventory is finally absorbedandpopulationinflowbecomesstrongenoughagaintosupportathrivingnewhome building industry with all itsattendantbenefitsinjobs,cityrevenueandpositivepsychology.
Going from 2nd to 49th in growth
To illustrate thedegreeof theeco-nomicdisasterinArizona,Pollacknot-edthatfromthe1950sintothe1990s,Arizonawasconsistentlyoneofthetoptwostatesintermsofgrowth,butthatby2009ithadfallento49th.
Theviciouscyclethatbroughtaboutthis reversal included the real estatebubblebursting,whichputahalttothenewhomebuildingindustryandvapor-izedhundredsofthousandsof jobsaswell flooding the resale market withforeclosuresandshortsales.
At the same time, commercial realestateprices“fellthroughthefloor”ac-cordingtoPollack,withoffice,industri-alandretailpropertyvaluationsdrop-pingbyasmuchas50percent,leadingtohighvacancyratesandastandstillinnewcommercialconstruction.
With houses plummeting in value,even those who could stay in theirhomes suffered from a depletion ofthe psychological “wealth effect” thatcaused people to feel confident andspend freely when their houses wereappreciatingrapidlyduringtheboom.Reduced consumer spending accom-paniedbyhighunemployment inAri-zonaandthecountryledtothedeepestrecessionsincetheGreatDepression.
the good news for 2011 and beyond
The template for gradual recoveryand renewed growth in the Phoenixarea Pollack outlined included thesefactors: Credit frees up, consumersbecome more confident, overall U.S.economy improves, stock marketcontinues upward as business profitsincrease, excess housing stock isabsorbed, people start to move toArizona again, housing prices rise,
construction jobs are created, all jobsectorsgain,stillmorepeoplemovetoArizona,governmentrevenueimprovesandtheindustrialbasegrows.
As positive indicators of a currentmodest recovery, Pollack noted thatjobsarenowbeingcreated inGreaterPhoenix. From October 2009 toOctober2010, the area added24,300jobs,comparedtoanetlossof226,900jobsovertheprevioustwoyears.
“Allthosejobswilleventuallycomeback,”Pollacksaid.“But it isgoingtotakeawhile.”
Pollack said business spending onequipmentwillbeupnextyearascom-panies invest in upgraded computersand software to increase productivityandthatbusinessinventorycorrectionwillenhancegrowthdata.
Anotherpositiveindicator,perhapsthe most basic one of all, is that allprognosticators Pollack cited believethat long-termpopulationgrowthwillresume and continue with millionsmore people coming to Arizona overthenextseveraldecades.
Morenewarrivalsmeanmorehous-eswillhavetobebuilt,morestoresandrestaurantsopened,morejobscreated,more government revenue generated,leadingtoabrightereconomicpictureoverall,aversionoftherisingsunthatisArizona’sstatesymbol.
Unfortunately, Pollack added thatthefundamentalhousingrecoverywilllag in Pinal County compared to therest of the Phoenix area “because somuch of the speculative housing wasbuiltthere.”
Nevertheless, therecoveryisonitsway in Pinal and throughout Arizonaaccordingtothishighlyregardedfore-caster.
“Believe it or not,” he told thepacked room, “there is another boomcomingforArizona.”
‘There is a another boom coming for Arizona’
Real estate expert elliott D. Pollack addressing the Pinal Partnership’s annual economic forecast meeting on Dec. 17.
steven m. thomas
9 InMaricopa.com January2010
Top 10 stories of 2010
By mIcHaeL K. rIcHMichael@InMaricopa.com
Maricopaexperiancedsomedramatichighsandlowsduringthepastyear.Hereisalookatthe10eventsthathadthegreatestimpactin2010.
CaC plans campus In one of the year’s brightest mo-
ments,CentralArizonaCollege’sGov-erning Board voted unanimously inAugusttopurchase217acresofvacantlandsouthofBowlinRoadandwestofWhite and Parker Road for construc-tionofafull-scalecollegecampusthatwill eventually serve 15,000 studentsand employ hundreds of faculty andstaff. The new campus will replacethecollege’sMaricopaCenter,asmallstorefront location at 20800N. JohnWayneParkway.
Biomass plant comes to town Thecityreceivedsecondpieceofex-
cellenteconomicnewsinAugustwhenPinalPowerannounceditwouldbuilda30megawattrenewableenergypow-erplantinMaricopa.Theplant,whichwill generate enough juice to light35,000homes,willemploy125duringconstructionandcreate25permanentfull-timejobsinthecity.Constructionisscheduledtostartsoonandtheplantisexpectedtobeoperationalbythelat-terpartof2012.
City manager Kevin evans steps down
The Maricopa City Council votedSept.29tograntCityManagerKevinEvanstheseveranceagreementhere-quested.
During his three-year tenure, Ev-ansoversawa criticalphaseofMari-copa’s growth. Accomplishments in-cludedimplementingastrategicplan,creating theMaricopa Economic De-velopment Foundation, establishingcommunications with neighboringtribalgovernmentsandpassinga$65million parks, recreation and librarybondpackage.
“WhenKevinEvansfirstarrivedthiscitywas justababy learningtocrawl,andwhilewemaynotberunningyet,wearecertainlywalkingnow,thankstohim,”saidVice-MayorEdwardFarrell.
Global Water increases ratesGlobal Water’s 2010 rate increase
generated great controversy. HOAs,government leaders and individualhomeowners throughout the citydecried the company’s initial rate-increaseproposalascatastrophic.
Heatedpublicmeetingsandseverallegal hearings followed, resulting inrate increases that, while still painfultomany,wereconsiderablylowerthanfirstplanned.Thefinalincreasewillupthe average homewater/sewer bill inMaricopa from $76 to $96 by Jan. 1,2012. The increase, while significant,isnearly$40amonth less thanwhatGlobaloriginallyrequested.
The future rate increase forreclaimed water, which HOAs use toirrigategreenbelts,wasalso reduced,fromaproposed$2per1,000gallonsto 57 cents, up from the current 33centsper1,000.
Republicans sweep Pinal County races
November brought a red tide asRepublicans Steve Smith, FrankPrattandJohnFillmore led a sweepof theStateLegislativeDistrict23.Itmarkedthe first time in the county’s historythedistrictwascontrolledbya trioofRepublicans.
Fragrant feedlot shuts downInJuly,thecitycouncilapproveda
dealthatremovedonefeedlotfromthecityandsetthestagefora futureem-ploymentcenter.
The city purchased 68 acres of a900-acre parcel for $3million to usefortheconstructionofarailroadover-passatWhiteandParkerRoad.Inturn,theownerofthe900acres,ElDoradoHoldings,canceledMaricopaFeedlot’slease,andagreedtotherezoningof50acres in theparcel fromresidential tocommercialuse.
“This isa landmarkchange for thecityofMaricopa,”saidMayorAnthonySmith.“ItisasimportantforthecityastheexpansionofStateRoute347fromtwotofourlaneswas.”
ThefeedlotwasscheduledtovacateMaricopabytheendof2010,reducingthe cow population ofMaricopa from84,000toabout50,000.
two hotels promised to maricopa
Mayor Smith announced inFebruary that aHoliday Inn Expresswas on its way to Maricopa, with aplannedcompletiondateofNovember2010.
However,constructionwasdelayedbecause of issues with the ArizonaDepartment of Transportation and
the project is now scheduled forcompletion in late 2011, accordingto Larry Miller manager of MatrixxManagement,thecompanybehindthehoteldevelopment.
While the Holiday Inn is still adrawing, construction of a 152-roomaddition to Harrah’s Ak Chin CasinobrokegroundinJuneandisslatedforcompletioninJuly2011.
