2026 July issue of InMaricopa Magazine

2026 July issue of InMaricopa

www.InMaricopa.com

July 2026

Riding on sunshine Even on the hottest days, the good times keep rolling

HISTORY • COMMUNITY • EDUCATION • BUSINESS • HOME • MORE

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CONTENTS

New homes starting in the $300s

Find your new home here

LEADING OFF Editor’s letter 4 Contributors 4 HISTORY

This month in history 6 GOVERNMENT Permits 10 Meet your Maricopa candidates 12 COMMUNTY Maricopa volunteers talk community pride 18

From pickleball to poetry 20 Doxies take over Raceway 22

EDUCATION From Japan to Maricopa 24 Graduation day reflections 26 BUSINESS Restaurant inspections 29 Introducing Mandy’s Coffee Bar 30 Business briefs 32 HEALTH & WELLNESS Foot pain relief 34 How to solve low testosterone 35

HOME Flowers that thrive in heat 36 Should you invest in foreclosures? 37 Maricopa real estate snapshot 38 Boundary setting for landlords 40

THINGS TO DO Events 46 TRENDING A look at what’s hot on InMaricopa.com 55 PARTING SHOT Puddle patrol 56

Contact us for Maricopa specific homebuyer incentives. 480.405.5313 PhoenixInfo@drhorton.com DRH Properties, Inc., Broker. Home and community information, pricing, plans, included features, options, terms, availability, amenities and co-broke are subject to change at any time without notice or obligation. Square footage dimensions are approximate and vary by elevation. Drawings, pictures, photographs, video, square footages, colors, features, and sizes are for illustration purposes only and will vary from the homes as built. Price shown is base home price and does not include closing cost and fees, lot premium, modifications to plans and custom features which may substantially affect final cost of the home. Please see a sales agent for complete details, including a list of available homes. Sales that are conditional may be rescinded by purchaser until receipt and acceptance of the Arizona Subdivision Disclosure (Public) Report. A copy of the public report is available on the State Real Estate Department’s website. D.R. Horton reserves the right to cancel or change all offers without prior notice. If buyer is working with a licensed real estate agent or broker, the agent or broker must accompany and register buyer on first visit to the D.R. Horton sales office. Prices vary by community. Furnishings and decorative items are not included with home purchase. Landscaping may be a decorator item not included in the purchase price and may not be available. D.R. Horton is an Equal Housing Opportunity Builder. Construction by DRH Construction, Inc., ROC # 064532-B.

Pollo asado recipe 41 Extreme home sales 42

ON THE COVER Monica D. Spencer captures Kareena Phakeokoth and Erika Paramo riding a surrey bike through Copper Sky Regional Park on a hot June afternoon.

InMaricopa.com | July 2026

FROM THE EDITOR

L From hallways to bylines LONG BEFORE I EVER BECAME A JOURNALIST, I fell in love with storytelling. I was a voracious reader and an unapologetic eavesdropper. My parents have photos of me at 3 sitting on the toilet with a She-Ra picture book, then several years later devouring copy after copy of “The Baby-Sitters Club” on road trips in the backseat of our Chevy Blazer. I also remember the nights family

Publisher SCOTT BARTLE

my belief that everyone has a story worth telling. Some become headlines. Some serve as the spark to another story and others are captured in photography’s decisive moment. But together, they tell the story of a community working on its next chapter. That’s true of every InMaricopa

Advertising Director VINCENT MANFREDI

Associate Editor MONICA D. SPENCER

Operations Director TIFFANY WELCH

issue I’ve worked on, including this one. You’ll learn which song local candidates would play as they enter a room, the culture shock of being an exchange student from Japan and the thoughts racing through the heads of high school graduates on the cusp of adulthood. They may not seem like they have

