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March 7 - 21, 2015
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Celebrating the success of 2015: Chandler year in review BY THE CITY OF CHANDLER COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
The City of Chandler has many accomplishments to celebrate. As we move into another year of growth and success, here’s a look back at the stellar year we had in 2015: January January marked many new beginnings. Mayor Jay Tibshraeny was re-elected to a four-year term. He was sworn in, and as the first order of business, elected Councilman Kevin Hartke as vice mayor. Joining the council were newly elected Councilmen René Lopez and Terry Roe. They join seated councilmembers Nora Ellen, Rick Heumann and Jack Sellers. Leaving the council were Trinity Donovan and Jeff Weninger both of whom were termed out after serving eight years on council. The 15th annual Celebration of Unity included a presentation on “The Road to Freedom” at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Freedom Riders Carol Ruth Silver and Claude Liggins shared their breathtaking stories of how they fought for civil rights by riding buses into the segregated south during the early 1960s. Longtime Library Manager Brenda Brown was named the new director of the Cultural Affairs Division, which includes the museum, Center for the Arts, Vision Gallery and four public libraries.
The Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Department began using special Community Paramedic vehicles in 2015. The two-person Community Paramedic crews are part of a new pilot program between CFHM and the Phoenix Veterans Administration to improve medical care for area veterans. Submitted photo
Program to help city’s veterans improve their health care BY SRIANTHI PERERA
An estimated 10,000 veterans live in Chandler and not all of them receive the health care they need. A unique partnership between Chandler Fire, Health and Medical Department and Phoenix Veterans Administration seeks to improve the situation. “We have identified that there are veterans within our community who, for whatever reason, are having issues connecting with their benefits,” Assistant Chief Tom Dwiggins said. The reasons can be a lack of transportation, distance to a VA facility or any other. The program’s goals are to identify the veterans, check their eligibility to receive benefits, coordinate the process if they
are eligible and lastly connect them to the health care system. “We do that by having our paramedics go out and visit their homes. They conduct a telemedicine visit in their living room,” Dwiggins said. Besides improving the health care outcomes for local veterans, the six-month pilot project is aiming to become a model program for fire departments around the country. It was established following the initiative of State Rep. Bob Robson of Chandler. Chandler emergency staff answers about 1,500 medical calls each month, Dwiggins said. Of them, 100 to 150 calls are placed by military veterans. These calls vary from serious medical situations and behaviorrelated issues to those that are less serious see VETERANS page 9
Voted Chandler’s BEST REALTOR for 4 years!
See WHY on page 18
A Very Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year from The Amy Jones Group!
February During his annual State of City Address, Tibshraeny honored three Chandler neighborhoods and one homeowner association leader with the Neighborhood Excellence Awards, for their hard work and dedication to improving their neighborhoods and inspiring active participation within their community. Karen Peyton, of Andersen Springs HOA, was the recipient of the Neighborhood Leader of the Year Award for her outstanding performance as a former treasurer and current board member. The Best Neighborhood Event was awarded to the Solera Chandler Community Association, for its consistent participation as volunteers for the Chandler C.A.R.E Center Food Bank. Orangetree Neighborhood, distinguished as one of Chandler’s largest traditional neighborhoods, was recognized for having the Best Revitalization Story, and the award for the Most Active/Engaged Neighborhood went to Sun Groves HOA, located in South Chandler. The City also embarked on a major project with its General Plan Update. State law requires the City’s General Plan be adopted and ratified at least once every 10 years. The City’s current General Plan was adopted by the City Council and approved by voters in 2008. The General Plan is a strategic document that guides city growth and development. see CELEBRATING page 4
Yazzie sentenced to 14 years for killing officer An intoxicated driver who struck and killed an on-duty Chandler police officer in 2014 will serve 14 years in prison. Under terms of the sentence imposed Dec. 4 by Judge Warren Granville, Brian Yazzie will also be placed on probation for seven years following his release. “While today’s sentence cannot replace the life that was taken by this defendant and his criminal actions, it nonetheless underscores our unyielding determination to hold accountable those who make the senseless decision to drink and drive,” said Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. “Our hearts today are with Officer David Payne’s family and we will forever honor his sworn commitment to protect the community.” Shortly after 12:30 a.m. on Oct. 31, 2014, a blue Pontiac collided with the rear
of Chandler Police Officer David Payne’s motorcycle which was stopped at a traffic light on eastbound Chandler Boulevard at Pennington Drive. Following the collision, the Pontiac continued traveling east, eventually coming to rest on the south curb and sidewalk several blocks away. Payne was pronounced dead at Chandler Regional Hospital. The Pontiac was unoccupied when responding units arrived. Witnesses reported seeing a man walking away from the vehicle carrying a baby. He was subsequently located and identified as Yazzie. The baby he was carrying was unhurt. The child’s mother was contacted and later arrived to take custody of the child. Yazzie showed multiple signs of impairment, including having a strong odor of alcohol and difficulty standing. He had a blood alcohol concentration of see YAZZIE page 6
F E AT U R E STO R I E S City purchases land within Snedigar Sportsplex . . . . . . . community . . . . . . . . . Page 8 All that glitters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . business . . . . . . . . . . . Page 22 Basha marching band to perform at the Holiday Bowl . . . . . youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 29 ‘This Old House’ seeking Phoenix-area submissions . . . . . . . . . neighbors . . . . . . . . . . . Page 48 Diversity fuels psychedelic jazz band Harrison Fjord . . . . . . . arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 57
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