I was born on 6 August 1956 in San Francisco, California to Janet and (the late) Richard Hovis.
I grew up in Santa Monica, California where I attended elementary, junior high school, and high school (graduating in 1974), in addition to involvement in sports and recreation (Little League +, the Boy’s Club ++). Further, it was in elementary school – St. Augustine’s By-the -Sea Parish School that I found, and made the choice to truly journey with God.
I attended Arizona State University from 1974 to 1977 – seeking to become an architect, however, I was not accepted, and, as such, I graduated with a Liberal Arts degree.
Upon graduation from Arizona State University, I attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and studied City and Regional Planning at the Master’s level. I successfully completed one (1) year in a two (2) year program – I did not complete the Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning – due to personal reasons.
I returned to Santa Monica where I started (October 1979) my career as graphic designer with Exxon Company, USA. I spent five years with Exxon Company, USA.
While working with Exxon Company, USA I was accepted into architectural school – Sci-Arc in Southern California, however, I did not attend preferring to stay with Exxon..
In 1982 I married Laura Flosi and in April 1983 we had our one and only child – Lauren Alain Hovis – a gift from God.
We moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1984 from Los Angeles, where I went to work as a graphic designer with Kitchell CEM (from 1985 -1987).
From 1987 – 1995 I was an independent contractor, and a registered representative in mortgage finance, financial management, graphic design, and drafting.
Further, I attended the University of Phoenix and successfully obtained a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in 1982.
I was also a member of the Scottsdale Jaycees, where I became very involved in community events and projects.
In 1994, I accepted a cartography position with the Defense Mapping Agency in Reston, Virginia. As such, I relocated from Phoenix to Reston.
In 1998, I was accepted and worked as a Visual Information Officer with the Central Intelligence Agency. In 2002, I worked as a Support Officer until my retirement (due to a need for shoulder surgery) in September 2018.
Away from my Federal Government service, I have been involved in various organizations and activities in Northern Virginia.
In November of 2011, I married Rebecca Ouellette in Santa Monica, California. I reside in San Tan Valley, AZ with my two hamster - Jess and Timothy, our fish, our lizard - RJ Lizard., and our cats - Pearl and Grey.
As to hobbies, I enjoy playing sports, attending sporting events, mentoring individuals from financial management to hamsters, building models, photography, travel, multimedia design, managing partner for RJ Hamster, and jazz – smooth jazz to a samba or a bossa nova.
Love and God Bless,
Peter – aka RJ Hamster Jo hi
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I am about to leave for the Holy City, Jerusalem, the place where heaven and earth meet. The Jewish people are suffering today more than at any point in my lifetime, and it is so vital right now for those of us who believe the eternal promises of God to stand with them. Together we are telling, and more importantly showing, the people of Israel that they are not alone. We have received a generous matching gift challenge that will double your gift to help twice as many people—so please be as generous as you can when you send your gift today.
Your support of the Friends of Zion today allows us to comfort the people of Israel who have been devastated by the war, continue to purchase and deliver food, medicine, clothing, and other necessities of life for the poor Holocaust survivors and refugees of Ukraine, continue to operate the Friends of Zion Museum, and to meet urgent humanitarian needs among the poor Jewish people living in Israel.
Thank you so much for being part of this vital worldwide prayer movement.DONATE NOW
Pray For The Peace Of Jerusalem
“I come against the propaganda and lies that are designed to make Israel appear as the terrorist aggressor and the Palestinians as the victims! Lord God, let the world see the lie the media is perpetuating and reveal the truth of the promises You gave to Israel as her land of inheritance.”
Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speaks grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. Psalm 31:18
Join with us and millions of others around the world in prayer for Israel:PRAY WITH US
Russia and China deepen shadow support for Iran
As Russian and Chinese satellites conduct dozens of detailed imagery surveys across the Middle East to help Iran target U.S. forces and Israeli energy sites, and U.S. intelligence warns that Beijing is preparing shipments of shoulder-fired air defense systems for the Islamic Republic amid a fragile ceasefire, the depth of this backing for Tehran has come under sharp scrutiny.READ MORE
Despite war, 50,000 run in Jerusalem Marathon
More than 50,000 participants registered for the 15th International Jerusalem “Winner” Marathon, held Friday under the theme “Am Yisrael Runs,” in an event marked by a more subdued atmosphere than usual amid the ongoing war.READ MORE
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Whether this week was a challenge or a breeze – You made it, Pahovis !Congratulations!🎉To help you celebrate, here is your weekly overview. Be sure to scroll down 👇🏼 and check out 👀 news you may have missed, upcoming events 🗓️, how to support our local businesses🛍️ , & helpful area info💖!
Drivers who travel along State Route 79 should plan ahead for delays starting next week, as a road rehabilitation project gets underway in Pinal County.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), lane restrictions will be in…
As part of San Tan Valley continues its first year as an incorporated town, one of the biggest questions facing local leaders is how to pay for road improvements in a rapidly growing community.
Road conditions, congestion and the cost of future…
High school students in San Tan Valley who are interested in leadership, community service, and civic engagement have an opportunity to represent their community at the state level through the Arizona Governor’s Youth Commission.
A major step forward has been taken for the long-planned Resolution Copper project near Superior after a federal land exchange was finalized earlier this year.
In March, the U.S. Forest Service and Resolution Copper completed the transfer of land…
When a loved one passes away, families are not only dealing with grief. They must also make financial decisions quickly. Many of these decisions are unexpected and can feel overwhelming during an already difficult time.
➡️ Reply back and your joke just might be featured next week!
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📅 UPCOMING EVENTS
Looking for things to do in the upcoming week? Here are a few highlights from our events calendar. Don’t forget to check out the full events calendar at https://santanvalley.com/events to make sure you’re not missing out on anything.😀
Hello, San Tan Valley! Let’s rally behind our local businesses – our friends, neighbors, and the heart of our community. Every dollar spent locally creates a ripple of growth, and job support, and strengthens our economy.
“Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.”
— Arthur Schopenhauer
Ivan Pentchoukov National Editor
Good morning, it’s Friday. Here are today’s top stories:
A 1o-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has come into effect. The agreement to pause attacks came after conversations between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Todd Lyons, acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, will leave the agency at the end of May. He will move to a role in the private sector, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The United States has significantly expanded the scope of its naval blockade on Iran, signaling that vessels linked to Tehran can now be boarded, searched, and seized on the high seas worldwide.
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson criticized her conservative colleagues on the court for issuing emergency orders that advance Trump administration policies, saying she hoped her speech could serve as “a catalyst for change.”
🍵 Health: Diet soda may have lower calories, but is it worth the potential health risks?
The Lebanese capital is seen from a viewpoint after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon set to begin at midnight local time in Beirut on April 16, 2026. (Adri Salido/Getty Images)
Israel and Lebanon entered into a 10-day ceasefire on April 16.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the brief pause of violence would begin on the evening of April 16 after conversations with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“These two Leaders have agreed that in order to achieve PEACE between their Countries, they will formally begin a 10 Day CEASEFIRE at 5 P.M. EST,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on April 16.
The announcement came after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio led the rare talks between the countries in Washington on April 14—the first time leaders from the neighboring countries met in-person in the U.S. Capitol in 34 years.
Trump ordered Rubio, Vice President JD Vance, and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine to work with Israel on a deal that would achieve “lasting peace.”
“It has been my Honor to solve 9 Wars across the World, and this will be my 10th, so let’s, GET IT DONE!” Trump said in his post.
The president, who was pushing for “breathing room” amid parallel efforts to reach a diplomatic settlement to the Iran war, suggested that he hopes to host the two leaders at the White House in the coming weeks.
The U.S. State Department said in an April 16 statement that both countries recognized “the significant challenges faced by the Lebanese state from non-state armed groups, which undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty and threaten regional stability.” (More)
IRAN WAR
A second round of peace talks between the United States and Iran could take place this weekend, Trump said. The first round of talks that ran for more than 20 hours failed to yield an agreement.