Stay Cool All Summer

Advertising ERIKA PARAMO BRITTANY RUSSELL MICHELLE SORENSEN Writers KRISTINA DONNAY KAYLIN HANSEN WENDE GEHRT BYRON LEMON DAYV MORGAN

or friends would stop by our house in Mesa. I would lie in bed until my parents thought I was asleep and slip from the top bunk, tip-toeing in the dark to sit alone in the L-shaped hallway just out of view. It was my

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much in common, but they offer a glimpse into the lives and perspectives of Maricopans. Hopefully, those stories allow each of us to see ourselves and our neighbors a little more clearly. And with that, I want to say ahéhee’, thank you for trusting me with your stories. I look forward telling Maricopa’s next chapter.

one chance to hear all the adult stories unfiltered: the updates, the gossip, the “can you believe he did that” comments from the adults in my life. I reveled in those tales. Since then, I’ve been drawn to storytelling in all forms: essays, poetry, photography and music. As a Diné (Navajo) woman, I grew up knowing stories do more than entertain. They preserve our history, pass down crucial lessons and help us remember our humanity. That understanding is ultimately what led me to journalism. I may not be telling my own stories, but I do see my role as helping others share theirs. Three and a half years ago, I started as a general assignment reporter for InMaricopa , worked on the government beat and moved up to senior reporter before eventually accepting a position as associate editor. During that time, I’ve confirmed

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Our Services

MONICA D. SPENCER ASSOCIATE EDITOR | Monica@InMaricopa.com

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Send your reactions with a photo of yourself at the QR code to be published in a future edition of InMaricopa magazine.

MISSION Inform readers/viewers. Enrich advertisers.

BELIEFS We believe in: • An informed citizenry. • Holding ourselves and others accountable. • The success of deserving businesses.

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Volume 21, Issue 7 InMaricopa 44400 W. Honeycutt Road, Suite 101 Maricopa, AZ 85138

Terms and Conditions Apply. Applicable to residential properties. Valid for one-time use only. Must be presented at time of service. Cannot be used with other offers or discounts. Doesn’t apply to past work. Call for details. Exp. 8/31/2026. AZ ROC 291261, 291262, 321010, 326088.

520-568-0040 Tel News@InMaricopa.com Advertising@InMaricopa.com

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Published advertisements are not an endorsement of products or advertising claims by InMaricopa . No part of this magazine may be reproduced by any means without the prior written permission of InMaricopa . Copyright 2026.

WENDE GEHRT Wende shares tips for vibrant colors in your summer garden.

BRIAN PETERSHEIM Brian gives a midyear snapshot of Maricopa’s real estate market.

KRISTINA DONNAY Dr. Kristina talks low testosterone solutions.

InMaricopa.com | July 2026

HISTORY

THIS MONTH IN HISTORY For these and other historical stories, visit InMaricopa.com.

5 years ago Construction was underway on what would become Desert Sunrise High School, Maricopa Unified School District’s second high school campus. Crews began grading the site and preparing foundations, while district leaders celebrated an $18 million boost in state funding that helped accelerate the project. The campus would ultimately open in 2022, expanding educational

10 years ago

15 years ago

20 years ago

A trial date was set in the high- profile killings of Thunderbird Farms residents Michael and Tina Careccia, whose disappearance and deaths shocked the Maricopa community in 2015. Prosecutors were seeking the death penalty against Jose Valenzuela, who was accused of fatally shooting the couple and burying their bodies near his family’s home. The case remained one of the most closely watched criminal proceedings in Maricopa’s history.

One of Maricopa’s last independent video rental stores closed its doors. DVD and Game Depot owner Allen Ingersoll blamed a combination of changing technology, customer turnover and challenges facing small businesses. The closure came as services like Netflix and Redbox were transforming how Americans rented movies and video games.

Legacy Traditional School announced plans to become Maricopa’s first charter school, offering families an alternative to traditional public education. Before its local campus was completed, the school operated from a temporary site in Tempe and provided free transportation for Maricopa students. School leaders said early enrollment would help shape the size and scope of the future campus, which opened the following year.

opportunities for Maricopa’s growing student population.

