Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Sat, 14 Mar 2026 01:45:45 -0400 http://www.wvfjenandfriends.com/ en-us © 2026 Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. yes 32fbfac5-9c52-5986-8b85-5d9eb87da401 Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. episodic false 🎙 Jen’s Two Cents brings clarity with bold, boots-on-the-ground storytelling. Investigative journalist Jen Barber sits down with Arizona’s newsmakers, thought leaders, and everyday changemakers to unpack the stories shaping our communities.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) west valley families, arizona, parenting, schools, government, jen barber, estrella mountian ranch, social media, privacy, safety Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. https://storage.buzzsprout.com/0amj7w419ia5mi9tmkrpribh6ycd?.jpg Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. http://www.wvfjenandfriends.com/ Jen Barber AI Impacts on Children Protections, Privacy, and the Workforce in Arizona AI Impacts on Children Protections, Privacy, and the Workforce in Arizona Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly raising urgent questions about child safety, digital privacy, and the future of the workforce.

How are these issues affecting Arizona and the nation?

In this exclusive interview, I sit down with AI and digital privacy advocate Julie Barrett to discuss what these changes could mean for families, children, and society.

Read the Report

Watch the Interview

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly raising urgent questions about child safety, digital privacy, and the future of the workforce.

How are these issues affecting Arizona and the nation?

In this exclusive interview, I sit down with AI and digital privacy advocate Julie Barrett to discuss what these changes could mean for families, children, and society.

Read the Report

Watch the Interview

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-18748532 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 13:00:00 -0700 3243 4 1 full false One-on-One with Goodyear PD PIO Sgt. Mayra Reeson: Inside the New Virtual Block Watch Program One-on-One with Goodyear PD PIO Sgt. Mayra Reeson: Inside the New Virtual Block Watch Program Goodyear Police Department Sgt. Mayra Reeson, the department’s Public Information Officer, sat down for a one-on-one discussion about community engagement, evolving technology, and GYPD’s new Virtual Block Watch Program. 

Goodyear Virtual Block Watch Link

Sgt. Reeson joined Goodyear PD in January 2025 and brings 18 years of law enforcement experience, including time with Phoenix Police Department. She is a graduate of the Arizona Law Enforcement Police Academy (2008).

After moving from California to Arizona, Reeson became deeply involved in her community—as a mom running a Girl Scout troop and building local connections. That sense of community ultimately drew her to Goodyear.

“It just gave me that opportunity to come back to more of what my community is. This is where I shop. Entertainment. So much is growing here in Goodyear. So this is more like my community again.”

Like many in law enforcement, Sgt. Reeson says policing wasn’t a childhood dream—but once she found it, she knew it was where she belonged.

“I stumbled upon this career… Once I was here, I was like wow—this is really what I was meant to do. I can’t imagine doing something else.”

A self-described social person, Sgt. Reeson transitioned from computers and IT into law enforcement as her children grew older, drawn to the fulfillment of serving the community.

“We spend so much time away from our families… and being able to serve the community—it’s just more fulfilling.”

Now working in media relations, Sgt. Reeson says her focus is ensuring accurate, timely information reaches residents about safety and community concerns.

What Is the Virtual Block Watch Program?

GYPD’s Virtual Block Watch expands traditional neighborhood watch concepts using today’s technology. With doorbell cameras, floodlight cameras, and home security systems now common, the program allows residents to voluntarily register their cameras with the police department.

Importantly, Sgt. Reeson emphasizes:

  • Police do not have access to residents’ cameras
  • Officers cannot log in, view live feeds, or browse footage

Instead, residents register:

  • That they have a camera
  • The general location of their home
  • The direction the camera points

When a crime occurs, officers or investigators can check the database and see if registered cameras are nearby.

“We’ll reach out to the homeowners and ask them to review their camera, give them a time frame, and see if they believe they captured any footage that would be helpful.”

If residents believe their footage is relevant, they receive a secure upload link to voluntarily submit it. The footage remains within Goodyear PD and is not shared externally.

Why It Matters

Sgt. Reeson says the program helps:

  • Solve crimes faster
  • Extend limited manpower
  • Free up officers’ time
  • Deter criminal activity
  • Provide closure and resolution for victims
“If we’re not getting ahead of technology, then we’re behind it. Using these tools helps us further investigations and lets our manpower go farther.”

At the same time, GYPD is continuing to grow in-person Neighborhood Block Watch programs, which Sgt. Reeson says remain vital.

“Nobody knows your neighborhood better than you.”

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Goodyear Police Department Sgt. Mayra Reeson, the department’s Public Information Officer, sat down for a one-on-one discussion about community engagement, evolving technology, and GYPD’s new Virtual Block Watch Program. 

Goodyear Virtual Block Watch Link

Sgt. Reeson joined Goodyear PD in January 2025 and brings 18 years of law enforcement experience, including time with Phoenix Police Department. She is a graduate of the Arizona Law Enforcement Police Academy (2008).

After moving from California to Arizona, Reeson became deeply involved in her community—as a mom running a Girl Scout troop and building local connections. That sense of community ultimately drew her to Goodyear.

“It just gave me that opportunity to come back to more of what my community is. This is where I shop. Entertainment. So much is growing here in Goodyear. So this is more like my community again.”

Like many in law enforcement, Sgt. Reeson says policing wasn’t a childhood dream—but once she found it, she knew it was where she belonged.

“I stumbled upon this career… Once I was here, I was like wow—this is really what I was meant to do. I can’t imagine doing something else.”

A self-described social person, Sgt. Reeson transitioned from computers and IT into law enforcement as her children grew older, drawn to the fulfillment of serving the community.

“We spend so much time away from our families… and being able to serve the community—it’s just more fulfilling.”

Now working in media relations, Sgt. Reeson says her focus is ensuring accurate, timely information reaches residents about safety and community concerns.

What Is the Virtual Block Watch Program?

GYPD’s Virtual Block Watch expands traditional neighborhood watch concepts using today’s technology. With doorbell cameras, floodlight cameras, and home security systems now common, the program allows residents to voluntarily register their cameras with the police department.

Importantly, Sgt. Reeson emphasizes:

  • Police do not have access to residents’ cameras
  • Officers cannot log in, view live feeds, or browse footage

Instead, residents register:

  • That they have a camera
  • The general location of their home
  • The direction the camera points

When a crime occurs, officers or investigators can check the database and see if registered cameras are nearby.

“We’ll reach out to the homeowners and ask them to review their camera, give them a time frame, and see if they believe they captured any footage that would be helpful.”

If residents believe their footage is relevant, they receive a secure upload link to voluntarily submit it. The footage remains within Goodyear PD and is not shared externally.

Why It Matters

Sgt. Reeson says the program helps:

  • Solve crimes faster
  • Extend limited manpower
  • Free up officers’ time
  • Deter criminal activity
  • Provide closure and resolution for victims
“If we’re not getting ahead of technology, then we’re behind it. Using these tools helps us further investigations and lets our manpower go farther.”

At the same time, GYPD is continuing to grow in-person Neighborhood Block Watch programs, which Sgt. Reeson says remain vital.

“Nobody knows your neighborhood better than you.”

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-18381374 Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0700 1897 3 26 full false Paradise Valley School Board Member Sandra Christensen Launches Bid for Arizona House of Representatives Paradise Valley School Board Member Sandra Christensen Launches Bid for Arizona House of Representatives In a move that is already reshaping the political landscape of Legislative District 4, Paradise Valley Unified School District Governing Board Member Sandra Christensen formally announces her candidacy for the Arizona House of Representatives — and she sits down for her first exclusive interview with Jen’s Two Cents.