“This is going to be a fabulousaddition,” said Geoff Andres, thengeneralmanageratHarrah’sAk-Chin,notingthatthe$20-millionprojectwillcreateneededspaceattheresort,whichisbookedtocapacityonanightlybasis.
mUsD override failsThe Maricopa Unified School
District made headlines throughoutthe year due to budget reductionsimposedbythestateandtherepeatedfailure of an override continuationmeasure. Cuts in fiscal 2009-2010totaledmore than$5millionand ledto the elimination of 10 custodians,two groundskeepers, three busdrivers, a shop supervisor, a handfulof teachers and23paraprofessionals.Hours and benefits were reduced forallremainingparaprofessionalsalongwith the amount of money paid toteacherstocoachsports.
Makingmatters worse, the districtnow faces an additional$4million to$5millionincutsduringthenextfiscalyearduetostaterevenueshortfallsandcontinuedexpirationoftheoverride.
City employees bring suits, face indictment
2010 was full of drama involvingcurrentandformercityemployees.
steven m. thomas
miChaeL K. RiCh
sUBmitteD
Aki Stant The Maricopa Policesergeant’s turbulent career withthe city came to an end June 21 forfailure to comply with an internalinvestigationintotheactionsofoneofhissubordinates,officerElliotSneezy,whowasbeinginvestigatedforsendingane-mailwhileoffdutytocitycouncilquestioning the police department’slackofaninvestigationintoSgt.JamesHudspeth.Stanthassincefileda$1.5million claimagainst the city allegingviolation of his constitutional dueprocessrights.
James Hudspeth Hudspeth wasdemoted from sergeant to officer inMay at the recommendation of ChiefKirk Fitch and Director of PublicSafetyPatrickMelvinafterheviolateddepartment policy by taking propertyfrom a suspect’s vehicle. Hudspeth
contested the demotion and the cityMeritBoardultimatelysidedwithhim,givinghimbackhissergeant’sstripes.
Marty McDonaldFiredin2009fromhispositionasdirectorof communityservices, Marty McDonald fought offlegal charges that he used the city’sFedExdiscounttoshippersonalitems.In2010McDonaldwashitwiththreenew felony charges alleging that hestolebyfraudnearly$8,000fromtheFriendsoftheMaricopaPublicLibraryand then fabricated documentationto have the fraud charge dismissed.McDonald continues to maintain hisinnocenceofall chargesandhasfiledtwo suits against the city, one for$500,000 in 2009 and another for$50,000thisyear.
Real estate market fails to revive
Therealestatemarketwasawfulin2009,butthereweresignsofarecov-ery -with sales and prices increasingmodestly - and hopes were high that2010wouldbesignificantlybetter.
It wasn’t. Once the first-timehomebuyertaxcreditexpiredlastfall,unsold inventory and foreclosureswent up and prices went down. Inthe fall, new home sales, which hadbeenweak all year, ground almost toahaltwithonlytwopermitspulledinOctober. Through the first twoweeksofDecember,Maricopaaveragedonly16newhomepermitspermonth.
10 InMaricopa.com January2011
BY THE NUMBERStop 10 stories of 2010
Source: InMaricopa.com poll: 301 total votes
Global Water
increases rates
Fragrant feedlot
shuts down
Republicans sweep Pinal
County races
Real estate
market fails to revive
Two hotels promised to
Maricopa
CAC plans campus
here
City Manager
Kevin Evans resigns
City employees
bring suits, face
indictment
MUSD override
fails
Biomass plant comes
to town
44%
12% 9% 9% 7% 6% 5% 5% 4% 1%
Friday 4pm to 10:30pm
Saturday10:30am to 10:30pm
SundayNoon to 8pm
Our Lady of Grace4th Annual Parish Festival
Our Lady of Grace4th Annual Parish Festival
Jan. 28-30, 2011
45295 W. Honeycutt Ave.Maricopa, Arizona
(520) 568-4605
sunvalleyrides.comMaricopaCatholic.org
$15 presale tickets on sale NOW – buy early
and save big $$$
Saturday Night Buddy Holly Tribute✬ Live Entertainment ✬
miChaeL K. RiCh
Sgt. Jame S HudSpe tH
“TowantwhatIhaveandnotworryaboutnothavingwhatIwant.”–Kirk-Fitch, Chief of Police“Tobeabetterperson”–Debashri Sen-gupta, InMaricopa Facebook friend
“Tomaintainabalanceofbusiness,family,community,healthandhumor.”–Mike Richey, Owner, ACE Hardware
“Tocontinuetochallengemyselftolearnnewthings.”–Danielle Casey, Maricopa Econ. Dev. Manager
“Tobemorepatientwithmychildren.”–Lori Bannister, Maricopa resident
“Tobeabetterman…abetterhusband...abetterdad.”–Tom Beckett, MUSD Human Resources Director
“Tovolunteermytimetomorecharitablecausesandreadasmanybooksaspossible.”–Councilmember Marquisha Griffin
“Todedicatemoretimeforphysicalfitness.”–Mayor Anthony Smith
“TogetanauditionforaplayormovieoutsidetheMaricopaarea.”–Matt Er-nest, Founder, Maricopa Community Theater “Tosavemoney.”–Donavan Sutton, Maricopa resident and Wells Fargo banker
“ToseetheCopaCrewGirlsBasketballteambringthecityofMaricopaandourteama1stplacetrophy!”–Diana Estrada, InMaricopa Facebook friend
“Tobecomeabetterleader.”–Rusty Akers, Pastor, Community of Hope Church
“NottoworryaboutthingsIcannotchange.”–Jeff Kleck, MUSD Superintendent
“Tobehandieraroundthehouseandfinishthoseprojectsthathaveloomedforthepastfewyears.”–Jenna Chitwood, Maricopa resident
“Tohelpbalancethecity’sbudgetsowecanoperatewithinourmeans.”–Councilmember Julia Gusse
January2011 InMaricopa.com 11
Digital cable TVHigh speed InternetWireless InternetDigital telephone
(520) 568-0778www.MaricopaBroadband.com
$72TRIPLE PLAY
21164 N. John Wayne Pkwy.
(520) 568-6077
New Year’s Eve Party at Native. DJ/Dancing starts at 9:30P.M.
Shot
toast at
midnight.
Food & Drink Specials all
night.
Maricopa’s New Year’s Resolutions for 2011
· Air Conditioned Units· Video Surveillance Cameras· Every Door is Alarmed· Friendly On-Site Resident Managers· Computer Controlled Gate Access· Access 7 Days a Week
CALL FOR
SPECIALS!20125 N. Maricopa Road
www.storage-solutions.org
GATE HOURS: 6 am – 9 pm, 7 Days a WeekOFFICE HOURS: Mon. – Sat. 9 am – 6 pmSun. 12 pm – 4 pm(520) 568-1999
BUSINeSS
By steven m. tHomasSteve@InMaricopa.com
JoseChaidez,whoopenedhislawfirminMaricopainSeptember,knewfromanearlyagewhathewantedtodowithhislife.
Born in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico,hemoved toTucsonwithhisparentsAbrahamandFranciscawhenhewas3yearsold.
“For the longest time, both myparentsworkedinatortillafactoryinTucson,”Chaidez said. “Then,when Iwas 10, my father was injured whenhis hand got caught in the machinethatmixesthedough.Istillrememberhowhardthatwasonmyfamily,withmy father out of work and trying toget compensation from the employer.The employer had its attorneysinvolved andwe felt overwhelmedbythe situation. I could see the stressand fear inmyparents’ faces. Iknewright then that Iwanted tobecomealawyertohelppeopleandassistthemthrough difficulties like we faced sotheywouldn’thavetofeelthewaywefelt.”
