GOLDEN DREAM - BUSINESS EDUCATION PEOPLE HOME IMPROVEMENT MORE - PARALYMPIAN TO COMPETE IN TOKYO - INMARICOPA
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www.InMaricopa.com August 2021
Golden
dream
Paralympian to compete in Tokyo
BUSINESS • EDUCATION • PEOPLE • HOME IMPROVEMENT • MORE
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| InMaricopa.com
MAILYOUR
MAIL YOURBALLOTMAIL
BALLOT BY YOUR BALLOT BY
BY
CONTENTS
L I V E E N T E R TA I N M E N T
OCTOBER
OCTOBER26TH
26TH OCTOBER 26TH
NOT
NOTAANEW
NEWTAX
TAX
NOT A NEW TAX
COST
COSTPER
PER
HOUSEHOLD
HOUSEHOLD
= $0.38 PER
= $0.38 DAY**
PER DAY**
COST PER
HOUSEHOLD
THE
THEOVERRIDE
OVERRIDEFUNDS
FUNDS = $0.38 PER DAY**
LOWER
LOWERCLASS
CLASSSIZES
SIZES LOCAL SUPPORT
LOCAL SUPPORTOFOF
SCHOOLS
SCHOOLS
ATTRACTS
ATTRACTSAND
ANDRETAINS
RETAINSQUALITY
QUALITYTEACHERS
TEACHERS
EXPERIENCED
EXPERIENCEDTEACHERS
THE OVERRIDE FUNDSTEACHERS (4+ years)
(4+ years)
LOWER CLASS SIZES LOCAL SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS
ATTRACTS AND RETAINS QUALITY TEACHERS
CLASSROOM
CLASSROOM HIGH
TECHNOLOGY
HIGHSCHOOL
SCHOOL
TECHNOLOGY GRADUATION
GRADUATION
EXPERIENCED TEACHERS 18
LAPTOP
LAPTOPFOR
FOR (4+ years)
EVERY
EVERY
STUDENT
STUDENT MAINTAIN
MAINTAIN
LOCAL
LOCALCONTROL
CONTROL
ENROLLMENT
ENROLLMENTGROWTH
GROWTH OF SCHOOL FUNDING OF SCHOOL FUNDING
CLASSROOM HIGH SCHOOL
GRADUATION
TECHNOLOGY MARICOPA UNIFIED
MARICOPA UNIFIEDSCHOOL
SCHOOLDISTRICT
DISTRICT
MAIL YOUR BALLOT BY
MAXIMIZES
MAXIMIZES
PRACTICES
PRACTICES
CLASSROOM
CLASSROOM
CONSERVATIVE
DOLLARS
CONSERVATIVE
DOLLARS
FISCAL
FISCAL
CAIFANES 3 DOORS DOWN & THEORY OF A DEADMAN
OCTOBER
LAPTOP FOR 26TH
MANAGEMENT
MANAGEMENT
MAINTAINS LOW ADMINISTRATIVE
MAINTAINS LOW ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS
COSTS
Friday, August 27 Saturday, August 28
13 24
EVERY PROVIDES
PROVIDESSAFE
SAFEAND
ANDATTRACTIVE
ATTRACTIVEFACILITIES
FACILITIES
STUDENT PAID
PAIDFOR
FORBYBY
YES FOR
YES MARICOPA
FOR SCHOOLS
MARICOPA P.A.C.
SCHOOLS P.A.C. MAINTAIN
NOT A NEW TAX
*Projection
*Projection **Estimated Cost Per $100k Assessed Value
**Estimated Cost Per $100k Assessed Value
LOCAL CONTROL
ENROLLMENT GROWTH LEADING OFF EDUCATION
OF SCHOOL FUNDING
Editor’s letter 4 Microschool empowers pupils 32
COST PER
HOUSEHOLD Contributors 4 MUSD early childhood ed 34
= $0.38 PER DAY**
MARICOPA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
MAXIMIZESHistory photo 6DOLLARS
CLASSROOM
PRACTICESCurtis: History museum
CONSERVATIVE FISCAL 8 HOME
MANAGEMENT
Most/least expensive homes 35
FUNDS GOVERNMENT
MAINTAINS LOW ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS
Gardening: panting foliage 36
PROVIDES SAFE AND ATTRACTIVE FACILITIES
ZES LOCAL SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS Hughes: letter from the chief 10 Morgan: Renters have it tough 37
ATTRACTS AND RETAINS QUALITY TEACHERS
CityFOR
PAID FOR BY YES salaries
MARICOPA
12 SCHOOLS P.A.C.
*Projection **Estimated Cost Per $100k Assessed
by SR Value
Single-family permits 37
SQUEEZE AN EVENING WITH
LITTLE JOE Y LA FAMILIA
EXPERIENCED TEACHERS
Buttigieg stops 347 13 Keeping customers cool 38
Saturday, September 11
LOS TIGRES DEL NORTE FEATURING THE HERNANDEZ BROTHERS
(4+ years) Plumber: never flush this stuff 40 Friday, September 17 Saturday, September 25
PEOPLE
Focus on flooring 42
‘Streets’ program labor of love 14
Phelps: monsoon safety tips 44
Paralympian ready to rumble 18
H SCHOOL Festive Fourth 20 VISIT HARRAHSAKCHIN.COM TO GET TICKETS AND
SENIOR LIVING
ADUATION Top fans 22
Smith: sleep’s a big deal 45
SEE THE LATEST LINEUP IN LIVE ENTERTAINMENT!
BUSINESS
CALENDAR 46
APEX driving growth 24
BUSINESS DIRECTORY 47
MAINTAINMAINTAIN
LOCAL CONTROL Med spa recognition 28
TRENDING 54
Restaurant inspections 29
LOCAL
OF CONTROL
SCHOOL FUNDING Development news 30
PARTING SHOT 56
GROWTH OF SCHOOL FUNDING
MARICOPA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Sales tax collections 30
• Maximizes classroom dollars • Practices conservative fiscal management Global Water prepared 31 PLAY FOR ALL.