Read the Report

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> In a move that is already reshaping the political landscape of Legislative District 4, Paradise Valley Unified School District Governing Board Member Sandra Christensen formally announces her candidacy for the Arizona House of Representatives — and she sits down for her first exclusive interview with Jen’s Two Cents.

Read the Report

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-18251320 Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0700 2320 3 25 full false Flock Cameras & The Founding Fathers Flock Cameras & The Founding Fathers ❓ Are license plate readers compatible with the freedoms our Founding Fathers fought for? 

🎙️ This week, I sit down with Surprise, Arizona Councilmember Johnny Melton to break down the city’s audit of its Flock Safety ALPR system, what it uncovered, and what it means for privacy rights, public safety, and government accountability in Arizona. 

➡️ As an independent journalist, these are the conversations that drive my work — talking directly with the people making decisions about surveillance technology and how it affects our daily lives. 

🔍 If you’re following the rise of ALPR cameras, AI policing tools, or the debate over privacy vs. safety, this conversation is a must-watch.

🎧 Watch now: My full interview with Councilmember Johnny Melton. 

📽️ Check out all my conversations with local changemakers: https://www.youtube.com/@jenandfriends

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> ❓ Are license plate readers compatible with the freedoms our Founding Fathers fought for? 

🎙️ This week, I sit down with Surprise, Arizona Councilmember Johnny Melton to break down the city’s audit of its Flock Safety ALPR system, what it uncovered, and what it means for privacy rights, public safety, and government accountability in Arizona. 

➡️ As an independent journalist, these are the conversations that drive my work — talking directly with the people making decisions about surveillance technology and how it affects our daily lives. 

🔍 If you’re following the rise of ALPR cameras, AI policing tools, or the debate over privacy vs. safety, this conversation is a must-watch.

🎧 Watch now: My full interview with Councilmember Johnny Melton. 

📽️ Check out all my conversations with local changemakers: https://www.youtube.com/@jenandfriends

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-18235317 Sat, 22 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0700 293 3 24 full false Scottsdale's Barry Graham on Axon, License Plate Readers, & AI Scottsdale's Barry Graham on Axon, License Plate Readers, & AI Scottsdale City Councilmember Barry Graham granted Jen’s Two Cents an exclusive interview to discuss the city’s 2026 Legislative Agenda — a document I located in last week’s council Consent Agenda.

Councilmember Graham played a key role in proposing an amendment, and in our conversation he breaks down why it mattered, what changed, and what residents should know moving forward. 

“The Legislative Agenda is not supposed to be controversial,” Councilmember Barry Graham said as he opened his council meeting November 17, 2025 remarks. 

He recommended keeping the phrase “Promote the responsible and transparent use of technology” while removing the specific references to license plate readers, photo radar, and AI. 

In our one-on-one interview, Councilmember Barry Graham calls for a policy debate on emerging technologies.

In this exclusive interview, we also hear Graham’s thoughts on Scottsdale's latest agreement with Axon. 

Read the Report: https://westvalleyfamilies.substack.com/p/councilmember-barry-graham

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Scottsdale City Councilmember Barry Graham granted Jen’s Two Cents an exclusive interview to discuss the city’s 2026 Legislative Agenda — a document I located in last week’s council Consent Agenda.

Councilmember Graham played a key role in proposing an amendment, and in our conversation he breaks down why it mattered, what changed, and what residents should know moving forward. 

“The Legislative Agenda is not supposed to be controversial,” Councilmember Barry Graham said as he opened his council meeting November 17, 2025 remarks. 

He recommended keeping the phrase “Promote the responsible and transparent use of technology” while removing the specific references to license plate readers, photo radar, and AI. 

In our one-on-one interview, Councilmember Barry Graham calls for a policy debate on emerging technologies.

In this exclusive interview, we also hear Graham’s thoughts on Scottsdale's latest agreement with Axon. 

Read the Report: https://westvalleyfamilies.substack.com/p/councilmember-barry-graham

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-18227059 Thu, 20 Nov 2025 14:00:00 -0700 998 3 23 full false ALPRs, AI, and Privacy: One-on-One with Johnny V. Melton ALPRs, AI, and Privacy: One-on-One with Johnny V. Melton After leading an in-depth audit of Surprise, Arizona’s Flock Safety license plate reader network, Councilmember Johnny V. Melton sits down with Jen’s Two Cents to reveal what he discovered. From data practices to AI concerns, he walks through the findings and what residents should know.

Enjoy this latest episode of “Jen & Friends” with host Jen Barber.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> After leading an in-depth audit of Surprise, Arizona’s Flock Safety license plate reader network, Councilmember Johnny V. Melton sits down with Jen’s Two Cents to reveal what he discovered. From data practices to AI concerns, he walks through the findings and what residents should know.

Enjoy this latest episode of “Jen & Friends” with host Jen Barber.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-18221269 Wed, 19 Nov 2025 17:00:00 -0700 3407 3 22 full false Goodyear Mayoral Race: Stipp Challenges Pizzillo, Citing Strained State Relations Goodyear Mayoral Race: Stipp Challenges Pizzillo, Citing Strained State Relations Read the Report

Jen’s Two Cents makes no claims or determinations regarding any of these statements. This exclusive interview is being presented solely to inform the public of viewpoints expressed by candidates and elected officials during the 2026 Goodyear mayoral race.

Mayor Pizzillo remains welcome to provide a written statement or appear on the Jen’s Two Cents podcast at any time.

All statements contained herein are presented as reported and have not been independently verified.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Read the Report

Jen’s Two Cents makes no claims or determinations regarding any of these statements. This exclusive interview is being presented solely to inform the public of viewpoints expressed by candidates and elected officials during the 2026 Goodyear mayoral race.

Mayor Pizzillo remains welcome to provide a written statement or appear on the Jen’s Two Cents podcast at any time.

All statements contained herein are presented as reported and have not been independently verified.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-18082154 Mon, 27 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0700 4925 Arizona, Bill Stipp, Goodyear Arizona, Joe Pizzillo, Mayor, Councilmember, Water, Traffic, Growth, West Valley, United States, Flock, City Planning 3 21 full true Arizona Educational Opportunities: Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo Arizona Educational Opportunities: Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo On March 4, 2025, Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo spoke with me following the launch of the Buckeye Union High School District Education Foundation — a new nonprofit dedicated to supporting students through enhanced Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities. Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC), which partners with 15 public school districts and 2 charter districts, offers innovative CTE programs that allow students to gain real-world skills through elective courses at their home campuses.

Here is our full interview from that day.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> On March 4, 2025, Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo spoke with me following the launch of the Buckeye Union High School District Education Foundation — a new nonprofit dedicated to supporting students through enhanced Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities. Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC), which partners with 15 public school districts and 2 charter districts, offers innovative CTE programs that allow students to gain real-world skills through elective courses at their home campuses.

Here is our full interview from that day.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-18073276 Sat, 25 Oct 2025 10:00:00 -0700 88 Arizona, Goodyear, Joe Pizzillo, West Valley, Politics, Education, West-Mec 3 20 full false Arizona AI-Driven Mass Surveillance: Cameras Installed Before Council Approval — Former Goodyear Lawmaker Speaks Out Arizona AI-Driven Mass Surveillance: Cameras Installed Before Council Approval — Former Goodyear Lawmaker Speaks Out In this exclusive, former Councilmember - now mayoral candidate - Bill Stipp says Goodyear residents deserve a public conversation about the city’s rollout of AI-driven surveillance cameras.