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InMaricopa.com | July 2026

HISTORY

After a long hiatus, Maricopa’s Stagecoach Days returned last year to enthusiastic crowds. The multiday celebration revived many of the traditions that made the event a community favorite, including a family fishing derby, goat-kissing, candle-making and more. Stagecoach Days began in 1959 with a barbecue dinner Tuning up tradition

and free rides aboard authentic stagecoaches, all aimed at raising $50,000 for a community swimming pool. This photo shows a country band performing on a modest stage during the 1992 event. While the band’s name — and the songs they played — may be lost to time, the memories live on.

BILL GRIFFIN as Constable Bill Griffin has spent a lifetime serving others through law enforcement, public safety, and community involvement.

• Married for 43 years • Proud father of 5

• Served as a Contract Investigator for the Department of Homeland Security • Active community volunteer • Boy Scouts of America • Master Gardener • Maricopa Community Garden • Addiction Recovery Support • Make-A-Wish Foundation

• Proud grandfather of 16 • Maricopa resident for 19 years • 25 years with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department

• Emergency Response Unit • Drug Recognition Expert • Child Abuse Investigations

LEARN MORE

Facebook.com/BillGriffinAZ | www.GriffinAZ.com GriffinForConstable@gmail.com

InMaricopa.com | July 2026

July 2026 | InMaricopa.com

GOVERNMENT

City on-site improvement for pickleball court additions at 44345 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The contractor is Hunter Contracting. Cosmic Ascent Ice Cream issued mobile vendor for ice cream truck sales. STRR Investments issued tenant of Maricopa issued improvement for KFC at 21566 N. John Wayne Parkway, valued at $214,925. The contractor is Supreme Construction Services. El Dorado Porter 27 issued on-site improvement for Legacy at Porter at 17571 N. Porter Road. The contractor is Garrett Construction Company. TTRG AZ Maricopa Phase II Development issued tenant improvement for Panera at 19085 N. John Wayne Parkway, valued at $184,584. Panda Express issued new construction for 2,600 square feet at 42580 W. Maricopa- Casa Grande Highway. The contractor is Stansell Properties & Development. CFT NV Development issued on-site improvement for Panda Express at 42580 W. Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway.

Porter 20 issued seasonal sales for seasonal fireworks at 41135 W. Honeycutt Road. RESIDENTIAL Castlerock Communities to construct 3 homes in Rancho Mirage Estates. Century Communities to construct 1 home in the Lakes at Rancho El Dorado. Dream Finders Homes Arizona to construct 4 homes in Rancho Mirage Estates. D.R. Horton to construct 4 homes in Sorrento and 18 homes in Elena. Gehan Homes to construct 8 homes in the Lakes at Rancho El Dorado. Lennar to construct 9 homes in Anderson Farms. Meritage Homes of Arizona to construct 11 homes in Rancho Mirage Estates. Oakwood Homes to construct 5 homes in Moonlight. Pulte Homes to construct 8 homes in El Rancho Santa Rosa. Richmond American Homes to construct 5 homes in the Lakes at Rancho El Dorado.

BRIEF

Permits May 11-June 10

COMMERCIAL Desert Cedars Equities issued on-site improvement for 7-Eleven at southwest corner of John Wayne Parkway and Honeycutt Avenue. Desert Cedars Equities issued new construction for 7-Eleven convenience store at 18944 N. John Wayne Parkway, valued at $571,059. The contractor is Ganem Construction. TTRG AZ Maricopa Phase II Development issued tenant improvement for Aldi at 19169 N. John Wayne Parkway, valued at $1.3 million. The contractor is A.R. Mays Construction. City of Maricopa issued retaining wall for pickleball courts at 44345 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., valued at $700,000. The contractor is Hunter Contracting.