• Maintains low administrative costs • Provides safe and attractive facilities
MARICOPA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
PAIDMAXIMIZES
FOR BY YES CLASSROOM
FOR MARICOPA DOLLARS
SCHOOLS P.A.C. The Events Center Box Office will open 3 hours prior to the show start time and close 30 minutes after the event starts. The Events Center Box Office is located on the first floor of the casino, next to the Oak & Fork Restaurant. Will Call tickets can be picked up during the Box Office hours of
PRACTICES CONSERVATIVE
**Estimated Cost FISCAL
Per $100k Assessed Value operation on the show day. Customers must present the actual credit card used to purchase tickets, a valid photo I.D. and the confirmation number. Free garage parking. Our casino facility is ADA compliant. There is accessible seating available for all shows. The Events Center is located at the
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino in Maricopa, AZ. Photo I.D.s are required to enter the facilities. Cameras and recording devices are never allowed at concerts unless otherwise notified. Outside food or beverages are not permitted inside the building. Guests wearing obscene or indecent clothing are
MANAGEMENT not allowed to enter the building. Guests using foul or abusive language or gestures will be escorted out of the venue. Laser pens and pointers are not permitted. Policies subject to change depending on the nature of the event. No refunds, no exceptions. Harrah’s Ak-Chin is a casino facility,
2 MAINTAINS
InMaricopa.com | AugustLOW
2021 ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS
therefore, all minors must be accompanied by adults 21+ at all times. Must be 21 or older to gamble and take advantage of these offers. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700 or 1-800-NEXT STEP. ©2021 Caesars License Company, LLC. See official
rules at the Caesars Rewards® Center for complete details.
PROVIDES SAFE AND ATTRACTIVE FACILITIES
KEEP ALL YOUR DEVICES
FROM THE EDITOR
Chasing dreams
STREAMING STRONG!
J
Publisher
SCOTT BARTLE
Rob and Lucinda Boyd are familiar
names to many Maricopans. Their life- Advertising Director
skills program, The Streets Don’t Love VINCENT MANFREDI
You Back, has been helping at-risk and
Editorial Director
JOE JACKSON WAS PARALYZED ON A incarcerated youth for over a decade.
BOB MCGOVERN
high school football field, but his injury This month, they share how their own
couldn’t sideline the lifelong athlete experiences on the streets fueled a Advertising
with a hunger for competition. desire to change the lives — and futures DEBORAH COATES
The 31-year-old Maricopa business- — of others. JAIME HARRISON
MICHELLE SORENSEN
man will head to Tokyo to play for the U.S. Also, this month, we introduce C.M. Curtis,
Wheelchair Rugby team in the Paralympics in late an accomplished writer of Western fiction, who Writers
August. will be taking readers down the local history trail AL BRANDENBURG
Jackson, who has played “murderball” for in the coming months. MARK DELAP
14 years, qualified for the U.S. team in May. His Plus, development news, restaurant inspections KRISTINA DONNAY
TERRY LEAMON
competitive drive will help power the U.S. bid to and a look at the salaries of City employees.
FRAN LYONS
win its first gold in the event since 2008. Finally, this issue marks my last. I’m heading DAYV MORGAN
Two other local businessmen, Jason Plotke back East to pursue a personal dream of my own. HARRIET PHELPS
and Matt Williams, are chasing their own dream. Best wishes to all the great people at InMaricopa RON SMITH
They are the principals behind APEX Motor Club, and in Maricopa. It was great to know you. JAY TAYLOR
a racetrack on the western edge of Maricopa. Enjoy the magazine,
Photographers
The exclusive club, still taking shape, draws MARK DELAP
wealthy sports car owners like Tom Barnett VICTOR MORENO
to the area for fun behind-the-wheel. In turn, BRIAN PETERSHEIM JR.
Barnett, who owns a fast-food franchise in town, BOB McGOVERN | EDITORIAL DIRECTOR IAN ROBERDS
JAY TAYLOR
and other members are helping turbocharge the Bob@InMaricopa.com
REAL VALUE. SMART SUPPORT.
local economy by spending money and seeking Designer
business opportunities here. CARL BEZUIDENHOUT
CONTRIBUTORS
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Maricopa, AZ 85138
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IAN ROBERDS TERRY LEAMON RON SMITH
520-568-0040 Tel 520-568-0050 Fax We’re here for you whenever you need us!
News@InMaricopa.com
The multimedia specialist at The owner of My Maricopa An aging-in-place advocate,
520-568-8890
Advertising@InMaricopa.com
InMaricopa enjoys playing Plumber shares tips with he retired from careers in
piano, traveling and cooking. readers to help them avoid college administration and
Published advertisements are not an endorsement
plumbing problems. software implementation. of products or advertising claims by InMaricopa.
No part of this magazine may be reproduced by
ON THE COVER
Joe Jackson, a Paralympian wheelchair rugby athlete, was photographed by Ian Roberds at Ability360 Sports &
any means without the prior written permission
of InMaricopa. Copyright 2021. www.orbitelcom.com
Fitness Center in Phoenix, where he has trained since 2011.
Equipment, taxes, installation and other fees not included. Other conditions may apply. Call office for details.
4 InMaricopa.com | August 2021
HISTORY
MUSD Dual Language Immersion Program
Headquarters blaze Serving Preschool and Kindergarten Students
In 1954, the Headquarters nightclub and bar was a The Dual Language Immersion Program introduces preschool and kindergarten students to
place for people to gather and dance to hits like “Sh- the world of bilingualism, biliteracy, and cultural competency. Students receive instruction
boom” recorded by The Crew Cuts and “Hey There”
and explore content in English/Spanish to develop building blocks that will prepare them to
sung by Rosemary Clooney. But then fire struck in
be fluent speakers of a second language.