That is justwhatChaidez is doingtoday at Chaidez Law Firm, PLLCwhere he and a dozen associatesspecialize in renegotiatingmortgagesforpeoplewhoareindangeroflosing
theirhomes.Chaidez graduated from Thomas
M. Cooley Law School in Michigan,which was recently ranked the 12thbest law school in the country. Hisvaried experience includes stintswiththeMichiganAttorneyGeneral’sOfficeandthePinalCountyAttorney’sOffice, and he does a range of legalwork, including estate planning,personalinjuryandcriminallaw.Butloanmodificationsarethebiggestpartofhisbusiness.
“When you get on the phonewithan individual who is in danger oflosing their home, you can sense thestraintheyareunder,”hesaid.“Theydon’t knowwhat todo andoften feeloverwhelmed. It is wonderful to beable to ease theirmind and let themknowthatsomeoneisontheirside.Bythetimewegetoffthephone,theyfeelmuch better because they know theyhave found an advocate who will tryhardtohelpthem.
“Talking to those clients triggershowIfeltwhenIwasyoung,whenmyfatherwashurt.Itisveryrewardingtobeabletoassistthem.ThatiswhyIaminthisbusiness.”
Chaidez’sstaffismadeupmainlyofparalegalsandloanunderwriters.Theofficetakesonupwardsof60newloanmodification clients eachmonth, andthe process can take anywhere from
30to120days.“The first thing we do is a very
diligentinformationgatheringprocessand analysis to get a clear picture ofthe client’s situation and see whattypesofprogramstherearethatmighthelp them,” Chaidez said. “Then wegather all the proper paperwork andsubmitthattothelenderandgetintonegotiations.Someinstancesarefairlyclear-cut, where people qualify forprogramsthatObamahasputinplace.Iftheydon’tqualifyforsomethinglike
that,welookateachlender’sin-houseloan modification program. We havea97percentsuccessrateforthecaseswetakeon.”
Chaidezsaidhehopestogrowwiththe Maricopa community, opening asecond location, and plans to involvehimself in public affairs, offeringhis legal expertise to help civicorganizations and eventually servingasajudgeorelectedofficial.
“That is probably in the 10-yearplan,”hesaid.
ProfIle
Attorney Jose Chaidez charted his course early
JoSe CHAiDezFounder, Chaidez Law Firm, PLLC
PersonalBorn: Nogales, MexicoRaised: TucsonResides: PhoenixFamily: Parents, Abraham and Francisca Chaidez
FavoritesFood: SushiBeverage: Iced teaBook: Law booksMovie: “Momento”Actor: Bruce WillisBand: Maroon 5Place: “A” mountain in TucsonTV show: “Survivor”
Sport: BaseballTeam: Arizona Diamondbacks Athlete: Michael JordanCharity: Arizona’s Children Association Saying: “The acts of this life are the destiny of the next.”
Jose Chaidez and his staff (standing, left to right) Roland hairston, Paul De vries, Dino serrano, Chaidez, Robert Rader, Denie howie, Daniel smith, mosha Kyburz; (seated, left to right) Jennifer Levitan, natasha mays, amber Wheeler.
12 InMaricopa.com January2011
BUSINeSS BrIefS
eD3 promises no base rate increase
ED3plansnobaserateincreaseforresidential,commercialand industrialcustomersin2011.
The not-for-profit utility allocatesits costs where they are incurred ineach rate and customer class. ThishasrequiredED3tomakeafewsmallchangesinexpensesfor2011.EffectiveJan.1,2011,thefollowingfeechangeswillbemade:• The facility charge for time-of-use
meters will be going up by $1.00duetothecostofthesesmartmeterswhichstoredataevery15minutes.
• Streetlightfeeswillincreaseslight-lyduetorisingmaterialcostsand-increases in electricity costs since2008.
• Anewminimumbillwillbeaddedtocapturecostsofseasonalcustom-
erswho are not here full time butshould help to pay for the infra-structurethathasbeeninstalledfortheirservice.
• TheNSF (non-sufficient funds) feewillbeincreasedto$35.00tocoverthecostofbadchecks.
• A$5.00feeforeachtimeapaymentarrangement is set up ormodifiedwillalsogointoeffectatthebegin-ningoftheyear.
Formoreinformation,contactED3at(520)424-9021ored3online.org
new business center opening Local CPA Myron P. Trafelet Jr.
andhisdaughterHollyplantoopenanewbusinesscenterinMaricopa.Des-ert Greens Professional CooperativeSuites, located next to the MaricopaPublicLibraryat thecornerofSmith-Enke and Porter, will offer fully fur-nishedofficesforlease.
“Ourintentionistoofferanafford-ableplacetostartorgrowaprofession-al business.” Trafelet said. “Maricopa
isfilledwith talented individuals,andwewant tobe a resource to see greatthingshappeninthiscity.”
The business center will house aconference andmeeting room seating14aswellassingledeskspaceavailablefordailyuse.
Construction on the environmen-tally friendlybusiness center is set tobegininJanuary,andthegrandopen-ingisplannedforMay2011.
Trafeletsaidallproductsandservic-esusedtoupgradeandequipthebuild-inghavebeenorwillbepurchasedlo-cally.
Anyone interested in leasing space
can apply online at TrafeletAccount-ing.comorinpersonat19756N.JohnWayneParkway,Suite109.
sheraton Wild horse Pass Resort & spa wins 2010 Platinum Choice award
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort&SpahasreceivedaPlatinumChoiceAward recognizing it as one of thetop meeting facilities in the westernregionasvotedbyreadersandeditorialstaff of “SmartMeetings.” The awardrecognizes excellence among meetingfacilities in the western U.S., Canadaand Mexico. Votes are submittedfrom first-hand experience, ratingpropertiesoncriteriaincludingqualityof amenities, guest services, meetingspace,restaurantanddiningfacilities,staffattitude,technicalsupport,facilityquality, recreational activities andambiance.Outofthousandsofqualifiedproperties, only 100 are awarded thisprestigiousdesignation.
A full-service hospital!(520) 381-6300
1800 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande, AZ 85122
www.CasaGrandeHospital.com
“Your community partner in healthcare”
520-568-2774www.fastteks.com
Computer Problems?
New Clients Receive$25 Off
Not to be combined with any other offer.
• All Major Brands • Troubleshooting • Virus, Spyware Removal • DSL & Cable Modem Setup • Wireless Networking • QuickBooks • Data Back-Up & Recovery Experts • Software Training
• Affordable Rates • Certified Technicians
We Come to Your Home or Business
Same Day, Evening & Weekend Appointments Available
Everything you need to feel at home!510 E. 8th Street, Casa Grande, AZ
(520) 413-0612www.LaVidaCommunities.com
• Delicious meals make for delightful dining choices• You can choose from a full calendar of recreational, educational and social activities• A maintenance-free lifestyle weekly linen and housekeeping services
Veteran’s Aid & Attendance Benefits~up to $1949/month in savings!
Imagine
steven m. thomas
January2011 InMaricopa.com 13
✶ Unlimited personal training
✶ Flexible schedule
LOSE WEIGHT GAIN MUSCLEGET TONED
Joe Corinti(480) 273-1172
JUST $100 per month
Desert Greens
To get a sense of what the housingmarketwillbe like in2011,weaskedseveral local real estate professionalstolookaheadandgiveustheirassess-ment of likely sales and price trendsinMaricopa.Despite a few glimmersofoptimism,mostagreehomepriceswill not recover next year and mayevendeclineslightly.
Dayv Morgan, RealtorByTIG Real Estate Corporation
What is your general expectation for the real estate market next year? Ianticipatethatmarketconditionswilllikelyremainthesameoverthenextyear, and prices may take anotherslightdrop.
Do you think housing prices here will rise or fall next year?Supplyskyrocketedover the summer after the first-timehomebuyer tax credit expired. Asa result, the median home price inPhoenix dropped from $135,000 inApril to $125,000 in October. Therearestillalargenumberofanticipatedforeclosuresfor2011,asmany5-year
adjustable loans from the “peak” in2006arescheduledtoreset.Untilthesupply of foreclosures decreases andnew home sales increase, prices willremainrelativelyflat.