Read the Report

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> In this exclusive, former Councilmember - now mayoral candidate - Bill Stipp says Goodyear residents deserve a public conversation about the city’s rollout of AI-driven surveillance cameras.

Read the Report

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-18073178 Sat, 25 Oct 2025 10:00:00 -0700 731 Arizona, AI, ALPR, License Plate Readers, Privacy, Flock, Bill Stipp, Goodyear 3 19 full false Arizona to New York Surveillance Showdown: Josh Frankel Shares his Denial to Victory Story Arizona to New York Surveillance Showdown: Josh Frankel Shares his Denial to Victory Story What happens when a citizen pushes back against government secrecy? In this exclusive interview, we talk with the man who refused to accept “denied” for an answer — and won. His fight to access the surveillance records tied to his own license plate location reveals just how much the government knows about your movements… and what it takes to get that information.

I thank Josh Frankel for his insight and willingness to share his story!

Read the Report: https://westvalleyfamilies.substack.com/p/surveillance-showdown

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> What happens when a citizen pushes back against government secrecy? In this exclusive interview, we talk with the man who refused to accept “denied” for an answer — and won. His fight to access the surveillance records tied to his own license plate location reveals just how much the government knows about your movements… and what it takes to get that information.

I thank Josh Frankel for his insight and willingness to share his story!

Read the Report: https://westvalleyfamilies.substack.com/p/surveillance-showdown

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-17952746 Fri, 03 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0700 1290 Arizona, AI, ALPR, License Plate Readers, Privacy, Flock, New York, Scarsdale 3 18 full true Arizona Schools & Superintendent Contracts: Christopher Thomas of Goldwater Institute Arizona Schools & Superintendent Contracts: Christopher Thomas of Goldwater Institute Read the Report: Who's Protecting the Taxpayers?

In the news lately, several Arizona school districts have faced controversy over superintendents being terminated early or released from their contracts long before they expire. 

Many walk away with hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars, leaving governing boards under fire as they navigate some of the most difficult decisions in public education. 

To better understand the scope of the problem — and possible solutions — I sat down with Christopher Thomas of the Goldwater Institute for this exclusive interview. 

🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth reporting and interviews on Arizona schools, policy, and government accountability. 

TIME CODES 

00:08 School Board Governance & Superintendent Contracts 

00:19 Maricopa County Superintendent Shelli Boggs Statement 

00:33 Thomas - Why school boards need to think about "end" at the beginning 

2:32 Contracts with Big Payouts 

4:45 Board members consulted to stay out of the day-to-day business of school administration 

9:08 Transparency in creating superintendent contracts 

11:55 Consequences to taking the low-cost approach to superintendent searches 

12:50 Sandra Christensen | Paradise Valley Schools 

13:20 Thomas - Affordability to be considered but also want to know what the superintendent search is going to do for the board 

17:45 Allegations & Board Decisions 

18:35 Superintendent searches & deadlines for hiring 

24:15 Goldwater Superintendent Pay Database 

27:41 FOIA records requests difficulties 

31:10 Governing boards may not know of admin's transparency 

31:50 Are superintendents overpaid? 

34:34 Proficiency scores matched to superintendent pay 

35:16 Difference between districts and proficiency 

36:56 School bonds 

38:37 Goldwater legislation for 2026 

39:29 Wrap

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Read the Report: Who's Protecting the Taxpayers?

In the news lately, several Arizona school districts have faced controversy over superintendents being terminated early or released from their contracts long before they expire. 

Many walk away with hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars, leaving governing boards under fire as they navigate some of the most difficult decisions in public education. 

To better understand the scope of the problem — and possible solutions — I sat down with Christopher Thomas of the Goldwater Institute for this exclusive interview. 

🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth reporting and interviews on Arizona schools, policy, and government accountability. 

TIME CODES 

00:08 School Board Governance & Superintendent Contracts 

00:19 Maricopa County Superintendent Shelli Boggs Statement 

00:33 Thomas - Why school boards need to think about "end" at the beginning 

2:32 Contracts with Big Payouts 

4:45 Board members consulted to stay out of the day-to-day business of school administration 

9:08 Transparency in creating superintendent contracts 

11:55 Consequences to taking the low-cost approach to superintendent searches 

12:50 Sandra Christensen | Paradise Valley Schools 

13:20 Thomas - Affordability to be considered but also want to know what the superintendent search is going to do for the board 

17:45 Allegations & Board Decisions 

18:35 Superintendent searches & deadlines for hiring 

24:15 Goldwater Superintendent Pay Database 

27:41 FOIA records requests difficulties 

31:10 Governing boards may not know of admin's transparency 

31:50 Are superintendents overpaid? 

34:34 Proficiency scores matched to superintendent pay 

35:16 Difference between districts and proficiency 

36:56 School bonds 

38:37 Goldwater legislation for 2026 

39:29 Wrap

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-17939909 Wed, 01 Oct 2025 10:00:00 -0700 2395 Arizona, Education, Arizona Schools, Public Schools, Superintendent, School Choice, ESA, Goldwater Institute, Superintendent Contracts 3 17 full false Arizona AI-Driven Mass Surveillance: Steps to Removing Flock Cameras in Sedona Arizona AI-Driven Mass Surveillance: Steps to Removing Flock Cameras in Sedona Sandy Boyce of LiveFreeAZ.com breaks down how residents in Sedona successfully pushed to have Flock Safety surveillance cameras removed — and what it takes to do the same in your own city. From uncovering contracts to pressing city councils for transparency, Boyce explains the exact steps communities can use to challenge automated license plate readers and reclaim control over local surveillance policies.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Sandy Boyce of LiveFreeAZ.com breaks down how residents in Sedona successfully pushed to have Flock Safety surveillance cameras removed — and what it takes to do the same in your own city. From uncovering contracts to pressing city councils for transparency, Boyce explains the exact steps communities can use to challenge automated license plate readers and reclaim control over local surveillance policies.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-17915932 Sat, 27 Sep 2025 13:00:00 -0700 614 Arizona, AI, ALPR, License Plate Readers, Privacy, Flock, Sedona, Sandy Boyce, Freedom 3 16 full false Arizona & the Future of School Choice in Arizona with Surprise Vice Mayor Jack Hastings Arizona & the Future of School Choice in Arizona with Surprise Vice Mayor Jack Hastings I sat down with Surprise Vice Mayor Jack Hastings to discuss current events, and our conversation turned to competition in education and the future of school choice in Arizona. Hastings, who was first elected to the Surprise City Council in 2020 and re-elected in 2022, has served as Vice Mayor since January 2025. A longtime Surprise resident, Assistant Principal in the Dysart Unified School District, and Arizona State University graduate, Hastings also shares his personal perspective as both an educator and civic leader. 

This episode also features insight on school boards from Pam Kirby, Founder and Board President of the Arizona Coalition of School Board Members.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> I sat down with Surprise Vice Mayor Jack Hastings to discuss current events, and our conversation turned to competition in education and the future of school choice in Arizona. Hastings, who was first elected to the Surprise City Council in 2020 and re-elected in 2022, has served as Vice Mayor since January 2025. A longtime Surprise resident, Assistant Principal in the Dysart Unified School District, and Arizona State University graduate, Hastings also shares his personal perspective as both an educator and civic leader. 