1956. “It was a popular place and I remember it burning
down,” Mary Lou Smith, who first moved to Maricopa
in 1952, told InMaricopa in 2009. Headquarters was
rebuilt as an open-air restaurant that was eventually
enclosed. It still serves Maricopa diners today.
1956
2021
THIS MONTH BACK IN...
For these and other historical stories, visit InMaricopa.com.
BENEFITS PROGRAM FEATURES
Courtesy of Maricopa Historical Society; Brian Petersheim Jr.
• Higher self esteem and confidence • English/Spanish programming
• Improved reading abilities • Certified teachers
• Better problem solving • Research-based curriculum
2004 2005 2009
• Improved cognitive stimulation • Instruction and assessment in two languages
• Higher levels of engagement • Students communicate in two languages;
• Promotes bilingualism and biliteracy gain fluency in the second language
When Robert McCullough visited St. Francis de The city parks and rec department announced With the opening of the new Maricopa Unified
• Greater cultural competency • Planned implementation through Grade 5
Sales Catholic Mission to make a donation, he residents would help name its first-ever municipal School District headquarters on Maricopa-Casa
• Open enrollment*
heard Masses were held in 100-degree heat. Efforts park. “The name should be easy to pronounce Grande Highway, administrators spread across
to secure air conditioning lacked an electrician. and conjure positive images of our city, the the district were united under one roof. The
Divine intervention, perhaps, brought the new state of Arizona or the Southwest region,” said $5.5 million, 38,000-square-foot structure was RESERVE A SPACE LEARN MORE
resident and owner of R. Dale Electrical Inc. to Marty McDonald, then-department director. In designed with enough offices for an administrative Email us at duallanguage@musd20.org Visit www.musd20.org/duallanguage
their doorstep. McCullough quickly offered another the end, the city would go with its working title staff overseeing 15,000 students, about twice Program located at Santa Rosa Elementary School * Preschool: Tuition is $570/month for children
donation – expertise – and soon church was cool. for the park — Pacana, Spanish for pecan, a today’s enrollment in the growing district.
To register for preschool or kindergarten Dual Language ages 4 & 5
tribute to the land’s heritage as a pecan grove. Kindergarten: Tuition-free for children age 5
6 InMaricopa.com | August 2021 Immersion classes call 520-568-6150. before Sept. 1, 2021
HISTORY
ENROLLING
GRADES 7-11
12TH — 2022-2023
Bright light will soon
shine on city history
BY C.M. CURTIS
A
S A RELATIVE NEWCOMER IN MARICOPA, I HAVE BEEN
surprised by how much there is to do in our town. True,
we have no beaches, no amusement parks, no skiing, no
whitewater rapids — not a lot of high-adventure. But there Workers install sidewalks in front of the future visitor center in the
are activities and happenings galore going on at any given time. California Zephyr railcar off Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway.
It’s about to get even better. Maricopa is soon to have a museum.
Every city — especially one that boasts the kind of history Maricopa With the veterans relocated, the City will remodel their former home OUR MISSION
does — needs a historical society. And Maricopa has a good one. Paul for the Maricopa Historical Society and a museum. Meanwhile, work
Shirk, president of the organization, said it will soon have its own continues to transform the historic Silver Horizon train car nearby into a A+ Charter Schools empowers students in
visitor center and museum. visitor’s center, which would be operated by the Society.
The Tracy P. MacPherson VFW Post and Bernie G. Crouse American
Legion Post have moved from their location at the veteran’s center on the
The opening date for the visitor center and museum is still to be
determined but Shirk has promised to keep us updated on its progress.
reaching their greatest potential by becoming
Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway to the new Maricopa Community Center
after completion of renovations at the old library on Smith-Enke Road. MARICOPA HISTORY AHEAD
responsible individuals of character and
I, for one, am excited to see tangible relics of Maricopa history at the
museum. In the coming months, in fact, I’ll be writing a series of articles
excellence, engaged community members, and
about the city’s history.
Until recently I didn’t know that much about the story of our town, and
lifelong learners in an ever changing society.
you may not know either, so let me give you a preview of coming events.
Did you know that:
• Maricopa was formerly called Maricopa Wells and, later, Maricopaville
OUR MODEL
and Maricopa Junction?
• In 1879, Maricopaville was listed as the fastest-growing town in
• Project-Based Learning
Discover Extraordinary Arizona and was predicted to be the state’s future capital?
• The last major battle fought solely between native tribes of North
• Advisory and Academic Success Groups
Assisted Living and Memory Care America was fought near Pima Butte (which you may know as
• Portrait of a Graduate
M Mountain)?
Explore Caliche Senior Living’s vibrant community
filled with endless options to thrive. From modern,
• Father Eusebio Kino, the Italian-born missionary and explorer,
visited Maricopa Wells in 1694? • Early College Program Principal Rachele Reese
spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom
(520) 265-5589
• Maricopa Wells was a stage stop for the Butterfield Overland Stage?
residences with lush outdoor patio areas to • A federal post office was established in Maricopa Wells in 1865? (And • Robotics, eSports, Athletics,
they say some letters mailed at that time are just now arriving.)
outstanding cuisine and an active lifestyle of growth
and discovery, the choice is yours. • The first baby born in Maricopa — after the name was adopted — Performing Arts, and other clubs
was named Maricopa?
Call 520-316-8041 today to schedule • In 1910, Maricopa claimed to lead the world in automobile
ownership per capita? (The town had a population of 18 and boasted
your private in-person tour.
two automobiles.)