Do you think the number of sales will increase or decrease? Economicfactors point towards a decreasingunemploymentrateandcontinuedlow
interest loans,which should increasedemand.Additionally,anewsegmentofbuyerswillenterthemarket:peoplewho have previously done a shortsale.Buyerscanre-qualifyforaloaninaslittleastwoyearsaftercompletingashortsale.In2009therewasa1,000%increase over 2008 in thenumber ofclosed short sales in Arizona, andthese same people will be eligibletofinanceahomein2011
What will be the main factors impacting the market? Canadianbuyers remain an importantpart of the housing marketrecovery, especially in Maricopa. Ifthe Canadian dollar remains strong,look for market to improve the lastfew months of 2011 as the summerheatbeginstofade.
Rita Weiss, Broker/ownerDesert Canyon Properties
What is your general expectation for the real estate market next year? Generally,therealestatemarketinMaricopahasnot changed appreciably in 2010 andwillcontinueonthedownwardtrendthrough2011accordingtomosthous-ing industry experts. With statisticswhattheyare,2011willbearepeatof2010inMaricopa,sadbuttrue.
Do you think housing prices here will rise or fall next year? The housingrecovery has stalled and theNational
Association of Realtors recentlypredictedthathomeownerscanexpectlittle, if any, increase in home valuesnationwidein2011.
Do you think the number of sales will increase or decrease? The rateof foreclosures has slowed over thepast year but the number of shortsales has increased due to mortgagedelinquencies. There were 953foreclosuresalesinMaricopathisyearcompared to last year’s 1,651. Thisyear there are 564 closed short salecomparedto467in2009.
What will be the main factors impacting the market? Maricopa isranked 35th out of 40 in the greaterPhoenixareaforpricepersquarefoot—down2percent in2010—makingMaricopaatopcontenderforthemostaffordablehousing.For thefirst timein nearly three years, repeat buyersand investors have taken over first-time buyers as sales leaders. As aresult, prices of bank-owned REO’sandpropertiesinvolvedinshortsalesarebeingbidupbymultipleoffersandcashbuyers.
Bill Wasowicz, Associate BrokerThe Wizards of Waz Real Estate
What is your general expectation for the real estate market next year? I expectinventorylevelstoremainhighastheflow of short sales and foreclosures
14 InMaricopa.com January2011
Local real estate pros predict lackluster 2011
reAl eStAte
40675 W. Honeycutt RoadMaricopa, AZ 85138
East of Porter Rd. on Honeycutt Rd.
(520) 494-2112
$2995 Move In Special!
Any size air conditioned unit
PLUS get a free Chateau stainless
disk lock ($25 value).
• 24/7 Access
• Air conditioned units
• Individual unit alarms
• Gated with security cameras
• 14 Sizes: 5’x5’ to 19’x10’
• See size chart online
• Full packaging supply store
• Reserve units online
CHIROPRACTIC • MASSAGE • REHAB
Do you suffer from lower back or shoulder pain?
Unsure of your insurance benefi ts? We’ll check them for you.
BlueCross/BlueShield PPO ProviderPersonal Injury cases and attorney liens OK.
John Pham, DC
Healing Maricopa since 2004Located behind Bank of America
Bashas’ Center
(520) 568-9828“Experience the difference”
continues.Buyerinterestwillincreaseas they are drawn to the exceptionalvalues. Inventory is currently at thelowest level since mid-July, but thisismostlyduetotheforeclosuremora-toriums imposed by a number of themajorlendersafewmonthsback.Un-fortunately,thishasbuiltupabacklog—BankofAmericacurrentlyhasover16,000homesreadyforforeclosure—andthis“shadow”inventorywillbere-leasedintothemarketshortlyafterthefirstoftheyear.
Do you think housing prices here will rise or fall next year? Housing priceswill most likely continue to declinedue to the increase in inventory.Another 10 percent or more wouldnotbeasurprise.It’sasimplecaseofsupply versus demand. I expect thistrendtocontinuewellinto2012untilthemajorityofforeclosuresandshortsaleshaveruntheircourse.
Do you think the number of sales will increase or decrease? The number ofsalesshouldincreaseandreturntothelevelsof2009.Ibasethisinpartduetothedeclineinhomepricesbutalsoamcountingonagradualupswingintheeconomyingeneral.
What will be the main factors impact-ing the market? Distressedhomeswillcontinue to be the driving force im-pactinghomeprices.Aslongasthereisa constantflowof thesepropertiesintothemarketplace,homevalueswillcontinuetodecline.Untiltheeconomyrecovers,Ionlyexpectmodestgainsinthenumberofsalesasmanypotentialclients that wish tomove to Arizonaarebeingheldbackbytheinabilitytoselltheircurrenthome.
Malcolm Macewen, CRB, GRiColdwell Banker Residential Brokerage,
Arizona
What is your general expectation for the real estate market next year? AccordingtorecentarticleintheArizonaRepublic,the real-estate market and the factthatpopulation growthhas slowed toabout 1.5 percent a year, remain thebiggest drags on the local economy.HomepricesinArizonahavefallenfor15 of the past 17 quarters and todaystandataboutwhattheywerein2000.Economist Elliott Pollack estimatesthatthereare50,000to70,000excesssingle-familyhomesinmetroPhoenixaloneandthatitwilltakeatleastfourmoreyearsforhousingsupplytoequaldemand.
Do you think housing prices here will rise or fall next year? A report fromArizona Regional Multiple ListingService Inc. shows prices flat goingintotheNewYear.
Do you think the number of sales will increase or decrease? The widely-read real estatenewsletter “CromfordReport” reports that the pool ofprospectivebuyer-occupantscontinuestoshrink.Overall,expertsbelieve2011willbeaslowyearfornew-homesales.
What will be the main factors impacting the market? Reportssuggestthatahighlevelofdistressedproperties, the lack of a first-timebuyer tax credit, and negative equityinhomespeoplemightselltomoveupwillbeadragonthemarket.Agradualimprovement in the economy andinvestorsbuyinguphomesatbargainpriceswillbepositivefactors.
MARICOPA44500 W. EDISON RD
520.568.1460
$1499
SUPER SAVER
up to 5qts. 10W30 oil • most carswith coupon • at participating storesnot valid with any other offer waste handling fee extraexpires 2-28-11 InMaricopa111
Includes: Oil Change and a Free 4 Tire Rotation!
IMPROVESGAS MILEAGE
IMPROVESGAS MILEAGE
Oil Change Package
$4995
4 WheelAlignment
most cars • with coupon • at participating storesnot valid with any other offerexpires 2-28-11 InMaricopa111
For a smoother ride andlonger tread life on your tires.
$8995
BrakeSpecial
most cars • with coupon • at participating storeswaste handling fee extra • not valid with any other offer
expires 2-28-11 InMaricopa111
Includes a FREE Brake Inspection
Full Service Auto Repair: Alignments • Brakes • Shocks • Struts • Tires and Much More!
FLUSH SPECIALTransmission Flush ...........$119
Power Steering Flush ........$69
Coolant Flush .....................$69
Brake Flush .........................$79
Fuel System Flush .............$79
most cars • with coupon • at participating storeswaste handling fee extra • not valid with any other offer
expires 2-28-11 InMaricopa111
Any 3 Flushes Only $199
January2011 InMaricopa.com 15
• Treats All Skin Types• Beard Bumps• Back and Neck Hair
Vidal Medical Offi ce21300 N. John Wayne Parkway
(520) 423-9699
Call to schedule an appointment
Before After
Permanent Hair Reduction
16 InMaricopa.com January2011
CanadaClub
Each year during Arizona’s mild-weathermonths,Canadian’swhoownwinter homes in Maricopa provide acriticalstimulustothelocaleconomy.We surveyed business owners andmanagers to get their thoughts onthe positive effects our friends fromCanadabringtothelocalmarketplace.