This episode also features insight on school boards from Pam Kirby, Founder and Board President of the Arizona Coalition of School Board Members.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-17799483 Sat, 06 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0700 1160 Arizona, Education, Arizona Schools, Public Schools, School Choice, ESA, Surprise Arizona, Jack Hastings 3 15 full false Arizona to New York: Flock Cameras with Josh Frankel Arizona to New York: Flock Cameras with Josh Frankel Josh Frankel, a 25-year resident of Scarsdale, New York, has been raising awareness about Flock Safety cameras and spoke with me about how the technology is spreading nationwide.

Read the Report

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Josh Frankel, a 25-year resident of Scarsdale, New York, has been raising awareness about Flock Safety cameras and spoke with me about how the technology is spreading nationwide.

Read the Report

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-17775709 Tue, 02 Sep 2025 13:00:00 -0700 1128 Arizona, AI, ALPR, License Plate Readers, Privacy, Flock, New York, Scarsdale 3 14 full false Arizona Business Freedom from License Fees: Surprise Vice Mayor Jack Hastings Arizona Business Freedom from License Fees: Surprise Vice Mayor Jack Hastings Cut, Slash, or Eliminate? Surprise to Reconsider Its Business License Mandate


Surprise City Council will weigh cutting its $168 business license fee Tuesday — Vice Mayor Jack Hastings says it’s about competition and investment.

Read the Report

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Cut, Slash, or Eliminate? Surprise to Reconsider Its Business License Mandate


Surprise City Council will weigh cutting its $168 business license fee Tuesday — Vice Mayor Jack Hastings says it’s about competition and investment.

Read the Report

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-17764759 Sun, 31 Aug 2025 17:00:00 -0700 2017 Arizona, Surprise Arizona, Jack Hastings, Business License, Business Fees, Freedom, Taxation 3 13 full true Arizona Public School Enrollment Numbers Dropping: Anna Van Hoek Arizona Public School Enrollment Numbers Dropping: Anna Van Hoek In this exclusive Jen and Friends interview, Parental Rights Advocate Anna Van Hoek joins us to talk about the sharp decline in public school enrollment across Arizona — and what it means for families, funding, and the future of education in our state.

The schools expert lays out exactly why 92,000 students — and their tax dollars — are now choosing education outside Arizona’s public school system.

We also dive into what parents can do this school year to make sure their children have the best possible outcomes, regardless of where they learn.

Read this Report.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> In this exclusive Jen and Friends interview, Parental Rights Advocate Anna Van Hoek joins us to talk about the sharp decline in public school enrollment across Arizona — and what it means for families, funding, and the future of education in our state.

The schools expert lays out exactly why 92,000 students — and their tax dollars — are now choosing education outside Arizona’s public school system.

We also dive into what parents can do this school year to make sure their children have the best possible outcomes, regardless of where they learn.

Read this Report.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-17604642 Fri, 01 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0700 527 Arizona, Education, Arizona Schools, Public Schools, Superintendent, School Choice, ESA, Enrollment, Birth Rate Decline, Anna Van Hoek, School Board 3 12 full false Arizona Conservatives on School Boards: Anna Van Hoek | Higley School Board Member Arizona Conservatives on School Boards: Anna Van Hoek | Higley School Board Member 🎙️ New Episode of “Jen & Friends” — Now Streaming! 

This week on Jen & Friends, we shine the spotlight on a conservative voice making waves in Arizona’s public education system: Anna Van Hoek, a Higley Unified School District Governing Board Member. 

In this candid conversation, Van Hoek opens up about why she got involved in public service, the realities of being a minority voice on her school board, and why she believes 2026 is a critical year for parents and community members to step up and run. 

She doesn’t hold back — from questioning rising administrative costs and SEL spending to sounding the alarm over teacher shortages, state testing mandates, and an ever-growing backlog of educator misconduct cases. 

Van Hoek also voices her concern over book review processes, parental consent, and what she sees as the erosion of trust between parents and public schools. 

💬 “Every decision we make as a board should come down to one thing: Does this improve student achievement? Politics shouldn’t have a seat at the table.” — Anna Van Hoek 

If you're a parent, educator, or taxpayer wanting a deeper understanding of what’s happening in Arizona schools — from transparency fights to funding debates, book battles to boardroom frustrations — this episode is for you. 

#jenandfriends #wvf

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> 🎙️ New Episode of “Jen & Friends” — Now Streaming! 

This week on Jen & Friends, we shine the spotlight on a conservative voice making waves in Arizona’s public education system: Anna Van Hoek, a Higley Unified School District Governing Board Member. 

In this candid conversation, Van Hoek opens up about why she got involved in public service, the realities of being a minority voice on her school board, and why she believes 2026 is a critical year for parents and community members to step up and run. 

She doesn’t hold back — from questioning rising administrative costs and SEL spending to sounding the alarm over teacher shortages, state testing mandates, and an ever-growing backlog of educator misconduct cases. 

Van Hoek also voices her concern over book review processes, parental consent, and what she sees as the erosion of trust between parents and public schools. 

💬 “Every decision we make as a board should come down to one thing: Does this improve student achievement? Politics shouldn’t have a seat at the table.” — Anna Van Hoek 

If you're a parent, educator, or taxpayer wanting a deeper understanding of what’s happening in Arizona schools — from transparency fights to funding debates, book battles to boardroom frustrations — this episode is for you. 

#jenandfriends #wvf

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-17235514 Wed, 30 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0700 3574 Arizona, Education, Arizona Schools, Public Schools, Superintendent, School Choice, ESA, Enrollment, Anna Van Hoek, School Board, Superintendent, Conservative, Politics 3 9 full false Arizona School Board Member Challenges: Superintendent’s Role at the Dais Arizona School Board Member Challenges: Superintendent’s Role at the Dais Not Just a Seat—A Statement: School Board Member Challenges Superintendent’s Role at the Dais

Does seating the superintendent at the dais blur the separation of roles — and make it harder for the public to catch side comments, facial expressions, & subtle cues revealing how decisions are made?

Read the Report here.

At the July 8th Higley Unified School District governing board meeting, tensions rose when Board Member Anna Van Hoek publicly objected to the superintendent sitting alongside board members on the dais. Van Hoek called it inappropriate for an employee who reports to the board to present as an equal—and says she wasn’t consulted on the change. According to her, the decision came from the superintendent and was approved solely by the board president, without input from the full board. Grab your earbuds for our latest Jen & Friends Podcast featuring a conversation with parental rights advocate Anna Van Hoek.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Not Just a Seat—A Statement: School Board Member Challenges Superintendent’s Role at the Dais

Does seating the superintendent at the dais blur the separation of roles — and make it harder for the public to catch side comments, facial expressions, & subtle cues revealing how decisions are made?

Read the Report here.

At the July 8th Higley Unified School District governing board meeting, tensions rose when Board Member Anna Van Hoek publicly objected to the superintendent sitting alongside board members on the dais. Van Hoek called it inappropriate for an employee who reports to the board to present as an equal—and says she wasn’t consulted on the change. According to her, the decision came from the superintendent and was approved solely by the board president, without input from the full board. Grab your earbuds for our latest Jen & Friends Podcast featuring a conversation with parental rights advocate Anna Van Hoek.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-17589199 Thu, 24 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0700 659 Arizona, Education, Arizona Schools, Public Schools, Superintendent, School Choice, ESA, Enrollment, Anna Van Hoek, School Board, Superintendent 3 11 full false Arizona Schools & Assumed Consent: When Fine Print Sells Out Your Child’s Privacy Arizona Schools & Assumed Consent: When Fine Print Sells Out Your Child’s Privacy Every school year, parents are buried in a blizzard of consent forms—medical releases, media waivers, technology agreements—most of which go unread in the rush to get kids back in class. Buried in the fine print is a decades-old policy that allowed schools to quietly hand over students' personal information to outside vendors—unless parents knew to opt out. But a new Arizona law changes that, requiring schools to get explicit permission first. It’s a small default switch with massive implications for child privacy. Despite overwhelming public support, the only opposition came from liberal lawmakers. 