C ALICHE There’s lots more, and it’s fascinating stuff. Hope you will join me for
SENIOR LIVING
the journey.
Brian Petersheim Jr.
1640 N. Peart Road • Casa Grande, AZ 85122 • 520-316-8041
C.M. Curtis, a bestselling American Western author and historian, has
casagrande.watermarkcommunities.com
published 11 novels, including eight westerns. Most are set in Arizona. His
ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE
books are available on Amazon.
41735 W. Alan Stephens Parkway
8 InMaricopa.com | August 2021
GOVERNMENT
Letter from the chief:
enhancing community policing
BY CHIEF JAMES HUGHES
T
HE MARICOPA POLICE DEPART-
ment has focused on enhancing
our community policing efforts.
The community policing
model augments our vision of making every
contact excellent. Community policing has
become the mindset of this agency with the
goal of improving the quality of life of our
residents, visitors and employees. Community
policing is an energetic, problem-solving model
of policing. This initiative focuses on providing
a greater voice to our residents in solving the
problems in their community.
The primary purpose of MPD is to provide
outstanding police services by maintaining
a well-trained and properly staffed patrol
division. Patrol is and always has been the
backbone of the police department.
MPD focuses on the fundamentals of
policing to deliver professional police services.
This profession is about people, and it has
always been about people. Having a patrol
division focused on people and solving the
problems of the community are imperative.
Our officers continue to engage the
community to build relationships with both the
business and residential communities. Building
a stronger relationship with the community will
improve the information our officers receive
from the public. This daily dialog between
residents and police officers is the foundation
of problem-solving.
Community engagement must be
purposeful and not superficial. Officers getting
to know our resident by interacting with the
public, attending community events like Shop
with a Cop, Coffee with Cops and community
meetings improve the trust between MPD and
the residents we serve.
MPD is in the process of developing a causing most of the problems and committing Everyone wants to live in a great
community advisory board to meet with our the majority of the crimes. community. Great communities have low
leadership team on a regular basis to discuss Quality of life issues are important. MPD crime, orderly neighborhoods and an engaged
Learn about this new initiative
the direction of the department and to make focuses on addressing nuisance-related issues police department that addresses their
policing recommendations on behalf of the that cause our residents frustration and negatively needs in a professional manner. These are
community. This advisory board will include impact their quality of life. These issues include the cornerstones of community policing.
faith-based members of our community along
with other community stakeholders.
city code-related violations ranging from graffiti
to traffic and parking issues. Having a police
Relationships drive progress and the more our
officers get to know our residents and identify and how to get involved at
KeepMaricopaBeautiful.com!
A major component of community policing department that cares about not only keeping those who are up to no good will only serve to
Merenzi Young
is addressing crime problems by focusing on the city safe but beautiful is what will make a better our community.
those small segments of the population that are good city a great city. 4
10 InMaricopa.com | August 2021
A community partnership with the City of Maricopa
August 2021 | InMaricopa.com 11
GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT
Top 32 salaries add up to nearly $4 million
Nineteen of the 32 city employees earning at least $100,000
work in the police and fire departments:
$198,568: Rick Horst, city manager
$161,263: Brady Leffler, fire chief
$158,719: James Hughes, police chief
$146,504: Jennifer Brown, assistant city manager
$138,016: Vanessa Bueras, city clerk
$135,243: Michael Campbell, police commander
$133,966: Jerome Schirmer, assistant fire chief
$133,250: Matthew Kozlowski, chief financial officer
$132,094: Nathan Ullyot, community services director
$131,265: Dale Wiebusch, intergovernmental affairs director
Public safety
$130,036: John Storm, assistant fire chief
$128,244: Stephen Judd, police commander
$124,418: Maria Osgood, chief human resources officer
dominates city
$123,477: Joshua Plumb, city engineer
$122,138: Robert Miller, fire battalion / deputy chief U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg,
Buttigieg visits SR 347
$122,138: John Pantoja, fire battalion / deputy chief center, chats with Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis
six-figure earners
$122,138: Kenneth Pantoja, fire battalion / deputy chief of the Gila River Indian Community, left, and
$120,677: Brenda Hasler, financial services manager Maricopa Mayor Christian Price during his
$118,684: Brad Pitassi, assistant fire chief recent stop.
to hear safety concerns
$116,725: Michael Collins, chief information officer
$113,676: Sean Marchese, police lieutenant
I
F YOU WORK FOR THE CITY OF MARICOPA, $111,996: Kathleen Elliot, police lieutenant Buttigieg, at age 39 the youngest-ever
congratulations. You’re probably doing very well for $111,996: Timothy Miller, police lieutenant transportation secretary, has been visiting
yourself. In public information requested from the $111,424: Jennifer Hagen, public safety communications manager BY MARK DELAP cities with traffic problems since his February
city of Maricopa, a list of the salaries for the 350 full- $111,211: Michael Riggs, public services director confirmation. Standing at the roadside he was
U
time city employees in 2020 was gathered. Government salaries are $109,929: Nathan Steele, economic / community development director S. TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY connecting Maricopa with the Valley. asked what he could do to change the situation
public information. $107,253: Angele Ozoemelam, financial services manager Pete Buttigieg stopped by State In 2019, 308 accidents occurred on SR 347, on SR 347.
$104,061: Hal Koozer, police sergeant
It shows 136 employees earn salaries of $70,000 or more Route 347 and Riggs Road on July with 57 in the vicinity of milepost 185 near “Of the priorities we pursue in our
$104,061: Leonard Perez, police sergeant
annually, with 32 of those earning more than $100,000 and 11 15 to hear the concerns of local the Riggs Road intersection, according to the department, safety is No. 1,” Buttigieg said.
$104,061: Elliot Sneezy, police sergeant
earning more than $130,000. leaders about the dangerous roadway. Arizona Department of Transportation. In “It is, in my view, why this department exists.