Curious about development in the City of Maricopa? Did you know we have an online tool that lets you search commercial and residential projects currently in review, under construction, and recently completed?

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InMaricopa.com | July 2026

GOVERNMENT

First job? Chopping weeds in cotton fields. It taught me the value of hard work at a very young age. Favorite hobby? Cooking is one of my favorite ways to relax and bring people together. I also enjoy running so I can keep up with my crosscountry team at Heritage Academy and spending time with my family and supporting my kids in their activities. What is your hidden superpower? Truth, transparency and trust — combined with my unusual love of reading contracts and fine print. If there’s a detail buried on page 47 that everyone else missed, I’ll probably find it. If you could elect a city mascot, what would it be? A burrowing owl — resilient, community-minded, uniquely suited to the desert, and a reminder that growth and conservation can coexist. What song would play when you walk into or exit a room? “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers, because strong communities are built when neighbors support one another and work together.

First job? I was working in a restaurant as a dishwasher. Favorite hobby? Anything outdoors or at the gym What would be your hidden superpower? My speech impediment; it gives me great understanding that no one is perfect and the courage to show that to others. If you could elect a city mascot, what would it be? A ram. It represents the city’s oldest high school and the ram is a beloved fixture of Maricopa athletics and school spirit. What song would play when you walk into or exit a room? “Backup Plan” by Baily Zimmerman and Luke Combs.

What is the most underrated thing about living in Maricopa? The people. Maricopa is full of families, volunteers, business owners and neighbors who do a lot of good. Cat or dog person? Dog, my mixed-breed terrier, Oreo, is now 17 years old. First job? One of my first jobs was unloading trucks full of 50-pound bags of powdered soap by hand. It taught me quickly what hard work means. Favorite hobby? I enjoy playing video games, spending time with family, and watching sports. I am also a long-suffering Chicago Bears fan, which probably counts as a test of character. What would be your hidden superpower? Being able to add more SR 347 lanes, overpasses and alternate routes instantly. Maricopa drivers would probably vote for that superpower, too. But since this is clearly a serious question, I would love to have the gift of knowing when people are lying. If you could elect a city mascot, what would it be? Some days I think Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh because Maricopa can get a little gloomy about itself. But I would go with a hummingbird; they are high energy, constantly moving and always looking for the next opportunity. What song would play when you walk into or exit a room? Walking in, it would be Stone Cold Steve Austin’s entrance theme. Once the glass breaks, everyone knows something memorable is about to happen. Walking out, “My Way” by Frank Sinatra, because I have always tried to do the work, take the criticism and keep moving forward.

Meet your candidates Candidates for city council, justice of the peace and constable share a little about themselves before voters go to the polls on July 21 BY MONICA D. SPENCER

They’ve coached youth sports, started businesses, volunteered on boards, raised families and built careers in Maricopa and beyond. This year’s candidates come from very different backgrounds, but they all share a desire to serve their community. InMaricopa asked each a mix of serious and lighthearted questions to help voters get to know the people behind the campaign signs. Responses have been lightly edited for brevity and clarity.

MARICOPA CITY COUNCIL

What is the most underrated thing about living in Maricopa? Maricopa is a city of about 80,000 people, but you still run into someone you know almost everywhere you go. That smalltown connection is special, and I hope we never lose it. Cat or dog person? Dog person. Corgis, specifically, because tiny legs and big opinions feel right at home in my world. First job? My first job was at Berge Mazda in the special-order parts department. It is funny now because my husband and I later owned NAPA stores, so auto parts apparently were going to find me one way or another. Favorite hobby? I love traveling, quilting, spending time with my family, working out with my Peach Fitness crew and being involved in the community. Calling community advocacy a hobby may be a warning sign, but here we are. What would be your hidden superpower? My hidden superpower is reading the fine print and finding the needle in the haystack, especially in numbers. My HOA board members have seen it firsthand and are usually amazed at what I catch. If you could elect a city mascot, what would it be? A roadrunner. It is fast, tough, built for the desert and somehow still surviving traffic, which feels very Maricopa. What song would play when you walk into or exit a room? “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman. It is confident, direct and a good reminder that I know who I am and why I show up.

