Arcadia News — award winning neighborhood news since 1993
May 2019
May 2019, page 5

4 MAY 2019 Desiree is a friend of my wife’s – we call her Dez for short. Our kids go to school together and she’s a regular mom in most senses, shuttling her daughter around for school, activities and sleepovers. But Dez also has an alter-ego, “The DeztroyHer.” That’s when she goes to the derby track, straps on her skates and protective gear (and sometimes endures 90 minutes of makeup) and proceeds to deal (and is dealt) damage. Earlier this year, Dez invited us to come out and watch and I’m so glad she did. My wife and I brought our boys (10 and 13) to the Friday-night Derby, a little unsure about what to expect. I figured if they sell $5 tickets for kids and have taco trucks out back, it probably wouldn’t involve too much blood. It was one of the most fun, unique, entertaining and family-friendly nights we’ve had out. If you are looking for something entirely different from dinner and a movie, the AZ Derby Dames Championships are on May 4. Also, they will be back in the fall. Inside this issue you will also find Arcadia Home & Design , our seasonal home-centric magazine. This hyper-local special section has always been a reader-favorite, so I’m glad we could bring it back this summer. There are plenty of great stories and useful articles in both publications this month, so I’ll wrap this up and let you get to it. Thank you for reading the Arcadia News . — Greg A Bruns, Publisher FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK THIS MONTH’S WINNER: Wes Gong, fourth grade teacher at Christ Lutheran How long have you been teaching at CLS? It is my first year at Christ Lutheran School, and my first year teaching fourth grade. Where else have you taught? I have been a substitute at Valley Lutheran High School in Phoenix and Orange Lutheran High School in Orange, CA. How does it feel to be a Teacher We Love? Honestly, I am surprised and honored. It feels great to know that all the hard work that goes into teaching is leaving a positive impression on the students. When I saw your team walking up with our Principal, Mr. Doyle, and Assistant Principal Mrs. Black, I thought it was an observation or that someone was in trouble. I was just praying that it wasn’t me! What is your favorite part about being a teacher? I love being able to share the love of Christ with these students. I am so grateful that God loved me so much that He sent his son Jesus to take the punishment that I deserve. It is the whole reason I teach. I teach so that I can have the opportunity to share that love with my students and their families and my favorite part about teaching is helping students see that God loves them and cares about them personally. Did you always want to teach? Actually, I did not know that I wanted to teach until I interviewed here. I went to school to study Theology and Youth Ministry. Fourth grade was not even on my radar until our principal approached me at church one Sunday and asked if he could talk to me after church. In case you were wondering, getting called into the principal’s office is just as nerve- wracking when you are an adult! He asked if I would be interested in applying for the fourth-grade position and the rest is history. However, I did always know that I wanted to work in a position where I could share my faith with others and I am so glad that I am able to do that as a teacher here at CLS. Do you have any unique techniques you use for teaching? Throughout the year, I have found that many of the best teaching moments happen outside of normal class time. I love playing four square or other games with the kids at recess. It is really helpful to be able to model a Christ-like attitude when I get out or to help with conflict resolution when an argument arises. Plus, it is much more enjoyable than just watching them have all the fun. Where did you grow up? Originally, I am from Livermore, CA. I went to college at Concordia University in Irvine before an internship in the Baltimore area. I moved to Phoenix after getting married to my wife, who is the director of youth ministry at Christ Church Lutheran. What is your favorite part of Arcadia? I love being close to so many great hiking trails. There is such a variety of options, from Camelback to Papago Park to the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. I am used to having to drive to get to good hiking, so it is fantastic having so many options in my backyard. Winning teachers receive Arcadia News gift items, a gift certifi cate for the Phoenician Spa and a gift certifi cate to Postino. All winners are invited to an end of school year celebratory luncheon. Nominate a teacher you love at arcadianews.com. Desiree, aka The DeztroyHer h t o b s r e f f o . c n I s e c i v r e S l a i c n a n i F S B U , s t n e i l c o t s e c i v r e s t n e m e g a n a m h t l a e w g n i d i v o r p m r fi a s A s e c i v r e s e g a r e k o r b d n a s e c i v r e s y r o s i v d a t n e m t s e v n I . s e c i v r e s e g a r e k o r b d n a s e c i v r e s y r o s i v d a t n e m t s e v n i e t a r a p e s d n a s w a l t n e r e f f i d y b d e n r e v o g e r a d n a s y a w l a i r e t a m n i r e f f i d , t c n i t s i d d n a e t a r a p e s e r a t a h t d n a s s e n i s u b t c u d n o c e w h c i h w n i s y a w e h t d n a t s r e d n u s t n e i l c t a h t t n a t r o p m i s i t I . s t n e m e g n a r r a r o s t c u d o r p e h t t u o b a m e h t o t e d i v o r p e w t a h t s e r u s o l c s i d d n a s t n e m e e r g a e h t d a e r y l l u f e r a c y e h t t a e t i s b e w r u o t i s i v n o i t a m r o f n i e r o m r o F . r e f f o e w s e c i v r e s . s u h t i w g n i k r o w / m o c . s b u l l A . 9 1 0 2 S B U © . 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2019 TAVAN SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS (1/01/2019-3/31/2019) Active Homes - 108 Homes Homes Sold - 48 Homes Average Sale Price - $571,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $272 Average Days On Market - 83 days There is currently 6 months of home inventory. (based on 2018 sales results) 2019 home sales have decreased 11% this year. (based on 2018 sales results) 2019 home prices have decreased 10%. (based on 2018 sales results) 2019 $ Per Square Foot prices have increased 1%. (based on 2018 sales results) 2019 Homes are taking 5% less time to sell. (based on 2018 sales results) 2018 TAVAN SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS Homes Sold - 215 Homes Average Sale Price - $632,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $270 Average Days On Market - 87 days Arcadia Real Estate Stats 2019 HOPI SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS (1/01/2019-3/31/2019) Active Homes - 177 homes Homes Sold - 70 homes Average Sale Price - $1,260,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $361 Average Days On Market - 99 days There is currently 7 months of home inventory. (based on 2018 sales results) 2019 home sales have decreased 12% this year. (based on 2018 sales results) 2019 home prices have decreased 1%. (based on 2018 sales results) 2019 $ Per Square Foot prices have decreased 2%. (based on 2018 sales results) 2019 homes are taking 27% less time to sell. (based on 2018 sales results) 2018 HOPI SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS Homes Sold - 310 homes Average Sale Price - $1,275,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $352 Average Days On Market - 136 days visit Tommy Atkinson .com West USA Realty Cell: 602-625-6020 ARCADIA RANCH West USA Realty Cell: 602-625-6020 West USA Realty Cell: 602-625-6020 Free MLS Access • Complete list of ALL Hopi properties for sale Complete List of ALL Tavan properties for sale ARCADIA CONTEMPORARY 5405 E Calle Ventura • $ 999,000 • 4 Bedroom/ 3 Bath • 2,644 square feet 6143 E Exeter • $ 1,750,000 • 4 Bedroom/ 5 Bath • 5,329 square feet