In this investigation, we explain the policy shift and speak exclusively with Christopher Thomas of the Goldwater Institute, the policy expert who led the charge to put parents—and not vendors—back in control.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Every school year, parents are buried in a blizzard of consent forms—medical releases, media waivers, technology agreements—most of which go unread in the rush to get kids back in class. Buried in the fine print is a decades-old policy that allowed schools to quietly hand over students' personal information to outside vendors—unless parents knew to opt out. But a new Arizona law changes that, requiring schools to get explicit permission first. It’s a small default switch with massive implications for child privacy. Despite overwhelming public support, the only opposition came from liberal lawmakers. 

In this investigation, we explain the policy shift and speak exclusively with Christopher Thomas of the Goldwater Institute, the policy expert who led the charge to put parents—and not vendors—back in control.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-17434176 Tue, 01 Jul 2025 17:00:00 -0700 1703 Arizona, Education, Arizona Schools, Public Schools, School Choice, ESA, Privacy, Student Privacy, Opt-Out 3 10 full false Arizona School Choice Update with Stacey Brown Arizona School Choice Update with Stacey Brown Breaking down Arizona’s ESA drama just one day after furious parents walked out of a State Board meeting — and with a potential challenger already being recruited to take on Superintendent Tom Horne in 2026.


Time Codes:

00:00 Intro

:07 Stacey discusses what happened during the April 28, 2025 ADE meeting

:59 Stacey explains what happened during ADE public comment 

2:12 The ADE meeting

3:28 Stacey describes the speaker process

5:26 ADE public comment rules

6:21 Stacey talks about when ESA parents started to notice change in ESA caps rules

7:02 Challenger in the race for State Superintendent

8:19 Stacey’s 3 hopes for ESA in Arizona

9:37 Arizona State Superintendent Tom Horne on his committment to ESA and school choice

10:40 Stacey responds to “disconnect” between Horne and ESA families

12:20 Timeline for new candidate to announce

12:45 Barber asks about educator discipline

17:24 Stacey’s advice for young parents looking to put children into school

19:26 School Choice website to check out

20:13 Wrap

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Breaking down Arizona’s ESA drama just one day after furious parents walked out of a State Board meeting — and with a potential challenger already being recruited to take on Superintendent Tom Horne in 2026.


Time Codes:

00:00 Intro

:07 Stacey discusses what happened during the April 28, 2025 ADE meeting

:59 Stacey explains what happened during ADE public comment 

2:12 The ADE meeting

3:28 Stacey describes the speaker process

5:26 ADE public comment rules

6:21 Stacey talks about when ESA parents started to notice change in ESA caps rules

7:02 Challenger in the race for State Superintendent

8:19 Stacey’s 3 hopes for ESA in Arizona

9:37 Arizona State Superintendent Tom Horne on his committment to ESA and school choice

10:40 Stacey responds to “disconnect” between Horne and ESA families

12:20 Timeline for new candidate to announce

12:45 Barber asks about educator discipline

17:24 Stacey’s advice for young parents looking to put children into school

19:26 School Choice website to check out

20:13 Wrap

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-17067708 Tue, 29 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0700 1245 Arizona, Education, Arizona Schools, Public Schools, School Choice, ESA, Stacey Brown, Homeschool, Tom Horne 3 8 full false Arizona Secretary of State Candidate Alex Kolodin Arizona Secretary of State Candidate Alex Kolodin EXCLUSIVE - FIRST INTERVIEW: The Conservative Candidate for Arizona Secretary of State  

Rep. Alex Kolodin officially filed to run in the 2026 General Election as a Republican candidate for Arizona Secretary of State on March 31, 2025. 

Backed by the powerful Arizona Freedom Caucus, Kolodin gives his first official interview to Senior Investigative Journalist Jen Barber on March 30, 2025.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> EXCLUSIVE - FIRST INTERVIEW: The Conservative Candidate for Arizona Secretary of State  

Rep. Alex Kolodin officially filed to run in the 2026 General Election as a Republican candidate for Arizona Secretary of State on March 31, 2025. 

Backed by the powerful Arizona Freedom Caucus, Kolodin gives his first official interview to Senior Investigative Journalist Jen Barber on March 30, 2025.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-18082648 Mon, 31 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0700 808 Arizona, Secretary of State, Alex Kolodin, Arizona Politics full false Arizona Exclusive: One-On-One with Arizona Rep. Joseph Chaplik Arizona Exclusive: One-On-One with Arizona Rep. Joseph Chaplik Axon. Waymo. Arizona's deficit. Rep. Joseph Chaplik (R-LD3) talks with "Jen & Friends" about the big issues and hints what might be next for his political career.

READ THE STORY

VIDEO TIME CODES

:00 Intro

:26 About State 48 News

:42 Chaplik’s support of independent journalism 

1:10 About Chaplik & how he got into politics

2:36 Chaplik’s start in Arizona

3:04 Getting involved in politics in 2020

3:53 Chaplik’s philosophy and the conservative scorecards

4:51 Politics & business

5:26 “A lot of business needs to be done” - Leadership

7:07 Politics & disagreements

7:56 Attempt to change the Arizona constitution 

8:02 Doesn’t think state should be involved in Axon deal

8:53 Local control

9:45 How the Axon zoning deal ended up at the state level

10:13 Scottsdale referendum signatures

11:18 How Chaplik got involved in zoning legislation 

12:05 March 3rd and Fox Business News

12:30 Axon’s Josh Isner on Fox Business News

13:22 Chaplik’s reaction

13:59 Chaplik’s team starts working on a statement

14:05 Chaplik discusses what happened when Axon’s Rick Smith approaches him at Capitol

14:29 Threats made

14:50 Chaplik’s call to security

15:19 Chaplik’s reaction to watching Axon statements on Fox Business News

16:01 Chaplik’s response on March 4th - Fox Business News

16:49 How Chaplik’s conversation ended with Rick Smith on March 3rd

18:11 Axon in Scottsdale 5 years ago

18:27 Scottsdale election

19:06 Changing the constitution is the “wrong thing to do”

19:27 Petersen response on the legislation

19:49 HB 2925

20:05 How to put language on another bill - “striker” bill

20:38 Changing zoning is “bad for everybody”

21:15 Sen. Carroll’s striker bill - Wednesday 8:30am

22:42 Divided Republicans

25:12 What might be good for one district might not be good for another district

26:23 “Scottsdale Problem”

26:43 Rogue city councils & development

27:22 90% of voters don’t want more large projects in Scottsdale

28:53 Consequences of Axon leaving

30:00 Axon plan for development 

31:13 No guarantee Axon is sticking around

32:38 15-minute city

34:34 Is there a place for Axon in Scottsdale

36:28 What happens with the zoning legislation?

38:51 Conduct of guests in the Capitol 

40:34 Waymo

42:42 DOGE

43:10 How to cut State Income Tax 

44:15 Cutting waste

45:05 Missed opportunity to build a new state capitol 

46:26 Arizona deficit

47:44 Executive branch has explaining to do

48:35 What’s next for Arizona?