Incumbent Vincent Manfredi

Incumbent AnnaMarie Knorr Hometown: Buckeye, Ariz. Neighborhood: Cobblestone Farms Years in Maricopa: 20

Hometown: West New York, N.J. Neighborhood: Maricopa Meadows Years in Maricopa: 16

Challenger Tena Dugan

What brought you to Maricopa? We came here looking for a good place to live, raise kids and build a future. We chose correctly. Occupation? I own InMaricopa.com and InBuckeye.com. My work is focused on advertising and helping small businesses connect with their communities. In which community organizations are you involved? Open Arms Vocational Living Center board, Central Arizona Governments Governing Board, Arizona Rural Transportation Advocacy Council Board of Directors, Pinal Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors, Arizona League of Cities & Towns Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Works Committee, Central Arizona Governments Economic Development District Board, Maricopa Associations of Governments Transportation Policy Committee. Previously, I have been involved in youth sports and volunteered with Maricopa Unified School District.

What brought you to Maricopa? Maricopa’s deep agricultural roots and farming heritage reminded me of where I came from, and it was a great place to raise a family. Occupation? Maricopa city councilmember, director of marketing and public outreach for Exceptional Healthcare in Arizona and cross- country coach at Heritage Academy Maricopa. In which community organizations are you involved? Maricopa Water Safety Coalition, Maricopa Fire Foundation Board, Be Awesome Youth Coalition, Boys & Girls Club, the Greater Maricopa Business Alliance and Maricopa Lions Club. What is the most underrated thing about living in Maricopa? The people. When someone needs help, this community consistently shows up for one another. Cat or dog person? Dog person. I have two I rescued from a local shelter.

Hometown: Gilbert, Ariz. Neighborhood: Glennwilde Years in Maricopa: 2013

Challenger Adam Leach

What brought you to Maricopa? My husband is a farmer, and we moved our farm to Stanfield in 1996. I started volunteering in Maricopa in 2000, before incorporation, and my husband and I were business owners here from 2002 to 2020. Occupation? I am a realtor serving Maricopa and Pinal counties and the surrounding areas. I sell dirt and houses, too. In which community organizations are you involved? Pinal County Transportation Advisory Committee, 347Facts Committee. Previously on the Glennwilde HOA Board, Maricopa Parks, Recreation and Libraries Committee, Maricopa Citizen Transportation Oversight Committee and the Boys & Girls Club Community Board.

Hometown: Rehoboth, Mass. Neighborhood: Santa Rosa Springs Years in Maricopa: 20 What brought you to Maricopa? A sense of community and affordable homes Current occupation? Real estate agent and investor In which community organizations are you involved? Boy Scouts, 347Facts committee, Rotary Club of Maricopa, Maricopa Rocketry Club What is the most underrated thing about living in Maricopa? A true sense of community and diversity Cat or dog person? I like all animals, but I love dogs.

Challenger Chrystal O’Jon

Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif. Neighborhood: Senita Years in Maricopa: 16 What brought you to Maricopa? Retirement

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GOVERNMENT

Occupation? Owner of Maricopa Lifestyle Magazine. In which community organizations are you involved? Maricopa Debutante Organization, First Friday Downtown Maricopa, Ten Toes Down Cancer Walk, Maricopa Fashion Week, Kids Day Maricopa, Black Maricopa Chamber of Commerce and Maricopa Desert Music & Arts Fest. What is the most underrated thing about living in Maricopa? The beautiful sunsets. Cat or dog person? I love them both. What was your first job? L.A. Unified School District as an elementary playground supervisor. What is your favorite hobby? Arts and crafts. I love design and storytelling — I’m always sketching or creating layouts for the magazine. What would be your hidden superpower? Patience. Being a caregiver for my husband and juggling everything else teaches you patience real quick. But I think it’s because listening matters more to me than rushing. I’d rather sit with someone and really understand what they need than just move on to the next thing. This requires patience that many people don’t see as an actual strength. If you could elect a city mascot, what would it be? A singing cactus. What song would you play when you walk into or exit a room? “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” by McFadden & Whitehead