Raceway Bar and Grill49237 W. Papago Road
Jeanna Del Cotto, Co-owner
How important are Canadian winter residents to your business?OurCanadianresidents are extremely important toouroverall success.We look forwardtotheirreturneachyearastheyplayasignificantroleinourbusinesssuccessandallowustosustainemploymentinourcommunity.Mostimportantly,wehave built great friendships over theyearsandhavealotoffunwhentheyarehere.
What months do they impact your business? They positively impact ourbusinessfromNovembertoApril.
During that time, what percentage of your customers are Canadian? Fifty
percent.How would you characterize your
Canadian customers? Good friends,fun, witty, well-balanced, family-orientated, caring — just genuinelygoodpeople.
Do you do anything special to meet their needs?We welcomed them backby hosting a Grey Cup party withthe support of several other businessowners in Maricopa. We televiseCanadian sports, National RodeoFinalsandanyotherviewinginterests.We also serve gravy with fries ifdesired.WemakeagreatCaesarandmakedessertstoorder.Ourhomemadecakes andpies are a big hitwith ourCanadianfriends.
HairFocus LLC44400 W. Honeycutt Road, Suite 111
Dick Crew, Owner
How important are Canadian winter residents to your business?TheCanadianvisitorsaregettingtobeanimportantpartofourwinterbusiness.Wereallyappreciate their business and whattheycontributetothecityofMaricopa.
What months do they impact your business? We see an increase inour business from them startingin November into April. This alsoincludesallwintervisitors.
During that time, what percentage of your customers are Canadian? Theymakeupabout18to20percentofourbusinessduringthosemonths.
How would you characterize your Canadian customers? We find theCanadians to be a great group ofpeople—verypolite,friendlyandwithagoodsenseofhumor.
Do you do anything special to meet their needs? We were one of thesponsors for the welcome party atRaceway which was enjoyed by theCanadians.WehaveanicecoffeecupwiththeCanadianmapleleafonitthatwegivetothem,plusadeskcalendarandpens.
The Duke at Rancho el Dorado42660 W. Rancho El Dorado Parkway
Corey Parker, Manager
How important are Canadian winter residents to your business? They are
extremely important for both thegolf course and the restaurant. Weappreciate them.Weunderstand thatthere are a number of choices forcustomerstopickfromwhentheyaredecidingonagolfcoursetogoto.Weenjoy their company and appreciatetheirbusiness.
What months do they impact your business? Frommid-Novembertomid-April.
During that time, what percentage of your customers are Canadian? It hasto be well over 50 or 60 percent. Itis tough to distinguish if a group isonly from Canada. We get a lot ofcustomersfromWashingtonstateandtheMidwestaswell.ButIwouldsayitisover60percent.
How would you characterize your Canadian customers?Theyarefantastic.Theyareloyalcustomers.
Do you do anything special to meet their needs? Wedon’thaveanythingthatisnecessarilydesignatedtoCanadiansspecifically.Webring inball-markersthat are Canadian-specific. Sales ofouryearlyGoldCarddefinitelypickupduringthewintermonths.
Canadians key to Maricopa’s wintertime economy
Choose the most advanced treatment options and technologies in Radiation and Medical Oncology -
close to home in Casa Grande.
Featuring the Trilogy™ Stereotactic System with RapidArc™ Technology
1876 E Sabin Drive, Ste 10 · Casa Grande (520)836-9800
www.cancertreatmentservices.com/arizona
R.O
.C. 1
8907
8
S H U T T E R S , B L I N D S& C U S T O M D R A P E R YS H U T T E R S , B L I N D S
& C U S T O M D R A P E R Y
Maricopa’s ONLY Window Fashion Showroom!
Basswood & Composite Shutters, Basswood & Faux Wood Blinds, Honeycomb Shades, Silhouettes, Luminettes, Sliding Fabric Panels, Sunscreens and much more!
20046 N. John Wayne Parkway (Hwy 347)FREE IN HOME CONSULTATION 520-568-6677
Sel.Mar4.938x2.414.indd 1 5/17/10 1:50 PM
January2011 InMaricopa.com 17
CanadaClub
The Maricopa Real estate Company18860 N. John Wayne Parkway
Steve Murray, Designated Broker
How important are Canadian winter residents to your business? They areabsolutelycritical forus.Theyare themaingroupofhomebuyersrightnow,withoutadoubt.
What months do they impact your business? It is year-round, but we seethe influx when the weather cools.September and October bring anenormous increase for us. We startslowing down inMarch. It is amajorimpact. It has been substantial formanyyears.Iwouldsaythelasttwoorthreeyearsithassteadilyincreased.
During that time, what percentage of your clients are Canadian? Upwardsof50percent.
How would you characterize your Canadian clients? They are alwayscash buyers, so the transactions areshorter.Weclosequickerandcleaner,especially with some of the changesin lending. It is obviously a desirabletransaction.Withcashbuyers,youaregoing to close a lot higherpercentageofthem.
Do you do anything special to meet their needs?The service isdifferent. Itsomeways it isprobablya littlemorehigh-tech.Wehelpthemwithopeningaccounts.Weusuallytakethemtothebank and get their accounts open forthem.Wedoalotofsendingdocumentsout versus getting them signed here
locally. The whole process is moreservice-oriented.We completequite afewtransactionssightunseen.Wehavesoldalotofhomesthatthebuyershaveneverseen.
orbitel Communications
21116 N. John Wayne Parkway, Suite B-9Gina Linville, Vice President of Operations
and Customer Service
How important are Canadian winter residents to your business? Aswithallofourcustomers,welookattheseasonalMaricopacustomersasavaluablepartofourcommunity.
What months do they impact your business? Canadian visitors impactour business all year long but arean especially welcome sight as theyreturntotheirwinterhomesasearlyasOctober.WeusuallyseethelastofourseasonalcustomersleaveinMay.
During that time, what percentage of your customers are Canadian?Roughly6percentofourcustomersarehereonlyaswintervisitors.
How would you characterize your Canadian customers? Our Canadianvisitors,aswellasvisitorsfromacrossthe United States, are a friendlygroup presenting us with some greatopportunities.
Do you do anything special to meet their needs? We have a variety ofprograms in place for our wintervisitorsofferingreducedoreliminatedfees for equipment rental and
connection fees. Inaddition,weofferpackagessothatcustomerscanretaintheir telephone numbers, accessvoicemail and access e-mail duringthose hotArizonamonthswhen theyarebackinCanada.
State Farm insurance44480 W. Honeycutt Road, Suite 103
Courtny Tyler, agent
How important are Canadian winter residents to your business? TheCanadianshavereallyhelpedsoftentheimpacttomybusinessfromalltheforeclosures.
What months do they impact your business? It’s year-round for me. Imaybe insuringmorecarsduringthewintermonths,butnot toomuchofadifferencethanothermonths.
During that time, what percentage of your customers are Canadian? Over thepastyear,they’veequatedtoabout20
percentofmyhomeinsurancebusiness.How would you characterize your
Canadian customers? I love theCanadians. They all seem to be superfriendly, outgoing, and so nice tomyteam.Itreallyisapleasureservingournorthernneighbors!
Do you do anything special to meet their needs? We have very competitiverates on homes that are classified assecondaryresidences,butthosearethesameforallofourwintervisitors.
Welcome winter visitors!
Courtny Tyler, AgentMaricopa Business Center44480 W. Honeycutt Road, Suite 103(520) 568-5588Courtny@MaricopaInsurance.comwww.MaricopaInsurance.com
Maricopa’s TrulyAffordable Phone Service
Unlimited Local Calling FREE Installation FREEDOM – No Contracts
$905Add it for as low as
a month*
Call Today! 568.8890
*Orbitel wired residential serviceable areas only. Offer applies to new residential Orbitel phone customers only. Power interruptions may disrupt service including E911. Pricing noted is discounted price for unlimited local phone plan when combined with cable TV and internet services in qualifying bundled packages. Retail pricing may vary. Rates subject to taxes and USF fees. Other restrictions/conditions may apply.