The U.S. military commander who oversees the Middle East said the United States is using the time during the Iran ceasefire to rearm and reorganize.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth warned that U.S. military action against Iran could be restarted quickly and that its power plants would be struck if Tehran doesn’t reach a deal with Washington.
POLITICS
Trump nominated Dr. Erica Schwartzto lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Schwartz served as deputy surgeon general during Trump’s first term.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced lawmakers both critical and supportive of actions on vaccines taken by himself and agencies under his oversight.
Analilia Mejia, a Democratic activist and labor organizer, comfortably won a special election to fill New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s former seat in Congress. She defeated Republican Joe Hathaway by a 40-point margin.
A day after the Senate rejected a measure to block further military action in Iran, the House narrowly voted downa similar war powers resolution.
The House passed a bill that would extend temporary protected status for certain Haitian immigrants, in a move meant to counter the Trump administration’s actions to end TPS for Haitians. The measure has an uncertain future in the Senate.
LATEST NEWS
Minnesota prosecutors have charged an ICE agent suspected of pointing his gun at passengers in a car after pulling alongside them on a highway. This is the first prosecution of a federal officer involved in immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax killed his wife and then himself in a murder-suicide in northern Virginia, authorities said.
A federal judge has once again haltedconstruction of the White House ballroom, this time restricting work to below-ground only.
A federal panel approved the initial design for a large triumphal archproposed by Trump near Washington, advancing the 250th anniversary project to its next stage.
MORNING READ
A plan to cull all deer on a California island is sparking debate over what’s a reasonable approach to preserving the island’s unique ecosystem and what’s an overzealous push for ecological purity.
April, the Holy Month, is a time to reflect on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and Christian faith.
But what happens when history and science seem to offer conflicting views?
The Shroud Face to Face is a thought-provoking documentary that explores the evidence behind the world’s most studied artifact, Shroud of Turin, and its historical connection to Jesus. Through a fresh approach featuring new digital recreations, expert interviews and the latest technology, the filmmaker reconstructs the actual crime scene of Jesus’ crucifixion and presents a mind-blowing fusion of faith and science for the first time.
A worker adjusts a European Union flag among Hungarian flags prior to a press conference by Peter Magyar, lead candidate of the Tisza party, the day after the sweeping Tisza victory over rival Fidesz in Hungarian parliamentary elections on April 13, 2026, in Budapest, Hungary. The win paves the way for Magyar to replace current Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who yesterday conceded defeat. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Hungary’s parliamentary elections, which ended 16 years of Viktor Orban’s rule, were monitored by two international observation missions that reached different conclusions on the vote.
A viral video alleging that thousands of people died or disappeared at a detention facility in southern China sparked a wave of online discussion before it was swiftly censored. Several former detainees shared accounts of abuse in the facility that operated for decades.
An unusually broad anti-corruption probe is sweeping through southwest China’s Guizhou Province—and this time, Beijing appears to be running it directly. According to insiders and official announcements, at least 18 officials under provincial-level management have been placed under investigation as of mid-April.
OPINION
Understanding Gilligan’s Island—by Jeffrey A. Tucker (Read)
What Are Iran’s Next Possible Moves?—by Carl Schuster (Read)
The Hard Things Men Still Carry—by Mollie Engelhart (Read)
Debunking Five Tax Day Myths—by Veronique de Rugy (Read)
A bee pollinates rapeseed blooming in a field near Bewl Water in Lamberhurst, England, on April 16, 2026. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
📸 Day in Photos: Rockets in Ukraine, Memorials in Japan, and Shakespeare’s Home (Look)
🇺🇲 American Thought Leaders: How Rampant Explicit Material is Poisoning the Minds of America’s Children—Kristen Jenson (Watch)
💛 Inspiration: Are We Born Good or Evil? This question has long been debated among philosophers, theologians, and ethicists. Now, science might finally have some answers. (Watch)
🎵 Music: Mozart’s Adagio In C Minor And Rondo In C (Listen)
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It feels like the obvious healthier choice—to skip the sugar, but keep the treat. But it’s not that straightforward. Researchers are starting to wonder if we traded one problem for another.