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

Summer School Join us for one of our exciting Summer School Weeks and experience what learning at Flourish is all about. Students will immerse themselves in hands-on, project-based studies while exploring:

Maricopa has a big yet small feel, big enough to keep gaining what a growing city needs, small enough that you still run into people you know at Bashas’.” JAMES SINGLETON

Week 1: filmmaking Bring stories to life through creativity, collaboration, and video production. Week 2: Wind Energy Discover the science and innovation behind renewable energy through engaging activities and experiments. Come experience a unique approach to learning that inspires curiosity, creativity, and real-world discovery.

Incumbent Henry Wade

stop in Mesa, my wife and I went hunting for a place to finally plant roots. Maricopa won us over and we haven’t looked back. Occupation? Senior software engineer, which is a fancy way of saying I get paid to make computers behave. In which community organizations are you involved? Assistant coach for Maricopa High School swim team, former vice chair and chair of Maricopa Planning & Zoning Commission and web developer for 347 Facts. What is the most underrated thing about living in Maricopa? Maricopa has a big yet small feel, big enough to keep gaining what a growing city needs, small enough that you still run into people you know at Bashas’. That mix is hard to find in a city this size. Cat or dog person? Both if I’m honest, but our three dogs would probably vote dog. First job? Selling CUTCO Cutlery door to door, which taught me how to handle rejection, followed by refereeing at a paintball park, which taught me how to dodge things flying at my head. Favorite hobby? Toss-up between photography and building websites, depending on whether I feel like capturing a moment in time or building something useful. What would be your hidden superpower? Being able to control electronics just by thinking about them; lights, laptops, the works. It would make my day job a lot more interesting and probably a little dangerous. If you could elect a city mascot, what would it be? A burrowing owl dressed as a train conductor, equal parts wise and on schedule. Owls bring a sense of watching over the community, and the conductor nods to Maricopa’s railroad roots. What song would play when you walk into or exit a room? Probably Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” or “How Do You Like Me Now.” Either one means I’m ready to make an entrance.

Challenger Tom Chapman

Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif. Neighborhood: Glennwilde Years in Maricopa: 18

Hometown: Gilbert, Ariz. Neighborhood: The Villages Years in Maricopa: 4

What brought you to Maricopa? We were looking to move from the Phoenix area and Maricopa won out because it felt comfortable. I liked that it was small, quiet and slow-moving, but also growing. Occupation? I’m retired, but I also serve as a city council member. In which community organizations are you involved? At the moment, just serving the community through city council. What is the most underrated thing about living in Maricopa? Community members because people like the city and the relationships and friendships they develop. The people here are really engaged and very committed to the growth and development of the community. Cat or dog person? I love dogs, but wife is allergic to cats and dogs so we have neither. First job? I was a shoeshine boy on corner of Florence and Normandie Avenues in South Central Los Angeles. I was an 8-year-old entrepreneur with my box and wax. Favorite hobby? Working with kids, I enjoy that more than anything. I was previously a Scout Master, so I enjoyed arranging camping trips and other events. What is your hidden superpower? I would probably like having super hearing so I can participate in every conversation around me. If you could elect a city mascot, what would it be? A tiger, they’re sleek, strong and you’re not going to mess with a tiger. What song would play when you walk into or exit a room? I’d say either “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye or “Shaft” by Isaac Hayes.