48:45 Andy Biggs

49:29 Chaplik’s future

50:16 Wish for more people to get involved in politics

51:27 Business & leadership

51:55 Arizona and money management

53:01 Good years and bad years

53:48 Chaplik and the pandemic

58:12 Angry people and death threats

58:40 Wrap

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Axon. Waymo. Arizona's deficit. Rep. Joseph Chaplik (R-LD3) talks with "Jen & Friends" about the big issues and hints what might be next for his political career.

READ THE STORY

VIDEO TIME CODES

:00 Intro

:26 About State 48 News

:42 Chaplik’s support of independent journalism 

1:10 About Chaplik & how he got into politics

2:36 Chaplik’s start in Arizona

3:04 Getting involved in politics in 2020

3:53 Chaplik’s philosophy and the conservative scorecards

4:51 Politics & business

5:26 “A lot of business needs to be done” - Leadership

7:07 Politics & disagreements

7:56 Attempt to change the Arizona constitution 

8:02 Doesn’t think state should be involved in Axon deal

8:53 Local control

9:45 How the Axon zoning deal ended up at the state level

10:13 Scottsdale referendum signatures

11:18 How Chaplik got involved in zoning legislation 

12:05 March 3rd and Fox Business News

12:30 Axon’s Josh Isner on Fox Business News

13:22 Chaplik’s reaction

13:59 Chaplik’s team starts working on a statement

14:05 Chaplik discusses what happened when Axon’s Rick Smith approaches him at Capitol

14:29 Threats made

14:50 Chaplik’s call to security

15:19 Chaplik’s reaction to watching Axon statements on Fox Business News

16:01 Chaplik’s response on March 4th - Fox Business News

16:49 How Chaplik’s conversation ended with Rick Smith on March 3rd

18:11 Axon in Scottsdale 5 years ago

18:27 Scottsdale election

19:06 Changing the constitution is the “wrong thing to do”

19:27 Petersen response on the legislation

19:49 HB 2925

20:05 How to put language on another bill - “striker” bill

20:38 Changing zoning is “bad for everybody”

21:15 Sen. Carroll’s striker bill - Wednesday 8:30am

22:42 Divided Republicans

25:12 What might be good for one district might not be good for another district

26:23 “Scottsdale Problem”

26:43 Rogue city councils & development

27:22 90% of voters don’t want more large projects in Scottsdale

28:53 Consequences of Axon leaving

30:00 Axon plan for development 

31:13 No guarantee Axon is sticking around

32:38 15-minute city

34:34 Is there a place for Axon in Scottsdale

36:28 What happens with the zoning legislation?

38:51 Conduct of guests in the Capitol 

40:34 Waymo

42:42 DOGE

43:10 How to cut State Income Tax 

44:15 Cutting waste

45:05 Missed opportunity to build a new state capitol 

46:26 Arizona deficit

47:44 Executive branch has explaining to do

48:35 What’s next for Arizona?

48:45 Andy Biggs

49:29 Chaplik’s future

50:16 Wish for more people to get involved in politics

51:27 Business & leadership

51:55 Arizona and money management

53:01 Good years and bad years

53:48 Chaplik and the pandemic

58:12 Angry people and death threats

58:40 Wrap

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-16857172 Tue, 25 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0700 3663 Arizona, Joseph Chaplik, Arizona Politics, Republican, Conservative, State Lawmakers, Axon, Waymo 3 7 full false Arizona Photo Radar & License Plate Readers: Who's going to decide? The state? Cities? Or citizens? Arizona Photo Radar & License Plate Readers: Who's going to decide? The state? Cities? Or citizens? Photo radar. It’s one of the hot topics in the #azleg and who gets to decide its fate is on razor’s edge. The state? Cities? Or citizens? Senior Investigative Journalist Jen Barber has been digging into red-light cameras, license plate readers, and AI-driven mass surveillance for more than a year. In this episode of “Jen and Friends”, Barber talks with a variety of state lawmakers, and shares the pros and cons of traffic photo enforcement from the ongoing discussions at the capitol.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Photo radar. It’s one of the hot topics in the #azleg and who gets to decide its fate is on razor’s edge. The state? Cities? Or citizens? Senior Investigative Journalist Jen Barber has been digging into red-light cameras, license plate readers, and AI-driven mass surveillance for more than a year. In this episode of “Jen and Friends”, Barber talks with a variety of state lawmakers, and shares the pros and cons of traffic photo enforcement from the ongoing discussions at the capitol.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-16684240 Mon, 24 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0700 975 Arizona, AI, ALPR, License Plate Readers, Privacy, Flock, Verra Mobility, Photo Radar 3 6 full false Arizona's West Valley with Surprise, AZ Councilmember-Elect Johnny Melton Arizona's West Valley with Surprise, AZ Councilmember-Elect Johnny Melton On this episode of "Jen & Friends", an exclusive interview with Surprise, Arizona's Councilmember-Elect Johnny Melton.

The long-time conservative advocate agreed to talk with West Valley Families about the newly formed Conservative Agenda for Arizona group - a group generating a lot of criticism and speculation regarding its motive.

While Melton's comments on my early release of this interview on X gained a great deal of backlash, I offer you the opportunity to hear our full discussion.

From Arizona schools to building a vibrant West Valley, I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I have.

Thank you for listening. And from West Valley Families to YOU family... Happy Thanksgiving.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> On this episode of "Jen & Friends", an exclusive interview with Surprise, Arizona's Councilmember-Elect Johnny Melton.

The long-time conservative advocate agreed to talk with West Valley Families about the newly formed Conservative Agenda for Arizona group - a group generating a lot of criticism and speculation regarding its motive.

While Melton's comments on my early release of this interview on X gained a great deal of backlash, I offer you the opportunity to hear our full discussion.

From Arizona schools to building a vibrant West Valley, I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I have.

Thank you for listening. And from West Valley Families to YOU family... Happy Thanksgiving.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-16178416 Tue, 26 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0700 2554 Arizona, Surprise Arizona, Johnny Melton, Freedom, Taxation, School Boards, Politics 3 3 full false Happiness vs. Joy with Mario Valencia: Arizona Resident & Veteran Happiness vs. Joy with Mario Valencia: Arizona Resident & Veteran Happiness is defined as a state of mind.

Joy is a feeling of happiness.

Or is it?

After the death of my father, I’ve been thinking a lot about what separates joy and happiness. And to broaden the conversation, I asked an old friend to join me on my podcast to talk about how we can practice joy in our lives… 

I hope you enjoy this Q&A with Mario Valencia. A vet. Business owner. Nonprofit founder. And father.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Happiness is defined as a state of mind.

Joy is a feeling of happiness.

Or is it?

After the death of my father, I’ve been thinking a lot about what separates joy and happiness. And to broaden the conversation, I asked an old friend to join me on my podcast to talk about how we can practice joy in our lives… 

I hope you enjoy this Q&A with Mario Valencia. A vet. Business owner. Nonprofit founder. And father.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-14724997 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0700 90 Arizona, Mario Valencia, Joy, Happiness, Happy, Veteran, Father, Robeks, Business Owner, Estrella Mountain Ranch 3 2 full false Arizona School Board Member & Libertarian: Nathan Madden Arizona School Board Member & Libertarian: Nathan Madden We kick off our 3rd season of Jen & Friends with an exclusive interview with Nathan Madden.

Madden is a governing school board member in the Buckeye Union High School District, and a candidate in LD25’s race for state representative.

He talks with us about the formula creating success in West Valley education. And he shares a platform idea that has us re-thinking the way we view leadership in local police departments.