$104,061: Mary Turner, police sergeant
The average salary for city employees was $67,042. Salaries Serious accidents and fatalities on the the past two years, nine motorists have died at And so, to hear as we did throughout our
$103,729: Joshua Paulsen, police lieutenant
ranged from a low of $27,546 (maintenance worker II) to a high highway have drawn cries for help from state the intersection. conversation with tribal leaders, and certainly
of $198,568 (city manager). Mayor Christian Price is paid $33,600 and local officials in Maricopa and Pinal Price told the secretary the growth south to see this example of what’s at stake with safety,
annually and members of city council earn $20,500. Number of employees by pay range counties. Congressman Tom O’Halleran, from Phoenix and north from Tucson puts it illustrates why we need to be doing more.”
Seventy-one salaries were associated with the Maricopa District 1, used the visit to elevate visibility of Maricopa right in the middle of a growth He expressed the need for more resources
Fire/Medical Department, including the fire chief, assistant fire 177 the safety issue to the top official in the U.S. explosion. He intimated with more growth, and funding to make improvements.
chiefs, fire battalion/deputy chiefs, fire captains, fire marshal, Department of Transportation. there would be more problems unless something “That’s why there’s both a safety-specific
fire engineers and firefighters, totaled $5.54 million. The salaries As rush-hour traffic streamed by, was done to address safety on the highway. pocket of funds and more support for things
ranged from $50,482 for a probationary firefighter to $161,263 for Buttigieg and O’Halleran chatted with Buttigieg and his entourage met at the like roads and bridges that are designed with
79
the fire chief. The average salary in the department was $77,996. 62 Mayor Christian Price, Gov. Stephen Roe southwest corner of the busy intersection safety in mind,” the secretary said. “Part
Seventy-eight salaries were associated with the Maricopa Police Lewis of the Gila River Indian Community where he could observe weeknight traffic. Just of it’s in the way we work with states, with
20 12
Source: City of Maricopa
Department, including the police chief, commanders, lieutenants, and Chairman Robert Miguel of the Ak- moments before the secretary’s car arrived, tribes, with local governments. Like speaking
Mark Delap
sergeants and officers, and totaled $5.78 million. Salaries ranged Chin Indian Community at the deadliest in fact, there was a fender bender at the to the mayor, who has a vision for where his
from $51,408 for a police recruit to $158,719 for the police chief. Less than $50,000- $75,000- $100,000- $125,000 intersection on the 13-mile stretch of road intersection. community is headed.”
$50,000 $74,999 $99,999 $124,999 and up
The average salary in the department was $74,101.
12 InMaricopa.com | August 2021 August 2021 | InMaricopa.com 13
PEOPLE
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Lucinda and Rob Boyd founded The
Streets Don’t Love You Back nonprofit
in 2009 based on the principles of Rob’s
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HERE IS NO VOICE LIKE THE voice Villages residents know what put them on the life. His stepfather raised Rob and his siblings
of experience. Someone who has streets – and also how to get off them. as his own, but when Rob was 9 he witnessed CALL WITH QUESTIONS:
been there and done that is a more
respected source than someone
“When you can get somebody who is
incarcerated and let them learn from the
his grandfather stab his stepfather to death, a
moment that changed the direction of his life.
480-802-5017
who has studied theories. life lessons of someone who has been there, By age 10, he was involved in a gang, dealing
That is what makes Maricopa residents that is an incredibly effective message,” said drugs and leading a violent street life – a life he
Lucinda and Rob Boyd’s program, The former Arizona state senator Steve Smith, who lived for the next 35 years.
Streets Don’t Love You Back, so effective. was instrumental in helping get the Streets He eventually became the leader of the
The nonprofit organization they co-founded program in Arizona’s jails and prisons. “For gang and drug kingpin. After spending his
in 2009 is dedicated to equipping at-risk and people who may be on the wrong path, they youth on the streets, several years in prison,
incarcerated youths with tools to improve their can hear from someone who’s walked in their and all of his adult life as a gang leader, Rob
situations through a variety of educational and shoes that there’s another way. That’s how you began to realize the path he was on would lead
life-skills programs. The program educates get people to pay attention.” to a short and unhappy life.
participants about the dangers of gangs, drugs, Rob’s experience with street and gang life Lucinda had her own experiences in the
Brian Petersheim Jr.
violence, abuse and other life issues, focusing was both firsthand and in-depth. He grew up streets. While never living the gang life Rob
on both prevention and intervention. in a ghetto on the east side of Detroit where did, she had her own formative experiences,
Rob and Lucinda, both 58, have lived the his father, a prominent minister and well- including being sexually abused and turning PLAY FOR ALL.
street life and come out the other side. The known author, chose not to be a part of his to alcohol as a teenager.
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PEOPLE
With time and wisdom, things changed. Their first major rollout was with those who “Our inmates are extremely happy to to him. He learns about their issues, then
“What got me out was when I met Lucinda,” would need more than prevention. Inmates have something like this as A? way to learn relates their experiences to what he’s been HOW THEY MET
Rob said. “I was 45 when I got out of the gang in Arizona’s jails and prisons were prime and grow,” Linderholm said. “It’s vindication through and the bad decisions he’s made in
life, and she’s the one that got me out. I mean, I candidates. that they are taking steps to become a better his life. Rob and Lucinda Boyd didn’t
joined a gang at 10 years old and I had prayed to A Detroit native, Smith heard about Streets person.” Mayor Christian Price said part of meet on the street.
get out of that life for years, and for God to send and helped them get it into the prison system. One youth who gained from Streets the effectiveness of Streets is the program They found love on the internet.
me a good woman. When I met her, I realized “I heard his story and saw what he’s doing is Dominic “Nico” Ciccirello. After being empowers people to make their own changes. In 2009, Rob was writing songs
that God had sent me someone I would listen to with his life, and when you see people like that arrested for crimes including curfew violations “What we don’t do enough in corrections, and posting them on Myspace, one
and who believed in me from Day One.” and how they give back and are so selfless and and car theft, he was placed in the custody of and what his program does do, is help kids of the first social networking sites.