What brought you to Maricopa? Quality of life, safety, affordability and friends brought us to Maricopa. Occupation? Retired police officer and currently an MRI technologist What was your first job? My first job was mowing lawns at 10 years old. My next was doing auto body work at 13 years old. In which community organizations are you involved? I have always been heavily involved in volunteering, charity and my church. What’s a misconception people have about judges from TV and movies? That judges can do whatever they want. As judges, we are to follow court rules, state law and the Constitution. What is the most misunderstood part of the justice court? Times standards are misunderstood. They are actually very important to meet minimum standards established by the Arizona Supreme Court. If they’re failing, then more work must be done. It cannot be two days a week. What experience has best prepared you to serve as justice of the peace? My 25 years as a police officer and detective has prepared me to listen to every side and all information before making a determination. What would your high-school self think of you today? Never could’ve imagined life’s challenges met, failures I’ve overcome and success that I’ve been so blessed to enjoy. I never imagined the love I’d experience as a husband and father. What song would play when you walk into a room? “Proud to be an American.”

Summer School Highlights • FREE for enrolled Flourish families • Limited to students per week • Join either week or both • Daily Flourish Circles, Problem of the Day, Clubs & Pursuits • Campus Store Open

FLOURISH MARICOPA July 8-10 & July 20-22 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Challenger James Singleton

Flourish Microschools Where uriosity omes ack to ife FlourishSchools.com · (602) 661-8259 • amanda@flourishschools.com The Wells Shopping Plaza · Maricopa, AZ

Hometown: Los Alamitos, Calif. Neighborhood: Tortosa Years in Maricopa: 5

What brought you to Maricopa? After moving from Florida in 2019 and a year-long

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GOVERNMENT

represented, this work experience has prepared me to help them navigate the court process. What would your high-school self think of you today? I think she would be inspired and proud. I did not have the greatest upbringing and fell into a rough crowd as a teenager and young adult. I was a teen mom, so failure was never an option. I was emancipated when I was 16 years old. I learned very early on to work hard or go hungry. I worked multiple jobs while finishing high school. I then put myself through college while working full time and raising my children. I imagine if my high school self could see me today, she would smile and say, “We made it.” What song would play when you walk into a room? “Rise Up” by Andra Day

through Central Arizona College. In two sentences or less, what does a constable do? Serve the people in the Western Pinal Justice Court Precinct with compassion and professionalism. We handle warrants, protection orders, property restitution, a variety of court actions handled in the Justice Court. What personal qualities are most important for a constable? A constable needs to understand people, circumstances and situations then know how to properly handle them. The constable needs to know in a moment’s notice how to change to the situation and how to relate to the people you are dealing with. Deescalating circumstances, communication, and compassion are vital to this work.What experience has best prepared you to serve as constable? The many different assignments in a county sheriff’s department have given me a wide range of experiences. Vice, undercover, special assignments and narcotics have all given me different “faces” to wear in different situations. What would your high school self think of you today? No response What is the most Arizona thing you’ve ever done? I think eliminating a rattle snake, making it a meal and saving the skin. Next, I’d like to make cactus jam. What song would play when you walk into a room? I prefer to enter quietly and surprise everyone. It’s worked best for me in law enforcementa and as a constable.

ability to remain calm, impartial and professional. Ability to deescalate and be physically able to defend oneself and others if necessary. What experience has best prepared you to serve as constable? My experience serving and working in various law enforcement roles has prepared me to serve effectively as constable. Throughout my career, I have developed strong leadership, communication and problem- solving skills while building relationships based on trust, respect and accountability. Extensive training in de-escalation, self-defense and use of force. What would your high school self think of you today? He would probably say, “Well done, great job. Now, keep moving forward.” What is the most Arizona thing you’ve ever done? Stargazing in the Arizona desert and arguing over whether or not 105°F actually feels hot if you’re in the shade. What song would play when you walk into a room? “Real American” by Rick Derringer. As a little kid, Hulk Hogan was my hero, but my dad is my main hero and I guess it just stuck with me.