đź”— Watch Here: https://youtu.be/XN3WWeUK8_E

We hope this podcast gets you thinking about the topics most important to residents and taxpayers as much as it has for us!

#jenandfriends #wvf #NathanMadden #westvalleyfamilies #LD25 #BUHSDpride #youpaidforit #news2jb #azleg #schoolchoice #ESA 

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> We kick off our 3rd season of Jen & Friends with an exclusive interview with Nathan Madden.

Madden is a governing school board member in the Buckeye Union High School District, and a candidate in LD25’s race for state representative.

He talks with us about the formula creating success in West Valley education. And he shares a platform idea that has us re-thinking the way we view leadership in local police departments.

đź”— Watch Here: https://youtu.be/XN3WWeUK8_E

We hope this podcast gets you thinking about the topics most important to residents and taxpayers as much as it has for us!

#jenandfriends #wvf #NathanMadden #westvalleyfamilies #LD25 #BUHSDpride #youpaidforit #news2jb #azleg #schoolchoice #ESA 

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-14394256 Sun, 28 Jan 2024 17:00:00 -0700 1248 Arizona, Education, Arizona Schools, Public Schools, Superintendent, School Choice, ESA, Nathan Madden, Buckeye Union High School District, Libertarian, Politics 3 1 full false Arizona Author and KYCA Radio Sports Director: John Rust Arizona Author and KYCA Radio Sports Director: John Rust He's the sports guy everyone knows and loves in Prescott, Arizona. On this episode of Jen & Friends, we have a spirited conversation with KYCA Radio Sports Director John Rust.

From his dream interview to his beef with guacamole, we get more insight about John's interests and hobby-turned-side hustle as an author.

We also discuss the state of youth sports. Why are kids leaving the game? How can parents support their student-athletes?

Also find out John's favorite historical places to visit... and the historical figured he would have loved to interview.

We turn the interviewer into the interviewee. And we hope you enjoy this podcast as much as we have. Thanks, John, for your time... and the laughs! -Jen

#jenandfriends #news2jb #podcast #johnrust

Watch the Podcast: https://youtu.be/5sObxNrVPXE

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> He's the sports guy everyone knows and loves in Prescott, Arizona. On this episode of Jen & Friends, we have a spirited conversation with KYCA Radio Sports Director John Rust.

From his dream interview to his beef with guacamole, we get more insight about John's interests and hobby-turned-side hustle as an author.

We also discuss the state of youth sports. Why are kids leaving the game? How can parents support their student-athletes?

Also find out John's favorite historical places to visit... and the historical figured he would have loved to interview.

We turn the interviewer into the interviewee. And we hope you enjoy this podcast as much as we have. Thanks, John, for your time... and the laughs! -Jen

#jenandfriends #news2jb #podcast #johnrust

Watch the Podcast: https://youtu.be/5sObxNrVPXE

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-14080535 Sun, 03 Dec 2023 14:00:00 -0700 2099 arizona, jen and friends, john rust, kyca radio, presoctt arizona, sports 2 8 full false Arizona School Resource Officers & Teen Mental Health Arizona School Resource Officers & Teen Mental Health In this exclusive interview with Sgt. Tyler of the Goodyear Police Department, we tackle TWO big issues.

1. Teen Mental Health
Sgt. Tyler is part of an ad hoc committee looking for solutions to prevent teen suicide.

2. School Resource Officers
Sgt. Tyler discusses Goodyear's SRO program and his hopes for the future of the program.

We've so enjoyed this conversation. Please send us your ideas for future episodes to jen@news2jb.com.

#jenandfriends #news2jb

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> In this exclusive interview with Sgt. Tyler of the Goodyear Police Department, we tackle TWO big issues.

1. Teen Mental Health
Sgt. Tyler is part of an ad hoc committee looking for solutions to prevent teen suicide.

2. School Resource Officers
Sgt. Tyler discusses Goodyear's SRO program and his hopes for the future of the program.

We've so enjoyed this conversation. Please send us your ideas for future episodes to jen@news2jb.com.

#jenandfriends #news2jb

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-13366850 Mon, 07 Aug 2023 18:00:00 -0700 1070 Arizona, Police, School Resource Officers, Sgt. Tyler, Goodyear Police Department, Teen Mental Health, Arizona Schools 2 6 full false Arizona Schools: The Noah Killeen Story Arizona Schools: The Noah Killeen Story A second west Valley student was denied the honor of being named "valedictorian" at a local high school graduation. West Valley Families first broke news of this trend in Arizona. Our reporting has led to one top-achieving student to get the recognition he deserves, while a student in another district wrangles to create change for future classes.

Independent journalist Jen Barber has exclusive interviews with Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne and Board President Trey Terry of the Agua Fria Union High School District. Dr. Steve Bebee of the Buckeye Union High School District was unable to speak on camera, but did send a statement and explainer about his district's graduation ranking policy.

This report also includes a follow up interview with Caden Lipsky, whom we heard from just a few days before his graduation.

It's an honor to be able to hear from these excelling students in the west Valley.

If you have a news tip, please email it to jen@news2jb.com.
#JenandFriends #News2JB

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> A second west Valley student was denied the honor of being named "valedictorian" at a local high school graduation. West Valley Families first broke news of this trend in Arizona. Our reporting has led to one top-achieving student to get the recognition he deserves, while a student in another district wrangles to create change for future classes.

Independent journalist Jen Barber has exclusive interviews with Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne and Board President Trey Terry of the Agua Fria Union High School District. Dr. Steve Bebee of the Buckeye Union High School District was unable to speak on camera, but did send a statement and explainer about his district's graduation ranking policy.

This report also includes a follow up interview with Caden Lipsky, whom we heard from just a few days before his graduation.

It's an honor to be able to hear from these excelling students in the west Valley.

If you have a news tip, please email it to jen@news2jb.com.
#JenandFriends #News2JB

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-12972827 Sat, 03 Jun 2023 17:00:00 -0700 630 Arizona, Noah Killeen, Buckeye Union High School District, DEI, Valedictorian, Tom Horne, Trey Terry, Arizona Schools, Dr. Steve Bebee 2 5 full false Arizona Schools: Valedictorian Rankings Under Review Arizona Schools: Valedictorian Rankings Under Review Great conversation with the Board President of the Agua Fria Union HSD. Trey Terry and Jen Barber talk about the District’s long-standing policy on ranking students by GPA… a decision its district made - due to a possible cheating scandal and unrelated to equitable outcomes, he says. The current ranking policy was established well before Arizona School Boards Association started recommending sorting students into percentages. 

The Valedictorian at Canyon View High School, Caden Lipsky, weighs in, too. Trey and Jen discuss merit-based ranking and what other districts do to determine Valedictorian status. 

The investigation continues. Later this week, we examine the ranking policy in the Buckeye Union High School District. It’s an update you won’t want to miss as it appears it was updated after a family raised concerns over last year’s ranking system - which may have awarded students who took home periods over those who took a full class load. 

Please send news tips to Jen@news2jb.com.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Great conversation with the Board President of the Agua Fria Union HSD. Trey Terry and Jen Barber talk about the District’s long-standing policy on ranking students by GPA… a decision its district made - due to a possible cheating scandal and unrelated to equitable outcomes, he says. The current ranking policy was established well before Arizona School Boards Association started recommending sorting students into percentages. 

The Valedictorian at Canyon View High School, Caden Lipsky, weighs in, too. Trey and Jen discuss merit-based ranking and what other districts do to determine Valedictorian status. 