OrbitelCom.com
By mIcHaeL K. rIcHMichael@InMaricopa.com
A 2007 Harley Davidson Road KingrumblestoastopinfrontofMountainViewCommunityChurch.Astherider,clad in a black leather jacket, stepsoff the motorcycle, one might thinka harrowing scene from the classicfilm“EasyRider”isabouttogodown.But long-time Maricopa residentCurt Chamberlain has no intentionof harming anyone or anything. Hehappens to be theminister of a newbikerministryatthechurch.
“Sooften,bikersdon’tfeelwelcomein a traditional church setting,”Chamberlain said. “We want to helpbringGodtothem.”
Chamberlain, road name“Preacher,” held his first Bible studyDec.4andhassinceseenthenumberofmembers slowly grow. “It is just amatter of getting the word out,” hesaid.
The Bible studies take placeSaturdaymorningsat9a.m.insidethe
Mountain View Community Church,50881W.PapagoRoad.
Chamberlain said he is hopefulotherbikersinMaricopaandacrosstheValleywilljoinhim.
“ThisBiblestudyisagreatreasontogetonyourhogandgoforaSaturdayride.”
Chamberlain, who is finishinghis bachelor’s degree in theology,developedtheideatohostabikerBiblestudy in November. “I have a callingto spread the word of God and thisseemedlikeanexcellentopportunity.”
MountainViewCommunityChurchelders and Chamberlain’s wife andfellow rider, Linda, are helping himformthegroup.
“Bikerscanleavebehindtheirwildlifestyle,buttheycannevershakethedesire to ride,” Linda said. “We hopetoformagroupthatnotonlyspreadsa positive message, but provides anoutlettoride.
“Asabikeryouneedtoaskyourself:‘Do you want to ride your hog inheaven?’”
ChurchelderDonHerrensaid,“We
support this group 100 percent. It isourdutyasareligiousorganizationtobringthewordofGodtoall.”
While the Bible study is a newventureforChamberlain,involvementinreligionisoldhat.
The road warrior grew up as thesonofanevangelicalministerandwasalways involved in church activities.“Iwas blessedwith this gift to teachandalwaysfelttheneedtospreadthe
word,”hesaid.As the weather improves,
ChamberlainisthinkingabouttakinghisBiblestudyontheroad.
“We really hope we can give thebiker community a positive outletthroughthisgroup,”hesaid.
FormoreinformationonthebikerBible study, contact Chamberlainat 520-423-7735 or voicemaster@wildblue.net.
relIgIoN
Church kick-starts biker ministry
18 InMaricopa.com January2011
Santa Cruz Elementary School19845 Costa del Sol
9:00am Sunday School 10:15am WorshipSanta Cruz Elementary School
19845 Costa del Sol
9:00am Sunday School 10:15am Worship
Santa Cruz Elementary School19845 Costa del Sol
9:00am Sunday School 10:15am Worship
MaricopaA S S E M B LY O F G O D
MaricopaA S S E M B LY O F G O D
MaricopaA S S E M B LY O F G O D
Join us!
Sundays 10:30 a.m. – Worship & Children’s MinistriesSundays 6 p.m. – Connections
Wednesdays 7 p.m. – Bible Study20038 Taft Ave.
(520) 568-4867Satellite home of Western Bible College
Curt Chamberlain, whose road name is “Preacher,” holds a weekly Bible study for bikers at mountian view Community Church.
miChaeL K. RiCh
edUCAtIoN
By tom KessLer
Newly elected school board membersfrom across the state gathered inPhoenix on Dec. 15 for the ArizonaSchool Boards Association’s annualNewBoardMemberOrientation.
AmongtheattendeesattheBiltmoreConference Center were Scott BartleandPattiCoutre,whowere elected inNovember to seats on the MaricopaUnified School District GoverningBoard and will begin their terms inJanuary.
The New Board Member Orienta-tion was a daylong seminar that waspart of the 53rd annual ASBA/ASAConference, a three-day event con-ductedeachyearbytheArizonaSchoolBoards Association and the ArizonaSchoolAdministrators.
“Itwasajam-packeddayofthedosanddon’tsandtheinsandoutsofbeinga school board member,” Bartle said.“It is really imperative that everybodygoesthroughthatprocess.”
Coutreagreed.“Itwasveryvaluableforme,”Coutre
said about the New Board MemberOrientation. “It addressed a lot of theopenmeetinglaws,whichareextremelyimportanttoknow.”
ASBA lists four main goals for itsNewBoardMemberOrientation:• To provide new governing board
membersandsuperintendentswithan accurate look at school gover-nance,includingrolesandresponsi-bilities.
• Tohelpnewboardmembersunder-
standthelegalandethicalresponsi-bilitiesoftheoffice.
• To provide an overview of Arizonaschoolfinanceandbudgeting.
• To create opportunities for newboard members to ask questionsand develop professional relation-ships with other board members,superintendentsandASBAstaff.Oneoftheevent’scentralpremises
emphasized that school board mem-bersalwaysneedtodowhatisbestforthechildreninthedistrict.
“There seemed to be a recurringthemethatwhenyoumakeyourdeci-sions you ask yourself, ‘Is this goingto be in the students’ best interest?’”Coutresaid.
The orientation consisted of 10topic-based workshops, including onethatwastitled“YouAretheAdvocatesforChildren”andanotherdescribedas“Putting Students First—WhyWe’reHere.”
Aseminartitled“Board-Superinten-dentRelationship”definedtherolesofboard members and superintendents.Presented by John Gordon, ASBA di-rectorof leadershipdevelopment,andKarenBeckvar,ASBAleadershipdevel-opmentspecialist,theseminarstressedthat theschoolboardandsuperinten-dentmustworkcooperatively.
“Thebestboardmemberistheonewho is part of a team,” Beckvar said.“You have to be in sync with whereyou’regoing.”
Beckvar said boardmembersmustunderstand the difference betweentheir responsibilities and those of the
superintendent.“The board’s role is to govern,”
Beckvarsaidtothefutureschoolboardmembers. “The superintendent is the
onewhoisactuallygoingtorunthedis-trict.Theyhavethequalificationstodoso—youdon’t.”
Beckvar and Gordon emphasized
Coutre, Bartle ready to ‘hit the ground running’
newly elected mUsD Governing Board member scott Bartle listens to a presentation on“Putting students first — Why We’re here.”
tom KessLeR
January2011 InMaricopa.com 19
that the school board’s role is toestablish a plan and set the district’sgoals,whilethesuperintendent’sjobistoimplementtheplanandmakesurethegoalsareachieved.
“The superintendent cannot man-ageunlesstheyknowwhereyouwanttogo,”Gordonsaid.
“Asboardmembers,we’renotlook-ing for you to be education experts,”said Beckvar. “We’re looking for youto represent the interestsof the com-munity.It’snotyourjobtosolveprob-lems. It’s your job tomake sure thatproblemsgetsolved.”
Beckvar told attendees of the thatduring their terms they are alwaysgoing to be perceived by the publicas school board members, whetherthey are sitting at the dias in themeeting room, watching the Fridaynightfootballgameorshoppingatthegrocerystore.
“Your community is making judg-mentsonyoubasedonyourbehavior,”Beckvarsaid.“Thisisa24/7job.”
Beckvar said that board membersare ambassadors for their schooldistricts.
“Youarearolemodel,whetheryouwanttobeornot,”Beckvarsaid.“Youonly get to choosewhether you are apositive ambassador for your districtoranegativeone.”
Coutre took note of the seminar’semphasis on school board membersmaintaining a positive relationshipwiththecommunity.