the ring to run for Constable, I was required to resign. It was a tough decision, but I am ready to serve my community in a different capacity. What was your first job? My first job was sweeping and mopping floors and light stocking of shelves at the community grocery store. I was 12 years old and worked 1 to 2 hours every other day. In which community organizations are you involved? I’m not involved in specific community organizations but am very active in the community. I have attended several fundraising and community events in Maricopa and the surrounding areas. In two sentences or less, what does a constable do? A constable is an elected peace officer who serves court documents, such as evictions, writs of restitution, protective orders, civil lawsuits and other orders issued by the justice of the peace. The constable may also provide courtroom security and serve failure- to-appear warrants if requested. What personal qualities are most important for a constable? The most important qualities are honesty, accountability,

The most important qualities are honesty, accountability, ability to remain calm, impartial and professional.” TIM NUANES

Incumbent Patricia Glover

Hometown: Detroit, Mich. Neighborhood: Villages at Rancho El Dorado Years in Maricopa: 16 What brought you to Maricopa? My husband and I were looking for a diverse, community-based town to raise our children in. Maricopa checked all our boxes. Occupation? Justice of the Peace for the Western Pinal Justice Court What was your first job? Fast food In which community organizations are you involved? Maricopa Power of $100 Women’s group and president of the C.P. Glover Foundation What’s a misconception people have about judges from TV and movies? A misconception people have is that the judge holds all the power. Most cases that come before the justice court are resolved by either default or a settlement or plea. Very few cases in the justice court go to trial. Additionally, the judge has an obligation to be impartial, which means the judge is not privy to most details and evidence of the case until the case goes to trial. What is the most misunderstood part of the justice court? Many people think all the courts and judges are connected. The justice court is a lower-level court, so we do not handle cases involving complex litigation, felonies, divorce, termination of parental rights or bankruptcy. What experience has best prepared you to serve as justice of the peace? I have 20 years’ experience working in the legal field, and I founded Maricopa’s first legal document preparer company offering low-cost legal services to people who cannot afford an attorney. Since most litigants in the justice court are self-

WESTERN PINAL COUNTY CONSTABLE

LIVE EASY. LIVE INSPIRED.

APARTMENT AMENITIES

COMMUNITY AMENITIES

• Swimming Pool • Grilling Stations • Community Room • EV Chargers • Dog Park • Mail Room • Carports

Incumbent Bill Griffin

• Washer/Dryer • 1 Gig Wi-Fi Ready Unit* • Stainless Steel Appliances • Quartz Counter tops *Fee applies

• On-Site Management • 24/7 Fitness Center

Hometown: Beaver, Pa. Neighborhood: Cobblestone Farms Years in Maricopa: 19

• Yoga Room • Playground

What brought you to Maricopa? I retired from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department my wife and I wanted to be close to our grandchildren. Current occupation? I am retired by I am the current Constable for the Western Pinal Justice Court, appointed by the Board of Supervisors in 2024. What was your first job? I was a box boy at a local market after my family moved to California. In which community organizations are you involved? Boy Scouts of America, Maricopa Agricultural Center Master Gardeners and Professional Career Pathway Project

Limited-Time Move-In Offer

Affordable Living, Thoughtfully Designed

Lease by December 31st and receive 2 Months Free Rent 6 Months Free WiFi + In-Home Washer/ Dryer (a $660 value, included at no cost) Terms and conditions may apply. Please contact our leasing office for full details.

Challenger Tim Nuanes

Hometown: Denver, Colo. Neighborhood: Amarillo Creek Years in Maricopa: 5

What brought you to Maricopa? Family Occupation? I worked security at Western Pinal Justice Court. After throwing my hat in

520-499-1057 • 19550 N. GUNSMOKE ROAD • RANCHESATGUNSMOKE.COM

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