Glendale’s Community Newspaper
www.glendalestar.com
Vol. 75 No. 23
INSIDE
This Week
Glendale to enact state’s hands-free law BY DARRELL JACKSON Glendale Star Staff Writer
NEWS...............6
Glendale native serving aboard Navy warship in Japan
FEATURES .... 16 Firefighter’s life saved by annual physical
THE VOICE OF BUSINESS
Several months after passing a city ordinance banning cellphone use while driving, Glendale city councilmembers decided to switch to using the new state law language when citing drivers. The main difference between the city and state ordinances is that the state law allows drivers to use their phones while stopped for train crossings. Councilmembers ultimately gave consensus to adopt the recently passed legislation, though numerous questions were asked on how to handle the change. “If we change our language to mirror what is coming into effect by the state, can
we enforce immediately or do we have to wait (until January 2021)?” Cholla Councilwoman Lauren Tolmachoff asked at the meeting. “If we change our language, we can enforce now,” answered Police Chief Rick St. John. “I think we should adopt the (state’s) language, but continue enforcing,” Tolmachoff followed. Passed in April, HB 2318 prohibits drivers from using any kind of wireless communication device while driving — whether talking, texting, typing or browsing social media sites — unless the device is in hands-free mode. The new law not only applies to cell-
Assistant city manager selected
CLASSIFIEDS............ 30
SEE RIOS PAGE 2
FEATURES ................ 14 RELIGION.................. 22 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT .... 24 YOUTH ...................... 26 SPORTS .................... 28
SEE ORDINANCE PAGE 3
Living Room • Bedroom Children’s Furniture • Dining Room • Electronics Outdoor Furniture • Office/Entertainment
Glendale Star Staff Writer
BUSINESS ................ 29
OPINION ................... 12
phones, but any kind of portable wireless communication or standalone electronic device. Drivers are subject to a warning, but tickets will not be issued until January 2021. The Glendale ordinance, passed in January, also bans cellphone use behind the wheel, with the exception of those using a hands-free function. Unlike the state legislation, Glendale’s ordinance would not allow drivers to use devices while stopped at a red light or train tracks. Under the city’s ordinance, violators would be fined $250 for each offense, while the state will charge first-time of-
BY DARRELL JACKSON The city of Glendale has found its new assistant city manager. Former budget and finance director Vicki Rios replaces Rob Sweeney, who served as interim assistant manager since March. Sweeney assumed the role after previous Assistant City Manager Tom Duensing left in January. Rios will serve alongside another assistant city manager, Chris Anaradian. “I am excited and will be working very closely with (City Manager Kevin Phelps) and the city council on any issues related to the departments I will oversee,” Rios said. “I will also be work-
VOICE............ 17
June 6, 2019
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