“Part ofwhat they stressed, some-thingIhavefeltverystronglyabout,isopencommunication,gettingthecom-
munityinvolved,”Coutresaid.The New Board Member Orienta-
tion also included a workshop titled“SchoolFinanceBasics,”whichBartlesaidwasparticularlybeneficial.
“It is important tohave aworkingknowledgeofwhatschoolfinanceisallabout,”Bartlesaid.
Brian Mee, assistant superinten-dentforbusinessservicesforthePen-dergastElementarySchoolDistrictinPhoenix, explained Arizona’s educa-tionfinancingformulaandhowitre-latestoschoolboards.
“Wecannotprintmoney,”Meesaid.“ThebottomlineiswehaveXamountofdollars—whichisshrinking—andwemuststaywithinthatlimit.Itisveryimportantthatweprioritize.”
Meesaidschoolboardsmustmakebudgetdecisionsthatincludewhetherto pay people more or to pay morepeople.
“Thoseareharddecisions,butthosearedecisionsthathavetobemade,”hesaid.
Coutre and Bartle said the NewBoard Member Orientation providedthemwithinformationandbackgroundthatwillhelp themmake thedifficultdecisionsasmembersoftheMaricopaUnified School District GoverningBoard.
“Ifeelmoreconfident,moreknowl-edgeable,sothatIcanmaketherightdecisions,”Coutresaid.
“Undoubtedlywearegoingtolearnmore as we progress through ourfour-year term,”saidBartle. “But thispreparedmetohitthegroundrunninginJanuary.”
BANKRUPTCYDISCREETEFFECTIVEBANKRUPTCYTODAY
• Keep your cars• Keep your home• Receive a fresh start today
www.FreshStartPhoenix.comOwens & Pyper, P.L.C.
Locations in Maricopa. Call for details.602-741-6661
Call for aFREE
consultaion
SUN LIFE FAMILY HEALTH CENTERFAMILY HEALTH CARE by
Jean Paul, D.O. & David Sorenson, P.A.C.
MOST MAJOR INSURANCESMedicare / AHCCCSUninsured? We can help!
(520) 568-2245 44765 W. Hathaway Rd, Maricopa
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm
• Welcoming patients of all ages• Prescription pick-up available
• Immunizations for children & adults• Physicals: sports and employment
www.SunLifeFamilyHealth.org Sun Life…Excellence in health care!
Jewel’sCleaning
Does Your House Smell Lemony Fresh?
❋Fresh Mop Head For Every Home!
❋Bonded ❋Insured
520-568-9220
For Those Who Want The Very Best!
Call For Your In-Home Estimate
January2011 InMaricopa.com 20
SHOP LOCALSupport Maricopa’s Economy -
www.MaricopaMatters.com
heAlth & fItNeSS
By LInda meLone, cscs
I was never as embarrassed as thetime I attempted to introduce a goodfriend of mine to someone else anddrewacompleteblankonmyfriend’sname.Jim—Iwon’t forgethisnamenow, even after 15 years— glared atmeasIstutteredandstammered,atacompletelosstodislodgethememorybyteinmybrainwithhisnameonit.
Temporarymemorylosshappenstothebestofus,butitcanbemortifyingin social situations. Other times, it’sjustannoyingorupsetting:forgettingwhereyouleftyourkeysorarrivingatwork without your wallet may makeyouwonderwhat’shappeningtoyourmind.And,unlikeyourcomputer,youcan’t simply add a memory chip toyourbrain.Notyet,anyway.
Until that becomes a reality, herearewaystoremainthesharpestknifeinthedrawergoingintotheNewYear:
Be a muscle headThenexttimeyoucan’tremember
the name of that song, try runningaroundtheblock.Exercisersperformbetteronmemoryteststhansedentarypeople, according to research fromaColumbia University Medical Centerstudy.
Researchers found that, not onlydoes exercise increase oxygen to thebrain, but it also targets a region ofthe brain within the hippocampus,the dentate gyrus, which underliesnormal age-related memory declinethat typically starts around the ageof 30. Fred Gage, Ph. D. of the SalkInstitute demonstrated in micethat new neurons generate in thedentate gyrus and exercise improvesthe process. Specifically how muchexercise and how often remains to
be seen, although it only took threeweeks of regular aerobic exercise forsubjects to grow new nerve cells inthebrain,aprocesslongthoughttobeimpossible.
exercise makes you smarterExercise not only improves your
memory — it may also make yousmarter. A protein called IGF-1releases each time a bicep or othermuscle contracts. It travels throughthe bloodstream and into the brainitself,promptingproductionofseveralchemicals, including BDNF, a brain-derivedneurotrophicfactor.
Referredtoas“Miracle-Groforthebrain” by Harvard psychiatrist John
Ratey,theauthorofthebook,“Spark:The Revolutionary New Science ofExercise and the Brain,” BDNF fuelsalmostallactivitiesthatleadtohigherthought.
Asregularexercisebuildsuplevelsof BDNF in the body, brain nervecells branch out, join together andcommunicatewith eachother innewways. Since this process occurs eachtime thebrainpicksupanew factorskill, a higher level of BDNF equalsa greater capacity for knowledge.Exercise equals smarts, plain andsimple.
Linda Melone is a health and fitness writer and certified personal trainer.
exercise sharpens memoryJanuary2011 InMaricopa.com 21
6 tips to retain and improve
memory function
By Dr. Courtney Cronin, NMD
The brain is truly an incredible organ, doing everything from cataloguing our days in memory to sending the signals for our muscles to move. Our brains function well when they are exercised regularly (like muscles)
and when they can efficiently send and receive nerve signals. Keeping that in mind, here are some tips for improving your memory!
1Drink more water. Our brains are 75 percent water,
and the blood that feeds our brain is 82 percent water. Without enough water, our nerves can’t send their signals as efficiently, and we start to feel “foggy” and tired. Aim for half of your body weight in ounces every day. (If you weigh 150 pounds, drink 75 ounces of water.)
2 Exercise your brain. Just like muscles — if you don’t
use it, you lose it. For most people, a mentally strenuous job is enough the keep the brain active, but if you aren’t working it’s important to give your brain
some extra work to do. Read books, do crossword puzzles, play cards and strategy games, have lots of interactions with other people, keep a journal, etc.
3 Eat a well-balanced diet with lots of fruits and
vegetables. This will keep your blood sugar more stable, prevent energy spikes and crashes, and provide lots of nutrients and anti-oxidants. All of those things will improve memory and brain function.
4 Get some movement in the rest of your body
every day. Especially if you work at a desk or computer, give your brain some time to “disconnect” and re-charge. You will be more efficient in the end, by taking a small break.
5 Get good sleep. Your brain “downloads” the day’s
memories into storage at night, while the rest of you is powered down. If you are awake during the night, the brain can’t do its job very well and you won’t retain information.
6 See your doctor for testing. Thyroid conditions,
hormonal changes and a myriad of other conditions can create a lot of memory trouble. A simple examination and some lab tests can determine if that’s the case for you.
Dr. Courtney Cronin, NMD is a
naturopathic physician with Desert
Wellness Center in Maricopa. She
practices family medicine with a
specialty in natural therapeutics and
prevention. For more information, visit
Desert WellnessCenter.com.
LocalServiceDirectoryto place an ad, call 520-568-0040.
Appliance Works, LLCAppliance Repair SpecialistsHonest ★ Reliable ★ Great Prices
★ Locally Owned ★
520-424-8435
APPLiANCe RePAiR
TRIP CHARGE - $45 - FREE WITH REPAIRSAME DAY SERVICE
ATToRNeY• Bankruptcy • Criminal Defense• Family • Wills & Trusts
(520) 413-5152
www.PrittLawArizona.com
CoMPUTeRS
Eon Computer Services
Software • Hardware • Networking
(480) 283-7052 www.EonAZ.com We come to you!