Diet sodas contain little to no calories, relying on artificial sweeteners such as aspartame or sucralose.
“They are a popular choice when someone is craving a sweetened beverage but wants to remain mindful of their caloric intake,” Jaz Robbins, a holistic nutritionist, told The Epoch Times.
However, one recent study found that people who drank more than one diet soda a day were over four times more likely to develop dementia than those who had one or none. Also, each additional diet soda per day was linked to about a 39 percent higher risk.
“We do not know what ingredients may be driving the association,” Hannah Gardener, a research associate professor and study author, told The Epoch Times. “More research is needed to understand whether different types of diet soda play different roles.”
The findings are part of a broader pattern. Beyond individual studies on diet soda, other research has examined artificial sweeteners more broadly and their potential effects on cognitive health over time. One study found that low- or no-calorie sweeteners were associated with faster cognitive decline over eight years, with long-term effects linked in particular to artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols.
Sweeteners, including saccharin, acesulfame, aspartame, neotame, and sucralose, are synthetic and far more potent than regular sugar, meaning only small amounts are needed to create a sweet taste.
But they may come with unintended effects. Artificial sweeteners can disrupt the gut microbiome and contribute to glucose intolerance. (More)
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A Night Prayer
Jesus Christ, my God, I adore You and thank You for all the graces You have given me this day. I offer You my sleep and all the moments of this night. I place myself and all my loved ones, wherever they may be, in Your sacred side and under the mantle of Our Blessed Mother. Let Your holy angels stand watch and keep us in peace. Amen.
Quote of the Day
“It is better to be a child of God than king of the whole world.” -St. Aloysius Gonzaga
Today’s Meditation
“Suffering has a cleansing effect on the soul, so that the man who has endured, however much against his wishes, emerges bruised, perhaps, but detached. [True] Resignation makes a man free of the preoccupations that harass the man who is forever complaining about his trouble and looking everywhere for a way out. The man who aims at eliminating pain and sadness from his life is doomed to disillusion. Not so the man who aims at meeting these things head-on, coming to terms with them, and refusing to be governed by them. The resigned soul rests on the text from Tobias: Because you were acceptable to God, it was necessary that these trials should prove you. (Tob 12:6).” —Hubert Van Zeller, O.S.B., p.79
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The daily examination of conscience is an ancient Catholic practice. It’s very simple, and it’s designed to help us identify our sins and weaknesses so that we can improve and grow stronger in the spiritual life, while providing an excellent ongoing preparation for regular Confession. It consists of taking a few minutes at the end of the day to prayerfully review our actions in the light of God’s commandments, followed by the Act of Contrition.
Reflect on the victories and losses
Actively reflecting on the high and low points of the day can help you live more intentionally and bring a renewed sense of resolve into the following day.
Review your actions, words, and thoughts today. Did you actively guard yourself against temptation? Where did sin creep in?
In what moments did you practice virtue and moral courage?
Were you attuned to the Holy Spirit’s promptings today? Where did you feel His inspiration?
Ask Him for the graces necessary to follow His Will more purposefully tomorrow.
Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.
Practice gratitude
It is God’s love that has brought you into existence and to this exact moment. Practice looking for His hand in your day.
Where did you feel His loving gaze upon you today?
What people or moments helped you see God in your life?
Thank God for all these moments!
Ask Him to help you recognize His blessings and providence tomorrow.
Renew your commitment to Christ
Remember: our Faith is founded upon a Person—Christ! Renew your personal love and devotion to Him.
Thank God for the gift of His Son Jesus and our call to be His disciples.
Tell the Lord of your desire to know Christ more personally.
If possible, set an intention for your day tomorrow. Ask Our Lord to guide you in this act.
Pray a Hail Mary, Our Father, or another beloved prayer.
Rest with God
My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. — Isaiah 32:18
RJ Hamster 