Their connection was instant, but Rob faced giving, how can you not want to help them?” child protective services. actually problem-solve and make positive Lucinda, a critical care nurse who
a choice when they met. He was in the gang life, Smith said. “He wanted to make it bigger and “Rob was always there for me,” said decisions,” Price said. “Plus, they’re spending has lived in Maricopa 37 years,
and Lucinda wanted no part of that. bigger, and we did whatever we could to help.” Ciccirello, now 18 and a licensed barber with an inordinate amount of their time and happened to listen to one of Rob’s
“She knew I was in that life, and she gave Lucinda and Rob Boyd have received Lucinda and Rob also gained the endorse- a shop in Phoenix. “I’ve been involved with personal treasure to help others, and really, songs, and the rest was history.
me an ultimatum,” Rob said. “Now understand, thousands of letters from people telling them ment of the law enforcement community, Streets since I was 13 years old. “He deals with what more can you ask of someone?” “He was sharing a song that he had
in my position I was used to being the one who how much the program changed their lives. which quickly saw the impact the program very troubled kids, and I was one of them.” The fact of the matter is that it doesn’t done and saw my picture and reached
gave the ultimatums. But she told me it was was having on those already on the wrong matter how great the curriculum is, or where out to me because he thought I was cute,”
either her or I could keep doing what I was Once they had the program developed, they path and serving time. FROM STREETS TO SCHOOLS it is available, if those in it don’t believe. And Lucinda said. “We became friends first,
doing. And God had something way bigger for worked in the community and through Rob’s The six-week, self-guided Life Skills Inter- The next step for Streets is to expand its that buy-in is built through the obvious fact and I got to know about him and his life
me to do, so I walked away and closed the door radio show to share their insights to help as vention Program includes education and discus- presence in school systems. Maricopa Unified both Rob and Lucinda have walked similar living in the streets, and we talked a little
on that life.” many people as they could. Wanting a better sions on substance abuse dependency, making School District volunteer Jim Irving said paths and care deeply about helping those at- about my life and my struggles. I knew
program that could make more of an impact, decisions, anger management, attitude, behav- he hopes to soon expand the program from risk or already incarcerated. that with my testimony and his testimony
BASED ON THE BOOK Lucinda sat down and devised a curriculum and iors, problem-solving, self-improvement, setting Maricopa High School to two elementary Rob said getting results is the bottom line. that we could reach out and help kids,
A new door opened for them almost immediately workbook on life skills and intervention. goals, AND? identifying strengths and skills. schools, with a different twist to make it “We define success by whether a person is and maybe they could talk to somebody,
as Rob and Lucinda began working to develop “My goal was to reach out to youth and at- According to Pinal County Sheriff’s appropriate for fourth and fifth graders. doing the same things they were doing before and they wouldn’t go through some of
The Streets Don’t Love You Back organization, risk youth so they wouldn’t end up incarcerated detention officer in charge David Linderholm, Irving said one of the reasons for the they came into the program. If you were doing the same things that we went through.”
Jay Taylor
based on Rob’s book of the same name. They put or in the system and to help them before they the program is making a direct impact on the success of the program is Rob gets the kids negativity and now, you’re doing positivity,
their experiences to work. got to that point,” Lucinda said. lives of inmates. talking about themselves rather than listening that’s a success for us.”
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16 InMaricopa.com | August 2021 August 2021 | InMaricopa.com 17PEOPLE
finished my rough draft. I wasn’t too worried work out for an hour and head home at 7 a.m. I
about what was ahead. I was really upbeat and got up early to beat the heat. I worked out with U.S. TEAM HOPES TO
positive about the whole experience. I believe Dontay from August to October and got back to STRIKE GOLD AGAIN
that was because I had an athlete’s mentality. working out at Ability360 in November.
I looked at everything I needed to do to be The U.S. Wheelchair Rugby team
successful as a workout and challenge. I really Rugby is a tough sport no matter how seeks a return to glory in Tokyo.
enjoyed physical and occupational therapy you play it. What is it like to play wheelchair Winner of the most gold medals since
sessions. My favorite part of the day when I was rugby, which was originally known as the sport debuted as a demonstration
in the hospital was when I had outpatient rehab. murderball? sport in the Atlanta 1996, the Americans
JJ: Man, it’s exciting! Being able to compete have not been atop the medal stand for 13
What does your training regimen look and be an athlete again is beautiful, especially years. They captured gold in Atlanta and
like and how did you have to adapt with when you’re unsure if it’s possible. Chair-to- Sidney 2000, the first year as an official
COVID-19? chair contact is encouraged. Big hits, people sport, and most recently at Beijing 2008.
JJ: When I’m home, I train 5-6 times a week for falling, people getting juked, making impressive The team settled for silver at Rio 2016 and
two hours. When I’m at training camps with my passes and spectacular catches. It’s a rush and bronze at Athens 2004 and London 2012.
teammates, we stay in Birmingham, Alabama, extremely strategic at a fast pace. There’s no Played on a basketball court, mixed
training at Lakeshore Foundation Olympic & other Paralympic sport like it. quad rugby is a high-scoring game with
Paralympic Training Site. These camps can last elements of rugby, handball and ice
anywhere from 6 to 14 days. We train for three What are your expectations for Tokyo? hockey. All players are classified on a
hours, twice a day, anywhere from 4 to 9 days JJ: As a team we expect to win gold. I expect it scale from 0.5 to 3.5 representing lower
depending on the camp. will be something I’ve never experienced. I’ll to higher levels of functional ability.