Weekend & Evening Appointments Available
Health in Motion(480) 706-1199
www.SpoonerPhysicalTherapy.com
PHYSiCAL THeRAPY
8 Valley locations including Ahwatukee
ADVeRTiSiNG
www.inMaricopa.com/Home/Advertising.aspx
(520) 568-0040
ReAL eSTATe
Fran Holsinger, ePROBROKER
Robert HolsingerREALTOR®
Classic Desert Properties & Property Management
In harmony with your real estate needs
(480) 510-6002 or (480) 329-0815Maricopa-RealEstate-Rentals.com
BeD & BReAKFAST
COYOTE TRAILBed & Breakfast
(520) 582-5200CoyoteTrailBedAndBreakfast.com
Rates as low as $79 per night!
CHiRoPRACToR
John Pham, DC
Healing Maricopa since 2004
“Experience the di� erence.”(520) 568-9828
CHiRoPRACTiC • MASSAGe • ReHAB
AiR CoNDiTioNiNG
Call avnel & Ray… the best alternative for your heating & cooling needs!
Maricopa residents(520) 483-0364
www.AlternativeAirAC.com
Find more local businesses 24/7 in Maricopa’s ‘yellow pages’
What you need. When you need it.Business Directory
ReAL eSTATe
•Residential Sales •Short Sales
•Foreclosures•Property Management
Rita Weiss, BrokerCertifi ed
Short Sale Specialist(602) 818-2511
www.DesertCanyonProperties.com
WeiGHT LoSSLose Weight, Gain Control
B6 B12 ShotsNo Pre-packaged Food
Lasting Control Weight LossMaricopa Resident
(480) 327-7746www.LastingControl.com
MoRTGAGe
Renee Gerke, GML, GRL, CRMS Senior Lending Offi cer
HONESTY • INTEGRITY • COMPETENCE
*Competitive interest rates**Competitive closing costs*
(480) 231-2089ReneeGerke@PeoplesMortgage.com
www.reneegerke.com
NMLS 6274
CLeANiNG
Jewel’sCleaning
For Those Who Want The Very Best!
520-568-9220
❋Fresh Mop Head For Every Home!
❋Bonded ❋Insured
Call For Your Free In-Home Estimate
AiR CoNDiTioNiNG
(480) 899-0267 www.ChandlerAir.com
LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED
Valley wide
service
Family owned and
operated since 1982
CLoTHiNG
HUGE
UniqueClothingForKids.com
DISCOUNTSON KIDSWEAR!
SAVE
50% OFFSTOREPRICES
Wide variety of the latest, most popular children’s clothing. Many brand names. HURRY!Mention discount code MK05421
ReLiGioNIN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE BENEFICENT,
THE MERCIFUL
WELCOME ALL - EVERY FRIDAYTo congregational prayer at
(VFW Post) 44240 W. Maricopa/Casa Grande Hwy.12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
“Let us come together for a better community life in Maricopa”
(602) 312-7913
MASJID BILAL IBN RABAH
ASSiSTeD LiViNG
(520) 233-2848www.ComfortKeepers.com
our family is here to give comfort to
your family.
CARPeT & FLooR CLeANiNG
• Carpet cleaning• Tile & grout cleaning
• Carpet repair
(480) 334-6482Stay clean with Pristine!
hidden valley Pool service(520)233-7528
FULLY INSURED! Reliable and Experienced
•10 yr Maricopa Resident •Acid Wash •Filter Clean
✺Weekly Pool Service✺
PooL CLeANiNG
eLeCTRoNiCSTV mounting & installation • LEDs • Plasma • Flat screensFULL HOME THEATER INSTALLATION & SERVICE
Rewiring • TV hangs • In ceiling speaker systems
Satellite Installation AvailableFor All Providers
(520) 568-4880
PC Repair• Reliable & affordable • System diagnostics
• Virus & Malware removal • Starting at $20 for basic optimization & cleanup
ClassifiedsGET YOUR MESSAGE TO EVERY
MARICOPA HOUSEHOLD!Ad space reservation:
JANUARY 22Issue date: FEBRUARY 2
Call (520) 568-0040 to advertise
AuToS
Ready to Tow 07 PT Cruiserwith tow bar and pumpCall for price 520-836-8181 4x4 Jeep CherokeeGreat conditionLow price call 520-423-8181 Ride in Style01 Cadillac STSUnbelievable deal 520-423-8181 Cheap Truck2000 Chevy S10Runs great 520-423-8181 Cream Puff02 Mercury Sable520-423-8181 03 Ford Explorer128 / month OAC100% approval 520-423-8181
FoR SALE
Beautiful AntiqueWhite Wedding Gown,Sz 8-10. Professionallycleaned/preserved.Beaded bodice w/capsleeves & open lacing upthe back. Satin skirt w/beaded trim & train. $125OBO. Email for info/picsForSaleInCopa@gmail.com
GARAGE SALES
GARAGE SALE, New & Used, 46163 W. Guilder Ave., 85139Weekends, (520) 414-2694
For a map of garage sales, including items available for sale at each, visit InMaricopa.com/Community/GarageSaleMap.aspx each Thursday afternoon.
GIFTS
DSPA Gems Cookbook on sale now! Your $10 purchase supports our non-profit program, promoting dance education & opportunities for kids in Maricopa. 520-483-8915
Need an inexpensive gift? The Friends of the Library cookbook “Home Cookin’ from Maricopa Arizona” is filled with 400+ recipes donated by your neighbors. Only $5. Call Kathy 520-568-3274 or buy at Maricopa Public Library.
HELP WANTED
InMaricopa now hiring Maricopa’s premier media company seeks highly energetic, ambitious “A player” to join its winning team. This 6-year old company has set the standard as the city’s
No. 1 news/advertising source. Visit InMaricopa.com/classifieds.aspx for detailed descriptions of positions of:
Reporter Sales Rep
PT & FT positions available. If you feel you have the credentials to make this team, send your resume and compensation requirements to Jobs@InMaricopa.com or via fax to 520-568-0050.
SERVICES
All American Cleaning5+ years; Maricopa BasedCall Marianne 602-909-9821
$100.00 off Winter InstallationCall AZ-RY’S Landscaping602-359-6203
ABC’s and 123’s ChildcareMiss Tina 602-725-6588Now Offering Night Care
WIN! Tickets to the Arizona Renaissance Festival!
Visit www.InMaricopa.com
to register for your chance to win.
Registration ends January 25, 2011
$10 OFF
Arianna’s Party Rentals
Infl atablesJanuary and February only
(520) 450-9840
CALL TODAY
Got Mortgage?FRee LoAN MoDiFiCATioN HeLP
• HUD Approved • Non-Pro� t Agency
(602) 685-1056nidhca324@yahoo.com
Best Wishes for a Joyous Holiday Season to you and yours. At this time of sharing, giving and love, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the warm welcome I felt in your community. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, desires and needs so I can work for you. I am excited to be giving my time
and efforts for the next two years to make Arizona a better place to work and live. I truly have grown
to love our beautiful southern Arizona and it’s people. You are tremendous and I am happy to
be acquainted with each of you and to serve you. Please feel free to call me (520) 507-1735 or email me busbarn@vtc.net. This is going to a great year for Arizona as we build a brighter future together. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from
Representative-Elect Peggy Judd.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,007,507 • © • All rights reserved • PANDORA-JEWELRY.COM • PANDORA.NET
RECEIVE A PANDORA SLEIGH ORNAMENT WITH YOUR PANDORA PURCHASE OF $100.*
*GOOD WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER.
GIFT WITH PURCHASENOV. 26TH–DEC. 31ST
Experience at:
SANTAN VILLAGE2196 E WILLIAMS FIELD RD #101
GILBERT, AZ 85295480.857.2000
Home for the Holidays
top related