The investigation continues. Later this week, we examine the ranking policy in the Buckeye Union High School District. It’s an update you won’t want to miss as it appears it was updated after a family raised concerns over last year’s ranking system - which may have awarded students who took home periods over those who took a full class load. 

Please send news tips to Jen@news2jb.com.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-12870865 Wed, 17 May 2023 17:00:00 -0700 1115 Arizona, Noah Killeen, Buckeye Union High School District, DEI, Valedictorian, Tom Horne, Trey Terry, Arizona Schools, Dr. Steve Bebee, Agua Fria Union High School District, Equity, Caden Lipsky 2 4 full false Arizona: Hotline Empowering Traditional Education Arizona: Hotline Empowering Traditional Education West Valley Families' Jen Barber has an exclusive interview with AZ Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne about the hotline established to report CRT in the classroom.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> West Valley Families' Jen Barber has an exclusive interview with AZ Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne about the hotline established to report CRT in the classroom.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-12861070 Tue, 16 May 2023 11:00:00 -0700 151 Arizona, Education, Arizona Schools, Public Schools, School Choice, ESA, CRT, Tom Horne, DEI 2 3 full false Arizona: The Caden Lipsky Story | Competition with No Winner Arizona: The Caden Lipsky Story | Competition with No Winner The West Valley's Caden Lipsky is a graduating senior with a 5.24 GPA. Number one in his class. But the aspiring astronaut won't be named "Valedictorian" due to school district guidelines now becoming more popular in schools nationwide.

While schools like to brag on #1 athletes, they diminish the values of hard work in the classroom by lumping top students into categories of Top 1%, Top 5%, and Top 10%. No longer are Valedictorians and Salutatorians honored in a growing number of school districts.

Inspired by astronaut Senator Mark Kelly, Caden worked tirelessly during his parents' divorce and the pandemic to earn the #1 spot. Being ripped of Valedictorian status is a disappointment... but he's taking it in stride and hopes to change the policy for those graduating after him.

MORE: https://open.substack.com/pub/westvalleyfamilies/p/the-caden-lipsky-story

#news2jb #jenandfriends

View: https://youtu.be/z8hdPyZN70A

P.S. Special thanks to Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne for taking 20 minutes to speak with me on a variety of topics affecting public schools. I will be breaking education news throughout the weekend.

Please subscribe to my Substack.
SIGN THE PETITION HERE: https://chng.it/dXJrgJdw85

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> The West Valley's Caden Lipsky is a graduating senior with a 5.24 GPA. Number one in his class. But the aspiring astronaut won't be named "Valedictorian" due to school district guidelines now becoming more popular in schools nationwide.

While schools like to brag on #1 athletes, they diminish the values of hard work in the classroom by lumping top students into categories of Top 1%, Top 5%, and Top 10%. No longer are Valedictorians and Salutatorians honored in a growing number of school districts.

Inspired by astronaut Senator Mark Kelly, Caden worked tirelessly during his parents' divorce and the pandemic to earn the #1 spot. Being ripped of Valedictorian status is a disappointment... but he's taking it in stride and hopes to change the policy for those graduating after him.

MORE: https://open.substack.com/pub/westvalleyfamilies/p/the-caden-lipsky-story

#news2jb #jenandfriends

View: https://youtu.be/z8hdPyZN70A

P.S. Special thanks to Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne for taking 20 minutes to speak with me on a variety of topics affecting public schools. I will be breaking education news throughout the weekend.

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]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-12842812 Sat, 13 May 2023 16:00:00 -0700 609 Arizona, DEI, Valedictorian, Tom Horne, Trey Terry, Arizona Schools, Agua Fria Union High School District, Equity, Caden Lipsky 2 2 full true Jen & Friends: The Story of "Ginger" | Arizona Mother and Business Woman Jen & Friends: The Story of "Ginger" | Arizona Mother and Business Woman On our first podcast of 2023, Jen and Friends is sure to get you thinking.

We talk with my good friend, Ginger. Pour a glass of wine and join us as we laugh, think, and talk about Goodyear's growing needs. 

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> On our first podcast of 2023, Jen and Friends is sure to get you thinking.

We talk with my good friend, Ginger. Pour a glass of wine and join us as we laugh, think, and talk about Goodyear's growing needs. 

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-12147577 Mon, 30 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0700 548 Arizona, Ginger Harman, Joy, Happiness, Happy, Mother, Estrella Mountain Ranch, Home Fire, Goodyear Arizona, Friendship 2 1 full false Jen & Friends - Brenda Blume | A Trip Back in Time - Goodyear, Arizona Jen & Friends - Brenda Blume | A Trip Back in Time - Goodyear, Arizona On this second episode of Jen & Friends, good friend Brenda Bernardi Blume joins me for a trip down memory lane.

We take a look at how Goodyear, Arizona won the All-America City Award and how the recession impacted plans for a City Center.

In our next episode, Brenda will talk with us about how the "Ziz" came to be at the Goodyear Ballpark.

Thanks for listening!

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> On this second episode of Jen & Friends, good friend Brenda Bernardi Blume joins me for a trip down memory lane.

We take a look at how Goodyear, Arizona won the All-America City Award and how the recession impacted plans for a City Center.

In our next episode, Brenda will talk with us about how the "Ziz" came to be at the Goodyear Ballpark.

Thanks for listening!

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-10767028 Thu, 09 Jun 2022 13:00:00 -0700 531 Arizona, Goodyear Arizona, Brenda Bernardi, Brenda Blume, Friendship, Jen & Friends, City Planning, Goodyear Ballpark, Politics, All-America City Award 1 2 full false Jen & Friends - Leeann Garcia | Cotton Salon and Spa in Goodyear, Arizona Jen & Friends - Leeann Garcia | Cotton Salon and Spa in Goodyear, Arizona Goodyear, Arizona and the entire West Valley are growing quickly. Why are people moving here?

In this very first episode of Jen & Friends, I mic up my hair stylist who opened her salon just before the pandemic started. Not much later, she became a new mom.

Hear Leeann Garcia's thoughts on this booming area, how she's created a positive vibe in her salon, and motherhood...

Business Links:
West Valley Families - A Resource Guide
Cotton Salon and Spa

Send your ideas for future topics and guests to Jen @ jen@news2jb.com.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Goodyear, Arizona and the entire West Valley are growing quickly. Why are people moving here?

In this very first episode of Jen & Friends, I mic up my hair stylist who opened her salon just before the pandemic started. Not much later, she became a new mom.

Hear Leeann Garcia's thoughts on this booming area, how she's created a positive vibe in her salon, and motherhood...

Business Links:
West Valley Families - A Resource Guide
Cotton Salon and Spa

Send your ideas for future topics and guests to Jen @ jen@news2jb.com.

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen & Friends | Jen's Two Cents. Buzzsprout-10708182 Mon, 30 May 2022 16:00:00 -0700 1195 Arizona, Goodyear Arizona, Cotton Salon and Spa, Leean Garcia, Business Owner, Happiness, Joy, Hair Styling, Hair Salon, Mother, Natural Living 1 1 full false Jen & Friends - "Cotton Salon and Spa - Coming Up" Jen & Friends - "Cotton Salon and Spa - Coming Up" Take a sneak peek of our very first podcast with Jen & Friends....

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Take a sneak peek of our very first podcast with Jen & Friends....

Please send news tips to jen@news2jb.com.

]]> Jen Barber - West Valley Families Buzzsprout-10706587 Mon, 30 May 2022 10:00:00 -0700 60 1 1 trailer false