When COVID-19 hit, it wasn’t too hot have to remind myself to enjoy every moment Four players from each team
outside, so I’d train 5 to 6 days a week at the of it. are allowed on the court at a time,
basketball court in my neighborhood in my but the sum of their classification
rugby chair. I lifted weights in my backyard. What will you be doing at the Olympics points can’t exceed 8. If at least one
Summer hit and Ability360 was closed until when you are not competing? teammate on the court is a woman,
Q&A: Joseph Jackson, JOE JACKSON
June (because of pandemic restrictions).
Luckily, a former teammate from football at
Hamilton High School, Dontay Moch, invited
JJ: At the Paralympics, we are put in the Athlete
Village, so I’m sure we’ll be watching other
sports. We aren’t really allowed to explore too
their team is allowed 8.5 points.
Joe Jackson has a classification of 1.0.
wheelchair rugby Age: 31
me to his outdoor gym, where he’d be my much due to COVID-19 restrictions. A lot
personal trainer. I’d wake up at 4 a.m., leave of hanging out with the team and going over HOW TO WATCH
Hometown: Chandler
my house at 5 a.m., get to his gym by 6 a.m., strategy so we can win.
Paralympian
Maricopan since: 2018 Maricopans will have a number
Community: Acacia Crossings of opportunities to watch their
Occupation: Owner of hometown Paralympian in action.
assisted living facility INSPIRED BY Watching live matches might require
‘MURDERBALL’ staying up late, however, because
W
Family: Wife Sarah, mother,
HEN THE 2020 PARALYMPIC Jackson started playing quad rugby in father and brother of the 16-hour time difference.
Games kick off in Tokyo Aug. 24, 2007 and four years later joined the team at Joe Jackson and fellow A record 1,200 hours of NBC Universal
Education: ASU
a Maricopa athlete will be going for Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center in Phoenix, Paralympian Lee Fredette coverage of the Tokyo Games will
the gold. which provides adaptive sports and fitness Favorite athlete: Michael Jordan were inspired to take include live wheelchair rugby action.
Joseph Jackson, who lives in Acacia programs for people. Training diet: Large amounts up wheelchair rugby NBCSN will televise action from all
Crossings, qualified for the Paralympic team in His wife Sarah said he made the Team USA of fruit and vegetables, nuts, after seeing the 2005 events from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. MST daily.
May. A member of the U.S. Wheelchair Rugby training squad for the first time shortly after fish, chicken, beef and rice documentary “Murderball,” Early wheelchair rugby matches will
team since 2017, he is one of 16 players on the they started dating. which introduced the world be livestreamed on NBCOlympics.com
training squad. He was among the 12 selected “Joe has dedicated a huge portion of his How long have you lived in Maricopa, and to the full-contact sport. and the NBC Sports app. Medal-round
to go to Japan, which is holding the Games a life to Team USA and the chance to win a gold what brought you here? With its focus on the at the box office, earned an like ‘Hoop Dreams,’ where coverage will be broadcast on Peacock.
year later due to the pandemic. Jackson has medal. It’s the ultimate dream, right?” she JJ: I’ve lived in Maricopa for two-and-a-half rivalry between the U.S. Academy Award nomination life provides a better Here’s the U.S. Wheelchair Rugby
been an athlete since he was young. said. “Over the last five-and-a-half years, he’s years. We bought a house out here to start our and Canadian teams for Best Documentary and ending than the filmmakers team schedule (all times MST):
During a Hamilton High School football continued to amp up his game, his training and family. It reminded me of Chandler in the late leading up to the 2004 won the Audience Award could have hoped for … Aug. 24, 7:30 p.m. – U.S. vs New Zealand
scrimmage for a state playoff game in his dedication to this dream and to his team. ‘90s. It’s a growing, family-oriented city. Paralympics in Athens, the at Sundance for Best It’s not really a sports Aug. 25, 7:30 p.m. – U.S. vs. Canada
November 2005, he ran over to help on a He’s really come into his own in his position. gripping 88-minute film Documentary Feature. It is film; it’s a film that uses Aug. 27, 1:30 a.m. – U.S. vs. Great Britain
gang tackle. He did not get up. He broke “It’s amazing to see him getting recognized You were a teenager when you suffered looks at the intense sport No. 1 on Rotten Tomatoes’ sport as a way to see into Aug. 27, 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 28, 1:30 a.m.
his C6 vertebrae on the play and became an for all his hard work. I know he will be a pivotal your spinal cord injury. What were your and everyday challenges list of top sports movies. lives, hopes and fears.” – Semifinals
incomplete quadriplegic, meaning his injury part in fighting for that gold medal!” emotions at the time as far it’s impact on faced by quadriplegics. In his review of the The film can be Aug. 29, 2 a.m. – Gold medal match
caused partial damage to the spinal cord and Jackson, who runs a foundation to help your future? Produced on a $350,000 documentary, film critic watched for free at Crackle.
Ian Roberds
THINKFilm
left connections between the brain and areas children with spinal cord injuries, answered a JJ: I was honestly worried about how I was going budget, the R-rated movie Roger Ebert wrote, “This com and on Peacock
below the level of injury. few questions during a break in training. to complete my junior English paper. I had just took in at least $1.5 million is one of those rare docs, (account required).
18 InMaricopa.com | August 2021 August 2021 | InMaricopa.com 19Our dedicated
administration and highly-
qualified teachers provide
excellent education in
Maricopa, Arizona.
Our teachers and students enjoy:
1
• Full-day kindergarten
As the Mobile Elementary District • Small class sizes
Superintendent, I’m proud of the great • Quality programs
people and the excellent education we • Caring staff
provide. We work hard to offer the guidance
and support our children need to succeed.
Teri Romero-Dominguez M.Ed.
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR
Bus service in the city of
2 3 Maricopa and Hidden Valley
Festive Fourth
1. Dacoda and Kaleigh Ward and 3. Fireworks lit up the night sky to
daughter Alivia, 5, displayed their conclude the festivities. Victor Moreno
patriotic colors at the Independence
Day tailgate at Copper Sky. The park 4. Bobby Bruce whooshed down a
hosted a family funfest. Victor Moreno 40-foot waterslide at the tailgate
party. Activities included a cornhole
2. The Great American Fourth tournament and snowball launching
celebration included an exhibition competition. Brian Petersheim Jr. 4
by Maricopa freestyle motocross
rider Vince Morgan. Victor Moreno
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22 InMaricopa.com | August 2021BUSINESS
The clubhouse also will have an open hospitality
APEX drives growth in
area, lobby, fitness center, locker rooms,
APEX features a state-of-the-art, swimming pool and restaurant.
2.27-mile track at its facility on “It’s a country club,” said Plotke. “We want
State Route 238, four miles west of people to be able to come here, bring the family
Maricopa economy
Maricopa. The club has about 250 and friends, and their kids can play in the pool
members who race their own cars while they’re out turning laps.”
at the track. A second track will be APEX already has spent about $15 million
built on the club’s 280 acres as part on construction of the planned $60 million
BY JAY TAYLOR club. Still ahead for members is another two-
of future development.
plus mile track that can be a separate course or
linked to the original track to provide drivers a
run of more than four miles.
FAST CARS, FAST FOOD
While all this sounds wonderful for the wealthy
car enthusiast, the club and members are
having a major economic impact on Maricopa.
Tom Barnett, founder of Barnett Manage-
ment Group, a Phoenix company that owns 53
Burger King franchises around Arizona, is a
perfect example.
He first heard about Maricopa from friend
and El Dorado Holdings founder Mike Ingram.
Barnett opened his first Maricopa Burger King
in 2018 and has been a member of APEX “since
before the asphalt was laid,” he said.
Barnett and Ingram had talked on and off
about the need for a burger restaurant in town,
Barnett said.
“We found the location we’re at now and it’s
one of our top restaurants of the 53 we own,”
T
HERE IS NO DOUBT THE 250 OR he said. “And because of the success of that
so members paying $50,000-plus restaurant, we’re building a second location in
to gain entry to the exclusive APEX town near Walmart.”
Motor Club on the outskirts of town Barnett is a visionary who sees things not
enjoy coming to Maricopa to put the pedal to as they are, but what they are going to be.
the metal. “The track brings me down here fairly often
The racetrack is driving business in and every time I’m here I see the potential of
Maricopa in a number of other ways, too. what this city can and could be,” he said. “If
APEX and its members are directly or it weren’t for the track, I wouldn’t have had a
indirectly spurring major construction projects, reason to come here. And now I end up driving
enhancing municipal infrastructure, adding around thinking what could go here, what General partners Jason Plotke, left, and Matt Williams spearheaded development of APEX. “It’s a
restaurants, providing retail and shopping could go there.” country club,” Plotke said. “We want people to be able to come here, bring the family and friends,
centers and accelerating access to water on Barnett is currently scouting locations and their kids can play in the pool while they’re out turning laps.”
the west side of town leading to a new wave of in the city for one of the 32 Slim Chickens
Courtesy of Tom Barnett; Courtesy of APEX Motor Club
development west of State Route 347. restaurants he recently agreed to build in center, said he’s all about getting the club’s at the track during the pandemic. Now, the
At the helm is president and general Arizona. He says the chain competes with members to use local businesses. restaurant is a preferred lunch provider for
partner Jason Plotke, who spearheaded Tom Barnett has been a member of APEX Motor Club since its inception. The owner of 53 Burger Chick-fil-A. “I’ve helped connect several local members and food coordinator for VIP events.
development of the facility in 2018. A lifelong King restaurants around Arizona, including one in Maricopa, is looking to further boost the city’s Despite the explosive growth in town, businesses in Maricopa with APEX,” Palmieri Adobe Blinds and Maricopa Renovations
car enthusiast, he had been searching for land economy by opening a Slim Chickens franchise here. Barnett said he has yet to find a pad to said. “Rather than having them bring someone have also done work at the track.
around the Valley to build a country club accommodate the eatery, but he is undeterred. down from the Valley, we try to get them to Palmieri has set up several APEX members
centered around racing. After tentative deals APEX has already developed about 100 has a mezzanine that can be used as a hospitality “Right now, there is no nice chicken use local businesses here. And once they do, with vacation rental homes in town when they
with the Gila River Indian Community and acres of the site, including the first of two tracks, area, and the premium locations are situated restaurant in Maricopa, and we want to be they find that the products and services are wanted to have an extended stay in town rather
Mesa Gateway fell through, he and a group of a challenging 2.27-mile road course, and a just- directly behind pit lane. that,” he said. just as good if not better.” than commuting to the Valley. And of course,
Victor Moreno
about 50 investors acquired 280 acres at 22408 completed storage facility for 45 cars. Early The centerpiece of the club’s facilities will Other growth drivers are more subtle. Roots is a prime example. With Palmieri’s he and many other club members frequent the
N. Ralston Road, about 6 miles west of SR 347 next year, construction will start on 48 garage be a 10,000-square-foot clubhouse with a full- Dominic Palmieri, an APEX member and help, owner and chef Christopher Spear city’s auto parts stores.
on the north side of State Route 238. condos spanning four buildings. Each garage service restaurant that cantilevers over pit lane. owner of the Shops at Maricopa Village strip began catering races and driving academies
24 InMaricopa.com | August 2021 August 2021 | InMaricopa.com 25You can also read
